Weekly roundup of world briefs

RJC to plant 1,800 trees per DNC speaker who publicly praises Israel

(JNS) — The Republican Jewish Coalition has announced a new initiative during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to monitor speakers and see who, if any, advocate for the Jewish state.

“Last week, the RJC officially challenged every speaker at the Democratic Convention in Chicago to ‘Praise Israel,’” the group wrote on X on Sunday. “If any speaker from the main stage asks the crowd to cheer if they support Israel, the RJC will donate to plant 1,800 trees in Israel in their name to showcase their standing with the Jewish state.”

RJC further said on Monday that it would launch “Praise Israel Watch” to count the number of individuals who publicly praise the Jewish state and publish a tally at the end of each day.

The goal, it noted, is that “speakers in Chicago will take us up on our challenge and follow the RJC and Republican Party’s lead in standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel at this critical time for the Jewish state and the American Jewish community.”

IDF bombs Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, secondary explosions suggest ‘many’ weapons

(JNS) — Israeli jets struck several Hezbollah arms depots “deep in Lebanon,” the Israel Defense Forces stated on Monday evening. 

Secondary explosions after the indicated “the presence of many weapons in the warehouses that were attacked,” the IDF stated in Hebrew.

The Israeli Air Force also killed Hossein Ali Hossein, “a key terrorist” in Hezbollah’s rocket and missile unit, in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said.

Muslim leader resigns from Maryland state hate crime commission

(JNS) — Ayman Nassar, who replaced a member of the Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention who praised Hamas as “Palestinian freedom fighters,” resigned recently, citing what he called a “smear campaign.”

Nassar, CEO of the Islamic Leadership Institute, has accused Israel of stealing the organs of Palestinians, among other antisemitic charges.

Jennifer Donelan, a spokeswoman for Anthony Brown, the Maryland attorney general, confirmed the resignation in a statement to JNS. (The commission is part of the attorney general’s office.)

“The commission, comprised of dedicated individuals who are committed to addressing these important issues, is charged with the development of strategies to address hate crimes and hate bias activity and the evaluation of Maryland laws and policies related to hate crimes,” she said. “The Office of the Attorney General is extending outreach to the Muslim community across Maryland as it launches a search to fill the now-vacated seat.”

Donelan added that it is “critical that commission membership reflects those communities that have been most impacted by hate activity in Maryland.”

At press time, Nassar was still listed on the website of the commission.

Anti-Israel protesters lag well behind projected numbers at DNC

(JNS) — Although anti-Israel organizers said they expected some 20,000 protesters to descend on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, only a few thousand seemed to show up, the AP reported, and reporters covering the event shared photos of fields of unclaimed antisemitic signs. 

“Say, fellas, I think you overestimated the demand for your signs today,” wrote Jim Geraghty, of National Review and the Washington Post. Geraghty posted a photo of piles of signs stating “Stand with Palestine!” and “End U.S. aid to Israel,” among other political slogans.

Most of the protesters “marched peacefully,” but several dozen broke through a security fence near the convention and “were detained and handcuffed by the police,” per the AP. “Officers put on gas masks as some protesters tried to bring down a second fence set up in front of police.”

“At no point was the inner perimeter breached,” the Chicago Police stated. “There was no threat to any protectees.” 

Footage and images circulated on social media purporting to show protesters openly supporting Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror organization. Protesters also accused U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running for president, of supporting genocide, the AP reported.

“The people rioting at the DNC are organized by the Hamas network in America,” wrote Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “They hate Jews, yes. They hate law enforcement, sure. But listen to what they say and watch what they do: They hate America first and foremost.”

From Eurovision to boot camp: Eden Golan prepares for IDF

By Eran Suissa

(Israel Hayom via JNS) — Eden Golan, who represented Israel at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in May, is set to trade her stage attire for military fatigues.

The young singer, who achieved a commendable fifth place in the international competition in Sweden, has received her first military summons.

Despite facing adversity directed at both Israel and herself during Eurovision, the young artist delivered a stellar performance with the hit “Hurricane.”

After returning home from Malmö following the Grand Final of the competition, the 20-year-old from Kfar Saba told reporters, “It is a huge privilege that … I had the opportunity to represent our country, especially in moments like this,” adding that she was a “voice for everyone who needs to be brought home now,” referring to the more than 100 captives from the Oct. 7 massacre remaining in the clutches of Hamas in Gaza.

On Sept. 19, Golan will take her first steps toward military service by reporting for her initial summons. Her unique talents are expected to be utilized within the Israel Defense Forces, where she is likely to serve as a performer, showcasing her musical abilities for fellow soldiers as part of the military’s cadre of exceptional artists.

JNS contributed to this report, which originally appeared in Israel Hayom. 

NBA legend Shaq sends message of support to Oct. 7 massacre survivors

(JNS) — National Basketball Association legend Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal this past weekend sent a heartfelt video message in English and Hebrew to survivors of the Oct. 7 massacre and bereaved families.

The 52-year-old, whose trophy shelf includes three titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat, delivered the greeting to Timberline Camp in Toronto, which is hosting young people who went through the Hamas-led attack on the northwestern Negev and families affected by the tragedy. 

The California-based pro-Israel organization Creative Community for Peace and Canadian charity organization OneFamily, which assists Israeli victims of terrorism, are supporting the initiative.

“Camp Timberline! Hello! Shalom! This is Shaquille O’Neal. I just wanted to give you guys a shout out and let you know I love you. To all the amazing children from the OneFamily, I know you came from far, far away. Hope you’re having a good time. We love you so very much. Thank you for coming, and we’ll talk to you soon. All right.” O’Neal said, before switching to Hebrew.

“Shalom. Baruch Hashem [Praise God]. L’Shanah Tovah [Have a happy new year]. Shabbat Shalom.”

Petition to fire UN special rapporteur surpasses 40,000 signatures

(JNS) — UN Watch published a petition urging for the removal of Francesca Albanese, the U.N. special rapporteur for Palestinian rights, that so far has received more than 40,000 signatures towards a goal of 51,200.

The latest initiative says “the corrupt and antisemitic U.N. rapporteur has to go” and notes the ongoing investigation into alleged funding by pro-Hamas groups of a lobbying trip she made to Australia.

Other examples of bias, per the group, include writing “America is subjugated by the Jewish Lobby”; comparing Israelis to Nazis; and declaring at a pro-Hamas conference in November 2022 that “you have a right to resist,” alluding to the terrorist organization against Israel.

The petition concludes with UN Watch calling for countries to support the group’s U.N. resolution, made in July, to remove the official.

“Francesca Albanese abuses her U.N. position to incessantly spew antisemitism and Hamas propaganda, on social media, on TV and in her reports,” the group’s executive director, Hillel Neuer, stated on July 2. “Every day that she remains in office casts a shadow upon the human-rights council and the United Nations as a whole.”

Australian media company CEO ‘unreservedly’ sorry for photo of Nazi salute

(JNS) — The CEO of the Australian media company Foxtel, which has nearly 4.7 million paid subscribers and which made about $330 million last quarter, has apologized “unreservedly” after a decade-old image surfaced of him performing a Nazi salute.

Patrick Delany told the Australian site Crikey, which first published the image, that he was “shocked” to see it. “The fact I demonstrated this offensive salute was wrong and I unreservedly apologize,” he told the site. (He was then CEO of Fox Sports Australia, which is distinct from the American Fox Sports.)

Delany also told the site that he was “demonstrating the similarity” between the Nazi salute and a gesture that sports fans use.

After Jewish groups criticized his performing the Nazi gesture, Delany wrote in an email to Foxtel staff, “I am very sorry for my actions and sincerely apologize to people who have been hurt or offended, especially members of the Jewish community,” and that “the picture is completely inconsistent with my values and beliefs, and family connections.”

Jewish groups in Australia reportedly accepted the apology.

Australia passed a law in December criminalizing performing Nazi salutes in public.

Chicago police look into bomb threats at city hotels on second day of DNC

(JNS) — Chicago police investigated bomb threats against several hotels in the city on Tuesday, the second day of the Democratic National Convention.

The Chicago Police Department told the New York Post on Tuesday that “the U.S. Secret Service is aware of threats made to various locations in the downtown area. Law enforcement personnel are screening the affected areas and examining the credibility of the threat.”

Paris Schutz, Fox 32 Chicago political correspondent, reported that he saw police and K9 dogs at the Nobu Hotel in the West Loop. The TV station’s news desk said it also received an email claiming a pipe bomb threat at Nobu and three other hotels on the west side

The station noted that the threats referenced the DNC and included antisemitic statements.

This is a developing story.

Israeli consulate ‘appalled’ by violent protest near its Chicago office

(JNS) — The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest stated on Tuesday night that it is “beyond disappointed” by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s “ongoing support” for anti-Israel protests across the city, particularly during the Democratic National Convention.

Johnson has also shown “continued disregard for the large pro-Israel and Jewish community in the city,” the consulate said, after an antisemitic riot outside its offices.

Dozens of protesters were arrested outside the consulate, as U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris was officially nominated as the Democratic nominee for president two miles away, USA Today reported. Protesters reportedly burnt an American flag.

“We are appalled to see violence during the protest in front of our offices. This is anything but peaceful and completely contradictory to the spirit of the DNC,” the consulate said. “This vocal minority does not represent the vast bipartisan majority of Americans who stand strong in support of Israel.”

The consulate added that it is grateful for the law enforcement officers protecting Chicago during the convention and finds it “incredibly heartwarming to see many Americans countering this hate in front of our office, echoing the strong bond between America and Israel.”

“We applaud their self-sacrifice and countless hours of work to ensure the safety of all Chicagoans,” the consulate said of the law enforcement officers.

In February, the Chicago mayor broke a tie in the city council and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. “This resolution undermines the position of the Biden administration, the International Court of Justice and the European Union and the overwhelming majority of Americans, who understand that the release of all the hostages held in Gaza and dismantling Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure are preconditions to any ceasefire,” the Israeli consulate said at the time.

Israel releases dozens of Palestinian detainees back to Gaza

(Israel Hayom via JNS) — The Israel Defense Forces confirmed on Tuesday that approximately 40 Palestinian detainees have been released and returned to the Gaza Strip. The detainees were transferred from Israel to Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing. 

Arab social-media platforms circulated videos showing the released individuals arriving for medical check-ups at a hospital in Khan Younis. 

Responding to the reports, an IDF spokesperson stated: “During operations in the Gaza Strip, individuals suspected of terrorist activities are detained. Those deemed relevant are brought to Israel for further detention and questioning. Detainees found not to be involved in terrorist activities are released back to the Gaza Strip.”

This release comes on the heels of a controversial incident in early July, when 50 detainees were reportedly returned to Gaza, including Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the former director of Shifa Hospital whom Israeli authorities had held for interrogation. Abu Salmiya’s arrest followed multiple testimonies indicating that the hospital under his direct management had served as a Hamas command center.

The release of Abu Salmiya drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including Talik Gvili, mother of kidnapped Yasam (Israeli Police Special Patrol Unit) officer Ran Gvili. Talik penned a strongly worded letter to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, expressing her profound dismay at the decision to free Abu Salmiya. 

“The terrorist Muhammad Abu Salmiya managed Shifa Hospital—the very hospital where hostages were murdered and even held immediately after their abduction. During his interrogation, he admitted to knowing about and even assisting Hamas in concealing the hostages,” Gvili wrote.

Originally appeared in Israel Hayom.

Chicago police arrested 13 anti-Israel activists on first day of DNC

(JNS) — According to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, the beginning of the Democratic National Convention, which opened Aug. 19, saw 3,500 demonstrators opposing the Jewish state, with 13 arrested facing such charges as criminal trespass, resisting arrest and aggravated battery against officers.

On Tuesday, Snelling said that at least 10 of those apprehended were allegedly involved in a crowd breaking through a security fence. He reported that protesters had used pepper spray against police and thrown water bottles at them during a conflict a block from the convention arena in a park where most of the arrests were made.

The breached fence reportedly did not put any attendees in danger, as an inner security barrier remained intact. On Tuesday, a crew of workers installed an additional row of fences. 

On Sunday, police arrested two people on charges of misdemeanor property damage, making 15 the total arrest count so far. 

“Our officers showed great restraint,” Snelling said during a news conference. “As I’ve said before, we’re not going to tolerate anyone who is going to vandalize things in our city.”

El Al to fix prices to four places to offset flight suspensions

(JNS) — El Al has agreed to fix the prices of tickets to four destinations that will act as hubs to and from Israel until the end of 2024, in a bid to offset travel issues caused by widespread the suspension of most flights to Tel Aviv due to the war against Hamas in Gaza and the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The fixed economy-class prices for a roundtrip ticket to Larnaca, Cyprus will be $199; to Athens, Greece $299; to Vienna, Austria $349; and to Dubai, United Arab Emirates $349.

Some 80,000 tickets will be available through the end of the year, according to a statement from the national carrier.

El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. announced last Thursday a record profit of $147.4 million in the second quarter of 2024.

The airline garnered revenue of $839 million in the April-June period, 33% more than the $630 million it earned in the same time period in 2023.

In the first quarter of 2024, Israel’s flagship carrier recorded a then-record profit of $80.5 million from revenue of $738 million.

The airline also announced the signing of “the largest agreement in its history,” for up to 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at a cost of $2.5 billion.

The company has been criticized for raising its prices after Oct. 7, as many international airlines have suspended service to the Jewish state.