NEW YORK NEWS
A Manhattan judge dismissed a lawsuit against Unilever on the grounds that the company was not required to immediately disclose the decision made by its Ben & Jerry’s unit to cease ice cream sales in Israeli territory beyond the 1949 armistice lines (the “Green Line”).
The lawsuit, filed by the City of St. Clair Shores Police and Fire Retirement System, a Michigan pension fund, sought damages for a drop in Unilever’s share price following Ben & Jerry’s announcement in July 2021 about discontinuing sales in eastern Jerusalem and Jewish communities in the West Bank. The judge ruled that Unilever had ultimate control over whether to implement the boycott, even though Ben & Jerry’s board oversaw its “social mission.” Ben & Jerry’s had cited values misalignment for its decision. Unilever had previously resolved a legal battle with Ben & Jerry’s independent board and sold its Israel-based ice cream business. Ben & Jerry’s subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking damages and trademark return, along with a request to prevent the sale of ice-cream in Judea and Samaria. Additionally, Ben & Jerry’s has faced allegations of using child labor.
New York’s Attorney General, Letitia James, has filed a motion arguing that a trial is unnecessary to prove that former President Donald Trump and other defendants fraudulently inflated the value of their assets in annual financial statements, seeking summary judgment in a civil trial scheduled for October. James alleges that Trump falsely increased his net worth by billions of dollars each year over a decade, aiming to bar him and three of his children from leading the Trump Organization and to impose a fine of around $250 million. In response, Trump’s lawyers argued that the entire case should be dismissed, citing a recent appellate court decision and asserting that most of the loans in question are too old to be considered in court. The judge will hold a hearing in late September to determine the case’s path forward.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other congressional Democrats have pledged their support for Rep. Ilhan Omar’s re-election in the 2024 U.S. elections. Jeffries emphasized Omar’s service to her constituents and endorsed her re-election, aiming to combat extreme MAGA Republicans in the upcoming elections. While some groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) seek to oust anti-Israel lawmakers like Omar, Jeffries’ endorsement has received both support and criticism, with some arguing that it’s customary for leaders of both parties to endorse incumbent co-partisans, while others question the Republican Party’s stance on similar issues.
The New York Times is facing criticism for alleged anti-Charedi bias in an opinion piece titled “Yiddish Is Having a Moment” by academic Ilan Stavans. Stavans claimed that Orthodox Jews who speak Yiddish “aren’t multilingual, as secular Yiddish speakers always were.” Critics argue that the article contains factual inaccuracies and exhibits bias against Charedi Jews. They point out that many Yiddish speakers are, in fact, multilingual, speaking Yiddish, Hebrew, and the language of the country they live in. Stavans also compared Hebrew and Yiddish, describing Hebrew as a language symbolizing “far-right Israeli militarism,” which has also been met with criticism and accusations of bias.
US NEWS
Jackson Township in New Jersey has settled a state lawsuit, agreeing to pay $575,000 in penalties and restitution funds, repeal allegedly discriminatory ordinances targeting Orthodox Jews, and implement new policies safeguarding religious freedom. The settlement follows federal and private lawsuits with similar claims. In recent years, officials and community groups around Jackson have been accused of trying to push out Orthodox Jewish residents, leading to incidents of anti-Semitic graffiti and discrimination. The settlement requires Jackson to form a multicultural committee, provide anti-discrimination training to local officials, and notify the state of any decisions affecting religious land use or practice. The state will monitor compliance for three years.
Residents in Hudson along the Gulf Coast are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, which inundated the area with a five-foot storm surge. Homeowners like Susan Moorhouse emphasize the power of nature and the futility of trying to conquer it. Sea Ranch Drive, parallel to the shoreline, was submerged as the hurricane passed, and officials initially estimated damage to around 6,000 homes but later revised it to approximately 2,000. Pasco County Emergency Management Director Andrew Fossa reports that most roads are now open, but standing water persists in some areas. Rescues were conducted for 150 trapped individuals, emphasizing the importance of heeding evacuation orders. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office advises caution when hiring cleanup contractors, urging residents to secure written contracts and avoid rush decisions.
Afederal judge ruled that Rudy Giuliani is liable in a defamation lawsuit brought by two Georgia election workers, accusing him of falsely accusing them of fraud during the 2020 election count. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell held Giuliani accountable for failing to comply with his legal obligations as a defendant and ignoring requests for information in the lawsuit. This decision paves the way for a trial in Washington, where Giuliani may be ordered to pay substantial damages to the plaintiffs, in addition to legal fees. The women expressed the toll Giuliani’s comments had taken on their lives, and the ruling further complicates Giuliani’s legal situation, as he faces charges in a racketeering case related to election overturn efforts in Georgia. Giuliani has been given a final opportunity to provide requested information, and he and his entities must pay over $130,000 in attorneys’ fees. The judge criticized Giuliani for his lack of compliance with discovery obligations.
In August, the U.S. added 187,000 jobs, indicating a labor market slowdown while still displaying resilience despite the high interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve. Although last month’s job growth increased from the revised July figure of 157,000, it suggests a moderating pace of hiring compared to last year and earlier this year. The report also showed the unemployment rate rising from 3.5% to 3.8%, largely due to more people actively looking for work. Wage gains are easing, with average hourly pay rising 0.2% from July to August, the smallest gain in a year and a half, suggesting that inflation pressures may be cooling. Economists speculate that the Federal Reserve may decide that no further rate hikes are necessary if the job market continues to slow as it hopes for a “soft landing” to curb inflation without causing a deep recession.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell experienced another public episode of freezing up when asked about his reelection plans during an event in Kentucky, adding to concerns about his health and ability to remain in Congress and his leadership position. The 81-year-old senator remained silent for around 30 seconds, mirroring a similar incident in July. Following the event, his office cited momentary lightheadedness and stated he would see a physician. McConnell had previously suffered a concussion and broken rib in March, leading to speculation about his health. Despite these concerns, he continued his political engagements, including attending an event in Louisville with a Senate candidate and being in contact with his GOP leadership team.
Two leaders of the Proud Boys, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl, received lengthy prison sentences for their roles in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Biggs was sentenced to 17 years, and Rehl received a 15-year sentence, both for charges of seditious conspiracy. These sentences are among the harshest penalties handed out in the more than 1,100 criminal cases related to the Capitol attack. The court also labeled this attack an act of terrorism. The Proud Boys, a far-right group, played a central role in the events of January 6, with many of their members involved in breaching barricades and assaulting police officers.
Mark Thompson, former CEO of The New York Times and director-general of the BBC, has been named the new leader of CNN, taking the reins as CEO, chairman, and editor-in-chief, effective October 9. Thompson is recognized as an experienced and respected media executive and is praised for his role in transforming The New York Times into a digital powerhouse. His appointment comes at a crucial time for CNN, which is facing significant challenges, including the decline of traditional linear television, a turbulent political environment, and internal leadership changes. Thompson’s focus will likely include further digital transformation and guiding CNN’s presence on the streaming platform CNN Max.
American Airlines flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly to authorize their union leaders to call for a strike, aiming to apply pressure during pay raise negotiations. Over 99% of the members who voted supported giving the union the power to call a strike, and this vote was accompanied by picketing at various airports. The flight attendants, who have not received raises since 2019, aim to convey their determination to management, and the union president warned that ignoring the strike vote could have consequences. However, the vote doesn’t mean an immediate strike is imminent, as federal law makes it challenging for airline unions to legally conduct strikes.
Groups of neo-Nazis and white supremacists staged demonstrations outside Disney World and in the Orlando, Florida, area, spreading antisemitic, white supremacist, and anti-LGBTQ messages. About 15 individuals displayed Nazi insignia and carried flags and signs with anti-Semitic, white supremacist, and anti-LGBTQ messages outside Disney Springs. The demonstration consisted of members from neo-Nazi groups such as the Order of the Black Sun, Aryan Freedom Network, and 14 First, which has been absorbed into the National Socialist Movement. Later in the day, more than 50 members of the Goyim Defense League and Blood Tribe gathered in the greater Orlando area, waving swastika flags, saluting Hitler, and shouting hateful messages. Authorities believe many participants traveled from out of state for the gatherings.
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, accusing the company of discriminating against asylum recipients and refugees in its hiring practices. The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX routinely discouraged these individuals from applying and refused to hire or consider them due to their citizenship status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. SpaceX had incorrectly claimed, in job postings and public statements, that federal export control laws mandated the hiring of only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The Justice Department cited tweets by Musk, including one from June 2020, where he stated that “U.S. law requires at least a green card to be hired at SpaceX, as rockets are advanced weapons technology.” SpaceX argues that they were told this was necessary to comply with international arms trafficking law. The lawsuit seeks fair consideration, back pay, civil penalties, and policy changes to ensure compliance with non-discrimination mandates.
A federal appeals court has revived a lawsuit filed by three doctors who claim that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exceeded its authority in its campaign against using the anti-parasite drug ivermectin to treat COVID-19. The doctors argue that the FDA’s campaign harmed their reputations and exceeded the agency’s authority under federal law. While ivermectin is used to treat parasites in livestock and can be prescribed for humans, the FDA has not approved it as a COVID-19 treatment due to a lack of proven effectiveness. The court’s ruling allows the doctors to proceed with their lawsuit against the FDA.
Israel NEWS
In a series of attacks, a Palestinian terrorist drove his car into an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military post near Beit Hagai, close to Hebron, resulting in a lightly injured IDF soldier. The assailant was reportedly shot and neutralized by troops. This incident occurred just nine days after a terrorist shooting in the same area claimed the life of Batsheva Nigri, a mother of three from Beit Hagai. In a separate incident on the same day, two Israeli bus drivers were lightly wounded when Palestinian terrorists threw rocks at vehicles in northern Samaria. The day before, four Jewish shepherds were injured in an attack by masked Arabs while herding their flock in the Binyamin region of Samaria. Additionally, IDF soldiers were targeted by terrorists throwing explosive devices in northwestern Samaria, resulting in the arrest of several wounded terrorists and the confiscation of their vehicle. These incidents underscore the ongoing security challenges faced in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the immediate deportation of Eritrean migrants involved in violent clashes in Tel Aviv and ordered a plan to remove all African migrants in the country. The clashes between Eritrean supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government left dozens injured, bringing the issue of migrants in Israel back into focus. Netanyahu requested plans for the removal of all other “illegal infiltrators” and specifically targeted 1,000 Eritrean government supporters involved in the violence. Israel has previously attempted various tactics to force migrants to leave, including offering cash payments and holding part of their wages until they agree to depart. However, critics argue that the government is coercing migrants to leave, while supporters say Israel should welcome those seeking asylum.
An off-duty Israeli soldier was killed, and six others, including some soldiers, were wounded in a truck-ramming terror attack at a West Bank checkpoint near Modiin, Israel. The assailant, identified as a Palestinian with a permit to work in Israel, carried out the attack by running over off-duty soldiers who were walking on the side of the road. The attacker fled the scene but was shot and killed by security forces at another checkpoint. The attack is the latest in a series of Palestinian attacks in Israel and the West Bank, adding to tensions in the region, with several civilians and soldiers killed in previous incidents this year.
Israel’s Energy and Infrastructure Ministry has received over 11.7 billion shekels ($3.8 billion) in natural gas royalties to date, with more than 1 billion shekels ($263 million) received in the first half of 2023, marking a 23% increase from the same period in 2022. This revenue growth is attributed to increased natural gas production for export, hydrocarbon liquid production, and a stronger dollar against the shekel. Royalties from exports accounted for 58.6% of the royalties in the first half of 2023, with significant contributions from the Leviathan, Tamar, and Karish reservoirs. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the state of the natural gas industry, emphasizing energy security and economic benefits, and initiated a collaborative effort to formulate a long-term plan for offshore production and exports.
An unprecedented archaeological discovery dating back to the First Temple period was announced in Jerusalem’s City of David National Park, where two installations, about 10 meters apart, have been unearthed. The primary installation includes at least nine smoothed channels, accompanied by seven drain pipes that carried liquids from the top of a cliff. These unique structures, not found elsewhere in Israel, have left experts puzzled about their purpose. One theory suggests they may have been used for soaking products like agricultural produce or dates. The central location of the channels near Jerusalem’s prominent areas hints at a connection to the Temple or Palace economy. While the installation’s exact age remains uncertain, it fell out of use during the ninth century BCE. The site will be open to the public soon, offering insights into the city’s ancient history.
Portugal has seen a significant number of Israelis applying for citizenship, with 20,975 seeking Portuguese passports in 2022 under a 2015 law allowing descendants of Jews expelled during the Inquisition to apply for nationality. This figure exceeded applicants from Brazil, despite Brazil’s population being over 20 times larger than Israel’s. The surge in Israeli applicants began after Portugal passed its “law of return,” which is set to end in December 2023. Portuguese citizenship appeals to Israelis for reasons including the freedom of movement within the European Union, lower taxes, and a lower cost of living. Many Israelis have not relocated to Portugal but view it as a “plan B” in case of uncertainties in Israel.
WORLD NEWS
Iranian weightlifter Mostafa Rajaei has received a lifetime ban from the Iran Weightlifting Federation after shaking hands with Israeli competitor Maksim Svirsky at the World Masters Weightlifting Championships in Poland. Despite Rajaei’s impressive performance and breaking a world record, his handshake with the Israeli athlete violated Iran’s policy of not recognizing Israel and prohibiting contact between Iranian and Israeli athletes. The Iranian weightlifting federation deemed Rajaei’s actions “unforgivable,” leading to his lifetime ban, the dismissal of the head of the Iranian team at the event, Hamid Salehinia, and the dissolution of the committee representing veteran weightlifters in the country. Iran’s supreme leader had previously urged athletes not to interact with Israeli representatives, and this incident reflects the ongoing tension between the two nations in international sports competitions.
Iran has claimed to have thwarted a significant sabotage plot orchestrated by Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency to disrupt its missile production and defense industry. Iran’s state TV stated that this sabotage attempt targeted various aspects of the country’s military industry, including missiles, aviation, and airspace. According to the Iranian defense ministry, a professional network aimed to introduce faulty and compromised components into the production cycle of advanced missiles, intending to turn them into explosive tools. The plot was allegedly detected and neutralized through intelligence and operational monitoring, resulting in the detention of its agents. Such claims are frequent in Iran’s ongoing conflict with Israel, with the veracity often questioned. This incident adds to the ongoing tension between the two nations and their accusations of espionage and sabotage efforts.
A 98-year-old German man has been charged with being an accessory to murder for his role as a guard at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp during World War II. The man is accused of supporting the killing of thousands of prisoners as a member of the SS guard detail at the camp between 1943 and 1945. He faces more than 3,300 counts of being an accessory to murder. The indictment was filed at the state court in Hanau, which will decide whether to send the case to trial under juvenile law, considering the man’s age at the time of the alleged crimes. German prosecutors have brought similar cases in recent years, applying a precedent that allows individuals who helped Nazi camps function to be prosecuted as accessories to murder without direct evidence of specific killings. Charges of murder and being an accessory to murder are not subject to a statute of limitations under German law.
