Four members of the House of Representatives demanded that Twitter remove Hamas and Hezbollah from their platform in an Oct. 22 letter to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.
The Oct. 22 letter was written in response to a Sept. 17 letter from Twitter Director of Public Policy and Philanthropy Carlos Monje, Jr. to Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Tom Reed (R-N.Y.), and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.). Monje who wrote that Twitter bans accounts affiliated with Hamas and Hezbollah’s military factions, but not their political wings.
“This is consistent with our long-standing approach towards groups designated on terrorist organization lists that also hold elected seats in government,” Monje wrote.
Fitzpatrick, Reed, Gottheimer and Rep. Max Rose (D-N.Y.) called this Twitter policy “alarming” in their letter to Dorsey.
“This distinction is not meaningful, nor is it widely shared,” the four congressmen wrote. “Hezbollah and Hamas are terrorist organizations as designated by the United States government. Period.” They also said that Hamas and Hezbollah are “militant jihadist organizations determined to kill Americans and our allies.”
The four congressmen gave Twitter until Nov. 1 to “update your policy as consistent with our law” and de-platform the two terror organizations.
Gottheimer told the Jerusalem Post that he would call Twitter officials to testify before Congress if they don’t adhere to the four congressmen’s demands.
“This is about America before the party and about protecting our country and our allies, including, of course, Israel, a key ally in the fight against terror,” Gottheimer said. “We’ll continue to work on this in a bipartisan manner.”
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt tweeted, “US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations like Hamas & Hezbollah have no place on any social media platform. Allowing access to spread their hate-filled rhetoric is not only troubling, but wrong. We hope Twitter takes immediate action to address this.”
US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations like Hamas & Hezbollah have no place on any social media platform. Allowing access to spread their hate-filled rhetoric is not only troubling, but wrong. We hope Twitter takes immediate action to address this. https://t.co/ODjxylCMWr
Both the issues raised by these members of Congress and the response received from Twitter are concerning. Today @ADL endorsed H.R. 4782 that would bring together experts to advise on how terrorists use online platforms & what the platforms and government can do to combat them.
Twitter removed Louis Farrakhan’s 2018 tweet in July which said, “I’m not an anti-Semite, I’m anti-termite” and temporarily suspended his account. Twitter did ban far-right activist Laura Loomer from Twitter in November after she called Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) “anti-Jewish” and “pro Sharia” in a tweet.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) launched a campaign in September calling on the European Union to designate Hezbollah’s political wing as a terrorist organization in addition to its military wing, arguing that “as Hezbollah leaders themselves declare repeatedly, it is one indivisible organization.”
Michigan State University’s (MSU) Hillel announced in an Oct. 21 Facebook post that two men who “appear to be extremely inebriated” destroyed their sukkah over the weekend.
MSU Hillel Director Cindy Hughey told WLNS that while they didn’t think there was any anti-Semitic intent behind the vandalism, “it’s always a disappointment because you always wonder why. Why does someone bother to do that, its destructive behavior for absolutely no reason whatsoever?”
She told The Jewish News that “the MSU community and administration has been very supportive” toward MSU Hillel following the vandalism, pointing out that various people have sent them “positive messages” and some have offered “to come help us build a new Sukkah.”
In a subsequent Facebook post, MSU Hillel said they think the two suspects have been identified, although the police told the Lansing State Journal they do not currently have anyone in custody.
“East Lansing is a wonderful, inclusive and welcoming community,” the post stated. “We know that the actions of these two individuals do not reflect our students’ values and beliefs. Thank you again for your support and we will keep you updated as we learn more.”
JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin will officially ask Benny Gantz to form a government.
Rivlin will give the mandate to Gantz, head of the Blue and White faction, on Wednesday evening at the President’s office in Jerusalem, a statement from Rivlin’s office said.
The charge comes after the director-general of the president’s office, Harel Tubi, on Tuesday contacted the heads of all the factions in Knesset to inform them that Rivlin planned to transfer the mandate to form the government to Gantz.
The factions “all remain committed to their original positions,” the statement said.
After Rivlin signs the letter of appointment on Wednesday evening, he and Gantz will make public statements.
Along with the mandate, Gantz will receive a security detail from the state.
The charge comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday returned the mandate to Rivlin, saying he was unable to form a majority government coalition. It will be the first time in more than a decade that someone other than Netanyahu will attempt to form a government.
Gantz will now have 28 days to try to form a government coalition. If he fails to form a government, Knesset members have 21 days to advise Rivlin of their support for another lawmaker to form a government, and Rivlin could task a third person with the mandate.
If that fails, Israel will go to a third national election, which would occur in March 2020.
Iran has been banned from entering the world judo competition after the Iranian regime barred its athletes from facing off against Israeli athletes.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) announced in an Oct. 22 statement that the Iran Judo Federation will be suspended “from all competitions, administrative and social activities organized or authorized by the IJF and its Unions” until Iran allows its athletes to compete against Israelis. The IJF’s statement added that the “situation is a violation of the Olympic charter and the [International Olympic Committee] Code of Ethics.”
The IJF’s ruling comes in response to Iranian judoka Saeid Mollaei claiming that in August, Iran forced him to withdraw from his match against Israeli judoka Sagi Muki. Mollaei, who fled to Berlin after withdrawing from the match, told Iran International on Sept. 1, “I love Iran very much, but winning a medal is the most important thing for me.”
The Iran Judo Federation denied the allegation, but the IJF found evidence corroborating Mollaei’s claim. Iran will have 21 days to appeal the decision.
American Jewish Committee Los Angeles Assistant Director Siamak Kordestani noted in a tweet that “Iran threatens its own athletes *and their families* when they even consider facing Israeli competitors.”
When you base your regime's existence on hating Israel so much that you punish your own people in obscene ways:
-Iran threatens its own athletes *and their families* when they even consider facing Israeli competitors
Additionally, Egyptian judoka Mohamed Abdelaal refused to shake Muki’s hand after the latter defeated him in the August semifinals. In 2016, an Egyptian judoka similarly refused to shake the hand of an Israeli judoka after a loss.
(JTA) — A synagogue in Washington DC was vandalized with what is described by local Jewish agencies as “anti-Israel and hate-filled messages.”
The graffiti on the Washington Hebrew Congregation was discovered on Friday morning and congregants were informed of the vandalism in an email later in the day.
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington issued a joint statement on Friday afternoon about the graffiti, which was posted on Facebook.
The statement said the agencies “have been informed that at the present time there is no immediate or direct threat to our community as a result of this disturbing incident,” and that the Washington Metropolitan Police Dept. will conduct a full investigation.
“As we enter Shabbat and the final days of our Fall holidays, let us remember that although we cannot outlaw hate, we must and will continue to send a strong message to the community that these hateful expressions will not be tolerated. We must continue to come together as a community to reject hate in all of its forms,” the statement also said.
A police report said that the incident is being investigated as a possible anti-Jewish hate crime, the DCist news website reported. It also said that the graffiti was drawn in black permanent marker and included “numerous anti-Semitic statements, profane language, and child-like drawings of male and female genitalia.” The graffiti was drawn a week before it was discovered based on footage from a surveillance camera, according to the report.
The prominent DC congregation was founded in 1852 and is one of the largest Reform congregations in the United States.
The following post is a sponsored advertisement for IDB Bank.
More than 500 guests attended Israel Discount Bank of New York (IDB Bank)’s client appreciation event at the Beverly Hills Hilton on Monday, Sept. 23. The event celebrated the New York-based private and commercial bank’s 70 years in business.
This annual reception was a gesture of the Bank’s commitment to its clients throughout the Jewish and Israeli community, as well as the greater Los Angeles area. During the event, clients heard a thoughtful address from the Bank’s outgoing president and CEO Uri Levin, who has since become the newly appointed CEO of IDB’s Tel Aviv-based parent, Discount Bank. The new Israeli Consul General Dr. Hillel Newman was an honored guest in attendance, who greeted the attendees and congratulatedthe Bank for its achievements.
Following the event, I sat down with three IDB Bank executives at their full-service branch in Downtown Los Angeles. The interview was attended by Kiyoun Kim, executive vice president and California regional manager; Gal Ben-Naim, senior vice president and head of California Private Banking; and Moti Levy, senior vice president and director of California Business Development.
Kim, Ben-Naim and Levy have been working together for more than 12 years as a team, and during that time, they’ve always put clients first. During the interview, we discussed the personal and special relationships they’ve developed with their customers over the years. To them, it is the most rewarding aspect of the job. Their relationships are so close that they often find themselves invited to client events, like Bar Mitzvahs and weddings. These deep relationships allow their team to truly tailor services to each and every client.
“Our clients know that they can call me or my team and get answers whenever they need us. This is the kind of relationship we have developed over the years,” Kim said. “Nothing is more important than knowing our customers feel supported.”
Two years ago, Uri Levin joined the Bank as President and CEO, what had changed since then?
Kiyoun Kim: “Much has changed. We’re in growth mode, so it’s a very exciting time for IDB. Over the past two years, we’ve been laser-focused on exploring new ways to bring value to our clients. We at IDB aspire to be the best bank for our clients by putting their needs first, offering unwavering personal service, trusted relationships and the expertise of our people.”
Gal Ben-Naim: “Uri’s focus has made the Bank stronger and more profitable. This last year we recorded the best year in terms of profitability.”
Mr. David Nagel, Mrs. Kiyoun Kim IDB EVP / Regional Manager and Mr. Daniel Nagel
Can you elaborate on the services you offer your clients?
KK: “Our expertise is in commercial banking (including operating companies and real estate), as well as private banking. Many owners/principals of our commercial businesses are also private banking clients. Through some of our new service offerings, we have been able to expand our private banking clientele, providing them with products and tailored solutions which broaden our platform options and offerings. We launch new products on a monthly basis, so our range of products is very diversified. One of our key differentiators is that we offer products and services not found at other banks or are otherwise limited/restricted to access. Also, given our roots and connections, we are able to continuously tap the capital markets and institutions in Israel.”
GBM: “Our wide range of services vary from basic to sophisticated. We can assist with financial deposits, sophisticated investment strategies involving different types of security investments, and anything in between. Our clients are always hearing about new and/or special investments opportunities that are not commonly offered to the general public, including a sizable offering of alternative investment products.”
KK: “In Commercial Banking, we focus on the segments and industries in which we have a high level of expertise. Due to this strategy, we fully understand our clients’ needs, which enables us to provide advice and offer solutions to our customers on a prompt and regular basis. We have a great team of senior and experienced people, who are constantly interacting with clients and essentially act as a one-stop-shop. In California, we are mainly focused on businesses operating in sectors such as: textile, apparel, food and beverage, home furnishings, electronics, healthcare, not-for-profit, among others. And, of course, we are very much involved in financing commercial real estate.”
What sets you apart from other Banks?
KK: “Our slogan is ‘It’s Personal,’ but it means so much more than that. It represents the way we live and the way we conduct business with our clients. That is what makes our bank so special. To that end, we are very invested in our local community, and we fully support any efforts that help make it a better place to live. For example, we recently helped finance the construction of Temple Young Israel of Century City, a synagogue and a Jewish school. We also have many non-profit Jewish charity organizations that work with us and some that have connections to Israel. We are proud to partner with organizations that provide valuable services for the greater good of the community.”
While IDB has many non-Jewish clients and relationships, can you tell me a little bit more about the bank’s connection to Israel?
Moti Levy: “Absolutely. We’re deeply connected to Israel, because that’s where our roots are. Since we’ve opened, we’ve been fortunate enough to work with many Israeli immigrants who have moved to California. Just the other day, we opened a few saving accounts for our clients’ grandchildren, representing our third-generation of customers. We are able to keep our clients throughout the years, often over two and three generations, because we specialize in what we do and we truly care. We not only try to be problem solvers, we also provide a personalized experience.”
You have two branches in Southern California, one in Beverly Hills and the second in Downtown LA. What kind of services do you offer in each branch?
ML: “Both are full-service bank branches and having both locations provide a convenience to our clients to be near both their places of business, as well as their personal residences.”
In a field where good reputation and decades of seniority makes a difference, IDB is an industry standout. The connection to Israel which may have initially attracted clients to the Bank has become a secondary bonus over the years. Its unique, personal service, professional knowledge and attractive investment opportunities are the qualities that provide value for clients, and it’s the reason behind the deep relationships they’ve built throughout the years.
To learn more about IDB, please visit their website. You can also visit the Downtown Los Angeles branch at 888 South Figueroa Street, Suite 550, or the Beverly Hills branch at 9401 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 600.
(JTA) — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed a proclamation calling for a day of remembrance and ordering state flags to half-staff to mark the one-year anniversary of the attack on the Tree of Life synagogue building that left 11 worshippers dead.
The proclamation extends the City of Pittsburgh’s resolution declaring the day “Remember Repair Together Day” statewide to include the whole state, according to local reports.
It also orders the state flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Oct. 27, 2019, the one-year anniversary of the attack. The United States flag will remain at full-staff.
“A year has passed, but I continue to carry sorrow for the victims and their families of this heinous attack,” Wolf said on Friday when he signed the proclamation. “We must honor them by remembering, and through our thoughts, prayers and actions. I ask all Pennsylvanians to spend Oct. 27 doing the same in their honor.”
Wolf honored the 11 victims of the attack last month while on a visit to Auschwitz, including writing their names in the memorial site’s guestbook.
“My visits to Holocaust sites reaffirmed my belief that we need to work every day to stop anti-Semitism and hate from growing in Pennsylvania,” Wolf also said Friday. “By reaching out to cultivate bonds of friendship and understanding, we observe the one-year mark of the attack at Tree of Life with action that helps strengthen our commonwealth and prevent hate from growing.”
(JTA) — Police in Palm Springs, California are investigating as a possible hate crime a swastika drawn outside the office of a Jewish attorney.
The swastika was discovered spray-painted on the Weinstein and Associates firm’s sign in front of the office building on Saturday. It was removed several hours later, KESQ News Channel 3reported.
“This is a horrible crime,” attorney Bob Weinstein told the Palm Springs Desert Sun newspaper. “I’m especially affected by it because they know I’m Jewish, with a name like that, and they know I’m in this building ’cause my name’s on the building. My family survived the Holocaust so we’re very sensitive to those kinds of hate signs.”
