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Mike Lawler And Ritchie Torres Want To Send Antisemitism Monitors To Campuses, Pull Funding From Noncomplying Schools

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Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., speaks during a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Al Drago/Pool via AP)

(Dail Caller) Republican New York Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic New York Rep. Ritchie Torres are planning to introduce legislation to send antisemitism monitors to college campuses and revoke federal funds from schools that don’t comply, the GOP lawmaker announced in a Friday press release.

The College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability Act, or the COLUMBIA Act, would empower the Department of Education to install a third-party monitor to any school that accepts federal funding, according to the press release.

The monitor would be responsible for releasing quarterly public reports on schools’ progress in their efforts to combat antisemitism. Though the Department of Education would appoint the monitors, the schools would pay for them, the press release reads.

The Representatives highlighted protests across the country, particularly at Columbia University, as a major reason why they’re introducing the bill.

“Rising antisemitism on our college campuses is a major concern and we must act to ensure the safety of students,” Lawler wrote. “I’m proud to work with my friend and colleague Ritchie Torres on legislation that will impose a third-party antisemitism monitor on college campuses to ensure protections are in place and oversee any troubling action by college administrators. If colleges will not step up to protect their students, Congress must act.”

“As we have seen over the last half a year since October 7, campus antisemitism is at an all-time high, and American universities are not capable of handling it when left to their own devices. My office and I have spoken with countless Jewish students from campuses across America who feel deeply unsafe, purely as a result of their religious and ethnic identity,” Torres said in the release.

“This is a blatant violation of Title VI and the federal government cannot allow this to continue unchecked. This past week’s crisis at Columbia is not an isolated incident — it is the straw that has broken the camel’s back — and I am prepared to do something about it. That’s why I am introducing the COLUMBIA Act today, and I urge all of my colleagues in the House, from both parties, to join me in this crucial action. Jewish students have told my office that they feel completely abandoned by their university administrators and they view Congress as the only avenue for accountability and safety. Let’s honor our word to them and get this done,” Torres concluded.

Besides the protests in Columbia, Pro-Palestine demonstrations have erupted on campuses across the country.

The University of Southern California cancelled their main graduation ceremony due to rampant protests.

Atlanta’s Emory University was rife with agitators Thursday as police struggled to contain the chaos. Police arrested Chair of the Philosophy Department Noelle McAfee and economics professor Caroline Fohlin on camera.

 

The University of Texas at Austin was also the setting for some clashes between police and protestors Wednesday, with law enforcement arresting 10.

Students at Harvard took over the school’s iconic Harvard Yard park Wednesday.

Additional protests occurred at Yale, the University of Michigan, UCLA and George Washington University and others throughout the nation.

Anti-Israel Rot Runs Deep And Widespread In Our Education System Starting In Kindergarten OPINION

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Ivy League universities such as Columbia (pictured above), Harvard, Rutgers, UPenn, and MIT are places where anti-Semitism has not only found a foothold but has also been allowed to flourish, often unchecked. Credit: YouTube.com

By Ryan Walters (Daily Caller)

In recent days, the chaos at Columbia University and other colleges has once again reminded Americans about the sheer amount of anti-Semitism that is running rampant at American colleges and the degree to which it has pervaded our institutions of higher learning. But this comes as little surprise to anyone who has been paying attention to the state of American higher education to any degree over the last few years. This problem is far more widespread than the most recent headlines.

The anti-Israel rot in our education system runs a whole lot deeper than a bunch of college inmates once again taking over the asylum. Whether parents realize or not, America’s K-12 government schools are also replete with anti-Israel hatred and propaganda. And in order to address it, we need to take on the education cartel — composed of teachers’ unions, bureaucrats and politicians — that promotes and perpetuates it

Back in December, almost 40 parents’ groups publicly called on the Biden administration to address anti-Israel rhetoric and propaganda in government schools. Their concerns were well founded.

Research recently published in City Journal outlines just how anti-Israel political ideologies have spread throughout primary and secondary educational institutions. This includes “‘Liberated ethnic studies’ curricula, like the one mandated by California” and other lessons where Israel is routinely described as “an egregious example of ‘settler colonialism’ and oppression of ‘indigenous people.’”

A December report published by The FreePress outlines even more despicable examples, including a pre-K lesson on “ethnic noses.” Meanwhile, scores of teachers in New York City earlier in 2024 attended a seminar where they got information on how to get around so-called “censorship” while indoctrinating students about the “Israeli occupation” and “ongoing genocide in Gaza.” Countless other examples abound and require only a minimal amount of effort to dig up.

Most of this pseudo-curriculum is being pushed by the political leanings of radical progressive teachers’ unions, according to a City Journal article, which is completely unsurprising. Just as with other political causes, most of the unions have been very open about their ideological leanings when it comes to Israel.

The simple fact of the matter is that, at the end of the day, bureaucrats, teachers’ unions and politicians are focused far more on political outcomes from public schools than they are on quality education. At the same time, most of this education cartel is ideologically captured by whatever pop-ideological trends are captivating national politics at any given time and whatever the radical left’s political coalitions demand of them. At this moment in time, that means most of these include anti-American civics, biology defying gender ideology, Critical Race Theory and — yes — anti-Israel, pro-Hamas propaganda.

There are, however, other issues that also need to be addressed, such as anti-Israel organizations working to inject their own pro-Hamas perspectives into curricula around the country. At the same time, the Qatar Foundation International — at the direction of the pro-Hamas Qatari government — has been giving money and resources to education departments and institutions to further the pro-Hamas Qatari government and ruling class’s geopolitical ends.

Israel is a vital American ally. Israel has a right to exist. Hamas’ barbaric, terrorist tactics have no place in a civilized world. These should not be controversial statements — especially not in classrooms supported by American tax dollars. Yes, these issues must be addressed where they arise, and school systems need to be completely swept clean of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel propaganda. But playing Whac-A-Mole with a broken and flawed system is not a long-term solution to the problem. Education freedom is.

Political actors posing as educators simply will not have the power to corrupt our institutions and brainwash American students if the American people stand up and demand that we put that power back in the hands of parents and students. It’s that simple. The best way to avoid disturbing surprises in our children’s classrooms is to create a system where transparency is a given. The best way to ensure that hateful and pernicious ideologies do not infect public school curricula is to give parents the power to choose which curricula their children are going to learn from — whether that’s at a traditional public school, charter school, private school or through homeschooling.

That is the future of American education, and it’s a future that more and more parents are pushing for every single day. If we want to root out anti-Semitism and anti-Israel propaganda in public schools, then we need to disempower the terrorist sympathizers in our midst and radically re-empower the American people.

Ryan Walters is Superintendent of the Oklahoma State Department of Education. You can follow him on X: @RyanWaltersSupt.

NYPD arrest hundreds of anti-Israel activists near Shumer’s Brooklyn home

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Tranq is circulating across NY and has been tied to dozens of deaths in the state. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
(JNS) New York City Police Department officers reported arresting approximately 200 people on April 21 in Brooklyn, N.Y., at Grand Army Plaza, one block from the home of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Protesters wore black T-shirts declaring “Jews Say Cease Fire Now” as law enforcement led them away in zip ties two at a time. Chants at the demonstration included “Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest. Disclose, divest” and “Let Gaza live.”

It wasn’t the first time that pro-Palestinian, pro-Hamas marchers directed their ire at Schumer; they first chose the location right after the terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7.

The activists started their march holding a banner representing a Passover seder plate. Morgan Bassichis, a member of the far-left, anti-Israel activist group Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), said to participants that “this will not be a seder as usual. These are not usual times.”

The agitators escalated as some in the crowd shifted their attention to the streets, choosing to block traffic, which provoked long blasts from car horns. Those who ignored NYPD officers’ warnings of potential arrest for refusing to move soon found themselves in zip ties.

JVP confirmed that it had intentionally chosen the action to coincide with the Jewish holiday of Passover.

“Screams Before Silence”: A Documentary Sheds Light on Hamas Rape of Women During October 7 Attacks

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“Screams Before Silence”: A Documentary Sheds Light on Hamas Rape of Women During October 7 Attacks

Edited by: TJVNews.com

On October 7, a series of brutal attacks on Israeli towns and the Nova Music Festival left a dark mark, characterized by horrific acts of sexual violence against women and girls, including rape, assault, and mutilation. These heinous acts extended to the treatment of Israeli captives in Gaza, with released hostages recounting experiences of sexual assault. Despite the gravity and severity of these atrocities, there has been a noticeable lack of attention from human rights groups and international organizations.

The Documentary: An In-Depth Investigation

In the 60-minute documentary film, “Screams Before Silence,” Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Meta and founder of LeanIn.org, takes on the role of presenter to delve deep into these sexual atrocities. The film features interviews with a range of participants including eyewitnesses, released hostages, first responders, as well as medical and forensic experts who were on the ground during and after the attacks.

Lack of Scrutiny and Denial

The documentary highlights a disturbing trend among some sectors of the global community, including notable figures in politics, academia, and media, who have either minimized or outright denied the occurrence of these attacks. This denial and the general scarcity of scrutiny stand in stark contrast to the indisputable evidence presented by survivors and professionals involved in the aftermath of the events.

Purpose and Impact of the Documentary

“Screams Before Silence” aims to bring these ignored and denied narratives to the forefront, providing a platform for the voices of survivors of this sexual violence. By presenting firsthand accounts and expert analyses, the documentary seeks to challenge the prevailing narratives and encourage a more informed and empathetic understanding of the atrocities committed.

Broader Implications

The release of this documentary raises important questions about the role of human rights organizations and the international community in addressing and acknowledging acts of terror and sexual violence. It calls attention to the need for a unified and unequivocal response to such acts, regardless of the geopolitical or social complexities involved.

 

The film serves as a critical reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable while providing justice and recognition to the victims of such unfathomable acts.

Legislators announce language defining squatter in state housing law included in FY25 state budget

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NY State Senator John Liu in a 2017 AP photo

, NY – State Senator John Liu, Assembly Member Ron Kim and Queens legislators today announced that the final FY2025 state budget includes language that defines squatter in state housing law. The language was derived from legislation introduced by Senator Liu and Assembly Member Ron Kim, S8996/ A9772, following recent reports of squatters who take over private property.

The definition updates New York State real property law to read that “a tenant shall not include a squatter,” and further define squatter as “a person who enters or intrudes upon real property without the permission of the person entitled to possession, and continues to occupy the property without title, right or permission of the owner or owner’s agent or a person entitled to possession.”

Including this definition in real property law will help distinguish legal renters from those who unlawfully intrude or take over property. It establishes that squatters are not tenants and therefore not subject to tenant rights or protections after 30 days.

State Senator John Liu stated, “It was important that we acted with urgency to send a strong message to squatters who take over private homes that they are not welcome in our community. Scam artists who intrude on others’ homes should not have rights as tenants in state housing law, and this inclusion in the budget codifies that in simple, straightforward language. Defining squatter is an important step forward, and we will continue examining even stronger measures to protect homeowners without inadvertently putting renters at risk.”

State Assembly Member Ron Kim stated, “Our state needed stronger protections for law abiding property owners who are being victimized by squatters. Our new law defines these terms more precisely. Any occupant who unlawfully resides in a property owner’s home will be more easily removed. I want to thank colleagues in the legislature for moving expeditiously on this new law”

State Assembly Member Ed Braunstein stated, “New York State homeowners have been put on edge by the recent reports of people returning to their properties and finding squatters, only to discover that the squatters cannot be removed without a lengthy and costly eviction proceeding. Trespassing individuals in these situations are abusing a law meant to protect lawful tenants and they absolutely should not be afforded the same rights and protections. I was proud to co-sponsor this bill, which sought to close this loophole and protect New York homeowners from these unlawful opportunists. I am pleased that this clarifying language was included in this year’s state budget.”

State Assembly Member Nily Rozic stated, “Today signifies an important step forward as we include language defining ‘squatters’ in the state budget. This measure will help safeguard property rights and ensure the well-being of our communities. Thank you to my colleagues for their collective efforts to address squatting issues across New York.”

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky stated, “I want to thank my colleagues in the legislature for supporting this bill, which I cosponsored. A problem was brought to our attention, and we got positive results.”

State Senator Leroy Comrie stated, “The state legislature took a hard stance against squatters who twist existing loopholes through acts that would, by any other circumstance, constitute theft. This change to the law is desperately needed, amongst our Queens residents, especially our seniors and homeowners, who have been living in fear and confusion as to how the law could possibly allow for such abuses. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to resolve this matter and hope for this bill’s swift passage.”

State Senator Roxanne J Persaud stated, “Squatters have jeopardized the livelihood of homeowners far too long. By passing this legislation in the budget, the rights and protections of legal renters will be clearly defined and those who take advantage will be legally held accountable. This law seeks to protect the hard earned assets of property owners and allows them to further secure their economic stability.”

State Assembly Member Grace Lee stated, “In this year’s budget, we are making it clear that if you are illegally occupying someone’s property, you are a squatter, not a tenant. Squatters do not have the same rights and protections as lawful tenants and by clarifying this distinction, we can better protect small landlords in our communities. I was proud to be a prime co-sponsor for this bill and to fight with my colleagues to get it passed in this year’s budget.”

China to host Fatah, Hamas for Palestinian unity talks

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“We support strengthening the authority of the Palestinian National Authority, and support all Palestinian factions in achieving reconciliation and increasing solidarity through dialogue and consultation,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a briefing on Friday.

The visit will be the first time a Hamas delegation is publicly known to have gone to China since the start of the war in Gaza. A Chinese diplomat, Wang Kejian, met Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar last month, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

Reversal of Harvey Weinstein’s NY Rape Conviction: Legal Experts Weigh In

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Conor Mitchell, director of the Belfast Ensemble, has written the music and is staging the opera, entitled “The Trial of Harvey Weinstein: An Opera” (Bebeto Matthews / Associated Press)

Reversal of Harvey Weinstein’s NY Rape Conviction: Legal Experts Weigh In

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a notable development in the legal saga surrounding former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, the New York Court of Appeals recently overturned his 2018 rape conviction. As was noted in a recently published report in the New York Post, this decision, which has been described as both “disheartening” and unsurprising by observers, was driven by what the court identified as significant judicial errors during the trial.

AP update

(AP) — Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.

Attorney Arthur Aidala said Weinstein was moved to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan after his arrival on Friday to city jails.

“They examined him and sent him to Bellevue. It seems like he needs a lot of help, physically. He’s got a lot of problems. He’s getting all kinds of tests. He’s somewhat of a train wreck health wise,” Aidala said.

The court highlighted several missteps by trial Judge James Burke that, they argued, compromised Weinstein’s right to a fair trial. Revealed in the Post report was that key among these was the decision to allow testimony from three women who were not included in the charges against Weinstein. Additionally, the court took issue with Judge Burke’s ruling that permitted the prosecution to question Weinstein about 28 other “prior bad acts” that were not part of the case, the report in the Post added.

These factors, the court concluded, could have prejudiced the jury against Weinstein, thereby undermining the fairness of the trial. As a result of these findings, Weinstein’s conviction and the accompanying 23-year sentence were overturned. As per the information in the Post report, the case has been remanded to the lower court for a possible retrial, a move that the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has indicated it plans to pursue aggressively.

While the reversal in New York has raised questions and concerns, it appears to have had little impact on Weinstein’s legal troubles in California. Los Angeles prosecutors, buoyed by a separate conviction and a 16-year prison sentence against Weinstein, have stated that their case remains secure. Indicated in the Post report was that they have argued that the legal missteps identified in the New York trial do not apply in California, suggesting that a similar appeal based on these grounds would likely not succeed in overturning the Los Angeles conviction.

This confidence stems from differences in state laws and procedural rules that govern how testimony and evidence related to “prior bad acts” can be introduced in court. The information contained in the Post report said that according to Los Angeles legal authorities, the standards that led to the overturning of Weinstein’s New York conviction are not applicable in their jurisdiction, providing a firmer foundation for their case to withstand appeals.

While disheartening to many, the decision by New York’s Court of Appeals to overturn Weinstein’s 23-year sentence on legal grounds has been deemed necessary by some legal experts to uphold the standards of fair trial proceedings.

The crux of the appellate court’s decision rested on a series of rulings by Judge James Burke, which were found to potentially prejudice the jury against Weinstein. Noted in the Post report was that central to these rulings was the admission of testimony from witnesses not directly involved in the charges against Weinstein, as well as allowing a broad inquiry into Weinstein’s past conduct that was not part of the current case.

Speaking to the Post, Tre Lovell, a Los Angeles-based attorney, emphasized the importance of procedural fairness, stating, “Although overturning the conviction is very disheartening to many, it stands on firm legal grounds.” He further noted to the Post that “As much as it hurts, it is incumbent on the justice system to ensure a person is tried in a manner that exhaustively protects him from evidence that detracts from the specific crime and can unfairly sway a jury.”

Michael Bachner, a former prosecutor and now a defense attorney, expressed his lack of surprise at the appeals decision, criticizing the original trial’s handling of evidence. He highlighted to the Post the extraneous nature of the additional testimonies and said, “It prevented [Weinstein] from being able to testify,” suggesting that the inclusion of such evidence was excessively prejudicial, according to the Post report.

Also speaking to the Post was Seth Zuckerman, a defense attorney known for his work in a high-profile #MeToo case. He described the reversal as “a long time coming and criticized the prosecutorial strategy in these case. The Post report said that he asserted, “I think the issue here is that prosecutors have tried to win these cases by character assassination and I think that the courts have put their foot down — finally and thankfully.”

Despite the setback in New York, prosecutors remain resolute in their efforts to bring Weinstein to justice. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has expressed its intention to retry the case, hoping to address the appellate court’s concerns while still holding Weinstein accountable for the alleged offenses.

The focus has now shifted to his ongoing case in California. The Post report indicated that the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has expressed strong confidence in the solidity of their convictions against the disgraced movie mogul, despite the tumultuous developments in New York.

In stark contrast to the events in New York, Los Angeles prosecutors have called attention to the key differences in state laws that they believe fortify their case against Weinstein. California law, unlike its New York counterpart, allows for the admissibility of testimony from uncharged witnesses in sexual assault cases, given the judge’s discretion, according to the information provided in the Post report. This aspect of California’s legal framework supports the broader use of propensity evidence, which can show a defendant’s inclination to commit a crime, thereby providing contextual background that might be crucial in a sexual assault trial, the report in the Post explained.

The LA District Attorney’s Office was vigilant during Weinstein’s New York trial, with representatives on-site to observe the proceedings and the challenges faced by victims. This involvement sheds light on their proactive approach to understanding and navigating the complex dynamics of prosecuting high-profile sexual assault cases, as was explained in the Post report. Their statement spotlighted the unique legal hurdles in New York that led to the conviction being overturned, hurdles which they assert are non-existent in the Los Angeles proceedings.

 

Despite the defense’s move to appeal the Los Angeles conviction, local prosecutors remain confident that their case against Weinstein will hold up under appellate review. They pointed out that while the defense has filed a notice of appeal, they have yet to submit their opening brief, leaving some uncertainty about the specific arguments they will present, the Post report affirmed. However, the LA District Attorney’s Office is prepared to robustly defend their convictions, relying on the strength of the evidence and the legal precedents that favor their prosecutorial strategies.

Jennifer Bonjean, Weinstein’s lawyer, believes that the overturning of his New York conviction could influence the California case by affecting perceptions of Weinstein’s previous legal battles. As  was mentioned in the report in the Post, she argued that the jury in Los Angeles might have been influenced by the assumption that Weinstein had been fairly convicted in New York, an assumption now called into question by the appellate decision.

With a retrial in New York looming, and Judge James Burke no longer on the bench, the case will see a new judge presiding over any future proceedings. Meanwhile, Weinstein has until May 20 to file his opening brief for the appeal in California, the Post report explained. This timeline sets the stage for the next chapter in Weinstein’s extensive legal drama, which continues to attract significant attention and stir debate on legal practices in high-profile sexual assault cases.

The outcome of these appeals and potential retrials will not only impact Weinstein’s fate but also set important legal precedents regarding the handling of evidence and witness testimony in sexual assault prosecutions across the United States. As both legal teams prepare for the next phases, the eyes of the public and legal communities remain fixed on these pivotal cases, which are set to further influence discussions and policies surrounding judicial processes in sexual assault allegations.

 

Residents begin going through the rubble after tornadoes hammer parts of Nebraska and Iowa

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(AP) — Residents began sifting through the rubble Saturday after a tornado plowed through suburban Omaha, Nebraska, demolishing homes and businesses as it moved for miles through farmland and into subdivisions, then slamming an Iowa town.

The Friday night tornadoes wreaked havoc in the Midwest, causing a building to collapse with dozens of people inside and destroying and damaging hundreds of homes.

There have been several injuries but no fatalities reported.

By Saturday morning, the sounds of chainsaws filled the air in the Elkhorn neighborhood of Omaha, a city of 485,000 people with a metropolitan area population of about 1 million. Lumber from the damaged homes lay in piles. Fences were knocked over and the trees were skeletal, missing most of their branches.

Power outages peaked at 10,000, but had dropped to 4,300 by morning.

 

“We could hear it coming through,” said Pat Woods, who lives in Elkhorn. “When we came up, our fence was gone and we looked to the northwest and the whole neighborhood’s gone.”

Omaha police Lt. Neal Bonacci said Saturday that the fire department had completed its search of damaged homes and structures. He described the injuries as minor.

Tennessee lawmakers join movement allowing some teachers to take guns into schools
The sheriff of the city’s Douglas County, Aaron Hanson, begged the community in a message on the social media platform X to not drive to the damaged areas for “mere entertainment.” He said gawkers were causing traffic jams and could slow emergency vehicles.

Meanwhile, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen posted on X that he had ordered state resources to be made available to help. He and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds planned to tour damaged areas. And Pillen planned a news conference later Saturday in Omaha.

The storm churned up 78 potential tornadoes, mostly in Iowa and Nebraska, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said in its latest briefing report.

The National Weather Service had not yet confirmed their strength. But the Omaha office said in a message on X that some of the damage its crews were encountering appeared consistent with EF3 twisters, which pack peak winds of 150 mph (241 kph).

 

One of the tornadoes hit an industrial building to the west of Omaha, in Nebraska’s Lancaster County, causing it to collapse with 70 people inside. Several were trapped, but everyone was evacuated and the three injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said.

Sheriff’s officials there also said they had reports of a tipped-over train near Waverly, Nebraska.

Another tornado passed over Eppley Airfield on the eastern edge of Omaha, destroying four hanger buildings with 32 privately owned planes inside. No one was hurt and the passenger terminal was not hit. The airport has resumed operations, although access to areas used by noncommercial pilots is limited so crew can clean up the mess, the airfield said in a news release.

After hitting the airport, the storm moved into Iowa, taking aim at the small town of Minden.

Forty to 50 homes were completely destroyed. Two injuries were reported but none were life-threatening, said Jeff Theulen, chief deputy of the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, at a late Friday briefing.

 

“It’s heartbreaking to see these people who have lost houses, cars, essentially their life until they have to rebuild it,” he said, urging people to stay away because of downed power lines.

At the Minden United Church of Christ, which survived the storm and has become a community hub of help and support, there were plans to take 4-wheel-drive vehicles out to devastated parts of town to bring meals to those who need them, Pastor Eric Biehl said.

“A lot of people are just kind of in shock,” Biehl said. “It’s all overwhelming now.”

Tammy Pavich, who stores equipment on the west edge of town, said she “kind of breathed a sigh of relief” after the first round of tornadoes moved through Omaha. Then, she recalled, the storm “hit Minden dead-on.”

Todd Lehan, a lifelong resident of the town, said he took shelter in a windowless basement.

“It sounded like a vacuum cleaner on top of your house,” he recalled.

 

The damage was causing headaches for Nebraska football fans headed to the spring game.

“Be prepared for heavy traffic, buckle up and put the phone down,” warned the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Even as the National Weather Service worked to evaluate the damage, the forecast for Saturday was ominous. It issued tornado watches early Saturday for northwestern Texas and across western Oklahoma. FEMA also said the tornado outbreak could extend into Kansas and Missouri.

“Tornadoes, perhaps significant tornadoes,” were possible Saturday afternoon and evening, said weather service meteorologist Bruce Thoren in Norman, Oklahoma.

UN agencies randomly use statistic that child in Gaza killed every 10 minutes

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A view of a pile of U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF) school backpacks during the 76th session of the U.N. General Assembly. Credit: Ariana Lindquist/U.N. Photo.

(  JNS) U.N. agencies cite Hamas statistics regularly without noting that the numbers come from a terrorist organization, though they are inconsistent in which statistics they use.

Officials at the global agency continue to assert that a Gazan child is killed every 10 minutes—relying on Hamas casualty figures that have been debunked.

“A child is killed every 10 minutes in the Gaza Strip. A deplorable number of children have also been injured amid intense and often indiscriminate attacks,” the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the global body’s Palestinians-only aid and social-services group, wrote on social media on Saturday.

“An immediate ceasefire is the last hope remaining,” UNRWA added.

It is unclear how the agency tabulated that figure, which would mean that some 28,000 children have been killed since Oct. 7—a number that not even Hamas has claimed.

The World Health Organization also claimed that 10 Gazan children were killed every 10 minutes last November. It has been widely reported that there has been a lower level of intensity, and lower death toll, in the war in recent months.

U.N. agencies don’t appear to be consistent in the numbers they use.

Tess Ingram, a U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) spokeswoman, said during an April 16 press conference in Geneva that one child is “killed or injured every 10 minutes” in the Gaza Strip.

She cited “the most recent data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health,” a Ramallah-based arm of the Palestinian Authority’s ruling Fatah party, which has no control over Hamas-run Gaza.

JNS sought comment from UNRWA and UNICEF about the statistical discrepancies

Pro-Hamas Jews are Jews for antisemitism

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Protesters in Los Angeles, many of them Jewish, participate in a rally to demand an immediate ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, Nov. 15, 2023. Credit: Ringo Chiu/Shutterstock.
By Jonathan S. Tobin i
(JNS)

One of the standard talking points of those seeking to rationalize and even justify the efforts of those supporting the survival of Hamas and the defeat of Israel since the Oct. 7 massacres is the fact that many Jews are among the ranks of these “critics” of the Jewish state. So, when observers point to the blatant antisemitism that has become a feature of the pro-Hamas, anti-Israel protests that have proliferated on North American college campuses and elsewhere in the last six months, those backing the demonstrations simply say they can’t be against Jews because Jews are among the participants.

The fact that a small sector are either lending tacit or overt support to the cause of those who wish to destroy the one Jewish state on the planet are themselves Jewish doesn’t absolve those who support this despicable cause. A Jewish student donning a Palestinian keffiyeh and chanting against Israel in the name of “Palestine” to fit in with fashionable opinion, or the public intellectual speaking out “as a Jew” to denounce the Jewish state’s right to defend itself or even to exist can be useful for those who traffic in Jew-hatred. Individuals who want to engage in antisemitism without having to be held accountable for spewing bigotry or even endangering Jews are glad of the cover these useful idiots provide.

Jews disagree on just about everything, including their religion, history and Israeli policies. There is a vigorous debate going on in Israel about whether the current government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should continue in office, in addition to whether the war against Hamas is being pursued with sufficient vigor or how much the country should concede to obtain the freedom of the remaining hostages being held by terrorists in Gaza. Those arguments will ultimately be resolved, as is the case for any democracy, at the ballot box the next time the country holds an election. American Jews also differ on a host of issues.

Turning against their own

It is natural for a small people to embrace a “big tent” philosophy to include as many people as possible. But there is nothing legitimate about Jews who provide cover in one form or another for antisemites, and even worse, an organization like Hamas, whose purpose is Israel’s destruction and the genocide of the Jewish people. Those who act in this manner don’t have the standing to confer authenticity to a cause that has none, and which, at its core, is steeped in intolerance for Jewish rights or safety.

The phenomenon of people who turn against their own and support their enemies is hardly unique to the Jews. Whether their motivation is their loathing for their countrymen or because they have been seduced by some ideology, such betrayals are a universal theme. However, due to the small number of Jews in the world (a population currently estimated to be 15.7 million souls, a figure that is still smaller than the 16.6 million that were believed to be alive in 1939 before the mass slaughter of the Holocaust), such betrayals have a disproportionate impact and receive far greater notice in a world where antisemitism is still a potent force.

That is the context for any discussion about the role of Jews in the “pro-Palestine” movement.

Jewish students are certainly present among the college mobs chanting for Israel’s destruction (“from the river to the sea”), supporting terrorism against Jews around the world (“globalize the intifada”) or merely identifying with the Oct. 7 murderers (“We are all Hamas”). Some of the professors who have rushed to their defense are also apparently Jewish, such as the signatories of this letter from Columbia University faculty speaking out in favor of the pro-Hamas demonstrators on that campus.

The same is true of public figures who have been leading the effort to demonize Israel’s efforts to eradicate the Hamas terrorists. New York Times contributor Peter Beinart, who once styled himself “liberal Zionist” but now advocates for Israel’s elimination, makes much of his alleged Jewish piety. Others on the far left don’t make such claims but still cite their Jewish heritage when supporting those who oppose the Jewish state’s existence. Perennial far-left presidential candidate Jill Stein of the Green Party is someone who falls into that category. Her recent rant on X in which she said that Jews can go back to Poland, alleged that the Israeli army was attacking pro-Hamas American college students on their campuses and said that only 0.1% of Jews support Zionism illustrated both her ignorance and how untethered her views are to reality.

Nevertheless, the attention these figures get from the mainstream media, in which publications like the Times or NPR claim that the Jewish element in antisemitic demonstrations on campuses are as representative of the Jewish community as supporters of Israel, demonstrates how they are being used.

The assertion that Israel’s actions are so egregious that a sizable percentage of American Jews no longer support it or have altogether embraced the cause of anti-Zionism is a key talking point for those seeking to isolate and demonize the Jewish state.

Rooted in falsehoods

Part of the problem is that the premise of such arguments is rooted in falsehoods. Israel is not conducting a genocide in the Gaza Strip, and owing to the large number of children there never has. It has done more to avoid civilian casualties in its war on Hamas than any modern army has ever done in urban combat. Nor should anyone believe the fraudulent totals of Palestinian casualties put forward by Hamas.

It is equally false to allege that most American Jews no longer support Israel. While opinions may differ on Netanyahu or specific government policies, polls continue to show overwhelming support for Israel in its war on Hamas.

Opposition to Zionism from certain elements in the Jewish community has existed since the birth of the modern movement in 1897. Before 1948, many prosperous Jews opposed a Jewish state because they wrongly thought that its existence would lead to their being deprived of their rights as Americans. Adherents of Reform Judaism in the 19th century embraced a vision that essentially eschewed any sense of Jewish peoplehood. And ultra-Orthodox Jews opposed Zionism because they believed that the creation of a Jewish state must await the coming of the Messiah. The Socialist Bundist movement believed in the creation of an autonomous Yiddish-speaking Jewish existence in Europe and hoped that a Communist revolution would enable that by ending all forms of prejudice.

Those positions have been marginalized since the Holocaust and the rebirth of a Jewish state in 1948 with the creation of Israel. Once Zionism stopped being merely a proposal and became the idea associated with the existence of an actual country where Jewish refugees from the Holocaust, and the Arab and Islamic world, had found shelter, all of the arguments against it collapsed. Since 1948, anti-Zionism has become indistinguishable from antisemitism simply because reversing not just the idea but the entity would necessitate another Jewish genocide. And it would also mean depriving Jews of rights denied to no other people on the planet.

The fears of the assimilated about the success of Zionism have long been exposed as self-serving fantasies. The Reform movement shifted in the 20th century to a position of support for Israel and Zionism, as well as a more traditional view of Jewish peoplehood. The hopes of the Bundists were crushed by Soviet antisemitism and the destruction of European Jewish civilization by the Nazi war on the Jews. And though a tiny fragment of haredim still oppose Israel and show up at pro-terror demonstrations to voice their puny support for those attempting to kill fellow Jews, they are unrepresentative of the larger ultra-Orthodox world, which has made its peace with Israel and has grown exponentially because of its existence.

Today, Jewish anti-Zionism is largely the preserve of ideological extremists on the far left. Their positions mimic the toxic myths of woke ideology like critical race theory and intersectionality, which falsely claim that Israel and Jews are “white” oppressors. (Those who know the facts understand that the majority of Israelis are Mizrachi.) Others advocate what they call “Diasporism,” an ideology that glorifies Jewish weakness and homelessness, and deplores efforts of Jews to defend themselves or have what other peoples take for granted, such as the right to live in peace and security with defensible borders in their ancient homeland. Curiously, while these anti-Zionist seekers of marginality and exile think that being homeless is somehow good for the Jews, they don’t think the same is true for Palestinian Arabs. While they decry even the most liberal concepts of Jewish nationalism, they are strong supporters of “Palestinian self-determination” and statehood, despite that cause being rooted in the belief that the same right should be denied to Jews.

Such intellectual arguments are risible and clearly anchored in an attempt to revive Marxism. But just as most of the anti-Zionist talking points emanating from the left is an echo of Soviet disinformation and propaganda that was used to promote the libelous “Zionism is racism” campaign of the 1960s and 1970s, it is equally true that Diasporism is being exploited by supporters of Hamas, as well as those who engage in open antisemitism.

Trafficking in blood libels

That is exactly what the activist groups Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow are doing. Both groups have gained popularity on campuses and have largely stolen the thunder of liberal Zionist groups like J Street, which tried to balance their vicious opposition to Israeli policies with at least theoretical support for the existence of the Jewish state. The two groups are not only openly opposed to the existence of a nation of 7 million Jews; they also traffic in blood libels about it and its supporters. Yet they are often cited as not only representative of Jewish opinion by the mainstream media but treated as credible and even idealistic voices.

One may be sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinian Arabs as a result of their leaders’ decisions to repeatedly reject peace offers that would have given them a state since 1947. They have repeatedly waged wars that caused more suffering to themselves than to the Jews. But when sympathy with a people that is suffering because it chose war and terrorism crosses over into support for genocidal Palestinian fantasies about erasing the last 75 years of history, it ceases to be advocacy for those in need and becomes a form of enabling violence. And that is what Jewish supporters of the “free Palestine” movement are doing.

Simply put, if you advocate for the destruction of Israel and oppose the defeat of a terrorist group that committed unspeakable atrocities on Oct. 7—and continues to seek a goal of Jewish genocide—then it doesn’t matter if you claim to have Jewish heritage. Those who do so can conduct public prayers or otherwise cloak their beliefs in a veneer of Jewish practice or heritage. But if the only point of your Jewish identity is to provide cover for those who commit violence against Jews and who believe they should be denied rights denied to no one else, then you are just as much of an antisemite as any other supporter of such toxic causes, whether “pro-Palestine” or neo-Nazi.

In the current context when Israel and the Jewish people are under siege from a surge in antisemitism that was provoked by the Oct. 7 crimes committed against Israel, a Jew who embraces the anti-Zionist “pro-Palestine” position is siding with the enemies of their own people.

Throughout history, such betrayers have always afflicted the Jewish people. However, only in our current era have they done so while masquerading as defenders of Jewish ethics that somehow erase basic elements of Judaism, like love of the land of Israel or even the right of Jews to defend themselves against the murder, rape, torture and kidnapping that Hamas perpetrated on Oct. 7 and that so many college students are now defending. They lend no legitimacy or credibility to the cause of leftists and Islamists who seek the destruction of the Jewish state. Jews may disagree about the government of Israel, but those who have joined pro-Hamas demonstrations can’t hide behind their Jewish origins. They are not Jews for justice or human rights. They are Jews for antisemitism—and should be treated with the contempt that anyone who sides with the murderers of their own people deserves.

Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief of JNS (Jewish News Syndicate). Follow him @jonathans_tobin.

Psychological terrorism: Hamas publishes video of two hostages

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(A7) The Hamas terror group on Saturday published a video of hostages Keith Siegel and Omri Miran, who were kidnapped from their homes on October 7.

The Siegel and Miran families have confirmed the release and publication of the video showing their loved ones for the first time after 204 days in captivity.

“The proof of life from Keith Siegel and Omri Miran is the clearest evidence that the Israeli government must do everything to approve a deal for the return of all the hostages before Independence Day,” the families said. “The living should return for rehabilitation, and the murdered should receive a dignified burial.”

“Now is the time for the government and its leader to prove through actions their commitment to the citizens of Israel who await the return of the hostages. The Israeli government must not miss this opportunity to bring them all home!”

At Saturday night’s rally, Dani Miran, father of Omri Miran, spoke about the video, saying, “This evening I stand here emotional. This evening in which I watched, together with all the people of Israel, the moving video of my son Omri and of Keith Seigel. What did Omri ask for? To be with us on Independence Day? What did I ask for? That Omri and all the hostages to be with us?”

“Sinwar released this video, the video shook me and all the people of Israel.

“Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and the Cabinet, please approve any viable deal. Take one small and bloodless step for both peoples. Show humanity and you will find that our Cabinet will be with you, I am convinced of this. All the people of Israel and the nations of the world want to see an end to the bloodshed and especially an end to the suffering of your people. Please, one request – make a decision now!”

‘Look At Me!’: Bill Maher Blasts ‘Narcissism’ Of Pro-Palestine Protesters

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(Daily Caller) Comedian Bill Maher blasted the apparent “narcissism” of pro-Palestine activists Friday following a recent wave of contentious protests on college campuses nationwide.

Pro-Palestinian protesters and activists staged several demonstrations on college campuses, roadways and bridges following the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks against Israel by Islamic terror group Hamas. Maher criticized “social justice warriors” who are concerned more with their image than the cause they claim to be advocating for during his HBO show, “Real Time with Bill Maher.”

“I’m not saying there aren’t sincere passions about Gaza, especially among people from the region, but social justice warriors, for a lot of them, it seems like it’s more about the warrioring than about whatever the cause is,” Maher said.

“If you really cared about apartheid so much, which Israel does not actually practice — Arabs there vote, they serve in Parliament, they sit on the judiciary — wouldn’t you start with this? With the hundreds of millions of women in the world who live under a true apartheid: a gender apartheid of the most brutal kind?” he asked. “I’ll wait.”

 

“Are you really speaking truth to power, or do you just think you look cool in a keffiyeh? Which is really just the new Che Guevara t-shirt: another historical figure you never researched and so think is a hero, but was actually a sadistic, racist monster fighting for communism, the worst form of government ever,” Maher said.

“But these are small matters … small matters when activism merges with narcissism,” the comedian continued. “Less about the cause and more about, ‘Me! Look at me! Watch me! And if you like the way I’m fighting injustice, just remember to like and subscribe!’”

Maher slammed anti-Israel protesters for “cosplaying as revolutionaries.” The comedian told activists they will not successfully convince others of their cause by inconveniencing their jobs or families.

“And finally, new rule: someone needs to tell the people who block traffic in the name of a cause, ‘No one likes you,’” Maher said to the laughter of his audience. “And you’re probably hurting your cause.”

Maher noted that pro-Palestinian activists demanding a ceasefire of the war at the Gaza Strip staged obstructive demonstrations on roads and bridges in cities including New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle. He said most “normies” have children and jobs, calling protesters “pretty dumb” and “kind of privileged” for thinking they can change minds by making others “late to pick up their kids from daycare.”

Maher also said the surge of anti-Israel protesters “most resemble” presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who he described as a “fat guy from Florida.” He called Trump “history’s greatest attention whore” and said the former president is “always finding some new injustice.”

Police Clear Pro-Palestinian Encampment At Major University After Shouts Of ‘Kill The Jews’

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(YouTube / Screenshot / Public — User: CBS Boston)

Daily Caller News Foundation

Law enforcement began clearing a pro-Palestine encampment of protesters on a major university’s campus Saturday morning after shouts of “kill the Jews” were heard.

The Northeastern University campus police and officers from other departments moved in to break up the encampment in Boston after the demonstration was “infiltrated” by outside protesters, the university said in a Saturday post to X. Some individuals apparently used “kill the Jews” and used other antisemitic slurs on Friday night, according to the university.

Earlier this morning the Northeastern University Police Department (NUPD) — in cooperation with local law enforcement partners — began clearing an unauthorized encampment on the university’s Boston campus,” the university said in its statement. “What began as a student demonstration two days ago, was infiltrated by professional organizers with no affiliation to Northeastern. Last night, the use of virulent antisemitic slurs, including ‘kill the Jews,’ crossed the line. We cannot tolerate this kind of hate on our campus.”

 

The encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters at Northeastern was one of numerous similar camps set up by students on college campuses across the country. Some of these encampments, such as the one at Columbia University, have been the sites of blatantly antisemitic activity, but other universities, such as the University of Florida, have taken a tougher stance against the protesters.

Authorities detained approximately 100 people as they cleared the encampment, according to CNN.

Northeastern University did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].

 

Columbia University Bans Student Who Said ‘Zionists Don’t Deserve to Live’

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By Elizabeth Weibel'(Breitbart)

Columbia University banned a student protest leader who made remarks in a video that “Zionists don’t deserve to live,” a spokesperson from the university said, according to Fox News.

Khymani James, a junior at the university and one of the leaders of the anti-Israel encampment, issued an apology in a post on X early Friday morning in which he expressed that he had “misspoke in the heat of the moment.”

“I am frustrated that words I said in an Instagram Live video have become a distraction from the movement for Palestinian liberation,” James said. “I misspoke in the heat of the moment, for which I apologize.”

 

The Daily Wire first reported James’ remarks. The outlet noted words James had used during a live stream of his discussion with Columbia’s Center for Student Success and Intervention.

During the conservation, he became defensive about an Instagram post centered around the discussion.

As James was reading from the report during the live stream, he referenced a post that he had made about “Zionists” messaging him wanting to “meet up and fight” to which he said he “fights to kill.”

Upon being asked by a university official if James understood why that was “problematic,” he said he did not.

“I also want people to have more context for my words, which I regret,” James said in his statement. “Far right agitators went through months of my social media feed until they found a clip that they edited without context. When I recorded it, I had been feeling unusually upset after an online mob targeted me because I am visibly queer and Black.”

 

In his live-streamed video, James went on to defend remarks he had made during his conversation with the school official, adding that he felt “very comfortable calling for those people to die.”

Even after the live stream of his meeting with the school official ended, James added:

Zionists don’t deserve to live comfortably, let alone, Zionists don’t deserve to live. The same way we are very comfortable accepting that Nazis don’t deserve to live, fascists don’t deserve to live, racists don’t deserve to live, Zionists, they shouldn’t live in this world.

The anti-Israel encampment at Columbia University was established on April 17. The next day, several students were suspended, and hundreds of protesters were arrested.

Columbia University had removed the encampment with help from officers with the New York Police Department. However, it has since returned, and school administrators are reportedly in negotiation talks with the protesters taking part in the encampment.

Since the start of the anti-Israel encampment, several universities — such as Northwestern University, the University of Southern California, Yale University, and George Washington University — have followed suit.

Unrest on U.S. College Campuses: A Closer Look at the Funding Sources & the Expansion of Anti-Israel Protests

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Unrest on U.S. College Campuses: A Closer Look at the Funding Sources & the Expansion of Anti-Israel Protests

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Over the past week, a wave of vehemently anti-Israel and pro-Hamas protests has swept across prominent U.S. college campuses, starting with a significant takeover at Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus. This series of events has ignited a string of similar anti-Semitic protests at other prestigious institutions including Harvard, Yale, University of California, Berkeley, Ohio State University, and Emory University. According to a report that appeared on Friday in The New York Post, these protests are not isolated incidents but appear to be part of a coordinated effort by branches of the organization Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a group reportedly funded by a network of nonprofits connected to prominent billionaire investor George Soros.

The initial protest that captured national attention began last week at Columbia University when students erected a tent city on the campus lawn. As was noted in the Post report, this demonstration quickly inspired similar actions at various universities across the country, forming what some are calling “copycat tent cities.” The pattern of these protests and their spread suggest a high level of organization and resources.

Investigations into the funding sources behind these protests reveal a complex network of financial support. The SJP, which is at the forefront of these campus activities, is reportedly linked to the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR). Indicated in the Post report was that this group not only supports but actively funds individuals they term as “fellows,” who are tasked with organizing anti-Israel campaigns that align with the objectives of Palestinian organizations.

These fellows are reportedly compensated for their efforts, with community-based fellows receiving up to $7,800 and campus-based fellows receiving between $2,880 and $3,660. As was noted in the Post report, their role involves dedicating around eight hours a week to organize and lead various campaigns. Training provided to these individuals emphasizes empowerment and action, with a clear goal to “rise up, to revolution.”

Further scrutiny reveals that USCPR has received significant financial support from George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, totaling at least $300,000 since 2017. In addition to Soros’ contributions, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund has also donated at least $355,000 since 2019, the Post report said. These contributions call attention to the level of backing that enables the sustained organization and execution of these protests.

At some institutions, these pro-Hamas protests have led to clashes with police, escalating tensions not only within campus bounds but in broader community interactions. Revealed in the Post report was that the presence of paid activists among the student demonstrators raises questions about the influence of external funding on student activism and the broader political implications of such movements.

The rapid expansion of these anti-Israel protests and their organized nature, supported by significant financial resources from high-profile donors, suggest a deeply interconnected network of influence aimed at shaping discourse and policy on U.S. campuses regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The implications of this phenomenon are complex, affecting student life, university policies, and broader political dialogues.

Three individuals, known as “fellows” associated with the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR), have been pivotal in these movements, drawing significant attention due to their roles and the financial backing reportedly provided by entities linked to George Soros, as per the information provided in the Post report.

Nidaa Lafi, a former president of the University of Texas Students for Justice in Palestine, was recently observed delivering an emotionally charged address at an encampment at UT Dallas. Her speech focused on calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza. The Post reported that Lafi, who graduated last year with a degree in global business, is presently pursuing law at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Her activism is not confined to campus grounds; earlier in January, she made headlines when detained for obstructing President Biden’s motorcade during his visit to Dallas for the funeral of her former employer, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Another notable figure in these blatantly anti-Semitic protests is Craig Birckhead-Morton, a USCPR fellow at Yale University. His recent arrest for first-degree trespassing came as a result of Yalies4Palestine’s occupation of Yale’s Beinecke Plaza, an event that garnered coverage from the Yale Daily News, according to the information contained in the Post report. Following his release, Birckhead-Morton was seen addressing a sit-in in New Haven, continuing his advocacy despite the legal challenges. His political engagement also includes a previous internship with Maryland Representative John Sarbanes.

The most high-profile of these pro-Hamas activists is Malak Afaneh, co-president of the Berkeley Law Students for Justice in Palestine. Afaneh has been active at various anti-Israel protests on campus, becoming particularly noted for an incident where she recently disrupted a dinner at the law school dean’s residence, vocalizing anti-Israel slogans, as was previously reported in The Jewish Voice. According to the Post, this event escalated when she accused the dean’s wife of assault following a request to leave the event. Afaneh’s confrontational style has placed her at the center of media attention, highlighting her role in the protest movements.

Last Wednesday, Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus became the center of a significant protest titled the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment.” According to the information in the Post report, this action was organized by three groups—Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), and Within Our Lifetime. The Post also noted that the encampment featured students sleeping in tents purchased from Amazon and partaking in various provisions including pizza deliveries, Dunkin’ coffee, $12.50 sandwiches from Pret a Manger, organic tortilla chips, and $10 rotisserie chickens.

The operation and sustenance of the encampment appear to be well-funded, with financial analyses indicating that all three groups have received monetary support from sources linked to George Soros. Additionally, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, known for its philanthropic contributions to “sustainable development” and “peace-building,” has also provided funding to JVP. The Post report revealed that this fund is chaired by Joseph Pierson and includes notable figures such as David Rockefeller Jr., a descendant of the prominent Rockefeller oil dynasty.

Moreover, Felice Gelman, a retired Wall Street banker with a history of supporting pro-Palestinian causes, has played a significant role in funding the activities of SJP, JVP, and Within Our Lifetime, the Post added. Her contributions signify a robust financial network backing the groups involved in the encampment.

Both SJP and JVP have faced controversies at Columbia University. In November, the university expelled both groups citing reasons related to “threatening rhetoric and intimidation.” The information in the Post report also explained that this expulsion followed a statement by JVP on its website, which attributed the October 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis to “Israeli apartheid and occupation — and United States complicity in that oppression.” SJP, meanwhile, characterized the same terrorist strike as “a historic win.”

A recent analysis has shed light on the complex financial pathways through which George Soros and Felice Gelman’s funding reaches student activists, illuminating a network of nonprofits designed to somewhat obscure the origins of these contributions. The report in the Post said that this financial infrastructure plays a crucial role in supporting various protests and anti-Israel movements on campuses such as Columbia University, highlighting a sophisticated system of fiscal support that underpins the hate filled activism.

George Soros has channeled billions into his Open Society Foundations, now overseen by his son, Alexander Soros. Alexander’s prominence in this role is notable given his connections; he is partnered with Huma Abedin, a close aide to Hillary Clinton and estranged wife of Anthony Weiner, the Post report revealed. This layer of personal connections calls attention to the intertwined nature of political, social, and personal networks in the realms of philanthropy and activism.

The Open Society Foundations have allocated substantial sums, exceeding $20 million, to the Tides Foundation. Known as a “fiscal sponsor,” the Post reported that the Tides functions as a crucial intermediary, disbursing funds to smaller, often more directly activist-oriented groups. Highlighted in the Post report was that this method of funding is significant as it allows for larger philanthropic organizations to support grassroots activities without direct transactions, thereby maintaining a degree of separation that can be strategic for both donor and recipient.

Among the beneficiaries of this funding stream is Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), which received approximately $650,000 from the Open Society between 2017 and 2022. Detailed in the Post report was that JVP, advised by radically left-wing and anti-Israel figures such as academic Noam Chomsky and feminist author Naomi Klein, has been notably active in protests, particularly those at Columbia University. The organization’s involvement in campus activism took a contentious turn when one of its student members was expelled for participating in an event featuring the leader of a proscribed terrorist organization, the Post report added.

Further illustrating the breadth of Soros’s influence, his foundations have donated $132,000 to the Westchester People’s Action Coalition Foundation (WESPAC). Originally established in 1974 to address civil rights issues and oppose the Vietnam War, WESPAC has evolved to become a significant supporter of anti-Israel groups, including Within Our Lifetime and Students for Justice in Palestine, the Post report revealed. This funding reflects a shift from WESPAC’s historical focus towards more current geopolitical issues, aligning with a broader narrative of supporting progressive causes on a global scale.

One notable example in the funding landscape is the involvement of the Sparkplug Foundation, a New York-based nonprofit that has played a significant role in funding SJP.

The Sparkplug Foundation is run by Felice Gelman and her husband, Yoram Gelman. In 2022, the couple directed a $20,000 donation to SJP through the Westchester People’s Action Coalition Foundation (WESPAC), as detailed in public filings, according to the Post report. This method of funding through another established nonprofit is not uncommon in the realm of philanthropy, where donors often prefer to maintain a level of discretion or leverage the established networks of existing organizations.

Felice Gelman’s involvement with WESPAC’s committee for Justice and Peace in the Middle East dates back to 2009, a period during which she was invited to Gaza by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), according to the information provided in the Post report. UNRWA itself has been a controversial entity, often criticized for its support of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. Gelman’s engagement in these regions and issues underlines her deep involvement in and commitment to these causes.’

Beyond her direct anti-Israel activism, Gelman also holds positions on the boards of several organizations that align with her views. The report in the Post said that these include the Bard Lifetime Learning Institute, an extension of the notably progressive Bard College, and the Jenin Freedom Theatre located in the Jenin refugee camp. These affiliations further cement her active participation in initiatives designed to ultimately destroy Israel.

Under the presidency of Howard Horowitz, who shifted his focus to Palestinian rights after living in Israel, WESPAC has extended its support not only to SJP but also to other groups such as Within Our Lifetime. The Post report mentioned that Horowitz, a former Orthodox Jew and a member of the New York chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), has openly embraced the anti-Israel cause, which is reflected in the organization’s funding decisions.

An interesting aspect of this funding network is the operational approach of Within Our Lifetime, which, by not registering as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, utilizes a legal loophole that allows it to withhold financial disclosures typically required of nonprofits, the Post explained.  This lack of transparency raises questions about the extent and impact of financial contributions to such groups.

 

WESPAC ‘s fiscal sponsorship generally involves established nonprofits offering their legal and tax-exempt status to smaller groups or projects, facilitating the receipt of funds without the smaller entity needing its own nonprofit status, as was reported by the Post.

In the wake of reports and inquiries concerning the funding of activism, particularly those that may influence the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Open Society Foundations issued a statement to clarify and defend their position. Indicated in the Post report was that the spokesperson emphasized that the foundation has a long-standing commitment to combating all forms of racism and hate, including anti-Semitism and islamophobia. They highlighted that their funding activities are broad and inclusive, supporting groups that advocate for both Palestinian and Israeli rights, as well as seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

Open Society Foundations also stressed that their financial contributions are transparent, publicly disclosed on their website, and fully compliant with U.S. laws, according to the information in the Post report.

The narrative around the funding and support of these anti-Israel activities is not fully balanced by the silence of other groups involved. After the story was published, other organizations besides Open Society Foundations did not provide comments or clarifications, leaving certain aspects of the funding and organizational structure less transparent to the public.

 

 

 

 

 

Just Representing My Country’: MLB Umps Force Cubs Pitcher to Ditch Glove with American Flag Patch

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By Warner Todd Huston (Breitbart)

Major League Baseball umpires made Chicago Cubs pitcher Luke Little ditch his glove Wednesday because it had a small American flag patch on one of its fingers.

The decision came during Chicago’s 4-3 victory over the Houston Astros when Little prepared to take the mound in the seventh inning.

But as the umps looked him over before heading onto the field, they told him he would not be allowed to use the glove with the small flag patch.

The issue was the American flag was on his glove,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell, according to Fox News. “Pitchers’ gloves, they’re pretty strict about not having white on the pitchers’ gloves. Apparently, the flag had what could be a distraction to the hitter.”

The Cubs reported that Little was forced to use a brand-new glove that had not been broken in.

“I had to beat it a little bit, try and get it flexed out,” Little told reporters after the game. “Of all the things to do is breaking in a glove during a game.”

After the game, Little jumped to his X account to tell fans he is “proud to be an American.”

Little added that he has been using the black glove with the small flag patch since his days in Single-A baseball.

“The cubbies told me that they had got an email from MLB that I’m not allowed to wear it,” Little added. “But I just didn’t assume that they were just going to just cut me. It’s not like it has an advantage in the game. It’s not like it blinds the hitters. Just representing my country.

“Just a whole debacle. Got to get ready without it and throw through it,” he insisted.

Luke Little of the Chicago Cubs delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field on April 24, 2024 in Chicago,…
Luke Little #43 of the Chicago Cubs delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field on April 24, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Wednesday’s appearance on the mound was his ninth game for the Cubs this year. He has allowed two runs and five hits during the 8.1 innings he has pitched for the North Siders. Last year, he only played seven games for the Cubs.

Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston, or Truth Social @WarnerToddHuston

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