HILCO REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCES TWO COMMERCIAL CONDOMINIUMS AVAILABLE THROUGH A BANKRUPTCY SALE IN 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].
Faculty at NYC’s New School Erect Anti-Israel Encampment in Effort to Support Student Protesters
Edited by: Fern Sidman
At the progressive bastion of The New School in Manhattan, a new chapter unfolded this Wednesday as faculty members launched their own protest, the first faculty-led anti-Israel demonstration on a U.S. campus, as per the organizers’ claim. According to a report in the New York Post, approximately half a dozen tents sprang up at the University Center, signaling solidarity with the student movement that demands the university divest from 13 companies allegedly supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The New School faculty establish ‘solidarity encampment’, reportedly the first faculty camp amid series of ongoing pro Palestine student led protests at Universities around the country.
The newly established camp is a direct response to last week’s arrests of over 40 student… pic.twitter.com/3rBIIKixq2
The information provided in the Post report said that this encampment, dubbed the Refaat Alareer Faculty Solidarity Encampment—named in memory of a noted writer and professor killed in an Israeli airstrike last December—marks a significant escalation in the campus activism that saw over 40 students arrested and temporarily suspended following NYPD intervention last Friday. The arrests came as police dismantled a similar student-led protest.
The demands of these faculty protestors extend beyond divestment. They are calling for an end to the NYPD’s presence on campus and for the university to expunge the disciplinary charges levied against protesting students, as was reported by the Post. These faculty members, emboldened by the student activism, assert the necessity of their involvement to advance the cause started by their pupils.
“The movement started by our brave students must continue, and it is incumbent upon us as faculty to heed their calls and help finish what they started,” stated an anonymous faculty organizer in a release by New School’s Students for Justice in Palestine, the Post reported.
The narrative from the faculty’s camp paints a grim picture of the university administration’s response to the protests. Allegations of deception by the administration in the face of what they describe as “violent NYPD repression” and tactics that hinder students’ access to essential needs post-arrest have been voiced. The Post reported that according to one faculty member, “From the brazen lies spouted by administration in the face of violent NYPD repression to the suspension of students and tactics used to prevent students from accessing their essential needs after arrests, it is clear the President, Board members, and Administration have no interest in protecting students or listening to their demands, only in protecting themselves and their own profits.”
The New School interim President Donna Shalala stands accused by the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) of deploying NYPD riot police against protesting students as they slept. Indicated in the Post report was that in a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, the SJP announced a call for a general strike aimed at halting all school operations—a dramatic escalation in their ongoing campus activism.
The strike, supported by a considerable portion of the faculty and student body, seeks total cessation of both paid and unpaid labor at the university. The Post report revealed that in a bold move signaling deepening faculty involvement, educators have been urged to withhold final grades, a step that could disrupt the academic schedule significantly and underline the seriousness of their grievances.
The conflict between the university administration and its community intensified following the mass arrest of students during a previous protest. This led to a sweeping vote among 200 faculty members, with an overwhelming 94% expressing no confidence in both Shalala and the Board of Trustees, as per the information in the Post report. The vote reflects a profound distrust in the university leadership and a rallying cry for significant administrative changes.
Amid these internal upheavals, the faculty protesters are broadening their scope to national concerns, demanding that universities and municipalities across the country dismiss all charges and disciplinary actions against the more than 2,000 students who have been arrested or disciplined during related protests nationwide, as was pointed out in the Post report.
“We hope it will not be the last. We thank our students for showing us the way; for being our teachers,” the faculty stated, recognizing the student-led initiatives that sparked the current faculty involvement, as was stated in the Post report.
At Pratt Institute, a renowned Brooklyn-based arts college, a series of contentious votes recently unfolded within the faculty governing body. According to a report in the New York Post on Wednesday, the votes concerned proposals to boycott Israeli academic and cultural institutions—a part of the broader Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement that seeks to isolate Israel from the international community of nations and ultimately destroy the one and only Jewish state.
The voting process was steeped in controversy from the outset, initially scheduled on the first full day of Passover, a significant Jewish holiday. The information provided in the Post report indicated that this timing drew sharp criticism and allegations of discrimination from the Brandeis Legal Center for Human Rights Under Law, a Jewish legal civil-rights advocacy group. The center argued that holding the vote during Passover would prevent observant Jewish professors from participating, the Post report added. Responding to these concerns, Pratt’s Academic Senate rescheduled the vote, allowing for wider participation.
The resolutions put forward were highly divisive. One called for an academic and cultural boycott of Israel and was narrowly defeated with a vote of 14 to 12. In a terrifying revelation, the report in the Post said that a similar resolution proposed that Pratt should sever all official interactions with Israeli entities, including events, activities, agreements, or projects involving Israel, its lobby groups, or its cultural institutions. This too was rejected by the same margin. The Post also reported that another measure, which suggested suspending Pratt’s partnership with Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Israel, also failed, receiving only 11 favorable votes.
However, the faculty council did pass one significant resolution related to the controversy, with a vote of 20 to 6. This resolution called for Pratt to ensure “full transparency regarding institutional investments in Israeli companies or companies that profit from the Israeli occupation of Palestine” and to prepare for potential divestment from these holdings if deemed necessary, the Post report said.
The reaction to the votes was mixed. Rory Lancman, senior counsel at the Brandeis Center and a former New York City councilman, applauded the rejection of the resolutions aimed at boycotting Israel. According to the Post report, he praised the efforts of Pratt’s Jewish community, stating, “Pratt’s Jewish students, faculty, and staff, many of whom are members of the Brandeis Center, deserve all the credit for standing up for their rights, and for what’s right, period, in defeating this anti-Semitic BDS resolution.”
Lancman criticized the BDS movement, labeling such resolutions as “anti-Semitic” and argued that they likely violate various anti-discrimination laws and regulations, as was affirmed in the Post report. This sentiment underscores the legal and ethical complexities surrounding the BDS movement within academic institutions in the U.S.
Amidst this contentious backdrop, Pratt’s Academic Senate issued a statement emphasizing the institution’s commitment to academic freedom and the importance of engaging in difficult conversations. “The world is struggling to hold space for and have such conversations; we want you all to know that we strive to live by what we say our core values are – academic freedom. We don’t have to agree with one another, but we do have to sit together and talk. And for that, we thank each one of you,” the Senate expressed, as was noted in the Post report.
The issue of BDS at Pratt coincides with a period of heightened activism and unrest on other campuses across the country, including Columbia University, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and New York University. These institutions have seen a range of disruptive activities, from vandalism to the establishment of encampments, as students and faculty express their hatred towards Israel and the entire Jewish nation.
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov posted on X a photo of antisemitic graffiti at PS197
The missive — which read “F–k the Jews. Free Palestine” was written on a white wall at P.S. 197 – The Kings Highway Academy in Midwood, according to a photo posted on X Wednesday by local Councilwoman Inna Vernikov.
InnaVernikov/X
F–k the Jews! Free Palestine!” Scrawled in Blood Red Ink at Kings Highway Academy in Midwood
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a troubling incident at P.S. 197 – The Kings Highway Academy in Midwood, Brooklyn, a piece of hateful anti-Semitic graffiti was discovered, starkly illustrating the growing concerns about anti-Semitism in educational settings amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. According to a report on Wednesday in The New York Post, the graffiti, written in blood-red ink on a white wall near an outdoor chess table, bore the message: “F–k the Jews. Free Palestine.” This distressing statement was brought to public attention through a post on the social media platform X by local Councilwoman Inna Vernikov on Wednesday, the Post report said.
This graffiti at P.S. 197 is part of a troubling rise in anti-Semitic incidents in New York City, which has historically been home to one of the largest Jewish communities outside of Israel.
This incident did not stand alone in the broader context but came into the spotlight during a congressional hearing that same day, which questioned Schools Chancellor David Banks about his handling of escalating anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. Facing a panel of 14 lawmakers, Chancellor Banks defended his administration’s actions, asserting a proactive stance against all forms of hate within the school system. According to the information provided in the Post report, he said, “I can’t state that I can prevent every incident from ever happening, but … once it is brought to our attention … we respond in an appropriate fashion.” His testimony highlighted ongoing efforts to combat hate, claiming, “New York City public schools have been aggressive in fighting hate wherever it has reared its ugly head.”
Following her initial exposure of the graffiti, Brooklyn Councilwoman Vernikov updated her audience on X, crediting public pressure and media attention with spurring a swift response from authorities. As per the information in the Post report, she noted that the New York City Department of Education, in coordination with the NYPD, was actively investigating the incident to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences.
In her communications, Vernikov expressed gratitude for the fast action but also emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance and accountability, reflecting a broader concern about the climate in educational institutions. “Let’s hope this also translates into swift action and accountability for students and teachers who violate DOE’s policies and code of conduct,” Vernikov noted, according to the report in the Post.
A spokesperson from the New York City Department of Education (DOE) reiterated the system’s stance against hate, stating, “Hate has no place at New York City Public Schools, and we condemn all acts of anti-Semitism and discrimination of any kind, which is why this disturbing incident was immediately reported, removed, and is currently under investigation,” the Post reported.
The significant uptick in anti-Semitic incidents in NYC schools follows the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict from October 7, which has seen a ripple effect in local communities. As was detailed in the Post report, among the notable events were a rampage by students at Hillcrest High School, which resulted in a Jewish teacher seeking refuge in a locked office for hours, and a citywide student walkout demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the Post reported that severe allegations of virulent anti-Semitism at Brooklyn’s Origins High School have surfaced, marking a terrifying trend of hatred and intolerance infiltrating educational settings.
Schumer claims an Illinois-based gun manufacturer could be breaking the law for peddling a smaller and lighter version of an AR-15 aimed at an audience of children. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
Schumer Backs Biden’s Controversial Decision to Block Arms to Israel Amidst Internal U.S. Political Strife
Edited by: TJVNews.com
In a significant political shift, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, a long-time vocal supporter of Israel in Congress, has expressed his support for President Joe Biden’s contentious decision to potentially block weapons transfers to Israel, as was reported by Yeshiva World News. This development marks a notable pivot in Schumer’s stance, particularly given his historical advocacy for strong U.S.-Israel relations.
Speaking to the press, Schumer emphasized his trust in the Biden administration’s judgment regarding these international affairs. “I believe that Israel and America have an ironclad relationship, and I have faith in what the Biden administration is doing,” Schumer stated, according to the YWN report. His remarks come amid growing tensions within U.S. politics over how to handle the relationship with Israel, especially following recent developments that have put this alliance under scrutiny.
This stance is a stark contrast to Schumer’s previous positions, notably during a tumultuous period in Israeli politics when he was perceived as betraying Israel. YWN reported that Schumer had recently made headlines with his highly critical remarks about Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, calling for significant political changes in Israel’s leadership, which many saw as an indirect support for opposition forces within the Israeli political landscape.
The current controversy revolves around a shipment of munitions previously approved by Congress and officially signed into law by President Biden himself. The administration’s recent move to delay or block these shipments to Israel has sparked a legal and ethical debate, as it could potentially contravene existing laws that govern such military aid.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has been vocal in criticizing the administration’s decision, highlighting it as a problematic gap between Congressional intent and executive action. “A few days ago, we saw reports that the president was delaying weapons shipments to Israel, creating daylight between America and a close ally,” McConnell said, as per the YWN report. He further criticized the lack of transparency with Congress, pointing out the dangers of what he views as a capitulation to the most radical elements of the Democratic Party. “The decision to pause these shipments was withheld from Congress — we still don’t know key facts,” McConnell elaborated, expressing concerns over the implications of such a move on U.S. foreign policy and security.
The debate over these weapon shipments is not just a matter of logistics but reflects deeper ideological and political rifts within the United States regarding its role on the global stage, particularly in how it manages its alliances with key partners like Israel. It also poses significant questions about the future trajectory of U.S.-Israel relations and how entrenched political figures like Schumer navigate these turbulent waters.
Biden’s CNN interview in which he announced the halt of shipment of munitions to Israel is just studded with gems of logic.
“Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways in which they go after population centers” as if 2,000-pound bombs kill no civilians when the US uses them. Tell it to Afghans Mr. Biden — and you will hear back that “The United States military in 2017 relaxed its rules of engagement for airstrikes in Afghanistan, which resulted in a massive increase in civilian casualties … About 243,000 people have been killed in the Afghanistan/Pakistan warzone since 2001. More than 70,000 of those killed have been civilians.” As to Iraq “No one knows with certainty how many people have been killed and wounded in Iraq since the 2003 United States invasion. However, we know that between 280,771-315,190 have died from direct war related violence caused by the U.S., its allies, the Iraqi military and police, and opposition forces from the time of the invasion through March 2023. The violent deaths of Iraqi civilians have occurred through aerial bombing, shelling, gunshots, suicide attacks, and fires started by bombing. … Because not all war-related deaths have been recorded accurately by the Iraqi government and the U.S.-led coalition, the numbers are likely much higher. Several estimates based on randomly selected household surveys place the total death count among Iraqis in the hundreds of thousands. Several times as many Iraqi civilians may have died as an indirect result of the war.”
Talk of the pot calling the kettle black!
And then, this: “We’re not walking away from Israel’s security [when US stops supplying Israel with munitions]. We’re walking away from Israel’s ability to wage war in those areas [i.e. Rafah]” — as if the two are not one and the same, as if destruction of Rafah battalions, of Rafah tunnels, and establishing a smuggling-tight buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt is unrelated to Israel’s security!
Or how about this: “I said to Bibi, ‘Don’t make the same mistake we made in America. We wanted to get bin Laden. We’ll help you get Sinwar. It made sense to get bin Laden; it made no sense to try and unify Afghanistan. It made no sense in my view to engage in thinking that in Iraq they had a nuclear weapon” — as if Gaza is separated from Israel by as many thousands of miles as US is from Afghanistan, as if Iraq did not build a nuclear reactor that Israel bombed, as if Suddam did not kill tens of thousands of Kurds with chemical weapons, as if “getting Sinwar,” rather than eradicating Hamas is all there is to the Gaza war, as if letting thousands of armed terrorists roam Gaza, and shell, rocket, and infiltrate Israel is a reasonable outcome.
But seriously. Afghanistan had the misfortune of being a country whose strategic value was worth far less than the American expenditure in occupying it, so US withdrew, allowing Taliban to rebound. Ariel Sharon’s calculus in withdrawing from Gaza in 2005 was exactly the same — as was Israel’s withdrawal, in 2000, from South Lebanon. Both were ostensibly sensible, cost-cutting decisions — and both came at a colossal cost of wars that followed, of Hezbullah taking over the Lebanon, of Hamas taking over Gaza, of both arming themselves to the teeth with the help from Iran. Talk of being penny-wise!
And this was exactly the outcome of American withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan. It did not turn Iraq into a friendly ground; on the contrary, Iraq is swarming with Iran-backed militias that hate the US with their guts and threaten what minimal presence American troops still have there. And Afghanistan, of course, reverted to the Taliban rule. Invariably, withdrawals result in anti-American, anti-Western forces filling the vacuum. Invariably, they were a failure — a failure Biden tries to tout as a success, and urges Israel to replicate in Gaza!
If recent history is any guide, the proper paradigm is not withdrawal but occupation — on a straightforward logic that in the longer run the occupation, costly as it is, is much less expensive than a withdrawal. The paradigm should be that of 1945 — the occupation of Germany and Japan without which they would have reverted to the bad old ways. Allied troops prevented that, nipping the bad ideas in the bud, the rising generation looking at the Nazi past with disgust, rather than admiration. This should be the lesson learned from the October 7 horrible disaster, and the model for the future of Gaza.
It is hard to believe that Biden does not understand this — he surely does — but politicians do not like to think long-term; the next election fills their mental horizon. Accordingly, in his CNN interview Biden was not talking as a candid observer of the world scene — but as a candidate for office. And that kind of talk has its own logic; as some wit (reportedly, Alan Dershowitz) observed, Biden’s “two-state solution” is about the states of Michigan and Pennsylvania — two swing states in which many democrats hate Israel and which he needs to win — and hence, he needs to accommodate the Israel-haters by throwing Israel under the bus. Hence, his touching concern about American bombs killing civilians — as if he was born yesterday, and not lived through Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
But, needless to say, Biden left this part unsaid in his CNN interview; he hopes that “masses are asses” and we won’t notice. And he is right that many won’t. Yet, many will — and won’t forget it come November.
BLM Global Network Foundation Sues Tides Foundation Over Alleged Mismanagement of $33M in Donations
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a major legal battle that could have wide-reaching implications for nonprofit operations and donor relations, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) has filed a lawsuit against the Tides Foundation, a longstanding fiscal sponsor known for managing funds for various progressive causes, as was reported on Thursday in The New York Post. The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court in Los Angeles County, accuses Tides of fraud and withholding over $33 million in donations intended for BLMGNF.
According to the detailed 285-page complaint submitted on Monday, the Tides Foundation, which has been operational since 1976, is alleged to have breached its fiduciary duties by diverting funds meant for BLMGNF to other groups, including a radical faction led by anti-police activist Melina Abdullah, as was noted in the Post report. Abdullah’s group, which previously engaged in a legal dispute with BLMGNF described as “frivolous” by BLMGNF’s attorney, reportedly received funding from the pool of donations under contentious circumstances.
Tides Foundation, with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, functions as a fiscal sponsor—a role that involves managing donations on behalf of organizations that may lack 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This model is common in the nonprofit sector to facilitate funding for smaller or emerging groups. However, the information provided in the Post report said the lawsuit claims that Tides has failed to operate within the bounds of this role responsibly, accusing it of “engaging in deceptive business practices” and operating in a “quasi-banking capacity” without the necessary regulatory oversight.
Further complicating the scenario is the involvement of high-profile donors like billionaire George Soros and his son Alex Soros, whose Open Society Foundations have reportedly channeled nearly $14 million to Tides. The report in the Post also affirmed that some of these funds were directed to activist groups such as the Adalah Justice Project, which has been actively involved in anti-Israel protests across the United States, highlighting the political and ideological complexities interwoven with the fiscal management allegations.
BLMGNF, established in 2017 and becoming a focal point for donations following the 2020 death of George Floyd, approached Tides Foundation during a period when it did not yet have IRS tax-exempt status. Indicated in the Post report was that Tides, a nonprofit that specializes in managing funds for various advocacy and charitable groups, was to act as a fiscal intermediary, handling the surge in contributions BLMGNF received amid widespread calls for social justice and police reform.
According to the lawsuit, Tides, which controls assets totaling more than $1.4 billion, operates by taking a percentage of the donations it manages—ranging from 3% to 9%. BLMGNF claims that it was verbally assured by Tides that the funds would be returned once BLMGNF secured its tax-exempt status, as was explained in the Post report. The funds were to be held in a “collective action fund” that ostensibly remained accessible to BLMGNF.
The relationship between BLMGNF and Tides Foundation soured and eventually ended in 2022. Despite the severance of ties, Tides has allegedly not complied with returning the remaining funds, which amount to some $33 million. The lawsuit highlights a specific incident where Tides reportedly misdirected funds: on June 9, 2022, Tides officials claimed they had transferred $7.4 million from the collective fund back to BLMGNF. However, the Post reported that BLMGNF has alleged that Tides instead sent $4.75 million to an unaffiliated BLM chapter in Oklahoma City, a move that BLMGNF claims was unauthorized and lacks transparency.
The lawsuit raises significant questions about the ethical management of nonprofit funds, particularly in how Tides has functioned akin to a bank but without adhering to the stringent regulations that govern financial institutions. This lack of regulatory oversight is central to BLMGNF’s allegations of “deceptive business practices” against Tides.
In response to these allegations, a spokeswoman for the Tides Foundation firmly dismissed the claims, characterizing them as “completely false.” The Post reported that according to Tides, the funds in question, collected under the Black Lives Matter collective action fund, were specifically intended for distribution to local Black Lives Matter chapters rather than to large, national entities like BLMGNF. “Resources in the Black Lives Matter [collective action fund] were never intended to be granted to large, well-funded national organizations like Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, and were always intended to be granted to local Black Lives Matter chapters,” the Tides statement explained. They argue that BLMGNF’s legal action aims to redirect resources away from grassroots operations, which would counter the original intent of the donors.
On the other side of this legal battle, an attorney for BLMGNF, Byron McLain, stated that Tides overstepped its bounds by reallocating funds earmarked for BLMGNF to other groups or local chapters without proper authorization, as per the information provided in the Post report.
Further complicating the situation is the involvement of BLM Grassroots, a breakaway faction led by activist Melina Abdullah, who previously engaged in legal action against BLMGNF. The report in the Post also revealed that Tides disclosed that it had allocated $12.6 million from the Support Fund to various groups, including BLM Grassroots. Abdullah’s prior lawsuit against BLMGNF, which sought $10 million, was dismissed as “frivolous,” and she was subsequently ordered to cover more than $700,000 in legal fees and costs for BLMGNF.
This legal tangle is underscored by a June ruling from a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, which dismissed the claims of BLM Grassroots to any of BLMGNF’s donations. The Post reported that McLain emphasized that the ongoing lawsuit against Tides encompasses more than financial discrepancies; it is fundamentally about “the principle of rightful ownership and transparency that should govern partnerships in social justice funding.”
“There is an expectation for Black Lives Matter to challenge systems, break barriers and uphold the truth, no matter how uncomfortable,” BLMGNF stated. “Today, that extends into non-profit operations as we call out Tides Foundation and other so-called ‘fiscal sponsors’ who exploit their role.” The Post reported this accusation comes at a time when BLMGNF itself is under scrutiny over how it managed a significant influx of donations following the global response to racial injustice sparked by the death of George Floyd in 2020.
BLMGNF, which brought in an astounding $90 million in donations during 2020, has faced its share of internal financial controversies. Notably, co-founder Patrisse Cullors was implicated in a personal spending scandal involving the purchase of high-value properties. According to the Post report, these acquisitions included two homes in Los Angeles and a substantial property in the Atlanta suburbs, complete with an airplane hangar and runway. These revelations, first brought to light by The Post, have stirred significant public and media scrutiny.
Cullors has consistently denied using BLMGNF donations to fund these purchases. Nevertheless, the Post reported that the timing of these acquisitions, coupled with her resignation from BLMGNF in May 2021, fueled ongoing debates and suspicions about the financial integrity within the upper echelons of BLMGNF.
Further financial decisions by Cullors, such as signing off on a $6 million Los Angeles mansion intended as an office for BLMGNF, and an $8 million property in Toronto for the group’s Canadian chapter, have only added to the controversy. The Post pointed out that these expenditures raised questions about the appropriateness of spending and financial governance within BLMGNF, especially given the organization’s high-profile role in social justice movements.
Wiz’s Strategic Expansion: A Billion-Dollar Boost for the Cloud Security Innovator
Edited by: TJVNews.com
In an impressive financial move underscoring its rapid growth and robust market confidence, cloud security startup Wiz announced on Tuesday that it has raised $1 billion in a funding round, catapulting its valuation to an impressive $12 billion, as was reported in The Wall Street Journal. Wiz is a New York-based startup with additional offices across the United States and Israel.
This new valuation not only reflects Wiz’s explosive growth but also its strategic positioning within the tech industry, particularly in the cybersecurity sector.
The recent funding round, which swells Wiz’s total funding to $1.9 billion, was spearheaded by major venture capital firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Thrive Capital. According to the WSJ report, the round also saw participation from Greylock Partners, Wellington Management, and other existing investors including Cyberstarts, Greenoaks, Index Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, and Sequoia Capital. Notably, Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, has also invested in this round, adding a high-profile name to Wiz’s diverse list of backers, the WSJ report indicated.
Under the leadership of co-founder and CEO Assaf Rappaport, Wiz is positioning itself for a pivotal year in 2024, which Rappaport anticipates will be a period of consolidation in the cybersecurity industry. As per the information provided in the WSJ report, the company plans to use the newly acquired funds to pursue acquisitions that will strengthen its service offerings, as well as to enhance product development and expand its talent pool.
Wiz’s aggressive growth strategy is underscored by its recent acquisition activities, including the purchase of Gem Security, a company specializing in cloud detection and response. Additionally, the WSJ reported that Wiz is reevaluating its intentions to acquire cybersecurity startup Lacework after a period of due diligence, showcasing its cautious yet assertive approach to expansion.
Financially, Wiz has demonstrated remarkable success, achieving $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) just 18 months after its inception. Indicated in the WSJ report was that by 2023, this figure soared to $350 million, illustrating rapid market penetration and a strong demand for its cloud security solutions. This robust financial performance positions Wiz favorably for a potential initial public offering (IPO), though Rappaport suggests that the company will not rush into going public, the WSJ report added. He indicated that Wiz would consider an IPO once it reaches $1 billion ARR, focusing for now on innovation and maximizing customer value.
The company’s reach extends globally, with hundreds of organizations and over 40 of the Fortune 100 companies utilizing its technology, the WSJ report affirmed. This widespread adoption is a testament to the effectiveness and essential nature of Wiz’s offerings in the increasingly crucial field of cloud security.
Under the guidance of Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Ami Luttwak, Wiz is developing a platform that aims to secure the entire supply chain of cloud-based operations. The information contained in the WSJ report indicated that this includes protecting the code base of customers, their engineering departments, and other critical functions such as identity management, artificial intelligence, and data clouds. Luttwak’s vision is clear: to offer a security solution that encompasses the whole gamut of building and maintaining cloud infrastructures.
The goal of Wiz’s platform is to provide customers not only with tools to defend against threats but also with the contextual understanding necessary to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities, as was explained in the WSJ report. This approach allows organizations to be proactive rather than reactive, addressing potential security issues before they escalate into more significant problems.
From its inception, Wiz has been ambitious, aiming to become a major player in the cybersecurity field. CEO Assaf Rappaport has emphasized that achieving this goal involves a meticulous focus on maintaining high gross margins, optimizing sales efficiency, and leading the field in research and development, according to the WSJ report. Rappaport believes that these factors are essential for driving innovation and growth within the company.
Wiz’s commitment to excellence is evident in its operational strategy, which prioritizes expanding market share and venturing into new territories. The company recognizes the vast opportunities that lie ahead in the global market and is strategically positioning itself to seize these opportunities at the opportune moment.
The approach taken by Wiz represents a significant shift in how cybersecurity solutions are developed and deployed in cloud environments. By creating a platform that addresses the entire supply chain of cloud technology, Wiz is setting a new standard in the industry. This holistic approach not only enhances security but also improves the overall efficiency of cloud operations for their clients.
The implications of Wiz’s strategy extend beyond individual organizations, potentially influencing the broader cloud computing industry. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud services, the demand for comprehensive, integrated security solutions will continue to grow. Wiz’s platform aims to meet this demand by offering a scalable, efficient solution that can adapt to the diverse needs of its global clientele.
As Wiz continues to expand its footprint and refine its offerings, the company is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cloud security. With a clear focus on innovation, customer needs, and market expansion, Wiz is not just responding to the current demands of the cybersecurity market but is actively anticipating future challenges and opportunities.
An Israeli private intelligence firm sold Spyware which has allegedly been used to hack the phones of dozens of Al Jazeera journalists. Photo Credit: YouTube
The media is accusing Israel of being anti-democratic for shutting down Al Jazeera, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. pic.twitter.com/op6PhbgN6n
FILE - Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis looks on during a hearing on the Georgia election interference case, March, 1, 2024, in Atlanta. A Georgia appeals court has agreed to review a lower court ruling allowing Fani Willis to continue to prosecute the election interference case she brought against Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Alex Slitz, Pool)
(AP) — A Georgia appeals court on Wednesday agreed to review a lower court ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue to prosecute the election interference case she brought against former President Donald Trump.
Trump and some other defendants in the case had tried to get Willis and her office removed from the case, saying her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade created a conflict of interest. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee in March found that no conflict of interest existed that should force Willis off the case, but he granted a request from Trump and the other defendants to seek an appeal of his ruling from the Georgia Court of Appeals.
That intermediate appeals court agreed on Wednesday to take up the case. Once it rules, the losing side could ask the Georgia Supreme Court to consider an appeal.
Trump’s lead attorney in Georgia, Steve Sadow, said in an email that the former president looks forward to presenting arguments to the appeals court as to why the case should be dismissed and why Willis “should be disqualified for her misconduct in this unjustified, unwarranted political persecution.”
A spokesperson for Willis declined to comment on the Court of Appeals decision to take up the matter.
The appeals court’s decision to consider the case seems likely to cause a delay in a case and further reduce the possibility that it will get to trial before the November general election, when Trump is expected to be the Republican nominee for president.
In his order, McAfee said he planned to continue to address other pretrial motions “regardless of whether the petition is granted … and even if any subsequent appeal is expedited by the appellate court.” But Trump and the others could ask the Court of Appeals to stay the case while the appeal is pending.
McAfee wrote in his order in March that the prosecution was “encumbered by an appearance of impropriety.” He said Willis could remain on the case only if Wade left, and the special prosecutor submitted his resignation hours later.
The allegations that Willis had improperly benefited from her romance with Wade resulted in a tumultuous couple of months in the case as intimate details of Willis and Wade’s personal lives were aired in court in mid-February. The serious charges in one of four criminal cases against the Republican former president were largely overshadowed by the love lives of the prosecutors.
Trump and 18 others were indicted in August, accused of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to illegally try to overturn his narrow 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden in Georgia.
All of the defendants were charged with violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, law, an expansive anti-racketeering statute. Four people charged in the case have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty.
Trump and other defendants had argued in their appeal application that McAfee was wrong not to remove both Willis and Wade, writing that “providing DA Willis with the option to simply remove Wade confounds logic and is contrary to Georgia law.”
The allegations against Willis first surfaced in a motion filed in early January by Ashleigh Merchant, a lawyer for former Trump campaign staffer and onetime White House aide Michael Roman. The motion alleged that Willis and Wade were involved in an inappropriate romantic relationship and that Willis paid Wade large sums for his work and then benefitted when he paid for lavish vacations.
Willis and Wade acknowledged the relationship but said they didn’t begin dating until the spring of 2022, after Wade was hired in November 2021, and their romance ended last summer. They also testified that they split travel costs roughly evenly, with Willis often paying expenses or reimbursing Wade in cash.
What’s a Nice Orthodox Jewish Young Man Doing on the Gridiron in Texas? The Inspiring Story of Sam Salz
Edited by: TJVNews.com
Sam Salz, a diminutive figure standing at 5-foot-6 and weighing 160 pounds, is not your typical aspirant for a spot in the rough-and-tumble world of SEC football, particularly not at a powerhouse like Texas A&M, according to a recently published report in TheAthletic.com, a subscription-based sports news service that was acquired by the New York Times in 2022.
Yet, as the dusk settled over the Bright Football Complex in early February, he was there, ready to share an extraordinary tale of determination and unlikely ambition.
Born and raised in the tight-knit, devout environment of a Modern Orthodox Jewish family in Philadelphia, Salz attended Kohelet Yeshiva High School. This institution, while rigorous in its academic offerings and committed to the moral and spiritual development of its students, did not extend its activities to the football field, as was reported by The Athletic. It was here that Salz, amidst his religious and academic pursuits, nurtured a seemingly far-fetched dream: to play football at one of the most competitive levels in the nation.
With no formal training or experience in organized football, what Salz lacked in physical preparation he made up for with sheer willpower and a meticulously crafted plan. As per the report on TheAthletic.com web site, upon moving to Texas for college, he found himself on the periphery of the Texas A&M football program, a world away from the quiet hallways of Kohelet Yeshiva.
Sam Salz, a football player at Texas A&M, is believed to be the only Orthodox Jew currently playing college football. He wears a kippah under his helmet and does not participate in games on Shabbat.
— Humans of Judaism (@HumansOfJudaism) May 7, 2024
Each day, Salz arrived at the practice field an hour early and stayed an hour late, practicing drills he set up himself using old shoes and trash cans in place of the standard sports equipment. His makeshift training ground beside the practice field became a testament to his resolve. The information provided in the report on TheAthletic.com indicated that without cleats, without a designated position, and without the typical high school football pedigree, he nonetheless worked with the determination of a seasoned athlete.
Salz’s unconventional path to catching the eye of the Texas A&M football staff involved more than just physical preparation. He recognized the importance of making a personal impression. Thus, he made it a point to attend then-head coach Jimbo Fisher’s weekly radio show at Rudy’s Country Store and B-B-Q. TheAthletic.com also reported that it was here, amid the aroma of barbecue, that Salz took a bold step that defied conventional norms and team policies. He approached Coach Fisher directly, looking him in the eye, and declared his intention to walk onto the team, regardless of his non-traditional background in the sport.
This direct approach was emblematic of Salz’s determination not to let traditional barriers dictate his opportunities. Ignoring the team’s policy that required walk-ons to have varsity football experience, he presented himself as a candidate based solely on his dedication and hard work, as was noted in ThAthletic.com report.
At 21, Salz had set his sights on a goal that seemed almost unreachable: playing college football at one of the most competitive levels in the United States, despite having no prior organized football experience.
From his early days at Texas A&M, Salz embarked on a routine that few could sustain. Each day, he would position himself on a patch of land adjacent to the Aggies’ practice fields, separated only by a chain-link fence. This physical barrier did little to dissuade him; rather, it served as a daily reminder of his goal. “I told myself, ‘I’m on this team,’” Salz recounted, according to TheAthletic.com. He believed firmly that although he was physically on the other side of the fence, he was as much a part of the team as any of the players on the field. This belief fueled his rigorous, self-directed workouts, during which he would often be seen by the team—his consistent presence becoming a familiar sight.
Salz’s determination did not go unnoticed. The energy and dedication he brought to his solitary practice sessions began to draw attention not just from other players who saw his relentless commitment, but also from the coaches, as was explained in TheAthletic.com report. After practices, players and coaches alike would see Salz, donning his yarmulke, pushing himself to the limits. Many were inspired by his dedication, some offered encouragement, and a camaraderie began to form. “Guys would come out of practice and realize this guy in a yarmulke was working out every day, and they’d hype me up,” Salz noted to TheAthletic.com. His interactions with the team started to bridge the gap between him and the official roster.
Recognizing his genuine interest and commitment, Salz leveraged his consistent attendance at Coach Jimbo Fisher’s radio shows to make personal appeals to the coach. His persistence paid off when he asked Fisher if he could attend a practice to better understand the team’s dynamics and strategies, TheAthletic.com report said. Fisher, seeing Salz’s unwavering dedication, granted him access. Salz took meticulous notes and diligently incorporated what he learned into his workouts, further aligning his independent training with the team’s regimen.
@sam_salz is an inspiration for his love of the game, his love of Aggieland, and the love he has for his faith. As someone of Jewish heritage, and when it is clearly a hard time in the nation being Jewish, stories like Sam matters. Here’s hoping Week 1 is a night game! https://t.co/u6SR6Kv57P
Salz’s story draws inevitable comparisons to the iconic underdog tale of “Rudy,” the Notre Dame fan who overcame numerous obstacles to make the football team. Ironically, Salz admitted to never having seen the film, though his real-life journey mirrors the cinematic tale’s spirit. Noted in TheAthletic.com report was that unlike Rudy, whose story was propelled by a single-minded quest to play for Notre Dame, Salz’s motivation is less about emulating a cinematic hero and more about fulfilling a personal ambition that is uniquely his own, driven by a passion for the game and a deep desire to prove himself.
For Salz the path was not just about pursuing a passion for sports but also about navigating the complexities of maintaining his religious commitments while integrating into a predominantly secular, high-energy college environment known for its deep-rooted traditions and football culture.
Growing up, Salz’s Saturdays—Shabbat in Jewish tradition—were spent in spiritual observance rather than recreational activities. From sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, Shabbat is a time dedicated to rest and spiritual enrichment. Activities common to many American households over the weekend, such as watching or participating in sports, using electricity, driving, cooking, or engaging in any form of work, are prohibited, as was indicated in TheAthletic.com report. This observance naturally limited his exposure to live sports, including college football, which predominantly takes place on Saturdays.
Despite these restrictions, Salz’s interest in football and Texas A&M burgeoned during his high school years. His curiosity wasn’t sparked by televised games or live sports events, but rather through a modern conduit of sports culture: the internet phenomenon known as Dude Perfect, as was reported by TheAthletic.com. This group of Texas A&M alumni gained fame through their viral trick shots and sports-themed entertainment videos. Their connection to Texas A&M and the captivating content they produced drew Salz’s attention and admiration, leading him to delve deeper into what the university represents.
Texas A&M University is not merely an academic institution; it is a community rich with traditions, from the Midnight Yell to game-day festivities, embodying a spirit of camaraderie and tradition. Despite its large student body of over 70,000, the university hosts a relatively small Jewish community, comprising less than 1% of the population. However, TheAthletic.com reported that the presence of a strong and accessible Jewish community, represented by entities such as the University’s Hillel and the Chabad under Rabbi Yossi Lazaroff, reassured Salz of the viability of maintaining his religious life while immersing himself in the broader university culture.
Reaching out to Rabbi Lazaroff, Salz was able to gain insights into the Jewish community’s dynamics at College Station, ultimately affirming his decision that Texas A&M was the right place for him. It was here that Salz saw an opportunity to align his personal and religious identities with his unconventional athletic ambitions.
Salz’s drive and resourcefulness were evident long before he set his sights on college football. As a child, during a school fundraiser that involved selling cookie dough, Indicated in TheAthletic.com report was that Salz showed early signs of his enterprising spirit. The incentive was a flat-screen television for the student who sold the most. Not content to simply go door to door, Salz enlisted the help of a family friend who was an accountant to devise a winning sales strategy. His approach was successful, and he won the competition. This early experience was a precursor to the methodical and determined approach that would later define his pursuit of college football.
His mother, Marianna Salz, recalls the episode as characteristic of her son’s nature. TheAthletic.com reported that she wasn’t surprised when he later declared his intention to play college football, despite never having played the game in an organized manner before. To her, it was just “his next thing.”
Upon arriving at College Station in 2021, Salz’s first step was to integrate himself into the Texas A&M community as he took online classes at a Texas A&M system school. His physical presence near the team, however, was limited by his status as an online student, preventing him from trying out for the football team until he transferred to the main campus as a full-time student, according to the information contained in TheAthletic.com report. Even then, a twist of fate in the form of a crowded roster prevented the team from holding walk-on tryouts before the 2022 season, further delaying his plans.
Despite these setbacks, Salz’s resolve did not wane. He spent countless hours training independently on a patch of land visible from the Kyle Field office where Coach Jimbo Fisher worked. Unbeknownst to Salz, his dedication did not go unnoticed. As was detailed in TheAthletic.com report, Mark Robinson, then the associate athletic director, noted that Fisher could see Salz from the balcony that overlooks the field. Fisher himself was impressed by the persistent presence of the young man who not only showed up at his radio shows but also dedicated himself tirelessly to training on his own. “He’s always working out, and I love his drive,” Fisher remarked to TheAthletic.com.
During the tumultuous 2022 season, which saw Texas A&M football experience a disheartening six-game losing streak, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher was in search of a catalyst, a new spirit to invigorate his team. Amidst this search, Fisher set his sights on a figure whose dedication had already made a silent yet significant impact around the campus—Sam Salz, a student who had relentlessly pursued the dream of making the team against remarkable odds.
The pivotal moment came midway through the season when Salz received a text from Robinson, asking him to come by the football offices. The message was straightforward, yet it sparked an outpouring of emotion from Salz, who knew this could be the turning point he had been working towards, as was pointed out in TheAthletic.com report. His response was visceral—screaming, jumping, and fist-pumping, the culmination of months, if not years, of hard work and sheer determination.
When Salz met with Fisher and Robinson, they extended an invitation for him to join the team. This decision was symbolic; Salz was not the typical SEC football player. Lacking both the physical size and the extensive playing experience of his teammates, his inclusion was a testament to his undeniable spirit and work ethic. Fisher, recognizing the value of such determination and the influence it could have within the locker room, decided that Salz’s unique qualities were precisely what the team needed.
Salz’s journey to the team was not just about sports; it was deeply intertwined with his identity as an observant Orthodox Jew. He never compromised his faith for football, proudly wearing his yarmulke and tzitzit during workouts. These garments, significant to his religious practice, symbolize the commandments of the Torah and serve as a constant reminder of his faith, theAthletic.com reported. Salz, however, harbored concerns about how the team management would react to the practical implications of his observance—strict adherence to the Sabbath, dietary restrictions to maintain a kosher diet, and other religious obligations.
Despite these concerns, the coaching staff’s invitation to join the team was a clear sign of acceptance and understanding. It highlighted an essential aspect of sports at this level—the ability to unify individuals from diverse backgrounds toward a common goal, transcending personal differences, as was noted in TheAthletic.com report.
When Salz joined the team, Texas A&M promptly addressed the unique challenges posed by his observance of Jewish customs and laws. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the team made special arrangements to ensure that Salz could adhere to his religious commitments without compromising his participation in the football program. Notably, Salz is exempt from participating in team activities on Jewish holidays, which was highlighted by his absence from practice on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, just after he was invited to join the team, according to TheAthletic.com report.
The team’s nutritionist, Tiffany Ilten, has played a crucial role in ensuring that Salz’s dietary needs are met by providing access to kosher meals sourced from a distributor in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The report also added that the team facility even designated a microwave specifically for kosher food, calling attention to the program’s dedication to accommodating diverse dietary requirements.
Salz’s journey at Texas A&M has been facilitated by the presence of individuals like Mark Robinson who shares his Jewish heritage. Their connection is deepened through the practice of wrapping tefillin—a set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah, which are worn during weekday morning prayers, TheAthletic.com report said. This ritual symbolically binds them to their faith and has helped forge a strong bond between them, providing Salz with a sense of community and belonging within the athletic program.
On the field, Salz’s transition into college football has been a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. Initially brought on as a running back, it became clear that his lack of foundational football knowledge and the physical demands of the position required a strategic reassessment, the report on TheAthletic.com site indicated. Consequently, Salz transitioned to the receiver position, where the team needed depth, and where his smaller stature could be less of a disadvantage.
Despite his physical limitations relative to other players, Salz has demonstrated remarkable tenacity and commitment. A clip he proudly shares of him running a drag route and making a significant catch in practice exemplifies his growing competence and confidence on the field. TheAthletic.com said that his relentless work ethic and determination have not only earned him a spot on the scout team, where he can make meaningful contributions, but have also garnered respect and support from his teammates and coaches.
Texas A&M strength coach Tommy Moffitt highlighted Salz’s relentless effort, noting, “He goes hard all the time,” TheAthletic.com report said.
Salz’s story has captured the imagination and admiration of his team, including prominent figures like former A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith, recently drafted by the Eagles. Smith highlighted the motivational aspect Salz brings to the team, noting that Salz’s relentless pursuit of his goals serves as a reminder to all that simply making it to college football isn’t the pinnacle but just the beginning, as was mentioned in TheAthletic.com report. His presence and journey encourage his teammates to continuously strive for excellence and maintain their drive.
For Salz, even attending night games requires a rigorous routine that adheres to his religious principles. Living over a mile away from Kyle Field, he walks to the stadium, an act that itself is permissible under Jewish law. His entry into the stadium is facilitated by workers who recognize his need to avoid electronic scanners. Once inside, he observes the remainder of the Sabbath by studying Torah and eating a pre-prepared meal until sundown. TheAthletic.com report indicated that only after the Sabbath ends, typically by the middle of the third quarter, does he don his No. 39 jersey, along with his yarmulke and tzitzit, and join his teammates on the field.
This extraordinary routine is light-heartedly acknowledged by his teammates and even humorously suggested for inclusion in the NCAA video game, where they joke his player rating should be a 99 overall but only available in the fourth quarter of night games.
Despite his dedication and the accommodations made for him, Salz faces the reality of limited participation. His religious observance conflicted with Texas A&M’s all-walk-on kickoff team event against Abilene Christian, which took place during the day, preventing his involvement, TheAthletic.com reported.
When asked why he perseveres in face of such challenges, Salz’s response is touching and profound. His commitment extends beyond personal ambition; he sees himself as a role model for the Jewish community, inspiring others by demonstrating that it is possible to balance religious observance with pursuing one’s dreams, even in a field as demanding as college football.
Sam Salz’s story is not just about football; it’s about the strength of faith, the pursuit of dreams, and the power of representing one’s community in every field and arena. His journey at Texas A&M is a powerful narrative that will undoubtedly inspire many, showcasing the possibilities when one remains true to their beliefs while striving to achieve their goals.
In a recent and dramatic development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel has launched a ground operation in Rafah, seizing control of the strategic border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. This move signifies a significant escalation, positioning Rafah as Hamas’s final stronghold in the region.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to Israel regarding its military strategy in Rafah. The Financial Times reported that during a CNN interview with Erin Burnett on his trip to Wisconsin, Biden articulated that the U.S. would halt the supply of offensive weapons to Israel if it proceeds with a full-scale invasion of Rafah. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Israel relations, given the historical context of steadfast American support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
Rafah, a critical point in southern Gaza, has been under intense scrutiny due to the concentration of over a million Palestinian civilians in the area. The U.S. opposition to an Israeli assault on Rafah aligns with broader international concerns about the humanitarian impact and the high risk of civilian casualties, according to the information provided in the ft.com report. Biden’s explicit warning comes on the heels of the U.S. pausing a shipment of munitions to Israel, reflecting growing unease over Israeli military tactics in densely populated territories in Gaza.
Biden did tell CNN’s Erin Burnett that despite his refusal to help arm Israel in any Rafah offensive, the US would continue to supply Israel with the Iron Dome missile defense system that has proved highly effective in destroying rockets launched by Hamas into Israel from Gaza. “It appears that what Biden is saying is that Israel really does not have a right and moral responsibility to protect its citizenry from any future Hamas attacks, said a source close to the defense establishment in Israel who spoke to the Jewish Voice on the condition of anonymity. “Biden is saying that Israel can never, under any conditions, take an offensive posture against Hamas terrorists who slaughtered 1200 people in the most grotesque, barbaric way possible on October 7, “ the source continued.
“It sure sounds like he is saying that Israel can never be granted permission to totally eradicate the Hamas infrastructure in Gaza in order to eliminate the very real possibility that Hamas will commit future massacres. But rather, in Biden’s estimation, Israel must do nothing until the next time Hamas launches a barrage of rockets and then, at that point, the US will assist Israel in repelling those rockets with the advanced technology that the Iron Dome brings to the table. So, the long and short of it is that under Biden’s plan, Israel will be perpetually attacked and will not be granted permission to take the offensive and eliminate the clear aggressor in order to stop any and all future attacks, “ the source added.
Other experts have weighed in with the conclusion that a perpetual double standard is being applied to Israel exclusively. While other nations have the right to take offensive military actions against those who attacked them, in the view of the present administration in Washington, Israel does not.
The context of Biden’s remarks is deeply intertwined with ongoing efforts to broker peace and secure a ceasefire. The U.S. has been actively trying to mediate a resolution that would not only halt hostilities but also facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Indicated in the ft.com report was that the aim is to establish a ceasefire that could last at least six weeks, providing a necessary respite for the civilians caught in the crossfire and an opportunity for diplomatic engagement.
However, the future of these negotiations remains uncertain, adding to the tension between U.S. diplomatic objectives and Israel’s military actions. The pause in military aid by the U.S. is a clear message to Israel that its approach in Rafah could have significant implications for continued support. Also noted in the ft.com report was that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin further emphasized this stance in a congressional hearing, revealing that the U.S. had “paused one shipment of high payload munitions” due to concerns about Israel’s planned ground operations in Rafah. Austin affirmed the commitment to Israel’s defense but noted that some security assistance shipments are under review in light of the situation in Rafah, according to the ft.com report.
The operation in Rafah comes amidst a backdrop of strained relations between Israel and its longtime ally, the United States, over military tactics and humanitarian concerns. For the first time since the conflict intensified on October 7, following the brutal massacre of 1200 Israelis and others by Hamas, the U.S. has paused a potential weapons delivery to Israel, the ft.com report indicated.
The paused arms shipment includes substantial ordnance, with the Pentagon withholding significant quantities of munitions, specifically 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, according to the information contained in the ft.com report. This decision was taken after discussions that failed to fully address Washington’s concerns regarding the humanitarian implications of Israel’s military strategies in Rafah.
Israel Defense Forces spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari emphasized the intent to resolve any disputes “behind closed doors,” suggesting a keenness to maintain a unified front despite emerging disagreements. The ft.com report also said that Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the State Department, reiterated America’s commitment to Israel’s defense but highlighted severe concerns regarding the unfolding situation in Rafah as a rationale for the U.S. government’s scrutiny and restraint in arms shipments.
These heavy munitions, known for their extensive damage radius, have been used by the U.S. military only sparingly in its recent operations across the Middle East due to their potential for collateral damage, according to the information in the ft.com report.
A senior U.S. official emphasized the administration’s acute focus on the “end-use” of these large-scale bombs, particularly in Gaza’s urban environments where the risk of civilian harm is greatly amplified, the ft.com report said.
Furthermore, the delay extends beyond just the 2,000-pound bombs. As per the information in the ft.com report, the Biden administration has also informally postponed the shipment of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits and small-diameter bombs, essential components in modern aerial warfare that increase the accuracy and effectiveness of conventional bombs. According to insiders familiar with the situation, these cases are still under thorough review, reflecting a methodical and cautious approach to arms transfers amid the ongoing conflict.
The best encouragement the students received was from President Joe Biden, who, when asked about anti-Semitism on college campuses, condemned it but then added that he was just as concerned about “those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians.” It was, as Alan Dershowitz and Andrew Stein wrote in The Wall Street Journal, a “very fine people” moment for the president. Photo Credit: AP
By World Israel News Staff
The Biden administration’s decision to freeze planned arms shipments to the IDF in the midst of Israel’s ongoing war against the Hamas terror organization has ratcheted up tensions between Washington and Jerusalem, according to an Israeli official.
In a report published Wednesday, NBC News cited an Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity claiming that the Netanyahu government is deeply frustrated with the White House’s halt on arms shipments to the Jewish state.
The report came just hours after an Israeli army spokesperson tried to downplay the rift between the White House and Israel, saying the two sides would settle any disagreements “behind closed doors.”
Last week, the Biden administration instructed Boeing not to ship 3,500 bombs slated for delivery to the Israeli military, including the Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) bombs, along with equipment to convert the weapons to precision-guided bombs, and Small Diameter Bombs.
The administration launched a formal review of U.S. weapons sales to Israel in April, to ensure American-made arms are not used in any way that could be construed as human rights violations.
‘WHOEVER HARMS ISRAEL, WE WILL HARM THEM,’ SAYS NETANYAHU AS IRAN THREATENS RETALIATION FOR GENERAL’S KILLING
On Wednesday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed that the Biden administration has frozen planned weapons sales, telling the Senate that the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security nevertheless remains “ironclad.”
Austin added that the weapons transfers were suspended over Israel’s plans to carry out a comprehensive ground operation in Rafah, the final Hamas stronghold in the Gaza Strip.
“We’ve been very clear,” Austin told senators Wednesday, “from the very beginning that Israel shouldn’t launch a major attack into Rafah without accounting for and protecting the civilians that are in that battlespace.”
By Harold Hutchison (Daily Caller News Foundation)
Republican Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah pressed public school administrators over whether students, teachers and a principal allegedly involved in antisemitic incidents were punished Wednesday, focusing on the harassment of a Jewish teacher at a New York City high school.
Owens started out by questioning New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks about what disciplinary action was taken after a Jewish high school teacher was targeted by students during a November incident at Hillcrest High School after she posted a photo of herself attending a pro-Israel rally during Wednesday’s hearing titled “Confronting Pervasive Antisemitism In K-12 Schools.” Owens noted Banks disputed that the students at the high school who targeted the teacher had been “radicalized” before the incident.
“You said this notion that this place, these kids are radicalized and antisemitic is the height of irresponsibility. Do you think that these kids were not radicalized? Do you stand by that statement?” Owens asked.
“My statement at that time, yes, I stand by that statement,” Banks responded. “The entire school was not radicalized.”
WATCH:
Students at Hillcrest High School chanted slogans like “Free Palestine” and demanded the teacher’s firing while roaming the hallways of the school. Police moved the teacher to a locked room after some of the students later tried to force their way into a room where the teacher sought refuge, while others revealed the teacher’s personal information.
Owens continued to press Banks about the incident, asking what the response would have been if it had been a black teacher targeted by white students.
“My question is: If this was a black teacher being threatened and pushed by some white bigots, would you still say that these kids are not a problem?” Owens asked.
“If it was a black teacher that was being targeted it would absolutely be unacceptable and this was unacceptable,” Banks replied, adding that the principal of the school, Scott Milczewski, was removed. The New York Post reported that Milczewski was then offered an administrative position.
Teacher forced to hide in a locked room while a mob of students riot after they learned she attended a pro-Israel rally. This happened at a high school in Queens, NY. pic.twitter.com/BtGrQoup0S
“Were there any consequences?” Owens asked. “I mean I’m hearing a lot of nice words here, really nice words, teaching, redirecting, directing, what I’m missing is discipline and I’m missing the word fired. Has anything happened to these kids that did this? This [teacher] was hiding for two hours.”
“I’m not sure if you heard clearly from what I said. I was very clear, we suspended a number of students who were the leaders at Hillcrest High School, number one,” Banks replied.. Number two we removed the principal of that school for lack of leadership and oversight. I don’t know how to make it much clearer. I condemn clearly what happened at Hillcrest. [It] was a complete act of antisemitism, it will not stand on my watch, we responded.”
Banks later clarified after further questioning that the principal was removed from the school, but not fired. “I have been offered, and accepted, the position of Director of Teacher Development and Evaluation within the Division of Teaching and Learning,” then-Hillcrest High School Principal Milczewski wrote in a letter to families and staff, according to the New York Post.
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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized to address a bladder issue. Credit: AP
By Joshua Marks, JNS
The Biden administration on Tuesday night confirmed reports that it had held up a munitions shipment to Israel.
A senior official told CBS News that the United States last week stopped a delivery of thousands of heavy bombs over fears that they could be used during Israel’s military operation in Rafah.
U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin said today during a Congressional Hearing when asked about the roughly $1 Billion in Arms Sales to Israel that have been Delayed in the last Week by the Biden Administration, that they are “Re-Examining the Shipment” due to Israeli… pic.twitter.com/Cqw3vQjsAs
The shipment included 1,800 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds and another 1,700 bombs weighing 500 pounds.
According to the official, Israel has not “fully addressed” U.S. concerns about the humanitarian situation for the over one million Gazans sheltering in Rafah city, and the administration is particularly concerned that 2,000-pound bombs could be used in densely populated parts of the city.
It marks the first time since the Hamas-led assault on the northwestern Negev on Oct. 7 and ensuing war in Gaza that Washington has held up arms supplies to its Middle Eastern ally.
No final decision has been made on whether Israel will receive the bombs shipment at a later date, the official clarified.
U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision was taken in the context of Jerusalem’s plans to carry out a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Senators on Wednesday.
“We’ve been very clear that Israel shouldn’t launch a major attack into Rafah without accounting for and protecting the civilians that are in that battlespace,” Austin said, according to a Reuters report.
US DEFENSE SECRETARY – ‘NO EVIDENCE’ ISRAEL COMMITTING GENOCIDE
“And again, as we have assessed the situation, we have paused one shipment of high payload munitions,” he said during a hearing on Biden’s 2025 defense budget request. “We’ve not made a final determination on how to proceed with that shipment.”
The Biden administration has also reportedly held up the delivery of thousands of precision weapons to Israel amid the Jewish state’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
According to a Wall Street Journal report on Monday, citing officials familiar with the deal, at issue is the sale of up to 6,500 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs)—a guidance kit that converts “dumb bombs” into “smart” precision-guided munitions.
The weapons shipments are being held up to send a political message, a separate report by Politico cited a U.S. official as saying on Tuesday.
Jerusalem already greenlit a ground offensive in the last Hamas bastion in southernmost Gaza despite opposition from the White House, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated is essential to defeating the terror group and preventing them from regrouping and threatening Israel again.
Hamas has publicly vowed many repeats of its murderous rampage of Oct. 7.
Evacuations of some 100,000 noncombatants in eastern Rafah started on Monday ahead of an overnight targeted operation in which the Israel Defense Forces took control of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt and the Salah ad-Din road.
A source familiar with the Israeli plans told CNN that the operation in Rafah would be “very limited” in scope and is intended to pressure Hamas to agree to a hostage-release deal.
The source said that the operation is not the full-scale ground offensive that Netanyahu has declared will take place and that U.S. President Joe Biden is against.
The IDF on Monday called on the residents of eastern Rafah to evacuate to newly established humanitarian zones.
The IDF has marked out two evacuation zones: an expansion of the Al-Mawasi zone, along the central-southern Gazan coastline, and Khan Yunis.
Monday’s message directs noncombatants to the expanded area in Al-Mawasi, which includes field hospitals, tents and increased amounts of food, water, medicine and other supplies.
The Israeli military said that it was conveying the evacuation message via announcements, text messages, phone calls and media broadcasts in Arabic.
The United States has made its views on a major ground invasion of Rafah clear to Israel, a State Department spokesperson told Reuters on Tuesday.
US DEFENSE SECRETARY – ‘NO EVIDENCE’ ISRAEL COMMITTING GENOCIDE
It was the first response from the Biden administration since Israel began the targeted operation in eastern Rafah.
“We continue to believe that a hostage deal is in the best interest of the Israeli and the Palestinian people; it would bring an immediate ceasefire and allow increased humanitarian assistance into Gaza,” the spokesperson said in an e-mail.
The Biden administration did not inform Jerusalem in advance of Hamas’s “acceptance” on Monday of the latest hostage deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing three Israeli officials.
The officials told the U.S. news outlet that the government was caught off guard by the Hamas announcement, the text of which it didn’t receive from the mediators until an hour after the terrorist group released its statement.
Upon reading the statement, Israeli officials reportedly were surprised to see “many new elements” that were not contained in the previous proposal to which Israel had agreed and which was presented to Hamas by the American, Egyptian and Qatari mediators 10 days earlier.
“It looked like a whole new proposal,” one official told Axios political correspondent Barak Ravid.
“Israel got played” by the United States and the mediators, two Israeli officials said. They drafted “a new deal” and were not transparent about it, the officials said.
Rabbi Michael Haber, ZT’L Remembered for his Love of Torah & His Dedication to Family and Community
Edited by: TJVNews.com
On Wednesday, May 8th, Jews around the world were plunged into grief and mourning upon learning of the passing of a beloved Chacham, Rabbi Michael Haber, zt’l. Thousands of members of the Sephardic community gathered in Bensonhurst to pay their last respects to this Torah giant who was so incredibly revered by all who has the distinct privilege of knowing him and imbibing his sagacious Torah wisdom. Rabbi Haber was the long time, highly esteemed leader of Congregation Tiferet Shaul in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn. His legacy was that of extraordinary dedication and boundless devotion to his family, his congregants and his community. Rabbi Haber would often exhort his congregants not to hesitate to call him, whether it be to share in their happiness in times of joy, to provide assistance and comfort in times of need, or to offer guidance at every significant juncture in life.
A leading Rabbi of Sephardic Bikur Holim, a founder of the Harmony organization, and Rabbi of the Beit Yosef summer congregation of Deal, New Jersey, Rabbi Haber’s influence was apparent in a host of community initiatives, and his impact spanned the complete spectrum of an increasingly diverse community.
Rabbi Haber was particularly renowned for his ability to teach Torah and make it accessible to others. Steadfast in his belief that one who comes to synagogue to pray should never leave without having learned something new, Rabbi Haber tirelessly provided his opportunities to study Torah. From his powerful speeches to his informative classes, from his early morning Gemorrah group to his articulate Halachic discussions, Rabbi Haber consistently exhibited an unwavering commitment to the spiritual growth of his congregation.
His proficiency in important areas of Halacha, coupled with his propensity to dispense sage advice, has made his home the natural address for so many in crucial times. In this capacity, Rabbi Haber, together with his wife, Molly, have touched countless lives throughout the community and have educated their children to do so as well.
Rabbi Haber initiated and led numerous educational programs aimed at both youth and adults. He was particularly passionate about Jewish education for children, believing that a strong foundation in Jewish identity was crucial for the continuity of Jewish traditions. Under his leadership, his congregation became a model of innovative Jewish education that combined traditional learning with modern pedagogical techniques. His life and work continue to echo through the many lives he touched, the initiatives he led, and the community-wide respect he garnered.
As a prolific and dynamic author, Rabbi Haber penned numerous books as well as halachic seforim. His books included, “ The Kosher Home Expanded Edition – A Comprehensive Manual for the Observant Jewish Home,” “The Passover Home: A Comprehensive Guide to the Laws of Pesach,”, “The Holidays,” “Don’t Look Down: Refreshing Perspectives on Everyday Life,” “A Groom’s Prayer for Sepharadim and Askenazim Jewish Men,” and “A Bride’s Prayer for Sepharadim and Askenazim Jewish Women.”
At his levaya, those who delivered passionate and heartfelt eulogies included Rabbi Diamond and his sons, Rabbi Joey Haber, Rabbi Shaul Haber, Rabbi Moshe Haber, Rabbi Yaakov Haber, and Rabbi David Haber, among others. His sons spoke of the boundless love that he has for them and their siblings and said, “It seemed like nothing else existed in this world” but also voiced their praise for their father’s boundless love for the community that he served with a palpable zeal and fervor.
As a exceptionally humble man, Rabbi Haber was a living and breathing paradigm of Torah values and concepts and was compared to a Sefer Torah.
His sons recalled special and indelible memories of the walks they took with their father to and from synagogue where they engaged in discussions about the welfare of the community and immersed themselves in the study of various Torah topics. They recounted the panoply of mitzvot that he personally performed with a palpable alacrity and described how the varied concerns of others took precedence in his life.
They recalled that as a profoundly humble man, those in his life were unaware of the superlative acts of chesed that he performed and the countless lives that he impacted as he never discussed it. Rabbi Joey Haber spoke of his father’s deeply ingrained humility and recalled that his father often said that if he could review his life before leaving this world, he would attempt to improve his observance of mitzvot. Rabbi Joey added that his father did not need to improve because he dedicated his life to doing the will of Hashem in the most perfect ways possible.
His sons also spoke of the fact that their father was truly “Osek B’Torah” in that he learned day in and day out and they could not recall a moment that he squandered in his majestic life of service to Hashem.
Despite the innumerable demands of his writing career, his congregation, his charitable endeavors, his sons said that their father made them feel like they were everything to him and that they were the center of his world.
After coming home from minyan on a Sunday morning with his sons in the car, Rabbi Haber would park and sit with this sons and talk about matters that were important to them or just about any topic. In so doing, they developed an unbreakable bond of love and deep concern for each other. Moreover, Rabbi Haber taught his sons to respect everyone, whether they be rich or poor, young or old.
Rabbi Michael Haber’s legacy is a tapestry of religious devotion, community service, and unwavering kindness. He passed away leaving behind a community that had been profoundly shaped by his leadership—a community more knowledgeable about their faith, more engaged in their practices, and more committed to the welfare of all its members.
Rabbi Haber is survived by his wife Molly, his sons, Rabbi Joey Haber, Rabbi Shaul Haber, Rabbi Yaakov Haber, Rabbi Moshe Haber, Rabbi David Haber, as well as his daughters, Mrs. Chani Shelby, Mrs. Simi Mizrachi, Mrs. Nechama Srour, and Mrs. Rivka Nakash. He is also survived by his brother, Rabbi Harry Haber and his sister, Mrs. Sylvia Shababo . May his memory be for a blessing and may he always be a melitz yoshor for his family and the entire Jewish nation.
And then, this: “We’re not walking away from Israel’s security [when US stops supplying Israel with munitions]. We’re walking away from Israel’s ability to wage war in those areas [i.e. Rafah]” — as if the two are not one and the same, as if destruction of Rafah battalions, of Rafah tunnels, and establishing a smuggling-tight buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt is unrelated to Israel’s security!
