The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York has marked June 30th as the commencement date for its much-debated congestion pricing plan. According to a recently published report in the New York Post, this initiative mandates a $15 daily fee for drivers entering Manhattan south of 61st Street, with higher charges imposed on larger vehicles. The plan aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the heart of Manhattan and generate substantial revenue for the MTA’s deteriorating infrastructure, potentially exceeding a billion dollars annually, as was noted in the Post report.
The primary objective of the congestion pricing plan is to reduce vehicular traffic in one of the most densely populated areas of New York City, thereby mitigating environmental impact and improving air quality, the Post report explained. Additionally, the fees collected would provide a crucial financial lifeline for the MTA, which has long struggled with budget deficits and infrastructure issues.
However, the initiative has encountered significant opposition. Critics argue that it disproportionately affects certain groups, particularly suburban commuters and those who rely on vehicle transportation due to the lack of viable public transit options in their areas, as was indicated in the Post report. The imposition of a daily fee is seen by these critics as an unfair tax on drivers who might not have other transportation alternatives.
The rollout of the congestion pricing plan is not yet guaranteed on the slated date due to ongoing legal challenges. New Jersey has filed a lawsuit in federal court, claiming that the MTA’s evaluation of the toll’s impact inadequately considered the effects on drivers from the Garden State and failed to address certain environmental consequences, ccording to the information provided in the Post report. This legal action spotlights the inter-state friction that the plan has exacerbated, given the significant number of New Jersey residents who commute to Manhattan for work.
In addition to the lawsuit from New Jersey, local opposition has been robust. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), a prominent teachers’ union in New York, and Vito Fossela, the Staten Island Borough President, are actively challenging the plan in court. The Post reported that the UFT filed a lawsuit set for arguments in mid-May and its involvement calls attention to the widespread concern over the plan’s impact, extending beyond logistical and financial issues to encompass broader social justice and equity considerations.
The report in the Post noted that their efforts highlight concerns that the congestion pricing could have unintended negative impacts on specific communities, including potential health effects on residents of areas such as Staten Island, who may see increased traffic and pollution as drivers seek alternative routes to avoid the tolls.
State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton of Staten Island and State Senator Jim Skoufis of Orange County have also voiced their strong opposition to the plan. Scarcella-Spanton labeled the MTA’s oversight of the potential health impacts on Staten Islanders as “abhorrent,” the Post report said.
Scarcella-Spanton also emphasized the dual burden of financial strain and health risks posed by the plan, condemning what she sees as a “blatant disregard for the health and well-being” of her constituents, the Post report added.
Senator Skoufis raised issues regarding the lack of reliable public transportation alternatives for his constituents in Orange County. According to the Post, he pointed out the impracticality of the current transit options, where train schedules can have gaps as long as six hours, making it difficult for everyday workers to maintain their schedules without relying on personal vehicles.
“As we have seen over the last half a year since October 7, campus anti-Semitism 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 ,” Ritchie Torres said in the release. (AP/Mariam Zuhaib)
By: Robert McGreevy
Republican New York Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic New York Rep. Ritchie Torres are planning to introduce legislation to send anti-Semitism 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 anti-Semitism. 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 anti-Semitism 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 anti-Semitism 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 anti-Semitism 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.
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.
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.”
Within Our Lifetime organizer Nerdeen Kiswani addressed the crowd gathered at the newly built intifada encampment at the City College of New York in Manhattan through a megaphone. Credit: prc.org.uk
Edited by: Fern Sidman
Thursday night bore witness to escalating tensions at the newly established “intifada” encampment within the hallowed grounds of the City College of New York, as anti-Israel demonstrators clashed with school security personnel, capturing the attention of onlookers and igniting fervent debate, as was reported by The New York Post.
In a dramatic turn of events, captured on video by independent journalist Katie Smith, the encampment became a focal point of unrest as protesters surrounded a school security guard, chanting defiantly, “We will stay, we will stay!,” the Post report indicated. With hands raised in protest, the anti-Israel mob compelled the guard to retreat, walking backward towards a group of NYPD officers congregated nearby.
The footage depicts a tense standoff as protesters formed a human barrier, advancing towards the steps where law enforcement officers stood. According to the Post report, despite the escalating confrontation, no arrests were reported as of 6:30 p.m. Thursday, according to police sources.
The encampment, erected earlier that day on the grounds of the state-funded college, marked a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the pro-Hamas, pro-terror cause, with participants raising the Palestinian flag high above the quad, as per the information provided in the Post report. By afternoon, the campus was engulfed in a sea of Hamas flags and banners, signaling the fervent support for the terror movement that was responsible for the brutal massacre of 1200 Israelis and others on October 7th in southern Israel.
Indie reporter Talia Jane captured scenes of the campus adorned with Palestinian symbols, showcasing the magnitude of the demonstration. Detailed in the Post report was that as many as 300 protesters converged on the Convent Avenue campus, amplifying their voices in a unified call for continued terror against Israel.
“We have a right to control where our tuition goes, and it should never go towards oppressing any people anywhere!” declared Within Our Lifetime organizer Nerdeen Kiswani, addressing the crowd through a megaphone, according to the information contained in the Post report. Kiswani’s speech, shared on the group’s social media platforms, resonated with the crowd, igniting a fervor of solidarity and determination to support terrorism targeting Israel.
The term “intifada,” historically associated with Palestinian uprisings against Israel, calls attention to the gravity of the moment, evoking memories of past struggles and the ongoing quest for “liberation.”
Against the backdrop of ongoing war that Hamas launched against Israel in October, demonstrators raised their voices in solidarity with the Hamas cause, demanding tangible action from university authorities.
Several signs adorned the encampment area, boldly proclaiming the call for divestment from Israel in response to what they have described as the escalating violence in Gaza, the Post report said.
While the demonstration remained mostly calm, the presence of NYPD officers monitoring the perimeter illustrated the underlying tension simmering beneath the surface. Despite the relative tranquility, the warning issued by Kiswani loomed large, cautioning against any attempts to suppress the protest.
“Efforts to shut down the demonstration will be met with anger,” Kiswani declared, her words echoing through the crowd as a rallying cry, the Post reported.
In a video shared by Scootercaster, Kiswani’s message reverberated across social media platforms, amplifying the call to action and galvanizing support from allies across New York City.
At Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, a battle is brewing over a proposed $12 billion casino complex. Credit: Related Companies and Wynn Resorts
By: Hal C. Clarke
In the heart of Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, a contentious battle brews over a proposed $12 billion casino complex, with civic leaders raising alarm bells over the sacrifice of promised housing in favor of a flashy gaming hub. Manhattan’s Community Board 4 (MCB4) recently penned a scathing letter to Related Companies/Wynn Resorts, the developers behind the ambitious project, criticizing the departure from a 2009 pledge to construct apartments on the West Side.
The proposed complex boasts an 80-story tower overlooking the Hudson River, set to accommodate a gaming facility and hotel, flanked by office buildings, apartment towers, and a 5.6-acre park, NY Post reported
MCB4’s letter, dated April 1, expresses bewilderment at the approval process undertaken by the Department and Commission of City Planning, accusing them of disregarding years of meticulous city planning and community input. The board decries the shift from residential to commercial use, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the neighborhood’s fabric and connectivity to surrounding areas. Furthermore, they question the validity of future zoning changes and agreements if existing plans can be discarded with impunity.
The existing plan for the Hudson Yards Special District, negotiated extensively in 2009, primarily emphasizes residential development, envisioning 5,700 apartments alongside integrated commercial spaces and public green areas connecting to the High Line Park. However, the proposed casino project drastically reduces the number of planned apartments to a mere 1,507, signaling a stark departure from the original vision. MCB4 contends that the proposed alterations prioritize commercial interests over community needs, resulting in an enclave catering to the casino’s demands rather than fostering integration with the neighborhood.
Jessica Chait, chairwoman of CB4, along with co-land use chairs Jean Daniel-Noland and Paul Devlin, underscore the necessity for developers to reconsider their priorities, suggesting a reevaluation of the project’s scale and allocation of space. They advocate for a reduction in the casino’s footprint, allocating the surplus area to residential buildings rather than towering office structures.
In response, a spokesperson for Related Companies asserts their commitment to collaborating with the Community Board and emphasizes forthcoming community benefits as part of their investment in the area. They assure that the project will uphold promises made in the original zoning, including provisions for affordable housing, ample green spaces, and educational facilities. However, concerns persist regarding the housing units sacrificed for the casino complex, which were intended to include market-rate and luxury options.
The fate of the proposed casino hinges not only on community support but also on state gaming regulators’ decisions regarding the allocation of up to three casino licenses in the New York City and downstate region. Each bid must undergo scrutiny from the State Gaming Facility Location Board, comprising local representatives and government officials, before receiving approval. Additionally, projects like the Wynn proposal must navigate the arduous Uniformed Land Use Review Procedure, involving various stages of community input and governmental review to amend zoning regulations.
Beyond the Hudson Yards project, several other contenders vie for the coveted casino licenses, each facing its unique set of challenges and opposition. From Steve Cohen’s bid near Citi Field to the Thor Equities consortium in Coney Island, the landscape of potential casino sites is rife with contention. Notably, proposals such as Cohen’s and Bally’s require legislative approval to convert parkland into commercial use, adding another layer of complexity to the approval process.
Fast-food chains and coffee shops across NYC are set to implement a new regulation.
By: Darryl Myers
In a groundbreaking move by the Adams administration, fast-food chains and coffee shops across New York City are set to implement a new regulation. This regulation mandates the inclusion of warning labels on menu boards and packaging, aimed at raising awareness about high levels of added sugar in certain food and beverage items, the New York Post recently reported.
The initiative, spearheaded by the city’s Health Department, will require establishments to prominently display labels alerting customers to products containing over 50 grams of added sugar. This includes a variety of offerings such as frozen coffee drinks from popular chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, fountain sodas, and even hot chocolate. Recognizable by a warning icon—a spoon laden with sugar—the labels are intended to inform consumers and potentially deter excessive sugar consumption.
The proposed warning message will convey, “Eating too many added sugars can contribute to type 2 diabetes and weight gain,” underscoring the serious health implications associated with excessive sugar intake. The Health Department emphasizes the significant impact of type 2 diabetes on premature mortality rates in New York City, reinforcing the necessity for proactive measures.
Aligned with national dietary guidelines recommending a daily added sugar intake of less than 50 grams or 10% of a 2,000-calorie diet, the regulation aims to promote healthier dietary choices. Examples provided by advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest illustrate the substantial sugar content in commonly consumed beverages, such as a medium Coca-Cola drink at McDonald’s exceeding the threshold for mandatory warning labels.
To enforce compliance, the city has outlined penalties ranging from $200 to $500 per violation for restaurants failing to adhere to the regulation. Public input on the proposed rule is currently being solicited, with implementation slated for June 19 for prepackaged foods and December 1 for beverages and non-packaged items sold in restaurants.
While some critics decry the regulation as governmental overreach, citing concerns about personal freedom and individual responsibility, health advocates laud it as a crucial step in combatting alarming rates of diabetes. Dr. DeAnna Nara from the Center for Science in the Public Interest commends the initiative for empowering consumers to make informed choices and encouraging the food industry to offer healthier alternatives.
Mayor Adams follows in the footsteps of his predecessors, notably former Mayors Bloomberg and de Blasio, who championed public health initiatives. Bloomberg’s tenure saw controversial measures like the smoking ban and restrictions on trans fats, while de Blasio’s administration introduced warnings for high-sodium menu items. Adams continues this legacy with efforts to limit sugary beverages in schools, though facing opposition from industry stakeholders and lawmakers.
Despite resistance from various quarters, the regulation reflects a broader societal shift towards prioritizing health and wellness, underscoring the evolving role of government in public health interventions.
Casa Cipriani, housed within a historic ferry terminal along the FDR Drive, enchants guests with panoramic river views and a captivating supper club experience. Guests are invited to escape the urban clamor and immerse themselves in the hotel’s expansive spa and garden terrace. Credit: luxurylink.com
By: Dusty Wolfe
In a groundbreaking move, Michelin, renowned for its culinary discernment, has expanded its purview to the realm of luxury hotels, introducing a sophisticated rating system that promises to redefine hospitality excellence. The debut list for the United States, unveiled on Wednesday, features 124 prestigious establishments, each meticulously evaluated to meet Michelin’s exacting standards. Among these elite retreats, a select few have earned the coveted “3 Keys” award, with four of these luxurious sanctuaries nestled in the bustling metropolis of New York City.
Canyon Ranch Woodside emerges as a serene oasis amidst the majestic redwood forests of California, offering tech-weary travelers a respite from the hustle and bustle of nearby Silicon Valley. Aman, renowned for its secluded resorts around the globe, introduces its signature brand of tranquility to Midtown Manhattan, where guests are invited to escape the urban clamor and immerse themselves in the hotel’s expansive spa and garden terrace. Meanwhile, Casa Cipriani, housed within a historic ferry terminal along the FDR Drive, enchants guests with panoramic river views and a captivating supper club experience.
In the vibrant enclave of Soho, Firmdale Hotels makes its mark with the Crosby Street Hotel, a testament to refined elegance and impeccable service. Across town in Midtown, the Whitby Hotel stands as a beacon of sophistication, challenging the conventional notion of luxury with its distinctive charm and allure. These properties, recognized by Michelin, serve as exemplars of hospitality excellence, elevating the standard for discerning travelers seeking unparalleled experiences.
While Michelin has long been synonymous with culinary excellence, its venture into hotel ratings marks a significant milestone in its storied history. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, heralds this new endeavor as a testament to the guide’s unwavering commitment to providing travelers with unparalleled insights and recommendations.
The introduction of Michelin Keys represents a departure from traditional hotel ratings, offering travelers a nuanced perspective on luxury accommodations. A One-Key Michelin hotel promises a “very special stay,” characterized by its distinct personality and exceptional service. Moving up the echelon, a Two-Key designation signifies an “exceptional stay,” where guests can expect unparalleled experiences and impeccable attention to detail.
At the pinnacle of luxury lies the coveted Three-Key rating, reserved for hotels that epitomize indulgence and refinement. These extraordinary establishments are hailed as destinations unto themselves, offering discerning travelers an unparalleled blend of comfort, elegance, and service.
As Michelin continues to redefine the standards of excellence in the hospitality industry, these distinguished properties stand as beacons of sophistication and refinement. With Michelin Keys as their guide, travelers can embark on journeys of unparalleled luxury, secure in the knowledge that each destination has been vetted and endorsed by the world’s foremost authority on exceptional experiences.
Tax audits in New York are famously likened to a thorough medical examination, as Mark Klein, a tax attorney at Hodgson Russ, told the NY Post: “the tax version of a colonoscopy.” Klein recounted cases where the presence of a single pet became a pivotal factor. Credit: hodgsonruss.com
By: Rob Otto
New York State auditors leave no stone unturned in their quest to ensure that even residents who spend most of their time elsewhere still pay taxes to Albany. According to a report by Bloomberg News, these auditors employ meticulous tactics, including monitoring individuals’ travel patterns and even the whereabouts of their pets, to establish tax liability, regardless of residency.
The NY Post’s Ariel Zilber reported extensively on the NY Tax situation.
Part-time and nonresident claims are vigorously investigated, with auditors delving into the private lives of individuals. Employing what is known as a “teddy bear test,” they scrutinize where people keep their cherished possessions to corroborate claims of primary residency. Surprisingly, the state may consider someone to have spent the day within its jurisdiction even after just a brief visit, such as stopping for lunch during a drive from New Jersey to Connecticut.
Tax audits in New York are famously likened to a thorough medical examination, as Mark Klein, a tax attorney at Hodgson Russ, told the NY Post: “the tax version of a colonoscopy.” Klein recounted cases where the presence of a single pet or the relocation of a fitness bike became pivotal factors.
The criteria for New York residency are stringent, with the Department of Taxation and Finance defining a resident as anyone spending at least 184 days in the state during the taxable year while maintaining a permanent place of abode. Even those who relocate to popular destinations like Florida are not exempt from scrutiny, as illustrated by Jonathan Mariner, creator of TaxDay app, who warns that auditors may pursue individuals who filed partial returns with Albany.
Wealthy individuals, eager to minimize their tax burdens, resort to strategic measures to avoid surpassing the 184-day threshold. Some coordinate private jet landings or crossings near midnight, meticulously timing their movements to evade state taxation. Such tactics underscore the high stakes involved in navigating New York’s tax regulations.
The revenue from residency audits is substantial, amounting to approximately $1 billion collected from 15,000 audits conducted between 2013 and 2017. Recent years have witnessed a surge in audit activity, with over 756,000 audits conducted in the 2022-2023 tax year, resulting in collections exceeding $3.22 billion. This heightened enforcement reflects the state’s determination to counteract the loss of high-income earners, particularly to states with more favorable tax climates like Florida.
New York’s tax policies have come under scrutiny amid a broader demographic shift, with census data revealing a significant exodus from the state, accelerated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and urban challenges like rising crime rates and soaring living costs. The departure of over half a million residents since 2020, including 65,000 from the metropolitan area alone, underscores the challenges facing New York’s fiscal landscape.
As New York grapples with a changing demographic and economic landscape, the pursuit of out-of-state residents for tax revenues remains a contentious issue. The Department of Taxation and Finance’s aggressive tactics reflect the state’s commitment to safeguarding its fiscal interests.
Ilhan Omar’s daughter returned to Columbia U’s campus, to rally alongside fellow anti-Israel protesters. Credit: Instagram /@pwgatsipa
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a highly visible display of solidarity, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s daughter returned to Columbia University’s campus, under the protective wing of her mother, to rally alongside fellow anti-Israel protesters, as was reported by the New York Post on Thursday, As the deadline loomed for the university and demonstrators to reach a resolution regarding the encampment, the presence of the congresswoman and her daughter added a new dimension to the ongoing saga.
Isra Hirsi, 21, daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, stood shoulder to shoulder with her fellow protesters, lending her voice to the chorus of dissent echoing across the Morningside Heights campus. The Post report said that under the watchful gaze of her congresswoman mother, Hirsi posed for photos and offered vocal support to the demonstrators who had erected dozens of tents near the heart of the university grounds.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, a prominent figure within the far-left “Squad,” took to social media to express her admiration for the student activists, lauding their “bravery and courage” in the face of adversity. According to the Post report, in a tweet, she shared her firsthand experience of witnessing the Columbia University anti-war encampment, vehemently rejecting what she termed “right-wing attacks” and affirming the protesters’ commitment to “peace and justice.”
The high-profile visit by Rep. Omar and her daughter called attention to the escalating tensions surrounding the encampment, with both university officials and protesters locked in a tense standoff. Indicated in the Post report was that despite the looming deadline for dismantling the tent city, Columbia officials remained tight-lipped during a press conference, offering no indication of progress towards a resolution.
Ben Chang, Columbia’s vice president of communications, reiterated the divide between the university administration and the protesters, emphasizing the existence of divergent demands and the formal negotiation process underway, as per the report in the Post. The absence of concrete developments only served to heighten the suspense surrounding the encampment, leaving observers on edge as the deadline approached. With discussions underway to address the basis for dismantling the encampment, the specter of further unrest looms large, casting a shadow over the ivy league institution.
Chang expressed hope that ongoing discussions would yield a resolution, echoing President Minouche Shafik’s sentiments regarding the need for successful dialogue. However, the Post report said that Chang also hinted at the possibility of exploring alternative options should negotiations falter.
A glimmer of progress emerged as a small group of school faculty and administrators engaged in dialogue with student organizers to address the basis for dismantling the encampment and ensuring compliance with university policies moving forward, the Post report affirmed.
Hirsi, a junior at Barnard College, emerged as a central figure in the unfolding drama, her presence serving as a lightning rod for controversy. The information provided in the Post report indicated that Hirsi’s involvement in the unauthorized protest last Thursday led to her arrest, along with at least two other students, and subsequent suspension from Barnard College. In the aftermath, Hirsi recounted her ordeal, expressing frustration over her expulsion from campus and the ensuing repercussions.
Columbia’s efforts to maintain control over campus access have yielded mixed results, with Hirsi’s return to campus raising eyebrows and prompting questions about the effectiveness of security measures. As per the Post report, the revelation that a prominent Israeli professor, Shai Davidai, was barred from campus due to concerns for his safety further spotlights the heightened tensions surrounding the encampment.
Hilco Real Estate, LLC, announces May 17, 2024 as the bid deadline for the Chapter 11 bankruptcy sale of two commercial condominiums in New York City’s historic Greenwich Village
Hilco Real Estate, LLC, announces May 17, 2024 as the bid deadline for the Chapter 11 bankruptcy sale of two commercial condominiums in New York City’s historic Greenwich Village. These condominiums occupy the first and second floor of the building located at 350-354 Avenue of the Americas. With 176 feet of prime, wraparound frontage on the corner of 6th Avenue and Washington Place, these offerings promise high visibility and heavy foot traffic.
The ground-floor retail space, totaling over 7,850± square feet and zoned C1, boasts 15-foot ceilings, exceptional location and can accommodate single or multiple tenants. While currently not built out, the versatile layout can be retrofitted, taking advantage of three separate entry points, which present a unique opportunity for various uses.
The second-floor space, spanning 8,942± square feet and zoned C2, offers ample flexibility for community-oriented endeavors. Previously occupied by a daycare, the space retains its built-out infrastructure, providing a turnkey solution for a new operator. This setup can also offer potential investors the ability to combine both floors and potentially increase the value for a prospective tenant.
The condominiums sit just one block from Washington Square Park and four blocks from NYU, ideally positioned to take advantage of excellent foot traffic. Additionally, eight subway lines, including the A, C, E, B, D, F, M and 1, and the PATH train are within walking distance, ensuring easy accessibility for both employees and customers.
Greenwich Village, on the west side of Lower Manhattan, is known for its history of fostering art and creativity, with notable former residents including Edgar Allen Poe, Jackson Pollack and Bob Dylan. The neighborhood also features multiple attractions, including Washington Square Park, the Village Vanguard jazz club, the Comedy Cellar, the historic Jefferson Market Library and several historic districts dedicated to preserving the Village’s character and charm. In addition to being lauded for its creative culture, Greenwich Village is home to New York University (NYU), The New School and Cooper Union, with over 64,000 students in attendance between the three universities. Despite the pandemic, the neighborhood also saw a 1.85% population increase from 2020 to 2021 and a 4.29% increase in median household income.
The sale of 350-354 Avenue of the Americas is being conducted by Order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of the Southern District of New York (Manhattan), Bankruptcy Petition No. 23-10068-JPM, In re: Nuovo Ciao-Di LLC. Bids must be received on or before the deadline of May 17 at 5 p.m. (ET) and must be submitted on the Purchase and Sale Agreement available for review and download from Hilco Real Estate’s website.
Interested buyers should review the requirements in order to participate in the bankruptcy sale process available on Hilco Real Estate’s website. For further information, please contact Jonathan Cuticelli at (203) 561-8737 or [email protected].
Cindy Adams celebrated a unique milestone at her 94th birthday party as she finally received her high school diploma in an event marked by both sentiment and triumph. The diploma was presented by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, making the occasion a notable intersection of state recognition and personal achievement. Credit: Wikipedia.org
Cindy Adams, the renowned gossip columnist known for her decades-long career at The New York Post, celebrated a unique milestone at her 94th birthday party: receiving her high school diploma. According to a recently published report in The Post’s Page Six, in an event marked by both sentiment and triumph, the diploma was presented by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, making the occasion a notable intersection of state recognition and personal achievement.
Born and raised in New York City, Adams has often shared with friends and readers alike that despite her sharp wit and encyclopedic knowledge of the celebrity world, she never graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, as was reported by The Post. The reason, as whimsical as it sounds, was a failure in home economics—a class that required her to sew her own graduation dress. Adams’ journey through this academic hurdle was fraught with challenges. Destined for college at the tender age of 15, she faced an unexpected roadblock when the school insisted that graduation candidates produce their own white lawn dresses, a task at which Adams admittedly had no skill.
The situation escalated when, despite her mother hiring a professional to complete the dress, the school principal denied Adams her diploma on the grounds that she hadn’t personally made the dress. This denial not only prevented her graduation but also barred her from proceeding to college as planned. The Post reported that upon reflection of the incident, Adams once wrote, “I was set for college at 15. But Andrew Jackson High required females to make their own white lawn graduation dress in home etc. I can’t sew. After my mother paid a pro to finish it for me, the principal said: ‘She didn’t make her own dress, she can’t graduate.’ So: No diploma, college, graduating high school. I’m living proof that you can’t get anywhere without a college education.”
Despite this setback, Adams’ career was anything but hindered. She became an iconic figure in journalism, renowned for her insightful and often sharp-tongued gossip columns that entertained and informed New Yorkers for generations, as per the information in The Post report. Meanwhile, her high school eventually closed its doors in 1994, yet the story of her denied diploma lingered as a peculiar footnote in her storied life.
The effort to award Adams her diploma gained momentum thanks to the advocacy of some of her influential friends who worked behind the scenes for years. These efforts, however, were met with bureaucratic hesitance as officials insisted she take the General Educational Development (GED) test instead. The Post report indicated that it wasn’t until Governor Hochul stepped in that Adams was finally able to receive her diploma, officially making her a member of the class of 1946, albeit 78 years later.
This belated recognition is more than just a correction of a long-standing oversight; it is a testament to the resilience of a woman who, despite educational setbacks, rose to the top of her field and became a legend in her own right.
Surrounded by a who’s who of political, media, and entertainment figures, Adams celebrated not just her 94th birthday but also a long-awaited academic accolade.
The U.S. Treasury Department made headlines with its proposal to impose stricter anti-money laundering regulations on sectors previously under less scrutiny—investment advisers and the real estate industry. Credit: pymnts.com
Earlier this year, the U.S. Treasury Department made headlines with its proposal to impose stricter anti-money laundering regulations on sectors previously under less scrutiny—investment advisers and the real estate industry, as was recently reported in The Wall Street Journal. This move, aimed at curtailing the infiltration of illicit funds into the U.S. economy, has sparked a debate among professionals within these sectors. While there is a general consensus on the importance of thwarting money laundering, the path to achieving it appears contentious, particularly over who should bear the burden of these new regulatory measures.
The Treasury’s initiative seeks to address what many experts consider significant vulnerabilities in the United States’ defenses against money laundering. Indicated in the WSJ report was that historically, stringent requirements have been placed on banks and money transmitters, which are mandated to vet customers thoroughly and report any suspicious activities to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). However, recent incidents have highlighted how private funds and real estate transactions can also serve as channels for laundering illicit funds, prompting a reevaluation of regulatory scopes.
Despite these concerns, many from the investment and real estate sectors are pushing back against the proposed rules. They advocate for regulations that are as narrow as possible and suggest shifting the responsibility for implementing these checks to other parties within their industries, according to the information provided in the WSJ report. This perspective stems partly from concerns about the potential financial and operational burdens that comprehensive compliance could impose.
Industry feedback has been pouring into FinCEN, with some questioning the proportionality of the response to the perceived risk. For instance, Andreessen Horowitz, a heavyweight in the venture capital community, has openly criticized the proposed regulations for investment advisers. In their correspondence to FinCEN, the firm argued that the new rules would lead to “expensive and duplicative regulation” without significantly advancing law enforcement goals or mitigating the risk of illicit financial activities, as per the information contained in the WSJ report. They contend that there is scant evidence to suggest that venture capital firms are a frequent target or conduit for money laundering activities, proposing that such firms be exempt from the new rule.
A significant focus of these efforts has been on broadening the scope of oversight to include investment advisers and the real estate industry, two areas perceived as potential weak spots in the financial system’s defenses against illicit activities.
The initiative to bring investment advisers under FinCEN’s anti-money laundering (AML) supervision initially emerged in 2015. However, according to the WSJ report, this proposal met with considerable resistance from the industry, leading to its eventual shelving. The industry’s concerns were primarily about the practical implications of implementing such regulations, which many viewed as onerous and possibly redundant.
Fast forward to the present, FinCEN has revisited this initiative, reflecting an evolving understanding of the risks and a desire to tighten the loopholes that have historically allowed illicit funds to permeate through the U.S. economy. The Managed Funds Association (MFA), representing the interests of the investment funds industry, acknowledges the necessity of FinCEN’s goals but remains cautious.
The report in the WSJ said that while they noted that the latest iteration of the investment adviser rule marks an improvement over the 2015 proposal, the MFA has expressed reservations about its design and execution. Particularly, they have called for more clarity on how the rule would apply to advisers managing pooled investment vehicles, suggesting that the anti-money laundering reporting obligations should be shifted to the fund administrators, given their direct relationship with the funds rather than the individual investors, the WSJ report added.
Similarly, in the real estate sector, where transactions often involve multiple parties and complex layers of ownership, the need for clear and effective regulatory guidance is pronounced. Detailed in the3 WSJ report was that FinCEN’s recent proposals aim to address these complexities by introducing requirements for certain parties in residential real estate transactions—particularly those involving cash purchases or non-traditional financing—to file reports if the buyer is a legal entity or trust.
To allocate responsibility for compliance, FinCEN has suggested a “cascade” method, where the duty to report could fall on various participants depending on their role in the transaction. The WSJ also reported that at the forefront are professionals providing settlement services, followed by those underwriting the buyer’s title insurance policy. This method is designed to ensure that at least one entity involved in the transaction has a clear mandate to monitor and report suspicious activities, thereby fortifying the system’s overall integrity.
The challenge for FinCEN lies in balancing the imperative to safeguard the financial system with the practical and economic realities faced by those in the investment and real estate sectors. The bureau’s approach indicates a shift towards more nuanced regulations that consider the specific functions and relationships inherent in different types of financial activities.
The WSJ report noted that a significant aspect of these efforts includes tightening the scrutiny on the real estate sector, particularly focusing on all-cash transactions which have historically been a blind spot for regulatory oversight.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has voiced strong opposition against placing the burden of verifying the source of funds for real estate transactions on agents and brokers. In their communication to FinCEN, they argued that requiring agents and brokers to obtain sensitive financial information from clients could not only place them in difficult ethical and professional positions but could also expose them to potential dangers, as was noted in the WSJ report. The real estate transactions often involve large sums of money, making stringent vetting processes not only cumbersome but potentially risky if personal safety is compromised in high-stake deals.
Concurrently, the American Land Title Association (ALTA), representing the title and settlement industry, echoed similar concerns about the proposed rule’s practical implications. They pointed out that the vast majority of title companies are small businesses, with over 90% classified as such according to the Small Business Administration, the WSJ reported. ALTA has argued that the financial and administrative burden imposed by the proposed rules would be particularly challenging for these smaller entities. They suggested that instead of title companies, escrow agents or attorneys might be better positioned to handle the AML responsibilities, given their roles in managing the financial aspects of real estate transactions.
Independence Title, a title insurance company operating in Texas, provided a concrete example of the operational challenges posed by enhanced AML regulations. The company, which handles thousands of residential transactions monthly, highlighted the significant costs associated with compliance. Particularly, they noted the drastic increase in the number of reports filed to FinCEN—from almost none prior to 2021 to over a hundred in 2023, according to the WSJ report. This increase followed the implementation of geographic targeting orders which require title insurance companies to identify the beneficial owners in all-cash real estate purchases above certain thresholds in specified areas, including major cities in Texas such as San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.
To commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, over 700 Staten Island public school students and educators watched Rising Up: Young Holocaust Heroes, at the majestic St. George Theater, Staten Island. Organized by the Wagner College Holocaust Center, the day encourages students of all faiths to stand up against anti-Semitism and prejudice. In addition to the performance, awards were presented to three outstanding individuals who have inspired thousands of youth with their commitment to Holocaust education.
Among those in the audience was Dani Roth, the granddaughter of one of the survivors Rachel Roth, who lived through the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Majdanek and Auschwitz. The play traces the pre-war childhood relationships, the growing discrimination of the Nazi era, and the courage of six survivors in Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. This is an impactful way to honor the memory of the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust, by bringing attention to the courage of their families and the heroism of those who resisted culturally, spiritually and with armed resistance. The actors onstage are Wagner College students drawn from those of all faiths and ethnicities who expressed how deeply touched they were to learn about the survivors.
Three awards were presented to recognize those who are doing work to fight hate in our communities. Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, president of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), was recognized with the Community-Building Award. Mirocznik serves as the executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America. He is also a board member of the Bridge Multi-Cultural Project, of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and the Alan and Joan Bernikow JCC. Imam Tahir Kukaj of the Albanian-Islamic Cultural Center, presented his award with words emphasizing the value of unity, solidarity and shared spiritual values in these difficult times.
Borough Arts Director Jessica Goffredo-Engelhart EdD, in the Arts Office at the New York City Department of Education, was recognized for her help in advancing the annual Wagner College Holocaust Art and Poetry competition. An educator for over twenty years, she is currently part of a national coalition of arts administrators leading Connected Arts Networks (CAN)— a grant to strengthen culturally responsive practices and leadership skills in order to better serve students.
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which began April 7th, 1994, Provie Umugwaneza Nkurunziza, a human rights advocate, author, and the youngest person ever to be appointed to serve on the Holocaust, Genocide, and Anti-Semitism Advisory Commission in Texas, received an award. She will be studying at the prestigious Seminar against Anti-Semitism in Oxford this summer.
These individuals have inspired thousands of youth with their commitment to anti-bias and Holocaust work. One of the young audience members noticed the awards were shaped like a tear, which she associated with the sadness and horrors of the Holocaust. A scene in the play also has a survivor, Romi Cohn, discussing how his family encouraged him to flee from Slovakia so one family member would be alive to say Kaddish after the war.
Keynote speakers were NYC Human Rights Commissioner Annabel Palma and District Attorney Michael McMahon. This program was made possible by a Community Projects Grant awarded by the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes and the NYC Commission on Human Rights, with generous support from District Attorney Michael McMahon. District 31 Superintendent Marion Wilson also presented one of the awards.
Lori Weintrob, director of the Wagner College Holocaust Center, explained the goals of the performance was to provoke deeper understanding of how the Holocaust happened and to promote empathy: “The arts can showcase resistance and resilience –our Wagner College student actors have memorized and learned by heart the exact words of six survivors who live or lived in our borough, your neighbors. When you hear these words from eyewitnesses, you too become an eyewitness to tragedy.” Director Mickey Tennenbaum, adjunct professor of theater at Wagner College, is a child of a survivor. “Rising Up” is a musical, with songs and words of prayer in English, Yiddish and Hebrew sung by an interfaith cast. The play was written by Theresa McCarthy, Lori Weintrob and Martin Moran, an Obie Award winner.
The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising began on the eve of Passover, April 19, 1943, a time where 50,000 remaining Jews resisted German troops and police that entered the ghetto to deport its surviving inhabitants. Among its leaders were Mordecai Anielewicz, Yitzchak Zuckerman and Zivia Lubetkin, the highest ranking female leader. Lubetkin is quoted in the play as a unifying force: “The feeling that there was a community of people who cared about each other, who shared ideas and values in common, made it possible for each of us to do what he or she did. This was the source of our strength…” After the war, Lubetkin and Zuckerman married and moved to Israel, where they founded Kibbutz Ha’Lachamot, the Ghetto Fighters House.
In attendance were schools from PS 1, PS 35, Tottenville High School, IS 61, PS 29, PS 53, Our Lady of Good Counsel and members of Wagner College as well as distinguished from the community. Other sponsors of the event include the Staten Island Advance/silive.com, United Federation of Teachers, Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island, Jay Chazanoff, Alan and Joan Bernikow JCC and the Jewish Community Relations Council
(JCRC).
The Wagner College Holocaust Center, founded 2014, has connected over 20,000 youth face-to-face with Holocaust survivors on Staten Island and in the tri-state area.
The horrific events at Columbia University where cries to “Kill Jews” and replay the October 7th Hamas massacre 10,000 times have sent shockwaves throughout the world, Credit: AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
By: Lieba Nesis
The horrific events at Columbia University where cries to “Kill Jews” and replay the October 7th Hamas massacre 10,000 times have sent shockwaves throughout the world. At 4 AM Wednesday April 17th hundreds of students pitched tents to coincide with President Minouche Shafik’s disastrous three hour Congressional testimony. Shafik denied that “long live the intifada” and calls to wipe Israel off the map were anti-Semitic. She readily criticized the only Jewish professor Shai Davidai by condemning his behavior and saying he had harassed 50 students; failing to mention it was all social media related as he called out anti-Semitic students on Twitter after the University failed to take action. Shafik and her three collaborators Claire Shipman, David Schizer and David Greenwald were not under oath for the House Committee on Education and Workforce testimony ensuring there will be no criminal consequences for their continued perjury.
People gather for “Solidarity Jummah” outside of Columbia University on Friday, April 26. Credit: AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura-
Despite Shafik’s denial that any anti-Jewish protests had occurred on campus in the past six months: she was quickly contradicted by all three panelists with Claire Shipman recounting Jewish students being targeted at Columbia Law School on admitted students day. Shafik also told Congressman Jim Banks she was unaware of Columbia’s anti-Semitic Social Work orientation materials that included a glossary where Ashkenormativity was defined as a “system of oppression that favors white Jewish folx.” More bad news was a recent New York Post article where Yale Professor Ahmed Mobarak accused Shafik of intellectual theft and plagiarism as she removed a co-author’s name from a 1994 research paper. Despite Columbia’s bedlam on April 24th its Board of Trustees said they “strongly support” Shafik as “someone who takes a firm stance against hatred, harassment and discrimination”.
The festering Jew hatred at Columbia has been brewing for nearly a decade. In 2018 Holocaust Scholar Elizabeth Midlarsky’s office was vandalized and spray-painted with swastikas and the word “Yid”. Nobody was arrested and the attacks increased with four anti-Semitic attacks in 2020 and no action by Columbia. Former esteemed President Lee Bollinger who was forced to step down in 2023 after 21 historic years at Columbia was a hardline Israel supporter voting against BDS and raising the alarm bells in March 2020 against the “anger, hatred, demonization and invidious discrimination” he was witnessing against Jews on campus-one of the reasons he was forced to resign.
Pro-Hamas protesters demonstrate outside the main gate at Columbia University in New York City on Friday, April 26th. Credit: AP Photo/Aaron Morrison
The events leading up to April 17th’s chaos reveal its inevitability as hate groups Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and Within Our Lifetime (WOL), have been running things at Columbia since October 7th. An October 5th post from SJP Columbia saying “we are back first general meeting to be announced soon stay tuned” as a map showing an eradicated Israel and the Arabic words for “Violence, Revolution” appear in the background reveal they had prior knowledge of Hamas’s October 7th massacre.
Columbia’s protests are far from organic having been funded by Jew haters George Soros, Wall streeter Felice Gelman, The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and former orthodox Jew Howard Horowitz from WESPAC. Some of the groups members are Jewish as they held a seder and shabbat meal at the encampment while calls for the genocide of Israel could be heard in the background. The escalation over the past six months can be traced to the university’s inaction as actual terrorists are currently entrenched on campus as reflected by this timeline:
October 4th- Dr. Minouche Shafik is inaugurated as president
October 5th-SJP Columbia warns of violence and revolution two days before the Hamas massacre and starts planning its demonstrations as it knows an attack is brewing
October 7th-1200 innocent Israeli civilians are killed while many are raped, beheaded and mutilated with over 250 hostages taken
Pro-Israel demonstrators chant during the “Bring Them Home Now” rally outside Columbia U on Friday, April 26th. Credit: AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
October 9th- SJP and JVP Columbia sign a letter praising Hamas and its massacre as an “unprecedented historic moment” and saying they are in full solidarity with Palestinian resistance
October 11-A 24-year-old Israeli student hanging pro-Israel fliers is assaulted on the Columbia campus
October 12-the biweekly threatening protests of SJP and JVP begin as Columbia is forced to close its campus to the public early in the day due to the aggression of the Palestinian groups with Jewish student Caroline Smith saying she felt “dispirited” and unsupported from the University
October 23- Columbia calls off its annual Giving Day where alumni contribute money due to the dueling protests between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinians
October 30-Over 100 Columbia professors sign a letter defending students who backed the October 7th terror attack and further call Israel an apartheid state
Nov 1-Shafik announces the creation of a task force to combat antisemitism after violent anti-Israel protests become habitual
Members of a negotiation team speak during a press conference on Friday, April 26th near a pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia University. Credit: AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
November 10th-Columbia suspends SJP and JVP for holding an unauthorized school walkout and “repeatedly violating University policies relating to holding campus events” as an unlawful sit-in at the Social Work school is held. The anti-Israel organizations continue to hold protests and form under a new group called Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) without any oversight basically functioning as before the suspension
Nov 14- 400 students rally on campus to support the terminated SJP (Students for Justice in Palestine) and JVP (Jewish Voice for Peace): while 200 faculty members walk out the next day to protest SJP and JVP’s suspension
December 5th-House Committee calls on leaders of Harvard, U of P, and MIT to answer for antisemitic demonstrations. President Minouche Shafik reveals her disregard for the unfolding crisis as she travels to the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai-shouldn’t this hearing have been a priority?
March 21-A Columbia University Task Force set up to combat anti-Semitism refuses to settle on a definition allowing rampant anti-Jewish chants such as “from the River to the Sea Palestine will be Free” and “Long Live the Intifada” to permeate the University
March 24-a culmination of hundreds of anti-Israel events peaks with a scary March 24th “Resistance 101” event at Columbia’s Q House-an LGBT special interest community at the University-hosted by CUAD. Charlotte Kates a member of terror group Samidoun along with Khaled Barakat a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine activist join “Within Our Lifetime” Founder Nerdeen Kiswani who calls for Israel to be wiped off the map as all three terrorists praise Hamas’s October 7th “resistance” along with Hezbollah and exhort attendees to employ armed resistance against Israel. Aidan Parisi, a graduate student in Columbia’s School of Social Work, who organized the event is suspended but refuses to vacate his dorm. His suspension is later lifted as he becomes a leader at the current Gaza Solidarity Encampment. The other three students organizers also have their suspensions lifted.
On Wednesday, April 17th hundreds of Columbia U students pitched tents to coincide with President Minouche Shafik’s disastrous three hour Congressional testimony. Photo Credit: AP
April 7-Shafik finally sends out a letter acknowledging the Hamas “terror attack” in Israel as her April 17th Congressional hearing draws closer-fooling no-one.
April 17-Hundreds of students pitch tents on the South Lawn of Columbia at 4 AM. Hours later Shafik along with her idiotic supporting staff appear in Washington for the House Committee Hearing where they admit they can’t even define anti-Semitism. It becomes clear she not only doesn’t care about anti-Semitism but allows it to thrive under the guise of free speech. Shafik admits professors Joseph Massad and Mohamed Abdou who praised Hamas’s atrocities continue employment while Jewish professor Shai Davidai is being investigated. While Professor Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman is immediately fired in 2022 for an innocuous tweet containing a photo of a Sudanese model and saying her dark skin was a “beautiful sight to behold” professors who advocate for the killing of Jews continue to retain employment. Shafik allows the dangerous encampment to endure. Enabling the sprinklers to douse the tents, calling university security to block the protestors are all actions she declines to take
April 18-Shafik finally calls the NYPD who arrest 108 students who are all released from custody hours later with their suspensions also dropped along with any notation on their records. Shafik once again shows her gross incompetence as she remains in Washington at a Bezos Earth Fund dinner while chaos ensues at Columbia. She later complains she was unable to eat due to repeated phone calls.
April 19-Students arrive with more tents on the West lawn along with an escalation in aggression as Shafik remains paralyzed. Terrorist leader Nerdeen Kiswani joins the encampment to celebrate her wedding as she calls for the eradication of Israel and revolution.
April 21-Columbia Chabad Rabbi Eli Buechler tells 290 Jewish students in a Whatsapp chat they should leave because they are no longer safe in the face of extreme anti-Semitism and anarchy
April 22-Professor Shai Davidai is refused entry to Columbia campus while Hamas sympathizer Mohamed Abdou who Shafik claimed was fired socializes with protestors on campus along with Hamas massacre photographer and participant Motaz Azaiza and disgraced actress Susan Sarandon. At the encampment Arab movies are watched, Arab prayers are held, and leader Khymani James tells zombie like students to form a human chain to block Zionists seeking to enter. That same day hundreds of professors sign open letters denouncing the suspension of students and join a walkout as they rally on campus to back the anti-Semitic protests. Shafik says the school needs a reset as she encourages students to learn online and faculty to work remotely-basically meaning Jewish students should stay far away. Major Columbia contributor Robert Kraft halts donations due to “virulent Jew hate”
April 23-Speaker of the House Mike Johnson appears on Columbia campus where he is vigorously booed. He denounces the rampant Jew hatred, demands Shafik resign and threatens to urge Biden to call the National Guard
April 24-Shafik extends the Monday night deadline-requiring student encampments to pack up-until an unknown time. She fails to utilize Eric Adams offer of the NYPD or Hochul’s offer of the National Guard. She makes some half-assed deal to remove a couple of tents and some outsiders from the encampment but ultimately proves her presidency is an unmitigated disaster. Due to Columbia’s success Jew hatred has spread to over 40 colleges but has largely gone untolerated at other universities as NYU boards up its campus and arrests of students at Emerson, USC and UT Austin later follow. The feckless Board of Trustees at Columbia say they strongly support Shafik for her “firm stance against harassment.”
April 25-Congresswoman Ilhan Omar joins her supposedly suspended 21-year-old Barnard attending daughter, Isra Hirsi, on campus. Omar calls it an honor to see the anti-war encampment firsthand
April 26-Columbia bans the leader of the Gaza encampment, Khymani James, from campus after a January video resurfaces of him telling a Columbia administrator Zionists “don’t deserve to live.” Whether he is suspended or expelled from the school is unclear. This dangerous individual not being kicked out in January is astounding as he is both head of Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) and a major force in the “peaceful encampment” who forced “Zionists” out. Once again Columbia chooses to back the aggressors as its Senate votes for a resolution that accuses the administration of violating academic freedom and breaching the due process rights of anti-Semitic students and professors. Additionally, an investigation of the administration begins. Representative AOC visits the encampment and poses for selfies.
April 28-The tents and virulent anti-Jewish chants continue despite a supposed deadline to leave campus four days prior. Students continue to demand Columbia divest from Israel while calling for a Gaza ceasefire. Columbia’s mayhem strikes fear in the heart of every university as they rethink their entire playbook on permitting protests as crackdowns become increasingly aggressive. The prospect of a May 15th campus graduation appears unlikely as chaos ensues.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, Pool)
By: Joshua Marks
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday that an imminent military operation in Rafah would be suspended if a hostage release deal is secured, calling it the top priority to free the remaining abductees taken by Hamas on Oct. 7.
“The release of the hostages is the top priority for us,” the member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet told Channel 12, adding that “if there will be a deal, we will suspend the operation” in the last Hamas bastion in southernmost Gaza.
Katz is not a member of the War Cabinet overseeing the operation in Gaza, which entered its 205th day on Sunday.
“We will do everything possible to return the abductees, without harming the achievements of the war for which soldiers fell,” Katz said, emphasizing that increased military pressure on Hamas raises the prospects of a deal.
Israeli forces are preparing for the Rafah offensive to eliminate four of the final six Hamas battalions, which Jerusalem says is essential to defeating the terrorist group responsible for the Oct. 7 massacre.
Katz also praised the Egyptians for their role in mediating hostage release talks, while suggesting that Hamas’s patron Qatar has not played a constructive part.
“This is a country [Egypt] with which we have a peace agreement, and also common interests. [Cairo] really does everything it can to help,” he said. With regard to Doha’s role, Katz said he “doesn’t want to hand out a grade.”
According to the London-based, pan-Arab daily newspaper Asharq Al–Awsat, Cairo and Washington in recent days have ramped up pressure on Hamas to accept a hostage release deal. The Egyptian interlocuters reportedly told Hamas that the proposal on the table was the best deal they would be offered and if it is rejected, then Israel has legitimacy to go into Rafah, which borders Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
Egypt is reportedly pushing for a phased deal, with the first stage seeing the hostages released in exchange for a ceasefire and issues such as the end of fighting and control of Gaza worked out in the second stage.
Axios reporter Barak Ravid wrote on Saturday that the new prisoner swap deal under discussion includes significant compromises by Israel and that for the first time, Jerusalem is willing to hold discussions on ending the war in Gaza during the next stages of negotiations.
For its part, Hamas said on Saturday that it had received Israel’s official response to the latest proposal and will study it before submitting a reply. The terror group has rejected earlier proposals, sticking to its firm demands, which Netanyahu has dismissed as “delusional,” that Israel end the war, withdraw troops and allow Gazans to the northern Strip.
Meanwhile, international pressure is increasing on Hamas to accept a deal, with the United States and 17 other countries on April 25 sending a message urging the terror group to release all of the hostages to end the Gaza crisis.
While domestic pressure from a resurgent protest movement against the Netanyahu government has focused on Israeli efforts to secure a deal to return the hostages, Katz for his part blamed Hamas terror leader in Gaza and the mastermind of Oct. 7, Yahya Sinwar, saying that the decision will be made by “the crazy killer who sits in Gaza.”
“When we could, we did, and indeed over 100 abductees were returned,” he said.
He noted that Israel was not alone in blaming Hamas for the impasse in negotiations.
“The United States blames Hamas and Sinwar that there is no deal,” he said. “The unfair attempts to blame Prime Minister Netanyahu…are not true.”
Jerusalem believes that the International Criminal Court in The Hague will issue arrest warrants against senior officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as early as this week.
Diplomatic efforts to thwart ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Ahmad Khan’s move have failed, Israel’s Channel 12 News reported.
International arrest warrants are expected to be filed against Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, according the the report.
The broadcaster said the warrants would likely be issued against the background of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the IDF is fighting Hamas, as well as accusations that Israel breached the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.
Israel recently ramped up efforts to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza, opening a new land crossing designed primarily to facilitate the entry of foreign assistance. Earlier this month, the United States confirmed that the quantity of aid entering the Strip had substantially increased.
Sigrid Kaag, the U.N.’s senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, told the Security Council last week that her team has had “very constructive cooperation” with the Jewish state.
Jerusalem believes the ICC will decide in the “coming weeks” and the Israeli government is still fighting the looming arrest warrants on the diplomatic front, mainly through talks with the U.S.
An emergency meeting was held at Netanyahu’s office on April 16 in the presence of Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Foreign Minister Israel Katz.
The four decided to take “urgent action with international authorities” to prevent the arrest of Israelis abroad.
The ICC would not be considering issuing arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials without the approval of the United States, Channel 12 reported last week, citing senior sources associated with the court.
“The sources at The Hague said that it is impossible that the chief prosecutor would have decided on such a dramatic step, in a war that is still ongoing, with very little evidence, if he had not at least had a ‘green light’ from the Americans,” said Israeli journalist Amit Segal.
Khan has served in his position since February 2021, when he was elected with U.S. support.
He has closed two cases that “greatly troubled the Americans”—on undeclared detention related to Afghanistan in Europe and to war crimes allegedly committed in Afghanistan—Channel 12 noted.
The Palestinian Authority has already declared its acceptance of the jurisdiction of the ICC over alleged crimes committed by Israel. However, Jerusalem does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction over its military and political actions in the Gaza Strip, Judea and Samaria.
Netanyahu on Friday vowed to “never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine” the Jewish state’s “inherent right of self-defense.”
“The threat to seize the soldiers and officials of the Middle East’s only democracy and the world’s only Jewish state is outrageous. We will not bow to it,” tweeted the premier.
“While the ICC will not affect Israel’s actions, it would set a dangerous precedent that threatens the soldiers and officials of all democracies fighting savage terrorism and wanton aggression,” the post concluded.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to crush the Palestinian Authority financially if certain unilateral actions are brought against Israel in the international arena.
