Latest news with #SecureCommunityNetwork
Fox News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Evening Edition: Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed In D.C. Terror Attack
Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot and killed Wednesday evening in a targeted attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum. The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago who shouted 'Free, Free Palestine' while being taken into custody by law enforcement. The victims were identified as were identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American woman, the young couple were about to be engaged. FOX's John Saucier speaks with Michael Masters, CEO and National Director Of The Secure Community Network, which serves as the official safety and security organization for 'The Jewish Community In North America', who says the threat against the Jewish community is extremely high following this tragedy and the rest of the country needs to listen to what these attackers say, because it does reveal who they truly are. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Passover begins soon. For many Jews, the celebrations will occur amid anxieties and divisions
Passover is a major Jewish holiday, celebrated over seven or eight days each year, commemorating the exodus of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as recounted in the Bible. It is considered the most widely observed of any Jewish holiday, symbolizing freedom and the birth of a Jewish nation. This year, the celebrations again occur amid anxieties and divisions among many Jews related to the unresolved Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and the specter of widespread antisemitism. When is Passover this year? Passover — known as Pesach in Hebrew — begins at sunset on Saturday, April 12, and ends after nightfall on Sunday, April 20. By tradition, it will be celebrated for seven days in Israel and for eight days by some Jews in the rest of the world. What are key Passover rituals and traditions? For many Jews, Passover is a time to reunite with family and recount the exodus from Egypt at a meal called the Seder. Observant Jews avoid various grains known as chametz, a reminder of the unleavened bread the Israelites ate when they fled Egypt quickly with no time for dough to rise. Cracker-like matzo is OK to eat; most breads, pastas, cereals, cakes and cookies are off-limits. What's different this year? A year ago, for many Jews, any celebratory mood was muted by the scores of hostages captured by Hamas in Israel and held in Gaza. Many Seder tables, in Israel and elsewhere, had empty seats, representing those killed or taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. Even after the recent release of some hostages, others remain held. Hopes for a formal end to conflict have been dampened by the collapse of a ceasefire and resumption of fighting. As was the case last year, there also is intense concern in some countries about a high level of antisemitic incidents. More than 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the United States were reported between Oct. 7, 2023, and Sept. 24, 2024 — the most ever recorded by the Anti-Defamation League. The Secure Community Network, which provides security and safety resources to hundreds of Jewish organizations and institutions across North America, has been issuing frequent advisories ahead of Passover. Specifically, the group has warned of possible threats from white extremist groups, including some organizing along the U.S.-Canada border. SCN said key extremist anniversaries, including Hitler's birthday on April 20, coincide with the holiday, raising concerns about the risk of violence targeting Jewish communities. One notable change this year: Pro-Palestinian protests that roiled many college campuses in spring 2024 have been fewer and less disruptive, in part because of Trump administration pressure. 'Since January there has been a marked change in the seriousness with which hate on campus is being dealt by the federal government as they set out clear consequences to the previous inaction of university leaders," said Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union. However, some Jewish leaders have been dismayed by the Trump administration's threats and funding curbs directed at universities it considered too tolerant of antisemitism. 'None of this is about fighting antisemitism,' Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said in a social media post. 'It's about gutting our education institutions and democracy under the guise of fighting antisemitism. And it ultimately makes Jews less safe.' What special events are taking place? The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and the city's Museum of Tolerance are hosting a special Seder for interfaith leaders and community members directly affected by recent wildfires. Organizers invited various first responders, civic leaders and elected officials, seeking to honor 'the spirit of community resilience and the enduring strength of togetherness.' The fires destroyed or damaged dozens of houses of worship and other faith-based facilities. Interfaith Seders have been organized in many other cities, including Houston, Dallas, New York, Phoenix, and Milwaukee. 'We understand that now more than ever, Jewish communities across North America must open their doors to forge stronger friendships," said Rabbi Joshua Stanton, Jewish Federations associate vice president of interfaith and intergroup initiatives. The New York-based Met Council, a Jewish nonprofit operating various anti-poverty programs, says it has delivered free kosher-for-Passover food to more than 250,000 Jewish Americans burdened by skyrocketing grocery costs. The packages, distributed at 185 sites in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida, included traditional Passover essentials such as matzo, kosher chicken, gefilte fish, tuna, and grape juice. Chabad-Lubavitch, a global Hassidic Jewish organization, plans a parade of more than 100 converted RVs known as 'Mitzvah Tanks' through New York City's streets. The aim, says Chabad, is 'to spread kindness and celebrate Jewish heritage,' as well as distributing traditional matzo. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
The Independent
09-04-2025
- General
- The Independent
Passover begins soon. For many Jews, the celebrations will occur amid anxieties and divisions
Passover is a major Jewish holiday, celebrated over seven or eight days each year, commemorating the exodus of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as recounted in the Bible. It is considered the most widely observed of any Jewish holiday, symbolizing freedom and the birth of a Jewish nation. This year, the celebrations again occur amid anxieties and divisions among many Jews related to the unresolved Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and the specter of widespread antisemitism. When is Passover this year? Passover — known as Pesach in Hebrew — begins at sunset on Saturday, April 12, and ends after nightfall on Sunday, April 20. By tradition, it will be celebrated for seven days in Israel and for eight days by some Jews in the rest of the world. What are key Passover rituals and traditions? For many Jews, Passover is a time to reunite with family and recount the exodus from Egypt at a meal called the Seder. Observant Jews avoid various grains known as chametz, a reminder of the unleavened bread the Israelites ate when they fled Egypt quickly with no time for dough to rise. Cracker-like matzo is OK to eat; most breads, pastas, cereals, cakes and cookies are off-limits. What's different this year? A year ago, for many Jews, any celebratory mood was muted by the scores of hostages captured by Hamas in Israel and held in Gaza. Many Seder tables, in Israel and elsewhere, had empty seats, representing those killed or taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. Even after the recent release of some hostages, others remain held. Hopes for a formal end to conflict have been dampened by the collapse of a ceasefire and resumption of fighting. As was the case last year, there also is intense concern in some countries about a high level of antisemitic incidents. More than 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the United States were reported between Oct. 7, 2023, and Sept. 24, 2024 — the most ever recorded by the Anti-Defamation League. The Secure Community Network, which provides security and safety resources to hundreds of Jewish organizations and institutions across North America, has been issuing frequent advisories ahead of Passover. Specifically, the group has warned of possible threats from white extremist groups, including some organizing along the U.S.-Canada border. SCN said key extremist anniversaries, including Hitler's birthday on April 20, coincide with the holiday, raising concerns about the risk of violence targeting Jewish communities. One notable change this year: Pro-Palestinian protests that roiled many college campuses in spring 2024 have been fewer and less disruptive, in part because of Trump administration pressure. 'Since January there has been a marked change in the seriousness with which hate on campus is being dealt by the federal government as they set out clear consequences to the previous inaction of university leaders," said Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union. However, some Jewish leaders have been dismayed by the Trump administration's threats and funding curbs directed at universities it considered too tolerant of antisemitism. 'None of this is about fighting antisemitism,' Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said in a social media post. 'It's about gutting our education institutions and democracy under the guise of fighting antisemitism. And it ultimately makes Jews less safe.' What special events are taking place? The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and the city's Museum of Tolerance are hosting a special Seder for interfaith leaders and community members directly affected by recent wildfires. Organizers invited various first responders, civic leaders and elected officials, seeking to honor 'the spirit of community resilience and the enduring strength of togetherness.' The fires destroyed or damaged dozens of houses of worship and other faith-based facilities. Interfaith Seders have been organized in many other cities, including Houston, Dallas, New York, Phoenix, and Milwaukee. 'We understand that now more than ever, Jewish communities across North America must open their doors to forge stronger friendships," said Rabbi Joshua Stanton, Jewish Federations associate vice president of interfaith and intergroup initiatives. The New York-based Met Council, a Jewish nonprofit operating various anti-poverty programs, says it has delivered free kosher-for-Passover food to more than 250,000 Jewish Americans burdened by skyrocketing grocery costs. The packages, distributed at 185 sites in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida, included traditional Passover essentials such as matzo, kosher chicken, gefilte fish, tuna, and grape juice. Chabad-Lubavitch, a global Hassidic Jewish organization, plans a parade of more than 100 converted RVs known as 'Mitzvah Tanks' through New York City's streets. The aim, says Chabad, is 'to spread kindness and celebrate Jewish heritage,' as well as distributing traditional matzo. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Associated Press
09-04-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Passover begins soon. For many Jews, the celebrations will occur amid anxieties and divisions
Passover is a major Jewish holiday, celebrated over seven or eight days each year, commemorating the exodus of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as recounted in the Bible. It is considered the most widely observed of any Jewish holiday, symbolizing freedom and the birth of a Jewish nation. This year, the celebrations again occur amid anxieties and divisions among many Jews related to the unresolved Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and the specter of widespread antisemitism. When is Passover this year? Passover — known as Pesach in Hebrew — begins at sunset on Saturday, April 12, and ends after nightfall on Sunday, April 20. By tradition, it will be celebrated for seven days in Israel and for eight days by some Jews in the rest of the world. What are key Passover rituals and traditions? For many Jews, Passover is a time to reunite with family and recount the exodus from Egypt at a meal called the Seder. Observant Jews avoid various grains known as chametz, a reminder of the unleavened bread the Israelites ate when they fled Egypt quickly with no time for dough to rise. Cracker-like matzo is OK to eat; most breads, pastas, cereals, cakes and cookies are off-limits. What's different this year? A year ago, for many Jews, any celebratory mood was muted by the scores of hostages captured by Hamas in Israel and held in Gaza. Many Seder tables, in Israel and elsewhere, had empty seats, representing those killed or taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. Even after the recent release of some hostages, others remain held. Hopes for a formal end to conflict have been dampened by the collapse of a ceasefire and resumption of fighting. As was the case last year, there also is intense concern in some countries about a high level of antisemitic incidents. More than 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the United States were reported between Oct. 7, 2023, and Sept. 24, 2024 — the most ever recorded by the Anti-Defamation League. The Secure Community Network, which provides security and safety resources to hundreds of Jewish organizations and institutions across North America, has been issuing frequent advisories ahead of Passover. Specifically, the group has warned of possible threats from white extremist groups, including some organizing along the U.S.-Canada border. SCN said key extremist anniversaries, including Hitler's birthday on April 20, coincide with the holiday, raising concerns about the risk of violence targeting Jewish communities. One notable change this year: Pro-Palestinian protests that roiled many college campuses in spring 2024 have been fewer and less disruptive, in part because of Trump administration pressure. 'Since January there has been a marked change in the seriousness with which hate on campus is being dealt by the federal government as they set out clear consequences to the previous inaction of university leaders,' said Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union. However, some Jewish leaders have been dismayed by the Trump administration's threats and funding curbs directed at universities it considered too tolerant of antisemitism. 'None of this is about fighting antisemitism,' Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said in a social media post. 'It's about gutting our education institutions and democracy under the guise of fighting antisemitism. And it ultimately makes Jews less safe.' What special events are taking place? The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and the city's Museum of Tolerance are hosting a special Seder for interfaith leaders and community members directly affected by recent wildfires. Organizers invited various first responders, civic leaders and elected officials, seeking to honor 'the spirit of community resilience and the enduring strength of togetherness.' The fires destroyed or damaged dozens of houses of worship and other faith-based facilities. Interfaith Seders have been organized in many other cities, including Houston, Dallas, New York, Phoenix, and Milwaukee. 'We understand that now more than ever, Jewish communities across North America must open their doors to forge stronger friendships,' said Rabbi Joshua Stanton, Jewish Federations associate vice president of interfaith and intergroup initiatives. The New York-based Met Council, a Jewish nonprofit operating various anti-poverty programs, says it has delivered free kosher-for-Passover food to more than 250,000 Jewish Americans burdened by skyrocketing grocery costs. The packages, distributed at 185 sites in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida, included traditional Passover essentials such as matzo, kosher chicken, gefilte fish, tuna, and grape juice. Chabad-Lubavitch, a global Hassidic Jewish organization, plans a parade of more than 100 converted RVs known as 'Mitzvah Tanks' through New York City's streets. The aim, says Chabad, is 'to spread kindness and celebrate Jewish heritage,' as well as distributing traditional matzo.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Attorney General Pam Bondi establishes task force to prosecute Oct. 7 crimes
In one of her first official acts after being sworn in on Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi established a joint task force dedicated to investigating the perpetrators of the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks and seeking justice for their victims. The scope of the body's work goes beyond the attacks that took place more than a year ago. Bondi described a need to address 'the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and its affiliates, both domestically and abroad.' The remit of Joint Task Force October 7 will not be limited to terrorist violence —it is also tasked with prosecuting 'antisemitic civil rights violations' and 'other federal crimes' committed by Hamas supporters domestically, including on U.S. college campuses. The body will also seek the extradition of Hamas leaders who have faced charges for their roles in perpetrating the Oct. 7 attacks, charges that were brought by the Biden administration but that did not result in arrests. 'This administration is taking the threats to our community very, very seriously, which we are grateful for,' Michael Masters, CEO of the Secure Community Network, which provides security guidance to Jewish institutions across the U.S., said of the task force. The establishment of the new body was one of 14 directives Bondi sent to Department of Justice employees on Wednesday, offering the clearest glimpse yet into the issues she plans to prioritize as America's top law enforcement official. Many are reflections of hard-line policies that Trump backed in his campaign: taking a tough approach to liberal 'sanctuary cities,' prioritizing immigration offenses, reinstating the death penalty in federal offenses and raising anti-DEI efforts to a major concern for the civil rights division. The announcement of the Oct. 7 task force suggests Bondi views Islamist terrorism as a major threat and urgent issue to address. The task force, which will be supervised by the deputy attorney general, will be staffed with FBI agents who have expertise in terrorism investigations. It will also work in conjunction with counterparts in Israel, as well as colleagues at other federal agencies, including the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service. 'Greater investigation and due diligence behind the perpetrators or supporters of the perpetrators of the 10/7 attacks is something that every department and agency should take seriously,' said George Selim, the Anti-Defamation League's executive vice president, who previously worked to combat violent extremism at the Department of Homeland Security. 'This is in line with many of the policies and positions that ADL has strenuously advocated for post-10/7.' Another directive from Bondi is likely to result in a major shake-up of enforcement of laws meant to prohibit undue foreign influence in the American political system. She limited the ability of prosecutors to bring charges related to violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, a law that requires people engaged in work on behalf of foreign governments to disclose their employer and their compensation. In 2019, the DOJ made FARA enforcement an official department priority. The statute was used to prosecute several Trump allies, including former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign chair. In 2022, a federal jury acquitted Trump donor Tom Barrack of illegally acting as an agent of the United Arab Emirates. 'I think there is a perception in Trump world that FARA was used aggressively to target some of the presidents supporters,' said Matthew Sanderson, an attorney who works on FARA-related issues at the law firm Caplin Drysdale. 'There is that perception out there, and I think thats whats happening here.' Bondi was previously registered as a foreign agent for Qatar, which she represented as a lobbyist starting in 2019. She said at her confirmation hearing in January that she is 'very proud' of lobbying for the Qatari government, though she did not disclose this work in her official nomination documents. The Foreign Influence Task Force, a body created in 2017 in response to Russia's efforts to interfere in the 2016 election, will be disbanded, according to one memo. In 2020, the task force disrupted an effort by two Iranian nationals to influence that year's presidential election. Bondi's moves to shift the DOJ's priorities are standard procedure for a new presidential administration, but come as some have raised concerns about disruptions at the FBI, including efforts to retaliate against agents and prosecutors who worked on investigations of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. 'The administration is well within its rights to refocus DOJ resources to address those security issues it deems highest priority, but that cannot succeed without a strong FBI, and at the moment the Bureau feels targeted like never before,' said Matthew Levitt, who held counterterrorism roles at the FBI and the Treasury Department. 'I speak to a lot of people in federal law enforcement,' said Mitchell Silber, a former senior NYPD official and the executive director of the Community Security Initiative, which enhances security at New York Jewish institutions. 'This is unprecedented, and it is sending tremors through the FBI special agent community, not knowing what to make of this.' Bondi has not indicated that she is shifting resources away from the FBI's investigation of hate crimes, but she did not distinctly identify fighting hate crimes as a priority of the FBI. 'We strongly urge the FBI and DOJ to continue to investigate perceived antisemitic incidents as hate crimes, and also to prioritize the broader body of hate crime reporting,' said the ADL's Selim. 'We know that there is significant underreporting [of hate crimes] from major cities and municipalities across the United States.'
