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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:

————————————————

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.

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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.

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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

Edited by: TJVNews.com

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.

 

From Tolkien’s Lore to Tech’s Forefront: Palantir Weaves Magic in AI & Big Data, Surpassing Revenue Expectations

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shutterstock

From Tolkien’s Lore to Tech’s Forefront: Palantir Weaves Magic in AI & Big Data, Surpassing Revenue Expectations

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In the vast landscape of technology and innovation, Palantir Technologies stands out not just for its intriguing name borrowed from J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy epic “The Lord of the Rings,” but also for its robust growth and expanding influence across both governmental and commercial sectors. Founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel, the company has carved a niche for itself with its advanced software platforms that manage, interpret, and report data.

The name “Palantir” comes from the magical crystal balls used in Tolkien’s universe for communication and seeing events afar, symbolizing the company’s core mission to harness the power of big data for insightful foresight and decision-making, as was reported on Thursday in an article that appeared on TheStreet.com web site.  This imaginative foundation has translated into a reality where Palantir’s technologies play a pivotal role in addressing complex data analysis challenges.

Originally focused on counterterrorism applications for the U.S. government, Palantir has significantly broadened its horizon. It now engages extensively with large corporations, diving deep into the realms of data management and artificial intelligence (AI). According to the information provided in the report on TheStreet.com, this shift is not just an expansion but a transformation, leveraging their sophisticated analytics capabilities across diverse sectors from public safety to global finance.

The advent of AI technologies such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT in December 2022 has been a boon for companies such as Palantir, which are poised at the intersection of large-scale data analytics and AI. As per the information contained in TheStreet.com report, Palantir’s involvement in these technologies has seen their revenues surge, reflecting the growing demand for AI-driven insights. In the fourth quarter alone, the company reported earnings that surpassed expectations, with $608.4 million in sales against analysts’ projections of $602.9 million.

This performance is a testament to Palantir’s strategic positioning and adaptability in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Indicated in TheStreet.com article was that the reported 70% year-on-year growth in the fourth quarter sheds light on a dynamic expansion in its commercial operations, signaling a robust uptake of its offerings beyond its traditional government contracts.

CEO Alex Karp’s commentary during the earnings call highlighted an “extraordinary” performance in the U.S. commercial sector, describing it as “bombastic,” according to TheStreet.com report. This reflects not only the company’s successful financial outcomes but also its growing influence in the tech sector. The ability to secure over 100 contracts within a single quarter illustrates a significant leap from its earlier days, showcasing enhanced scalability and the increasing trust that enterprises place in Palantir’s technology solutions.

Karp also highlighted the significant strides the company has made in enhancing the usability and appeal of its products, specifically through the integration of advanced AI and large language models. As was reported in TheStreet.com, these enhancements have made Palantir’s platforms—Foundry and Gotham—more accessible and attractive to a broader market. Foundry, known for its robust data integration capabilities, has been particularly tailored to meet the diverse needs of corporate clients, making complex data more approachable and actionable.

A noteworthy aspect of Palantir’s recent operations includes its support for the U.S. military and its active involvement in critical international affairs. As was detailed in TheStreet.com report, Karp expressed pride in Palantir’s operational role, notably its quick deployment in Israel following the conflict escalation on October 7, 2023. Palantir’s responsiveness and the strategic use of its technology in conflict zones illustrate its importance as a tool for real-time intelligence and decision-making.

Further expanding its technological and market footprint, Palantir announced a new partnership with Oracle this month. This collaboration is set to coalesce Palantir’s advanced AI and data analysis tools with Oracle’s robust cloud infrastructure. The report on TheStreet.com also noted that as part of this agreement, Palantir will transition its Foundry workloads to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, enhancing performance and scalability. Additionally, Palantir’s Gotham platform, which is pivotal for military and counter-terrorism applications, will also be deployable across Oracle’s distributed cloud, potentially increasing its efficacy and reach.

Oracle, standing as one of the top ten largest cloud providers and a longstanding leader in data management, brings a wealth of experience and a global reach to this partnership. This collaboration is not just a merger of technologies but a fusion of expertise and capabilities that could redefine possibilities within the cloud and AI spaces, as suggested in TheStreet.com report.  For Palantir, this translates into an opportunity to supercharge its offerings, leveraging Oracle’s infrastructure to enhance the performance and reliability of its applications.

Palantir Technologies recently achieved a significant milestone by being designated as an Awardable vendor for the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace. TheStreet.com affirmed that this designation marks a pivotal moment for Palantir, reinforcing its role as a crucial player in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics within the Department of Defense (DoD).

The Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace serves as a digital repository where the DoD can access advanced technological solutions that address specific challenges related to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, as was explained in the report on TheStreet.com.  Palantir’s inclusion as an Awardable vendor calls attention to the company’s expertise and proven track record in these fields, particularly highlighting its advanced AI Mission Command Capability and its Predictive Maintenance & Precision Sustainment Suite.

These tools from Palantir are designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Defense Department by allowing for more precise and predictive maintenance strategies and improving mission command through advanced AI-driven analytics. The report on TheStreet.com said that the availability of these solutions in the Marketplace means that various sectors of the DoD can now more easily integrate Palantir’s technologies into their operations, potentially leading to enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and improved outcomes on critical missions.

As Palantir prepares to report its first-quarter earnings on May 6, the market’s anticipation is palpable. Analysts surveyed by FactSet are projecting that the company will report a profit of 8 cents per share on revenues amounting to $615.3 million, TheStreet.com reported. This expected performance represents significant growth compared to the same quarter last year, where Palantir earned 5 cents a share on $525 million of revenue.

This projected increase in earnings and revenue not only reflects Palantir’s expanding role within governmental and defense sectors but also signals robust growth and market confidence in its broader commercial strategies. As noted by TheStreet.com report, these figures suggest that Palantir’s investments in enhancing its AI and analytics capabilities are yielding tangible financial returns, positioning the company as a formidable entity in the tech sector.

The optimism surrounding Palantir’s future is not limited to market analysts. TheStreet Pro’s Stephen Guilfoyle expressed a particularly bullish stance on Palantir’s long-term potential, stating that it is a company he invests in “for the future generations of my bloodline.” Such sentiments highlight the confidence investors have in Palantir’s stability and its strategic direction, viewing it as a cornerstone investment that will deliver value over generations.

According to Guilfoyle’s analysis, Palantir has demonstrated a remarkable improvement in its financial operations over the last year. For the 12 months ended in late December, the company’s operating cash flow soared to $712 million, a substantial increase from $224 million in 2022, according to the information in TheStreet.com report. This more than threefold increase highlights Palantir’s growing efficiency and profitability in its core operations, which have significantly enhanced its liquidity and financial stability.

Furthermore, the company’s free cash flow, a key indicator of financial health that measures the cash a company generates after accounting for cash outflows to support operations and maintain its capital assets, also saw an impressive rise, TheStreet.com reported.  It climbed to $697 million, up sharply from $184 million in the previous year. This surge not only emphasizes Palantir’s enhanced operational efficiency but also its ability to generate surplus cash, which can be pivotal for funding expansion projects, reducing debt, or increasing shareholder value through dividends and buybacks.

Despite the robust financial performance in terms of cash flow, Palantir’s stock has experienced some volatility. Guilfoyle points out that the stock has relinquished its 21-day exponential moving average and its 50-day simple moving average, key technical indicators that traders use to analyze price trends and potential reversals, as was detailed in TheStreet.com report. This movement suggests a weakening momentum in the short term and could be a cause for concern among investors.

Guilfoyle further speculates that if the stock continues to diverge from its current pivot point, it might move to fill a price gap created in early February. Such a move would potentially see the stock prices drop to around $18, concurrently testing the support level at the 200-day simple moving average—a longer-term trend indicator. TheStreet.com reported that according to Guilfoyle, this level may represent the ‘real support,’ where the stock could stabilize before potentially regaining its upward trajectory.

The fluctuations in Palantir’s stock are not uncommon in the tech sector, known for its volatility and rapid shifts in investor sentiment. However, Guilfoyle’s analysis provides both a cautionary note and a silver lining, as was observed in TheStreet.com report.  For current investors, the key will be to monitor these support levels closely, as they could indicate crucial turning points for the stock. For potential investors, the current uncertainties might present a buying opportunity, especially if the stock stabilizes at the support levels and aligns with the company’s strong fundamental growth in cash flows.

Palantir’s financial journey over the past year paints a picture of a company rapidly maturing in its ability to generate and manage cash effectively, a critical aspect that bolsters its capacity to navigate future challenges and seize growth opportunities. While the stock market performance introduces some uncertainties, the underlying financial health of the company remains robust, offering a solid foundation for future stability and growth. Investors and analysts alike will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on how these dynamics unfold, influencing investment strategies centered around this prominent player in the technology sector.

 

 

US announces sanctions against religious IDF unit for alleged violations in Judea and Samaria

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IDF raid in Judea and Samaria (Youtube/Screenshot)

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The Biden Administration is expected to announce unprecedented sanctions against a religious unit in the IDF for alleged violations in Judea and Samaria occurring before October 7th.

Axios reports that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the Netzah Yehuda battalion will be denied military aid from the US and that US troops will not engage in training exercises with the battalion.

The sanctions are being issued in compliance with a 1997 Leahy law that forbids US aid from being given to foreign military or police units that have been suspected of human rights violations.

Blinken announced the sanctions at a press conference in Italy and said, “You can expect to see them in the days ahead.”

The Biden Administration was also investigating other military and police units operating in Judea and Samaria for suspected violations but they were released from sanctions when they made recommended changes in their policies.

Netzah Yehudah is a unit formed for male ultra-orthodox soldiers, many of whom are from settlements in Judea and Samaria.

The Netzah Yehudah unit was under investigation over the death of an elderly Arab man who was arrested and allegedly left out in the cold to die.

The sanctions against the ultra-orthodox IDF unit follow US financial and travel restrictions placed on individual Israelis accused of violence against Palestinians in Judea and Samaria.

The New York Times acknowledged in its report in February that the move by the Biden Administration was made to appeal to Arab American voters ahead of the 2024 election.

Michael D. Shear of the New York Times wrote that the sanctions are “a forceful gesture aimed in part at Arab American voters in the United States who have expressed fury about the president’s backing of Israel’s war in Gaza.”

Additional sanctions have been issued against Ben-Zion Gopstein, founder and leader of Lehava, for alleged incitement against Arabs.

House Bursts Into Pro-Ukraine Chant During Foreign Aid Vote

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(DCNF) Democrats in the House of Representatives chanted “Ukraine” and waved Ukrainian flags on the House floor following passage of a $60 billion aid package to the country on Saturday.

The Democrats began waving small Ukrainian flags and chanting following the 311-112 vote that passed HR 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. The representative presiding over the House called for order, noting that the waving of the flags was a “violation of decorum.”

The chanting and cheers drew condemnation from Republicans who posted on social media.

WATCH:

“The only flag that should be flying on the floor of the U.S. House is the AMERICAN FLAG!” Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina posted on X. Mace opposed the Ukraine aid and a sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, but supported the aid packages for Israel and the Indo-Pacific region that were voted on separately.

 

“Ukrainian flags fly in the chamber of the UNITED STATES House of Representatives as they vote to send more of your hard-earned money to a corrupt foreign regime,” Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky posted. “And just like that they shout “UKRAINE! UKRAINE!”while happily working to secure Ukraine’s borders, not ours.”

 

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky posted video of the flag-waving on X, and blasted House Speaker Mike Johnson.

WATCH:

“This is the U.S. House of Representatives under the direction of Speaker Mike Johnson. Democrats are celebrating his total capitulation with no victory for securing our border,” Massie, who supports Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion to vacate the chair targeting Johnson, said.

The United States has sent over $100 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded on Feb. 24, 2022. About $4.5 billion in aid for Ukraine was included in the continuing resolution signed by President Joe Biden in September 2023.

The Biden administration announced in January 2023 they would send 31 M1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine after announcing a battery of MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missiles would be provided in December 2022.

The Biden administration announced plans to primarily send Ukraine M864 155-millimeter artillery shells known as Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM), which dispense smaller explosive weapons over an area to attack personnel and vehicles, in July 2023.

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