Malcolm Hoenlein and Eric Gertler Honored on Capitol Hill for Jewish American Heritage Month

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05/24/2024

Article and Photography by Lieba NesiS

On Wednesday Congress commemorated Jewish American Heritage Month with their Celebratory luncheon at the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington DC.

Arriving in Washington the night before I was unsure what to expect from the afternoon and whether the 8-hour $800 one way trip-due to Amtrak’s power outage requiring me to take an uber midway-would be worth it. The afternoon was highly instructive and lent me a newfound confidence that Congress was steadfastly devoted to ensuring Jewish student’s safe return to campus; and that rising antisemitism was being met with significant pushback.

Entering the Russell Senate Office Building, constructed in 1903-1908 by John Carrere and Thomas Hastings, was truly an experience with its Beaux-Arts architectural style and 34 Doric columns accompanied by lavish marble, limestone, and granite throughout. The most historic portion, the Kennedy Caucus Room, which housed hearings on the Titanic, Pearl Harbor and Watergate, was equally exquisite with its original 1910 benches, a richly detailed ceiling and Corinthian pilasters emblematic of its grand past. The all kosher meat deli sandwiches got me back to reality as the over 200-person crowd came to celebrate being Jewish while addressing concerns of out-of-control anti-Semitism and paying homage to honorees Malcolm Hoenlein and Eric Gertler. Hoenlein, a friend for decades, and the former Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, is a giant the likes of whom will never be replaced. Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska noted that Hoenlein along with President Reagan was the initiator of Jewish Heritage Week in April 1988-with an actual proclamation enacted.

His advocacy for Israel and the Jewish people as a representative of more than 50 US Jewish groups during his reign from 1986-2018 was extraordinary meeting leaders ranging from Prince Charles to Syria’s Bashar Assad while miraculously averting controversy. If you think this nearly 80-year-old is resting on his laurels in Florida think again as the horrors of October 7th have sprung him into action evoking memories of his grandparents exterminated in the Holocaust. Hoenlein remarked his “Jewish identity is his identity” as he acknowledged with the advent of social media unlike the days of the Holocaust there is “no cloak of ignorance for failure to act.” Upon receiving one of many career awards bestowed upon him, Hoenlein exhorted the audience towards Jewish activism saying your grandchildren will ask what you did during these consequential times.

Emcee Greg Rosenbaum on podium with Malcolm Hoenlein on his left and Ezra Friedlander and Eric Gertler on his right

Acknowledging the role of China in the campus upheavals Hoenlein was critical of the recent misguided push for a two-state solution and stressed the necessity for supporting the government of Israel and its military. It was readily apparent from the large presence of Senators including Ben Cardin, Brian Schatz, Jacky Rosen, John Hickenlooper, Josh Hawley, Pete Ricketts, Sherrod Brown, Tim Kaine, Jeanne Shaheen, Jon Ossify, Michael Bennet, James Lankford, James Rich and US Representatives Brad Schneider, Debbie Wassermann Schultz and Kathy Manning that Friedlander and Hoenlein have a vast influence over the Halls of both parties in Congress. Extolling Hoenlein as a global Jewish leader, Democratic Senator from New Jersey Cory Booker gave a riveting speech decrying rising antisemitism on campuses while acknowledging remarkable achievements of Jews such as Jonas Salk, the creator of the Polio vaccine, and Albert Einstein, the creator of the Atomic Bomb formula. Heralding the Jews for their unwavering support of the Civil Rights Movement Booker said the best days of the Jews still lie ahead.

While many of the Congressional leaders voiced their unwavering support of Israel and blasted the ICC tribunal for its one-sided reprobation of Israel, Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia took it a step further as he remarked he had installed a mezuzah on his door to show solidarity with the Jewish community as Jews in Ontario and California have been vandalized for this religious emblem. The afternoon concluded with remarks by CEO and chairman of US News & World Report Eric Gertler whose digital company reaches over 450 million people annually. Heralded for his strong stance against Jew hatred in his positions of leadership at Harvard’s Kennedy School as well as his board appointments at Tel Aviv and Hebrew University, Gertler showed his concerns were heartfelt as he noted the urgency of recognizing Jewish accomplishments following October 7th.

Growing up in a traditionally Jewish family in Montreal Eric has called for stronger leadership on college campuses such as Harvard while speaking extensively about anti-Orthodox bias in mainstream media during his meeting to Boro Park’s JCC in June. At the 2:30 PM conclusion of the spellbinding afternoon guests enjoyed some chocolate babka and afternoon prayers as I walked the historic halls of Congress hopeful that the large amount of significant voices speaking out might finally result in a turnaround in the potentially calamitous state of affairs.

Germany’s woke government wavers as Islamists declare holy war

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05/24/2024

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Hamburg-64 — Islamist group Muslim Interaktiv stage an anti-Semitic demonstration in Hamburg, Germany, May 28, 2021. (Screen grab)

By Soeren Kern, Middle East Forum

More than a thousand Islamic extremists recently marched through the streets of Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, demanding that the European Union’s most populous and powerful country be reconstituted as an Islamic state governed by sharia.

The demonstration, organized by a fast-growing Islamist group called Muslim Interaktiv, was allowed to proceed after left-wing parties in Hamburg’s legislature rejected a petition by right-wing parties to prohibit the event.

During the April 27 march in Hamburg’s multicultural Sankt Georg district, the Islamists — mostly young men, but also women in chadors, hijabs, niqabs, and jilbabs — complained about an alleged surge in “Islamophobia” in Germany since October 7, when Hamas terrorists slaughtered more than 1,000 Israelis.

Amid shouts of “Allahu Akbar” and “There is no God but Allah,” the protesters reminded German authorities of their constitutional obligation to ensure justice for everyone.

They then described Germany as a “dictatorship of values” and called for replacing it with a caliphate, an Islamic dictatorship in which there is no separation between state and religion.

The audacious display of Islamist power on German streets cast light on a glaring double standard:

On the one hand, the German government continues to trivialize and even express solidarity with the totalitarian challenge to democracy posed by radical Muslims, who openly seek to overturn Germany’s constitutional order; on the other, the government is obsessed with the threats it says are posed to democracy by the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD), the country’s second-largest political party, whose popularity is largely fueled by voters frustrated with the government’s refusal to crack down on those very same Islamists.

The German government’s laissez-faire approach to Islamism has moved the problem into a taboo zone that has strengthened the Islamists.

Some observers argue that if the German government would only take the Islamist threat more seriously, it could instantly solve the populist problem by removing the main issue that makes the AfD so popular.

But alas, key members of Germany’s government — and, apparently, many German voters — are disciples of wokeism, which claims that Islamists are a disadvantaged minority group that must be empowered.

At the same time, Germans seeking to preserve their culture against the encroachment of Islamism are branded as right-wing extremists who pose an existential danger to democracy.

After the Hamburg imbroglio, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser declared: “If you want a caliphate, you’ve come to the wrong place.” And yet, just a few weeks earlier, she’d insisted that the real danger to Germany lies not with the Islamists but with the far right. When asked why she considers right-wing extremism to be more threatening than Islamism, she replied: “Islamism does not want to overthrow the system, right-wing extremists do.”

A New Islamism

Muslim Interaktiv, along with its close cousins, Generation Islam and Realität Islam, is the vanguard of a new generation of German Islamists who have replaced old-school jihadist propaganda with the fresh battle cry of grievance peddling.

While the overall goal — to Islamize Western society — remains the same, the new method of adopting the role of an aggrieved minority is more effective because, rather than being overtly illegal, such speech is constitutionally protected.

Muslim Interaktiv, whose stated goal is to establish Islam as a “comprehensive way of life” in Germany, is a successor of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a global pan-Arab and pan-Islamic group that seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate.

Although Hizb ut-Tahrir has been banned in Germany since January 2003, the government continues to turn a blind eye to Muslim Interaktiv, which was established in 2020 and opposes Western liberal democracy, women’s rights, and the state of Israel.

Muslim Interaktiv has successfully filled a vacuum created after the destruction of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS) in 2019.

The leader of Muslim Interaktiv is a charismatic 25-year-old Ghanaian-German convert to Islam named Joe Adade Boateng (he now goes by Raheem) who is studying at the University of Hamburg to become a teacher.

He is adept at using social media and digital networking to propagate victim narratives, a strategy that has made him a superstar within the Islamist subculture.

PALESTINIAN MOB ATTACKS GERMAN AMBASSADOR, OTHER EU OFFICIALS
In its latest annual report, Hamburg’s state-security agency warned that Muslim Interaktiv was leveraging social media to find new recruits from among Germany’s disaffected Muslim youth.

The group’s leaders have been described by security experts as “radical pop Islamists” who “shun beards, drive flashy cars, and hate Israel” and produce professional-looking videos that “appeal to young people via the internet.”

Hamburg’s spy chief, Torsten Voß, said that Muslim Interaktiv is “dangerous” because of its capacity to “increase the number of Islamists in the long term.”

An Increasing Base of Support

Muslim Interaktiv and associated groups have mobilized large numbers of followers at public gatherings across Germany.

In March 2024, hundreds of Salafists gathered in Hamburg to listen to a speech by Marcel Krass, an influential convert to Islam who, according to German intelligence, had contact with one of the terrorist hijackers in the 9/11 attacks.

In February 2023, Muslim Interaktiv mobilized 3,500 people in Hamburg to rally against Koran burnings in Sweden.

In October 2023, the group organized a pro-Palestinian protest during which hundreds of demonstrators carrying Islamist flags attacked police officers with bottles and stones.

And in November 2023, more than 3,000 members of Generation Islam — which, like Muslim Interaktiv, is an offshoot of Hizb-ut Tahrir — participated in a virulently anti-Israel protest in Essen, where they called for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in Germany

Muslim Interaktiv has a large pool of supporters among younger Muslims in Germany.

A new report from the Lower Saxony Criminological Research Institute revealed that a majority of Muslim students (67.8 percent) agreed with the statement: “The rules of the Koran are more important to me than the laws in Germany.”

Almost half (45.8 percent) believed that “an Islamic theocracy is the best form of government” and 51.5 percent agreed with the statement: “Only Islam is able to solve the problems of our time.”

Turkish-German Islamism expert Eren Güvercin explained the seriousness of Germany’s Islamist problem: “The vast majority of caliphate supporters are not refugees, but German citizens. They are children and grandchildren of immigrants, including those who the German state once ‘recruited’ as cheap labor. They were born in Germany, attended German schools, then German universities. They cannot be deported. It is not just a failure of integration, but also of education.”

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On May 4, a group of moderate Muslims in Hamburg led by the chairman of the Kurdish community in Germany, Ali Toprak, held a counterdemonstration to Muslim Interaktiv to defend Germany’s liberal democratic constitutional order against the encroachment of radical Islam.

“The Islamists are babbling about the caliphate and sharia,” he said. “We as a civil society shouldn’t put up with that.” In the end, a few hundred people showed up.

One of Germany’s leading experts on political Islam, Ahmad Mansour, lamented that “despite the seriousness” of the challenge posed by Muslim Interaktiv, “only a few are upset, while the majority of the country continues to ignore them.”

He warned the “naïve West” against “tolerating everything — even those forces that would threaten its way of life — in the name of radical diversity and multiculturalism.”

But the mood in the country may now be changing. Germany’s main opposition party, the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), in a stark departure from the years when Angela Merkel ran it, has signaled that it intends to take a much harder line on Islam and migration.

CDU general secretary Carsten Linnemann recently proposed changes to the party platform that would specify that “Sharia does not belong to Germany” and “Everyone who wants to live here must recognize our guiding culture [Leitkultur] without any ifs or buts.”

The CDU is now calling on the federal government to ban Muslim Interaktiv for engaging in anti-constitutional activities. “It is unacceptable that Muslim Interaktiv is openly agitating on our streets against Jews and against our free way of life,” said Hamburg’s CDU leader, Dennis Thering. “We are governed by the Basic Law [Germany’s constitution] and not Sharia law.”

The International Court of Justice orders Israel to halt Rafah operation

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05/24/2024

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AP_562478510225-621x400 — Somalia's VP Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf (3rd left) at the International Court of Justice. (AP/Phil Nijhuis)

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the top United Nations Court, has ordered Israel to halt its operation in Rafah, saying that there haven’t been sufficient provisions taken to protect Palestinian civilians.

This is the first time the ICJ has gone so far as to explicitly order Israel to stop its military operation.

ICJ’s president, Nawaf Salam, said that the conditions issued in March did not fully address the current situation and that a demand to halt the military operation was justified.

“Israel must immediately halt its military offensive” in Rafah, Salam said.

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In addition, he claimed that the humanitarian situation in Gaza had deteriorated since the court last ordered Israel to take steps to prevent Palestinian deaths and suffering.

Israel opened the Kerem Shalom Crossing to transport humanitarian aid trucks; however, despite the increase in the flow of aid into Gaza, Hamas is attacking aid workers and stealing aid, according to a Palestinian Authority report.

Although the Biden Administration initially opposed Israel’s Rafah operation, it changed its tune with a report Wednesday that Israel had evacuated 950,000 of 1.4 million Palestinians from Rafah.

A US official told reporters, “It’s fair to say that the Israelis have updated their plans. They’ve incorporated many of the concerns that we have expressed.”

The official also acknowledged that the Rafah operation may give Israel leverage and “opportunities for getting the hostage deal back on track.”

Israel has insisted that operating in Rafah is crucial to defeating Hamas since it still has four battalions located there.

South Africa brought the original case against Israel in the ICJ on the claim that the Palestinian’s inalienable right to protection was being violated by Israel during the Gaza war.

The ICJ is the United Nation’s highest court, and although its rulings are supposed to be binding, they are often ignored.

An ICJ ruling against Israel would be a diplomatic blow to the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly in conjunction with ICC prosecutor Karim Khan seeking an arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.

The US and several European leaders have condemned the ICC prosecutor’s request for an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, claiming that it creates a false moral equivalency of Israel and Hamas given that ICC arrest warrants are also being sought for Hamas leaders

CAIR Teaches Mosques How To Obtain Taxpayer-Funded Grants Meant To Protect Against Terrorist Attacks

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05/24/2024

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shutterstock_1446195485-750x400 — CAIR is a Muslim civil rights organization. (Shutterstock)

Chuck Ross- Free Beacon

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), known for its ties to the terrorist group Hamas, is teaching mosques and Islamic groups how to rake in taxpayer funds through a grant program aimed at protecting houses of worship against terrorist attacks.

CAIR, which was named an unindicted co-conspirator of Hamas in a 2008 terrorism case, issued guidance this week to applicants to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which the Department of Homeland Security operates through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The agencies award $150,000 to religious institutions and nonprofits to protect against terrorist attacks through fortification of their buildings, security training, and other measures.

In a 21-page “preparation guide,” CAIR walks applicants through the grant process, provides language to include on grant applications, and offers to review denied applications in order to “enhance” the odds of success in future applications.

CAIR’s advocacy for the program could raise fresh concerns about the initiative, which has already sent taxpayer money to Islamic groups that defend terrorists and demonize Israel. The Washington Free Beacon reported that Homeland Security awarded grants under the program in 2021 and 2022 to a San Diego mosque whose imam said Hamas’s attack on Israel was “justified,” a Detroit mosque whose leader prayed that “Allah eradicate [Zionists] from the earth,” and another in Anaheim, Calif., whose cleric called Jews a “bigoted and arrogant breed of people” who should “be annihilated.”

And then there are concerns about CAIR, which has received DHS grants for both its national office and several chapters. CAIR executive director Nihad Awad, whose photo is prominently featured on CAIR’s preparation guide, said in November that he was “happy to see” Hamas attack Israel. The White House condemned Awad’s remarks as anti-Semitic and scrubbed references to CAIR from its “National Strategy to Counter Anti-Semitism,” an initiative to which the Biden White House appointed the controversial group in May 2023.

The Biden administration has helped CAIR navigate the grant process in the past, raising questions about whether it will continue to do so in the wake of recent controversies.

“We really have benefited substantially from the resources you offer,” CAIR official Megan Fair said in a February 2022 webinar with officials from the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Fair said CAIR’s national office was awarded a grant in 2019, and a “number of our chapters” and “dozens” of mosques had received grants totaling more than $3.5 million.

Marcus Coleman, the director of DHS’s center for faith-based partnerships, said during the webinar he was “thrilled” to help CAIR navigate the grant process. Awad, the CAIR executive director, also spoke during the webinar. He praised the grant program for helping mosques beef up security but criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s “Countering Violent Extremism” program.

One CAIR chapter that has received grants has defended the Hamas attacks. Hussam Ayloush, the director of the CAIR chapter in Los Angeles, said in a sermon in November that it is a “lie” that Hamas’s invasion of Israel was an “unprovoked attack.” In December he said “Israel does not have a right to defend itself” and that Hamas had a “legitimate right” to attack Israel, which he called an “occupier” of Palestinian land.

The Department of Homeland Security and CAIR did not respond to requests for comment.

Egypt must pay a price for its sponsorship of Hamas

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05/24/2024

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53512944988_829d3634e1_o-1320x880 — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt on Feb. 6, 2024. Credit: Chuck Kennedy/U.S. State Department.

Caroline B. Glick

(JNS) Israelis have long viewed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as an ally in the fight against the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran. Sisi, after all, led the Egyptian military in overthrowing Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood government of then-president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Since the Hamas regime in Gaza played a key role in ousting former President Hosni Mubarak from power and assisting Muslim Brotherhood terrorists from escaping Egyptian prisons in the Sinai in 2011 and 2012, el-Sisi also shared Israel’s negative view of Hamas. He stood with Israel during the Hamas war against Israel in 2014.

But over the past several years, Sisi’s position has changed. And since Oct. 7, Egypt’s role in Hamas’s build-up of its forces and military capabilities has come into sharp relief. Indeed, as the months have passed, the conclusion has become unavoidable that far from acting as a restraint on Hamas’s military and economic power as it did a decade ago, Egypt in recent years, and still today is a major state sponsor of Hamas.

At every stage of the war—from the Oct. 7 Hamas invasion and slaughter on—el-Sisi’s regime has undermined Israel’s war effort in a bid to prevent the Jewish state from defeating Hamas. The motivations for Egypt’s support for Hamas are still difficult to assess. However, the financial interests of el-Sisi’s family appear to have been advanced significantly through cooperation with Hamas’s efforts to build tunnels across the border with Egypt. These operations have included smuggling weapons and raw materials for constructing weapons and tunnels, and transiting Hamas personnel between Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula.

Then there is ideology.

Along with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, in 2017, Egypt abrogated all diplomatic ties with Qatar over Qatar’s support for Iran and its subversion of moderate Arab regimes on behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood through its satellite television network Al Jazeera. In January 2021, Egypt was the first of those states to renew its ties with Qatar.

That rapprochement may well have also led to a reduction in ideological tensions between the regime and the Muslim Brotherhood generally and between the el-Sisi regime and the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood—Hamas, specifically.

For decades, observers of Egypt’s military buildup, and its development of military infrastructure in Sinai have warned that Egypt’s commitment to peace with Israel may be more declarative than real. In light of what Israel has seen since Oct. 7, which has pointed to close cooperation and coordination with Hamas, Egypt’s massive investment in its arsenals and military infrastructures in the Sinai has increased concern that under el-Sisi, Egypt is moving deliberately towards a confrontational posture towards the State of Israel.

On May 17, Israel revealed that during the early stages of the Israeli military’s operation to seize the international border zone between Egypt and Gaza in Rafah, the Israel Defense Forces discovered upwards of 50 underground tunnels that traverse the border between Gaza and Egypt. The scope of the cross-border tunnel project indicates that Egyptian authorities were not merely aware of Hamas’s operation. They were partners in Hamas’s efforts.

El-Sisi’s son, Gen. Mahmoud el-Sisi, serves as the deputy commander of Egypt’s General Intelligence Directorate. He co-founded Organi Group with Ibrahim Organi, a Bedouin chief in the northern Sinai. Through two subsidiaries, the Organi Group controls all aspects of the border zone with Egypt. It is the broker, for instance, for all bribes by Gazans seeking to cross into Egypt. Reports estimate that since the beginning of the war, Organi has received tens of millions of dollars in payments from Gazans for permission to enter Egypt. Israel’s takeover of the border zone from Hamas will necessarily involve the loss of massive profits for the Organi Group and its stakeholders—Sheikh al-Organi and General el-Sisi.

Egypt’s efforts to undermine Israel’s military operations in Gaza have involved acts of intimidation, threats, diplomatic and legal warfare, and sabotage.

Blocking the Exit of Gazans From the War Zone

Beginning on Oct. 10, the Egyptian president has blocked all efforts to permit civilians in Gaza from exiting the area either to seek refuge in Egypt for the duration of the war or to receive refuge in third countries. In justifying the move, el-Sisi said Egypt “will not allow the termination of the Palestinian cause.” In other words, he was committed to a policy that will forever keep the Palestinians locked in a genocidal effort to eliminate Israel by blocking all other options from the residents of Gaza.

Egypt’s refusal is unlawful under international humanitarian law and has had the operational impact of prolonging the war and the suffering of Gazans on the ground for seven months. Israel has been forced to construct humanitarian zones inside of Gaza amid the fighting to provide temporary refuge to civilians who live in battle zones. Hamas has used these crowded safe zones to continue its rocket and missile assaults on Israel.

Threats to Abrogate the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty

Beginning in February, el-Sisi began a practice of repeatedly threatening to cancel Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel. He threatened to end Egypt’s peace with Israel and rejoin the pan-Arab war to annihilate the Jewish state if the IDF seized Rafah or took other measures required to defeat Hamas. In other words, el-Sisi has tied Egypt’s peace with Israel and its posture in the region to the survival of the Hamas regime in Gaza and Israel’s defeat in the war.

It was largely due to his threats—supported by the United States—that the IDF postponed its operation in Rafah for three months, adding to the suffering of Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Hostage Negotiations

The primary victims of the prolongation of the war are the 128 hostages that Hamas is still holding in Gaza. On May 21, CNN reported that Egypt undermined a possible deal to free at least some of the hostages earlier this month by deliberately miscommunicating Israel’s offer to Hamas. Egypt’s reported action is responsible for the failure of those talks.

Blocking Humanitarian Aid

Israel’s first action in Rafah was to seize control over the international terminal that governs open travel between that city and Israel. The Rafah terminal was the chief transit point for humanitarian aid. Egypt responded to Israel’s operation by prohibiting the transit of humanitarian aid trucks through the terminal.

Political Warfare/Lawfare Against Israel

At the same time that Egypt undermined humanitarian-aid efforts, it joined the South Africans at the International Court of Justice at The Hague in accusing Israel of genocide against the Palestinians.

Egypt’s War Dividend

According to an investigative report in Tablet magazine, in exchange for its “moderating” role in mediating the war between Hamas and Israel, Egypt has received loans and investments from the International Monetary Fund, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates totaling more than $50 billion. While Egypt was on the brink of insolvency on Oct. 6, this inflow of money has now secured Egypt’s financial viability for the next several years.

There is no objective reason that el-Sisi’s extortionist pro-Hamas policies should succeed. U.S. leverage over Egypt is considerable. Use of but a fraction of that leverage by the U.S. can induce a significant shift in Egypt’s actions, at least in the immediate term. But rather than use it, the Biden administration to date, has rewarded el-Sisi for siding with Hamas against Israel.

Egypt would not have received its cash infusion from the IMF, the European Union and the UAE without a green light from Washington, which also provides Egypt with $3 billion in military aid per year. Rather than demand that Egypt follow international humanitarian law and permit Gazans to flee the war zone to Egypt, the administration has firmly supported el-Sisi’s refusal to permit them to cross the border. Similarly, Washington has been as critical of Israel’s operation in Rafah as Egypt.

Given the administration’s policy, it is time for American lawmakers who understand the danger Hamas’s survival poses to begin criticizing and Egypt’s nefarious role in facilitating Hamas’s weapons build-up and its success in building its warren of more than 400 miles of underground tunnels across Gaza and into Egypt. Egypt should see its aid tied to an end to its sponsorship of Hamas.

If Hamas survives, its perceived victory over Israel will of course inspire Hezbollah, the Houthis, the Shiite militia in Iraq and Syria and Iran itself to step up their assaults on the Jewish state. But it will also be an adrenalin shot for Islamists in the Western world to expand their terrorist attacks and other forms of political violence against Westerners and home and worldwide.

U.S. elected officials must express their disapproval of Egypt’s policies. They need to take action to undermine el-Sisi’s ability to maintain his pro-Hamas policies and anti-Israel brinkmanship by, among other things, tying U.S. fiscal support and military assistance to Egypt to an end to its cooperative relationship with Hamas; its political warfare against Israel; and threats to abrogate the peace treaty with the Jewish state.

Netanyahu to Possibly Address Joint Session of Congress Amidst Heightened Tensions

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05/24/2024

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Israel - Netanyahu Vows Painful article — Israel is preparing to escalate its military campaign against the Hamas organization in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Credit: AP

Netanyahu to Possibly Address Joint Session of Congress Amidst Heightened Tensions

Edited by: Fern Sidman

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address a joint session of Congress “soon.” As was reported on Thursday in The Times of Israel, this announcement, made at the Israeli Embassy’s annual Independence Day event in Washington, comes at a time of significant strain in U.S.-Israel relations, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“This will be a timely and a very strong show of support to the Israeli government in their time of greatest need,” Johnson stated, the TOI reported. The specific date for the speech has yet to be disclosed. However, Johnson noted that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated his support for the invitation, marking a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on this contentious issue.

Schumer’s cooperation is particularly notable given his recent call for early elections in Israel to replace Netanyahu, whom he has described as an obstacle to peace, the report in the TOI said. This shift highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of political alliances and rivalries, especially concerning U.S. foreign policy and Middle Eastern politics.

Despite the invitation, it remains uncertain whether Netanyahu will accept. Given the current political climate, the upcoming address could see a large boycott by Democrats. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly Israel’s military actions in response to Hamas’s October 7 attacks, has become increasingly unpopular among the radical left wing progressive Democrats, the report added. This internal party conflict could influence the reception and impact of Netanyahu’s speech.

The war between Israel and Hamas has also strained Netanyahu’s relationship with President Joe Biden. Recently, Noted in the TOI was that Biden threatened to withhold weapons from Israel if it launched a massive offensive in the civilian areas of Rafah, marking a significant moment of tension between the two allied nations.

On October 7, Iranian backed Hamas terrorists in Gaza launched a brutal attack, massacring approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 252 hostages. This atrocity sparked a wave of international sympathy for Israel. In response, Israel initiated a series of counterstrikes, eventually escalating to a ground offensive in Gaza. The TOI also reported that according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, though these numbers are unverified and do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel reports that it has killed at least 15,000 Hamas gunmen and about 1,000 terrorists inside Israel during the initial attack.

The conflict has also claimed the lives of 286 Israeli soldiers during the ground offensive, along with operations along the Gaza border, according to the TOI report. A civilian contractor for Israel’s Defense Ministry has also been killed in the Strip, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by those involved in the conflict.

The potential address by Netanyahu before a joint session of Congress amidst such strained relations and internal U.S. political divisions will be closely watched. It represents a critical juncture for U.S.-Israel relations and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

Netanyahu’s previous address to Congress in 2015 was a pivotal moment in U.S.-Israel relations, significantly impacting the discourse around the Iran nuclear deal. According to the TOI report, should he choose to speak again, the context will be markedly different, with the focus likely shifting to the current conflict in Gaza and the broader implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy.

Since his return to office in late 2022, Netanyahu has not been invited to the White House, a notable snub that reflects deeper tensions. The TOI report said that President Joe Biden’s administration has taken issue with Netanyahu’s aggressive push to overhaul Israel’s judiciary, a move seen as undermining democratic norms and potentially jeopardizing the US-led efforts towards a two-state solution with the Palestinians. This policy rift has been further strained by Netanyahu’s recent actions and positions, which contrast sharply with the Biden administration’s vision for regional stability.

The Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7 has further complicated US-Israel relations. In a historic move, President Biden visited Israel shortly after the attack, marking the first time a sitting US president has traveled to the Jewish state amid an active conflict. Despite this gesture of support, Netanyahu’s absence from the White House persists, highlighting ongoing discord.

According to the information provided in the TOI report, an official familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel that Netanyahu has been in discussions with Republican Congressional leaders about the address, viewing it as a crucial opportunity to present Israel’s case on the global stage. Netanyahu appears less concerned about potential political fallout within the US, focusing instead on solidifying support among American lawmakers.

Should Netanyahu accept the invitation, he would become the first foreign leader to address joint meetings of Congress four times, surpassing the record held by Britain’s wartime prime minister, Winston Churchill, the TOI report noted.

The invitation from Congress, particularly from the Republican leadership, contrasts sharply with the Biden administration’s stance, reflecting broader partisan divides over US-Israel policy. The TOI report also observed that House Speaker Mike Johnson has been vocal in criticizing Biden, accusing him of abandoning Israel despite his initial support following the October 7 attack.

The political landscape in the US regarding Israel has become increasingly polarized, with both Democrats and Republicans vying fiercely for Jewish and pro-Israel votes. The information contained in the TOI report indicated that this competition has intensified to the point where accusations of anti-Semitism have become frequent in campaign rhetoric.

Netanyahu is also under siege politically within Israel. Tens of thousands of protesters, including families of some of the 128 hostages still held in Gaza, have called for new elections. As was revealed in the TOI report, Netanyahu’s approval ratings have plummeted since the onset of the war, and he faces damaging claims from the Israeli army that he was warned multiple times last year about how Hamas and other adversaries perceived Israel’s domestic unrest as a vulnerability.

At the Israeli Embassy’s Independence Day event, where the announcement of Netanyahu’s potential address was made, California Representative Pete Aguilar, the fourth-ranked Democrat in the House, also spoke, the TOI report indicated. His presence was an attempt by the event organizers to emphasize the bipartisan nature of support for Israel within the U.S. Congress. This bipartisan support will be crucial for Netanyahu as he navigates the complex political landscape both at home and abroad.

Nvidia’s Stock Market Value Is up $1 Trillion in 2024. How It Rose to AI Prominence, by the Numbers

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05/24/2024

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FILE - CEO Jensen Huang walks on stage before the keynote address of Nvidia GTC in San Jose, Calif., Monday, March 18, 2024. Nvidia’s stock price has jumped 92% this year as of Wednesday, May 22, increasing the company’s market value by more than $1 trillion. Those numbers are headed higher again Thursday after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

(AP) – Nvidia’s stock price has jumped 92% this year as of Wednesday, increasing the company’s market value by more than $1 trillion. Those numbers are headed higher again Thursday after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results.

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The chipmaker has seen soaring demand for its semiconductors, which are used to power artificial intelligence, or AI applications. The company’s revenue more than tripled in the latest quarter from the same period a year earlier.

It’s the latest sign that the excitement surrounding artificial intelligence likely won’t subside anytime soon. Nvidia, which has positioned itself as one of the most prominent players in AI, has been producing some eye-popping numbers. Here’s a look:

$1.152 trillion
The amount Nvidia Corp.’s market value has increased so far this year as of May 22, according to FactSet. In other words, Nvidia’s year-to-date gain is almost equal to the market value of Facebook and Instagram parent Meta Platforms. In all, just six of the 500 companies in the S&P 500 have market caps above $1.152 billion, including Nvidia.

$2.374 Trillion
Nvidia’s total market value as of the close of trading Wednesday. Earlier this year, it passed Amazon and Alphabet to become the third most valuable public company, behind Microsoft ($3.2 trillion) and Apple ($2.927 trillion). The company was valued at around $418 billion two years ago.

$1,020.28
Nvidia’s price at the opening of trading Thursday, making it just the ninth company in the S&P 500 with a share price over $1,000 (which sounds more notable than it is.) That will soon change however. On Wednesday, Nvidia announced that it plans a 10-for-1 stock split, meaning there will be 10 times more shares outstanding, but the price of each will be closer to $100 each. The company said the split, effective after markets close on June 7, will make its shares more accessible to employees and investors.

$26 billion
Revenue for Nvidia’s most recent fiscal quarter. That’s more than triple the $7.2 billion it reported in the same period a year ago. Wall Street expects Nvidia to bring in revenue of $117 billion in fiscal 2025, which would be close to double its revenue in 2024 and more than four times its receipts the year before that.

53.4%
Nvidia’s estimated net margin, or the percentage of revenue that gets turned in profit. Looked at another way, about 53 cents of every $1 in revenue Nvidia took in last year went to its bottom line. By comparison, Apple’s net margin was 26.3% in its most recent quarter and Microsoft’s was 36.4%. Both those companies have significantly higher revenue than Nvidia, however.

Hungary Rejects ICC’s Arrest Warrant Request for Netanyahu

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05/24/2024

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F170718HZGPO14-626x400 — PM Netanyahu (L) and his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban (Haim Zach/GPO)

Hungary Rejects ICC’s Arrest Warrant Request for Netanyahu

Edited by: Fern Sidman

The recent request by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked significant controversy. On Thursday, the Times of Israel reported that Hungary, through a statement by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, has firmly rejected the ICC’s request, calling it “unacceptable” and unenforceable within its borders.

During a news briefing, Gulyas clarified Hungary’s legal position regarding the ICC. Although Hungary is a signatory to the Rome Statute, the foundational treaty of the ICC, Gulyas stated that it was never incorporated into Hungarian law, as per the information provided in The Times of Israel report. “No measure of the court can be carried out within Hungary,” he asserted. This legal nuance effectively means that any arrest warrants issued by the ICC cannot be executed in Hungary.

The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced earlier this week that he had requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes. As noted in the TOI report, the announcement has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with representatives from both Israel and Hamas condemning the decision.

Gulyas was particularly vocal in his criticism, characterizing the ICC’s decision as politically motivated rather than legally grounded. “This decision… is not a legal but a political decision, it is unacceptable and it discredits the International Criminal Court,” he said. As was indicated in the TOI report, he further criticized the use of judicial bodies as political instruments, highlighting the complexities and moral considerations surrounding the conflict in Gaza. “It is wrong to use a court as a political tool, and it should not be forgotten what led to what is happening in Gaza, and that is a ruthless, dishonest and vile terrorist attack on Israel.”

Netanyahu’s close relationship with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been in power since 2010, calls attention to the political dimensions of Hungary’s stance. The TOI also reported that Orban and Netanyahu have maintained strong bilateral ties, often supporting each other on international platforms. This relationship is likely a significant factor in Hungary’s outright rejection of the ICC’s actions against Netanyahu.

Hungary’s refusal to enforce the ICC’s arrest warrants raises broader questions about the effectiveness and reach of international judicial bodies like the ICC. The court’s ability to prosecute alleged war crimes hinges not only on its legal mandates but also on the cooperation of member states. Hungary’s position could encourage other nations with similar legal structures or political alliances to adopt a non-cooperative stance towards the ICC.

This development also reflects the ongoing tension between international legal institutions and national sovereignty. While the ICC aims to hold individuals accountable for serious international crimes, its authority is often challenged by political considerations and differing interpretations of international law.

As the situation unfolds, the ICC’s credibility and influence in global justice may be tested, and the political alliances between nations such as Hungary and Israel will likely play a crucial role in shaping the response to these legal challenges.

Vision Zero: NYC DOT & NYPD Remind New Yorkers to Not Drive Impaired During Holiday Weekend

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05/24/2024

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Vision Zero: NYC DOT & NYPD Remind New Yorkers to Not Drive Impaired During Holiday Weekend

NYPD to lead aggressive enforcement of drunk and impaired driving during summer’s kickoff weekend

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) stood outside One Police Plaza today to announce the annual initiative to crack down on speeding and drunk driving ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Agency leaders also strongly advocated for the passage of state legislation that would renew and extend the city’s red light camera program; the law authorizing the use of these cameras expires later this year. The city is also separately advocating for state legislation that increases accountability for the growing incidence of drugged driving. The current Albany legislative session is scheduled to end on June 6, two weeks from today.

“Drinking, drugs and driving never mix, and we have a shared responsibility to keep each other safe as we celebrate the unofficial start of summer this coming weekend,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We are proud to work with our Vision Zero partners to reduce speeding and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As our Albany colleagues enter the homestretch of a very productive legislative session, we are eager to work with them to address critical outstanding public safety legislation that governs our life-saving red light cameras and combats drugged driving.”

“NYPD officers will be highly visible on New York City roadways during this long Memorial Day weekend to deter unsafe driving and, when necessary, to take appropriate enforcement action,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “Motorists can expect targeted enforcement of many offenses, including impaired driving, speeding, and reckless driving. Officers will also continue looking for unlicensed drivers, unregistered or uninsured vehicles, and vehicles displaying illegal license plates. Everything we do is geared toward reinforcing our primary mission of public safety, and we ask that motorists contribute by making smart, responsible decisions.”

“We know that holiday weekends pose the greatest threat when it comes to people driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and we know that increased enforcement can make a difference,” said Deputy Commissioner Ira Goldapper of the TLC’s Uniformed Services Bureau. “If you are planning on going out, you don’t even need to drive at all. TLC regulates 180,000 taxi and for-hire drivers. Every single one of them is drug tested. All of them complete Vision Zero safety courses and mandatory refresher training. Let them do the driving while you have fun.”

The NYPD will continue to keep New York City’s highways and surface roads safe by conducting enhanced enforcement throughout Memorial Day weekend. In addition to actively enforcing the laws against speeding and reckless or impaired driving, the police will carry on the city’s highly successful efforts to remove unlicensed operators from our streets while identifying and seizing uninsured or unregistered vehicles and those with fraudulent license plates.

Red Light Camera Renewal and Expansion:  According to NYC DOT’s recent Red Light Camera Report, the red light camera program has yielded significant safety results over its 30 years in operation. In addition to a 73 percent decline in red light running, intersections with red light cameras saw injury-causing T-bone collisions decline 65 percent, and rear-end collisions drop 49 percent.

The program has also changed driver behavior and deterred repeat offenders; in 2023, 94 percent of vehicles caught running a red light received no more than one or two violations. Fewer than 0.5 percent of vehicles received five or more violations.

Despite these safety gains, the red light camera program is too limited to serve as a wider deterrent. Current state law limits these cameras to operating at no more than 150 intersections at a given time—or 1 percent of the city’s more than 13,700 signalized intersections. Without state legislative action, that law will expire at the end of 2024.

With these restrictions, New York City has been unable to use this life-saving tool to address the recent spike in red light running. In 2023, 29 people were killed in red light running crashes—the worst annual total ever recorded and more than double the average annual total of such deaths from the previous decade—all at intersections without red light cameras.

To counter these trends, NYC DOT has been working with Albany legislators to pass legislation sponsored by State Senator Andrew Gounardes (S2812) and Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz (A5259), which would reauthorize the existing program through December 1, 2030, and expand the number of locations to 1,325 — or about 10 percent of signalized intersections.

Driving Accountability: The city has joined a growing coalition of law-enforcement officials and advocates supporting legislation sponsored by State Senator John Mannion and Assemblymember William Magnarelli (S3135/A174) to make it possible for all drivers who drive under the influence of drugs to be held accountable for their dangerous and reckless behavior. Currently, individuals who are driving while impaired by drugs can only be prosecuted if officers can prove exactly what drug they were taking and that it was on an outdated public health list. With this bill, New York would join the majority of states in allowing officers to rely on the observations of highly trained drug recognition experts to charge impaired drivers and help deter this dangerous behavior.

Adding red-light cameras to more intersections is not just a good idea – it is a responsible and proactive step toward creating safer streets for everyone. This safety measure should be coupled with efforts to deter motorists from driving under the influence and actually being able to hold them accountable,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “It’s imperative that we pass laws that properly enforce against reckless drivers who put their neighbors and our families in harm’s way.”

“Drunk driving is one of the most pressing issues plaguing our roads,” said Regional Executive Director (NY/NJ/PA) of MADD Paige Carbone.

“It is a topic that warrants our utmost attention, for behind every statistic lies a story of shattered lives and irreparable loss.”

Donald Trump Holds Energetic Campaign Rally in the South Bronx

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05/24/2024

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National - Trump Vows article — Former President Donald J. Trump vowed to resolve the migrant crisis via mass deportations. Photo Credit: AP

Donald Trump Holds Energetic Campaign Rally in the South Bronx

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Former President Donald Trump brought his 2024 campaign to the heart of New York City, holding a spirited rally in the South Bronx on Thursday evening. According to a report on Thursday in the New York Post, the event, which took place in Crotona Park, was marked by fervent supporters and a high-energy atmosphere reminiscent of past Trump campaign events.

The rally commenced at 6 p.m. under the evening skies of Crotona Park, with the Trump campaign securing a permit for up to 3,500 attendees. As the crowd filtered through security checkpoints, the excitement was palpable. As was reported by The Post, the park, known for its diverse community, transformed into a sea of red “Make America Great Again” hats and patriotic paraphernalia.

Prior to Trump’s arrival, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) took the stage to warm up the crowd. Born in Brooklyn, Donalds brought a local connection to the event, tossing red MAGA hats into the enthusiastic audience. “Word is, Donald J. Trump will be here in a couple of minutes,” he announced, heightening the anticipation.

The crowd’s energy surged as Donalds addressed various topics, including illegal immigration. The Post reported that some attendees chanted, “Send them back!” while others echoed the politically charged slogan, “F— Joe Biden!” In response, Donalds reminded the crowd to keep the event respectful, saying, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, this is a family affair.”

The former president finally took the stage to the familiar strains of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA,” a staple at Trump rallies that always evokes a strong emotional response from his supporters. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, waving flags and banners.

The rally saw a significant turnout, with Trump campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita telling the New York Post that 20,000 people had RSVPed for the event. As Trump took the stage, the crowd continued to grow, with people running towards the stage to secure a spot. The report in the Post said that sespite the rally’s permit capping attendance at 3,500, Trump claimed there were thousands more outside trying to get in. “They’ll get in eventually,” he assured, though it was uncertain how many would make it through the security checkpoint.

The atmosphere at Crotona Park was electric, with attendees displaying a mix of excitement and urgency. The crowd’s response to Trump’s remarks was enthusiastic, reflecting the strong support he continues to enjoy. The event was characterized by a festive yet defiant spirit, with chants and cheers punctuating Trump’s speech.

Trump’s speech, filled with his characteristic flair and directness, covered a range of topics from national security to his administration’s achievements. The information in The Post report indicated that in classic Trump fashion, he engaged with the crowd, often deviating from his prepared remarks. At one point, he asked, “You think Biden goes off teleprompter? He’s no good on teleprompter.”

Trump’s speech featured an extensive discourse on the projects he undertook in New York City, particularly the Wollman Rink in Central Park. The Post reported that he touted his success in refurbishing the rink, a project he completed ahead of schedule and under budget in the 1980s. “The Republican Party is the party of common sense,” Trump declared. “You don’t go to Florida when you want to make ice, you go to Canada.”

He also recounted the “Ferry Point drama,” a reference to his efforts to maintain control over the Ferry Point golf course in the Bronx. The report in the Post observed that this narrative served as a segue into broader themes of his speech, emphasizing his business acumen and commitment to fighting bureaucracy.

Transitioning from personal anecdotes, Trump turned his focus to a scathing critique of President Joe Biden and his administration. Indicated in the Post report was that he asserted that Biden is “not getting the job done for the Bronx” and “not getting the job done for New York.” Trump went on to list a series of problems plaguing the city, from rising crime rates to the challenges posed by an influx of migrants. He specifically pointed out instances of “migrants fighting cops and giving America the middle finger,” painting a picture of a city in crisis under Democratic leadership.

Paget Jones traveled from Harlem to the Bronx, driven by her belief in Trump’s leadership and his ability to win not just the presidency, but also historically blue states like New York. Speaking to The New York Post, Jones shared her optimism and faith in Trump’s comeback. “I believe in Trump. Trump is going to win the presidency. He’s going to win New York,” she declared.

Jones articulated to The Post a sense of kinship with Trump, emphasizing his resilience and tenacity. “The fact that I like Trump and why a lot of black people are out here in the Bronx for Trump is because Trump is a fighter. Trump has that God factor. They prosecuted him, they lied about him!” Her words resonated with many in the crowd who see Trump as a figure who has endured and overcome substantial adversity.

In a striking comparison, Jones likened Trump to Nelson Mandela, suggesting that Trump’s battles with legal and political adversaries mirrored Mandela’s struggles. “He represents us, the blacks in this city and in the world. He’s a real Nelson Mandela. He’s like the real Nelson Mandela. They fought him, they put him in jail and he came back,” she told The Post. This analogy highlights the depth of Jones’s admiration for Trump and her belief in his ability to lead and inspire.

Jones expressed confidence that Trump’s message is resonating with minorities in New York. “The minorities of New York, they’re coming around. He definitely represents that vote,” she insisted, when speaking with The Post. Her perspective suggests a shifting dynamic where traditional political allegiances are being reevaluated in light of Trump’s appeal to a broader and more diverse electorate.

The attendance of Jones and others at the rally indicates a notable undercurrent of support for Trump within communities that have historically leaned Democratic. This shift, if more widely representative, could signal significant changes in voter behavior and the political landscape of New York.

Trump’s ability to draw such a diverse crowd to the South Bronx rally highlights his continued influence and the potent connection he maintains with his supporters. It also suggests that his message of resilience, economic opportunity, and strong leadership is resonating across different demographic groups.

Allegations Emerge of Obama Admin’s Interference with FBI Operations to Protect Iran Nuke Deal Negotiation

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05/24/2024

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Israel - Obama Warns article — Former President Barack Obama (Shutterstock)

Allegations Emerge of Obama Admin’s Interference with FBI Operations to Protect Iran Nuke Deal Negotiations

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a dramatic revelation, Republican senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) have accused the Obama administration of obstructing FBI operations targeting individuals on U.S. soil connected to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. According to a report that appeared on Wednesday in the New York Post, the allegations, based on whistleblower disclosures and internal FBI communications, suggest that the administration prioritized nuclear deal negotiations over national security concerns, potentially allowing “known terrorists” to evade arrest.

The accusations stem from legally protected disclosures made by whistleblowers to Senators Grassley and Johnson. These disclosures included unclassified internal FBI emails, which were subsequently presented to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Attorney General Merrick Garland, as was reported by The Post. The emails allegedly reveal a pattern of obstruction by the Obama administration, led by then-Secretary of State John Kerry, which interfered with lawful FBI arrest operations.

In their letter to Blinken, Wray, and Garland, the senators detailed the alleged obstruction efforts and demanded additional records related to the Obama administration’s negotiations for the Iran nuclear deal. Indicated in The Post report was that the letter claims that the State Department under Kerry’s leadership actively impeded FBI efforts to apprehend individuals associated with Iranian proliferation networks and other entities providing material support for Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

“The records provided to our offices show that the Obama/Biden administration’s State Department, under the leadership of John Kerry, actively and persistently interfered with FBI operations pertaining to lawful arrests of known terrorists, members of Iranian proliferation networks, and other criminals providing material support for Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs,” the senators wrote, the Post report said.

In their letter, the senators also stated: “Records further show State’s actions, at the direction of former Secretary Kerry, endangered national security, hamstrung the FBI’s law enforcement efforts and counteracted our government’s stance against Iran.” As per the information provided in The Post report, they also criticized former FBI Director James Comey and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch for failing to halt these arrest holdups, implying a broader institutional failure to prioritize national security over diplomatic considerations.

The senators identified at least eight instances between 2015 and 2016 where the State Department allegedly forced the FBI to stand down on arresting individuals linked to the Iranian regime. The Post noted that these instances reportedly involved known terrorists and other criminal elements involved in Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“The records also show that DOJ and FBI leadership apparently allowed it to happen until the Trump administration altered course,” the senators added, suggesting a significant policy shift under the subsequent administration.

The allegations, if proven true, could have profound implications for the legacy of the Obama administration’s foreign policy, particularly its handling of the Iran nuclear deal. Critics argue that by obstructing FBI operations, the administration may have compromised national security to secure a controversial international agreement.

The Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was reached in July 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council—China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States—plus Germany). The deal aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for lifting economic sanctions.

Supporters of the deal argued that it was essential for preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and promoting regional stability, the Post report affirmed. However, critics, including many Republicans, contended that it offered too many concessions to Iran and failed to address its ballistic missile program and regional interventions.

John Kerry, then Secretary of State, was a key architect of the JCPOA. His role in the negotiations and subsequent diplomatic efforts to preserve the deal has been both lauded and criticized. Noted in the Post report was that the new allegations suggest that in the pursuit of the agreement, Kerry’s State Department may have overstepped its bounds, interfering with FBI operations to avoid jeopardizing the delicate negotiations.

The Trump administration took a markedly different approach to Iran, withdrawing from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposing stringent sanctions on Tehran. The report in The Post said that this shift included a renewed focus on countering Iranian influence and addressing security threats posed by its nuclear and missile programs.

One particularly troubling case involved an Iranian national on the Terrorism Watch List. According to the whistleblower disclosures, FBI agents were deeply disturbed by directives to halt arrests for what appeared to be political reasons, The Post report said. Internal communications reflect a profound sense of frustration and helplessness among agents tasked with national security.

In a July 2015 email from an FBI counterintelligence division agent to a Los Angeles field office agent, the sentiment was clear: “We are all beside ourselves on asking the field to stand down on a layup arrest.” According to the Post report, the agent elaborated, stating, “As it stands right now we all have to sit back and wait until all the US and Iran negotiations resolve themselves. We will continue to argue for aggressive action, however, we will probably lose. Our hands are tied.”

The email, subject-lined “HQ support,” highlighted the internal strife within the FBI as agents grappled with orders that conflicted with their mission to protect national security.

The Post reported that the email in question also stated: “The FBI lost the opportunity to arrest the subject, who is on the Terrorism Watch List, when the subject traveled to the US in July 2015. The State Department blocked our plan to arrest while the subject was mid-flight and the subject was forced to leave the US immediately upon arrival.”

The frustration did not dissipate with time. The information provided in The Post report indicated that in another email exchange between FBI counterintelligence agents dated August 2017, an agent noted that “there were 8 cases we regularly highlighted as being held up.” The agent explicitly stated, “State Department held up the cases. The FBI/DOJ/USG could have moved forward with the cases but the State Department chose to block them.”

These emails, though partially redacted, reveal that at least one individual managed to return to Iran, and a known terrorist was forced out of the country without being arrested, the report in The Post said. The identities of these individuals remain undisclosed, but the implications are clear: key arrests were thwarted due to political interference.

The internal strife within the FBI, as revealed by the emails, highlights the tension between the field agents’ mandate to protect the country and the administration’s diplomatic goals. The agents’ frustration is palpable, reflecting a deep-seated concern that political considerations were undermining their efforts to combat terrorism and proliferation.

As part of their investigation, Grassley and Johnson have requested records from the email archives of key figures involved in the negotiations and subsequent policy implementations. These figures include John Kerry, CIA Director Bill Burns, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and several other current and former top U.S. government officials, The Post reported. The senators have set a deadline of June 4 for the submission of these records, indicating the urgency and seriousness of their inquiry.

The alleged obstruction of FBI operations has profound implications for U.S. national security. By preventing the arrests of individuals linked to terrorism and proliferation activities, the Obama administration’s actions, as described by the whistleblowers, may have allowed potential threats to go unaddressed. This raises questions about the balance between diplomatic negotiations and law enforcement priorities, especially when dealing with adversaries such as Iran.

Senior IDF officer ‘not optimistic’ hostages will be returned alive

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05/23/2024

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4-hostages-750x400 — Four of the female hostages still held by Hamas (Photo: X

By World Israel New Staff

Israel is unlikely to secure the return any additional living Israeli hostages being held by Hamas, a senior Israeli officer and former top IDF spokesperson said.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, who now serves as a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a conservative U.S.-based thinktank, addressed an event this week hosted by the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre.

During his address, Conricus lamented that Hamas is unlikely to free any additional living hostages, saying he was “not optimistic” about the odds those still in captivity could be returned to Israel alive.

“Hamas is not going to release the hostages,” Conricus said, while noting that Israel knows some of the captives are currently being held in Rafah.

Hamas, Conricus continued, used ceasefire talks and negotiations for a hostage deal to distract Israel and hamper the war effort.

“They have been using this as a way of prolonging the war and getting Israel to divert its time and efforts away from defeating Hamas.”

“They used the holy month of Ramadan very cleverly and got a month of almost zero IDF operations in Gaza by dangling the hostages in front of Israel for a month. They really fooled Israel.”

One-hundred-and-twenty-eight hostages remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Of those, 36 have been officially declared dead.

In addition, Israeli security officials estimate that dozens more, possibly a majority of the remaining hostages, have also died in captivity.

“There is a lot of ambiguity,” Conricus said.

Turning to the northern front, Conricus warned that Hezbollah, the “crown jewel” of Iran’s foreign proxies, is “five times more powerful than Hamas,” and its tunnel networks more difficult to demolish, given the solid rock of the Israel-Lebanon frontier, versus the sandstone in which Hamas’ Gaza tunnels were constructed.

“Hezbollah is capable of striking most of populated Israel, including sensitive targets.”

Panthers visit the Rangers with 1-0 series lead

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05/23/2024

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(AP) Florida Panthers (52-24-6, first in the Atlantic Division) vs. New York Rangers (55-23-4, first in the Metropolitan Division)

New York; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK: LINE Panthers -111, Rangers -109; over/under is 5.5

STANLEY CUP SEMIFINALS: Panthers lead series 1-0

BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers visit the New York Rangers in the third round of the NHL Playoffs with a 1-0 lead in the series. The teams meet Wednesday for the fifth time this season. The Panthers won 3-0 in the last meeting.

New York is 34-13-0 at home and 55-23-4 overall. The Rangers rank seventh in NHL play with 278 total goals (averaging 3.4 per game).

Florida is 52-24-6 overall and 31-12-4 in road games. The Panthers have a 20-8-4 record in one-goal games.

TOP PERFORMERS: Artemi Panarin has scored 49 goals with 71 assists for the Rangers. Mika Zibanejad has three goals and 10 assists over the past 10 games.

Aleksander Barkov Jr. has 23 goals and 57 assists for the Panthers. Carter Verhaeghe has five goals and five assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rangers: 7-3-0, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.3 assists, 4.4 penalties and 8.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.

U.S. Existing Home Sales Drop 1.9% In April, Pushed Lower by High Rates and High Prices

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05/23/2024

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(AP) — High mortgage rates and rising prices continued to put a damper on the spring homebuying season last month.

Existing home sales fell 1.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.14 million in April from a revised 4.22 million in March, the National Association of Realtors reported Wednesday. Sales dropped across the country — down 4% in the Northeast, 2.6% in the West, 1.6% in the South and 1% in the Midwest.

The median price of previously occupied homes rose 5.7% to $407,600 — the tenth straight increase and a record for April.

Lawrence Yun, the association’s chief economist, called the sales drop “a little frustrating.” Economists had expected sales to come in at 4.2 million.

The rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate loan has risen five of the last six weeks and stands at 7.02%, up from 6.39% a year ago. Would-be homebuyers are also deterred by the high prices, caused partly by a tight inventory of available homes.

The supply of homes rose 9% from March to 1.2 million — the fourth straight increase — but remains low: It was running at 1.7 million before the pandemic. Homeowners have hesitated to put their houses on the market partly because they don’t want to give up existing mortgages at low interest rates and buy new homes at higher rates.

The housing market could get some relief if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates later this year.

“Normally at this time of year we’d see a surge in home sales, but mortgage rates continue to depress listings and buying,” said Robert Frick, economist at the Navy Federal Credit Union. “And unfortunately, prices continue to rise, further pushing the opportunity away from lower-income, and even middle-income Americans. The only real relief to the situation will come from the Fed cutting rates later this year, which will eventually filter through to mortgage rates.”

Sales were brisker at the high end of the market. Homes priced at $1 million or more shot up 40% from a year ago, partly because inventories of those homes surged 34%.

A third of sales went to first-time buyers, the highest share since January 2021, but still below the 40% they’ve accounted for historically.

Spain: From Inquisition to Terrorist State

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05/23/2024

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Edited by: Fern Sidman

Spain’s recent decision to recognize a Palestinian state is not only controversial but also hypocritical, considering its own history with terrorism and separatist movements. This recognition, particularly in the context of ongoing terrorism against Israel, sends a contradictory message to the international community and undermines the principles of combating terrorism and maintaining territorial integrity. To fully understand this hypocrisy, we must examine Spain’s history with the Basque conflict and its ongoing issues with Catalonia.

“After Recognizing a Palestinian State:*
The ambassadors of Ireland, Sweden and Spain were summoned today to the Israeli foreign office, and were shown video metrial of the Israeli female soldiers being kidnapped to Gaza. #palestinianstate @DiscoverIreland @Sweden @SpainMFA… pic.twitter.com/gvtGwIUWVn

— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) May 23, 2024

The Basque conflict, one of the most significant internal security challenges Spain has faced, provides a pertinent backdrop to understanding Spain’s current stance.

The Basque separatist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA), founded in 1959, aimed to establish an independent Basque state. The group utilized terrorism as a means to achieve political ends, carrying out bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. During the 1970s and 1980s, ETA intensified its campaign of violence. High-profile attacks included the 1973 assassination of Prime Minister Luis Carrero Blanco and the 1987 Hipercor bombing in Barcelona, which killed 21 people. ETA’s activities caused immense suffering and fear, destabilizing Spain and challenging its government.

The Hypocrisy of Spain, Ireland and Norway’s Decision to Recognize a Palestinian State – https://t.co/OmE6GJKp9F @SpainMFA @GuinnessIreland @NorwayMFA #palestinianstate @IrishRepublic18 @NorwayMFA @usembassyoslo @Catalonia_EU @ehitzulia #IsraelAtWar #October7massacre… pic.twitter.com/XvRB6X6KYH

— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) May 23, 2024

The international community, including European nations and the United States, supported Spain in its fight against ETA. There was no pressure on Spain to recognize Basque statehood in response to terrorism. Instead, Spain was encouraged to pursue justice and security, with counter-terrorism cooperation becoming a cornerstone of its international relations.

Even after Spain’s transition to democracy in the late 1970s, ETA continued its violent campaign. The Spanish government, through a combination of law enforcement efforts, legal measures, and limited negotiations, sought to dismantle ETA and bring peace to the Basque region.

ETA declared a permanent ceasefire in 2011, formally ending its violent activities in 2018. Spain’s approach, characterized by firm counter-terrorism measures and eventual dialogue, emphasized the importance of state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Nadia Matar, the co-chair of the Sovereignty Movement confronts Norway on their decision to recognize “Palestine” as a state. She said that such recognition will lead to their own destruction as any Western country that recognizes a Palestinian state is also granting approval of… pic.twitter.com/sjMbTwpqCN

— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) May 23, 2024

Spain’s issue with Catalonia further highlights its stance on separatism and self-determination.

Catalonia, a wealthy and culturally distinct region, has long harbored aspirations for greater autonomy or independence. Tensions escalated significantly in the 2010s, culminating in an independence referendum in October 2017.

The Catalan government held an independence referendum, which Spain’s Constitutional Court declared illegal. The Spanish government responded by imposing direct rule on Catalonia, arresting separatist leaders, and dissolving the regional parliament.

In response to Spain’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state Israeli MK Sharren Haskel sent a letter to the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister requesting that Israel officially recognize the independence of Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia, Andalusia, Aragon, and… pic.twitter.com/ycz5ja9MsA

— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) May 23, 2024

The international community largely supported Spain’s position, emphasizing the importance of constitutional order and territorial integrity. There was no significant international push for recognizing Catalan independence in response to the referendum.

While tensions have eased somewhat, the issue of Catalan independence remains unresolved, with ongoing political and social divisions within Spain.

Against this backdrop, Spain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood is starkly hypocritical.

Moreover, Pedro Sánchez, the President of Spain, is a prominent figure in European politics known for his steadfast socialist principles and controversial stance on Israel. As the leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), Sánchez has consistently championed progressive policies at home while fostering a contentious relationship with Israel abroad.

In 2014, Sánchez was elected Secretary-General of PSOE, marking a significant turning point in his career. His leadership style emphasized inclusivity, transparency, and a return to the party’s socialist roots. Sánchez sought to rejuvenate PSOE by addressing issues such as income inequality, labor rights, and social welfare.

BRAVO!! – Santiago Abascal, leader of the Vox party in Spain, attacks Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez for recognizing a Palestinian state and rewarding terrorism. @SpainMFA @VoxParty @Santi_ABASCAL #israel #palestinianstate @AntiIsraelHate #terrorism #Hamas #October7massacre #Gaza pic.twitter.com/XfTSNfrxW5

— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) May 23, 2024

While Sánchez’s domestic policies have earned him praise from progressive circles, his foreign policy, particularly towards Israel, has been a source of controversy. Sánchez has often been critical of Israeli policies, aligning with the broader European left’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Under his leadership, Spain has pushed for a two-state solution, often criticizing Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria. He also called for greater international pressure to be placed on Israel.

In December 2014, the Spanish Parliament passed a non-binding resolution recognizing Palestine as a state, a move supported by Sánchez. This resolution was part of a broader trend in European parliaments.

Critics argue that his stance disproportionately blames Israel for the lack of progress in the peace process while downplaying Palestinian responsibilities. This abundantly clear bias has strained Spain’s relations with Israel, leading to diplomatic tensions.

In addition, Sánchez’s policies have also influenced Spain’s relationships with other Middle Eastern countries. By advocating for Palestinian rights, Sánchez has strengthened Spain’s ties with Arab nations, positioning Spain as a key player in the European Union’s Middle East policy.

Sánchez’s stance on Israel has also sparked debates within Spain, with some accusing him of neglecting the complexities of the conflict and others praising his commitment to international justice.

In a bold and strategic move, Member of Knesset Sharren Haskel has called on the Israeli government to lead the international community by recognizing the independence of the Basque Country and Catalonia. This proposition not only highlights Spain’s hypocrisy in advocating for Palestinian independence while suppressing similar aspirations within its own borders but also calls attention to Israel’s unique position as a beacon of justice and self-determination.

Israel stands as a unique example of a people returning to their ancestral homeland, reviving their culture, and establishing a sovereign state. This historical journey gives Israel a distinctive moral authority to champion the cause of self-determination for oppressed and marginalized groups worldwide.

Haskel’s critique of Spain is sharp and unambiguous. She accused the Spanish government of double standards.”It’s time for Israel to support nations striving for their freedom and independence,” Haskel stated, highlighting the inconsistency in Spain’s position.

This sentiment was further elaborated in a letter she sent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Israel Katz. In the letter, Haskel contends that if the recognition of Palestinian statehood is predicated on a minority’s desire for independence, then the same principle should first be applied to Spain’s Basque and Catalan regions.

Haskel’s appeal extended to a direct challenge to the representatives of Catalonia and the Basque Country in the Spanish Parliament. She urged these representatives to resign immediately, accusing them of betraying their constituents by prioritizing international issues over local independence movements. “It is utterly unacceptable that instead of advocating for the independence of their own people, they are focusing on the independence of others in distant regions,” she asserted.

Sharren Haskel’s call for Israel to support Basque and Catalan independence is grounded in the principle of consistency. If Spain and other countries advocate for Palestinian statehood based on the Palestinians’ expressed desire for independence, then they must also recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Basque and Catalan peoples.

By taking a principled stand in favor of Basque and Catalan independence, Israel can reinforce its position as a nation committed to justice, freedom, and self-determination. This move would not only highlight the hypocrisy of nations like Spain but also align with Israel’s broader strategic and diplomatic goals.

By recognizing Palestinian statehood amidst ongoing terrorism against Israel, Spain effectively rewards and legitimizes violent tactics. This is in direct contradiction to Spain’s own history, where it sought and received international support to combat terrorism and maintain territorial integrity during the Basque conflict.

Spain demands that Israel accept what it would never have accepted itself: the legitimization of a separatist entity through violent means. This double standard undermines Spain’s credibility in advocating for international norms and justice.

Israel faces existential threats from terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, much like Spain faced from ETA. Recognizing Palestinian statehood in this context ignores the complexities of Israeli security concerns and the necessity of a negotiated, peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Spain’s stance also highlights a broader international hypocrisy, where the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are applied inconsistently, often influenced by political and ideological biases.

By expecting Israel to accept what it would never have accepted, Spain undermines its own history and principles. This contradictory stance not only damages Spain’s credibility but also complicates efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. True peace requires consistent application of international norms, respect for sovereignty, and a firm stance against terrorism.

Hamas terrorists confess to raping, murdering women on Oct. 7

By

TJV news

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05/23/2024

0

(JNS) Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper released footage on Thursday of two captured Hamas terrorists telling Israeli interrogators that they raped and murdered women and girls on Oct. 7, 2023.

Jamal Hussein Ahmad Radi, 47, and his son Abdallah, 18, were arrested by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip earlier this year, the report said, adding that the elder terrorist was a member of Hamas’s “Security Service.”

“After he finished raping her, my father killed her.”
New footage released by @DailyMailUK sheds light on a father and son terror duo who took part in the October 7 Hamas massacre, raping and massacring civilians in Nir Oz.https://t.co/zgWRwSXVid pic.twitter.com/nezsHQ0syz

— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) May 23, 2024

In the video clip, father-of-seven Jamal describes to an Arabic-speaking Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) officer how he, his son and other terrorists broke into Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of Oct. 7.

“In each house where we found someone, we either killed them or kidnapped them,” the Hamas terrorist says in a matter-of-fact voice. “In the first house, I found a woman and her husband, and we hit them with live fire and killed them. … they were in their late 40s.”

Nir Oz, a small desert kibbutz within sight of the Gaza border once home to some 400 people, was among the hardest hit during the Oct. 7 assault. One in every four residents was either killed or kidnapped.

Jamal then confesses to rape, saying: “She was screaming, she was crying, I did what I did, I raped her. I threatened her with my gun to take her clothes off, I remember she was wearing jean shorts, that’s about it.

“I don’t know what happened to her [after that], I was there for 15 minutes and then I left,” Jamal claimed.

However, according to his son Abdallah, both he and his father violated the woman, who was murdered following the assault.

“My father raped her, then I did, and then my cousin did, and then we left, but my father killed the woman after we finished raping her,” he told an interrogator.

“Before this woman, we had raped another girl as well; I killed two people, I raped two people, and I broke into five houses,” Abdallah admitted.

Israel is investigating many accounts of rapes that occurred during the Oct. 7 invasion of the northwestern Negev, when around 3,000 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad gunmen stormed the border, killed some 1,200 people, wounded thousands more and took 252 hostages.

The full scope of the terrorists’ sex crimes will never be known because many of the victims and witnesses were murdered on Oct. 7.

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