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Jewish Yale student stabbed in eye with PLO flag

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A Jewish student at Yale University was stabbed in the eye with a PLO flag during an anti-Israel demonstration at the school’s New Haven, Conn., campus on Saturday night.

“Tonight at Yale, I was assaulted by a student today at an anti-Israel protest. He stabbed me in the eye with a Palestinian flag. Now I’m in the hospital. This is what happens when visibly Jewish students try to attend and document these rallies,” Sahar Tartak, a sophomore, tweeted after the incident.

artak, who is studying history and is the editor-in-chief of the independent Yale Free Press college newspaper, was attempting to film the pro-Palestinian encampment set when she and a friend were confronted by five activists who formed a wall and would not let them pass.

“One of them takes their Palestinian flag and waves it in my face and then jabs it in the face,” Tartak told The Jerusalem Post.

Tartak reported the incident to the campus police who called her an ambulance. She went to the hospital and was discharged without suffering permanent damage.

She said that protesters pushed her and her friend repeatedly. Earlier documentation Tartak posted to X showed the demonstrators commemorating the recently deceased Walid Daqqa, a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorist who was convicted of murdering an Israeli soldier in 1984.

Tartak also posted video she took of protesters at Yale yelling, “Viva via Palestina” as they pull down an American flag, cheering when it hits the ground. She noted that the university police and administration did nothing in response.

According to Tartak, she asked the police to disband the encampment but they said they needed “authorization.” She also noted that they were outnumbered by the pro-Palestinian mob of thousands of activists to only seven police officers.

No arrests were made during the protests, according to two groups involved—Yalies for Palestine and American Muslims for Palestine Connecticut. They said the protest started on Friday night in response to attempts to break up a similar encampment on the Columbia University campus.

“These students are violating every policy in the books, they should have been disbanded immediately,” Tartak told the Post. “These students have taken over campus, and it’s an intimidation tactic.”

In her tweet and Post interview, Tartak did not identify the assailant who stabbed her with the flag or say if she will press charges.

 

Columbia Students Call on President Shafik To Restore Order on Campus

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Meghan Blonder

Columbia University students are calling on the school’s president, Minouche Shafik, to restore order as chaotic protests and violent clashes near campus plague the Ivy League institution.

Columbia students wrote in a Friday letter that they do not feel safe amid ongoing protests that began Wednesday, when Shafik testified to Congress on her response to campus anti-Semitism. Protesters have refused to leave a “Gaza Solidarity” tent encampment, prompting suspensions and arrests, and violent confrontations have taken place just outside the school.

“We, students at Columbia University, feel categorically threatened by unaffiliated protesters on and off campus,” the students wrote. “Further, the large, unrelenting protests surrounding campus obfuscate and limit access to campus. We do not feel safe walking to nor around campus as a result.”

The students said masked protesters unaffiliated with the school have been let into buildings on campus without showing identification cards, prompting safety concerns.

“Yet despite campus access being limited to CU ID holders, these masked protesters have been seen entering campus through various entry points. One non-affiliate was recorded saying ‘honestly a lot of people who are here aren’t even students,’” the students wrote.

“Those of us living on and off campus cannot come and go from our homes to campus as we please without fear of being threatened, harassed, or assaulted. As such, we urge the administration to allow us to attend classes virtually until the situation has entirely de-escalated.”

The disarray began on Columbia’s campus as the school’s president, Minouche Shafik, testified before the House Education Committee.

In one case, protesters assaulted Yoseph Haddad, an Arab-Israeli journalist, who was forced to cancel his Thursday speech after he was pushed, punched in the face, and told to kill himself. Another protester, who wore a keffiyeh to obscure his identity, held a Hamas logo, according to a post from Eden Yadegar, a Columbia student and the first signatory on the student letter.

One female protester, who covered her face and head with a keffiyeh, yelled, “We are Hamas,” “We’re all Hamas,” and “Long live Hamas” at passersby as she banged a pot against a security fence. Another protester told Jewish students that Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel will repeat “every day.”

“Never forget the 7th of October,” the protester yelled to two Jewish students standing near the entrance to Columbia’s campus.

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R., N.C.), chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, on Thursday responded to the anti-Semitic protests “engulfing” Columbia.

“For nearly two days, the pro-Hamas Gaza Solidarity Encampment has plunged Columbia’s campus into chaos and endangered its students. I am glad President Shafik has taken the long overdue step of inviting the New York Police Department to clear this radical, unauthorized encampment,” Foxx wrote.

“This brazen and hateful defiance of Columbia’s rules was the product of months of the University’s stark failure to enforce its rules and address anti-Semitism in a serious manner. Jewish Columbia students have reported to the committee that they are terrified things will get worse and are angry the administration allowed the situation to deteriorate to this point,” Foxx added. “For Columbia to correct course, the events of the past 36 hours must become a turning point.”

Columbia did not return a request for comment.

Rabbi to Imams: Islam recognizes Jewish right to Israel

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An Israeli flag, with the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem's Old City in the background, as seen from the Mount of Olives observatory, April 24, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

By World Israel News Staff

The Quran recognizes the Jewish people’s right to Israel and observant Muslims are obliged to do the same, an Orthodox rabbi from Israel argues in a letter penned to Islamic scholars.

Rabbi Oury Cherki, an Algerian-born lecturer at the Machon Meir yeshiva in Jerusalem and chairman of the Brit Olam – Noahide World Center, penned the letter, the third in a series of missives under the title “A Bridge between Faiths,” to a group of Islamic scholars to elucidate the Jewish perspective on the Islamic faith and to improve relations between Jews and Muslims worldwide.

In his third letter, released last week, Rabbi Cherki argued that Jewish control over the historic Land of Israel does not fall under the category of Dar al-Harb (literally the “House of War”), referring to land held by the enemies of Islam or land conquered from Islamic countries that must be recaptured.

“One of the fundamental obstacles to constructive dialogue between Judaism and Islam is the Muslim claim that Judaism is a religion but not a nation. However, from the perspective of Judaism, the Jewish nation is, first and foremost – a nation.”

“Therefore, all of Jacob’s descendants are part of the Jewish nation, whether they believe in the Torah or not, and thus, they are included among the inheritors of the land of Israel.”

“The Jewish state should be recognized as the manifestation of the divine promise to return the nation of Israel to its land, as mentioned multiple times in Islamic sources: Sura 5,20: ‘Bear in mind the words of Moses to his people. He said: ‘Remember, my people, the favor God has bestowed upon you. He has raised prophets among you, made you kings, and given you what He has given to no other nation. Enter, my people, the holy land God has assigned for you. Do not turn back, or you shall be ruined’.”

Instead, the Quran recognizes Israel as the historic homeland of the Jewish nation, Rabbi Cherki wrote.

“Therefore, the State of Israel should not be regarded as a foreign entity imposing itself on the Muslim world (Dar al-Islam). On the contrary, it should be seen as the realization of divine justice as found in the Quran and the Torah: the return of the land to its rightful owners.”

Rabbi Cherki also cited the January 1919 Faisal-Weizmann Agreement, under which Emir Faisal – later king of Iraq – endorsed the Balfour Declaration, Britain’s pledge of support for a Jewish national homeland in the historic Land of ISrael.

“We must note that in 1918, a meeting was had between the Emir Faisal, the son of Hussein, king of the Hijaz, and Chaim Weizmann, the representative of the Zionist Organization, which led to the 1919 London Agreement regarding cooperation between the Arab national movement and the Zionist movement.”

“On the basis of the brotherhood between the sons of Abraham, a happy period of peace and advancement of the world towards its correction can open.”

The correspondence between Rabbi Cherki and several dozen Islamic scholars across the Muslim world, was initiated following the Hamas invasion of Israel on October 7th.

After penning the first letter, Rabbi Cherki was invited to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with Sheikh Muhammad Talib al-Shahi, Director of the Preaching Department at the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, and Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defense Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee at the UAE Federal National Council.

During the February meeting, Al Nuaimi endorsed Rabbi Cherki’s argument that the State of Israel should not be defined in Islam as Dar al-Harb.

It is “a lie, fabricated only in the past 100 years,” Al Nuaimi said.

“Stop trying to justify your existence; you are an established fact, and Jews are part of the Middle East.”

WATCH: Anti-Israel Protesters at Yale Tear Down American Flag

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Joel B. Pollak

Anti-Israel protesters at Yale University tore down an American flag on Friday night as they occupied the campus in what Jewish students have called an act of intimidation against them and against the university.

The video circulated on social media on Saturday and Sunday, with kaffiyeh-clad activists whooping and cheering as they tore down the Stars and Stripes.

Many anti-Israel protesters also hold anti-American views, and have also targeted Christian symbols.

The Yale Daily News reported:

On Saturday night, more than 500 protesters gathered in Beinecke Plaza, and at 12:18 a.m., protesters announced that no arrests would be made that night.
…
There were also pro-Israel counter-protesters present from around 11:32 p.m. to around 12:50 a.m. time, largely remaining on Beinecke Plaza in front of Woodbridge Hall. At peak, about 25 counter-protesters were present.
…
An organizer of the encampment, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns,  told the News that the group will be staying on Beinecke Plaza overnight and reiterated that they would continue their encampment on the Plaza until Yale meets their demands for disclosure and divestment [from Israel].

The Jerusalem Post reported that a Jewish student had been jabbed in the eye with a flagpole and that the Yale protesters were holding signs honoring a dead Palestinian terrorist who had kidnapped and murdered an Israeli.

Anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University, another Ivy League school, have also occupied campus illegally. According to video captured by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), the Columbia demonstrators have shouted pro-terror slogans.

Other demonstrations for “ceasefire” have also advocated terror against Israelis.

A march in Ottawa, Canada, featured protesters hailing the October 7 terror attack that killed 1,200 innocent Israelis.

Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News and the host of Breitbart News Sunday on Sirius XM Patriot on Sunday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT). He is the author of the recent e-book, “The Zionist Conspiracy (and how to join it),” now available on Audible. He is also the author of the e-book, Neither Free nor Fair: The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak.

Enough of Nicholas Kristof’s anti-Semitic slobbery, New York Times. Fire the jerk!

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DAVOS/SWITZERLAND, 30JAN10 – Nicholas D. Kristof, Columnist, The New York Times, USA is captured during the session ‘Redesign Your Cause’ of the Annual Meeting 2010 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 30, 2010.

by Lev Tsitrin ( New English Review)

The New York Times has a useful feature that tells how long it will take to read a given piece; a typical op-ed takes about 5 minutes of a reader’s time.
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But on occasion, op-eds run longer. Nicholas Kristof’s recent cry of his bleeding, afflicted heart, “What Happened to the Joe Biden I Knew?” requires a greater commitment from a reader — 16 minutes, or three times the average.
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This is because Mr. Kristof talks of many things to prove his thesis that Biden’s support of Israel’s war effort must end — he talks of the goodness of Biden’s heart and of the badness of Netanyahu’s; he quotes from former ambassadors, advisors, and analysts, as well as from some currently-serving senators; he invokes the history of Vietnam protests and of political disasters they brought upon the Democrats, and warns of potential repeat in 2024; he cites European politicians who see Israel’s war on Hamas as equivalent to Russia’s war on Ukraine. And of course, Mr. Kristof quotes statistics about the terrible, blood-thirsty Israelis (“53 percent of Israeli Jews favor … an all-out attack on Hezbollah;” “more than two-thirds of Jewish Israelis oppose allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza”).

Yet, amidst so many words spent on expressing the sympathy for the poor, much-suffering (and innocent — of course they are innocent, for can the burning hate of Israel and Jews be a sin when it is such a natural emotion, as Mr. Kristof undoubtedly knows from looking in the mirror — can a genuine “progressive” be without it?) Gaza Palestinians whom, in the midst of war on Hamas with whom those innocents heartily sympathize, and whom they faithfully support by acting as human shields — yet whom the cruel Israelis routinely forget to treat to coffee, buns and butter in the morning, to whom they neglect to send a sandwich at lunchtime, and whom they fail to provide a three-course-dinner served on the best china at night, and for whom Mr. Kristof sheds so many impassioned tears, Mr. Kristof forgets to mention one word. This word is — “hostages.”

I kid you not. I excuse you for not believing me, so check it yourself. The text is huge, yet the test is simple: press Ctrl+F to invoke the search function, and put in the word “hostage” into the little search window that will appear above or below Mr. Kristof’s opus, and type in the word “hostage” — and you will see the number of occurrences of that word: “0/0”. Bizarre as it will sound to anyone who ever heard of the Gaza war, the word just isn’t there.

Given its key importance in what’s going on in Gaza, the natural question become, “why is it missing”?

I have a theory. If Mr. Kristof used that word, it would have ruined his entire argument, by giving a simple and natural (rather than malignantly scary) explanation for Israeli attitudes that manifest themselves in Netanyahu’s policies — and for that matter, in Biden’s. A word of truth — “it’s about the hostages” — would wreck Mr. Kristof’s carefully-constructed 16 minutes of lies.

But was it just the need to provide a submission by the deadline so he could get paid, that drove Mr. Kristof to disingenuously paint Israelis as monsters, and Biden as Netanyahu’s clueless puppet? Or is there something more to it — namely, the hate towards Israel and Jews that animates Mr. Kristof, just as it does Hamas and its supporters?

I am strongly inclined to believe the latter explanation. Mr. Kristof’s fabricated argument is soaked in antisemitism, all complete with an unspoken assertion that Israel is guilty, that it should not be allowed to defend itself and utterly defeat its terrorist enemies, and that Israelis are just crafty manipulators of the public opinion and of the kind-hearted and simple-minded President Biden, but they have no genuine cause — each, a classic anti-Semitic trope. So if you talk like an anti-Semite, and if you hide facts to support your antisemitic argument (as any anti-Semitic scribbler would do) — than the simplest explanation for such behavior is, that you are yourself are an anti-Semite, Mr. Kristof.

Which poses yet another question — this time, a question for the New York Times: why do you guys hire anti-Semites like Mr. Kristof? Why do you publish their lying screeds? Is your op-ed editor asleep? Or is your editor Mr. Kristof’s fellow-traveler?

One former New York Times’ opinion editor, James Bennet, famously had to resign in 2020 after publishing Senator Tom Cotton’s op-ed on rioting that engulfed American cities following the death of George Floyd — an op-ed that was not to “progressives’” liking. Should Mr. Kristof’s anti-Semitic concoction get a pass? I don’t think so.

Fire him, New York Times. Don’t maintain a double-standard. No anti-Semite should be on your payroll to spew his hate, and his lies — even if they are lies of omission — like not telling the reader of the the deepest bleeding wound in Israeli psyche, that of hostages cruelly taken, and held by Hamas. Cut Mr. Kristof loose, New York Times. Let him weave his lies on the pages of Der Sturmer — where his anti-Semitic rants rightly belong.

The Jewish Voice Reflects on American Jewry’s Response to Rising Anti-Semitism

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Yellow Star of David with shadow on black background. Credit: Ausra Barysiene/Shutterstock.

The Jewish Voice Reflects on American Jewry’s Response to Rising Anti-Semitism

From the mid-20th century to the year 2000, American Jews experienced what could be described as a golden era. This period was marked by significant integration and acceptance within broader American society, alongside a flourishing of Jewish cultural and religious life. However, as we moved into the new millennium, this golden era has starkly dimmed, giving way to a disturbing escalation in anti-Semitism, which has not been adequately countered by those positioned to do so.

Fox News talk show host Mark Levin does a deep dive into the precise source of funding for the Marxist revolution that we are seeing play out on America’s streets and college campuses. Offering meticulous research, Levin tells us of dark money being infused into the deep state from George Soros’ foundations, the Democratic Party, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Tides Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation and others that that inextricably tied to corporate interests. 

For over a quarter-century, voices such as those from the Jewish Voice newspaper and various prominent commentators, both from within the United States and Israel, have sounded alarms about the burgeoning storm of anti-Semitism. These warnings have particularly highlighted the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, stressing its primary threat to American Jewry rather than solely to Israel. Unfortunately, these prescient warnings were largely ignored or even shunned by the mainstream Jewish American organizations.

The lack of support for these early warnings by significant entities such as the United Jewish Appeal (UJA-Federation of New York), the Jewish National Fund (JNF), the American Jewish Committee, the American Jewish Congress, the Orthodox Union (OU), and notably, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), represents a troubling oversight. These organizations, designed to foster and protect Jewish life and culture, failed to respond effectively when signs of escalating hatred began to surface. Their silence and inaction have contributed to the current precarious situation facing American Jews.

The role of political bias in addressing or ignoring anti-Semitism cannot be overstated. The ADL, under the leadership of Jonathan Greenblatt, has been vocal in condemning right-wing anti-Semitism, often spotlighted on various cable news channels. However, there has been a conspicuous lack of equivalent condemnation for anti-Semitism emanating from the radical left. This selective denunciation has not only skewed the public’s understanding of the sources and nature of anti-Semitism but has also hindered effective countermeasures against all forms of hate, regardless of their origin.

The challenge before us is not merely to combat anti-Semitism but to do so in a manner that recognizes and quashes this hatred wherever it exists, be it on the political right or left. American Jewish organizations must adopt a more balanced approach, acknowledging that the threat of anti-Semitism is not monopolized by any single political ideology. They must support and amplify voices within the community that have long warned of these dangers, regardless of their political affiliations or perspectives.

The Jewish Voice, a newspaper with a clear mission to highlight the perils of rising anti-Israel sentiment and its implications for Jews globally, stands as a prime example of a critical voice that has been largely marginalized.

For years, The Jewish Voice has been at the forefront of exposing the complexities and dangers associated with the peace process in the Middle East, especially the nuances of the “two-state solution.” The publication has argued vehemently that this solution, far from being a pathway to peace, serves as a vehicle for further demonization and ostracism of pro-Israel Jews. This narrative challenges the more conventional dialogues embraced by mainstream Jewish organizations and has led to the newspaper being labeled as extremist.

The repercussions of this oversight are palpable within elite institutions of higher learning—universities such as Columbia, Harvard, Rutgers, UPenn, and MIT—where anti-Semitism has not only found a foothold but has also been allowed to flourish, often unchecked. The normalization of anti-Semitic rhetoric, cloaked in criticism of Israel, has reached mainstream culture, pointing to a significant societal shift that Jewish organizations should have been prepared to address.

The scenario illustrates a critical need for a strategic realignment within American Jewish leadership. The demonization of messengers such as The Jewish Voice, which have anticipated and articulated the rising threats, should be reassessed. Acknowledging and integrating these cautionary voices could strengthen the community’s overall strategy against all forms of anti-Semitism.

It should also be noted that The Jewish Voice has been at the forefront, sounding an early warning about these rising dangers, which have now burgeoned into a broader, more alarming societal issue. This publication has bravely highlighted the stark realities of Jew-hatred, a sentiment that has insidiously woven itself into the fabric of the so-called woke, progressive, radical left wing movements that claim to champion social justice.

The discourse propagated by these movements often portrays Israel as a “colonialist, settler” state—a narrative that dangerously simplifies complex historical and geopolitical realities. By casting Israel in such a light and equating Zionism with racism, these ideologies not only skew public perception but also foster a hostile environment ripe for anti-Semitic sentiments to flourish. This narrative dangerously mirrors the propaganda mechanisms that historically have led to racial and ethnic persecutions, echoing the darkest chapters of human history.

The calls for a Marxist revolution, celebrated by some under the banners of anti-capitalism, freedom, and democracy, have increasingly become intertwined with anti-Semitic rhetoric. In this volatile mix, Israel—and by extension, the Jewish people—are painted as embodiments of world evils, responsible for societal inequalities and injustices. This scapegoating of the Jews as the world’s malefactors is not a new phenomenon but one deeply rooted in history’s most tragic events, including the Holocaust.

This is a critical moment for all factions within the American Jewish community and beyond to unify and address the root causes and manifestations of modern anti-Semitism. It is not enough to condemn hatred in all its forms. The community must actively engage in educating, advocating, and pushing back against the narratives that seek to undermine the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. Silence and inaction will only embolden those who wish to do us harm.

It is profoundly concerning that amid this ominous threat, prominent American Jewish organizations have largely remained on the sidelines. Instead of rallying support or offering solidarity to those media outlets such as The Jewish Voice that dare to expose these uncomfortable truths, these bodies have distanced themselves, even going so far as to alienate and stigmatize this publication as a pariah. This reluctance to confront the harsh realities presented by The Jewish Voice reflects a broader issue within these organizations—a hesitancy to challenge the growing anti-Semitism embedded within certain political ideologies, for fear of disrupting allied networks or broader social agendas.

As we stand at this crossroads, it is imperative that we heed the clarion call issued by The Jewish Voice. We must rally as a community, reclaim our narrative, and ensure that our efforts to combat anti-Semitism are inclusive, vigorous, and unyielding. Let us not be the generation that stands by as the shadows of the past gather force. Instead, let us be the bearers of light, truth, and justice in a world that desperately needs clarity and purpose. To do any less would be to forsake our legacy, our future, and the moral foundations upon which we stand.

As we reflect on the trajectory of Jewish life in America from its mid-century zenith to the challenges it faces today, it is clear that a recalibration of strategy and support is desperately needed. American Jewish organizations must rise to this occasion by fostering a vigilant, unbiased, and inclusive approach to combating anti-Semitism. This will ensure the safety and vitality of the Jewish community in America, honoring the legacy of past generations while securing a vibrant future for those to come. Failure to do so is not just an oversight—it is a disservice to the very principles upon which these organizations were founded.

‘Squad’ Dems say Israel aid is ‘death warrant’ for Palestinians

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The Squad

By World Israel News Staff

A member of the so-called “Squad” of far-left Democratic lawmakers castigated the passage of a bill providing military aid to Israel and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, stating that the measure was akin to signing a “death warrant” for Palestinians.

Reps. Cori Bush (D-MO) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) had presented a last-minute amendment to the bill, which would freeze the funding unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the coastal enclave and Hamas releases the hostages.

 

Notably, the amendment – which failed to be considered by the House Rules Committee – also called on Israel to release “arbitrarily detained Palestinians,” equating the arrest of those suspected of terror crimes with kidnapped Israeli civilians.

Hamas has repeatedly refused to accept the release of the hostages as a condition for a ceasefire.

“This bill that passed today is a death warrant. It’s a death warrant on Palestinians,” Bush said during a pro-Palestinian rally in Washington D.C. shortly after the bill passed.

“It’s a death warrant that says it means that. Apparently, it means that Palestinians are not as valued, that their lives are not as valuable as Israeli lives. And I have to say this. For those that feel that way, shame on you.”

 

 

During her remarks, Bush did not mention the context in which the war began, instead berating Israel for its military actions in the Strip.

On October 7th, 2023, Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel, murdering at least 1,200 people. Gazan civilians unaffiliated with Hamas also seized the opportunity to loot victims’ homes and kidnap Israelis on that day, with some later selling captives to the terror group.

“We won’t stop fighting for humanity. We won’t stop fighting for every single Palestinian,” Bush continued.

“For every single person in the region. Because they’re taking it even further than Gaza.”

It’s unclear to whom Bush was referring when she said “they’re” causing the fighting to spread, but the remark appeared to be a reference to Israel’s recent retaliatory strike on Iran after an unprecedented aerial assault was launched by Tehran last week.

 

 

Israel Is Right to Reject Biden’s Bad Advice

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The friction between the Israeli and U.S. administrations was further highlighted in a phone conversation between Netanyahu and President Biden on Monday, their first in over a month. Credit: AP

Matthew Continetti= Free Beacon

News broke Thursday evening of an Israeli strike inside Iran. In doing so, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the advice President Biden had given him after Iran’s April 13 drone and missile attack on the Jewish State. At the time, Biden told Netanyahu not to escalate. “You got a win,” Biden said to Bibi. “Take the win.”
Israel demurred. And was absolutely right to. Whatever happens next, it is worth reflecting on the idiocy of Biden’s comments.

Not only do Biden’s words capture the mindset responsible for the chaos that has engulfed the world during his presidency. His comments also raise the question of what a “win” against Iran would really look like—and why America has not pursued that goal.

Yes, the technical and operational mastery of the U.S.-led coalition was stunning. America, Israel, the United Kingdom, France, and most significantly Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates intercepted 99 percent of the weapons that Iran launched to kill Jews. Arab pilots shooting down drones aimed at Israel is not something we have seen before. The damage inside Israel was minimal. A severely injured Arab Israeli girl, age seven, was the sole casualty. Ayatollah Khamenei and his goons look monstrous, craven, inept, and isolated. Some of us knew that already.

Preventing loss is not a gain, however. A successful defense is not a win. If you prevent the opposing team from scoring any points but have no offense, the match does not end in a triumph. It ends in a tie. Or consider a more violent analogy: Say you are shot while wearing a Kevlar vest. The body armor may shield you from the bullet. What it can’t do is disarm and disable your assailant.

President Biden holds a different view. He subscribes to the idea that if you parry enough blows, eventually the man who is pummeling you will recognize the error of his ways and move on. He believes that a combination of economic penalties and shaming or embarrassing or chastising rogue regimes in the fictional court of international public opinion will lead to peace.

He is wrong. Biden’s reluctance to unleash our allies—what the press calls his fear of escalation—has produced the disaster in Afghanistan, the slow-motion advance of Russia in Ukraine, the standstill in Gaza, and a Greater Middle East where Hezbollah, Iranian proxies in Syria and Iraq, and the Houthis do as they please. And there are eight months left in his term.

In statecraft, defense without retaliation is exceedingly dangerous. It leads to a false sense of security. It emboldens the aggressor. This isn’t academic international relations theory. This is Hamas 2024.

For over a decade, Israel believed it could disengage from the Gaza Strip by relying on its layered missile defenses and periodic “mowing the grass” air campaigns to degrade terrorist capabilities. The two-pronged strategy would hold Hamas in check. The promise of economic integration, with Palestinian workers crossing from Gaza into Israel, might even promote reform within the Strip.

Such was the logic behind the “Conceptzia” that governed Israeli policy toward Hamas.

The Conceptzia died on October 7. Land-based missile defenses such as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling are remarkably effective. They have saved lives. But they haven’t changed the nature, aims, and objectives of Hamas. They changed its tactics.

To protect its personnel and weapons from the Israeli air force, Hamas built a submerged state of tunnels and spider holes. Meanwhile, Hamas’s leadership planned the surprise land, air, and sea attack that killed 1,300 Israelis, wounded thousands, and took hundreds captive.

You can shield your population from harm, but threats will remain until the source of the attacks is neutralized. That was the lesson of October 7. It should be the takeaway from April 13.

If Iran’s attack had gone unanswered, a new precedent will be set in the region.Fire whatever you want toward Israel, and so long as we intercept the projectiles, you won’t pay a big price. Such an outcome would be a disaster. No sovereign state should be forced to accept such vulnerability. Yet that is precisely what will happen if Israel takes the “win” as President Biden suggests.

A real win would reestablish deterrence against Israel’s and America’s enemies. It would make Iran think twice before launching any more drones in Israel’s direction. And the way to reestablish deterrence is to ignore the arms of the octopus and go straight for its head.

Take away something Iran’s leaders hold dear—their nuclear program. By destroying Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, you not only exact a heavy cost for the regime’s malign behavior. You guarantee Israel’s security.

After all, why did America come to Israel’s defense but not to Ukraine’s? Both nations are under assault. The difference is Israel’s assailant has no nuclear weapons. Ukraine’s enemy has thousands.

Would America coordinate a similar operation to defend Israel if Iran had nukes? Maybe a future president would do that. This president would not.

I understand Netanyahu’s position. A superpower is not easily dismissed. Especially when that superpower—despite counterproductive rhetoric and diplomatic incoherence—continues to deliver unconditional military aid for operations against Hamas. Especially when that superpower helped Israel fend off the Iranian attack. Israel wants to keep America on its side, where America belongs.

Yet lines must be drawn. Leaving Iran to fight another day, and leaving Hamas intact in Rafah, weaken the state of Israel and diminish the future of the Jewish people. Talk all you want, Mr. President. But if you call this a win, God help us if we lose.

57 Batman Creators Urge: Release Fan Held in Gaza  

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57 Batman Creators Urge: Release Fan Held in Gaza  

Edited by: TJVNews.com

More than 50 writers, artists, and editors associated with the iconic Batman character have signed a letter to the Egyptian and Qatari ambassadors in Washington, urging them to press for the release of a young Batman fan who is among the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Photos of 4 year-old Ariel Bibas in a Batman costume, and his entire family wearing Batman t-shirts on Purim in 2023, have appeared widely since Ariel, his baby brother Kfir, and their parents were taken hostage on October 7.

The signatories on the letter include many of the most renowned comics creators, past and present, who have been involved with the Batman franchise.

“Every hostage is equally important, but naturally Batman writers and artists feel a special connection to this young Bat-fan and his family,” said Dr. Rafael Medoff, historian and director of the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, in Washington DC, which organized the petition. “These comics creators have spent decades developing a hero who fights for the innocent and stands as a beacon of hope for his community, and we’re trying to channel that spirit through this effort.”

Medoff and former Batman artist Dean Motter recently created a nonfiction graphic novel, Whistleblowers: Four Who Fought to Expose the Holocaust to America (Dark Horse / Yoe Books), about Americans who spoke out for rescue during the Holocaust. “The moral obligation to speak out against injustice never changes, whether during the Holocaust or in our own time,” Medoff said.

The full text of the letter ( https://tinyurl.com/y8acmvns ) by the 57 Batman creators:

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The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies

www.WymanInstitute.org

April 12, 2024

Hon. Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani

Embassy of Qatar

Washington, D.C.

Hon. Motaz Zahran

 

Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Washington, D.C.

 

Dear Ambassadors Al-Thani and Zahran,       

As members of the community of Batman writers, artists and editors, we are contacting you concerning the young Batman fan who was taken hostage by terrorists and has been held in Gaza since last October 7.

Ariel Bibas, age 4, and his brother Kfir, now age 1, were taken hostage by Hamas, along with their parents, Yarden and Shiri Bibas. Ariel’s maternal grandparents were murdered in the same attack.

Moved by the many anecdotes of Ariel’s affection for the iconic character who has become a symbol of hope and justice for so many, we implore your governments to exercise all possible leverage on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to immediately release the Bibas family, and all the Israeli hostages, from captivity.

Sincerely,

Charlie Adlard

Artist, Batman/Scarface; Harley Quinn; Batman Arkham

Sal Amendola

Artist / Writer, Batman; Detective Comics; World’s Finest

Mark Bagley

Artist, Batman; Batman: Long Shadows; Justice League of America

Hilary Barta

Inker, Elseworlds Finest; Batman: Gothic Knights; Detective Comics

John Beatty

Artist, Batman; Detective Comics; Justice League of America

 

 

 

Scott Beatty

Writer, Batman: Gotham Knights; Batgirl: Year One; The Batman Handbook

Terry Beatty

Artist, Batman: Gotham Adventures; Batman Beyond; Batman Strikes

Deron Bennett

Letterer, Batman: Arkham; Detective Comics; Harley Quinn

Simon Bowland

Letterer, The Bat-Man: First Knight; Batman: Gotham by Gaslight

Matthew Brake, M.Div., M.A.

Co-editor, Batman & Theology

Reilly Brown

Artist, Batman/Fortnite; The Joker Presents: A Puzzlebox

Mike Carlin

Writer, Batman Black & White; Editor Batman Confidential

Amanda Conner

Writer/Artist, Harley Quinn, Batman, JSA Classified

Denys Cowan

Artist, Batman: Gotham Knights, Detective Comics, Batman Confidential

Chuck Dixon

Writer, Detective Comics; Robin; Vengeance of Bane

Steve Englehart

Writer, Batman; Detective Comics; Legends of the Dark Knight

Sholly Fisch

Writer, Batman’s Mystery Casebook; The Brave and the Bold

Frank Fosco

Artist, Batman – Contagion; Robin

Kami Garcia

Writer, Joker/Harley; Teen Titans: Robin

Noelle C. Giddings

Artist / Colorist, Batman: Blind Justice, Gotham Central, Bane of the Demon

Jordan B. Gorfinkel

Longtime editor of the Batman comics franchise

Mike Grell

Artist / Writer, Batman: Masque

James Harvey

Artist, Batgirl; We Are Robin

Mike Henderson

Artist, Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Klaus Janson

Artist, Batman: Gordon’s Law; Detective Comics; Batman: Death and the Maidens

Dan Jurgens

Writer, The Bat-Man: First Knight; Batman Beyond

Lovern Kindzierski

Artist / Colorist, Batman: Legends of the Dark Night; Batman: Sword of Azrael

Paul Levitz

Former Batman writer, editor and publisher

Shane McCarthy

Writer, Batman Arkham; Batman Legends of the Dark Knight; Detective Comics

Scott McRae

Artist, Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Dr. Rafael Medoff 

Contributor, Theology and Batman

Director, The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies

Yehudi Mercado

Writer / Artist, Batman: Arkham Asylum

Dan Mora

Artist, Superman/Batman; Joker; Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Dean Motter

Batman: Nine Lives; Batman: Gotham Knights

Ann Nocenti

Writer, Batman, Catwoman, Joker

George Pratt

Writer / Artist. Batman: Harvest Breed

Tom Richmond

Artist, Batman/Superman; Detective Comics

Prentis Rollins

Artist, Batman: Ultimate Evil; Robin; JLA Incarnations

John Rozum

Writer, Detective Comics

Greg Ruth

Artist, The Riddler

Arlen Schumer

Batman historian

Sander Schwartz

Former President, Warner Animation

Declan Shalvey

Artist, All-Star Batman; Batman Incorporated; Nightwing

Hayden Sherman

Artist, Batman: The Adventures Continue; Batman: Urban Legends; Harley Quinn

Howard M. Shum

Artist, Joker/Mask

Saida Temofonte

Artist / Letterer, Batman: Urban Legends, Batman: Scooby-Doo Mysteries

  1. Torres

Writer, Batman: Knightwatch; Batman Motion Comics on YouTube

Darren Vincenzo

Editor, Detective Comics; Batman: Gotham Adventures

Mark Waid

Writer, World’s Finest; Kingdom Come; The Brave and the Bold

Thomas Yeates

Artist, Detective Comics

Chip Zdarsky

Writer, Batman; Batman/Catwoman; Batman: The Knight

ABOUT THE WYMAN INSTITUTE:  The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, located in Washington, D.C., is a research and education institute focusing on America’s response to the Holocaust.  It is named in honor of the eminent historian and author of the 1984 best-seller The Abandonment of the Jews, the most important and influential book concerning the U.S. response to the Nazi genocide.

Maher: Drag Queen Story Hour Is Like Behavior that ‘Borders on Abuse’ — DeSantis Was Right About Disney

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Ian Hanchett(Breitbart)

During his closing monologue on Friday’s broadcast of HBO’s “Real Time,” host Bill Maher said that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) was correct when he accused Disney of sexualizing children, compared drag queen story hours to behavior that everyone agrees “borders on abuse” in other contexts.

After discussing the allegations of mistreatment of child stars by Nickelodeon in the “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” documentary, Maher said the documentary “also exposed hypocrisy, because it must be pointed out that, when the evil Governor of Florida was saying the exact same thing about kids and creepy stuff at Disney that liberals now find intolerable at Nickelodeon, he was dismissed as a hick and a bigot. But why would a kids’ content factory like Disney be all that different than the one at Nickelodeon? … [I]n 2021, Disney child star Alyson Stoner confessed she only ‘narrowly survived the toddler-to-trainwreck pipeline.‘ The next year, child star Cole Sprouse told The New York Times that young actresses at the Disney Channel were ‘heavily sexualized’ from an early age. Willie Sutton said he robbed banks because that’s where the money is, and the reason we find pedophiles in the Boy Scouts and the rectory and kids’ TV is that’s where the kids are. DeSantis wasn’t wrong. But we’re so tribal now, the left will overlook child f*cking if the guy from the wrong party calls it out. Sure, Nickelodeon messed up Amanda Bynes, but The Mickey Mouse Club was where Britney Spears got her start, and she’s perfectly fine. And get this: After Brian Peck, who was one of the lead creeps at Nickelodeon, served 16 months in prison for the molesting he did there, Disney hired him, naturally, to work on a children’s series.”

He continued, “And not just Hollywood, there are Instagram moms these days who are practically OnlyFans-ing their itty-bitty beauty queen daughters by having them wear skimpy bikinis and eat bananas to build social media stardom. … And people who believe in social justice have agreed this is wrong and this is bad and exposing kids to an adult world of lurid costumes and garish makeup borders on abuse. Now, hurry up and get in the car, we’re late for drag queen story hour. Not that there’s anything wrong with being a drag queen, but maybe it’s time to admit that, sometimes, drag queen story hour is more for the queen than the kids. Sure, kids love a clown, but does the clown have to have tits? … If you want kids to be more tolerant, why not have handicapped people read them stories? Kids are more likely to encounter disabled people than drag queens in life.”

Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett

After meeting Haniyeh, Erdogan urges Palestinian Arabs to unite against Israel

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hama leader Ismail HaniyehPresidential Press Service via AP, Pool

(A7)Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday urged Palestinian Arabs to unite against Israel following a meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul, AFP reported.

Erdogan said Palestinian Arab unity was “vital” following the talks at the Dolmabahçe palace, which Turkish media reports said lasted more than two and a half hours.

“The strongest response to Israel and the path to victory lie in unity and integrity,” Erdogan said, according to a Turkish presidency statement.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned the meeting between Erdogan and Haniyeh, writing on social media, “Muslim Brotherhood alliance: rape, murder, desecration of corpses and the burning of babies. Erdogan, shame on you!”

In response, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli wrote, “It is the Israeli authorities who should be ashamed. They have massacred nearly 35,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.”

While Israel and Turkey formally announced in August of 2022 that they would normalize relations by returning the ambassadors and consuls, after years of tensions, Erdogan has resumed his frequent verbal attacks on Israel since the start of the war in Gaza.

In one speech, the Turkish President said that Netanyahu “committed one of the greatest atrocities of this century in Gaza and has already put his name down in history as the butcher of Gaza.”

Last month, Erdogan again lashed out at Israel and at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying they are “like today’s Nazis.”

Foreign Minister Israel Katz later summoned the Turkish deputy ambassador for a reprimand in the wake of Erdogan’s attacks on Netanyahu.

On Tuesday, Erdogan said that Netanyahu was the main one to blame for Iran’s first direct attack on Israel.

 

“The main one responsible for the tension that gripped our hearts on the evening of April 13 is Netanyahu and his bloody administration,” Erdogan was quoted as having said in televised remarks.

“Those who have been silent for months about Israel’s aggressive attitude immediately condemned the Iranian response,” he added. “But it’s Netanyahu himself who is the first who should be condemned.”

Police Killed Armed-Suspected Pedophile When He Showed Up To Meet Underage Girls

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Screenshot/YouTube/Seattle Police Department

(DCNF) Seattle police released bodycam footage of a Wednesday shooting that left a 67-year-old suspected pedophile dead late Friday evening.

The 67-year-old man arrived at a Tukwila, Washington, hotel Wednesday believing he would be meeting two girls, ages seven and 11, for a sexual encounter, according to KING TV. Police said in a video statement accompanying the released footage that the attempted arrest of the unidentified suspect was an operation undertaken by a task force handling internet crimes against children.

“On Wednesday, the Washington State Internet Crimes against Children task force conducted an arrest operation on a child predator suspect,” Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz said in the video statement released Friday on YouTube. “The Seattle Police Department is the lead agency for this task force.”

WATCH:

“Our community response group officers were waiting to arrest the 67-year-old white man when he arrived at the hotel room where he thought he was meeting two young girls, 7 and 11 years old,” Diaz continued. “For our officers, these situations are dangerous, unpredictable and can escalate rapidly.”

The video starts with a knock at the door, and three police officers open to greet the suspected pedophile, who starts to pull a gun once he sees the police officers. One officer grabs at the gun, a gunshot is heard, then the other two officers open fire until the suspect is on the ground.

The video showed bodycam footage from all three officers involved in the incident. Bodycam video from a second officer showed the police officer firing rounds from his pistol as he took cover, while the third officer’s body cam shows the officer emptying his magazine at the suspected pedophile and reloading his Glock pistol.

One officer was slightly wounded in the exchange of gunfire, KING reported.

The Seattle Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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

Manhattan Ad Guru Archie Gottesman Turns Billboard Expertise Against Rise in Antisemitism

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Manhattan Ad Guru Archie Gottesman Turns Billboard Expertise Against Rise in Antisemitism

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Archie Gottesman, renowned for her sharp-witted billboard campaigns for Manhattan Mini Storage, is channeling her advertising prowess into a cause that hits close to home—combating the rise in anti-Semitism. According to a report on Friday in The New York Post, the 60-year-old Manhattanite, famed for her sardonic slogans that have long colored the New York skyline, is now the creative force behind the JewBelong campaign’s bold and controversial billboards that have sparked both support and backlash across the nation.

screenshot

Gottesman, a mother of three, gained notoriety through her work at Manhattan Mini Storage, where her clever and often cheeky taglines captured the city’s imagination. However, the Post report indicated that recent global events, including the significant uptick in anti-Semitic incidents following the Hamas led October 7th attacks, have steered her professional skills in a new direction. Disturbed by the increasing animosity toward Jews worldwide, Gottesman felt compelled to use her advertising acumen for advocacy, the report added.

The JewBelong campaign has been marked by its audacious approach to addressing hate. With approximately 500 billboards planted across the country, the campaign employs provocative slogans such as “Oh, don’t be naive. Hamas would chop your head off too,” aiming to jolt passersby into awareness and action, according to the information provided in the Post report. These billboards have not been without controversy, drawing criticism and acts of vandalism, yet Gottesman remains steadfast, undeterred by the hostility her work has attracted.

instagram

Gottesman’s transition from promoting storage solutions to advocating for what she calls “joyous Judaism” is a testament to her belief in the power of outdoor advertising to influence public opinion and spark dialogue. “I know my way around a billboard and I know that outdoor advertising works,” Gottesman told the Post, emphasizing that the skills required to sell commercial space are akin to those needed to promote cultural and social awareness.

The impact of the JewBelong billboards is palpable, as they bring the issues of anti-Semitism into the open, confronting societal prejudices head-on. However, Gottesman is no stranger to the vitriol that her campaign has ignited. “I’m surprised by the vitriol and anger – it’s insane seeing how much hate there is out there,” she confessed to the Post.

 

Across the United States, from Louisville, Kentucky, to Berkeley, California, JewBelong’s billboards have sparked significant backlash, including acts of vandalism.

Since its inception in 2017, JewBelong’s billboards have been installed in strategically diverse locations to maximize their impact, aiming to promote awareness and provoke thought about anti-Semitism and its contemporary implications, as was noted in the Post report. Unfortunately, some of these billboards have been targets of anti-Israel vandalism, a testament to the contentious nature of their messages. For instance, a billboard in Louisville stating, “Let’s be clear: Hamas is your problem too,” was defaced, a clear indicator of how heated the public discourse can become around such issues.

The situation was similar in Washington D.C., where a sign posited, “Can a billboard end anti-Semitism? No. But you’re not a billboard,” only to be vandalized. Perhaps more disturbingly, in Berkeley, a billboard that read, “We’re just 78 years since the gas chambers. So no, a billboard calling out Jew hate is not an overreaction,” was sprayed over with graffiti supporting Hamas, showcasing the stark and troubling opposition that such messages can evoke, as was detailed in the Post report.

One of the most provocative slogans, “Hamas would chop your head off too,” displayed in Bergen County, New Jersey, drew over 100 complaints and was ultimately removed.

Gottesman, a self-described feminist and once a staunch Democrat, finds herself in a new role, advocating for Jewish safety and battling against what she perceives as dangerous shifts in public sentiment, as was pointed out in the Post report.

For Gottesman, the issue of anti-Semitism is not just a societal problem but a deeply personal one. She expressed her alarm over the changing atmosphere, telling the Post that, “Being Jewish is really scary these days.” This sentiment is rooted in her direct experiences and those of her family. As was described in the Post report, she recounted a harrowing incident involving her adult daughter, who was pursued by a man tearing down missing person posters in what was later reported as a hate crime.

https://www.jewbelong.com/

Gottesman’s political views have evolved in response to her experiences and observations. Originally a dedicated Democrat, she has found herself moving toward the political center, driven by what she sees as some members of her former party quickly condemning Israel without sufficient consideration of the complex issues at play, according to the information contained in the Post report. This shift reflects a broader trend she identifies among Americans, who feel increasingly alienated by the polarized nature of current political discourse.

Amid growing concerns for personal safety, Gottesman’s daughters have started training in Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art known for its focus on real-world self-defense scenarios, as was said in the Post report.  This decision highlights a proactive approach to personal security, illustrating a tangible response to the significant increase in hostility towards Jews.

In her advocacy, Gottesman is particularly concerned with the power of media and messaging, noting that those opposed to her views are adept at framing their narratives. The Post reported that she counters this by emphasizing the importance of thoughtful, well-articulated arguments, quoting one of her own billboards: “Just because you’re louder doesn’t mean you’re right.” This statement captures her commitment to meaningful dialogue over noisy, divisive rhetoric.

 

Hamptonites Roiled Over NYC Nightclub Opening New Venue at Historic Hedges Inn

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Zero Bond (@zerobondnyc) • Instagram

Hamptonites Roiled Over NYC Nightclub Opening New Venue at Historic Hedges Inn

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The usually tranquil Hamptons, a coveted seaside escape known for its quiet charm, is currently at the center of a contentious debate involving residents and a proposed expansion by Zero Bond, a prestigious, members-only club from Manhattan, as was reported on Friday in The New York Post. The club, frequented by notable celebrities and figures including Mayor Eric Adams, is exploring the possibility of opening a new venue at the historic Hedges Inn in East Hampton, sparking concerns among local residents about the potential disruption to their peaceful community.

Zero Bond, a well-known hotspot in Manhattan’s Noho neighborhood, has garnered attention for its celebrity patrons such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Elon Musk, Tom Brady, and Taylor Swift, according to the information provided in the Post report. The club’s management is in discussions with the owner of the Hedges Inn—a quaint and centuries-old bed and breakfast located by a picturesque pond—to lease the property. Although no formal agreement has been finalized, the talks alone have been enough to alarm residents about the future of their neighborhood.

The primary concerns expressed by the residents center around the potential for increased noise, traffic, and general disruption that a nightlife-oriented venue like Zero Bond could bring to their quiet community. As per the Post report, residents fear that the establishment of such a club could lead to a constant flow of idling vehicles, including Ubers and other ride-sharing services, along with the associated noise from car doors and diners. Furthermore, the presence of paparazzi trying to catch a glimpse of celebrity guests could significantly alter the character of the area.

East Hampton Mayor Jerry Larsen has vocally criticized the proposed plan, labeling it as a move driven by greed and suggesting that the owner of the Hedges Inn should reconsider the impact on the community, the Post report noted. His sentiments are echoed by many in East Hampton, who feel that such a development would be out of step with the village’s historical and cultural ethos.

In response to these concerns, the village is considering legislation that would prevent the operation of a social club serving food and drinks within the historic zone from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m, as was pointed out in the Post report. This legislative effort is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the nighttime tranquility and heritage of the area.

However, this has sparked a legal debate about the extent of municipal powers over businesses that sell alcohol. The Post report said that a representative for Zero Bond argued that the proposed restrictions might be overly broad and unconstitutional, suggesting that the town might not have the authority to enforce early closing times on establishments like bars and restaurants.

The East Hampton Village Civic Coalition has been particularly active in rallying the community to oppose the club’s opening. They have utilized social media platforms, such as Facebook, to organize and inform residents. Indicated in the Post report was that the group has emphasized the importance of community engagement, urging residents to attend a hearing about the proposed legislation, calling attention to the hearing as a critical opportunity to influence the decision and preserve the integrity of the village.

The opposition from local residents is multifaceted, touching on issues of exclusivity, accessibility, and the preservation of the community’s character. The report in the Post said that Greg Miller, a local resident, voiced his frustration on the East Hampton Mouthpiece Facebook group, drawing parallels between the proposed club and other elite establishments that are out of reach for ordinary working people.

Moreover, the prospect of increased traffic and noise is a significant concern. The Post report described residents who have expressed worry about the impact on East Hampton’s town pond area, a beloved and serene spot that could see increased car and foot traffic, potentially disrupting the peace. These environmental and social impacts are at the heart of the community’s resistance.

Amidst this controversy, Zero Bond’s founder, Scott Sartiano, is also looking to purchase the house next door to the Hedges Inn, signaling a commitment to becoming a part of the community. This move is described as a “transparent and good faith effort” to integrate responsibly into the town’s fabric. However, the report in the Post said that Mayor Larsen has expressed readiness for a battle, particularly against the late-night aspects of the club’s operations, citing concerns about the historical buildings and their location in residential areas.

Zero Bond’s proposal puts East Hampton at a crossroads between modern development and historical preservation. The buildings in question date back to the 1600s and 1700s and are situated in areas that residents feel should be protected from the encroachment of contemporary nightlife culture, according to the information in the Post report.

The nearest neighbor to the Hedges Inn is approximately 200 feet away, a proximity that contributes significantly to the local apprehension about the potential noise and disruption. As per the Post report, Mayor Larsen expressed frustration over the proposed change, particularly pointing out the irony of the inn’s owner who initially bought the property to avoid noise but is now considering a partnership that could significantly increase it.

Mayor Larsen and other locals believe that historical sites such as the Hedges Inn should remain accessible to the public, allowing people to appreciate and learn about the region’s rich history. The prospect of the inn turning into a private club is seen as a loss to the community’s cultural heritage and accessibility.

Zach Erdem, a local restaurateur and reality TV star, expressed skepticism about the viability of Zero Bond’s business model in East Hampton. Drawing a cultural comparison, he suggested that just as certain businesses are not suitable for specific regions due to cultural preferences, a private club such as Zero Bond might not align with the community ethos of the Hamptons, which differs significantly from that of New York City, as was explained in the Post report.

From a business standpoint, the sustainability of a high-profile, exclusive club in the traditionally low-key and historic setting of East Hampton is questionable. Speaking to the Post was Michael Capuano, who has decades of experience in the hospitality industry both in New York City and the Hamptons. He pointed out the lack of longevity and profitability in such ventures within the area. His observations about the transient nature of the bar and club business in such a community further illustrate the potential misalignment between Zero Bond’s concept and the local market dynamics.

The concept of a members-only club like Zero Bond, which charges significant annual fees and fosters an exclusive ambiance, poses unique challenges in East Hampton, a town with a seasonal population surge. The transient nature of the Hamptons, with its peak during the summer months, raises questions about the viability of such a business model. Critics, including local business owners familiar with the seasonal dynamics, argue that by the time the club recruits members and becomes operational, the summer could already be drawing to a close. This could significantly impact the profitability and sustainability of the venture.

Sartiano seems undeterred by these challenges, indicating a willingness to invest in this venture despite potential financial risks. The Post reported that in 2021 membership fees for individuals over 45 exceeded $4,000 annually. However, Sartiano emphasized that the club’s exclusivity isn’t just about financial capability but also about an intangible quality, noting, “You can’t buy your way in. You can’t buy cool.”

 

Senator John Liu announces agreement to extend mayoral control and reduce class sizes in NYC Public schools

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NY State Senator John Liu in a 2017 AP photo

(TJV) NYS Senator John Liu, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on NYC Education, stated the following about today’s agreement to extend mayoral control of NYC public schools by two years with accountability measures for reducing class sizes, maintaining school funding and adding more voices to the Panel for Education Policy.

State Senator John Liu stated, “For the next two years, New Yorkers can expect mayoral accountability to include a funded and actionable plan to reduce class sizes. This two year extension grants the mayor the accountability he’s been asking for, and we are pleased to note our agreement includes a significant commitment to expanding the NYC capital plan by $2 billion in order to provide our school kids a sound, basic education and reduce class sizes.

“To avoid more unnecessary school budget reductions as we’ve seen in recent years, this extension also enshrines the principle of maintenance of effort, which states that the city must use state funding to supplement, not supplant its own education funding. Of note, this year’s budget builds on last year’s historic fully funded Foundation Aid investment, increasing school funding by an additional $934 million, the highest in state history.

“Finally, to add more voices to the Panel for Education Policy, this agreement adds an independent chair, increasing the number of members from 23 to 24. The Senate, Assembly and Board of Regents will submit three nominations for the chair from which the mayor may choose.

“Principles of good governance dictate that control of NYC schools not be based on the actions of any one particular mayor, which is why we will revisit the issue of mayoral control in another two years. Moving forward, we will continue dissecting the recent State Education Department report on mayoral control and engage with all stakeholders on how to best achieve long-term success for NYC public schools.

“Thank you to my colleagues in the legislature, the Adams administration, the Governor, and all the students, parents, educators, and advocates who have weighed in on the state of our school governance system, and offered insights as to how to ensure it works for the best interests of our school kids.”

After 80 Years, Remains of WWII Airman from Brooklyn Finally Brought Home

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National League of POW/MIA Families

After 80 Years, Remains of WWII Airman from Brooklyn Finally Brought Home

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After nearly eight decades, the story of U.S. Army Air Force Tech. Sergeant Kenneth J. McKeeman, a World War II hero from Brooklyn, has reached a poignant resolution. According to a report that appeared on Friday in The New York Post, his remains, unidentified for many years, were finally discovered and identified, allowing him to receive a dignified burial back in the United States. This spring, in a touching tribute to his service and sacrifice, Sgt. McKeeman will be laid to rest with full military honors in Connecticut, surrounded by surviving family members who, though distant from the days of World War II, still feel a profound connection to their valiant relative, the Post report added.

Kenneth J. McKeeman, who served as a radio operator, embarked on what would become his final mission on March 11, 1944. He was aboard a B-24 Liberator bomber, taking off from San Pancrazio Airfield in Italy. As was reported by the Post, the mission targeted the Nazi-controlled Toulon Harbor on France’s Mediterranean coast, a strategic point that was heavily defended by German forces.

As the plane completed its bombing run, it encountered intense anti-aircraft fire. Tragically, the aircraft was hit directly behind the rear bomb bay, causing catastrophic damage. Crew members from other planes reported seeing flames erupt from the waist windows of McKeeman’s Liberator before it ultimately split in two and crashed into the sea, as was detailed in the Post report. The exact fate of Sgt. McKeeman and several of his crewmates remained a mystery for years, their stories lost to the turbulent waters below.

The journey to bring Sgt. McKeeman home began with the meticulous efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Their commitment to tracking and recovering lost servicemen exemplifies a solemn promise made by the military to leave no soldier behind, regardless of the passage of time. As per the Post report, in September, through advanced forensic and DNA technologies, the DPAA successfully identified McKeeman’s remains, which had been interred anonymously in a French cemetery dedicated to unknown soldiers.

This identification process not only serves as a technical achievement but also as a deeply emotional closure for families. For McKeeman’s family, the return of his remains to American soil is a significant event. Mike McKeeman, his nephew, expressed a profound gratitude for the efforts that made this possible. “Those who knew him and loved him and raised him don’t know this is happening. But we’re still profoundly grateful to the military,” he told The Post.

In the absence of his body, McKeeman’s family held a memorial service at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Connecticut, mourning him amid profound uncertainty. As was noted in the Post report, the initial recovery efforts in April 1945 by the U.S. Army at Toulon’s Lagoubran Cemetery unearthed 25 graves, which yielded the remains of seven soldiers from McKeeman’s bomber. Nearby, four other sets of remains remained unidentified and were later interred at the Rhône American Cemetery in Draguignan, France.

In June 2019, the Department of Defense, in collaboration with the American Battle Monuments Commission, exhumed the unidentified remains for further analysis, spurred by advances in forensic technology and genetic testing.

Family involvement was crucial in this process. The Department of Defense reached out to McKeeman’s relatives for DNA samples to assist with the identification. Indicated in the Post report was that Mike McKeeman and other relatives provided the necessary samples, enabling the use of mitochondrial DNA analysis—a type of genetic testing that traces maternal lineage, which was key due to its precision in matching remains to family members.

On September 18, 2023, the remains were conclusively identified as those of Sgt. McKeeman, finally giving his family the closure they had sought for generations. Also speaking with the Post was Caroline LaPorta, McKeeman’s great-niece. She expressed a sentiment felt by many families of missing soldiers: a mixture of sorrow for the loss and gratitude for the resolution. “We never imagined that we would ever end up identifying him,” she told The Post, reflecting the profound impact of this discovery.

As preparations for Sgt. McKeeman’s reburial proceed, the story reaches beyond the personal to touch on universal themes of sacrifice, remembrance, and the duty of a nation to honor its fallen heroes. It serves as a reminder of the countless young lives cut short in global conflicts and the ongoing efforts to remember and honor their contributions. As McKeeman’s remains finally return home for a burial with full military honors, the ceremony will not only be a personal moment for his family but a public expression of gratitude from a nation forever indebted to its service members.

 

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