NEW YORK NEWS
The GOP-led House voted to censure Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) for pulling a fire alarm in a congressional office building in September, with a final tally of 214-191.
Three Democrats joined Republicans in approving the resolution, while five members voted “present,” and 23 lawmakers did not vote. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI), who introduced the censure resolution, argued that actions have consequences, stating that Bowman deserved accountability for obstructing the work of Congress. Bowman, part of the leftist “Squad,” faced controversy after pulling the fire alarm, resulting in a temporary evacuation. He took a plea deal on a misdemeanor count but denied using the alarm as a delay tactic. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called the censure effort “worthless,” and the House Ethics Committee had earlier declined to investigate Bowman over the incident. The vote makes Bowman the 27th member of the House to be censured, a less severe punishment than expulsion.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a pro-Israel Democrat, has announced his candidacy to challenge U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman in the primary race for his congressional seat. Bowman, known for his vocal criticism of Israel, particularly during the Israel-Hamas conflict, faces primary challenges from Democrats with differing views on Israel. Latimer, aged 70, launched his campaign, citing concerns that constituents feel misrepresented by Bowman, emphasizing the incumbent’s focus on national recognition over local representation. Latimer returned from a recent trip to Israel and plans to address progressive policies on housing, abortion, and other issues in his campaign. Bowman has faced criticism for opposing resolutions supporting Israel and questioning U.S. military aid, drawing attention for triggering a fire alarm during a funding bill vote in September.
Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, 28, is facing charges of illegally possessing a firearm after firing a shotgun outside Temple Israel, a Conservative synagogue in Albany, NY, just before the start of Chanukah. Alkhader, deemed an “unlawful user of a controlled substance,” was prohibited by federal law from possessing the shotgun. Additionally, he now faces a new charge of conspiracy to make a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Allegedly aware of potential ineligibility, Alkhader had a friend purchase the shotgun for him about a month before the incident, with the friend providing false information on the ATF Form 4473. The suspect could face up to 20 years in jail and $250,000 in fines. During the incident, Alkhader reportedly shouted “Free Palestine.”
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has urged colleges and universities in the state to promptly address cases of antisemitism and any “calls for genocide” on campus, threatening enforcement of violations of the state’s Human Rights Law and potential referral of federal civil rights law violations to U.S. officials. In a letter to college and university presidents, Hochul emphasized that institutions not complying with federal and state laws protecting students against discrimination could be deemed ineligible for state and federal funds. Although the letter did not specify incidents, Hochul’s response comes after Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania presidents faced criticism for not adequately condemning threats of violence against Jewish students during a congressional hearing on antisemitism.
A 28-year-old man, Yehia Amin from Queens, was charged with multiple hate crime counts for an October attack on an Israeli tourist in Times Square. Amin, invoking Hamas, followed the tourist and his friends, who were wearing yarmulkas, playing what he called “Hamas music” and making anti-Semitic comments. After tailing them for 10 minutes, Amin punched one of the tourists in the head before being apprehended by the police. He was charged with three counts of stalking as a hate crime, one count of assault as a hate crime, and one count of aggravated harassment. The incident is part of a series of recent bias incidents in New York City, with hate crime charges stemming from attacks based on religious and ethnic motivations.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has introduced new, harder-to-jump fare gates at the Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue station in Queens, aiming to address the fare-beating crisis that cost the agency $690 million last year. Manufactured by Cubic Corporation, the gates feature taller paddles that swing open and close after passengers tap in via OMNY or swipe a MetroCard. The design allows easier access for riders with bags, luggage, strollers, wheelchairs, or disabilities. The initiative follows a seven-month period of evaluating various fare gate models, and the 8th Avenue-Penn Station A/C/E will be the second station to receive the new gates. MTA officials hope to eliminate emergency fare gates that contribute to fare evasion. The cost of the Sutphin Boulevard installation was $700,000, with details about the overall program, including its price tag, procurement process, and specifics about the new gates, pending formal issuance by the MTA.
US NEWS
The United States vetoed a United Nations resolution, backed by most Security Council members and many other nations, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The vote in the 15-member council resulted in a 13-1 outcome, with the United Kingdom abstaining. The US stance revealed a growing divide between Washington and some close allies over Israel’s ongoing retaliation against Hamas in Gaza. France and Japan were among those supporting the ceasefire call. The Biden administration’s resistance prompted a meeting in Washington with foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in a failed attempt to influence the U.S. stance before the UN vote.
The Biden administration has bypassed Congress to approve an emergency sale of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition to Israel, valued at over $106 million, as Israel escalates its military operations in the southern Gaza Strip. The move comes amid a delay in Congress for President Biden’s request for a $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and national security, tied to a debate on US immigration policy and border security. Some Democratic lawmakers suggest making the proposed $14.3 billion assistance to Israel contingent on concrete steps by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza during the conflict with Hamas. The emergency sale, determined to be in the U.S. national security interest by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will bypass congressional review requirements. The sale includes tank cartridges and US support, engineering, and logistics, worth $106.5 million, with the materiel sourced from the US Army inventory. Bypassing Congress with emergency determinations for arms sales is uncommon and has faced resistance in the past.
Hunter Biden is facing nine felony charges related to a federal investigation into his taxes. The charges include failure to file and pay taxes, evasion of assessment, and false or fraudulent tax return. The special counsel, David Weiss, impaneled a federal grand jury in Los Angeles to examine potential tax crimes. Prosecutors allege that Hunter engaged in a four-year scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in federal taxes for the years 2016 through 2019, despite having access to funds. Hunter Biden reportedly made over $7 million during that period, including income from companies like Burisma and CEFC China Energy. Prosecutors claim that he spent the money on drugs, luxury hotels, rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and personal items, but failed to fulfill his tax obligations. Hunter Biden was previously indicted on federal gun charges in September, related to false statements on a firearm application, where he claimed to be drug-free while later admitting to a drug addiction during that time.
Special counsel Jack Smith, prosecuting former President Donald J. Trump on charges related to the plot to overturn the 2020 election, has asked the Supreme Court to rule on Trump’s claim of immunity from prosecution. Smith urged an expedited review due to the case’s fundamental question concerning whether a former president is immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office. The Supreme Court quickly agreed to fast-track the initial phase of the case, addressing the immunity issue. The trial judge previously rejected Trump’s broad claims of “absolute immunity,” and a speedy resolution is crucial as delays could impact the trial scheduled for March 4, 2024. The case raises concerns about potential interference with the 2024 election season.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced his retirement from the House at the end of 2023, following his loss of the speakership in October. McCarthy, representing California’s 20th Congressional District, was first elected in 2006 and rose through GOP ranks. He won the speakership in January but faced criticism, leading to his ouster in October. McCarthy initially expressed plans to seek re-election but recently signaled reassessment. In an op-ed, he highlighted achievements and pledged continued support for the Republican Party’s growth. McCarthy’s departure narrows the GOP’s House majority, impacting the balance with Democrats, and may trigger a special election for his seat.
Harvard President Claudine Gay will continue to lead the university despite facing criticism over her comments on campus anti-Semitism during a congressional hearing. The Harvard Corporation expressed confidence in President Gay, stating that she is the right leader to help the community heal and address serious societal issues. The controversy arose when Gay, along with two peers, faced questions about campus anti-Semitism and struggled to provide satisfactory answers, leading to backlash from critics who felt the university was not adequately addressing the concerns of Jewish students. The statement followed extensive deliberations by the university’s highest governing body.
A University of Pennsylvania donor, Ross Stevens, has withdrawn his $100 million donation in the form of a limited partnership with Stone Ridge, citing his dismay with university president Elizabeth Magill for her responses during a congressional appearance regarding punishments for students advocating the genocide of Jews. Stevens criticized Magill’s “permissive approach” to such students, claiming it contradicted policies on harassment and discrimination. The donation, initially given in 2017, was intended for UPenn’s Wharton business school to establish a finance innovation center. The controversy arose amid increased antisemitic incidents on campuses during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Sabra hummus products at three Acme Markets in Lower Merion, PA, were vandalized with stickers instructing shoppers to “boycott Israeli goods.” Sabra, owned by PepsiCo and the Israeli conglomerate Strauss Group, faced criticism for its connections to the Golani Brigade in Israel’s military. Bright yellow stickers were placed on lids, stating the hummus was “contaminated with apartheid and Zionism.” Acme removed the stickers swiftly and is cooperating with law enforcement for prosecution. Sabra has been a target in the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel in the past. The latest incident is part of ongoing calls to boycott businesses associated with Israel amid the recent conflict.
Nihad Awad, the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), faced condemnation from the White House after expressing happiness over Palestinians breaking out of Gaza on October 7, the day of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. CAIR, a Muslim advocacy organization, was disavowed by the White House, which removed the group’s name from an online document discussing commitments to fight antisemitism. Awad’s remarks were criticized for being anti-Semitic, and the White House emphasized that every leader has a responsibility to condemn anti-Semitism. Awad claimed his comments were taken out of context and that he denounced hate against Jews in his speech.
Israel NEWS
The Israeli military has escalated its ground offensive in southern Gaza, particularly targeting Khan Younis, marking the most intense day of battles since the offensive began over five weeks ago. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested an open-ended security control over Gaza, indicating a prolonged Israeli presence. Hamas uses civilians as shields, justifying heavy-force operations targeting residential areas.
The United States has implemented a new “visa restriction policy” targeting “extremist settlers” involved in violent acts against Arabs in Judea and Samaria. Leaders in the region criticized the policy, arguing that it reflects a false narrative of increased “settler violence.” The policy denies visas to individuals on a banned list, with names not made public. Critics view the move as an attempt by the US to appear balanced in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing that the focus should be on broader issues rather than isolated cases of violence. Israeli leaders argue that the U.S. is adopting a misleading narrative and damaging Israel’s reputation. They highlight the vast majority of Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria who observe the law and condemn the U.S. for equating their actions with those of Palestinian violence.
The Israeli Security Cabinet, following a recommendation from the Socio-Economic Cabinet, has voted against allowing Palestinians from the West Bank to re-enter Israel for work. This decision, prompted by security concerns and the role of Gazan workers in providing information for a recent Hamas attack, maintains the halt on the entry of Palestinian workers initiated after the October 7 massacre. The shortage in manpower caused by the absence of Palestinian and foreign workers, coupled with the ongoing war, has led to calls for resuming Palestinian employment. However, some officials oppose the move, asserting that allowing citizens of the enemy into the country during a war contradicts principles of national security.
Sahar Baruch, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri who was kidnapped and taken hostage in Gaza on October 7, has died while in captivity. The announcement from Kibbutz Be’eri does not provide details on how and when the 25-year-old died but states that he was murdered in the Strip. A propaganda video released by Hamas claimed to show Baruch dead. The kibbutz demands the return of his body as part of any hostage deal and expresses determination to continue efforts until everyone is home. Baruch’s 20-year-old brother, Idan, was killed by terrorists on the same day. Gaza terrorists are believed to hold the bodies of at least 18 murdered hostages.
WORLD NEWS
Javier Milei, a libertarian economist, was sworn in as the president of Argentina, promising to slash government spending and address the country’s economic crisis. Milei broke from tradition by delivering his first remarks outside the National Congress, symbolically turning his back on the political elite. He blamed the outgoing leftist government for soaring inflation and poverty rates, vowing to make difficult decisions to fix the problems left by decades of political mismanagement. Milei immediately announced his first presidential decree, cutting the number of government ministries from 18 to nine. While he initially pledged to dollarize the economy and close the central bank, recent moves suggest a focus on cutting the fiscal deficit, postponing more radical measures. He has also softened some foreign policy positions and sought to mend relationships with global leaders. World leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, attended the inauguration, along with figures from the global far-right.
Germany’s state of Saxony-Anhalt has made recognizing Israel’s right to exist a requirement for those seeking German citizenship. Applicants must confirm in writing that they recognize Israel’s right to exist and condemn efforts against its existence. The move, effective since November, aims to combat antisemitism, particularly after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. The state law also instructs naturalization agents to watch for antisemitic and anti-democratic attitudes among applicants. The decision comes amid ongoing debates in the German parliament about citizenship laws and the potential inclusion of a signed statement of acceptance of Israel.
The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, have threatened to attack vessels in the Red Sea, particularly those going to or coming from Israel. While France, the United States, and Israel have experienced Houthi drone threats near their ships, the attacks have not been directly acknowledged. Israel’s national security adviser called on Western allies to address the threats from Yemen, suggesting a possible response if they persist. The Houthi actions have led to increased concerns about shipping safety in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial passage for global trade, with Maersk implementing additional security measures. The situation raises the risk of a broader regional conflict amid the Israel-Hamas war.
