We love ourselves too often and need reach out much more often. It is a social responsibility and it effects the environment also.
give me a definitionn war casualty and use gaza for examples A war casualty refers to any person who becomes unavailable for duty as a direct result of warfare. This includes both military personnel and civilians who are killed, wounded, imprisoned, or missing. The term is often incorrectly used as a synonym for "fatalities" but is a broader category that accounts for non-fatal injuries as well. Gaza Conflict Casualties The ongoing conflict in Gaza provides a tragic and clear example of war casualties. Casualties include not only combatants but also a significant number of civilians. Fatalities: This is the most common and direct form of casualty. In the Gaza conflict, examples include the thousands of Palestinians killed by Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, as well as the Israelis killed in the initial Hamas-led attack. These include both military combatants and a high number of civilians, including women and children. Wounded: Many people suffer injuries that are not fatal but render them unable to participate in daily life or combat. In Gaza, this includes the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have been wounded by gunfire, bombings, and other attacks. The high number of amputations, particularly among children, is a particularly grim example of this type of casualty. Missing and Interned: The term also includes individuals whose whereabouts are unknown, and those taken prisoner. Examples from the Gaza conflict are the Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas-led militants and the Palestinians detained by Israeli forces.
Write a story about hamas taking over england The Shadow Over AlbionIn the autumn of 2030, England awoke to a nightmare none had foreseen. It began with whispers—encrypted chatter intercepted by MI6, dismissed as implausible. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, had long been a regional player, confined to the Gaza Strip and its conflicts with Israel. But over the years, a new faction within its ranks, emboldened by global chaos and covert foreign backing, had grown ambitious. They called themselves Al-Saif al-Aswad—the Black Sword. Their plan: to exploit a fractured world and seize a Western stronghold. England, isolated after a messy Brexit and reeling from economic turmoil, was their improbable target.The first signs came in Dover. Late one foggy night, cargo ships docked at the port, ostensibly carrying humanitarian aid for flood-stricken regions. Instead, they unloaded hundreds of trained fighters, smuggled through a network of corrupt port officials and sleeper cells that had quietly embedded themselves across the UK over a decade. These weren’t just Hamas’s traditional militia; they were a hybrid force, trained in urban warfare, cyber operations, and propaganda, funded by a shadowy coalition of rogue states and dark-web cryptocurrency.By dawn, key infrastructure was under siege. The Black Sword had hacked the National Grid, plunging London into darkness. Coordinated attacks hit military bases in Aldershot and Catterick, with drones deploying chemical agents to sow panic. The group’s cyber wing, dubbed “Ghost Qassam,” breached government servers, leaking sensitive data to destabilize trust. Parliament was stormed by a small but ruthless unit, taking MPs hostage, including the Prime Minister. A chilling video aired on hijacked BBC channels: a masked commander, speaking in flawless English, declared England under “temporary administration” to “liberate it from imperialist decay.”The public was stunned. How had a group from Gaza infiltrated a nuclear power? Years of intelligence failures, underfunded security services, and political infighting had left gaps. Hamas had exploited these, using Europe’s open borders and England’s diverse urban centers to blend in. Recruits, radicalized online or through covert mosques, provided local support. Smuggled weapons, including Iranian-supplied missiles, had been stockpiled in abandoned warehouses.Resistance was immediate but chaotic. The British Army, stretched thin by budget cuts, scrambled to retake London. Civilians formed militias in Manchester and Birmingham, but Hamas’s psychological warfare—fake news of chemical attacks and staged atrocities—sowed division. Social media buzzed with #EnglandFalls, amplifying fear. The Black Sword’s propaganda painted them as liberators, promising to dismantle “corrupt elites” and appealing to disenfranchised youth. Some, swayed by years of economic hardship, listened.By day ten, London was a warzone. Hamas controlled key boroughs, using tunnels modeled on Gaza’s to move undetected. The Royal Family was evacuated to Scotland, where a provisional government formed. NATO hesitated, wary of escalating a global conflict, as Iran and other backers loomed in the shadows. The UN issued statements, but sanctions meant little to a group thriving on chaos.Yet cracks appeared. Hamas’s brutal tactics—executions of dissenters, forced conscription—alienated even sympathetic locals. A covert SAS unit, working with MI5, began disrupting their supply lines. Hackers from Anonymous, enraged by the invasion, counterattacked Ghost Qassam, exposing their plans. By winter, a coalition of British forces, civilian volunteers, and defectors from Hamas’s ranks launched a counteroffensive. The Battle of Birmingham became the turning point, with locals and soldiers fighting side by side to retake the city.By spring 2031, the Black Sword was routed. Their leaders, cornered in a London mosque, were captured or killed. England mourned thousands dead and a capital in ruins, but the nation endured. The invasion exposed vulnerabilities—social division, neglected defenses, and global interconnections that could be weaponized. Parliament vowed reform, but whispers lingered: other groups were watching, learning from Hamas’s audacious failure.The story, though fictional, echoed real fears about security, radicalization, and geopolitical fragility. England rebuilt, but the scars of that dark year remained, a reminder that even the unlikeliest threats could strike at the heart of a nation.
You must see this! Hamas, a Palestinian militant group founded in 1987, is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., EU, Israel, and others due to its violent actions and ideology. Here are key concerns often cited, based on documented activities and statements:Terrorist Attacks: Hamas’s military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, has conducted numerous attacks on Israeli civilians and military targets since the 1990s, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and kidnappings. The October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel killed nearly 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took over 250 hostages, marking it as the deadliest attack in Israel’s history. Genocidal Rhetoric: Hamas’s 1988 charter explicitly calls for the destruction of Israel and includes antisemitic language, such as stating that Muslims must “fight Jews and kill them” to achieve liberation. While a 2017 policy document softened some rhetoric, it still rejects Israel’s legitimacy and advocates “all forms of resistance.” Use of Human Shields: Hamas has been accused of embedding military infrastructure, like tunnels and weapons caches, in civilian areas such as schools and hospitals, increasing civilian casualties during conflicts. The UN has criticized this practice as a violation of international law. Repression in Gaza: Since seizing control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas has suppressed dissent, restricted media freedom, and cracked down on political opposition, including Fatah supporters. Freedom House noted in 2020 that Hamas’s governance lacks transparency and accountability. Rocket and Missile Arsenal: Hamas has amassed thousands of rockets, some with ranges up to 250 km, with support from Iran. These have been used to target Israeli civilian areas, posing ongoing threats to nearly 800,000 Israelis. Iranian Backing: Iran provides Hamas with significant funding (estimated at $100 million annually), weapons, and training, enhancing its military capabilities. This alliance aligns Hamas with other Iranian proxies, raising fears of broader regional escalation. Hostage-Taking and Civilian Targeting: Hamas’s tactics include kidnapping civilians and soldiers to leverage prisoner exchanges. The 2023 attack involved taking elderly and young hostages, with some still held as of January 2025, despite a ceasefire deal. Impact on Palestinian Civilians: Critics argue Hamas’s actions, like launching rockets from populated areas or rejecting ceasefires, exacerbate suffering in Gaza, where its governance has led to economic stagnation and humanitarian crises amid Israel’s blockade.
Chief Rabbi Of Ukraine Moshe Azman @RabbiUkraine · 6h Yesterday, the United Nations Security Council held a special session dedicated to the fate of Israeli hostages who continue to be held by Hamas in Gaza. There was a great deal of hypocrisy and falsehood — but the truth was also spoken. “You taught the Palestinians propaganda and now you’re bombing Ukraine,” declared Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, addressing the representative of the Russian Federation at the UN Security Council. The minister also accused the speakers of lying. “It was laughable to hear the representative of the Russian Federation speak here after three and a half years of brutal aggression, the invasion of Ukraine, and the bombings endured by the civilian population in Kyiv and other cities,” he noted. Sa’ar reminded the council that the USSR and Russia had been the teachers of Palestinian terrorists. He also emphasized that the suffering of Gaza’s residents is not the result of Israel’s actions, but of Hamas, which seizes humanitarian aid from the population and deliberately maintains hunger and suffering to serve its own goals. “We are witnessing a world turned upside down. These media outlets are promoting anti-Israel propaganda. They shift the blame from the aggressor to the victim, from the perpetrators to those fighting evil on multiple fronts,” said the Israeli minister. Personally, I cannot remain silent when the truth is being distorted. When the world refuses to see the suffering of Israeli hostages but readily echoes Hamas’ lies. When even the images of emaciated Israelis held in captivity are nowhere to be found on the front pages of major international media. This is not just a case of double standards — it is a new wave of antisemitism, wrapped in the guise of pseudo-humanitarianism. I pray for the return of all the hostages. I pray for peace based on truth and justice!
About positivepoems.blogspot.comOverview: The blog positivepoems.blogspot.com appears to be a platform for creative, philosophical, and poetic content, with posts that blend surreal imagery, social commentary, and reflections on topics like Jewish identity, free will, and global events. The tagline or recurring phrase, "You trip beyond this normal world! Go further, now!" suggests an encouragement to explore beyond conventional thinking. Content Themes:Poetry and Fiction: Posts often feature poetic or fictional narratives with vivid, sometimes cryptic imagery (e.g., "Russian landfill to swell into a trash wave that will hit upon Ukraine with biblical force" or "Lava is the love I feel when I am near swelling within me"). These suggest a blend of metaphor, social critique, and existential musings. Jewish Identity and History: Several posts reference Jewish themes, such as "The Atlantic Cursed the Jews and the Jews Striked Back!" and a discussion of Jerry Seinfeld’s public support for the IDF post-October 7, 2023. These align with Rabbi Meir Soloveichik’s essay (included in multiple posts) about Jewish resilience and courage, drawing parallels between Winston Churchill and Seinfeld. Philosophical and Scientific Reflections: One post expresses interest in CERN’s Higgs boson research, indicating a curiosity about physics and possibly retrocausality (e.g., "The universe is very determinded or should I say predetermined, as to make free will look impossible, but there are exceptions"). This connects to your earlier question about retrocausality. Social Commentary: Posts touch on contemporary issues, like protests in America, the music industry’s treatment of artists, and health-related humor (e.g., comparing marriage to avoiding STDs).
Not your type! Why is hitler evil Adolf Hitler is widely regarded as one of history’s most infamous figures due to his role as the leader of Nazi Germany and the architect of policies and actions that caused immense suffering and loss of life. The label "evil" is applied to him based on a combination of his ideology, decisions, and the catastrophic consequences of his regime. Below, I’ll outline the primary reasons why Hitler is considered "evil," grounded in historical facts, while keeping the response concise and comprehensive.Reasons Hitler Is Considered "Evil"The Holocaust and Genocide:Hitler orchestrated the Holocaust, the systematic genocide of approximately 6 million Jews, along with millions of others, including Romani people, disabled individuals, political dissidents, homosexuals, and others deemed "undesirable" by the Nazi regime. Through policies like the "Final Solution," implemented in death camps such as Auschwitz, Treblinka, and Sobibor, millions were murdered via gas chambers, mass shootings, and forced labor under horrific conditions. This deliberate, industrialized extermination of entire groups based on ethnicity, religion, or identity is seen as a profound moral atrocity. Aggressive Militarism and World War II:Hitler’s expansionist policies led to the outbreak of World War II in 1939, which resulted in an estimated 70–85 million deaths (about 3–5% of the world’s population at the time). His invasions of Poland, France, the Soviet Union, and other nations caused widespread destruction. His ideology of Lebensraum ("living space") justified aggressive territorial conquest, disregarding national sovereignty and human rights. Racist and Totalitarian Ideology:Hitler’s Nazi ideology, rooted in extreme antisemitism, Aryan supremacy, and ultranationalism, dehumanized entire groups. Propaganda and policies demonized Jews, blaming them for societal and economic problems, which fueled widespread persecution. His regime established a totalitarian state, crushing dissent, controlling media, and using the Gestapo (secret police) to terrorize and eliminate opposition. Political opponents, intellectuals, and even religious figures were imprisoned or killed. Atrocities Against Civilians:Beyond the Holocaust, Hitler’s regime was responsible for countless war crimes, including mass executions, forced starvation (e.g., the Siege of Leningrad), and brutal occupation policies in Eastern Europe. For example, the Einsatzgruppen (mobile killing squads) murdered over 1 million people, mostly Jews, in mass shootings. His policies led to the deaths of millions of civilians through forced labor, ethnic cleansing, and retaliatory massacres. Cultural and Moral Devastation:Hitler’s regime destroyed democratic institutions, promoted a cult of personality, and sought to reshape society based on a warped ideology. This included book burnings, censorship, and the persecution of intellectuals and artists. The scale of suffering—physical, psychological, and cultural—caused by his actions left a lasting scar on humanity, with effects still felt today. Contextual ConsiderationsHistorical Consensus: Historians and scholars near-universally condemn Hitler’s actions due to their scale, intent, and disregard for human dignity. The Nuremberg Trials (1945–1946) held Nazi leaders accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity, cementing the legal and moral judgment against Hitler’s regime. Alternative Perspectives: While few defend Hitler, some fringe groups or revisionists attempt to downplay or distort his crimes, often through antisemitic or nationalist lenses. These views are widely discredited and condemned by mainstream historians and institutions. Complexity of "Evil": Philosophically, labeling someone as "evil" can oversimplify the factors that enabled Hitler’s rise, such as economic despair post-World War I, the Treaty of Versailles, and widespread antisemitism in Europe. However, his personal agency in amplifying and executing these ideologies is undeniable. Why the "Evil" Label PersistsHitler’s deliberate orchestration of genocide, war, and oppression, driven by a hateful and supremacist ideology, makes him a symbol of moral depravity. The sheer scale of death and destruction—coupled with the intentional targeting of vulnerable groups—sets his actions apart as uniquely horrific. Unlike situational or contextual wrongs, his policies were premeditated, systematic, and rooted in a worldview that rejected basic human rights.ConclusionHitler is considered "evil" due to his responsibility for the Holocaust, starting World War II, enforcing a brutal totalitarian regime, and promoting a racist ideology that caused millions of deaths and immense suffering. His actions represent a calculated assault on humanity, making the label a reflection of both moral judgment and historical fact. If you’d like a deeper dive into specific aspects (e.g., Nazi ideology, specific atrocities, or historical context), let me know!
Not my friends! See new posts why is hamas evil The question of why Hamas is considered "evil" is complex and depends heavily on perspective, context, and the lens through which one evaluates their actions. Hamas, officially the Islamic Resistance Movement, is a Palestinian militant group and political organization that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. To address your question, I’ll break it down by examining the reasons why some view Hamas as "evil," while acknowledging the broader context and differing viewpoints. I'll aim to be concise yet thorough, grounding the answer in facts and avoiding moral absolutism.Reasons Hamas Is Considered "Evil" by CriticsTerrorist Activities: Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, Israel, Canada, and others. This stems from its history of violent attacks, including:Suicide bombings: From the 1990s to early 2000s, Hamas carried out numerous suicide bombings targeting Israeli civilians, killing hundreds. For example, the 2002 Passover massacre in Netanya killed 30 civilians. Rocket attacks: Since taking control of Gaza, Hamas has fired thousands of rockets at Israeli civilian areas. In 2023, it launched over 4,000 rockets during the October 7 attack, targeting towns and cities. October 7, 2023 Attack: Hamas led a coordinated assault on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people (mostly civilians), taking over 250 hostages, and committing acts of extreme violence, including reported sexual assaults and massacres at a music festival. These actions were widely condemned as atrocities. Critics argue these deliberate attacks on civilians violate international humanitarian law, contributing to the "evil" label. Ideology and Goals:Hamas’s 1988 charter explicitly called for the destruction of Israel and framed its struggle as a religious jihad. While a 2017 revised charter softened some language, it still rejects Israel’s legitimacy and promotes armed resistance. The group’s rhetoric and actions are seen by critics as antisemitic, particularly for targeting Jewish civilians and rejecting coexistence. This fuels perceptions of Hamas as driven by hatred rather than political grievance. Governance and Human Rights:In Gaza, Hamas has been accused of authoritarian rule, suppressing dissent, and violating human rights. Reports from groups like Human Rights Watch document extrajudicial killings, torture of political opponents, and restrictions on freedom of speech. Hamas’s use of civilian areas for military purposes (e.g., placing rocket launchers near schools or hospitals) has been criticized for endangering Palestinian lives, as it invites Israeli retaliatory strikes that cause civilian casualties. Rejection of Peace Processes:Hamas has consistently rejected peace negotiations with Israel, unlike the Palestinian Authority (PA), which has engaged in talks like the Oslo Accords. Critics argue this intransigence perpetuates violence and undermines prospects for a two-state solution. Contextual PerspectivesWhile the above points explain why many label Hamas as "evil," it’s important to understand why some groups or individuals view Hamas differently:Supporters’ View: In parts of the Palestinian territories and the broader Arab world, Hamas is seen as a legitimate resistance movement fighting Israeli occupation. Supporters argue:Israel’s blockade of Gaza (since 2007) and military operations have caused immense suffering, with over 40,000 Palestinian deaths reported in Gaza since October 2023 (per local health authorities). Hamas frames its actions as self-defense against this. The lack of progress in peace talks and continued Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank justify armed resistance for some Palestinians. Hamas provides social services (e.g., schools, healthcare) in Gaza, filling gaps left by weak governance, which earns it local support. Moral Ambiguity: Some argue that labeling Hamas as "evil" oversimplifies a conflict rooted in decades of mutual grievances, including displacement, occupation, and cycles of violence. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, and the broader context of colonialism, poverty, and geopolitical interference shapes the conflict. Why the "Evil" Label Sticks for SomeThe term "evil" is often applied due to Hamas’s deliberate targeting of civilians, rejection of coexistence, and use of violence as a primary strategy. These actions contrast with non-violent resistance or diplomatic efforts pursued by other Palestinian factions. The visceral impact of attacks like October 7, combined with Hamas’s uncompromising rhetoric, solidifies this perception for many in Israel and the West.ConclusionHamas is viewed as "evil" by critics primarily due to its terrorist attacks, targeting of civilians, antisemitic rhetoric, and rejection of peace processes. However, supporters see it as a resistance movement against occupation, operating in a context of systemic oppression. The truth lies in navigating these perspectives: Hamas’s actions have caused undeniable harm, but the broader conflict’s complexities—occupation, blockade, and mutual distrust—fuel its existence. If you’d like me to dive deeper into any aspect (e.g., specific attacks, Hamas’s governance, or counterarguments), let me know!
So, that spells the end, of folly and stupidity, selfish dishonest people with towers on their heads, clocks hitting like bongo, if that is your number, its wrong, you got to admit, way to far out, down that river of no return, into the bayou of disconnect, always with the aligators.
I will help: On Being Canadian in a Time of Normalized Antisemitism In Jerusalem with my grandmother, Sima Mlynarski, in 1993. By Howard Fremeth August 4, 2025 Above all, I write this as a proud Canadian. This country has shaped who I am and continues to anchor my values. Canada has always meant a great deal to me. I grew up in Ottawa, immersed in the rhythms of Canadian patriotism. I played our two national sports, hockey and lacrosse, and, in high school, interned for my member of Parliament. My university years were spent studying the classics of Canadian history, political and communication thought: Ursula Franklin, Harold Innis, Marshall McLuhan, George Grant, C.P. Stacey, and Margaret MacMillan. My grandparents set the foundation for my deep appreciation for being Canadian. Though I never met my paternal grandfather, I was raised on stories of his remarkable life. He left the comforts of city life to join a rural community of Jewish farmers in Quebec. During the Second World War, he was assigned to work in a factory assembling Lancaster bombers. On my mother’s side, the legacy is one of survival and perseverance. My maternal grandparents endured the unimaginable. They lost their entire families in the Holocaust. They left the horrors of Europe behind and rebuilt their lives in Montreal, working as a tailor and a clerk in a bakery. They laboured not just for survival, but to create a better future for their children. My parents benefitted greatly from both the hard work of my grandparents and the progress of a post-war Canada. They were able to pursue higher education, succeed in high-paying careers, and fulfill the promise of a better life. They instilled in me a strong sense of Canadian pride through pictures and stories of their participation in Canada’s post-war wave of nationalism—Expo ’67, Trudeaumania, the 1972 Summit Series… My generation came of age during the glow of post–Cold War optimism. I vividly remember the fall of the Berlin Wall. Collecting trading cards with pictures of Arab and Western armies uniting in the Gulf War. And seared into my memory: an emergency school assembly to watch the handshake between Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat on the South Lawn of the White House. The Oslo Accords signing ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, September, 1993. That’s not to say everything was rosy. The hatred my grandparents knew all too well never truly disappeared. In my own life, antisemitism would strike like an occasional spasm: hateful comments in dressing rooms, slurs in elevators, and disturbing posts online. Yet, these moments were few and far between, with history’s needle seemingly pointing in the right direction. For Canadian Jews, as for Jews everywhere, everything changed on October 7, 2023. It was as if we woke up one day in a parallel universe. The horrific scenes from across southern Israel revived the trauma of our darkest history: Jewish families hunted down in their homes and murdered in cold blood; women and men subjected to sexual violence; children and the elderly thrown onto trucks like cattle and taken to dungeons. Unlike the Nazis, Hamas made no effort to conceal their crimes. In fact, they recorded them on GoPros and streamed the carnage for everyone to see on our phones and screens. And then, while our eyes were still fixed on the horror in the Middle East, we were struck by a surge of antisemitism at home. Even before Israel responded to retrieve its hostages, mobs flooded Canadian streets and public spaces, as if the massacres in Israel had sparked a revival of hate elsewhere simmering just beneath the surface. What became instantly clear was this: while the terror of October 7th horrified me—and, I believe, most Canadians—some were emboldened by what they saw as a settling of accounts. Every weekend in cities across the country, downtowns were taken over by mobs chanting antisemitic slogans and, even more disheartening for me, “Jews back to Europe”—the very place my grandparents fled, and where their entire families were murdered. Instilling pride in the next generation, Toronto, May 25, 2025 Since this resurgence of overt antisemitism, I’ve seen things I never imagined I’d see in Canada. The National Holocaust Monument defaced with graffiti as a form of protest. And, an inverted red triangle—used by Hamas to mark Jews as targets—spray-painted in front of my children’s school. Over the past 22 months, Jewish schools have been shot at, synagogues firebombed, and multiple terror plots have targeted Jewish community gatherings and institutions. According to Statistics Canada, a Jewish Canadian is now 25 times more likely to experience a hate crime than any other Canadian. But stats don’t capture the full reality. For us, hate has become normalized and part of our daily life. It’s my friend’s child being bullied on the school bus. And my friend the teacher who has former students trying to get him fired. It’s my own children being told to cover their school uniforms in certain places to avoid being attacked. There’s one thought I haven’t been able to shake since October 7th: I’m grateful my maternal grandmother passed away before that horrific day. Not just because of the trauma Hamas’ atrocities would have stirred in her, but because she didn’t have to witness what happened to Canada in the aftermath. She died believing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would thrive in the country she proudly called home—free from the fear and violence she fled in Europe. These days, many Canadian Jews are questioning their future here. That’s because the antisemitism is relentless, coming at us from all directions. As I write this, Montreal’s Pride Parade—an event that calls itself a “festival for all”—has announced it is barring Jewish groups from participating. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. But I do know this: Canadian Jews remain proud. And we are not alone. Allies from all walks of life and across faith communities are beginning to speak out. Together, we are standing up for the Canada that gave my grandparents—and so many others who chose this country—hope and promise. And the success of that effort won’t be ours alone; it will benefit all Canadians.
Read the online version of the Daily Kickoff August 6th, 2025 Good Wednesday morning. In today’s Daily Kickoff we talk to Jewish Democrats in Virginia concerned by the anti-Zionist rhetoric espoused by Virginia state Del. Sam Rasoul, who chairs the Education Committee in the state’s House of Delegates, and report on Republican Derek Dooley’s outreach to the Jewish community as he's entered the Georgia Senate race. We also cover comments by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and interview Democrat Jeff Grayzel, a leader in northwest New Jersey Jewish communal organizations and deputy mayor of Morris Township, N.J., who launched his congressional campaign this week. Also in today’s Daily Kickoff: Sen. Tom Cotton, Ted Deutch and Robert Kraft. Spread the word! Invite your friends to sign up.👇 SHARE WITH A FRIEND 🔓 Still reading JI like you always have? You’ll continue getting the Daily Kickoff — no changes there. But to read articles on our website, you’ll now need a free login. 👉 Set up your login » What We're Watching The Department of Justice is reportedly seeking hate crime charges and the death penalty against Elias Rodriguez, who has been charged with the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in May. A group of House Intelligence Committee members including Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Ronny Jackson (R-TX) is visiting Israel, joining several other congressional delegations currently in the country. The New Jersey Jewish Business Alliance will host its 11th annual Legislative and Business Luncheon today, featuring gubernatorial candidates Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and former Republican state Rep. Jack Ciattarelli. The two will face off in the Garden State’s November general election, with recent polling showing Sherrill with a comfortable lead. What You Should Know A QUICK WORD WITH JI'S LAHAV HARKOV Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to vote this week on occupying the remaining parts of Gaza that it does not currently control, after Hamas refused last month’s ceasefire and hostage deal proposal and did not return to negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz held a three-hour meeting on Tuesday, which was reportedly very tense due to disagreement over the plan, though Zamir ultimately said he will follow through with the government’s decision. Zamir argued that the IDF should surround the areas in Gaza in which it currently does not have a presence, including Gaza City and towns in the center of Gaza in which hostages are believed to be held. Entering those areas, Zamir warned, would endanger the lives of the 20 hostages who are thought to be alive. Hamas has threatened to kill hostages if the IDF approaches, as it had executed six hostages a year ago. Beyond the fraught issue of the hostages, there is the matter of what “occupation” means. While “occupation” is the correct military term for what Israel would be doing by taking control of territory, the connotation of the word in the Israeli context tends to be the West Bank, which Israel has controlled since 1967 and where over half a million Jewish citizens of Israel live. Some Cabinet ministers have advocated for allowing Israelis to move to Gaza, where 21 Israeli settlements were forcibly evacuated in 2005; Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected such a plan. What senior Israeli officials have long said is that, while Israel seeks to have other countries and some Palestinians administer Gaza, they will not do so until it’s clear that Hamas has been ousted. As such, Israel may have to take control for some time until other arrangements are made. Read the rest of ‘What You Should Know’ here. 🕔 Catch up before the day is over. Upgrade now and get access to our new Daily Overtime afternoon briefing — available only to premium subscribers. 👉 UNLOCK YOUR ACCESS NOW » RASOUL RHETORIC Virginia Democrat under fire for calling Zionism ‘evil’ while leading Education Committee SAMUEL CORUM/GETTY IMAGES Since soon after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Virginia state Del. Sam Rasoul, a Democrat who chairs the Education Committee in the House of Delegates, has used his social media accounts to attack Israel and decry American support for the Jewish state. But Jewish Democrats in the state fear that a series of recent posts from Rasoul vilifying Zionists has taken his anti-Israel rhetoric to a new level, prompting concerns about his leadership of the committee that is tasked with reviewing the education-related legislation that comes before the Statehouse, Jewish Insider’s Gabby Deutch reports. Speaker says: “Zionism has proven how evil our society can be,” Rasoul wrote in a July 26 Instagram post that described Zionism as a “supremacist ideology created to destroy and conquer everything and everyone in its way.” Former Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, a Democrat from Northern Virginia, told JI on Tuesday that Rasoul’s rhetoric is “fueling one of the oldest forms of hatred in the world, repackaged in the language of activism.” Read the full story here. PEACH STATE POLITICS Derek Dooley, Georgia GOP candidates aim to pick up Jewish support against Ossoff MICHAEL ALLIO/ICON SPORTSWIRE VIA GETTY IMAGES With the entry this week of Derek Dooley, a friend of Gov. Brian Kemp who hails from college football royalty in Georgia, the Republican field in the Georgia Senate race is taking shape, Jewish Insider’s Marc Rod reports. State of play: With Kemp’s help, Dooley could potentially peel off support from moderate Jewish Democrats still frustrated by controversial votes on arms sales to Israel by Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), though Jewish leaders in the state told JI last week that they’re not yet making any commitments in the race. Dooley, for his part, is wasting little time in courting their votes, and has already met with some Jewish leaders and is preparing a pro-Israel position paper. Read the full story here. AID ADVOCATE Shapiro says U.S. has ‘moral responsibility’ to provide aid to Gaza BRIAN KAISER/BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza “awful” and said the U.S. has a “moral responsibility” to “flood the zone with aid,” while speaking to the central Pennsylvania Fox34 news channel on Tuesday, Jewish Insider’s Danielle Cohen-Kanik reports. What he said: “The fact that kids are starving in Gaza is not OK. It is not OK. And I think everyone has a moral responsibility to figure out how to feed these kids. It is true that Hamas intercepts aid. It is true that the aid distribution network is not as sophisticated as it needs to be, but given that, I think our nation, the United States of America, has a moral responsibility to flood the zone with aid. It is awful, what is happening in Gaza,” the Democratic governor continued. He also called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that there is no starvation in Gaza “quite abhorrent.” Shapiro said, “He is wrong. He is wrong.” Read the full story here. GARDEN STATE RACE N.J. Jewish leader Jeff Grayzel running for Congress as a ‘proud Jew and a proud Zionist’ JEFF GRAZYEL CAMPAIGN WEBSITE Democrat Jeff Grayzel, a leader in northwest New Jersey Jewish communal organizations and deputy mayor of Morris Township, N.J., formally launched his congressional campaign this week, running as a staunchly pro-Israel candidate in the seat that will be vacated by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) if she wins the state’s gubernatorial race, Jewish Insider’s Marc Rod reports. Notable quotable: “I am a proud Jew and a proud Zionist, and I plan to run this race for Congress as such, as a proud Jew and as a proud Zionist. I am not going to shy away from it and everybody will know,” Grayzel said in an interview with JI last week. “I think we need leaders that are going to be more bold in addressing antisemitism in our country, and we need leaders who are going to push harder for a comprehensive solution in the Middle East, so that Israel can once and for all live in peace.” Read the full interview here. UNDER THE MICROSCOPE Sen. Cotton urges IRS to investigate CAIR, consider revoking its tax-exempt status ANNA MONEYMAKER/GETTY IMAGES Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) is urging the Trump administration to investigate the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ (CAIR) alleged “ties to terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood” and consider revoking the group’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, announced on Tuesday that he had sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Billy Long requesting he look into “recent news and longstanding evidence” demonstrating CAIR’s reported terrorist connections, Jewish Insider’s Emily Jacobs reports. Cotton’s call: “CAIR purports to be a civil rights organization dedicated to protecting the rights of American Muslims. But substantial evidence confirms CAIR has deep ties to terrorist organizations,” Cotton wrote. The Arkansas senator pointed to CAIR being “listed as a member of the Muslim Brotherhood's Palestine Committee” in the “largest terrorism-financing case in U.S. history,” as well as the group’s executive director Nihad Awad saying he was “happy to see” the Oct. 7 terror attack in a November 2023 speech. Read the full story here. Maryland move: The University of Maryland, College Park and Maryland’s attorney general have asked the state to approve their joint request to settle a First Amendment lawsuit brought by the school’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, JI’s Emily Jacobs and Haley Cohen report. DATA DRIVEN FBI report: American Jews remain the most targeted religious group TOM BRENNER FOR THE WASHINGTON POST VIA GETTY IMAGES The FBI reported on Tuesday that the American Jewish community remains the most targeted religious group, accounting for nearly 70% of all religiously motivated hate crimes in 2024, even as overall hate crimes in the country have decreased, Jewish Insider’s Haley Cohen reports. By the numbers: Hate crimes targeting Jews had plateaued following a sharp increase immediately after the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack. In 2024, 1,938 anti-Jewish hate crimes were reported to the FBI’s data collection program out of 3,096 reported religiously motivated hate crimes. The year 2024 saw the highest number of anti-Jewish hate crimes ever recorded by the bureau since it began collecting data in 1991 — and an increase compared to 1,832 incidents the year prior, which accounted for 67% of all religiously motivated hate crimes that year. Read the full story here.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)