NEW YORK NEWS
Former President Donald Trump has filed appeals to overturn a $454 million judgment in a civil fraud case in New York. The case, led by Attorney General Letitia James, accused Trump of providing misleading financial statements to banks for better loan terms. Judge Arthur Engoron ruled in favor of James earlier this month, ordering Trump to pay over $350 million and banning him from business activities in New York for three years. Trump’s lawyers claim the judge made errors and acted beyond his jurisdiction. They’re seeking a stay to halt financial collection pending the appeal. Trump’s lawyer criticized the trial and accused James of being lax during proceedings. She expressed confidence in winning the appeal. Letitia James threatened to seize former President Donald Trump’s New York properties if he fails to pay the fine.
NYPD Inspector Richie (Yechiel) Taylor, known for his prominent role in the Jewish community, is set to become the highest-ranking yarmulke-wearing officer in the department as he is promoted to Deputy Chief at the age of 41, making him the youngest to hold such a position. Taylor, who currently leads the NYPD’s Department of Community Affairs, expresses gratitude for the support of his family and his faith, citing “Thank you, Hashem!” in response to his promotion. With a distinguished career marked by accolades, including awards from the Mayor’s Office and the NYPD, as well as service as an EMT with Hatzolah and as a responder during 9/11, Taylor’s rise through the ranks from police officer to Deputy Chief is lauded by Councilman Kalman Yeger and the wider community, affirming his dedication and service to New York City.
Jewish students have filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging the institution has allowed widespread anti-Semitism to persist, particularly during the Hamas-Israel conflict. The suit claims that despite escalating incidents of anti-Semitism on campus, Columbia has failed to adequately intervene. Examples cited include disruptive anti-Israel demonstrations and instances of hateful rhetoric targeting Jewish students. The lawsuit accuses Columbia of violating the civil rights of its Jewish students by neglecting to address the issue effectively. This legal action follows similar lawsuits against other prestigious universities and coincides with broader investigations into antisemitism in higher education by governmental bodies. Additionally, a pro-Jewish alumni group has launched a social media campaign to pressure Columbia University to take stronger action against anti-Semitism.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld encountered anti-Israel protestors outside an event he attended in Manhattan. The protestors shouted accusations at Seinfeld, who responded with a wave before departing. The event featured former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss delivering a speech, which drew criticism from the protestors due to Weiss’s views on a Palestinian writer. Seinfeld has been a vocal supporter of Israel and visited the country in solidarity following a terrorist attack. Pro-Palestinian protests targeting celebrities have become more common in New York, with actor Alec Baldwin also facing similar confrontations.
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx will become tuition-free indefinitely, thanks to a $1 billion donation from Dr. Ruth Gottesman, an emerita faculty member. This significant gift aims to attract a broader range of students to the medical school and alleviate the burden of student debt. Founded in 1955 by Yeshiva University, the college was later transferred to New York City’s Montefiore Medical Center in 2015. Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, praised the donation as “monumental.” Gottesman’s contribution, described as the largest ever made to a medical school in the United States, will enable students to pursue medical education without tuition costs starting in August. Gottesman, 93, has a longstanding affiliation with the college and emphasized the importance of supporting students in their pursuit of healthcare expertise. Her late husband, David Gottesman, was a prominent Jewish philanthropist, and together they established the Gottesman Fund to support various causes, including education and mental health. Ruth Gottesman directed her husband’s funds towards making medical education more accessible, specifically to alleviate student debt at Einstein. Despite the sizable donation, the college will retain its name, and it joins New York University as the only medical schools in the city to offer tuition-free admission.
US NEWS
The Biden administration declared settlements in the West Bank as illegal, revoking the previous “Pompeo doctrine” which stated they were not inconsistent with international law. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed disappointment at Israel’s plan to advance settlement construction and emphasized the longstanding US opposition to such actions. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized the reversal, while Senator Tom Cotton accused Biden of catering to pro-Palestinian voters. The European Union also opposed Israel’s settlement plans, considering them inflammatory and dangerous. Israel announced its intention to advance settlement building following a terror attack near Ma’aleh Adumim, prompting concerns and criticisms from various quarters.
The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos should be recognized and protected as unborn children, applying the state’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act to embryos. The court’s 8-1 decision emphasized the sanctity of unborn life as outlined in Alabama’s Constitution. The ruling came after several couples sued a fertility clinic over the accidental destruction of their frozen embryos. The decision allows the couples’ claims for punitive damages to proceed in Mobile Circuit Court. Justice Greg Cook dissented, expressing concern over the impact on in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the state. Chief Justice Tom Parker, in agreement with the majority, cited historical and biblical references to support the protection of unborn life. Pro-life advocates welcomed the decision, emphasizing the recognition of human life beginning at fertilization.
Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted an event featuring an Israeli Defense Forces reservist, Ran Bar-Yoshafat, at the University of California-Berkeley. Bar-Yoshafat, who served in Gaza, was forced to evacuate with Jewish students to a secret location after protesters stormed the event. The protesters, some masked, chanted accusations of genocide and banged on doors and windows. Bar-Yoshafat expressed concern for the safety of the students and criticized the university’s response. The protest was organized by the anti-Israel student group “Bears for Palestine,” which accused Bar-Yoshafat of crimes against humanity. The university did not respond to requests for comment.
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has announced that she will remain in the Republican Party presidential primary despite losing in her home state of South Carolina to former President Donald Trump. Trump led with 59.8% of the vote compared to Haley’s 39.5%. Haley expressed concern about the state of the country and emphasized the need to defeat Joe Biden in the upcoming election. She criticized Trump’s ability to beat Biden and highlighted the need for a real choice in the election. Haley reiterated her commitment to continue campaigning and stated that she would be traveling to Michigan and other Super Tuesday states in the coming week. She emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as national debt, education, border security, and international conflicts, stating that neither Biden nor Trump would effectively unite the country to solve these problems.
Ronna Romney McDaniel, who has served as the Chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) for seven years, will resign from her position on March 8. McDaniel was appointed by former President Trump in 2016 and has faced criticism from some Republicans following the party’s recent electoral defeats. She tacitly acknowledged Trump’s expected nomination as the 2024 GOP presidential candidate and stated her commitment to supporting the nominee. McDaniel highlighted her accomplishments during her tenure, including efforts to elect Republicans, enhance election integrity, and expand minority outreach. Trump endorsed North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley as McDaniel’s successor and his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to replace the current RNC co-chair. Lara Trump has suggested that Republican voters are interested in the RNC covering Trump’s legal fees, but draft resolutions have circulated to prevent this. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley indicated she wouldn’t endorse a family member of a candidate for RNC chair, emphasizing the importance of selecting candidates who prioritize the interests of the entire Republican Party.
The family dog of President Joe Biden, Commander, has been involved in at least 24 biting incidents with US Secret Service personnel, according to internal documents obtained by CNN. These incidents occurred at various locations, including the White House, the Biden family homes, and other places where the first family spends time. Despite efforts to address the situation through training and consultations with experts, the biting incidents persisted, leading to Commander being relocated to live with other family members. The seriousness of the issue prompted Secret Service personnel to adjust their operational tactics to ensure their safety around the dog. The Biden family expressed regret over the incidents, apologizing to those affected and taking steps to address the situation. The Secret Service treated the biting incidents as workplace injuries, and efforts were made to minimize adverse impacts from family pets. The severity of one incident in July 2023, where a Secret Service agent was bitten on the forearm, underscores the gravity of the situation.
Google has temporarily halted its AI chatbot’s image generation feature after accusations of racism against white people surfaced. The chatbot, named Gemini, was criticized for refusing to generate images of white individuals when prompted by a user. Frank Fleming, a writer for Daily Wire, repeatedly tried to obtain images of white people through the chatbot but was unsuccessful. Despite requests, Gemini provided images of individuals from diverse racial backgrounds, prompting accusations of bias. Gemini defended its actions, stating that focusing solely on white individuals perpetuates racial stereotypes and marginalizes other groups. Google acknowledged the issue and stated that they are working to improve the accuracy of image generation. Jack Krawczyk, Senior Director of Gemini Experiences, reassured users that efforts are underway to address the problem promptly.
United Airlines announced that it will resume flights between the U.S. and Israel in March. The airline plans to reintroduce daily flights from New York/Newark to Tel Aviv, which were suspended in October. Initially, flights on March 2 and March 4 will include a stop in Munich before continuing to Tel Aviv, with the goal of resuming daily nonstop service from March 6. United conducted safety analyses and collaborated with security experts, government officials, and aviation staff to ensure safety protocols. The airline will continue to monitor the situation and adjust schedules accordingly. It also plans to evaluate resuming flights from other U.S. cities in the future. United had suspended flights to Israel following the Hamas attacks in October.
Israel NEWS
The Knesset, Israel’s parliament, overwhelmingly voted 99-11 to support the government’s decision against unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood. This vote came amidst reports that the Biden administration was considering such a move. The majority of coalition lawmakers and members of several opposition parties voted in favor, while the Labor Party boycotted the vote, and Arab parties voted against it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the unity among lawmakers against unilateral actions, emphasizing the importance of negotiations for peace. Opposition leader Yair Lapid supported the decision but criticized Netanyahu for allegedly creating a false threat to distract from other issues. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s rejection of any unilateral imposition of a Palestinian state and emphasized Israel’s commitment to maintaining security control in the region. The vote in the Knesset reflected Israel’s stance against unilateral actions and the necessity of negotiations for a lasting peace settlement.
The Israeli War Cabinet has decided to begin transferring humanitarian supplies directly to the northern Gaza Strip, bypassing the Hamas terrorist group. Trucks carrying supplies will enter near the Karni crossing, which had been closed in 2011. Hamas has been intercepting a significant portion of aid entering Gaza. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is suspending aid deliveries to northern Gaza via Egypt’s Rafah crossing due to safety concerns. Protests have occurred at Kerem Shalom crossing to block aid trucks from resupplying Hamas, leading to clashes between Israeli security personnel and protesters on Feb. 22.
Two Western officials and an Iranian military strategist linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have accused Israel of orchestrating attacks on two major natural gas pipelines in Iran. The attacks occurred on February 14, causing significant disruption to the supply of heat and cooking gas to millions of Iranian civilians. While Israel has not commented on the accusations, the blasts represent an escalation in the ongoing shadow war between Iran and Israel. Jerusalem has previously been accused of conducting cyberattacks on Iran’s fuel distribution system. The attacks on the pipelines, which run 800 miles and carry 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to major Iranian cities, are estimated to have cut 15% of Iran’s daily natural gas production. Despite Iranian claims minimizing the impact, energy experts emphasize the extensive damage and vulnerability of Iran’s infrastructure to such attacks. Iran has been careful not to directly confront Israeli and U.S. forces in the region but continues to support proxy groups like Hamas, PIJ, and Hezbollah in their anti-Israel activities.
An Israeli man, Matan Elmaleh, was killed and six others were wounded in a terrorist shooting on the Route 1 highway near Ma’ale Adumim, east of Jerusalem in Judea. Among the wounded was a pregnant woman, Adi Zohar, who underwent significant surgery at Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Four other victims were treated at various medical centers in Jerusalem, with their conditions ranging from satisfactory to serious. The attackers, identified as Ahmed al-Wash and brothers Mohamed and Kathem Zawahra, opened fire on vehicles near the az-Za’ayyem checkpoint, armed with assault rifles and a grenade. Security forces and armed civilians, including IDF reservist Hanania ben Shimon, responded by shooting and killing the terrorists. Kathem Zawahra had a previous record of illegally entering Israel.
In response to the deadly terror attack near Ma’ale Adumim, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to convene the Defense Ministry body to approve plans for over 3,000 new housing units in Judea and Samaria. This decision was made during a meeting with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The proposed construction includes 2,350 units in Ma’ale Adumim, 694 units in Efrat, and 300 units in Kedar. Smotrich emphasized that building more Jewish homes across the Green Line is an appropriate response to the attack, stating that any harm against Israeli citizens will be met with a strong response. The move was praised by Gush Etzion Regional Council head Shlomo Ne’eman as a Zionist response to terror, but it may lead to friction with the Biden administration, which opposes settlement expansion.
WORLD NEWS
After over a year of negotiations, Sweden is set to become the 32nd member of NATO, breaking with nearly two centuries of neutrality in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Sweden applied for NATO membership in May of that year, alongside Finland. Despite facing opposition from Hungary and Turkey, both countries received approval from all NATO member states. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that all NATO parliaments have voted in favor of Swedish accession. The country is expected to officially join NATO in a ceremony this week. Turkey, which had accused Sweden and Finland of being soft on Kurdish militants, backed down in exchange for increased weapons sales, while Hungary’s objections appear to have been related to past criticism from Sweden. NATO’s expansion has been contentious with Russia, which sees it as encroaching on its borders. Relations between Russia and Sweden and Finland have cooled, with both countries preparing for potential retaliation from Russia.
Oleg Orlov, a veteran human rights campaigner, was convicted by a Moscow court of “repeatedly discrediting” the Russian military and sentenced to 2½ years in prison. The case was seen as politically motivated, and Orlov was taken into custody after the verdict. The prosecution claimed Orlov’s criticism of the war in Ukraine stemmed from hostility toward Russian values and the military. The verdict sparked outcry from supporters and Western diplomats, with U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy expressing alarm. In a separate case, a man was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison in Chechnya for burning a Quran, reportedly on the instructions of Ukrainian special services. The sentencing coincided with the ninth anniversary of Boris Nemtsov’s killing, a prominent Russian opposition figure.
The Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors after a six-day closure due to striking employees demanding better maintenance and salary hikes. The operator of the landmark agreed to invest 380 million euros by 2031 for renovation work and launched salary negotiations. The 135-year-old tower will play a prominent role in the Paris Games and Paralympics, with medals containing pieces from the historic landmark. Last year, the tower closed for 10 days during protests against pension reforms in France.
