WASHINGTON (JTA) — The American Israel Public Affairs Committee thanked Congress for including defense assistance for Israel in its omnibus spending bill. The bill includes $3.1 billion in defense assistance, $600 million in missile defense cooperation programs and $42 million for joint U.S.-Israel ventures in tracking and destroying tunnels, a method of terrorizing Israel that…
(JTA) — When Donald Trump makes his first visit as president to Israel later this month, he’s reportedly aiming to give a speech at the ancient mountain fortress of Masada. We don’t yet know if he’ll ascend the mount, a palace built by the Judean king Herod the Great which became the last Jewish holdout nearly…
(JTA) — A Detroit-area synagogue cancelled a scheduled appearance by the Israeli singer Achinoam Nini, known as Noa, claiming that threats attributed to right-wing Jewish protesters posed a security risk. Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills informed its members of the cancellation of the concert in a May 4 letter obtained by the Detroit Jewish News. “Several credible…
(JTA) — Four previous U.S. envoys to fight anti-Semitism and promote religious freedom called on President Donald Trump to fill the two positions, which are currently empty. The letter, sent by the Lantos Foundation, noted “spreading anti-Semitism both at home and abroad” and persecution of religious minorities in the Middle East and Asia. The signatories include two former…
Fidget spinners, the incredibly popular toys that have driven thousands of schoolchildren to distraction in classrooms across America, were invented after their creator sought to create an alternative activity for Palestinian boys to do instead of throwing rocks at Israeli soldiers. Catherine Hettinger told Money magazine on Wednesday that her wheels starting turning after observing…
(JTA) — A leading official in the European Commission — one of the European Union’s governing bodies — implied that efforts by Hungary’s prime minister to shut down a university founded by George Soros are anti-Semitic. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has long harbored animosity toward Soros, a Hungarian-born Jewish financier who has donated millions of…
Long ago, in a galaxy far far away, Adam Scott invited Mark Hamill to his childhood birthday party. During an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Thursday, Scott recalled his earnest attempt to meet Hamill (“I thought if his schedule was clear, he was probably going to [come to the party]”) and his lifelong love of…
(JTA) — Israeli authorities are considering bringing in foreign doctors to force-feed Palestinian hunger strikers if Israeli doctors continue to resist taking part in the practice. The Israel Medical Association has advised its members not to participate in any force-feeding, deeming the practice to be inhumane. Israel’s Channel 2 reported Thursday that the government would…
(JTA) — Jewish leaders in Great Britain paid tribute to Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, who announced that he will retire from public engagements after August. Buckingham Palace announced Thursday that the 95-year-old Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, had the “full support of the Queen” in stepping back after nearly 70 years of hosting…
Democrats may have to add another name to the list of potential 2020 presidential candidates. Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger is being urged by fellow Hollywood executives to enter the race, Axios reported Friday. Iger, who is Jewish, told friends last month that he is willing to consider a bid for the Democratic nomination….
(JTA) — Basketball’s international governing body will allow players to wear yarmulkes, hijabs and other religious headgear beginning October 1. The new rule, announced in a May 4 statement by the International Basketball Association, or FIBA, will have the largest impact on women from majority-Muslim countries who sought to wear the hijab in international competition. Qatar’s…
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