Weekly roundup of world briefs

Delta resumes flights to Israel

By JNS Staff

(JNS) — Delta Air Lines is restarting flights to Israel on Tuesday, becoming the latest major carrier to renew service suspended due to the Israel-Hamas war.

The moves comes two weeks after chief rival United Airlines resumed service to Tel Aviv, and ahead of the busy Passover and Easter travel season this month.

The Atlanta-based Delta said it is restoring its daily flights to Tel Aviv from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The daytime service on Delta will add nearly 2,000 weekly seats on the popular New York-Tel Aviv route.

Chicago-based United, which operated the most flights to Israel of any U.S. carrier before the war, currently offers two daily flights to Israel out of its hub at nearby Newark.

Dallas-based American Airlines has stayed away entirely from Israel since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the war and remains the only U.S. legacy carrier not to have restarted service.

Israel’s Arkia Airlines is now also offering thrice weekly flights to New York at a set price, while Israir plans to relaunch flights to the Big Apple in the future on a line it serviced last decade.

The moves by United and Delta effectively end the monopoly Israel’s flagship carrier, El Al, had on the lucrative transatlantic route through most of the 17-month war, which saw fares skyrocket amid charges of price gouging, with prices expected to drop after the holidays.

Trump admin reportedly pauses $210m in funding for Princeton amid Jew-hatred probe

By JNS Staff

(JNS) — The Trump administration is pausing $210 million in federal funding to Princeton University pending an investigation into Jew-hatred on the Ivy League campus, The Daily Caller reported on Monday.

A Trump administration official told the outlet that the private New Jersey university has “perpetuated racist and antisemitic policies.” (JNS sought comment from Princeton and the U.S. Department of Education.)

The U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act almost a year ago after a complaint by Campus Reform editor-in-chief Zachary Marschall alleged that the school has failed to counter Jew-hatred.

Marschall’s complaint cited numerous incidents on campus, including an Oct. 25, 2023, protest, during which students reportedly chanted “intifada” and “brick by brick, wall by wall, apartheid has got to fall.”

The Campus Reform editor wrote in the complaint that “the violent words of these protesters completely disregard the atrocities Hamas has already committed and promises to commit in the future against the people of Israel, including raping, murdering and kidnapping civilians.”

The Trump administration announced yesterday that it would carry out a “comprehensive review” of $9 billion in federal funding for Harvard University over the school’s failure to protect Jewish students.

As Netanyahu arrives in Budapest, Hungary announces exit from International Criminal Court

By Philissa Cramer

(JTA) — Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, the body that issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last year.

The announcement preceded Netanyahu’s arrival in Budapest for a state visit, which comes as he faces multiple scandals at home and as Israel ramps up fighting in Gaza. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a doyen of the European populist right and a longtime Netanyahu ally.

Netanyahu’s trip to the United States last month was designed to bring Netanyahu together with President Donald Trump and to shore up support for Israel’s prosecution of its war in Gaza, and saw Trump pledge to take over the Gaza Strip and remove its Palestinian residents — promises that have recently gone unmentioned. Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary demonstrates that he is able to travel abroad despite the ICC warrant against him, issued over his alleged war conduct. The United States is not party to the ICC.

Hungary had already pledged not to arrest Netanyahu if he traveled to the country. Several other countries that are party to the ICC and ideological allies with Netanyahu have made the same pledge, as have the moderate leaders of other countries, including France, who argue that the warrants are invalid because Israel is not an ICC member.

Senate committee advances Huckabee nomination for envoy to Israel

(JNS) — The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted on Wednesday to advance Mike Huckabee’s nomination to be the next U.S. ambassador to Israel.

Every Republican on the committee backed the former Arkansas governor, while every Democrat opposed him.

Republicans welcomed the vote, including Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), who introduced Huckabee at his nomination hearing on March 25.

“I’m pleased Gov. Mike Huckabee’s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to Israel was approved by the Foreign Relations Committee and is headed to the Senate floor,” Boozman wrote. “His deep understanding and love for Israel and its people will undoubtedly make him an exceptional ambassador.”

Huckabee also got a nod from his daughter, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

“Congratulations dad!” she wrote. “I’m so proud of you.” 

Huckabee’s nomination will now proceed to the full Senate, which has yet to schedule a vote.

El Al to resume Moscow flights in May

By JNS Staff

(JNS) — El Al will resume flights to Moscow next month after a four-month suspension due to the accidental downing of an Azerbaijani plane, Thursday, the Israeli flagship carrier announced on Thursday.

The airline halted flights to Moscow in December after Azeri officials said a passenger jet that crashed in Kazakhstan had been downed by Russian air defenses as a result of regional tensions from the war in Ukraine.

El AL said that it will operate seven weekly flights to Russia’s capital starting on May 1.

“The decision was made following an up-to-date situation assessment and ongoing discussions with the country’s authorities in order to ensure flight safety,” El Al said in a statement.

The Israeli carrier was one of the last Western airlines to fly to Moscow after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine prompted global aviation sanctions.

About 1.3 million Russian speakers live in Israel, about 13 percent of the population.

IDF probes security breach at base housing female soldiers

(JNS)  — The Israel Defense Forces is conducting a comprehensive investigation into a serious breach at security at Urim Camp, a military base housing female soldiers, after it was discovered that no security personnel were present at the time of the incident.

The base is located approximately 6 miles from the Gaza Strip and about 5.5 miles west of the city of Ofakim. Unauthorized individuals infiltrated the facility, causing distress among the female soldiers stationed there.

Once the breach was discovered, the IDF dispatched a designated security force composed of combat soldiers to guard the camp until regular defense forces arrived.

In a statement to JNS, the military described the incident as a “failure” and said the female soldiers had been debriefed. “The IDF regrets the distress they experienced,” the statement said.

Urim Camp is home to one of the IDF’s key signal intelligence bases operated by Unit 8200. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists targeted the base in a coordinated attack. Several soldiers were killed in the assault, including Sgt. Shir Shlomo, 19, who was posthumously recognized for her heroism.

US calculated 17% tariff on Israeli goods based on trade deficit

(JNS) — The Trump administration based its 17 percent tariff on Israeli imports, which takes effect on April 5, on the U.S.’s $7 billion annual trade deficit with the Jewish state.

American officials arrived at the rate by dividing the deficit by Israel’s $20 billion worth of exports to the U.S., resulting in 35 percent, then halving it to reach the 17 percent figure.

The move caught Israeli officials off guard, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to begin efforts to negotiate a reduction of the tariff to 10 percent, the lowest rate due to be imposed on countries by the U.S. starting on Saturday.

Israeli authorities are assessing the impact on the country’s economy, particularly on leading exports such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, and machinery.

While Israel has no plans to retaliate with tariffs on American goods, the government is considering support measures for affected exporters and exploring alternative trade opportunities with Europe and Asia.

Jewish Federations advocate for ‘financially vulnerable’ in Washington

“Our generous donors help fill many gaps, but the federal government is an

(JNS) — Professionals, lay leaders and human service agency executives from more than 50 Jewish Federations across the United States met with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to educate them about “financial vulnerability” within the Jewish community and to advocate for continued “essential federal aid” for communities across the country, Jewish Federations of North America announced.

Throughout roughly 20 meetings on Wednesday, Federation leaders urged lawmakers to strengthen and maintain Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Supplemental Security Income, among others. These programs “provide a crucial safety net for Jewish families, seniors, and other vulnerable populations,” Federations stated.

“Some 20 percent of Jewish households around the United States either cannot make ends meet or are just managing to make ends meet, and one out of three Holocaust survivors here live in poverty,” said David Goldfarb, senior director of Jewish Federations Strategic Health Center.

The group also advocated for the passage of the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, which would increase the program’s asset limits. Currently, individuals must have less than $2000 in their savings account to qualify for SSI. Such an update to SSI would “ensure that recipients can save for emergencies and other basic needs without putting their benefits at risk,” Federations stated. 

“Financial insecurity affects every aspect of Jewish life, from access to critical health and human services, participation in synagogue life and community activities, and access to nutritious Kosher food,” said Jason Wuliger, chair of Jewish Federations of North America’s Public Affairs Committee. 

“For generations, the Jewish Federation network has been a cornerstone of community strength and resilience, and our generous donors help fill many gaps, but the federal government is an indispensable partner in helping people overcome poverty,” he added. 

London mayor slams Israel in holiday greeting to Muslims

(JNS) — London Mayor Sadiq Khan singled out Israel for criticism in a Muslim holiday greeting his week, and, ignoring Hamas, suggested the Jewish state was guilty of “betraying humanity” by killing Palestinians in Gaza.

The March 29 remarks by Khan, who is a Muslim member of the Labour Party, prompted strong-worded pushback by British Jewish community groups.

“More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza as a result of Israel’s ongoing military campaign, including more than 15,000 children,” Khan said in his greeting for Eid al-Fitr, a joyous holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. The “appalling suffering and killing that continues in Sudan and Palestine” were “betrayals of humanity” that “tempered” the holiday’s joy, he added.

The Jewish Leadership Council, the umbrella group of British Jewish organizations and communities, said in a statement that it was “disappointed” that instead of promoting “unity and fellowship between Londoners,” Khan’s greeting spoke “in emotive terms about an international conflict which has resulted in an unprecedented rise in antisemitism across the United Kingdom.”

Others criticized Khan for repeating disputed statistics originating in the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza.  

Queried about these complaints by the Jewish News of London, a spokesperson for Khan told the newspaper: “The mayor has repeatedly conveyed his outrage at attacks by Hamas on Israel and has strongly condemned these acts of terrorism. He is deeply saddened by the loss of all lives and continues to support calls for a permanent ceasefire.”

IDF shoots down terror rocket launched from Gaza

(JNS) — Sirens sounded in Kibbutz Nahal Oz on the Gaza border on Thursday night as the Israel Defense Forces intercepted a terrorist rocket launched from the Strip toward the Jewish state’s territory.

“Following alerts that were activated at 8:02 p.m. in Nahal Oz, the Air Force intercepted a launch that crossed into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip,” stated the military.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damages in the attack.

On Wednesday night, the IDF downed two terror rockets heading for Israeli territory from the northern Gaza Strip. No injuries or damages were reported in the rocket assault on Israel.

Earlier on Wednesday, Israelis in Kibbutz Kissufim near Gaza were briefly sent into bomb shelters after the IDF detected a “suspicious aerial target” crossing from the Strip.

The IDF said the incident “ended” without injuries, but did not say if the suspected aerial target was shot down by air defenses or hit inside Israeli territory without causing casualties.

Volunteer on Israeli army base, learn Krav Maga

(JNS) — Sar-El, a volunteer organization supporting the Israel Defense Forces, is offering two new programs to encourage Diaspora Jews to help the Jewish state as war with Hamas and other terrorist entities continues.

It is partnering with Birthright Israel to offer a two-week volunteer experience for 18- to 50-year-olds. Participants will have the opportunity to assist Israel’s defense efforts—from organizing supplies to buttressing essential logistics for the IDF.

Sar-El is also offering a two-week program combining logistical support for the IDF with Krav Maga training in partnership with the Wingate Institute, Israel’s National Center for Physical Education and Sport.

The program is designed to provide volunteers with the chance to contribute directly to Israel’s frontline efforts while gaining self-defense skills. Tasks include packing medical supplies, sorting essential equipment and organizing food packages for soldiers.

This experience includes two on-base training sessions led by Krav Maga experts and two immersive day-long visits to the Wingate Institute, south of Netanya. Participants must be under the age of 70.

Sar-El also plans to join a march for Israel in New York City on May 18.

Freed Israeli hostage recalls hunger as Hamas captors ate

(JNS) — An Israeli who was freed in February after more than a year of captivity in Gaza told dozens of foreign ambassadors in Vienna on Friday about his ordeal in the hands of Hamas terrorists amid starvation and extreme thirst.

“There were days when we received only a single pita. We begged our captors, even offering them massages. We pleaded for every crumb and collected each one,” Tal Shoham said in his speech at the United Nations offices in Vienna. Meanwhile, his captors “always had abundant food, including fresh vegetables and fruits.”

The Israeli mission to the United Nations organized and live-streamed Shoham’s testimony. 

Shoham, 39, came to Vienna with the families of Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David, who remain in the Strip. All three men were among the 251 people abducted from Israel to the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023. Fifty-nine hostages, living and dead, are still being held in Gaza.

“I am here because I believe that each and every one of you holds power—the power to expedite the return of my brothers and sisters still in Gaza,” he told the diplomats.

“The international community cannot remain on the sidelines and allow Hamas and Islamic Jihad to grow like a cancer,” Shoham said. “As long as the world accepts terrorism as a legitimate tool, peace in the Middle East will remain an impossible dream, and the conflict will never end.”