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Massachusetts Police Clear Pro-Palestinian Encampment at MIT

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Massachusetts Police Clear Pro-Palestinian Encampment at MIT

Police began dismantling a pro-Palestinian tent encampment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the early hours of Friday morning.

Reports indicate that protestors are being detained, with video footage capturing officers navigating through the encampment. While organizers estimate that only around 10 people were present inside the camp, a larger crowd outside has begun to gather, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans.

This action follows escalating tensions at campuses across the United States and Europe, where standoffs between protesters and authorities have been occurring. Responses to these protests have varied, with some colleges immediately cracking down, while others have tolerated the demonstrations. Concerns over disruptions to campus life and safety have prompted some institutions to involve law enforcement.

The decision to dismantle the encampment at MIT comes after a previous attempt by police was met with resistance from protesters, who managed to reestablish the encampment shortly afterward. Situated in the heart of the Cambridge campus, the encampment consists of approximately a dozen tents. Prior to the removal, MIT had begun suspending numerous students involved in the encampment, preventing them from engaging in academic activities or participating in commencement ceremonies.

Protesters said that they remain steadfast in their demand for MIT to sever all ties with the IDF.

Putin Begins Fifth Term, More in Control of Russia Than Ever

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Putin Begins Fifth Term, More in Control of Russia Than Ever

(AP) – Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine, and concentrating all power in his hands.

Already in office for nearly a quarter-century and the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, Putin’s new term doesn’t expire until 2030, when he will be constitutionally eligible to run again.

At the ceremony inside the gilded Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin placed his hand on the Russian Constitution and vowed to defend it as a crowd of hand-picked dignitaries looked on.

Since succeeding President Boris Yeltsin in the waning hours of 1999, Putin has transformed Russia from a country emerging from economic collapse to a pariah state that threatens global security. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine that has become Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, Russia has been heavily sanctioned by the West and is turning to other regimes like China, Iran, and North Korea for support.

The question now is what the 71-year-old Putin will do over the course of another six years, both at home and abroad.

Russian forces are gaining ground in Ukraine, deploying scorched-earth tactics as Kyiv grapples with shortages of men and ammunition. Both sides are taking heavy casualties.

Ukraine has brought the battle to Russian soil through drone and missile attacks, especially in border regions. In a speech in February, Putin vowed to fulfill Moscow’s goals in Ukraine, and do what is needed to “defend our sovereignty and security of our citizens.”

Shortly after his orchestrated reelection in March, Putin suggested that a confrontation between NATO and Russia is possible, and he declared he wanted to carve out a buffer zone in Ukraine to protect his country from cross-border attacks.

At home, Putin’s popularity is closely tied to improving living standards for ordinary Russians.

He began his term in 2018 by promising to get Russia into the top five global economies, vowing it should be “modern and dynamic.” Instead, Russia’s economy has pivoted to a war footing, and authorities are spending record amounts on defense.

Analysts say now that Putin has secured another six years in power, the government could take the unpopular steps of raising taxes to fund the war and pressure more men to join the military.

At the start of a new term, the Russian government is routinely dissolved so that Putin can name a new prime minister and Cabinet.

One key area to watch is the Defense Ministry.

Last year, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu came under pressure over his conduct of the war, with mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin launching withering criticism against him for shortages of ammunition for his private contractors fighting in Ukraine. Prigozhin’s brief uprising in June against the Defense Ministry represented the biggest threat to Putin’s rule.

After Prigozhin was killed two months later in a mysterious plane crash, Shoigu appeared to have survived the infighting. But last month, his protege, Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, was detained on charges of bribery amid reports of rampant corruption.

Some analysts have suggested Shoigu could become a victim of the government reshuffle, but that would be a bold move as the war is still raging in Ukraine.

In the years following the invasion, authorities have cracked down on any form of dissent with a ferocity not seen since Soviet times. There is no sign that this repression will ease in Putin’s new term.

His greatest political foe, opposition leader Alexei Navalny, died in an Arctic penal colony in February. Other prominent critics have either been imprisoned or have fled the country, and even some of his opponents abroad fear for their security.

Laws have been enacted that threaten long prison terms for anyone who discredits the military. The Kremlin also targets independent media, rights groups, LGBTQ+ activists and others who don’t hew to what Putin has emphasized as Russia’s “traditional family values.”

Source: Hamodia

JetBlue Apologizes, Bans Political Pins on Crew-Members

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JetBlue Apologizes, Bans Political Pins on Crew-Members

Jet Blue airlines has apologized and changed a longstanding policy after an incident on one of their flights went viral on social media this week.

The disturbing incident was shared by a Jewish passenger on a Jet Blue flight, who was accused of ‘causing a disturbance’ after he objected to a flight attendant’s Palestine flag pin.

Paul Faust, 54, shared on video that on a flight to Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, he felt uncomfortable by the pin worn by the flight attendant, but he opted to remain quiet about it. He said that when the crew member put on an apron for serving drinks and moved the Palestine pin on top so it still showed, he took it as a deliberate provocation, especially since she was wearing several other pins, including a Black Lives Matter pin, which she did not move over her apron, he said.

The Parkland, Florida-based telecoms entrepreneur said that he quietly made a complaint about the pin to a supervisor on the plane.

“I said: ‘I don’t want there to be an issue. Maybe speak with her after we leave the plane. Just talk about how it was maybe a little insensitive, it made me feel a little uncomfortable,’” he relates.

But when the plane landed, he said, a uniformed official approached him and demanded to see his ID, claiming he caused a disturbance on the plane. The official then called the police. Faust left quickly, but found out later that the airline had canceled his return flight.

When he called customer service, he said he was shocked by what they told him.

“They read me the notes. It said ‘Mr. Faust caused a disturbance on the flight, did not listen to flight crew instructions’ – not true, there was no instruction I was given – ‘didn’t listen to the supervisor at the gate… And Mr. Faust said everyone should go to Gaza so they can be killed.’

“That was not true at all,” he said.

Faust, who is Jewish, is accusing the airline of ‘blatant antisemitism’ over the incident.

Multiple passengers on the flight confirmed Mr. Faust’s version of the story to the Daily Mail.

JetBlue later reached out to Mr. Faust for his version of the story and said it would be investigated, Dan’s Deals website reported.

In a statement to Dan’s Deals, JetBlue said that due to this incident, they have now changed their previous policy, which allowed crewmembers to wear one unoffensive personal pin of their choice. Crewmembers can now only wear pins approved or issued by JetBlue. The airline notes that they have apologized to Mr. Faust and hope to serve him again in the future. They also note that after further review of the incident, they will take action against any employees that violated JetBlue policies.

Full statement below:

“As New York’s Hometown Airline, we are proud of our long history welcoming customers of different backgrounds and faiths from around the world. JetBlue does not tolerate discriminatory conduct, and we are committed to providing a respectful and welcoming environment for all our customers and crewmembers. We are taking this matter very seriously and conducting a full investigation into our crewmembers’ actions. We will take appropriate action once our investigation is complete as a result of non-compliance with any JetBlue policies.

At JetBlue, our #1 value is safety, and it guides every decision JetBlue makes. Our crewmembers should be focused on the safety of our flights and delivering a great customer experience. We have changed our uniform policy to make clear that on board the aircraft is not the right place for crewmembers to advocate positions on certain issues or political topics. Going forward crewmembers will only be permitted to wear pins approved or issued by JetBlue.

We had previously identified that our pin policy, which had dated back many years and allowed crewmembers to wear one unoffensive personal pin of their choice, needed to be updated to reflect the current environment. In light of this incident, we urgently expedited this change.

We have reached out to listen to Mr. Faust and offer our apologies for the breakdown in our policies during his flight. We hope with these actions we can welcome him back onto a JetBlue flight in the future.” COLLIVE.COM

 

Source: Matzav

Zera Shimshon – Acharai Mos

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Zera Shimshon – Acharai Mos

Phyllis Shallman – The Power of Two

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Phyllis Shallman – The Power of Two
The Unbeatable Advantage of Having a Wing Person

In the journey toward success, the significance of partnership—having a wing person by your side—cannot be overstated. This truth is vividly illustrated in various arenas, from the dazzling courts of the NBA to the innovative hubs of Silicon Valley, where legendary duos have transcended the boundaries of greatness, achieving what seemed impossible. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in basketball, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski in the NFL, Steve Jobs and Jony Ive in technology, and Bill Gates and Paul Allen in the personal computing revolution have all demonstrated the unparalleled power of dynamic partnerships.

How Championships Work

Jordan and Pippen’s electrifying synergy on the basketball court propelled the Chicago Bulls to an era of dominance, clinching six NBA championships in the 1990s. Their unspoken understanding and complementary styles etched their names into the annals of sports history.

Similarly, Brady and Gronkowski’s almost telepathic connection on the football field led to record-shattering performances and vital contributions to their team’s Super Bowl victories, showcasing the profound impact of teamwork and mutual trust.

As skilled and talented as each athlete might be, it’s impossible for someone to both give an assist and receive it, or to throw a pass and then catch it themselves. Collaboration is essential; it takes two to truly make a play successful. This underscores the importance of teamwork and mutual support in achieving any goal, reminding us that even the most capable individuals need others to reach the pinnacle of success.

How Innovation Works

Away from the glare of sports, the creative fusion between Steve Jobs and Jony Ive revolutionized consumer electronics, giving us the iPhone and MacBook, which have fundamentally transformed our way of life. In the realm of software, Bill Gates and Paul Allen’s partnership birthed Microsoft Corporation, a giant in the PC software industry, illustrating how collaboration between minds with shared visions but diverse strengths can lead to extraordinary achievements.

When it comes to the path to success, every business leader brought a unique set of skills and perspectives to the table, each playing a distinct role that often varied significantly from their counterparts. This diversity in roles wasn’t just happenstance; it was a strategic approach to ensure a well-rounded and multifaceted strategy for tackling the myriad challenges that arise in the business arena, as well as capitalizing on the numerous opportunities that present themselves.

By combining their unique strengths and perspectives, these leaders were able to create a synergistic environment that fostered innovative solutions and strategies, significantly contributing to the collective achievement of the company’s objectives and propelling the organization toward its goals.

These iconic pairs exemplify the essence of having a wing person—a partner with whom to share every challenge and triumph, a collaborator whose strengths complement your own, creating a synergy that propels both to new heights. Their stories are a testament to the fact that when talents converge within a framework of mutual understanding and respect, the potential for success is limitless.

The Start of a Legendary Pair

In the dynamic and evolving world of WealthWave, the partnership between Tom Mathews and Bill Mitchell exemplifies the power of collaboration and mutual respect. Their journey began serendipitously when they reconnected at a Christmas party in 1986, after having shared experiences from attending the same high school to dating cousins which they married. This chance meeting ignited a friendship that has only intensified and grown over the years.

At first glance, they seemed like an unlikely pair. Tom was known for playing his trumpet in the band, while Bill spent his afternoons perfecting his serve on the tennis court. However, despite their differing interests, it was their common ground that eventually brought them together, creating an unexpected friendship.

Their bond, built on a foundation of shared vision and experiences, has become stronger with each passing day. Since that fateful reunion, Tom and Bill have been inseparable, embarking on a journey of entrepreneurial success characterized by shared goals, a commitment to excellence, and an unshakeable trust in each other’s abilities.

“Having a wing person in this journey has not only amplified our successes but has also provided a support system through every high and low. It’s a partnership built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision.”

– Bill Mitchell

Together, they have navigated the challenges and triumphs of the financial world, their partnership serving as a beacon of stability and innovation. Through collaborative efforts and a relentless pursuit of their vision, they have not only achieved personal success but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue their own dreams in the WealthWave universe.

“We’ve always believed that together, we could achieve more than we ever could alone,” Tom Mathews reflects. “Our journey has been a testament to the power of partnership and the incredible results it can yield.”

Their enduring alliance underscores the importance of finding a wing person, especially within WealthWave’s leadership. This collaboration isn’t merely about combining efforts; it’s about creating a bond that fosters innovation, drives motivation, and transcends the ordinary.

In the cinematic world, the concept of the wing person is perhaps most memorably encapsulated by the 1986 film Top Gun, where the bonds of friendship, trust, and mutual support are celebrated amidst the high stakes of aerial combat. One quote from this iconic movie resonates deeply with the essence of partnership explored throughout this narrative.

Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, portrayed by Tom Cruise, captures the spirit of camaraderie when he confidently declares, “You can be my wing man anytime.” This simple yet profound statement highlights the respect and reliance that form the core of any successful partnership, embodying the unwavering trust and mutual support that every wing person relationship should aspire to achieve.

“The most powerful element in life is not the solo flight, but when two people join forces, combine their strengths, and lift each other up. That’s when the impossible becomes achievable.”

– Tom Mathews

The Blueprint For Success

In the world of entrepreneurship and leadership, having a wing person can make all the difference, and Tom Mathews and Bill Mitchell exemplify this concept in their enduring partnership. But what exactly is a wing person, and why is it so crucial to have one on your journey to success? At its core, a wing person is someone who supports you, has your back, and helps you achieve your goals.

The power of two is an unbeatable advantage in any pursuit. The synergy created by a strong partnership can overcome any obstacle and unlock untapped potential. Finding your wing person, whether in business, sports, or life, is essential to achieving success beyond imagination.

As Tom Mathews eloquently puts it, “Two heads are always better than one, especially when working toward a common goal. Having a wing person by your side can make all the difference.” So, take a moment to reflect on your journey and ask yourself, “Do I have a wing person?” If not, it’s time to find one and unlock the unbeatable power of two.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders should take a leaf from Tom and Bill’s book, identifying a wing person with whom they can share their journey. The synergy of a dynamic duo can make the seemingly impossible, possible, transforming dreams into reality. The incredible stories of legendary partnerships serve as a reminder that in every journey toward success, having a wing person is an invaluable asset. Whether it’s in sports, technology, or business, the power of two is unbeatable and essential for achieving extraordinary results. So, find your wing person and embark on a journey to greatness together.

Partnerships are not limited to just two people; they can also extend to teams, communities, and even global collaborations. In today’s interconnected world, the power of two is more relevant than ever before. With the right partnership, anything is possible, and the potential for success knows no bounds. So embrace the concept of having a wing person and experience firsthand the unbeatable advantage it brings to all aspects of your life.

Who Could be Your Wing person?

This is an important consideration for anyone on a path to success. Think deeply about the people in your life whom you admire, trust, and respect. Who resonates with your vision and ambitions? This individual could be a devoted team member, a reliable friend, a supportive colleague, or perhaps someone you have not yet had the pleasure of meeting.

The crucial element here is the mutual commitment to support one another in the pursuit of success. A true wing person is someone who complements your strengths, helps you overcome your weaknesses, and encourages you to reach new heights. Remember, the journey to success is not a solo endeavor but a collaborative effort, enriched by the contributions of those who share our goals and dreams.

We recommend identifying your wing person today and starting your journey of unparalleled success in partnership. Together, you can achieve greatness and inspire others to do the same. As our leadership philosophy could state, “If it is to be, it’s up to me… and my wing person.” Go forth and find your wing person, because with the right partner by your side, anything is possible.  So never underestimate the power of a strong partnership, and remember, with the right wing person, the sky’s the limit.  So what are you waiting for? Find your wing person today and soar to new heights together!

Let the legendary partnerships of Jordan and Pippen, Brady and Gronkowski, Jobs and Ive, Gates and Allen, and Mathews and Mitchell inspire you. Seek out your wing person, and together, charge ahead with the conviction that anything is possible.

To every leader in WealthWave and beyond: find your wing person, forge your path, and let the power of two guide you to unprecedented heights. Together, we all are unstoppable. Let’s make history.

Dr. Mindy Boxer – The Benefits of Detoxifying your Body with Acupuncture

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Dr. Mindy Boxer – The Benefits of Detoxifying your Body with Acupuncture

Life can be incredibly stressful. Even if things are “going well,” the constant pull of the needs of others including kids, coworkers, parents, and even friends can leave us feeling drained and often leads us into making poor lifestyle choices. But what if there was a place you could go to heal your body and your mind? A sanctuary of sorts, where you can find serenity and healing through the art of acupuncture. Your acupuncturist can help you find the path to detoxification—a journey of renewal and revitalization for both body and soul. 

What to Expect

When you arrive,  I will perform a comprehensive health assessment so that I can better understand your goals and concerns. As you settle into the comfort of the treatment room, envision gentle and precise hands expertly selecting slender needles, each one a conduit to your body’s innate healing power. Guided by years of training to the acupuncture point that will be most effective, the slender needle is inserted, and you may feel a subtle shift, a release of tension, as if the weight of the world is being lifted from your shoulders. This is the profound impact of acupuncture — a gentle yet necessary journey to detoxification.

But what exactly is the science behind this ancient practice? According to a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the body’s natural detoxification processes, aiding in the elimination of toxins through the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system. Furthermore, statistics from the National Institutes of Health reveal a growing acceptance of acupuncture in the Western world, with over 14 million adults in the United States alone reporting its use as a complementary therapy.

As you lie there, enveloped in a cocoon of calm, consider the myriad benefits of acupuncture for detoxification. Not only does it assist in flushing out toxins from the body, but it also promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and restores balance to mind and body. Depending on your health concerns, your practitioner can work with you to determine the number of sessions that will help you achieve your goals. I might also advise you on changes to your diet and may also prescribe herbs and/or supplements that can help you detoxify your body. With each session, you may find yourself feeling lighter, more energized, and more vibrant — ready to face the world with renewed vitality.

The journey of detoxification through acupuncture is a deeply personal and transformative experience. As you embark on this path towards wellness, may you find solace in the gentle touch of ancient wisdom and the profound healing power of your own body. So, why not take the first step today? Are you ready to rediscover radiance and embark on a journey of holistic healing with acupuncture?

It’s time to make your health and wellness a priority. Taking care of yourself helps you take care of the ones you love. Talk to me today and make that appointment!

Call and make an appointment today!

Dr. Mindy Boxer is a holistic practitioner who has grown into her specialties in an organic way. Understanding a range of disciplines allows her to integrate the wisdom of Ancient healing in combination with the most recent innovations in Scientific research. This dynamic blend has enabled Dr. Boxer to help patients in the prevention and treatment of disease for over 25 years.
At age 15, Dr. Boxer began her lifelong practice of Yoga & Meditation, read many Nutrition books, began Juicing her Vegetables, and explored and all Raw Diet.  Recognizing the importance of Nutrition in overall health, she earned her Ph.D. in 1986 in Nutrition and Human Behavior, providing her with a solid foundation to counsel and educate patients on how to attain health and vitality.
Her informative Lectures and appetizing Cooking Classes were the perfect forum to educate the community about the effects of food on Mood and Behavior, as well as in innovative ways to balance Body Chemistry in order to achieve overall well being.
Sensing a need to expand her training and understanding of the human body as a whole system, Dr. Boxer continued her studies in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,  and in 1993 earned a Masters Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Medical Board of the State of California in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and is also licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.
These diverse disciplines give Dr. Boxer a unique view of the human body and how to keep it functioning in an optimal manner. Her practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Functional Nutrition have a profound effect on Hormonal balance, Rejuvenation, and Immune system enhancement.
Dr. Boxer has a particularly keen understanding of Women’s Health issues including Gynecological irregularity, PMS, Fertility, IUI & UVF support, Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, and Menopausal issues. Her interest in the human body as a dynamic system has given her the understanding to deal with such problems as improper Digestion and elimination, Cancer Support, Allergies, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.
She has also studied the art and science of Homeopathy, earning her Diplomate in Homeopathy from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in 1995. This allows her to treat the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally.

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l – Holy People, Holy Land ACHAREI MOT • 5771 5784

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Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l – Holy People, Holy Land ACHAREI MOT • 5771 5784

I had been engaged in dialogue for two years with an Imam from the Middle East, a gentle and seemingly moderate man. One day, in the middle of our conversation, he turned to me and asked, “Why do you Jews need a land? After all, Judaism is a religion, not a country or a nation.”

I decided at that point to discontinue the dialogue. There are 56 Islamic states and more than 100 nations in which Christians form the majority of the population. There is only one Jewish state, 1/25th the size of France, roughly the same size as the Kruger National Park in South Africa. With those who believe that Jews, alone among the nations of the world, are not entitled to their own land, it is hard to hold a conversation.

Yet the question of the need for a land of our own is worth exploring. There is no doubt, as D.J. Clines explains in his book, The Theme of the Pentateuch, that the central narrative of the Torah is the promise of and journey to the land of Israel. Yet why is this so? Why did the people of the covenant need their own land? Why was Judaism not, on the one hand, a religion that can be practised by individuals wherever they happen to be, or on the other, a religion like Christianity or Islam whose ultimate purpose is to convert the world so that everyone can practise the one true faith?

The best way of approaching an answer is through an important comment of the Ramban (Nahmanides, Rabbi Moses ben Nachman Girondi, born Gerona, 1194, died in Israel, 1270) on this week’s parsha. Chapter 18 contains a list of forbidden sexual practices. It ends with this solemn warning:

Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. The land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. But you must keep My decrees and My laws . . . If you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you.

Lev. 18:24-28

Nahmanides asks the obvious question. Reward and punishment in the Torah are based on the principle of middah kenegged middah, measure for measure. The punishment must fit the sin or crime. It makes sense to say that if the Israelites neglected or broke mitzvot hateluyot ba’aretz, the commands relating to the land of Israel, the punishment would be exile from the land of Israel. So the Torah says in the curses in Bechukotai:

“All the time that it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not have during the sabbaths you lived in it.”

Lev. 26:35

Its meaning is clear: this will be the punishment for not observing the laws of shemittah, the sabbatical year. Shemittah is a command relating to the land. Therefore the punishment for its non-observance is exile from the land.

But sexual offences have nothing to do with the land. They are mitzvot hateluyot baguf, commands relating to person, not place. Ramban answers by stating that all the commands are intrinsically related to the land of Israel. It is simply not the same to put on tefillin or keep kashrut or observe Shabbat in the Diaspora as in Israel. In support of his position he quotes the Talmud (Ketubot 110b) which says:

“Whoever lives outside the land is as if he had no God” and the Sifre that states, “Living in the land of Israel is of equal importance to all the commandments of the Torah.”

Ketubot 110b

The Torah is the constitution of a holy people in the holy land.

Ramban explains this mystically but we can understand it non-mystically by reflecting on the opening chapters of the Torah and the story they tell about the human condition and about God’s disappointment with the only species – us – He created in His image. God sought a humanity that would freely choose to do the will of its Creator. Humanity chose otherwise. Adam and Eve sinned. Cain murdered his brother Abel. Within a short time “the earth was filled with violence” and God “regretted that He had made human beings on earth.” He brought a flood and began again, this time with the righteous Noah, but again humans disappointed Him by building a city with a tower on which they sought to reach heaven, and God chose another way of bringing humanity to recognise him – this time not by universal rules (though these remained, namely the covenant with all humanity through Noah), but by a living example: Abraham, Sarah and their children.

In Genesis 18 the Torah makes clear what God sought from Abraham: that he would teach his children and his household after him “to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just.” Homo sapiens is, as both Aristotle and Maimonides said, a social animal, and righteousness and justice are features of a good society. We know from the story of Noah and the Ark that a righteous individual can save themselves but not the society in which they live, unless they transform the society in which they live.

Taken collectively, the commands of the Torah are a prescription for the construction of a society with the consciousness of God at its centre. God asks the Jewish people to become a role model for humanity by the shape and texture of the society they build, a society characterised by justice and the rule of law, welfare and concern for the poor, the marginal, the vulnerable and the weak, a society in which all would have equal dignity under the sovereignty of God. Such a society would win the admiration, and eventually the emulation, of others:

See, I have taught you decrees and laws . . . so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will be your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people” . . . What other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?

Deut. 4:5-8

A society needs a land, a home, a location in space, where a nation can shape its own destiny in accord with its deepest aspirations and ideals. Jews have been around for a long time, almost four thousand years since Abraham began his journey. During that period they have lived in every country on the face of the earth, under good conditions and bad, freedom and persecution. Yet in all that time there was only one place where they formed a majority and exercised sovereignty, the land of Israel, a tiny country of difficult terrain and all too little rainfall, surrounded by enemies and empires.

Jews never relinquished the dream of return. Wherever they were, they prayed about Israel and facing Israel. The Jewish people has always been the circumference of a circle at whose centre was the holy land and Jerusalem the holy city. During those long centuries of exile they lived suspended between memory and hope, sustained by the promise that one day God would bring them back.

Only in Israel is the fulfilment of the commands a society-building exercise, shaping the contours of a culture as a whole. Only in Israel can we fulfil the commands in a land, a landscape and a language saturated with Jewish memories and hopes. Only in Israel does the calendar track the rhythms of the Jewish year. In Israel Judaism is part of the public square, not just the private, sequestered space of synagogue, school and home.

Jews need a land because they are a nation charged with bringing the Divine Presence down to earth in the shared spaces of our collective life, not least – as the last chapter of Acharei Mot makes clear – by the way we conduct our most intimate relationships, a society in which marriage is sacrosanct and sexual fidelity the norm.

This message, that Jews need a land to create their society and follow the Divine plan, contains a message for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. To Christians and Muslims it says: if you believe in the God of Abraham, grant that the children of Abraham have a right to the Land that the God in whom you believe promised them, and to which He promised them that after exile they would return.

To Jews it says: that very right comes hand-in-hand with a duty to live individually and collectively by the standards of justice and compassion, fidelity and generosity, love of neighbour and of stranger, that alone constitute our mission and destiny: a holy people in the holy land.

Who is paying for the American campus protests?

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Who is paying for the American campus protests?

‘What we are seeing is not a random emotional response but the fruition of 20 years of groundwork and preparation by several anti-Israeli, pro-terror groups.’

By Simon Sherman, JNS

Over the past few weeks, dramatic scenes of mob action have unfolded across dozens of campuses across the United States.

Large groups of students, faculty and professional agitators have taken over major swaths of quads and other areas to voice support for the Hamas terror organization and to intimidate pro-Israeli and Jewish students. These protests have often taken the form of encampments in central locations on university grounds, which have prevented Jewish students from accessing classes and other facilities.

In several cases, the catatonic response of the university administration has encouraged these protesters to escalate their tactics, including the destruction of property, physical violence against students, seizure of buildings and even holding university staff against their will. Chants in support of Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, bombing Israel and general terrorist action have been the consistent soundtrack in the background of all these protests.

The synchronized eruption of these protests, the use of common talking points and well-oiled logistics surrounding the supply of sleeping arrangements, food, water and medical support for the protesters have raised red flags surrounding the organization and funding for this spontaneous phenomenon.

“What we are seeing is not a random emotional response but the fruition of 20 years of groundwork and preparation by several anti-Israeli, pro-terror groups,” Gerald Steinberg, head of the Jerusalem-based NGO Monitor organization, told JNS. A closer look into the organizational structure of these mob actions reveals a complex web of student groups, NGOs, nonprofits and even foreign governments.

On the surface level, there is a series of student groups that are organizing these protests—the most prominent among them being Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and Within Our Lifetime (WOL). “SJP has no U.S. revenue service (IRS) status and most of the money sources are hidden, which raises major concerns,” Steinberg said. “There is simply no transparency about who is funding them.”

Hatem Bazian, the founder of SJP, is one of the clearest links between these protests and terror organizations. Bazian was previously a major fundraiser for the Ohio-based nonprofit Kindhearts, which was censured in 2006 by the U.S. Treasury Department for giving money to Hamas. Kindhearts settled with the Treasury Department and was dissolved in 2012 over the 2006 case.

Bazian was also a prominent advocate and speaker for the Islamic Association for Palestine (IAP), which shut down after it was found liable in civil court in 2004 for its support of Hamas. “Hatem Bazian, the head of SJP, has clear connections to various terror organizations,” Steinberg told JNS.

A recent report by the New York-based Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) shed some light on the source of SJP’s funding. ISGAP found the central donors to be Westchester People’s Action Coalition (WESPAC); Tides Foundation; American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), its parent organization Americans for Justice in Palestine (AJP); and JVP.

Bazian is also a co-founder of AMP. AMP is currently under investigation by the Virginia Attorney General after being accused of being a reincarnation of the IAP. Its former executive director, Abdelbaset Hamayel, and its current one, Osama Abuirshaid, were IAP board members and directors, respectively.

 

Source: World Israel News

Average Long-Term Us Mortgage Rate Rises for Again, Reaching Highest Level More Than Five Months

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Average Long-Term Us Mortgage Rate Rises for Again, Reaching Highest Level More Than Five Months

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage climbed this week to its highest level in more than five months, pushing up borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers in what’s typically the housing market’s busiest stretch of the year.

The rate rose to 7.22% from 7.17% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.39%.

When mortgage rates rise, they can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers. That limits how much homebuyers can afford at a time when a relatively limited number of homes on the market coupled with heightened competition for the most affordable properties has kept prices marching higher.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has now increased five weeks in a row. It hasn’t been this high since November 30.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also rose this week, lifting the average rate to 6.47% from 6.44% last week. A year ago, it averaged 5.76%, Freddie Mac said.

Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, including how the bond market reacts to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy and the moves in the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.

After climbing to a 23-year high of 7.79% in October, the average rate stayed below 7% this year until last month, as stronger-than-expected economic data and inflation dimmed optimism among bond investors that the Fed would be able to start cutting its short-term interest rate sooner, rather than later.

In its latest interest rate policy statement Wednesday, the Fed said it doesn’t plan to cut interest rates until it has “greater confidence” that price increases are slowing sustainably to its 2% target.

Until then, mortgage rates are unlikely to ease significantly, economists say.

“Recent data reflects a surprisingly resilient economy, which means rate cuts expectations have pushed out further into the back half of the year,” said Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com.

The uptick in mortgage rates in recent weeks is an unwelcome trend for home shoppers this spring homebuying season. On average, more than one-third of all homes sold in a given year are purchased between March and June.

“With two months left of this historically busy period, potential homebuyers will likely not see relief from rising rates anytime soon,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell last month as homebuyers contended with elevated mortgage rates and rising prices.

To cope with rising borrowing costs, some homebuyers are turning to adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs. These types of loans accounted for nearly 8% of all mortgage applications last week, the highest level this year, the Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday.

“Prospective homebuyers are looking for ways to improve affordability, and switching to an ARM is one means of doing that, with ARM rates in the mid-6% range for loans with an initial fixed period of 5 years,” said Mike Fratantoni, the MBA’s chief economist.

Source: VosIzNeias

Rebuilding Baltimore’s Key Bridge Expected to Cost Up to $1.9 Billion

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Rebuilding Baltimore’s Key Bridge Expected to Cost Up to $1.9 Billion

Rebuilding the Baltimore bridge destroyed by a container ship in March will cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, according to Maryland estimates.

Officials are targeting fall 2028 for completing the new bridge, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said in an interview.

The replacement for the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which originally opened in 1977, will be designed to meet modern safety standards and will not be vulnerable to collapse if a single component fails, Wiedefeld said. Its towers may also be placed farther apart to give ships a bigger buffer, he said.

Maryland officials said the cost estimates are in line with projects of a similar scale and complexity, including the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge in California, which opened in 2020 and cost about $1.5 billion. The Key Bridge replacement, like the Long Beach bridge, will be designed as a “cable-stayed” span, in which the bridge deck is held up by cables connected to towers.

The federal government stands to be repaid from insurance on the bridge, potentially to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, and could receive additional funds from legal proceedings against companies that are found to be responsible for the collision, Wiedefeld said.

The cost estimates and timeline come as a congressional delegation sets out Thursday to survey the wreckage and the stranded Singapore-flagged cargo ship Dali that created it after losing power and slamming into the bridge on March 26.

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D- Conn.), the committee’s top Democrat, will be among the lawmakers on hand for a boat tour and briefing from Coast Guard and other officials overseeing the cleanup of debris blocking the main shipping channel to the Port of Baltimore, according to two people with direct knowledge of the event who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the visit, which is closed to the public.

A spokesperson for Cole did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

After surveying the disaster site last month, President Biden vowed not to rest “until the cement has dried on the entirety of a new bridge.”

Biden said he intends to have the federal government cover the full cost of rebuilding the bridge – “all of it,” he said – and called on Congress to authorize that effort as soon as possible.

Some congressional Republicans have raised concerns over Biden’s push for funding. Members of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers, are seeking concessions in exchange for any new funds for Baltimore.

(c) Washington Post

Source: Matzav

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