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Biden administration official accuses Israel of ‘sexually abusing’ Arab women – General

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Amir Avivi

By World Israel News Staff

A senior State Department official accused the Israeli military of “systematically” sexually abusing Palestinian Arab women, and denied that Hamas has stolen humanitarian aid flowing in to the Gaza Strip, an IDF general said last week.

Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Avivi posted a series of tweets on X/Twitter last Thursday, following a meeting with a State Department official he only identified as the holder of the Israel-Palestine dossier.

It is unclear if this was a reference to Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State, who heads up the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

Avivi wrote following his meeting with the State Department official that she had pushed allegations, backed by the Hamas terror organization, that Israeli soldiers had systematically sexually abused Palestinian Arab women.

The official in question also allegedly questioned whether Hamas has in fact stolen humanitarian aid coming into the Gaza Strip.

“It’s hard to leave me speechless and shocked, but that is precisely what happened in my meeting at the State Department when the representative responsible for the Israeli-Palestinian dossier accused Israel of systematic sexual abuse of Palestinian women entirely on the basis of a concocted U.N. report that was written to try to find something to balance the atrocities of Oct. 7,” Avivi wrote.

“She added on to this the allegation that we did not provide proofs that Hamas proof that Hamas is stealing humanitarian aid, saying that publishing videos in the media is not enough.”

“Furthermore, [she claimed] that we have not explained how we will evacuate the Gazans in Rafah. The bottom line is that there is a lot of work that needs to be done at the State Department.”

Avivi discussed the conversation on Sunday in an interview with Radio 103FM.

“It was a meeting that really stunned me, I have to say. We were sitting there talking about the situation when all of the sudden she throws out an accusation at me that Israel is systematically sexually abusing Palestinian women.”

“This is absolutely disconnected from reality. But without hesitation, she said, ‘The UN presented evidence to the Israeli government.’ I told her, ‘Does it make sense that this phenomenon would exist and the media would never have reported on it?’”

“I wanted there to be much greater awareness, including among officials here in Israel, about what is really happening in the US State Department. In the end, I left there with the feeling that they simply don’t talk to us and don’t pass on any information.”

In February, two United Nations officials released a statement citing allegations of sexual abuse and extrajudicial killings in the Gaza Strip at the hands of the IDF.

The statement, drafted by Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, and Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, drew criticism from Israel, and praise from Hamas.

Responding to the statement, Hamas’ official Telegram channel lauded the UN claim as “confirmation and additional evidence of the crime of genocide and ethnic cleansing committed by the occupation led by the war criminal Netanyahu and his Nazi army against our people.”

VP Harris leaves door open for consequences if IDF enters Rafah

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Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) addresses the 2017 AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. Source: Screenshot.

(JNS) U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said on Sunday that a prospective IDF operation to defeat Hamas’s battalions in Rafah would be “huge mistake” and refused to rule out consequences if Jerusalem fails to heed the Biden administration’s warning.

“We have been clear in multiple conversations and in every way that any major military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake,” Harris said in an interview on ABC News‘s “This Week.”

“I have studied the maps. There’s nowhere for those folks to go. We’re looking at about a million and a half people in Rafah who are there because they were told to go there, most of them,” she added.

When asked if there could be consequences if Israel presses ahead with plans to invade Hamas’s last remaining stronghold, Harris said: “We’re going to take it one step at a time, but we’ve been very clear in terms of our perspective on whether or not that should happen.”

When pressed further on the matter, she added: “I am ruling out nothing.”

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that IDF troops would enter Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip with or without support from the United States.

“There were times we agreed with our friends, and there were times we did not agree with them,” the premier said. “Ultimately, we always did what was necessary for our safety, and we will do so this time as well.”

During a phone call with Netanyahu on Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that he could not support a major military offensive against Hamas in Rafah. Instead, the White House favors a limited operation aimed at high-value targets and securing the Gaza-Egypt border.

Netanyahu confirmed on Wednesday he had already approved the IDF’s operational plans for Rafah and said he would “soon” green light an outline for the evacuation of noncombatants from the city.

On Friday, Netanyahu reiterated the message during a meeting in Tel Aviv with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“I told [Blinken] that I hope we would [go into Rafah] with U.S. support but if necessary, we will do it alone,” Netanyahu said.

SHOCKING VIDEO: Maniac Arrested After Taking Severed Leg From Train Crash Scene, and Eating it !!!!

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(TJV) Horrifying footage captured the moment a man held a human leg after the limb was severed in a train accident, Daily Mail reported

Stunned onlookers filmed from the road as Rosendo Tellez, 27, allegedly picked up the leg, sniffed it and waved it around on the streets of Wasco, California. The maniac appears to have taken a bite of the leg while he is bent over, in the disturbing video.

Uncensored Video:

Kern County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Tellez near the railroad tracks on misdemeanor charges of removing body parts from an area that is not a cemetery.

Witnesses filmed the unsettling scene as Tellez, 27, casually walked down the street with the limb in hand, seemingly unfazed by the gravity of the situation.

Kern County Sheriff’s deputies swiftly responded to the scene and apprehended Tellez on misdemeanor charges related to the improper handling of body parts outside of a cemetery,  the Express reported

This arrest followed the fatal accident earlier that morning, in which an unidentified individual was struck by an Amtrak train, resulting in instantaneous death and the severing of a limb.

Show the Video, Israel : It’s time for Israel to show the 47-minute video of the October 7 attack to the world

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The Hamas slogan, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” means from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, covering the entire land of Israel. Photo Credit: news.sky.com

Show the Video, Israel
It’s time for Israel to show the 47-minute video of the October 7 attack to the world.

By Michael E. Ginsberg (American Greatness)

Across the globe, a critical mass of the ignorant, the brainwashed, the Islamist supremacists, and the evil is forming.

Just consider what a massacre of Jews on October 7 launched:

  • Downtown London has become a no-go zone for Jews every weekend.
  • Jewish teachers have been being chased by frenzied student mobs through the halls of New York schools.
  • Jewish university students have been barricaded in auditoriums and libraries by braying mobs.
  • Synagogues and Jewish hospitals in the US and Canada have become the targets of screaming protesters.
  • Jewish-owned restaurants and businesses have been vandalized, and their patrons have been threatened with violence.
  • Jewish artists have had their shows cancelled or protested.
  • Rallies featuring Nazi imagery and celebrating the events of October 7 have taken and continue to take place in Times Square and on the streets of New York City.
  • And all this has been in response to a genocidal attack on Jews on October 7.

October 7 was the final crank of a jack-in-the-Pandora’s-box of Leftist and Islamist antisemitism that has been bubbling under the surface for years.

The Hamas pogrom of October 7 is no longer just an existential threat to the Jewish state. It is an existential threat to every nation in the civilized world. And the civilized world, from academia to politicians to law enforcement, has proven incapable of or unwilling to forcefully stamp this evil out.

Which is why Israel must do what few others in power are able or willing to do: directly confront the global protesters, those who demand a ceasefire to let Hamas win and live to massacre another day, and those spineless politicians and academic administrators who appease the radicals, with what it is they all are supporting.

No more pairing “antisemitism” with “Islamophobia.” No more uncritically believing stories about alleged IDF or Jewish settler atrocities to balance the scales and provide a “both sides do it” relief valve for those who side with Hamas.

Israel rightly has been sensitive in how it has shown the 47-minute video of Hamas’s October 7 atrocities—a video comprised of footage taken by the Hamas terrorists and Gazan civilians and “journalists” themselves. Those Hamas butchered on film are parents, children, siblings, extended family, and friends. Every person who has seen the video has been deeply shaken, saying it is far worse that they imagined it would be.

But the Jewish people—and if history is any guide, the world—is lurching toward yet another catastrophe as waves of pathologically antisemitic and anti-Western immigrants crash over the West, finding support among progressive leftist radicals in politics, academia, and media.

As pressure mounts on Israel to desist from its just and righteous war, it must remind the world how precisely this war began. What the Hamas barbarians and the Gazan civilians who followed them into Israel did on October 7.

Force the Squad, the maladjusted kids taking over campuses, and the sympathetic or cowardly administrations of America’s universities to confront it all. Just as Eisenhower marched German civilians through the concentration camps after American forces liberated them to confront the evil done in their name.

Force the Islamists and their fellow travelers screaming at synagogues in New Jersey and Jewish hospitals in Canada and taking over European capitals every weekend to watch Hamas burn children alive, throw hand grenades into safe houses, and shoot point-blank teenagers begging for their lives. Just as American authorities forced German civilians into movie theaters to watch footage of what the Nazis had done.

Force UN Women, the #MeToo “Believe All Women” hypocrites, and the Code Pink ghouls to watch Hamas barbarians rape women, murder pregnant women, and sexually mutilate female corpses.

If the axis of international progressive leftist goblins wants to continue to back Hamas and demand Israel end its righteous war of self-defense, let them do it knowing the world has seen with its own eyes what they support and celebrate.

If the Squad still wants to defend and run interference for Hamas in Congress after the world has seen the video, let them. A fully informed world will better see them for the gargoyles that they are.

If the kids and faculty on campus still want to demand Israel let Hamas survive and to harass Jews on campus to make their point, let the world know what it is they are demanding Israel allow to happen again. A world that sees these protests after seeing the video will far better understand the violence, death, and barbarity inherent in the academic left’s cracked DEI-driven oppressor/oppressed worldview.

If the Democrats in Congress, including Majority Leader Schumer, still think a Palestinian polity capable of the barbarity of October 7 deserves a state and that Israel should accept such a state, let them make that argument after everyone in the world has seen with their own eyes these horrors. And let the world see them willing to make this argument after they know the world has seen these horrors.

It is no longer enough for Israel to show the October 7 video to journalists, governments, and other select audiences. Everyone must see what Hamas and the Gazan civilians who followed Hamas into Israel did on October 7 and the glee and sheer ecstasy they brought to their butchery.

We know it works. Postwar Germans, confronted with the images of the Nazi camps, recoiled in horror and vigorously expunged antisemitism from the public square. To this day, Germany aggressively enforces legal protections against antisemitism. Germany, admirably, has taken the admonition of “never again” seriously.

Once again, the Jews are the fire bell in the night. Once again, the Jewish people have been thrust into the unwanted role of victims of deadly ideologies that make no secret of their desire to inflict on the world what they first inflicted on the Jews. Once again, Jews are forced to make terrible choices: hide the video to protect the victims and their families, or show the video to prevent untold numbers of victims to come.

The time has come, Israel. Release the October 7 video to the world.

Michael E. Ginsberg is Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia’s 11th Congressional District Committee and a member of the RPV’s Executive Committee.

 

Secrets of Shifa Hospital: What Israel found and why the raid broke Hamas

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Israeli soldiers outside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Nov. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

By Baruch Yedid, TPS

A nearly week-long Israeli raid on the Shifa Hospital compound in Gaza City, along with extensive operations in Khan Yunis’s Hamad district have broken the spirit of Hamas, while wrecking the terror group’s efforts to establish a mini-government administration in northern Gaza.

The terror group fears that intelligence gained from Shifa and Hamad will pave the way for an invasion of Rafah.

 

 

Since Monday morning, Israeli forces have killed over 140 terrorists holed up inside the compound. Of the roughly 800 terrorists arrested, at least 480 have been identified as members of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Israel raided the hospital compound after receiving intelligence that senior Hamas figures were inside the compound planning attacks.

Caught off guard, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad hastily evacuated patients and visitors from the buildings, then hid among the displaced Palestinians, maintaining false identities until they were arrested.

Even now, Hamas leadership does not know which of its senior officials in Shifa have been killed or arrested. But information that has reached TPS suggests that several high-level figures are hiding in buildings near Shifa.

TPS has learned that in one of the hospital buildings, Hamas established a small government administration center with representatives of the government ministries, especially the ministries of education, interior, treasury and the police.

On the day that Israeli forces entered the compound, Hamas was about to pay salaries to hundreds of its civil and military officials. Salaries range from $200 to hundreds of dollars.

Among the Hamas figures killed in the compound was Faiq Mabhouh, who headed the Operations Directorate of Hamas’s Internal Security.

Among his responsibilities was coordinating the transfer of the food trucks in front of the clans in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has not been able to account for other senior figures who were in the Shifa compound on the eve of the raid.

Most senior of the missing is Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the under-minister of the interior and director of the internal security forces of the terrorist organization, who holds the rank of colonel and was in charge of looking for the dead.

Tarek Silmi, the spokesman for the Islamic Jihad and a member of the leadership, was also in the building, as was his friend to the Jihad leadership, Amana Hamid, who is in charge of women’s activities in the organization. Abu Bilal Taraya, an editor of Hamas’s Al-Aqsa TV channel and other journalists in the terror group’s service are also unaccounted for.

Israel’s recent raids on Hamas facilities in the Hamad district of Khan Yunis have further broken the terror group’s morale.

This complex of 40 residential buildings, inaugurated in 2016, is named after Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who financed the project with hundreds of millions of dollars.

Israeli forces uncovered extensive terror infrastructure including a weapons factory, tunnel shafts, rocket launching positions and command centers among and beneath the residences. Large numbers of weapons, explosives and military equipment were also seized. Soldiers who were evacuating Hamad residents nabbed dozens of terrorists trying to flee among the civilians. Another 250 who remained entrenched in the towers were arrested.

Hamas now fears that the Israel’s successful operations in Shifa and Hamad will open a path for an Israeli incursion in Rafah, its last stronghold. It is possible that heavy bombings on the Al Amal neighborhood of western Khan Yunis on Saturday night were also related to intelligence findings from Shifa or Hamad.

At least 1,200 people were killed and 240 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the remaining 134 hostages, Israel recently declared 31 of them dead.

Biden Is Running Out Of Time To Boost Dismal Poll Numbers In Crucial Battleground States

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President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on March 7, 2024, has stirred controversy and raised concerns, particularly in relation to his statements on the Israel-Hamas war. One of the key points of contention is Biden’s call for a Palestinian state as the “only solution” and “only path” to resolve the seemingly intractable conflict. Credit: AP
  • Time is running out for President Joe Biden to shore up the support from key voting blocs that backed him by large margins in swing states last cycle.
  • Biden’s margins with independents, young individuals, black voters and Hispanics are either smaller than they were in 2020, or Trump is now leading among some groups, according to recent polling in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and North Carolina.
  • “And so just the election coming down to the narrative of one of these guys is strong enough to handle your problems and one isn’t — I think that cuts across so many demographics, age groups, geography,” Scott Jennings, a GOP strategist and veteran of numerous campaigns, told the Daily Caller News Foundation.

(DCNF) President Joe Biden is losing support among key voting demographics in crucial battleground states as a November matchup with former President Donald Trump draws nearer, according to recent polling data.

Biden has been receiving dismal poll numbers for months among crucial voting blocs that were key to his 2020 election, and he largely continues to lag behind Trump in national and swing-state surveys. Recent polls from Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and North Carolina show that Biden’s margins with independents, young individuals, black voters and Hispanics are either smaller than they were last cycle, or Trump is now leading among some groups.

“In close states, every vote matters. Usually, independents are the ballgame,” Ron Faucheux, president of nonpartisan polling firm Clarus Research Group, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “These state polls reflect Biden’s weaknesses in national polling.”

An Arizona Emerson College survey released Wednesday found Trump leading Biden 53% to 47% among independents. The same pollster indicated Trump was ahead by six points with the group in Nevada, as well as eight points in Pennsylvania.

A Marist survey published on Wednesday for North Carolina suggested Trump was beating Biden 52% to 46% among independents. The former president is also four points ahead of Biden with the voting bloc in Michigan, according to a Quinnipiac University survey released March 14.

A Georgia Marist poll published on Wednesday found Biden leading Trump by only one point among independents. In Wisconsin, the president has a mere two-point lead with the group, according to an Emerson College survey released Thursday.

In 2020, Biden led Trump among independents by four points in North Carolina, six points in Nevada and Michigan, eight points in Pennsylvania, nine points in Arizona and Georgia, and 12 points in Wisconsin.

Trump has also led Biden among youth voters in Georgia and Michigan, while the former president trails with a smaller margin than 2020 in North Carolina, Nevada, Arizona and Wisconsin, according to recent polling.

The aforementioned polls found Trump ahead with 18-to-29-year-olds by five points in Georgia, as well as by five points among those under 35 in Michigan. In 2020, Biden led Trump among those aged 18 to 29 by 13 points in Georgia and 24 points in Michigan.

Trump is only down by one point among those aged 18 to 29 in North Carolina, as well as by about five points in Wisconsin, nine points in Arizona and 12 points in Nevada. Biden led Trump by 17 points in North Carolina, 23 points in Wisconsin, 31 points in Arizona and 30 points in Nevada last cycle.

Veteran Republican strategist Mark Weaver argued that the polling shows Biden is “in more re-election trouble than any president since Jimmy Carter.”

“These numbers suggest Joe Biden will be shuffling through a dark room filled with political mousetraps and he’s likely to trip most of them between now and November,” Weaver told the DCNF. “If he leans too far toward Hamas supporters, he’ll lose more independents and many Jewish voters. If he stands firmly with Israel, he’ll anger Muslim voters in Michigan and Minnesota and lose more young voters. If he curries more favor with Antifa and Black Lives Matter activists, he’ll lose older voters and key heartland regions like his boyhood home of Scranton, Pennsylvania.”

“He starts out unpopular with many voting groups that are usually Blue friendly or Blue curious and there are many more ways to lose those voters than win them,” Weaver added.

While Biden still has a significant lead over Trump among the black community, his margins are smaller than last cycle in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Nevada, according to the polls.

The surveys show the president is ahead with the voting bloc by 68% to 19% in Michigan, 69% to 31% in Pennsylvania, 71% to 29% in Wisconsin, 75% to 24% in Georgia, 77% to 23% in Nevada and 79% to 20% in North Carolina.

In 2020, Biden led Trump among black voters 92% to 8% in Wisconsin, as well as 92% to 7% in North CarolinaPennsylvania and Michigan. Black voters also backed Biden by 88% to 11% in Georgia and 80% to 18% in Nevada.

“In most southern states, a Republican candidate winning 15 to 20 percent of the Black vote statewide is guaranteed a majority overall,” Jon McHenry, GOP polling analyst and vice president at North Star Opinion Research, told the DCNF. “There is just no plausible route to a victory for a Democrat losing that share of Black votes.”

Biden’s numbers have also dampened among Hispanic voters in some of the swing states’ polling, particularly in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Nevada.

The president held a 56% to 45% lead among the voting bloc in the Pennsylvania poll, but he previously won Hispanics over by 42 points in the battleground state last cycle. Similarly, Biden was ahead of Trump by only four points in the survey for Wisconsin, where the group previously backed the president by 23 points.

In Nevada, where Biden secured the group by 26 points in 2020, the survey found him ahead by only four points against Trump.

Biden’s “only real opportunity to change course is for the economy to recover in a way that is tangible to working class voters,” McHenry told the DCNF.

Scott Jennings, a GOP strategist and veteran of numerous campaigns, believes Biden’s biggest hurdle is voters viewing him as “too weak” to solve issues like the economy, foreign affairs and more in comparison to Trump.

“I don’t see him doing things that are going to change that perception. In fact, I see him doing things that make it worse,” Jennings told the DCNF. “And so just the election coming down to the narrative of one of these guys is strong enough to handle your problems and one isn’t — I think that cuts across so many demographics, age groups, geography. That perception, once that takes hold, it’s hard to reverse it. And I think they’re kind of stuck in that vortex right now.”

Trump won Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin in 2016, but lost them all to Biden the following election. The former president secured North Carolina both cycles, while the Democrats did the same in Nevada.

Biden is currently down in the RealClearPolitics (RCP) averages for all of the swing states, and hasn’t led Trump nationally since early September 2023.

The two secured enough delegates for their respective party nominations after contests on March 12, and are heading toward a rematch that’s just eight months away.

Neither Biden nor Trump’s campaign responded to the DCNF’s requests for comment.

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Israeli President condemns ISIS attack at Russian concert hall as ‘barbaric’

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ISIS attack on concert hall outside Moscow, March 22, 2024 (Photo: YouTube screenshot)

By JNS

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Saturday night condemned the “barbaric” ISIS terror attack on a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow.

“I spoke with the Russian ambassador to Israel to convey, on behalf of the Israeli people, my condolences to the families of the victims, to the Russian people and its leadership for the terrible loss of life, and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured,” said Herzog.

“I emphasized that terrorism of any kind, especially jihadist terror, indiscriminately targets all peoples, of all beliefs and religions, while sowing fear and destruction. Fighting terrorism is a major international challenge, and the countries of the world must firmly fight it together,” he added.

On Friday night, ISIS terrorists armed with automatic weapons and incendiary explosives entered the hall, with videos posted to social media depicting the men shooting into groups of civilians at close range.

At least 133 people were killed and more than 140 wounded in the attack. More than 50 ambulance crews were dispatched to the scene.

Authorities have detained 11 attackers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a national day of mourning for Sunday and pledged to punish those behind the attack.

“I express my deep, sincere condolences to all those who lost their loved ones,” Putin said in an address to the nation on Saturday. “The whole country and our entire people are grieving with you.”

Putin claimed the terrorists had tried to escape to Ukraine, a claim Kyiv vehemently denied and the United States decried as false.

Islamic State claimed credit for the attack, posting on Telegram that its “fighters attacked a large gathering of Christians in the city of Krasnogorsk on the outskirts of the Russian capital, Moscow, killing and wounding hundreds and causing great destruction to the place before they withdrew to their bases safely.”

The U.S. embassy issued a warning earlier in March that it was monitoring reports that “extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow,” including concerts.

Russia has frequently been the target of Islamist terrorism, including the 2002 Moscow theater siege in which 40 Chechen terrorists took 850 hostages. Ultimately, 132 of the hostages were killed and hundreds injured.

 

editorial  – Protecting American Data: Why the TikTok Divestment Bill is Essential

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Editorial  – Protecting American Data: Why the TikTok Divestment Bill is Essential

In a resounding victory for American data security, the House of Representatives took a decisive step last week by passing a bill that demands TikTok, the popular social media platform, to sever ties with its parent company, ByteDance, based in Beijing, as was recently reported in The Wall Street Journal.  The overwhelming 352-65 vote in favor of this bill marks a crucial moment in safeguarding our nation’s digital sovereignty.

This legislative action reflects a necessary response to the undeniable threat posed by TikTok, an app that has long deceived users regarding the privacy and security of their data. Despite assurances from TikTok that U.S. user data remains beyond the reach of the Chinese Communist Party, recent revelations have shattered this illusion. Leaked recordings and investigative reports have exposed TikTok’s egregious data collection practices, revealing that sensitive information, including user locations, browsing histories, and biometrics, are not only accessible but actively exploited by ByteDance and its affiliates.

The admission by ByteDance in December 2022 that some of its employees clandestinely spied on American journalists underscores the urgent need for action. Despite promises to isolate U.S. data, subsequent reports have shown continued data sharing among TikTok staff and ByteDance, raising alarming concerns about the extent of Chinese government influence within the company.

To protect our national security and uphold the integrity of our digital infrastructure, it is imperative to implement measures that sever TikTok’s ties with China. The divestment bill represents a prudent and necessary step towards achieving this goal. By mandating TikTok’s separation from ByteDance, the bill ensures that American user data remains free from foreign interference and exploitation.

Critics may argue that such measures are unprecedented or overly restrictive. However, it is crucial to recognize that the United States has a long history of safeguarding its communications infrastructure from foreign control. The Federal Communications Commission’s ban on telecom carriers and equipment from companies such as China Mobile and Huawei exemplifies our commitment to protecting national interests in the digital realm. Moreover, existing federal laws already prohibit foreign governments from holding broadcast licenses, reflecting a consistent stance on safeguarding our sovereignty.

In light of these precedents and the clear evidence of TikTok’s complicity in data exploitation, the divestment bill is a prudent and proportionate response. It is not about stifling innovation or impeding international cooperation but about safeguarding American interests and ensuring that our digital landscape remains free from foreign influence.

As the Senate deliberates over the TikTok divestment bill, it is crucial to dispel any misconceptions regarding its constitutionality. Despite claims to the contrary, requiring TikTok to sever ties with the Communist Party does not violate the First Amendment. On the contrary, it represents a necessary step in safeguarding national security and preserving the integrity of our democratic institutions.

Critics of the bill often invoke the First Amendment, arguing that it protects TikTok’s right to free speech. However, this argument overlooks a crucial distinction made by the Supreme Court between laws targeting the content of speech and those regulating conduct. The TikTok divestment bill squarely falls into the latter category, as it addresses TikTok’s actions, which pose a significant national security threat, rather than the content of its users’ speech.

The landmark Supreme Court case of Arcara v. Cloud Books (1986) provides clear precedent for the constitutionality of laws targeting conduct rather than speech. In Arcara, the court upheld a New York state public-health nuisance statute aimed at closing a bookstore being used for prostitution. Despite objections from the owners citing First Amendment protections, the court recognized that the statute targeted unlawful conduct unrelated to expressive activity.

Similarly, the TikTok divestment bill is directed at addressing espionage and national security concerns, not restricting speech. The Constitution does not require the government to turn a blind eye to threats posed by foreign adversaries simply because a platform also facilitates speech. Just as the government can prosecute individuals for using a pen to commit theft, it can regulate platforms like TikTok when they engage in conduct detrimental to national security.

It is essential to understand that the bill does not infringe on the freedom of speech or expression. Americans remain free to engage in any form of speech, including on platforms like TikTok. However, when such platforms are exploited by foreign actors to undermine our national security, it is the government’s responsibility to take appropriate action.

The TikTok divestment bill aligns with both the letter and spirit of the Constitution and reflects our longstanding commitment to protecting against foreign adversary control. By addressing the conduct of TikTok and its ties to the Communist Party, the bill prioritizes national security while upholding the fundamental principles of democracy and free speech.

 

Jewish Hollywood Figures Condemn “The Zone of Interest” Director’s Comments on Israel at Oscars

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British Film director Jonathan Glazer attends “The Zone of Interest” premiere during the 67th BFI London Film Festival at the Royal Festival Hall on Oct. 12, 2023. Credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock.

Jewish Hollywood Figures Condemn “The Zone of Interest” Director’s Comments on Israel at Oscars

Edited by: Fern Sidman

The recent Oscars ceremony, typically a celebration of cinematic achievement, has sparked controversy within the film industry as director Jonathan Glazer’s remarks critical of Israel drew sharp criticism from hundreds of Jewish actors, producers, and industry professionals, as was recently reported in the New York Times.

Described as a “statement from Jewish Hollywood professionals,” the letter denouncing Glazer’s comments was signed by prominent figures including Debra Messing, Julianna Margulies, Lawrence Bender, Amy Pascal, and Amy Sherman-Palladino, among others, according to the information provided in the NYT report. The widespread condemnation underscores the sensitivity surrounding discussions of Israel and the Holocaust within the Jewish community.

Allison Josephs, an activist advocating for Jewish representation in film and television, confirmed the signatories and noted that the letter had garnered nearly a thousand signatures by Tuesday morning, the NYT report said. The swift response highlights the significance of the issue and the unity among Jewish Hollywood figures in addressing Glazer’s remarks.

Glazer’s speech upon accepting the Oscar for international feature for his film “The Zone of Interest,” which explores the complexities of life within Nazi concentration camps, ignited controversy with its commentary on present-day conflicts involving Israel, the report in the NYT indicated. While acknowledging the film’s exploration of dehumanization and its consequences, Glazer’s remarks drew ire for equating the Holocaust with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

In his acceptance speech, Glazer stated, “Right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people,” the report added. He went on to reference specific incidents, including the October 7th attacks in Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, framing them as manifestations of dehumanization.

The director’s comments sparked immediate backlash, with many within the Jewish community expressing outrage over a misrepresentation of historical events and a politicization of the Holocaust, as per the report in the NYT. Critics argue that equating the Holocaust with contemporary political conflicts diminishes the unique horrors of the Holocaust and undermines efforts to combat anti-Semitism.

The letter signed by Jewish Hollywood professionals condemns Glazer’s remarks as divisive and misguided, emphasizing the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust without politicizing its legacy. It underscores the need for sensitivity and nuance in discussions surrounding Israel and the Holocaust, particularly within the context of mainstream media and cultural representations.

 

“We refute our Jewishness being hijacked for the purpose of drawing a moral equivalence between a Nazi regime that sought to exterminate a race of people, and an Israeli nation that seeks to avert its own extermination,” the letter asserts, expressing strong opposition to the comparison made by Glazer, as was noted in the NYT report.

The letter further argues against Glazer’s portrayal of Israel’s actions, stating, “Israel is not targeting civilians. It is targeting Hamas. The moment Hamas releases the hostages and surrenders, is the moment this heartbreaking war ends.” This assertion challenges Glazer’s characterization of the conflict and calls into question the accuracy of his statements.

Additionally, the NYT reported that the letter accuses Glazer’s speech of perpetuating anti-Jewish sentiment and lending credence to what it describes as a “modern blood libel” that fuels hatred against Jews globally, including in the United States and Hollywood.

Glazer’s remarks, which received applause at the ceremony before sparking criticism, have been subject to some confusion and misinterpretation. Early reports appeared to misquote Glazer, leading to misunderstandings regarding the nature of his comments. The NYT explained that while Glazer clarified that he was refuting the hijacking of his Jewishness by an occupation, some perceived his language as condemning Israel as a whole, rather than specific actions or policies.

 

Biden Administration Targets Corporate Jets in Tax Crackdown

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Edited by: TJVNews.com

The Biden administration’s pursuit of increased government revenue has turned its gaze skyward, with a keen focus on corporate jets as a potential source of additional tax revenue, as was recently reported in the New York Times. This scrutiny of private air travel represents a broader effort to compel large corporations to pay their fair share in taxes and to curtail tax evasion among the wealthy.

For years, private air travel has been synonymous with opulence and extravagance, drawing the ire of Democrats who seek to eliminate tax incentives that facilitate its use, according to the NYT report. From celebrities such as Taylor Swift to Fortune 500 CEOs, the perception of luxury associated with corporate jets has made them a prime target for reform.

At the heart of the issue are tax loopholes that have long favored corporate aviation over commercial airlines, allowing companies to write off the cost of jets more expeditiously and pay reduced fuel taxes, the NYT report noted. President Biden has seized upon this issue, incorporating plans to address corporate aviation taxation into his $5 trillion proposal for tax increases.

Speaking at his State of the Union address and a campaign event in Philadelphia, President Biden emphasized the need for big companies to contribute their fair share to the tax system, signaling his administration’s intent to close loopholes and ramp up scrutiny of executives who utilize company planes for personal travel.

Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen echoed this sentiment at a Senate hearing, commending the Internal Revenue Service’s efforts to combat abuse of corporate jet write-offs through a new initiative, as per  the information provided in the NYT report. However, these proposals have elicited swift opposition from the corporate aviation industry, which argues that they unfairly penalize American companies reliant on private planes for essential business operations.

Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association, expressed concerns over the lack of justification for targeting the corporate aviation sector for tax increases. According to the NYT report, he emphasized the importance of understanding the rationale behind these proposals and urged a more thorough examination of the facts.

While the likelihood of the budget’s approval by Congress remains uncertain, the proposed measures signal a concerted effort to level the playing field and ensure that wealthy individuals and corporations contribute their fair share to federal investments and deficit reduction.

At the heart of the budget proposal are two key initiatives that would impact jet users. Firstly, there’s a plan to incrementally raise the tax on jet fuel over five years, with the aim of reaching $1.06 per gallon from the current rate of 21.8 cents per gallon. The NYT report explained that the revenue generated from this increase would be directed towards the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which supports federal investments in airport and airway infrastructure. The Biden administration argues that the current tax rate fails to adequately capture the contributions of private jets, which represent a significant portion of flights handled by the Federal Aviation Administration but contribute disproportionately less to the trust fund.

The second proposal targets a tax break enjoyed by companies that purchase corporate jets, allowing them to deduct the cost of their planes more quickly than commercial aircraft. Under current regulations, businesses can write off the expense of a corporate jet over five years, compared to the seven-year period applicable to commercial airplanes, the report in the NYT said. The budget proposes aligning the tax treatment for corporate and commercial jets, introducing a seven-year “bonus depreciation” period for both categories of aircraft.

According to estimates from the White House, these proposals have the potential to generate $4 billion in revenue over a decade, signaling a significant contribution to deficit reduction efforts and investments in the American people.

Michael Kikukawa, a White House spokesman, emphasized the administration’s commitment to creating a more equitable tax system, stating, “This is about leveling the playing field for the middle class by making big corporations and the wealthy finally pay their fair share,” according to the NYT report. Kikukawa highlighted the importance of cracking down on wealthy tax cheats and closing loopholes for corporate jet purchases as part of broader efforts to address fiscal disparities.

The White House’s proposals coincide with recent initiatives from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) aimed at curbing abuses in corporate jet ownership. The information contained in the NYT report indicated that the IRS’s crackdown targets companies that exploit loopholes in the tax code to claim excessive deductions on airplanes used for personal travel by executives, signaling a coordinated effort to ensure compliance and fairness in tax enforcement.

This heightened scrutiny of corporate jet usage comes amid concerns over potential tax evasion and the misuse of deductions related to private air travel.

Under current tax regulations, companies are permitted to deduct the expenses associated with maintaining corporate jets if they are used for business purposes. However, there have been instances where executives, shareholders, and partners have utilized company planes for personal trips while still claiming full deductions for these expenses, as per the NYT report. This practice has raised red flags within the IRS, prompting a comprehensive audit initiative to ensure compliance with tax laws.

The IRS audits will not only focus on companies and their corporate jets but also extend to the wealthy passengers who benefit from these flights. As was noted in the NYT report, the agency contends that individuals utilizing corporate jets for personal travel should report such trips as income, thereby closing potential loopholes in the tax code and preventing revenue loss.

 

Daniel Werfel, the IRS commissioner, highlighted the importance of enhanced technology in facilitating these audits during a speech at American University. According to the NYT report, he emphasized that the agency’s upgraded digital infrastructure enables more rigorous analysis of flight data, allowing for a more comprehensive examination of inappropriate write-offs for personal use of corporate assets, including corporate jets.

However, not everyone is convinced that the IRS audits will yield the anticipated results in terms of recovering missing tax revenue. Ryan DeMoor, head of aviation tax at MySky, expressed skepticism, noting that many executives are required to utilize corporate airplanes, even for personal travel, the report added. DeMoor argued that finance departments tend to err on the side of caution when reporting aviation taxes due to the potential risks and costs associated with inaccuracies.

“They’re falling into the fat-cat executive trope out there, which is just not the case,” DeMoor asserted, as was reported by the NYT. He challenged the notion that Fortune 500 companies would jeopardize their reputations by attempting to save a nominal amount of tax money on flight expenses.

As the IRS ramps up its efforts to combat tax evasion related to corporate jet use, the debate surrounding the taxation of private air travel is likely to intensify, with stakeholders on both sides advocating for their respective positions on compliance, fairness, and the integrity of the tax system.

 

Amnon Weinstein’s Legacy: Resonating Voices of Hope Through Violins of the Holocaust

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Violins of Hope co-founder Amnon Weinstein Courtesy of Violins of Hope

Amnon Weinstein’s Legacy: Resonating Voices of Hope Through Violins of the Holocaust

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Amnon Weinstein, a revered Israeli luthier whose passion for restoring violins belonging to Jews during the Holocaust breathed new life into instruments laden with history and tragedy, passed away on March 4 in Tel Aviv at the age of 84, according to a recently published report in the New York Times.  His legacy of preserving the musical heritage of those silenced by Nazi atrocities endures through “Violins of Hope” –  an organization he founded, which continues to resonate with poignant tributes to the victims of the Holocaust.

His son Avshalom Weinstein confirmed his father’s passing, marking the end of a remarkable journey dedicated to honoring the memory of Holocaust victims through the universal language of music.

At the heart of Amnon Weinstein’s mission lay the belief that music has the power to transcend time and space, serving as a poignant reminder of lives extinguished far too soon. As was reported by the NYT, through Violins of Hope, he meticulously restored violins belonging to Holocaust survivors, ensuring that their voices would echo through generations.

In an emotional reflection captured in a 2016 PBS documentary, Weinstein likened Violins of Hope to “a huge forest of sounds,” each note serving as a poignant tribute to the individuals whose voices were forever silenced by the horrors of the Holocaust. “Each sound is standing for a boy, a girl and men and women that will never talk again,” he remarked, the NYT reported. “But the violins, when they are played on, will speak for them.”

Internationally Israeli Master Violin-maker Amnon Weinstein was involved in initiating and promoting concerts and educational projects concerning violins around the world. He worked with orchestras and artists both in Israel and abroad. Photo Credit: violins-of-hope.com

Weinstein’s collection comprises over 60 Holocaust-era violins, each bearing witness to the untold stories of resilience and defiance in the face of unspeakable adversity. The information contained in the NYT report indicated that some of these instruments were carried by Jews in suitcases to concentration camps, where they were compelled to play music as their fellow prisoners marched to their doom in gas chambers. Others provided solace and fleeting moments of respite in the confines of Jewish ghettos, serving as a testament to the enduring power of music amidst unimaginable suffering.

Among the most poignant tales is that of a violin tossed from a train to a railway worker by a doomed man who recognized his fate. “In the place where I now go, I don’t need a violin,” the man reportedly told the worker, as was noted in the NYT report. “Here, take my violin so it may live.” Such acts of selflessness and defiance against the forces of darkness resonate deeply in Weinstein’s narrative, underscoring the enduring legacy of hope and resilience amidst humanity’s darkest hour.

James A. Grymes, a music professor at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and author of “Violins of Hope,” vividly captured the essence of Weinstein’s workshop. According to the NYT report, Grymes likened the experience to “stepping in time,” evoking the aura of Stradivarius’s legendary workshop. “It’s like he was the Willy Wonka of the violin,” Grymes remarked, painting a picture of a space imbued with history, craftsmanship, and reverence for the instrument.

 

– James A. Grymes, a music professor at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and author of “Violins of Hope,” vividly captured the essence of Weinstein’s workshop. Grymes likened the experience to “stepping in time,” evoking the aura of Stradivarius’s legendary workshop. “It’s like he was the Willy Wonka of the violin,” Grymes remarked, painting a picture of a space imbued with history, craftsmanship, and reverence for the instrument. Photo Credit: violinsofhopesfba.org

In the 1980s, a pivotal encounter forever altered the trajectory of Weinstein’s life and work. A man bearing the scars of Auschwitz arrived at his workshop, clutching a weather-beaten violin—the silent witness to unspeakable horrors, the NYT report explained.  As Weinstein meticulously restored the instrument, he made a chilling discovery: ashes embedded within its depths, remnants of the crematoria at Auschwitz. The weight of history hung heavy in the air, confronting Weinstein with the stark reality of his own family’s losses in the Holocaust.

Initially hesitant to undertake the emotionally fraught task of repairing Holocaust-era violins, Weinstein grappled with the magnitude of the stories they held within their fragile frames. Yet, driven by a sense of duty and reverence, he embarked on a mission to breathe life into instruments that bore witness to humanity’s darkest hour, as per the information in the NYT report.  One such violin, repaired by Weinstein, found its way into the hands of a grandson—a true testament to the resilience and continuity of life amidst the nightmarish Holocaust years.

It wasn’t until the late 1990s, as Weinstein imparted his craft to his son, that he began to reflect deeply on the significance of Holocaust-era violins in Jewish culture. The report in the NYT pointed out that from the humble shtetls of Eastern Europe to the vibrant melodies of klezmer bands and the soaring concertos of Itzhak Perlman, Weinstein recognized the enduring legacy of the violin as a symbol of hope, resilience, and cultural identity.

Through his tireless efforts with Violins of Hope, Weinstein transformed mere instruments into vessels of remembrance, giving voice to the silenced and preserving the stories of survival for future generations. The report added that his workshop may have been a modest space tucked away on King Solomon Street, but its impact reverberated across continents, bridging the chasm between past and present through the timeless language of music.

Born into a family steeped in musical tradition, Weinstein’s passion for the violin was ignited at a young age, ultimately leading him to become a guardian of history through his work with Violins of Hope.

His father, Moshe Weinstein, a respected musician and violin repairman, instilled in him a reverence for the craft from a young age, as was reported by the NYT. Following in his father’s footsteps, Weinstein honed his skills in violin making, embarking on a pilgrimage to Cremona, Italy—a city renowned for its master luthiers—before further refining his craft under the tutelage of Étienne Vatelot in Paris.

In 1975, Weinstein’s journey intersected with history when he married Assaela Bielski Gershoni, the daughter of a Jewish resistance fighter whose bravery during World War II was immortalized in the film “Defiance,” as was indicated in the NYT report. Their union not only cemented Weinstein’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Holocaust-era violins but also underscored the profound personal connection he felt to this mission.

Weinstein’s legacy of preserving the musical heritage of those silenced by Nazi atrocities endures through “Violins of Hope” – an organization he founded, which continues to resonate with poignant tributes to the victims of the Holocaust. Photo Credit: Facebook.com

Reflecting on his childhood in Mandatory Palestine, Weinstein recalled the ubiquity of the violin—a symbol of cultural heritage and resilience. “It was kind of a must for the young generation to learn to play the violin,” he remarked in a PBS documentary, as was noted in the NYT report. “And when you have a violin, Friday or Saturday evening, always somebody was taking it and playing on it.” These memories underscored the profound significance of the violin in shaping his identity and guiding his life’s work.

Driven by a desire to reclaim the voices silenced by the Holocaust, Weinstein issued a poignant plea during a radio interview, urging listeners to bring him instruments with ties to the Holocaust. The NYT reported that what ensued was a flood of families arriving at his workshop, bearing violins that had lain dormant in attics and cellars, each imbued with its own haunting narrative of survival and loss.

Among the most chilling artifacts were violins recovered from concentration camps in the aftermath of the Allied invasion of Germany in 1945. Weinstein, profoundly moved by these relics, recognized the solemn significance of these instruments. “This was the last human sound that all of those people heard, the violin,” he lamented in a radio interview on WKSU in Ohio, according to the NYT report. “You cannot use the name beauty. But this was the beauty of this time, these violins.” In their somber melodies, Weinstein found a profound connection to the souls of those who perished.

In 1996, Weinstein embarked on a visionary project that would forever alter the landscape of Holocaust remembrance: Violins of Hope. As was noted in the NYT report,  the inaugural concerts featuring instruments from the collection unfolded in Turkey and Israel in 2008, marking the beginning of a global journey that would span continents and captivate audiences with the haunting melodies of history.

For Weinstein, each concert with the violins was not merely a performance but a triumph—a victory over silence and oblivion, the NYT report added. “Each concert is a victory,” he would often remark, encapsulating the profound significance of each note played on these instruments of memory and resilience.

Musicians, particularly those of Jewish heritage, attested to the soul-stirring experience of playing violins from the collection, acknowledging the weight of history and the responsibility to honor the voices silenced by the Holocaust. Speaking to the NYT was Niv Ashkenazi, a violinist who recorded an album featuring an instrument from the collection. He articulated the emotional depth of the experience: “It’s emotional for me because I’m not there to play this violin, I’m there to let it speak…Our job as musicians is to just let these violins shine through.”

In the wake of Weinstein’s passing, his legacy lives on through his son Avshalom, who remains committed to continuing the Violins of Hope project—a testament to the enduring impact of his father’s vision and dedication, the NYT report said. Alongside Avshalom, Weinstein is survived by his wife and two other children, as well as seven grandchildren, ensuring that his legacy extends through generations.

 

The NYT report also said that in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to Holocaust remembrance and reconciliation, Weinstein was honored with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2016—a prestigious accolade that underscored the profound impact of his work on a global scale.

During the award ceremony, Germany’s foreign minister at the time, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, paid tribute to Weinstein’s unwavering commitment to honoring the memory of Holocaust victims. Addressing Weinstein directly, Steinmeier spoke of the profound symbolism embodied by each violin in the collection—a testament to the humanity and resilience of the six million lives lost during the Holocaust, according to the NYT report.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Amnon Weinstein, we are reminded of the transformative power of music to transcend tragedy, to amplify voices silenced by history, and to illuminate the path toward healing and reconciliation. Through Violins of Hope, Weinstein’s vision continues to resonate, offering solace, inspiration, and hope in the face of the depths of darkness.

 

 

 

 

Israeli FM summons Turkish envoy after Erdoğan vows to ‘send Netanyahu to Allah’

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raeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz arrives at the weekly Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Jan. 22, 2023. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90.

 

“I ordered the summons of the Turkish deputy ambassador to Israel for a severe reprimand, against the background of Erdoğan’s threats to send Netanyahu to Allah,” Katz wrote on X.

“And to convey a clear message to Erdoğan: You, who support the baby-burners, murderers, rapists and mutilators of Hamas, are the last one who can speak about God,” continued Katz. “There is no God who will listen to those who support the atrocities and crimes against humanity committed by your barbaric friends from Hamas. Be quiet and ashamed!”

At an election rally on Thursday, Erdoğan had threatened to “send [Netanyahu] to Allah to take care of him, make him miserable and curse him,” according to Turkish media reports.

Earlier this month, Erdoğan compared Netanyahu and his government to Nazi Germany.

“Netanyahu and his administration, with their crimes against humanity in Gaza, are writing their names next to Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin, like today’s Nazis,” he said.

Erdoğan also placed Ankara firmly on the side of Hamas, which he denied was a terrorist organization. “Hamas is not a terrorist organization, but rather a resistance, and we stand firmly behind them and [are] in constant contact with its leaders,” he said.

Netanyahu blasted the Turkish leader over the remarks, saying, “Israel observes the laws of war and will not be subject to moral preaching from Erdoğan, who supports murderers and rapists of the Hamas terrorist organization, denies the Armenian genocide, massacres Kurds in his own country and cracks down on regime opponents and journalists.”

In December, the Turkish president said Netanyahu was “no different” than Hitler. A month earlier, Erdoğan told his country’s parliament that Israel would soon be destroyed.

Israel-Turkish relations went through a long cold spell, mainly due to Erdoğan’s hostile reaction to the 2008 war against Hamas and the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla incident

Relations thawed in 2022, and the countries agreed to restore full diplomatic relations.

With the eruption of Israel’s current war, ties have again frayed, and Israel felt compelled in October to recall its diplomats over the Turkish government’s “increasingly harsh statements.”

Disney Proxy Fight: Nelson Peltz Scores a Major Win

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Billionaire investor Nelson Peltz is reportedly planning a renewed effort to secure seats on the board of Walt Disney. Credit: AP

Disney Proxy Fight: Nelson Peltz Scores a Major Win

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a dramatic turn of events, Nelson Peltz has secured a significant victory in his proxy battle with Disney, marking a pivotal moment in the corporate landscape. As was recently reported in The Wall Street Journal, the latest development came as Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), a powerhouse in proxy-advisory services, threw its weight behind Peltz’s bid to join Disney’s board. The recommendation from ISS, issued on Thursday, adds a new layer of complexity to an already contentious shareholder showdown.

According to a comprehensive 34-page report sent to investors, ISS endorsed nearly all of Disney’s nominees, save for one notable exception—former Disney finance chief Jay Rasulo, put forward by Peltz’s Trian Partners, according to the WSJ report. This strategic move by ISS underscores the nuanced dynamics at play in this high-stakes battle for corporate control.

However, ISS’s support for Peltz wasn’t without its caveats. The proxy firm declined to endorse Rasulo, signaling a measured approach that recognizes both the potential benefits of Peltz’s involvement and the need for scrutiny over specific nominees, as was indicated in the WSJ report. Furthermore, ISS recommended against three nominees proposed by another activist investor, Blackwells Capital, further complicating the landscape of shareholder allegiances.

The contrasting stance taken by another major proxy adviser, Glass Lewis, earlier in the week further highlights the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of Disney’s upcoming annual shareholder meeting on April 3, as per the information in the NYT report. While Glass Lewis backed all of Disney’s nominees, ISS’s selective endorsement adds a layer of intrigue to the impending showdown.

The significance of proxy advisers’ recommendations cannot be overstated, given their immense influence over director elections. Institutional shareholders often rely heavily on these assessments to inform their voting decisions, amplifying the impact of endorsements such as the one issued by ISS in Peltz’s favor.

A report released by Barclays in 2023 sheds light on the formidable sway wielded by proxy advisers, revealing that a staggering 75% of nominees backed by ISS ultimately secure election—a statistic that underscores the pivotal role these firms play in shaping corporate governance, the WSJ report said.

At the heart of Trian Partners’ campaign lies a compelling narrative centered on revitalizing Disney’s fortunes. Peltz and his cohorts argue that their expertise can help “restore the magic” to Disney’s financial performance, which has faced challenges in recent years. As was noted in the WSJ report, key areas of focus include establishing clearer chief-executive succession plans, enhancing the guest experience at Disney’s iconic theme parks, and exploring strategic options for Hulu, among other initiatives.

 

ISS’s rationale for supporting Peltz’s bid to join Disney’s board is multifaceted, with a particular emphasis on bolstering the company’s succession planning efforts. The tumultuous leadership transition at Disney, which saw Bob Iger return to the CEO role in 2022 following the ousting of his successor, Bob Chapek, coincided with Peltz’s strategic accumulation of Disney shares, the WSJ report explained.  This backdrop underscores the urgency of ensuring a smoother succession process moving forward, with ISS viewing Peltz as a key figure in providing reassurance to investors regarding the board’s commitment to effective governance.

The report in the WSJ explained that in its analysis, ISS highlighted Peltz’s potential contributions to the succession process, noting, “Dissident nominee Peltz, as a significant shareholder, could be additive to the succession process, providing assurance to other investors that the board is properly engaged this time around. He could also help evaluate future capital allocation decisions.”

However, Disney has swiftly pushed back against ISS’s recommendation, signaling a divergence of opinion between the corporate giant and the influential proxy advisory firm. The WSJ reported that Disney reiterated its stance on Thursday, expressing disagreement with ISS’s call for investors to support Peltz’s candidacy—a stance that sets the stage for a showdown at the upcoming shareholder meeting.

Despite the escalating tensions surrounding the proxy battle, Disney has been proactive in addressing shareholder concerns and charting a course for future growth. According to the WSJ report, the company’s establishment of a committee tasked with selecting its next CEO, coupled with Bob Iger’s commitment to remain at the helm through 2026, reflects a concerted effort to navigate the complexities of executive leadership transitions.

Moreover, Disney’s strategic maneuvers in recent months have garnered positive reception from shareholders, with notable initiatives including an investment in the popular gaming platform Epic Games, plans to stream Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Eras Tour concert movie on Disney+, and a groundbreaking partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery to launch a sports-focused streaming service.

The market’s response to Disney’s proactive measures has been palpable, with Disney shares surging nearly 30% since the beginning of the year, signaling renewed investor confidence in the company’s long-term prospects, the WSJ reported. However, it’s worth noting that despite the recent rally, Disney shares remain below their peak levels from 2021, underscoring the lingering challenges and uncertainties facing the entertainment giant.

ISS has underscored the importance of effective governance in navigating Disney’s leadership succession and strategic shifts. The WSJ report said that while acknowledging Bob Iger’s leadership acumen, ISS has raised questions about the board’s preparedness for overseeing the transition to the next CEO, whenever that may occur.

 

According to ISS, “there are lingering questions about the board’s ability to properly oversee the next CEO transition, whether it happens in 2026 or in later years, and the significant strategic changes the company is undertaking.” This sentiment reflects broader concerns within the investor community regarding Disney’s long-term planning and governance practices.

In contrast, Disney has rallied considerable support from key stakeholders, bolstering its position in the proxy battle. According to the information contained in the WSJ report, notable endorsements include “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, a major individual shareholder, who publicly expressed support for the company earlier in the week. Additionally, Disney enjoys backing from members of the Disney family, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon—who leads the bank defending Disney in the proxy fight—and hedge fund ValueAct Capital.

The outpouring of support from influential figures and entities underscores the depth of confidence in Disney’s leadership and strategic direction. This united front could prove instrumental in swaying shareholders’ votes and solidifying Disney’s position amidst the ongoing proxy battle.

Furthermore, Disney’s unique shareholder base, characterized by a significant proportion of individual investors controlling more than one-third of the company’s stock, may serve as an advantage. Unlike institutional investors, individual shareholders often exhibit a predisposition to support companies, particularly those with iconic brands and a track record of success.

However, the effectiveness of Disney’s support network hinges on the turnout of individual investors at the upcoming shareholder meeting. While their collective voting power could tip the scales in Disney’s favor, ensuring widespread participation remains a critical factor in securing victory in the proxy battle.

With the April 3 shareholder meeting looming, the outcome of this high-stakes showdown will shape Disney’s governance structure and strategic trajectory for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To end its campus antisemitism, Columbia should start acting like a university

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An anti-Israel "apartheid wall" on display at Columbia University during "Israeli Apartheid Week" in 2017. Source: Facebook.

by Lev Tsitrin-New English Review

Columbia University apparently concluded that the virus of antisemitism that invaded its faculty and student body (and became acutely symptomatic after October 7) has become too entrenched to be treated, and only palliative care is now possible. This is the gist of the New York Times’ report titled “What Is Antisemitism? A Columbia Task Force Would Rather Not Say.”

Unwilling to share the professional fate of the presidents of Harvard and University of Pennsylvania who had to resign after a congressional hearing on antisemitism at their schools, Columbia’s Nemat Shafik — who is set to testify before Congress on April 17 — set up a palliative care department called a “task force to combat antisemitism on campus.” It is co-chaired by three Jewish professors whose job, according to “one of the co-chairs, Nicholas Lemann, a former dean of the journalism school … is not to define antisemitism … [but] to listen to [people], make them feel that somebody at Columbia cares about them, and to try to figure out what is causing this great discomfort and distress, and whether anything can be done to ameliorate it that’s consistent with the values of the university” — the very definition of palliative care.

Equally revealing (and illustrative of the way the legalistic thinking can become entrenched — and of the Columbia professors’ inability to learn from the experience of U Penn, Harvard, and MIT who flunked their congressional test), the members of the “task force” parrot their failed colleagues’ thinking and language by stating that it “was ultimately a question for lawyers” whether “some common anti-Israel protest chants like “Death to the Zionist State” could amount to discriminatory harassment of Jewish or Israeli students.”

As is well-known, it is insanity to do the same thing over again and expect a different result — and yet this is exactly what Columbia professors are doing. Repeat this line of “reasoning” on April 17 to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Columbia President Nemat Shafik — and Columbia can start looking for a new president right away.

Given the Harvard, U Penn, and MIT congressional experience, it is inexcusably obtuse for the “task force” to declare that it needs “more guidance on the meaning of ‘discriminatory harassment,’ including antisemitic harassment” — because Rep. Stefanik, along with the ex-presidents of U Penn and Harvard — gave them all the “guidance” they need. As a cherry on the cake of idiocy and legalistic hogwash the academe wallows in, this quote from “David M. Schizer, another co-chair and former dean of Columbia’s law school” will do: “our policy definition of discriminatory harassment needs to be general, not tailored only to protect Jews and Israelis.” How so? Who else is affected by antisemitism, other than “Jews and Israelis,” ex-Dean Schizer? Can you elaborate?

But I am not here just to bash the Columbia professors, but to suggest to them the solution to the problem that should have been obvious to them from the get-go — but somehow, isn’t. How about enforcing at Columbia — which is after all an academic institution — the academic rules of discourse?

Let me remind “the task force” members that academic discourse is not done by shouting in the streets, but in academic journals and seminar rooms. Marches, picketing and sloganeering belong in a political sphere, not in academic one. Academia is all about the search for truth — and truth is not found in impassioned mass marches, but in labs, and in discussions among colleagues who calmly seek for truth, not loudly affirm their egos.

For this reason, no academic institution should allow itself to become a theater of political passions. For protests, there are city streets, pre-approved by the police department. “When at Rome, do as Romans do” — when at a university, follow academic protocols for discourse. If you think that Hamas is in the right, write an academic paper on the subject — and be prepared to have your facts and your logic (and therefore, your conclusions) challenged in seminars, and in the papers by others. This is an academic protocol; anything else is anarchy that has nothing whatsoever to do with academic life — the life of the mind.

Of course, just as any other citizen — a banker, an electrician, a plumber — a professor or a student has every right to engage in political activism — but it has to be done outside the workplace. Political protest is a private business unrelated to one’s academic duties. Political agitation is not how truth is established — therefore, it does not belong in a campus at all.

That’s really the long and the short of it: Columbia — and all other universities — should not tolerate political demonstrations on their campuses. The most important lesson universities can (and should) impart on their students is that one’s passion for the cause is not equivalent to the rightness of that cause. Communism, Nazism, and Islamism all resulted from sincere political passion — yet the people who so passionately advocated them were in the wrong, with a result that their ardent self-righteousness resulted in frightful crimes.

The anti-Israel self-righteousness that now consumes so many American campuses is the very opposite to the spirit of academe. In universities, only dispassionate academic argument conducted in writing is permissible. This simple fact should be the starting point, and the guiding star for Columbia’s “task force to combat antisemitism on campus.” The solution for the problem of antisemitism at Columbia, and at other places of teaching and research is really simple: insist on sticking to academic ways of discourse. Act as a university, not as a mob.

This solution is highly likely to do the trick of ridding Columbia of antisemitism — and even a lawyer like ex-Dean Schizer should find it sufficiently all-encompassing to not worry that “our policy might treat protected classes differently, which itself is a problem under federal law.” When a professor is merely seeking for truth, and a student is merely seeking knowledge — doing what a university requires of them — and they keep their political passions off the campus, the antisemitism that badly infected the campuses will be removed from academic life for good.

A New Word to Trick Israel

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Flags held at a prior “Day of Rage” attended by Students for Justice in Palestine and other anti-Israel organizations. Credit: A Katz/Shutterstock.

A New Word to Trick Israel

By:  Moshe Phillips

Nineteen Democratic U.S. senators have called on President Biden to “recognize a nonmilitarized Palestinian state.” Until now, congressional supporters of Palestinian statehood have always used the term “demilitarized.” Why the sudden change?

There’s just no way it was an accident. Letters signed by U.S. senators are reviewed and revised by a large team of writers and public relations advisers. In this case, the staffs of nineteen different senators reviewed and approved this letter dated March 20. A change like this, from “demilitarized” to “nonmilitarized,” didn’t just slip through without anybody noticing.

Especially when “nonmilitarized” is such a peculiar term. Throughout modern history “demilitarized” has always been the conventional term. Somebody made a conscious decision to change the word. Here’s a theory as to why. It involves two reasons.

The first reason for the change is rhetorical. A major problem for advocates of “demilitarization” is that it has a long history of not working. The most famous example is the German territory of the Rhineland, which was supposed to be demilitarized after World War One—that is, until Hitler decided to remilitarize it. And the world stood idly by.

American advocates of Palestinian statehood don’t want their opponents to be able to cite that historical precedent. They hate historical precedents—because they prove the fallacy of the “demilitarization” idea. They think that by changing the word, they can preempt criticism of the idea.

The second reason for the change is more practical. If you say “nonmilitarized,” you’re pretending that right now, the Palestinian Authority regime does not have military capability, so to create a state, you would just convert the existing entity into a fully sovereign state without having to impose any real changes on it. But if you use the term “demilitarized,” that means acknowledging that the Palestinian Authority already has a de-facto army—and therefore you would have to disarm it. Which nobody in the international community is willing to do.

The PA’s de-facto army began its existence disguised as a “strong police force,” according to Article VII of the first Oslo agreement. While nobody was paying attention, the PA expanded the original 12,000 man “police force” into a 60,000-man “security force.”

Then came Oslo II, in 1995, which required the PA security forces to “apprehend, investigate and prosecute perpetrators and all other persons directly or indirectly involved in acts of terrorism, violence and incitement.” (Annex I, Article II, 3-c).

The PA never fulfilled that obligation. In fact, just the opposite. A new study by a major Israeli think tank, Regavim, found that the PA security forces themselves list 2,000 of their members as “martyrs”—meaning they died while committing terrorism. In addition, fully 12% of all Palestinian Arab terrorists currently jailed in Israel are members of the PA security forces—that’s approximately 500 out of the 4,500-5,000 jailed terrorists. Yet our own CIA continues to provide training for the PA’s de-facto army.

The World Atlas lists which countries have the largest per-capita security forces. The largest ones are those with the tiniest populations, thus making the size of their security forces disproportionately large, like the Vatican, the Pitcairn Islands, and Monaco. Sixth on the list—despite having a population of several million—is the Palestinian Authority. The PA has a whopping 1,250 “police officers” per 100,000 people.

A 2018 report by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, titled “Evolution of the Palestinian Authority Security Forces,” revealed that “by late 1998, the PA security services…had in almost every regard violated the letter of the agreements reached with Israel,” turning the PA-governed areas into “one of the most heavily policed territories in the world.”

“A proliferation of weapons was occurring, both in quantity and quality, well beyond that stipulated in Oslo II,” according to the Washington Institute. “By one estimate, there were at least 40,000 more weapons than allowed in the agreement, including RPGs, mortars, mines, grenade launchers, and sniper rifles; also being developed was a small-scale indigenous manufacturing capacity for hand grenades and other ammunition.” That was fifteen years ago. One can only imagine what the PA has in its arsenal now.

Now you see the problem with using the term “demilitarization”—it would mean taking away most of the PA security forces’ weapons and military equipment.

In all likelihood, the change from “demilitarized” to “nonmilitarized” was initiated by some ex-State Department official or some “as a Jew…” critic of Israel. Or maybe one person who fits both descriptions. He probably thought he was being clever. Maybe nobody would notice; the term would start to gain circulation, and before long nobody would remember its significance.

But words matter. And when it comes to Middle East diplomacy, words really matter. Just think about the countless debates over why UN Security Council Resolution 242 said Israel should withdraw from “territories,” not “the territories.”

The same is true for “demilitarized” and “nonmilitarized.” That seemingly small change is actually a big deal. A very big deal.

(Moshe Phillips is a commentator on Jewish affairs whose writings appear regularly in the American and Israeli press.)

Israel approves hostage deal proposal by US, may agree to permanent ceasefire

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Chief David Barnea (Photo Credit: Prime Minister's Office)

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

An Israeli delegation to Qatar has agreed to a new hostage release proposal and may consider a ceasefire if Hamas leaders leave Gaza permanently, according to a Kan report.

The latest iteration of the framework hostage deal would secure the ease of women, elderly, and wounded hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during a 6-week ceasefire.

The bone of contention was over the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel would have to free for every hostage.

Hamas at first demanded the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for every female soldier, but after an objection from Israel, the United States requested that the number be lowered to 5, a compromise Israel agreed to.

The Israeli delegation said it was also willing to discuss the return of 2,000 Palestinians to northern Gaza, according to Channel 12 news.

According to Al Jazeera, Israel also demanded the release of the bodies of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul.

Hamas may take several days before giving its answer.

Present in the negotiations were Mossad Chief David Barnea, CIA director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani, and Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamal and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

According to Kan News, Israel may agree to a permanent ceasefire as long as Hamas leaders are exiled permanently from Gaza and that the region remains demilitarized.

Statements from the IDF and Netanyahu earlier in the war indicated a commitment to eliminate Hamas leaders like the October 7th mastermind Yahya Sinwar who is believed to be hiding in Gaza.

The report says Israel may allow Hamas leaders to choose exile instead in exchange for a cessation of hostilities provided that all hostages are released.

The impasse that has impeded earlier hostage release proposals involved Hamas’s refusal to release hostages in the absence of a ceasefire, and Netanyahu’s insistence that the IDF would not stop the war if it meant Hamas would remain in power in the Gaza Strip.

However, Hamas officials have denied the option of leaving the Gaza Strip, and senior Hamas official Husam Badran said in a text, “Hamas and its leaders are on their land in Gaza. We won’t leave.”