(DCNF) An effort to recall a George Soros-funded California district attorney has received enough signatures to advance to an election, according to a county document.
Organizers seeking to oust Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price have collected 74,757 verified signatures in support of their effort to hold a recall election, over 1,000 more than needed, the Alameda County Registrar of Voters announced Monday. Save Alameda for Everyone, one of the primary committees campaigning for Price’s removal, argues that Price has been prioritizing offenders over victims, contributing to an uptick in crime in their community.
Price ran for election on a platform of reducing the number of people in prison, reducing sentences for offenders under the age of 25 and cracking down on alleged police misconduct, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Since Price took office in January 2023, crime has risen across Alameda County.
The donors helping Pamela Price and the judges in SF who refuse to incarcerate people selling fentanyl are virtually all spouses or heirs of mega-fortunes who live in secluded ultra-wealthy enclaves far from the suffering they cause. pic.twitter.com/G0dVITPKwR
The spike in crime was particularly pronounced in the county’s largest city, Oakland. Violent crime rose by 21% in the city during the first ten months of Price’s term, according to police data.
Price’s 2018 district attorney campaign received $700,000 from the California Justice and Public Safety PAC, which is almost entirely funded by Soros. Price was unsuccessful in her 2018 run, but won when she ran again in 2022.
Since taking office in 2022, Price has implemented a number of reforms aimed at integrating racial and “restorative” justice into the county’s prosecutorial practices.
Employees in Price’s office were provided with training materials arguing that “the carceral state grew out of chattel slavery” and that “modern policing grew out of slave patrols.” The training also pushes a program that prioritizes “healing” and addressing root causes rather than punishment for offenders.
“Price has violated victims’ rights, ignored victim pleas and disrespected people who have been victimized by some of the worst crimes imaginable,” Save Alameda for Everyone’s website says. “She has told mothers that the lives of their children are worth less than the lives of the offender.”
Brenda Grisham, one of the campaign’s leaders, is the mother of a homicide victim, according to Save Alameda for Everyone’s website.
The Alameda County district attorney’s office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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In part due to the unleashing of Jew-hatred in the aftermath of Hamas’s Oct. 7 massacre, antisemitism in the United States spiked by a record 140%, according to figures released by the Anti-Defamation League on Tuesday.
Nearly 9,000 incidents of assault, harassment and vandalism—including more than 5,000 in the post-Oct. 7 period—were reported across America last year.
The figure not only blew away the totals from 2022—itself a record year—but outpaced the marks from the previous three years combined.
The ADL began tracking relevant data in 1979.
The numbers in the ADL Audit of Antisemitic Incidents bear out a staggering 24 incidents of Jew-hatred per day in the United States.
That only includes examples which are reported.
According to the American Jewish Committee, nearly four in five Jews who experience antisemitic harassment don’t report it to law enforcement or media, mainly for fear of ongoing harassment.
“Antisemitism is nothing short of a national emergency, a five-alarm fire that is still raging across the country and in our local communities and campuses,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO.
“Jewish Americans are being targeted for who they are at school, at work, on the street, in Jewish institutions and even at home.”
The rise was particularly felt on college campuses, where reported antisemitic activity increased by 321% from 2022.
Hamas supporters have turned out for demonstrations across the country on campuses after Oct. 7, often calling for violence against Jews and reveling in the massacre.
That particular phenomenon has led to congressional hearings and the subsequent ouster of the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennslyvania for failure to condemn calls for the genocide of Jews, despite many opportunities to do so.
The tide appears to be turning, though, at least on some campuses.
This week, the University of Southern California canceled the planned commencement speech of its valedictorian.
While the official reason given was to maintain campus security and safety, critics pointed to the student’s antisemitic social media postings, including the labeling of Zionism as a “racist-settler colonial ideology.”
Meanwhile, a tenured political science professor at Hobart and William Smith colleges was removed from the classroom following the publication of an essay celebrating the events of Oct. 7 and calling them “exhilarating.”
Thirty-six percent of the 8,873 reported incidents of antisemitism last year contained elements referencing Israel or Zionism, compared with 6.5% in 2022, the ADL says.
Even excluding all Israel-related incidents, though, antisemitic incidents still rose by 65% to 5,711 incidents recorded in 2023.
And the pre-Oct. 7 period was not quiet, either, with monthly year-over-year increases in February, March, April, May and September.
Each of these months broke the previous monthly record for most incidents, set at 394 in November 2022.
Elementary schools
Grade schools also became a breeding ground for antisemitism, with the 1,162 incidents there marking an increase of 135%.
The ADL cited K-12 school incidents including “swastikas scrawled on desks, playgrounds and school buildings; antisemitic images AirDropped to large groups of unwitting students; harassment directed at visibly Jewish students; and teachers saying Jews are rich, powerful and control banks.”
Peggy Shukur, vice president of the east division of the Anti-Defamation League, said last week that “unvetted curriculum is being developed, sometimes created through teacher unions or other groups with some kind of ideological agenda, resulting in the existence of curricula that is biased and sometimes antisemitic.”
Incidents of vandalism, bomb threats and swatting against synagogues and Jewish institutions also skyrocketed in 2023, according to the ADL data.
Oren Segal, vice president of the ADL Center on Extremism, said these incidents were “all aimed at terrorizing the community by disrupting services and activities” at sites where Jews congregate.
“Our tracking of a swatting network enabled ADL to offer crucial intelligence to law enforcement, ensuring accountability for perpetrators, while also preemptively alerting targeted communities and mitigating potential harm,” said Segal.
The ADL on Tuesday issued a call to state governors across America to enact individual, state-level versions of the Biden administration’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.
“This crisis demands immediate action from every sector of society and every state in the union,” said Greenblatt.
“We need every governor to develop and put in place a comprehensive strategy to fight antisemitism, just as the administration has done at the national level.”
The Biden administration has been criticized, though, for a failure to include enforcement mandates in its national plan and to, in large measure, fulfill existing mandates to take action for violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
“Despite these unprecedented challenges, American Jews must not give in to fear,” Greenblatt said. “Even while we fight the scourge of antisemitism, we should be proud of our Jewish identities and confident of our place in American society.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke out for the first time Tuesday on Iran’s massive missile and drone attack on Israel over the weekend, urging restraint from “all sides.”
In a statement issued by the Kremlin, Putin called on both sides to demonstrate “reasonable restraint,” warning of “catastrophic consequences” for the Middle East if tensions continue to escalate.
“Vladimir Putin expressed hope that all sides would show reasonable restraint and prevent a new round of confrontation fraught with catastrophic consequences for the entire region,” the Kremlin said.
Putin spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, the statement said, citing the Iranian president’s claim that the unprecedented Iranian attacks on Israel Saturday were “retaliatory measures taken by Iran.”
“Ebrahim Raisi noted that Iran’s actions were forced and limited in nature.”
“At the same time, he stressed Tehran’s disinterest in further escalation of tensions.”
The Kremlin blamed the Israeli-Arab conflict, and in particular the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas terror organization, for growing regional tensions.
“Both sides stated that the root cause of the current events in the Middle East is the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”
“In this regard, the principled approaches of Russia and Iran in favour of an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, easing the difficult humanitarian situation, and creating conditions for a political and diplomatic settlement of the crisis were confirmed.”
Iranian forces launched some 300 ballistic missiles and war drones towards Israel Saturday, marking the first time the Islamic republic has directly attacked Israel from Iranian territory.
Israel, assisted by American, French, British, Jordanian, and Saudi forces, intercepted more than 99% of the incoming projectiles before they reached their targets.
According to IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, one Israeli military facility was lightly damaged in the attack, and one civilian, a seven-year-old Arab-Israeli girl, was seriously injured in the attack.
NPR senior Editor Uri Berliner is reportedly facing consequences after publicly criticizing the outlet’s progressive leanings.
According to a Tuesday article by NPR’s David Folkenflik, Berliner has been suspended for five days without pay, a term that began on Friday after he penned an essay for the Free Press.
“It angered many of his colleagues, led NPR leaders to announce monthly internal reviews of the network’s coverage, and gave fresh ammunition to conservative and partisan Republican critics of NPR, including former President Donald Trump,” Folkenflik wrote.
In Berliner’s April 9 essay titled “I’ve Been at NPR for 25 Years. Here’s How We Lost America’s Trust,” he said, “NPR has always had a liberal bent.” Please click here to read the entire piece.
Berliner continued:
In recent years, however, that has changed. Today, those who listen to NPR or read its coverage online find something different: the distilled worldview of a very small segment of the U.S. population.
…
An open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don’t have an audience that reflects America.
That wouldn’t be a problem for an openly polemical news outlet serving a niche audience. But for NPR, which purports to consider all things, it’s devastating both for its journalism and its business model.
NPR later issued a rebuke over Berliner’s criticisms, Breitbart News reported Wednesday, noting NPR’s chief news executive Edith Chapin said in a memo to staffers that leadership rejected his assessment.
“We’re proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories. We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world,” she stated.
The Breitbart article pointed to the fact that Berliner’s essay cited examples of NPR’s coverage that tried to damage Donald Trump’s presidency, put a spin on the coronavirus “lab leak theory,” Hunter Biden’s laptop, and the 2016 Russia hoax “while harboring an obsession with DEI and progressive diktats.”
It is important to note that Berliner also pointed out that NPR employs 87 registered Democrats in editorial positions but no Republicans in the same positions inside its Washington, DC, headquarters, Breitbart News reported April 9.
According to Folkenflik, Berliner told him he did not receive permission from NPR to be interviewed for the story. However, he did not appear to be concerned about what might happen as a result.
He stated, “Talking to an NPR journalist and being fired for that would be extraordinary, I think.”
NPR’s new CEO, Katherine Maher, shrugged off widespread looting and property damage during the 2020 riots, saying it was “hard to be mad” about the destruction.
“I mean, sure, looting is counterproductive. But it’s hard to be mad about protests not prioritizing the private property of a system of oppression founded on treating people’s ancestors as private property,” Maher wrote in a May 2020 social media post. “White silence is complicity. If you are white, today is the day to start a conversation in your community,” she wrote one day later.
The Black Lives Matter riots, which took place in the summer of 2020 following George Floyd’s death, caused a historic level of damage to private property and businesses. A September 2020 report found that damage caused by demonstrations from May 28 to June 8 of that year cost insurance agencies anywhere from $1 to $2 billion—more than any other event of civil unrest in U.S. history.
The riots had human costs, too. David Dorn, a 77-year-old retired St. Louis police captain, was killed on June 2, 2020, while defending a local pawn shop from looters. That same day, four St. Louis officers were shot and wounded while responding to riots in the city.
Maher’s posts are emerging as NPR battles claims that it suffers from a left-wing bias that has gotten a lot worse over the past 10 years.
On April 9, senior editor Uri Berliner wrote an op-ed for the Free Press titled, “I’ve Been at NPR for 25 Years. Here’s How We Lost America’s Trust,” in which he lamented how the outlet developed a “devastating” bias over the years.
“It’s true NPR has always had a liberal bent, but during most of my tenure here, an open-minded, curious culture prevailed. We were nerdy, but not knee-jerk, activist, or scolding,” Berliner wrote. “In recent years, however, that has changed. Today, those who listen to NPR or read its coverage online find something different: the distilled worldview of a very small segment of the U.S. population.”
Berliner, a senior editor “on the business desk,” admitted to having a liberal bent himself. Still, he argued that the publicly funded outlet lost its “open-minded spirit” over time, leading to an audience that he said does not reflect the United States.
“By 2023, the picture was completely different: only 11 percent described themselves as very or somewhat conservative, 21 percent as middle of the road, and 67 percent of listeners said they were very or somewhat liberal,” Berliner wrote. “We weren’t just losing conservatives; we were also losing moderates and traditional liberals. An open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don’t have an audience that reflects America.”
“That wouldn’t be a problem for an openly polemical news outlet serving a niche audience,” he continued. “But for NPR, which purports to consider all things, it’s devastating both for its journalism and its business model.”
NPR did not respond to a request for comment. The outlet’s chief news executive, Edith Chapin, stood behind NPR’s work in an April 10 statement.
“We’re proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories,” Chapin wrote. “We believe that inclusion—among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage—is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world.”
The newsroom will have discussion on how to “serve the public as a whole,” Chapin said.
“None of our work is above scrutiny or critique. We must have vigorous discussions in the newsroom about how we serve the public as a whole.”
The administration of leftist President Joe Biden did not move to renew expiring sanctions in Iran’s drone and ballistic missile production at the United Nations in October, shortly after the Iran-backed massacre of an estimated 1,200 people in Israel and Saturday’s unprecedented direct missile assault by Iran on the country.
The Iranian military spent much of the past week threatening retaliation against Israel in response to a military operation targeting senior leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an arm of the Iranian military and U.S.-designated terrorist organization. The operation resulted in the elimination of seven Iranian terrorists, most prominent among them Quds Force commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi.
Tehran finally acted on Saturday, launching over 300 drones and missiles towards Israeli territory. The barrage orchestrated directly by the Iranian military – and not one of its many proxy forces, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Yemeni Houthi terrorist organization – was “unprecedented,” Biden said in response. It did not, however, result in major damage.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed over “300 threats of various types” swarmed Israel from Iran. An estimated 99 percent of them were intercepted, including all the drones and cruise missiles. Israel has documented one casualty, an Israeli Arab girl hit by shrapnel from one of the missiles. Despite this, the IRGC declared victory, describing the failed assault as a “success.” As it typically does after terrorist attacks, the Iranian government allowed loyalists to orchestrate street celebrations on Saturday night over the attack in Tehran.
Critics of the Biden administration noted in the aftermath of the attack that Iran has had nearly five months to legally expand its development of drone and ballistic missile technology after “transition day,” October 18, 2023. As part of former President Barack Obama’s catastrophic 2015 “Iran nuclear deal,” known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the United Nations Security Council imposed limits on Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs. The signatories to the agreement chose October 18 as an automatic expiration deadline, presumably expecting Iran to abide by the deal and earn the termination.
Iran has consistently violated the agreement since its 2015 signing, most recently expelling International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors in November. The IAEA has repeatedly warned that Iran is enriching uranium at levels that are not consistent with peaceful nuclear development.
October 18 also arrived shortly after the invasion and massacre of Israelis by Hamas, a jihadist organization that has long received financial support from Iran. A Hamas spokesman told the BBC on the record on October 7 that Hamas had “direct backing” from Iran for the attack. Iran’s “supreme leader,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, openly celebrated the genocidal attack on Twitter, calling the state of Israel a “cancer.”
The Security Council sanctions could have been extended through protocol in the United Nations to formally accuse Iran of violating the provisions of the nuclear deal. The Biden administration made no move to “snap back” the sanctions, however, instead announcing a new series of sanctions limited to some Iranian individuals and organizations, backed by dozens of states that co-signed a joint statement with the State Department in October.
“On October 18, 2023, the restrictions set forth in UN Security Council … was based on the assumption that Iran would take the necessary steps towards restoring confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program,” the statement read. “This has not happened. In this context, it is imperative that all States continue to take steps to counter Iran’s destabilizing ballistic missile-related activities through ongoing counterproliferation cooperation.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement published on October 18 that Iran’s “development, procurement, and proliferation of missiles and missile-related technology remains one of the greatest challenges to international peace and security,” vowing to “utilize every tool at our disposal to counter Iran’s development, procurement, and proliferation of missiles, UAVs, and other dangerous weapons.”
The restoration of U.N. sanctions was not addressed in the statement, which focused on Iran’s reportedly providing of drones to Russia for use on the Ukrainian battlefield and its arming of terror proxies, rather than concerns that Iran could use its weapons itself. Similarly, experts concerned about the expiration of the sanctions warned that Iran would now be free to arm “Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis,” rather than focusing on Iran’s own ability to conduct attacks.
The Iranian government celebrated “Transition Day” and declared that the sanctions on its missiles and drones had “unconditionally” ended.
The government of Israel responded to the attack on Saturday asserting that it would continue defending itself from its terrorist neighbor.
“We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us,” war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said on Sunday.
The Saudis and Emiratis shared intelligence with the United States and Israel to help counter Iran’s April 14 attack, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing U.S. and Israeli officials.
Arab governments were initially cautious about sharing the information due to fears about directly involving themselves in the conflict and opening themselves up to Iranian reprisal.
However, according to the report, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi decided to move forward after talks with the Americans.
Amman also agreed to allow the Americans and other countries to fly warplanes through its airspace to intercept Iranian missiles and drones, and to assist in shooting them down, the sources said.
“Two days before the attack, Iranian officials briefed counterparts from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries on the outlines and timing of their plan for the large-scale strikes on Israel so that those countries could safeguard airspace, the officials said.
The information was passed along to the U.S., giving Washington and Israel crucial advance warning,” according to the Journal.
“With an Iranian attack all but certain, the White House ordered the Pentagon to reposition aircraft and missile-defense resources to the region and took the lead in coordinating defensive measures between Israel and Arab governments, according to the senior Israeli official,” the article continued.
“The challenge was to bring all those countries around Israel” at a time when Israel is isolated in the region, the official said. “It was a diplomatic issue.”
The combined Iranian attack on Israel, comprising 170 UAVs, 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles—more than 300 aerial threats in total—was successfully intercepted by Israel and partner militaries.
(JNS) The White House continued to push back against media reports that Iran gave Washington advanced warning of its Saturday night attack, calling those reports “ludicrous” and the attack an “embarrassing failure.”
John Kirby, the White House national security communications advisor, borrowed one of U.S. President Joe Biden’s favorite phrases on Monday to describe claims that the Islamic Republic previewed the strike for Washington.
“It’s malarkey,” Kirby said. “This attack failed, because it was defeated by Israel, by the United States and by a coalition of other partners committed to Israel’s defense.”
Turkey informed Washington about warnings from Iran about the forthcoming attack, Reuters reported on Sunday. The Iranian foreign minister reportedly said that he provided neighboring countries and the United States with a 72-hour warning before the attack.
Kirby denied those reports.
“The United States had no messages from Iran or from anybody else that offered a specific timeframe or specific set of targets or the types of weapons that they were going to fire,” Kirby said on Monday.
“I’m not calling anybody a liar here. I’m telling you, from our perspective, what we knew and what we didn’t know,” he added. “The idea that Iran sent us an email or picked up the phone and told us what they were planning to do is just ludicrous. It didn’t happen.”
Kirby speculated that Iran may now be attempting to spin the attack as “some sort of small pinprick of an attack that they never meant to succeed.”
“You can’t throw that much metal in the air, which they did, in the timeframe in which they did it, and convince anybody realistic that you weren’t trying to cause casualties and you weren’t trying to cause damage,” he said. “They absolutely were.”
Before Saturday’s attack, Biden issued a one-word warning to Iran: “Don’t.” Kirby said that despite Iran going ahead with the attack, the Islamic Republic should take heed of the results.
“Iran utterly failed,” he said. “If I’m sitting in Tehran, I’m betting that President Biden takes it pretty seriously when he says, ‘Don’t escalate.’ He’s going to act to make sure that you can’t and they didn’t.”
“They fired an unprecedented amount of munitions, but how much of a success did they have?” Kirby added. “None. Zero. Very little infrastructure. It was an embarrassing failure for the supreme leader and for the IRGC.” (The IRGC is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Washington has designated a foreign terror organization since 2019.)
Iran’s attack prompted renewed calls for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to put forward a supplemental foreign aid package that would include billions for Israel’s defense. Biden spoke with House and Senate leaders from both parties on Sunday, urging them to pass a final aid bill.
The Senate passed a $95 billion package in February with $14.1 billion for Israel, but Johnson previously said he would not accept that version because it fails to address security at the U.S. southern border. The inclusion of $60.1 billion in aid for Ukraine is also controversial within the Republican caucus.
The House failed to pass a standalone Israel aid package in February, with a 250-180 vote. It needed a two-thirds majority to pass.
Kirby said on Monday that the White House continues to reject that approach. “We are opposed to a standalone bill that would just work on Israel,” he said.
(A7) fael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said on Monday he is concerned about Israel possibly targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, Reuters reported.
Grossi said Iran closed its nuclear facilities on Sunday over “security considerations” and that while they reopened on Monday, he kept IAEA inspectors away “until we see that the situation is completely calm.”
“We are going to resume tomorrow,” Grossi told reporters in New York. “This has not had an impact on our inspection activity.”
Asked about the possibility of an Israel strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Grossi replied, “We are always concerned about this possibility.” He urged “extreme restraint.”
The IAEA regularly inspects Iran’s main nuclear facilities like its enrichment plants at Natanz that are at the heart of the country’s nuclear program.
Grossi’s comments came amid speculation that Israel will retaliate for Iran’s drone and missile attack on Saturday night.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that American officials believe Israel is preparing to respond to Iran’s massive assault in the near future.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi visited the Nevatim Airbase on Monday, two days after the base was damaged in the Iranian missile and drone attack, and said that the Iranian attack will be met with a response.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, warned Israel against retaliating, saying a response to an Israeli retaliation “will not be measured in days and hours, but in seconds.”
An Iranian lawmaker said that Tehran would debut the use of a new weapon, in response to an expected Israeli response to Tehran’s unprecedened aerial attack overnight Saturday.
“We are ready to use a weapon that we have not used so far,” Iranian Parliament National Security Commission spokesman Abolfazl Amouei told Farsi-language media.
“We have plans for all scenarios. In this regard, we will behave rationally and courageously.”
Amouei placed the blame for the current crisis in the Middle East on the Jewish State, claiming that Israel’s “crimes” in the Gaza Strip are “destabilizing” the region.
“Our message is peace and at the same time preparedness,” he added.
According to Hebrew-language media reports, Israel has decided to strike Iran after Saturday’s attack, which saw some 300 suicide drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles launched at the Jewish State.
Despite American pressure to avoid retaliating, due to the fact that damage was minor and only one person was hurt, Israeli lawmakers appear to be gearing up for a military response.
“I don’t think that we can pretend that nothing really happened because we managed to defend ourselves and [didn’t] let all these ground missiles and ballistic missiles and the drones kill thousands of Israelis,” Likud MK Yuli Edelstein told the Jerusalem Post.
If “there’s no retaliation,” Iran “can decide that this is something they can do every week,” he added.
According to Channel 12 News, Israeli military and intelligence officials have already told neighboring Arab countries that Israel’s response “will not endanger them.”
The missiles and drones launched from Iran traveled through Iraqi, Jordanian, and Syrian airspace. Iraq and Syria do not maintain relations with Israel, so it’s likely that Israeli officials reached out to the leaders of those countries via back channels or third-party interlocuters.
Countries in the region “deeply fear” that they will be the recipient of blowback from Iran after an Israeli retaliatory strike, according to the report.
The countries have paid attention to “the threatening messages coming from Tehran” that any nation which opens its airspace to an Israeli attack against Iran is “expected to enter the line of fire.
Report: In Response to Missile Barrage, Israel Preparing Air Force to Hit Iran
Edited by: TJVNews.com
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel has reportedly initiated preparations for a decisive military strike against Iran. According to a report on Monday in the New York Post, this decision follows intense deliberations in two war cabinet meetings, responding to a substantial attack involving 350 suicide drones and missiles that targeted Israeli territory. According to Israel’s Channel 12 news, a report subsequently echoed across various local media outlets indicated that the nation’s air force is gearing up for a counter-strike that promises to send a clear and forceful message to Iran.
The focus of Israel’s planned retaliation involves its sophisticated air force, leveraging an arsenal that includes advanced US-made F-16, F-15, and F-35 fighter jets. As was reported by the New York Post, these aircraft represent the pinnacle of aerial military technology, capable of precise, long-range strikes. The preparation of these warplanes indicates Israel’s intent to target critical Iranian assets directly, though specific targets or a timeline for the strike were not disclosed in the reports.
The decision to prepare for a counter-strike comes amidst international calls for restraint. President Joe Biden, along with other global allies, has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise caution, emphasizing that the U.S. would not support a retaliatory attack, as per the information in the Post report. This stance places Israel in a delicate position, balancing its imperative to respond to Iranian provocations with the need to maintain strategic international relationships.
The motive behind Israel’s planned strike is not merely retaliatory but also a firm declaration that attacks of such significant magnitude will not be tolerated. Detailed in the Post report was that the leadership in Tel Aviv is acutely aware of the stakes involved. While aiming to assert its defensive posture, it is also cautious of igniting a broader regional conflict. The message is clear: Israel seeks to defend its sovereignty and ensure the security of its citizens without escalating the situation into a full-scale war.
Further adding to the complexity of the situation, Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen Herzi Halevi, has affirmed that Iran’s aggressive actions will not go unanswered. However, the Post report said that Halevi has been reticent regarding the specifics of the response or its timing, likely reflecting a strategic ambiguity intended to keep adversaries on edge while still managing diplomatic pressures.
During a White House press briefing, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby offered a stark assessment of the situation, suggesting that the attack not only failed to achieve its intended impact but also left Israel in a stronger strategic position, the report in the Post pointed out. This commentary reflects the complex interplay of military actions, international diplomacy, and regional stability.
John Kirby’s remarks at the White House called attention to the failure of Iran’s aggressive strategy, labeling it as both spectacular and embarrassing. Such strong wording from a high-ranking U.S. official highlights the perceived ineffectiveness of the attack and suggests a bolstering of Israel’s defensive posture and international standing as a result, as was suggested in the Post report. Kirby’s statement emphasized that despite Iran’s intentions, Israel remains a robust ally of the United States, situated in a better strategic position than before the attack.
The briefing also touched upon the sensitive topic of Israel’s potential military response. Kirby carefully navigated questions about whether the U.S. would be briefed ahead of any Israeli action, stating that it remains an Israeli decision how and whether to respond, the Post reported. This stance not only respects Israel’s sovereignty in making strategic military decisions but also places the onus of retaliation and its ramifications squarely on Israeli leadership.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly communicated to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Israel has no choice but to retaliate against Iran. Noted in the Post report was that this communication, revealed by Axios correspondent Barak Ravid, indicates the seriousness with which Israel views the assault and its implications for national security. The assertion of having “no choice” reflects a strong commitment to maintaining a stance of deterrence, underscoring the gravity of the threat perceived by Israeli officials.
The strike that precipitated this intense period of military engagement targeted General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, identified by Israeli intelligence as a crucial figure in planning the Hamas led October 7 attack on Israel which resulted in over 1,100 casualties, according to the Post report. This incident not only marked a significant escalation in regional tensions but also set the stage for a broader conflict involving multiple global actors.
The urgency and complexity of the threat from Iran forced Israel to adjust its military strategies significantly. One such adjustment was the delay of a planned military incursion in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This decision, as reported by The Times of Israel, shows the strategic dilemmas facing Israeli defense planners, who must balance immediate threats with ongoing military objectives in Gaza. The postponement reflects not only the immediate tactical requirements dictated by the Iranian assault but also a recalibration of priorities in light of evolving regional dynamics.
The incident and the subsequent military responses highlight several key aspects of Middle Eastern geopolitics and global military strategy. First, the targeting of a high-ranking military official like General Zahedi escalates the conflict to a new level of direct confrontation between state actors, moving beyond proxy engagements which have typified Iranian and Israeli confrontations in the past, as per the information in the Post report. Secondly, the successful defense against Iranian missile attacks demonstrates the advanced capabilities and preparedness of Israel’s missile defense systems, likely bolstered by intelligence and logistical support from its allies.
The events unfolding in the Middle East continue to draw significant international attention, not only due to the immediate impacts of military engagements but also because of their potential to alter the strategic balance in the region. The involvement of major powers such as the U.S., the UK, France, along with regional players like Jordan and Saudi Arabia, signals a possible shift towards more coordinated efforts to manage Iranian influence. However, the complexity of the region’s politics, coupled with the historical enmities, suggests that the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. As Israel navigates these turbulent waters, the decisions made by its leadership in the coming days will be critical in shaping the regional landscape, potentially setting the tone for future engagements across the Middle East.
David’s Sling: A Crucial Shield in Israel’s Defense Against Iran’s Assault
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a dramatic display of defense prowess, Israel showcased its formidable air defense capabilities by intercepting a staggering 99% of the 300 deadly suicide drones and missiles launched by Iran towards the Jewish state on Saturday night, as was reported by The New York Post. Employing the advanced air defense system known as David’s Sling, along with a comprehensive array of anti-missile technologies, Israel successfully neutralized the overwhelming majority of the incoming threats.
David’s Sling, named metaphorically to evoke the Biblical story of David and Goliath, is primarily designed to counter medium- to long-range missiles and rockets, including drones, cruise missiles, and more advanced ballistic missiles. On the night of the attack, alongside other systems such as the renowned Iron Dome, David’s Sling was pivotal in thwarting the aerial onslaught. The system intercepted a diverse array of threats—120 ballistic missiles, approximately 30 cruise missiles, and around 170 explosive drones, as reported by Israeli military sources.
Amidst this onslaught, Israel received crucial assistance from allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and even an unexpected Arab partner. This collaborative effort called attention to the global recognition of the severity of the threat posed by Iran’s aggressive actions.
Remarkably, despite facing a direct attack from Iran for the first time in modern history, Israel emerged relatively unscathed. According to the information provided in the Post, minimal damage was sustained, with only one casualty confirmed thus far—a tragic incident involving a 7-year-old Bedouin girl. Indicated in the Post report was that Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. (R) Peter Lerner provided insight into the scale of the assault, citing approximately 120 ballistic missiles, 30 cruise missiles, and 170 explosive drones launched by Iran and its proxies.
Additionally, around 40 rockets were fired into Israel from Hezbollah based in Lebanon, further escalating tensions in the region. These attacks shine a spotlight on the proliferation of advanced munitions among terror organizations, posing a significant threat not only to Israel but also to regional stability.
While Israel’s renowned Iron Dome air defense system has historically been effective against rocket attacks from Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists, the magnitude of Iran’s assault necessitated the deployment of more sophisticated anti-missile systems, as per the information contained in the Post report. David’s Sling, alongside other advanced defense mechanisms, played a crucial role in intercepting the formidable barrage unleashed by Iran, thwarting what could have been a devastating strike on Israeli territory.
According to reports from the Jerusalem Post, the intercepted threats were neutralized through various means, including fighter aircraft equipped with air-to-air missiles, the David’s Sling air defense system, and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 missiles, designed specifically to counter ballistic missiles, as was noted in the Post report.
Footage shared by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) showcased the intensity of the attacks, with fiery missiles being intercepted mid-flight, highlighting the effectiveness of Israel’s defense mechanisms. As the Post report explained, the interception efforts commenced around midnight, as cruise missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory. Simultaneously, the United States reportedly engaged in intercepting drones over Iraq and Syria, demonstrating a coordinated response to the multifaceted threat, the report added.
The IDF also released images capturing the deployment of an F-35I stealth fighter, which was scrambled to safeguard Israeli airspace. Detailed in the Post report was that the F-35I, a fifth-generation fighter jet designed in the United States, boasts advanced capabilities, including the ability to fire air-to-air missiles from a considerable distance, beyond the visual range of the pilot. This deployment illustrated Israel’s readiness to defend its airspace using cutting-edge technology and strategic maneuvers.
Furthermore, the collaborative efforts of the United States and other allies played a pivotal role in bolstering Israel’s defense against the onslaught of explosive drones and missiles. President Biden reaffirmed America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, emphasizing the ironclad nature of the alliance between the two nations.
According to statements from National Security spokesman John Kirby to CNN, the United States intercepted “several dozen” missiles and drones launched by Iran, utilizing a range of defense systems and military capabilities. Notably, the report said that Patriot missile batteries deployed in northern Iraq and the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier group stationed in the Red Sea played crucial roles in providing protection to American troops and intercepting hostile projectiles.
The deployment of two additional destroyers, specialized in intercepting incoming missiles and aircraft, further bolstered the defensive posture in the region, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. These naval assets, strategically positioned in key areas, contributed to the interception of Iranian ballistic missiles over Israel, demonstrating the efficacy of coordinated defense efforts.
Moreover, US warplanes were engaged in intercepting targets, underscoring the multifaceted approach adopted to neutralize potential threats. The report in the Post also mentioned that the involvement of allies such as the United Kingdom and France, who confirmed the utilization of their military assets to shoot down Iranian projectiles, calls attention to the collaborative nature of the response to Iran’s aggression.
In a remarkable display of cooperation, Jordan, a former adversary of Israel now aligned with the United States, also played a significant role in the interception efforts. The Post reported that the Royal Jordanian Air Force deployed US-made F-16 fighter jets to intercept incoming Iranian drones, showcasing the commitment of regional partners to confront common security challenges.
Jordan found itself drawn into the conflict when it was accused of assisting Israel in defending its airspace against threats posed by Iran. However, Jordan quickly denied these accusations, asserting that its actions were solely aimed at protecting its own citizens from potential harm.
President Biden engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the attack orchestrated by Iran. In a statement released after their conversation, Biden emphasized America’s steadfast support for Israel’s security. The report affirmed that he praised Israel’s ability to repel the attack, showing its remarkable defense capabilities that thwarted unprecedented assaults. Biden’s words aimed to send a clear message to Israel’s adversaries, asserting that attempts to undermine Israel’s security would not succeed.
Moreover, President Biden assured Netanyahu that the United States would not partake in any offensive operations against Iran. This stance speaks volumes about the Biden administration’s commitment to diplomacy and de-escalation in the region. Biden’s communication with Netanyahu sought to reinforce Israel’s position and provide assurance of continued support from the United States.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation remained volatile. Hezbollah launched a fresh barrage of rockets from Lebanon towards northern Israel, adding to the already tense atmosphere. The Post reported that this retaliatory attack was purportedly in response to Israeli strikes on southern Lebanese towns earlier that night. Although the rockets caused property damage in Katzrin, fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a dramatic display of defense prowess, Israel showcased its formidable air defense capabilities by intercepting a staggering 99% of the 300 deadly suicide drones and missiles launched by Iran towards the Jewish state on Saturday night, as was reported by The New York Post. Employing the advanced air defense system known as David’s Sling, along with a comprehensive array of anti-missile technologies, Israel successfully neutralized the overwhelming majority of the incoming threats.
David’s Sling, named metaphorically to evoke the Biblical story of David and Goliath, is primarily designed to counter medium- to long-range missiles and rockets, including drones, cruise missiles, and more advanced ballistic missiles. On the night of the attack, alongside other systems such as the renowned Iron Dome, David’s Sling was pivotal in thwarting the aerial onslaught. The system intercepted a diverse array of threats—120 ballistic missiles, approximately 30 cruise missiles, and around 170 explosive drones, as reported by Israeli military sources.
Amidst this onslaught, Israel received crucial assistance from allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and even an unexpected Arab partner. This collaborative effort called attention to the global recognition of the severity of the threat posed by Iran’s aggressive actions.
Remarkably, despite facing a direct attack from Iran for the first time in modern history, Israel emerged relatively unscathed. According to the information provided in the Post, minimal damage was sustained, with only one casualty confirmed thus far—a tragic incident involving a 7-year-old Bedouin girl. Indicated in the Post report was that Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. (R) Peter Lerner provided insight into the scale of the assault, citing approximately 120 ballistic missiles, 30 cruise missiles, and 170 explosive drones launched by Iran and its proxies.
Additionally, around 40 rockets were fired into Israel from Hezbollah based in Lebanon, further escalating tensions in the region. These attacks shine a spotlight on the proliferation of advanced munitions among terror organizations, posing a significant threat not only to Israel but also to regional stability.
While Israel’s renowned Iron Dome air defense system has historically been effective against rocket attacks from Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists, the magnitude of Iran’s assault necessitated the deployment of more sophisticated anti-missile systems, as per the information contained in the Post report. David’s Sling, alongside other advanced defense mechanisms, played a crucial role in intercepting the formidable barrage unleashed by Iran, thwarting what could have been a devastating strike on Israeli territory.
According to reports from the Jerusalem Post, the intercepted threats were neutralized through various means, including fighter aircraft equipped with air-to-air missiles, the David’s Sling air defense system, and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 missiles, designed specifically to counter ballistic missiles, as was noted in the Post report.
Footage shared by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) showcased the intensity of the attacks, with fiery missiles being intercepted mid-flight, highlighting the effectiveness of Israel’s defense mechanisms. As the Post report explained, the interception efforts commenced around midnight, as cruise missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory. Simultaneously, the United States reportedly engaged in intercepting drones over Iraq and Syria, demonstrating a coordinated response to the multifaceted threat, the report added.
The IDF also released images capturing the deployment of an F-35I stealth fighter, which was scrambled to safeguard Israeli airspace. Detailed in the Post report was that the F-35I, a fifth-generation fighter jet designed in the United States, boasts advanced capabilities, including the ability to fire air-to-air missiles from a considerable distance, beyond the visual range of the pilot. This deployment illustrated Israel’s readiness to defend its airspace using cutting-edge technology and strategic maneuvers.
Furthermore, the collaborative efforts of the United States and other allies played a pivotal role in bolstering Israel’s defense against the onslaught of explosive drones and missiles. President Biden reaffirmed America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, emphasizing the ironclad nature of the alliance between the two nations.
According to statements from National Security spokesman John Kirby to CNN, the United States intercepted “several dozen” missiles and drones launched by Iran, utilizing a range of defense systems and military capabilities. Notably, the report said that Patriot missile batteries deployed in northern Iraq and the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier group stationed in the Red Sea played crucial roles in providing protection to American troops and intercepting hostile projectiles.
The deployment of two additional destroyers, specialized in intercepting incoming missiles and aircraft, further bolstered the defensive posture in the region, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. These naval assets, strategically positioned in key areas, contributed to the interception of Iranian ballistic missiles over Israel, demonstrating the efficacy of coordinated defense efforts.
Moreover, US warplanes were engaged in intercepting targets, underscoring the multifaceted approach adopted to neutralize potential threats. The report in the Post also mentioned that the involvement of allies such as the United Kingdom and France, who confirmed the utilization of their military assets to shoot down Iranian projectiles, calls attention to the collaborative nature of the response to Iran’s aggression.
In a remarkable display of cooperation, Jordan, a former adversary of Israel now aligned with the United States, also played a significant role in the interception efforts. The Post reported that the Royal Jordanian Air Force deployed US-made F-16 fighter jets to intercept incoming Iranian drones, showcasing the commitment of regional partners to confront common security challenges.
Jordan found itself drawn into the conflict when it was accused of assisting Israel in defending its airspace against threats posed by Iran. However, Jordan quickly denied these accusations, asserting that its actions were solely aimed at protecting its own citizens from potential harm.
President Biden engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the attack orchestrated by Iran. In a statement released after their conversation, Biden emphasized America’s steadfast support for Israel’s security. The report affirmed that he praised Israel’s ability to repel the attack, showing its remarkable defense capabilities that thwarted unprecedented assaults. Biden’s words aimed to send a clear message to Israel’s adversaries, asserting that attempts to undermine Israel’s security would not succeed.
Moreover, President Biden assured Netanyahu that the United States would not partake in any offensive operations against Iran. This stance speaks volumes about the Biden administration’s commitment to diplomacy and de-escalation in the region. Biden’s communication with Netanyahu sought to reinforce Israel’s position and provide assurance of continued support from the United States.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation remained volatile. Hezbollah launched a fresh barrage of rockets from Lebanon towards northern Israel, adding to the already tense atmosphere. The Post reported that this retaliatory attack was purportedly in response to Israeli strikes on southern Lebanese towns earlier that night. Although the rockets caused property damage in Katzrin, fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
The Biden administration has granted Iran’s foreign minister a U.S. visa so that he can attend upcoming United Nations proceedings in New York City, generating outrage in the wake of Tehran’s weekend strike on Israel.
Lawmakers are already calling on the Biden administration to revoke Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s entry visa into America, which will enable him to attend U.N. meetings later this week, the Washington Free Beacon has learned. While the State Department would not confirm whether it had granted the Iranian diplomat an entry visa, regional outlets are reporting that a U.S. entry visa has already been issued.
Sen. James Lankford (R., Okla.), in a letter sent Monday to the State Department and obtained by the Free Beacon, demanded “immediate action to revoke the visa of Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian,” appearing to confirm the regional reports.
“In the wake of Saturday’s direct attack by Iran on our ally, Israel, we urge you to prevent Iran from using American soil as a platform to amplify its anti-Israel and anti-American rhetoric,” Lankford wrote, referring to a weekend missile attack by Iran on Israel that threatens to spark a regional war.
Amir-Abdollahian is scheduled to attend U.N. sessions this week surrounding the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel.
A State Department spokesman declined to comment on the matter when approached by the Free Beacon, referring a reporter to a press briefing late last week by spokesman Matthew Miller.
“We never speak to visa records. They’re confidential by law, and so I can’t speak to visa records from here,” Miller told reporters in response to questions about the status of Amir-Abdollahian’s visa. “But as has long been the case, we take our obligations as the host of the United Nations very seriously.”
The Biden administration has issued visas for Iranian delegations several times in the past, citing the U.S.’s obligations as the United Nations’ host nation. Iran claims it warned the United States in advance of its attack on Israel, and the Biden administration is already pressuring Israel to avoid a retaliatory strike on Tehran, warning it could spark a full blown conflict across the Middle East.
But Lankford says this justification holds no weight.
“Given his ties to terrorism against Israel and U.S. forces, Amir-Abdollahian should not be welcome in our country,” the senator wrote. “The United States holds the authority to deny visas to diplomats for security, terrorism, or foreign policy reasons.”
The Obama administration exercised this power in 2014 when it denied Iran’s then-ambassador to the United Nations, Hamid Aboutalebi, a visa.
“Not only does Amir-Abdollahian have irrefutable ties to Hamas terrorists who are currently holding 133 hostages, including five Americans, but Iran’s irresponsible strikes and continued threats have jeopardized Israel’s security,” Lankford wrote. “I urge the administration to take swift action and deny Amir-Abdollahian’s entry to the United States.”
“Joe Biden’s disturbing pattern of weakness on the world stage green-lit Iran’s attack on Israel, and now, the president has the audacity to try and dictate Israel’s response,” said Republican majority whip Tom Emmer (R., Minn.). “This administration’s incompetent foreign policy will slow-walk us into World War III if left unchecked.”
Activist groups were also pressing the Biden administration to bar Amir-Abdollahian from entering America, citing Tehran’s backing for Hamas and other terrorist proxy groups that are conducting terrorism operations against Israel and U.S. forces in the region.
Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against a Nuclear Iran, a watchdog group that has pressed the United States to block the Iranian foreign minister from entering America, said there is no obligation to allow representatives of the globe’s foremost terror sponsor to enter the country.
“Taking the U.S. obligations as host of the United Nations very seriously should not be a blank check for any foreign official from a hostile power to be admitted to the United States,” Brodsky said. “There have to be standards here. Washington has a sovereign right to deny visas for security, terrorism, or foreign policy reasons, irrespective of the U.N. Headquarters Agreement.”
Amir-Abdollahian, in addition to his role as foreign minister, is also “a card-carrying member of a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization—the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—which presents a lethal threat to Americans,” Brodsky said. “He should not be admitted to the United States.”
(A7) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to postpone the planned operation in the Gazan city of Rafah, Kan 11 News reported on Sunday evening.
The report comes a week after Netanyahu announced that there is a date for action in Rafah. In recent days, however, he has decided to postpone the action, according to the report.
Earlier on Sunday, the IDF said that, in accordance with the situational assessment, it is calling up approximately two reserve brigades for operational activities on the Gazan front.
“Their calling will allow the continuous effort and readiness to defend the state of Israel and the security of civilians,” the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement.
The US administration has repeatedly stressed its opposition to an Israeli operation in Rafah. Secretary of State Blinken, who recently visited Israel, reiterated that position and said, “We share Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas, which is responsible for the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust. And we share the goal of ensuring Israel’s long-term security. As we’ve said, though, a major military ground operation in Rafah is not the way to do it.”
White House spokesperson John Kirby later said, “We believe a major ground offensive [in Rafah] is a mistake” and would be a “disaster”.
US Vice President Kamala Harris told ABC News in late March that she would not rule out “consequences” if Israel carried out a military operation in Rafah.
(TJV) A giant demonstration occurred on April 13th in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district, drawing attention to the proposed Pandemic Treaty by the World Health Organization (WHO). This treaty, scheduled for adoption at the WHO’s General Assembly in May, has stirred controversy among citizens, leading to one of the largest protests in recent Japanese history, Gateway Pundit and Yahoo News reported.
The march began in Higashi-Ikebukuro Central Park, where thousands gathered with banners and chants expressing their concerns about the treaty and overreach of the WHO. Protesters articulated opposition to mandatory vaccinations and potential encroachments on Japan’s sovereignty.
🚨🚨🚨 HAPPENING TODAY IN JAPAN
Thousands attend public demonstration against WHO and New World Order across multiple locations in Japan!
Pre-demonstration speeches:
Prof: Masayasu Inoue: …there indeed exists something very evil. It’s often dismissed with a single phrase as a… pic.twitter.com/zAXMLWLaFE
Their banners declared a strong protest against the WHO’s stance on vaccinations and its disregard for Japan’s voluntary vaccination system. The protest aimed to highlight several issues, including concerns about increased excess deaths and a perceived lack of transparency regarding vaccine adverse effects. Demonstrators demanded accountability and clearer information from both the Japanese government and global health authorities.
Before the demonstration, prominent figures like Professor Masayasu Inoue and historian Chikatsu Hayashi provided insights, criticizing the influence of pharmaceutical companies and private interests on global health policies. Professor Inoue specifically warned about genetic vaccines and highlighted significant funding the WHO receives from entities like the Bill Gates Foundation.
According to the WHO’s website, an “urgent call for an International Pandemic Treaty” was announced on March 30, 2021. The treaty aims to coordinate a unified global response to pandemics, with the support of 25 heads of government and international leaders.
The treaty, rooted in the WHO’s constitution, seeks to draw in other relevant organizations to support the principle of health for all. It would build upon existing global health instruments, such as the International Health Regulations, to provide a tested foundation for improved international cooperation.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and his successors would have unrestricted authority to implement WHO regulations under the proposed treaty. It aims to establish a framework for international cooperation and solidarity, addressing issues like surveillance systems and outbreak response.
Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency of planning for future pandemics, stating that the world cannot afford to wait until the current pandemic is over to prepare for the next one.
(JNS) Many Americans are shocked at the extreme level of anti-Jewish hate that has been revealed to exist at Harvard University and other elite schools since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in southern Israel.
It seems as if not a week has gone by without a new story about the pro-Hamas extremism and/or systemic ambivalence to antisemitism at Harvard. Right before Passover, the Harvard student government approved for a vote a resolution calling for a complete boycott, divestment and sanction of Israel. The petition is from the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee—a group so extreme that it has accused a U.S. senator of “support for genocide” and labeled Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan “a war criminal.”
We’re left wondering how this fanatical opposition to Israel’s existence took such firm root at this formerly distinguished Ivy League institution in the first place.
One aspect of this that deserves much closer examination is who Harvard hires to teach its students.
Convicted murderer Nasser Abu Srour, who is currently in an Israeli prison, has a new book coming out just as the Jewish holiday of Passover ends on April 30. The publisher says it is a “passionate autobiography—at once history lesson, prison memoir, metaphysical inquiry, love story, and cry for justice—provides insights into the Israeli occupation and the struggle of the Palestinian people.”
The book is called The Tale of a Wall: Reflections on the Meaning of Hope and Freedom. Luke Leafgren, the Allston Burr assistant dean of Harvard College for Mather House, as well as a lecturer on comparative literature, is its translator.
Before anyone jumps to the conclusion that perhaps Leafgren is just a translator and not anti-Israel himself, consider that he signed a November 2023 statement that read: “A just peace that ends the current domination of Palestinian life by the Israeli military occupation, and provides for the freedom, security, and civil and political rights.” The statement ignores the fact there was no military occupation of Gaza on Oct. 7. In the summer of 2005—with no demands or preconditions—Israel withdrew all its soldiers from Gaza and evicted the area’s 10,000 Jewish residents. Moreover, Palestinian Arab citizens do enjoy full civil and political rights, including serving in Israel’s Knesset legislature and as court judges. In 2022, an Israeli-Arab judge named Khaled Kabub was appointed to Israel’s Supreme Court.
Getting back to Abu Srour’s crimes, in 1993 in Jerusalem, he murdered his Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) officer—25-year-old Chaim Nachmani. According to the Jewish Telegraph Agency, Abu Srour and his fellow terrorists “stabbed and bludgeoned (Nachmani) to death.”
Also, it must be noted that even 20 years after he committed that murder, Abu Srour still advocated violence: “As long as there is no diplomatic horizon, the intifadas will continue, there will be a third, fourth and fifth intifada.”
Does Harvard’s Leafgren approve of violence against Israeli civilians? Because that is exactly what “a third, fourth and fifth intifada” means.
Abu Srour deserves the lifetime prison sentence handed down to him. If he were to be released, one can only assume that the “hope” referred to in his book’s title is the wish to slaughter more Israeli Jews. Clearly, the publication of this autobiography is aimed at creating sympathy for him.
A recent Hillel survey revealed that “two-thirds of respondents (64%) said they are not applying to certain schools because of a perceived rise in antisemitism on that campus.” A New York Times article on March 29 also reported that “applications to Harvard College were down.”
This is good news since Jewish students and parents are correct to avoid Harvard as long as haters like Leafgren remain educators there. There are plenty of other options for getting a higher education in a more welcoming environment.