Chit Chat

By Peloni

From now on comments on every post must relate to the content of the post.

Comments that don’t relate to the post must go here.

Any person who contravenes this demand will be put on moderation. Also their offending comment will be trashed.

The reason for this demand is so that people who want to read comments which pertain to the post, don’t have to wade through the chatter.

Everyone will be happier.

April 16, 2020 | 9,589 Comments »

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50 Comments / 9589 Comments

    • And they wonder why Met Opera viewership is at an all-time low?

      what proportion of new york opera goers are jewish +6 Precise, current statistics on the exact percentage of Jewish opera-goers in New York City today are not publicly tracked by major institutions like the Metropolitan Opera. However, historical and cultural research indicates a very high level of engagement.Historical Significance: Between 1880 and 1940, a “multitude” of Jewish performers and creators was central to New York’s opera scene, with many Jewish, particularly Ashkenazi, immigrants becoming deeply involved as both artists and audience members.Broad Cultural Trends: While not specific to opera alone, studies have estimated that Jewish people accounted for roughly 50% of Broadway attendees in the mid-20th century, reflecting a high participation rate in live, high-culture theater.Recent Context: Although Jewish residents make up roughly 10% of New York City’s population, their impact on the city’s cultural life, including patronage of institutions like the Metropolitan Opera, has been described as significant.Cultural Affinity: Research by Dr. Samantha M. Cooper highlights an “overwhelming affinity” between Jewish audiences and the operatic form.As of 2026, the Jewish community in New York is the largest in the world, with over 1.7 million residing in the state.American Jewish Women and New York Opera Culture – YouTubeMar 14, 2023 — This event is part of Carnegie Hall’s season-long exploration of the many contributions that women have made to the world of music. About the Speaker Dr. Samant…YouTube·YIVO Institute for Jewish ResearchNew Research Shows Jews Made Significant Contributions to the American Opera SceneApr 30, 2021 — “From a combined assessment of archival documents, oral history interviews, memoirs, and press coverage, we can see that approximately 75% of these opera singer…Center for Jewish History

  4. My point: You can vote for anyone you like in the general election, but if you are a resident of New York City, still the largest Jewish Community in the world outside of Israel, if you are not a registered democrat, and therefore allowed to vote in dem primaries, you are effectively disenfranchised. The Republican party only exists on paper. McCain didn’t even bother to have a campaign hq here. I usually agree with Dershowitz, but while I agree with his becoming a Republican, I disagree with his assertion that all of the candidates for Nadler’s Upper West Side District are competing with each other to see who is more anti- Israel. The support of those who do support Israel is more limited than that of nearly all Republicans, but there is a battle raging between those who wish to maintain the status quo and those who want to completely abandon Israel. I wonder if this holds true, anywhere else, as well.

    I will amend that to say that it might matter to be a Republican during presidential primary years. I was a registered Republican in 2016. I voted for Senator Ted Cruz, on the strength of Caroline Glick’s endorsement of him as Israel’s champion in the Senate after my candidate, Governor now Ambassador Huckabee dropped out. After he lost, I switched back to Dem just before voting for Trump in the general election so I would be eligible to vote pro-Israel in the 2017 dem primaries. I will probably do the same thing in 2028.

    Before that, I had sincerely switched from dem to independent in fury after Obama dissed Israel three times in a row in his first week in office in 2009.

    Rule of thumb: Anyone who is cross-endorsed by the Working Families Party is pro-BDS. Vote for the other guy.

  5. Hochul reiterates she’s staunchly pro-Israel, despite support for Mamdani
    In case you forgot, Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor-elect Mamdani don’t share the same opinions on Israel and Palestine.

    December 4, 2025

    She may be reconsidering raising taxes on wealthy corporations, but that doesn’t mean Gov. Kathy Hochul agrees with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on everything. On Thursday, she made it clear that she and Mamdani still don’t see eye-to-eye on issues related to Israel.

    While foreign affairs generally don’t have much to do with the governing of New York City, Mamdani’s stance on Israel and his support of Palestine have dominated much of the discussion around him, particularly among Jewish New Yorkers. Although he has moderated some of his positions and given more measured responses (much to the chagrin of some of his more left-wing supporters), he has continued to take stances critical of the Israeli government that until recently would have been unheard of for a New York City mayor.

    In particular, Mamdani’s pledge to arrest right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel and his criticism of synagogues that facilitate illegal West Bank settlements have made headlines in recent weeks.

    At an unrelated press conference in Manhattan, Hochul staked out her own pro-Israel positioning on several of those issues. First, she said she does not believe Netanyahu should be arrested based on charges issued by the International Criminal Court at The Hague, adding that the mayor does not have the authority to order the New York City Police Department to arrest him. Mamdani has repeatedly said New York City should “uphold international law” by honoring the international arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin if they ever visit New York. Netanyahu this week doubled down on his promise to visit the city once Mamdani takes office.

    Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams this week also issued a parting executive order prohibiting business or pension investment decisions that would discriminate against Israel – a jab at the BDS movement Mamdani supports. Asked about the order, Hochul said her administration has “strongly supported the state policy on this issue.” She has kept in place an executive order signed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo that required divestment of state resources from any institutions that support BDS. “And I’ve taken action to protect investments in Israel in the past, and will continue to do so,” Hochul added.

    Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mamdani promised to review Adams’ executive order but did not directly opine on its content. “The mayor is free to issue as many executive orders as he’d like with the less than 30 days that he has in office,” Mamdani said. “And then we will be taking a look at every single one once we actually enter into City Hall.”

    In a pro-Israel trifecta, Hochul also expressed support for newly introduced state legislation that would ban protests within 25 feet of houses of worship and reproductive health care facilities. The bill came in the aftermath of a high-profile pro-Palestine demonstration outside an Upper East Side synagogue that hosted Nefesh B’Nefesh, a nonprofit organization that facilities immigration to Israel, including to Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Jewish community leaders accused the protesters, who shouted slogans like “Death to the IDF” and “Globalize the Intifada,” of antisemitic harassment and called for. additional protections for worshippers.

    Following the protest, Mamdani’s spokesperson Dora Pekec released a statement that condemned the chants but added that “these sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law.” On Thursday, Hochul said she didn’t “agree with that assessment,” adding that members of the synagogue were “subject to abhorrent behavior” while trying to enter.

    The governor also signaled support for some form of ban on protests outside places of worship. “I’m actually willing to look seriously at a buffer to protect that fundamental right we have, which is to express ourselves and practice the faith we choose to without fear and intimidation,” Hochul said. She didn’t rule out the prospect of including a version of the proposal in her executive budget next year.

    Asked directly about the proposed legislation banning protests outside houses of worship, Mamdani declined to take a position. “I look forward to speaking with community leaders, with elected leaders and with legal experts before making any determinations on that legislation,” he said on Thursday.
    – With reporting by Annie McDonnough

    https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2025/12/hochul-reiterates-shes-staunchly-pro-israel-despite-support-mamdani/409954/

  6. Q: julie menin jewish dem 25 foot protests +6 As of March 2026, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, the council’s first Jewish leader, passed legislation allowing the NYPD to establish “security perimeters” around houses of worship following volatile protests. The final bill, approved 44-5 on March 26, 2026, was amended to focus on police-managed safety plans rather than a strict 100-foot buffer.Key Aspects of the Initiative (As of March 2026):The Proposal: Following a 25-foot buffer proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Menin initially pushed for up to 100-foot, no-protest zones around synagogues and churches.The Amended Bill: Due to First Amendment concerns and feedback from NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the passed bill directs the police to create tailored safety plans for specific sites, rather than a blanket distance rule, to prevent harassment and obstruction.Context: The action was in response to intense protests at synagogues in late 2025/early 2026, where protesters targeted events dealing with Israeli land sales.Politics: The legislation passed despite tensions with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who sought a review of the legality of such restrictions and whose supporters questioned the focus on protest, according to.The initiative is part of a larger, five-point plan to combat rising antisemitism, which includes increased funding for Holocaust education and security training.

  7. Query: hochul ny state bill requiring 25 foot distance for protestors +4 Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing for a New York state law establishing a 25-foot protest buffer zone around houses of worship, aiming to curb harassment, particularly targeted at Jewish institutions, as part of the 2026-2027 state budget. This proposal faces strong opposition from civil liberties groups over First Amendment concerns.Key Aspects of the Proposal:Buffer Zone: The legislation would make it a criminal offense to protest within 25 feet of entrances to houses of worship.Scope: The law also seeks to establish similar 25-foot buffer zones around health care facilities and providers offering reproductive health services.Motivation: Driven by recent, aggressive protests outside synagogues in New York City, which Hochul described as antisemitic harassment rather than peaceful assembly.Support & Opposition: Backed by various Jewish and interfaith groups, it is opposed by the New York Civil Liberties Union, which argues it is unconstitutional and restricts free speech.Current Status: As of early May 2026, Hochul reported a “conceptual agreement” with legislative leaders to include this in the state budget, though some lawmakers have disputed the finality of the agreement.Difference from Local NYC Action:This state-level proposal differs from a separate, more limited New York City Council measure (passed in April 2026), which instructed the NYPD to develop plans for protecting houses of worship rather than enforcing a strict 25-foot prohibition.

  8. Let me just say that in my district I can’t recall ever seeing a Republican on the ballot for U.S. House of Representatives, though apparently there were Republicans who won fron 1945-2013 when it was redistricted to favor Dems.

    Fortunately, the rep since then has been Adriano Espaillat.

    Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) is a staunch supporter of Israel, emphasizing its right to self-defense against terrorism, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. He serves as a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus and has focused on bringing home hostages, providing constituent assistance for Americans in Israel, and supporting, with caveats, humanitarian aid to the region.Key details regarding Rep. Espaillat and Israel:Support for Israel: Espaillat has condemned Hamas, supported Israel’s security, and joined with the Biden administration in advocating for Israel’s right to defend itself.Constituent Services: Immediately following the October 2023 attacks, his office provided emergency resources, assisting in the departure of his constituents from Israel.Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus: As co-chair, he has marked anniversaries of the Hamas attacks, calling for the safe return of hostages and supporting bipartisan efforts to ensure regional safety.Political Context: While maintaining a staunch pro-Israel stance, this position has caused tension with progressive, left-leaning elements in his district, which have been a point of contention in his re-election campaigns.Espaillat has also participated in past “Celebrate Israel” events, affirming it as one of the closest U.S. allies.

    • Before that it was lumped in with the 15th and 16th Districts represented by Charlie Rangel.

      Q:did charlie rangel support israel +5 Yes, former U.S. Representative Charlie Rangel (D-NY) was a consistent supporter of Israel throughout his career, describing it as a “pillar of democracy” and a “great friend” to the United States. He frequently emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and supported security aid to the nation.Steadfast Support: Rangel highlighted his support for Israel’s security and right to defend itself, particularly concerning threats from Iran.Advocacy: He was recognized as a “steadfast supporter” by Jewish community organizations, including the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.Netanyahu Speech Controversy (2015): Despite initially planning to skip Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, which he deemed a political move by House Speaker John Boehner, Rangel later attended, explaining he was not boycotting Israel itself.Long-term Commitment: He maintained strong ties with the Jewish community and advocated for fighting antisemitism.Throughout his decades in Congress, he maintained that he was a strong advocate for a close U.S.-Israel partnership.

  9. Kathy Hochul Embraces Tax Initiative To Help Fund Jewish Education – Jewish Insider

    Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed she will opt into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, making her just the second Democratic governor to join a program that provides up to $1,700 annually in tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations — including those funding Jewish day school and yeshiva tuition. New York will become the 30th state to opt in.

    The decision marks a major milestone for Teach Coalition and Jewish Federations of North America, which have spent months lobbying governors on the initiative — the first time JFNA has engaged on the issue of Jewish day school affordability.

    ?? Hochul’s “support for this program puts New York at the forefront of expanding educational opportunity and positions the state as a leader among blue states looking to empower families,” said Sydney Altfield, CEO of Teach Coalition. “We are also deeply grateful to the parents, advocates, educators, and community leaders whose voices helped make this moment possible. This is bigger than New York. Blue states across the country will now be watching closely.”

    Read Haley Cohen’s full story: https://ji.news/53jpt

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1581701610622498&set=a.452094363583234&type=3

  10. Query: micah lasher and opponents military aid to israel +9 In the 2026 Democratic primary for New York’s 12th Congressional District, Micah Lasher has positioned himself as a supporter of continued U.S. military aid to Israel, breaking with some opponents in a crowded field, according to Jewish Insider and NY Post reports.Here is a breakdown of Lasher’s position and those of his main opponents based on recent reports from early May 2026:Micah Lasher (State Assemblyman)Stance: Supports current U.S. military aid to Israel and opposes efforts to condition or block it.Key Views: Confirmed he would have opposed the legislation introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders aimed at blocking weapons sales to Israel.Quote: Stated, “I don’t believe it [blocking aid] would have actually improved the lives of people on the ground, and it would have contributed to the status of Israel as a pariah state — and I will not do that in Congress”.Context: He has highlighted his concern over rising antisemitism and noted that in his view, anti-Zionism and antisemitism are often connected.Opponents and Their PositionsThe NY-12 race features a sharp divide on this issue, as noted by the Algemeiner and NY Post.Jack Schlossberg (Kennedy Family Member):Stance: Opposes, as of mid-2026, U.S. military aid for offensive weapons to Israel, though he has continued to support Iron Dome funding.Action: Said he would have supported Senate efforts to block specific arms sales, separating himself from other frontrunners.George Conway (Attorney/Trump Critic):Stance: Aligns with Lasher in supporting aid, stating, “I don’t support the withholding of aid from Israel”.Views: Argued that while Israel should be held accountable for international law violations, he “would not abandon” the ally.Alex Bores (State Assemblyman):Stance: Similar to Lasher, Bores has stated he opposes the Sanders-led legislative efforts to restrict arms sales to Israel, despite receiving endorsements from some progressive groups.Nina Schwalbe (Public Health Expert):Stance: Has explicitly stated she would vote to halt arms sales to Israel.Context of the RaceThe 12th District, which includes the Upper West and East Sides of Manhattan, features a high concentration of Jewish voters and a strong progressive base, creating a intense debate over the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship, as described in the Algemeiner.Political Shifts: While some candidates are pushing for stricter conditions on aid (e.g., Schlossberg, Schwalbe), others (Lasher, Conway, Bores) are maintaining a more traditional pro-Israel stance, as reported by Jewish Insider.Polls: As of mid-April 2026, Schlossberg was leading in some internal polling, followed by Bores and Lasher.Note: This information is based on reports from May 2026.

  11. A native New Yorker, Omer Neutra deferred his enrollment at Binghamton University to protect innocent civilians in Israel.

    He was murdered by Hamas on October 7.

    I was proud to present his parents with an honorary degree from SUNY Binghamton — one he should be here to receive.

    May his memory forever be a blessing. – Governor Kathy Hochul

    https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02J1H5yUgyTZYmtY6Y3Tud1HLtD6Rf6jYwKujve46tphYCwcWWEqKFUxerjPAroaj5l&id=100044179581914

  12. A former Half Hollow Hills High School West student has agreed to a $125,000 settlement with the district after pro-Palestinian artwork she had painted on her school parking spot in 2024 was removed, according to her attorneys and district officials.

    The student, a Muslim American of Pakistani descent who was a senior at the time, had painted a watermelon slice with a kaffiyeh pattern, her name in Roman and Arabic letters and a message that said “PEACE BE UPON YOU,” according to a complaint filed by her mother in March 2025.

    The watermelon, which has the red, white and green colors of the Palestinian flag, has been seen as a symbol of solidarity with Palestine. Some criticized the artwork, coming amid the Israel-Hamas war, as offensive to Jewish people, and the district painted over the watermelon portion, Newsday previously reported.

    For more: https://nwsdy.li/4dlDHzz
    (Photo: Kathy M Helgeson)
    .
    .Newsday in FB
    .
    #longisland #longislandny #suffolkcounty #halfhollowhills #settlement

  13. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has launched an investigation of more than 120 biological laboratories overseas that have received U.S. tax dollars for decades.

    Gabbard told the New York Post on Monday that her team is going to “identify where these labs are, what pathogens they contain and what ‘research’ is being conducted to end dangerous gain-of-function research that threatens the health and wellbeing of the American people and the world.”

    “The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the catastrophic global impact research on dangerous pathogens in biolabs can have,” Gabbard said. “Yet despite these obvious dangers, politicians, so-called health professionals, like Dr. Fauci, and entities within the Biden administration’s national security team lied to the American people about the existence of these US-funded and supported biolabs and threatened those who attempted to expose the truth.”

    In May of 2024, the National Institute of Health Principal Deputy Director Lawrence Tabak admitted to Congress that tax dollars funded gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, making viruses 10,000 times more infectious.

    According to officials within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the laboratories under review are spread across more than 30 countries.

    Many reportedly received support through a Pentagon program which was originally established after the Cold War to secure or dismantle weapons-related materials and prevent the spread of biological and chemical threats.

    The report said that more than 40 of the facilities being reviewed are located in Ukraine. Intelligence officials cited concerns that laboratories in active conflict zones could face risks of compromise or disruption due to the war in the country.

    Arguments have been made that lax oversight of research funding often flowing through federal agencies to grantees and subawardees creates a quagmire that prevents Americans from knowing whether potentially dangerous experiments are being conducted on their dime without their consent.ODNI officials stated that clinical trials being conducted at the biolabs are now “raising significant, ethical, financial and security concerns.”

    In an attempt to discredit Russia’s allegations, the Biden administration released a statement insisting that “the United States does not own or operate any chemical or biological laboratories in Ukraine.”

    It is not a question surrounding “ownership” of the labs, however, but a question of the origin of funding which is allowing the labs to continue operations. Saying that the United States “does not own or operate” chemical or biological laboratories is not a denial of the now well-known fact that funding was being delivered through agencies, grantees, and subawardees of the U.S. government.

    The renewed scrutiny reflects broader political debates in Washington surrounding gain-of-function research, which involves altering pathogens in ways that may increase transmissibility or virulence for scientific study.

    Supporters of the work argue that it can help scientists prepare for future pandemics and develop vaccines or treatments.

    Critics contend that such experiments carry significant biosafety risks if pathogens escape laboratory containment.

    The administration’s review also revisits long-running disputes over U.S. research funding connected to the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.

    Federal agencies previously acknowledged that American-funded coronavirus experiments conducted there violated some grant reporting requirements.

    Past comments by Dr. Anthony Fauci show him defending gain-of-function research. Fauci argued that the scientific benefits of understanding dangerous pathogens could outweigh the risks, though he also acknowledged the possibility of accidents or misuse. During congressional testimony in March 2022, then-Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland acknowledged that Ukraine possessed biological research facilities and said the United States was concerned Russian forces might gain access to them. That testimony became a focal point in debates over whether U.S.-supported laboratories existed in the country and what role they served.

    The investigation also arrives amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape intelligence and national security policy under Gabbard’s leadership.

    Since becoming Director of National Intelligence in 2025, Gabbard has emphasized transparency, intelligence reform, and what she describes as restoring public trust in government agencies.

    Supporters of the inquiry argue that greater oversight is necessary because federal funding for overseas biological research has expanded significantly over the last two decades.

    Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised the review and accused prior officials of failing to adequately disclose the scope of foreign laboratory funding. Hegseth said the Trump administration is righting the wrongs of the Biden administration.

    “The prior administration bankrolled dangerous Gain-of-Function research and foreign biolabs with American tax dollars, then deliberately hid it from the American people,” Hegseth said.“The declassification of this discovery shows how little oversight this work had.

    Under President Trump’s leadership, DNI Tulsi Gabbard and the entire Cabinet are righting these historic wrongs and delivering justice for our warfighters and the ones they protect. The era of lies and betrayal is over.”

    Western Jounal TV

    https://fb.watch/H4qsLDxJ_0/?

  14. The Israel Defense Forces is currently establishing a new factory to produce large quantities of suicide drones (FPV drones). The goal is to stop purchasing drones from outside companies that rely on Chinese-made parts and instead begin manufacturing everything within the military itself. According to journalist Doron Kadosh, the IDF aims to reach a point where thousands of drones are available for every combat arena, significantly increasing the firepower of troops on the ground.

    According to the report, approximately 200 Haredi soldiers will operate the factory and assemble the drones. The soldiers will undergo specialized technical training, with the first group expected to enlist next month. The factory is part of the IDF’s broader effort both to integrate Haredim into important technological roles and to produce “blue-and-white” Israeli-made weaponry without dependence on foreign countries.

    Under the plan, the factory is expected to begin supplying the military with thousands of drones per month within two months, with production later increasing to tens of thousands. These drones are capable of exploding on enemy targets as well as intercepting other drones in the air. The capability has already been successfully tested in combat, and the IDF is now moving toward mass production that could reshape the battlefield.

    Reganews English

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=999706195968311&set=a.201206905818248&type=3

  15. The real test of Trump’s counterterrorism strategy

    Will Washington impose consequences on countries that finance, protect or shelter terrorists, even when they are American allies?
    May. 12, 2026
    STEPHEN M. FLATOW

    https://www.jns.org/opinion/column/stephen-flatow/the-real-test-of-trumps-counterterrorism-strategy

    My comment: This is the reason I still support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and say the only errors were letting our soldiers fight with their hands be tied behind their backs and leaving short of victory. And why it was wrong to overthrow Mubarak and Quadaffi who were not sheltering terrorists or seeking weapons of mass destruction at the time of their overthrow. The next targets should have been Iran and then Qatar. Great article but he doesn’t mention Syria, which Trump is giving a pass to.

  16. Avi Abelow on FB:

    Not enough people truly understand the power, influence, and devious agenda of the unelected officials in Israel who abuse their positions of authority. That is exactly why I am writing this series of articles, to expose how these individuals operate behind the scenes, manipulate democratic systems hand in hand with their ideological partners in the mainstream media, and undermine the will of the people.

    While I naturally prefer focusing on the good, the inspiring, and the uplifting, as I always say, part of our responsibility as Jews back as sovereign in Israel is not only to promote good, but also to expose and remove the bad. Ignoring the politically motivated corruption, moral confusion, and abuses of power does not make them disappear. Confronting them is part of the battle for truth, justice, and the future of our society as a strong and proud Jewish state of Israel.

    This is the first in the series exposing the dangerous politicization and abuse of power by unelected senior officials in Israel’s intelligence, legal, and security establishments, what many Israelis now openly call the “deep state.” The same dynamic exists in the US, with unelected officials exercising power in ways that undermine the will of the people.

    Last night, courageous Israeli journalist Ayala Hasson, one of the few mainstream voices willing to confront these entrenched powers, aired a bombshell interview on Israeli television. Her guest was Avishai Moalem, the former senior police commander in Judea and Samaria.

    What was Moalem’s crime? He dared to refuse orders from the intelligence services to arrest Jews in Judea and Samaria without any evidence of wrongdoing. For that, he found himself suspended, investigated, targeted and thrown into jail with murderers and rapists. To date, Moalem was returned to police duty by senior officials, with no conviction, while the investigation remains ongoing. All this, as he was thrown into jail by his own peers who he worked with, to sit as a police officer with the worst criminals, an experience that was far from easy.

    This is not an isolated incident. It is a pattern.

    Another senior officer now under attack in Israel is Kobi Yaakobi, head of the Israel Prison Service. His offense? He followed the directive of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to stop treating imprisoned terrorists like kings. For years, these murderers enjoyed televisions in their cells, university degrees, conjugal visits, fresh baked goods, and unlimited time outside their cells — all while Israeli victims and their families suffered. Yaakobi ended these outrageous privileges. The intelligence establishment was furious. They supported the lenient jail conditions for terrorists. So the Attorney General opened an investigation aimed at removing him Yakobi.

    What is his alleged crime? The allegations center on claims that Yaakobi warned senior police officer Avishai Muallem about a secret Police Internal Investigations Department probe into him!

    These two officers are targeted by the senior officials in the legal establishment and intelligence services because they hate that Minister of National Security Ben Gvir is making changes that they don’t like.

    It didn’t stop there. The Attorney General also sought Ben-Gvir’s removal through a petition to the High Court, despite no criminal conviction against him. The argument was not about criminal wrongdoing, but about wanting to end Ben-Gvir’s policies. Under Israeli law, the Prime Minister appoints and dismisses ministers in all cases of no criminal wrong-doing. These moves by the Attorney General are totally political, turning her legal position into a tool for influencing government policy and appointments.

    On the other end, the Attorney General also intervened in a personnel decision when Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir chose not to promote police investigator Sigal Bar Zvi. The Attorney General petitioned the High Court, which ultimately overruled the minister’s policy decision and forced the promotion to proceed.

    They have turned legal oversight into direct influence over government policy and appointments, showing clearly that they are political actors, not defenders of the law.

    This is how the deep state operates. Unelected officials in the military, Shin Bet, police, and legal system weaponize their positions to advance their far-left political agendas and to sabotage right-wing, religious, and nationalist politicians, and their policies, who were elected by the people.

    We’ve seen it for decades. Netanyahu and every right-wing government have faced this reality. They live in constant fear of fabricated legal cases designed to topple them. Just look at the 30 years of legal proceedings against Netanyahu himself, and what happened to Yaakov Neeman, a Netanyahu appointee as Minister of Justice who wanted to institute reform of the justice system. The system came after him too, and caused him to resign.

    This is only the tip of the iceberg.

    As we enter election season in Israel, not enough Israelis understand the dirty tricks these unelected officials are doing, and have been doing for years, to impact public discourse and ultimately influence the upcoming elections. Their goal is to constantly create scandals to make right-wing voters fed up with right-wing politicians and parties, pushing them instead to vote for center-left parties pretending to be right-wing. All of this is designed to topple Netanyahu and his government so the political left can return to power.

    Unfortunately, many good Israelis still trust the mainstream media and the “respectable” titles of these senior officials. They don’t want to believe that the very people entrusted with protecting us, especially in the justice system, are instead subverting the will of the voters and undermining our democracy from within.

    But the mask is slipping. With each day more and more truth is being exposed.

    Stay tuned for Part Two.

    Am Yisrael Chai!!!

    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AT5D3cNMd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

  18. Derek Bunce on FB:

    “It is possible, in the excitement of today’s march in London against antisemitism that you may not be aware that, as of May 2026, The Ministerial Committee for Legislation in Israel is scheduled to vote on a bill that would bar non-Orthodox converts—including those converted by Reform and Conservative movements—from obtaining automatic citizenship under the Law of Return. This proposed legislation aims to reverse a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that mandated recognition of these conversions for citizenship purposes.

    Sorry here we are in a world where violent antisemitic attacks are taking place, where shuls are being fire bombed, and where Jews no longer feel safe to wear kippot or Star of David pendants and decent people are fleeing for safety. Yet at the same time, the ultra-orthodox, in the safety of their Jerusalem homes are now saying if you were born into a Reform or Conservative home, or if you converted to one of these groups, Israel may not grant you the right of return or sanctuary. The eternal home of the Jewish people will not keep you safe if you aren’t a good enough Jew!

    But they will take the money you donate every month to Israeli charities, they will encourage you to fight for, and defend Israel on social media – but they will not let you make Aliyah because a few rabbis have decided you aren’t a good enough Jew!

    So, my question to my chaverim on this committee is this simple – if ever antisemitism became so bad that Reform and Liberal Jews feared another Shoah – would you turn them away? Would you leave them to die simply because they lacked an orthodox pedigree?

    I’ve loved, supported and worked for Israel most of my life, I’ve publicly defended governments I have privately opposed, I have publicly spoken in support of legislation that I have privately despised – but this is too much.

    Am Israel chai isn’t just a nice saying, it is a declaration that we are one nation, a people and we are united as one and cannot, and will not be divided.

    There is no such thing as a better Jew – we are one – and no committee will ever divide us.

    So to my Reform, Liberal and Conservative brothers and sisters I say this – we will not and must not ever forsake you. You are part of us and your link to Israel is absolute and must always be protected.”

    My response:

    “Recent Times of Israel coverage regarding the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in early May 2026 focuses on a controversy where six seniors opposed Israeli President Isaac Herzog speaking at graduation, calling it “6 too many” in opinion pieces. The debate highlights internal tensions over Zionism and Israel within the Conservative movement.Key JTS & Israel Related Content (2026):Commencement Controversy: Six JTS seniors criticized the selection of President Herzog for graduation, prompting counter-letters from other students and debates in The Times of Israel blogs about the intersection of Zionism and Jewish identity.Leadership Changes: Rabbi Mike Uram was named the next chancellor of JTS.Solidarity Trip: JTS faculty participated in a Jewish Studies Scholars Solidarity Trip to Israel in January 2026 to offer support, with reflections published in The Times of Israel.Academic Focus: JTS continues its mission of fostering connection to Israel, requiring rabbinical students to spend a year there.The Times of Israel has also highlighted broader discussions on Jewish identity and the diaspora’s relationship with Israel.” – AI Overview

    And the hostile relationship of Reform, Reconstructionist and Jewish Renewal to Israel, with a few individual exceptions is old news.

    That being the case, shouldn’t applications from these groups be examined on the merits on a case by case basis?

    • A Progressive Jewish woman of my acquaintance once asked me if I believed Israel was a Jewish state. If anyone who thinks like that applies That should be an automatic refusal as far as entry under the Law of Return is concerned.

  19. Ardie Geldman on FB

    “A friend recently expressed astonishment over American Jews who persist in voting for the Democratic Party in spite of the openly anti-Zionist and even antisemitic turn taken by a growing number of its elected officials, candidates and constituents. The evidence is indisputable. Here is an analogy. It is the battered and abused wife who, after years of living with a man who supported her and whom she trusted, refuses to acknowledge the change that has come over him. She tells herself that his abuse “isn’t so bad,” that it is only “temporary,” that deep down inside he still loves her. She can’t leave him because she has nowhere to go. (The Republican Party….Trump…Gd forbid!!!) Perhaps, she thinks, she bears some blame. She needs to do more to try to understand and placate him; then he will stop beating her. She’ll change her behavior to accommodate him. Think: American Jews who no longer support Israel. But, tragically, we all know how such cases end.”

    My response:

    “I’d say the devil’s in the details. Many Jews, such as myself, live in New York City. There are over a million rent stabilized households, myself among them. That’s several million people whose already high rents would skyrocket and leave them prey to predatory landlords if
    it were abolished or eroded. That’s controlled by 3 offices: Governor, Lieutenant governor is elected separately, State Assembly and State Senate. The mayor appoints the Rent Stabilization Board that decides how much the rent will go up each year at the end of one and two year leases based on Cost of Living Increases. Nobody in those Democrat controlled offices advocates BDS until now with the Mayor. New York is a closed primary state. New York City has no Republicans in office except for 5 out of 51 City Council Representatives. I am a registered Dem only so I can vote against the BDS candidates in the Dem Primaries. There are none in Republican primaries, on the rare occasions there is one. I vote Republican in every race for every office but those 4.

    I registered as a Republican in 2015 so I could vote in the Republican primary and then switched to Dem before the General Election so I could vote in the following year’s primary.

    Being a registered Republican is effectively the same as being registered as an Independent in NYC. And the Post Office might start misdelivering your mail, more frequently than usual.

    I voted for Cuomo for mayor. He ran as an independent, Adams having dropped out. He polled the highest of the anti-Mamdani candidates and there was a call to unify behind one candidate. I voted for the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa in the previous mayoral election. Dems aren’t always better on Tenant issues – Koch was the worst, Giuliani and Bloomberg weren’t too bad. Before antisemitism became the issue, I liked Sliwa’s animal rights plank. He wanted to abolish kill animal shelters.

    • Ardie Geldman:
      there ARE Jews that live outside NYC.

      Me: Ardie Geldman May be true outside New York but it was a blanket indictment.

      AI Overview: “Approximately 12–13% of American Jews live within New York City (five boroughs), with roughly 960,000 to over 1 million Jewish residents. When including the broader New York metropolitan area (including suburban counties), about 25% of the total US Jewish population resides there.Total US Jewish Population: Approximately 7.6 million.NYC Proper: Roughly 960,000–1 million Jews (approx. 12-13% of US total).NY Metro Area: Roughly 1.9 million+ (approx. 25% of US total).Local Density: Jews represent roughly 12% of NYC’s total population.The New York area hosts the largest concentration of Jewish households in the world outside of Israel. Brooklyn holds the largest share, with over 480,000 Jewish adults and children.”

      Me: Q:are hasidic jews a large part of New Yorkers on public assistance +3

      AI Overview: Based on 2025–2026 reports, Hasidic individuals in New York face high poverty rates and have a higher propensity for utilizing public assistance compared to the general population, largely due to large family sizes and insular, low-income employment structures. Roughly 63% live near or below the poverty line, with high enrollment rates in SNAP (40%+) and Medicaid (about 70%).Key Findings on Public Assistance UsageHigh Poverty & Reliance: Studies indicate that Hasidic individuals are about three times more likely to be on food stamps (SNAP) and twice as likely to rely on Medicaid compared to non-Hasidic New Yorkers.Concentrated Need: While making up a smaller portion of the city’s total population, Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) households represent nearly 29% of the poor and near-poor Jewish households in the New York area.Section 8 Housing: In heavily Hasidic sections of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, more than 30% of residents receive Section 8 housing subsidies.Rapid Growth Impact: In areas like Kiryas Joel, a nearly all-Hasidic village, large families (averaging seven children) contribute to a high reliance on government assistance, including Medicaid and SNAP.Contributing FactorsEducation Gap: A lack of secular education in many Hasidic boys’ schools (yeshivas) contributes to limited employment opportunities in the wider economy.Large Families: The community’s high birth rates, often rooted in religious doctrine, create high economic need.Community Structure: Many families rely on a combination of low-income jobs, “under the table” employment, and government benefits to manage high living costs.While they are a significant group among the poor, they are not the largest group of beneficiaries of public assistance in New York City overall, which includes a vast, diverse population from other demographics. However, they represent a high concentration of poverty within the New York Jewish community

  22. Bibi and Likud in Trouble for next Election Very likely Eisenkot or Bennett will be next PM

    Forty-two percent of Israelis who voted for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party in the previous election are either considering or have decided to vote for a different party in the fall Knesset elections, a Channel 12 poll finds.

    Fifty-eight percent of Israelis who voted for Likud in the previous election said they will do the same at the ballot box, according to the poll.

    The poll finds that 10% of previous Likud voters will vote for former prime minister Naftali Bennett’s center-right Together party; 6% will vote for former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot’s centrist Yashar party; 4% will vote for Avigdor Liberman’s secular right-wing Yisrael Beytenu party; 3% will vote for far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit Party; 2% will vote for Yoaz Hendel’s right-wing Reservists party; 1% will vote for Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party; and 1% will vote for Bezalel Smotrich’s far-right Religious Zionism party.

    Promoted: Jewish Crossroads, Jon Goldberg-Polin
    Keep Watching

    Eight percent of former Likud voters remain unsure and 6% plan not to vote.

    Among Likud voters who are either considering or have decided not to vote for Netanyahu’s party once again, 37% said it’s because of the failure to prevent Hamas’s October 7 attack; 23% said it’s because of the legislation that the government is trying to pass granting blanket exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students; 14% said because of Netanyahu’s personal conduct; 13% said it’s because of divisions in Israeli society; and 13% said they’re unsure.

    Full Article
    https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/poll-42-of-likud-voters-considering-or-have-decided-to-back-different-party-in-fall/

    • @Rafi

      This poll was by the same group which last year found that Ben Gvir was the preferred replacement for Bibi, just months after it found that Ben Gvir should be removed from office.

      More relevant that this, just yesterday, Channel 14 found Likud would win 34 seats and the Right block would dominate winning 65 seats.

      There is much that will change over the coming months, and a new Druze party was formed just last week and others will likely be formed in the coming months as well. What will likely not change is the great divide between Left and Right polling which is meant to motivate their supporters and diminish the interests of their opposition.

      Personally, I don’t agree that Eisenkott or Bennett will ultimately be the next PM, but we will see. This is not to suggest that Bibi doesn’t have a difficult road before him, as one of the potential parties being considered to be formed is the Likud B party which draws from Likud without Bibi. While the lack of originality in such a party is defined by the reality that its name is barely different from the party it is meant to overshadow, the reality is that the coming months and the outcome of both the wars and the peace, should they be resolved any further than they are today, will have an enormous input on Bibi’s viability, so time will tell. I think the greater challenge for the Right than Eisenkott is the wasting of votes in the many parties which may be formed. While this is nothing new, it may prove more devastating than what we saw in 2022.

      • Bibi has two huge problems with the public, including Likud members. One he is avoiding an inquiry for Oct. 7th which makes him look even more culpable. Also, the national mood is against draft dodgers, and his political partners are those and he is tied to them.

        So, the polls are a snapshot in time, and the parties are changing and Bibi is likely not to be the next Prime Minister.

        • Query: do channel 12 and channel 14 polling in Israel agree on who is likely to become Prime Minister when elections are held? +9

          AI Overview : As of early May 2026, Israeli polling from Channel 12 and Channel 14 generally do not agree on who is most likely to become Prime Minister, often presenting different scenarios based on the political leanings of their audiences.Channel 12 (Midgam/Times of Israel): Frequently shows that a majority of Israelis do not want Benjamin Netanyahu to remain in power, with opposition blocs (particularly those led by former PM Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid) often gaining enough seats to threaten Netanyahu’s coalition.Channel 14 (Direct Polls/Shlomo Filber): Typically displays higher support for Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud-led coalition, often showing his bloc in a stronger, or even winning, position compared to the opposition.Key Differences and Trends (April-May 2026):The “Together” Party: Channel 12 polls in late April 2026 suggested a potential union between Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid (“Together”) could become the largest party, potentially edging out Likud.Netanyahu vs. Rivals: While Channel 12 polls indicate a majority of Israelis want a new leader, some head-to-head matchups still show Netanyahu competitive with or leading individuals like Yair Lapid. However, other polls from early May show Naftali Bennett surpassing Netanyahu in personal suitability for prime minister.Bloc Structure: Channel 14 polls have shown Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc retaining a majority (around 66 seats in January 2026), whereas Channel 12 polls during the same period indicated the opposition could secure 60 seats, making the coalition’s stability uncertain.The high level of disagreement reflects the deep polarization in Israel, with Channel 14 often being viewed as more sympathetic to the current coalition and Channel 12 focusing on findings showing popular dissatisfaction with Netanyahu, as noted in various analyses.

          1

          • @Sebastien
            This is quite true, but the real truth which goes unstated is that Channel 12 and Channel 14 polls NEVER agree. Trends change of course, but the numbers are never aligned between the two polls and even the trends are skewed.

            1

        • Query: is netanyahu likely to win a majority of likud members in next primary +3 AI Overviews : Based on internal Likud polling conducted in early 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu remains highly likely to win a majority of Likud members in a primary, despite eroding support in national election surveys.As of early 2026, Netanyahu maintains a dominant grip on the party base, with internal surveys indicating he is considered the most suitable leader by approximately 80% of active Likud members, leaving no significant, immediate internal challenger.Key Factors Shaping the Likud Primary Outlook (as of May 2026):Dominant Internal Support: An internal Likud poll conducted in January 2026 showed that 80.4% of respondents chose Netanyahu as the best suited to lead, with other senior party figures far behind.”No Alternative” Narrative: Many Likud members believe that without Netanyahu, the party would lose its status as the largest political force, with polls suggesting the party could fall below 20 seats without him.The “Base” vs. Public Opinion: While Netanyahu’s national popularity has declined—with some polls showing the Likud party losing its top spot to a potential alliance led by Naftali Bennett—his, support among the registered Likud member base remains robust.Legal/Security Concerns: Despite 37% of potential voters citing the October 7 attack failures and 14% citing his personal conduct as reasons to not vote for Likud, nearly two-thirds of the 2022 Likud base still believe Netanyahu should run again, according to a May 2026 Haaretz poll.Weakened Competitors: Even with internal dissatisfaction regarding the party’s current slate of lawmakers, no single internal challenger has emerged with enough support to threaten Netanyahu’s leadership.Note: This information is based on political polling and analysis available as of mid-May 2026, following reports of a new Bennett-Lapid political alliance.

          A new survey of Likud members found continued strong backing for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while also revealing concerns over some of his political and personal decisions.

          – Jerusalem Post in FB

          https://www.facebook.com/share/1E8SW6J2MP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

          https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-895945

          1

  23. Avi Abelow on FB:

    A new investigation by the Research and Information Department of the Yesha Council has exposed a shocking but entirely predictable reality. In the most recent local elections in the Palestinian Authority, a series of mayors and public officials were elected who are deeply involved in severe incitement and the open glorification of terrorism.

    According to the report, in Hebron, city council member Maamar Yosef Al-Awawi has repeatedly published praise for terrorists and incitement against the United States. In Jericho, Mayor Salem Ghrouf participated in rallies supporting security prisoners and promoted content backing terrorists released from Israeli prisons. In Jenin, newly elected mayor Muhammad Jarar is supported by family members who actively commemorate and glorify terrorists who murdered Jews.

    Omer Rahamim, CEO of the Yesha Council, stated:
    “The investigation exposes an unimaginable reality. The mayors who were elected are running municipalities located ten minutes from Kfar Saba and twenty minutes from Modi’in, while engaging in glorification of terrorism and calls for the destruction of Israel. This is not a distant enemy, but official public representatives who provide backing and encouragement to terrorists just around the corner. The State of Israel must stop turning a blind eye to this system of incitement.”

    This is the true face of the Palestinian Authority, an enemy entity every bit as dangerous as Hamas, only better dressed for Western cameras. For over 30 years, successive Israeli governments have treated the PA as a potential “peace partner” that just needs to “reform.” That delusion must finally end.

    There is no reforming or deradicalizing this genocidal jihadi population, a group that proudly clings to a fake national identity deliberately created by the KGB in the 1960s and labeled ‘palestinian’.

    Their internationally funded UNRWA schools teach children to kill Jews and dream of becoming martyrs. Their leaders pay terrorists and name squares after them. And as Yasser Arafat himself admitted in a 1994 speech in Johannesburg, South Africa, right after signing the Oslo Accords, the entire “peace process” was nothing more than a modern version of Muhammad’s Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, a temporary truce used to gain strength before destroying the enemy.

    The PA is not, and has never been, a partner for peace. It is a partner for war, waged through terror, incitement, and diplomatic deception.

    The era of “land for peace” is over. The new era, the era of taking back our land for real peace and security, has begun.

    Israel must treat the Palestinian Authority exactly as what it is: a hostile enemy entity, just like Hamas. No more illusions. No more golden handcuffs. No more sacrificing Jewish lives on the altar of a fake peace process.

    The Jewish people have returned to our ancestral homeland to live in strength, sovereignty, truth abd spread holiness by getting rid of this jihadist evil in God’s holy land. It’s time our policies finally reflected that reality.

    Am Yisrael Chai!!! Victory and clarity are coming.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CX9dfk9vQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    My comment:

    “There is no reforming or deradicalizing this Jihadi population.” Quite so. They must go. In stages. For starters, evacuate all illegal and
    terrorist Arab settlements in Area C to Areas A and B and seal it off. Actually, that’s what Deuteronomy 7:22 says.

  24. Hi, Peloni and Sebastien.

    I’ve spent most of my internet time this past year, trying to follow the “Trump Special Military Operations” in Russia/Ukraine, Europe, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, Syria etc. My conclusion in all this is

    “Trust Trump and Bibi” and completely ignore the rest.

    I was toatlly pleased by hearing Dersch:

    Dershowitz: Why I left the Democrats & what Epstein told me about Trump
    https://youtu.be/UVVFZ1zZiao

    1

    • Hi Michael,

      It is good to hear from you again. Pres. Trump has been the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House, and probably ever will. I think he is earnest in his support for Israel and the Jewish people at large, but there are considerations which limit this sentiment from necessarily dominating his decisions. Point in fact, consider the ban on the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan and Egypt and Lebanon, but not in Qatar, Turkey or the US. Additionally, Trump’s performance in Gaza has been somewhere between shocking and horrifying. Not only is Hamas still in power and expanding its control over about a third to a half of the strip, but Trump included the New York Declaration in his UNSC Resolution 2803 which stipulates the Trump plan for Gaza. As you may know, the NY Declaration is highly prejudicial against Israel and formulates limited reforms are needed in the PA following which they will be granted a Second Pal state. Trump found this Declaration to be so offensive that he repeatedly condemned it and voted against it in the UNGA vote on it, but still included it in UNSCR 2803 as the basis of authority for this binding resolution. So, we will see what comes from the action in Lebanon and Iran, but trust Trump and Bibi seems too much like ‘trust the plan’ which didn’t turn out so well as I recall. Time will tell, but if Gaza is anything to judge what will come in the aftermath of these other wars, we are in for a great and terrible surprise.

      • Hi, Peloni

        When I say, “Trust Trump and Bibi”, I mean that when there is a contradiction between sources that support these two and other sources, I trust the pro-
        T&B people to be more likely to be telling the truth. Agood example:

        When Trump and Bibi say the IRGC has been taking a drubbing, and another source (such as CNN) says the IRGC has been beating the US and Israel, I believe Trump and Bibi more than CNN.

    • Hi Michael, I agreed with your post until I read Peloni’s response and now I agree with him. I feel like the rabbi who was asked to adjudicate a dispute but after he heard each one out, he told each disputant , “you have a point.” When his wife pointed out that they both can’t be right, he told her, “you have a point.” (Of course, that works for armchair marxists what with dialectics and all, as well as quantum physics in which Schrödinger’s cat can presumably be both alive and dead at the same time.)

      Trump is playing such a complicated and deceptive game of multi-dimensional chess, that I’m not sure what to think, the fat lady not having sung, as yet.

      How’s your chess?

      Query: matthew broderick how about a nice game of chess +6

      AI Overview: “How about a nice game of chess?” is a famous line from the 1983 film WarGames, starring Matthew Broderick as young hacker David Lightman. The military supercomputer, WOPR, suggests this after realizing that “Global Thermonuclear War” is a “strange game” where “the only winning move is not to play”.

      But, of course, I’ll also take Trump’s word over the disinformation legacy media, any day of the week.

      1

      • “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day. — ‘Ah, so you shall be sure to be misunderstood.’ — Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.”

        – Ralph Waldo Emerson from Self Reliance

        On the other hand, I can think of too many Dems and formerly conservative lunatics who have taken that uniquely and quintessentially American advice a little too much to heart, however. Though Israel has had its share of Bennetts Pereses, Rabins and Sharons, as well. But, I digress.

  26. @Peloni Avi Abelow on FB 3 hrs ago. Too long for comment. He’s saying clear, annex and settle Southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, which is ancestral Jewish land and was Ben Gurion’s vision for a Northen border. Cites Jerusalem Post article he wrote and growing support among the Israeli public noted with apprehension by Lebanese media.

    https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0rXYzKjkpvveRjx8ye41NABHHDKGSwqdT64vSeP8yeefJGZEv3md4Jj981pudZEkwl&id=545522241

  27. Germany receives aviation fuel from Israel amid the fuel crisis

    Due to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Israel will support Germany with aviation fuel. The request came from the German Energy Ministry.

    After an examination by Israel’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, it was determined that Israel has enough prRemarkableoduction surplus for export. The delivery will now be coordinated with the refineries.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar informed German Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche about the decision during his visit to Berlin. Israel is also examining whether Germany can be supported in the field of natural gas as well.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1492545145739748&set=a.142602690734007&type=3

  28. AI Overview +5 Conversos (Spanish Jewish converts to Catholicism) who promoted antisemitism often did so to prove their loyalty to the Church, alleviate suspicion, or because they genuinely adopted anti-Jewish theological views. Notable figures included former rabbis turned inquisitors and preachers, such as Paul of Burgos, Alfonso de Valladolid, and Jerónimo de Santa Fe, who fueled anti-Jewish policies and forced conversions.Paul of Burgos (formerly Solomon ha-Levi): A former rabbi who became Bishop of Burgos and a key advisor to the Spanish king. He wrote anti-Jewish tracts and heavily influenced anti-Jewish legislation.Jerónimo de Santa Fe (formerly Joshua Halorki): A physician who became a virulent anti-Jewish writer and was instrumental in the infamous Disputation of Tortosa, pushing Jews to convert.Alfonso de Valladolid (formerly Abner of Burgos): A 14th-century physician/rabbi who became a convert and argued that Jewish suffering was proof of divine abandonment, writing anti-Jewish polemics.Pedro de la Caballeria: A 15th-century author who, despite his Jewish ancestry, authored works aimed at disparaging Judaism, a tactic often used to gain favor in the wake of the Spanish Inquisition’s scrutiny of Conversos.Many conversos were targeted by Limpieza de Sangre (purity of blood) laws that deemed them untrustworthy, regardless of their actions. However, some individuals, such as Pedro Sarmiento, though a fervent Catholic who promoted anti-converso laws, may have been of converso descent himself.

  29. Exposed: Palestinian Authority officials encourage terror attacks
    New Yesha Council report warns newly elected Palestinian Authority officials have praised terrorists, promoted incitement against Israel and the West.

    https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/426634

    My comment: ” Surprise, surprise, surprise.” – Gomer Pyle

    [“You wanna be smart? Cartoons.” – Yohay Sponder]

  31. 1. midnight hammer
    2. southern spear
    3. epic fury
    4. Colossal Tantrum?

    Taking suggestions

    “Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases, by Peter Mark Roget, is a classic reference book first published in 1852 that organizes words by meaning, not alphabetically, to help writers find synonyms and related terms. It groups words into conceptual categories, making it a popular tool for improving vocabulary and expression. The original work by the British physician and lexicographer has been continuously updated but retains Roget’s original system of classification.
    Key aspects
    Author: Dr. Peter Mark Roget (1779–1869), a British physician and lexicographer.
    Publication: First published in 1852, it has never been out of print.
    Organization: It is revolutionary because it groups words by meaning (semantic relationships) rather than alphabetically, using a system of six main classes with over a thousand “meaning clusters”.
    Purpose: To help writers find the perfect word by exploring the connections between ideas, making it an indispensable tool for composition.
    Legacy: It remains one of the most famous and widely used reference works for the English language, with modern editions including new words and slang. “

    Essential in every soldier’s backpack. Can’t wage a war without it.

  34. These are results for did trump declare a national sabbath
    Search instead for did trump declate a national sabbath
    AI Overview

    +3
    Yes, in a May 2026 proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month, President Trump designated the weekend of May 15-16, 2026, as a “national Shabbat” (or “Shabbat 250”) in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. He encouraged Americans to reflect on faith and freedom, highlighting the contributions of Jewish Americans.

    Chabad.org
    +3
    Key details:
    The Proclamation: The White House officially declared this as part of the 2026 Jewish American Heritage Month, aiming to honor 250 years of independence.
    Timing: The designated “Shabbat 250” runs from sundown on Friday, May 15, to nightfall on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
    Purpose: The initiative aims to celebrate religious liberty, foster unity, and acknowledge the role of faith communities in the nation’s history, according to reports from The Times of Israel and Chabad.org.
    Response: Jewish leaders, such as those mentioned in the JNS report, welcomed the move as a historic recognition of faith, notes the Israel Heritage Foundation.

    The White House (.gov)
    +4