Target’s comparable sales rose for the first time in a year as grocery aisle deals for cash-strapped customers began to pay off. Sales at stores and digital channels operating over at least the past 12 months rose 2% in the second quarter reversing months of declines, including a 3.7% drop in the previous quarter, and a 4.4% decline during the company’s final quarter of last year. The number of transactions at the Minneapolis retailer increased 3% compared with the same period last year, with all six main merchandising categories, including fashion and home goods, showing strength. Online sales rose 8.7% and comparable sales in clothing increased 3% compared with a year ago as customers embraced new store brands like All in Motion and Wild Fable. Target’s profits and sales beat Wall Street expectations and the company increased its annual profit outlook, but said sales this year could come in at the low end of its guidance for unchanged to a 2% increase. Shares spiked 13% before the opening bell Wednesday. “We are seeing an incredibly resilient consumer in the face of high inflation,” Target’s CEO Brian Cornell said. “They are looking for newness, but they are also shopping, looking for value.” More than 50% of Target’s annual sales come from discretionary items like toys, fashion and electronic gadgets. That had become problematic with Americans laser focused on necessities like groceries after a run-up in inflation after the pandemic. To boost sales, Target said this spring that it would cut prices on thousands of necessities ranging from diapers to milk. And it’s rolling out programs to make shopping easier as it goes head-to-head with Walmart and Amazon.com. Target announced a paid membership program in April called Target Circle 360, which comes with unlimited free same-day delivery for orders over $35 and free two-day shipping for all orders. The annual $99 per year membership is getting a strong reception, with more than 2 million memberships added in the second quarter. Target also has been expanding its store label brands and now has 45, including Figment, a kitchenware collection launched last year. Target earned $1.19 billion, or $2.57 per share during the quarter, edging out Wall Street expectations by a penny, according to a survey of industry analysts by FactSet. That compared with $835 million, or $1.80 per share, last year. Sales rose nearly 3% to $25.45 billion, slightly better than expected. But even as the number of transactions rose during the latest quarter, the average amount spent by customers fell, underscoring how Americans remain focused on deals, company executives said. Target now expects per-share annual earnings to range between $9 and $9.70. That’s up from a previous forecast range from $8.60 to $9.60. Analysts expected $9.23 per share, according to FactSet. (AP)
The omission of any mention of Israeli victims of terrorism from an International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism display at the visitors’ hall of United Nations headquarters is nothing short of despicable. The U.N. informs us that “Acts of terrorism propagating a wide-range of hateful ideologies continue to injure, harm and kill thousands of innocent people each year,” and that the international body “has an important role in supporting Member States to implement the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by standing in solidarity and providing support to victims of terrorism.” And, indeed, the visitors’ welcome area’s display of large photographs of such victims includes tributes to victims of 9/11 and of terrorist attacks in Boston, Indonesia and Kenya, among other places. Conspicuously missing, though, is any mention of the countless Jewish victims of Islamist terror over so many years. And this, less than a year since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israelis, the most deadly attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Many have long judged the U.N. as a hypocritical, corrupt and useless institution. Ample evidence for that contention is displayed at the U.N. today.
Iran’s hard-line parliament on Wednesday approved all members of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian’s Cabinet, the first time in over two decades a leader has been able to get all of his officials through the body. The approval marks an early win for Pezeshkian, a longtime lawmaker who found himself catapulted into the presidency after a helicopter crash in May killed his hard-line predecessor. Getting his officials approved shows Pezeshkian picked a Cabinet of consensus with names palatable to all of the power centers within Iran’s theocracy, as opposed to going for controversial choices as well. Former Foreign Minister Mohamamad Javad Zarif, who campaigned for Pezeshkian in his election, later resigned as a vice president for the new leader over the Cabinet selections. Underlining that point, Pezeshkian immediately posted an image online with him standing next to Iran’s judiciary chief, a Shiite cleric, and the country’s parliament speaker, a hard-liner he once faced in the election. “Consensus for Iran,” he wrote in the caption. Among those in Pezeshkian’s new Cabinet is Abbas Araghchi, 61, a career diplomat who will be Iran’s new foreign minister. Araghchi was a member of the Iranian negotiating team that reached a nuclear deal with world powers in 2015 that capped Tehran’s nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions. In 2018, then-President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the deal and imposed more sanctions on Iran. Pezeshkian said during his presidential campaign that he would try to revive the nuclear deal. The candidate who received the most support from lawmakers was the country’s new defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, who received 281 votes out of 288 present lawmakers. The chamber has 290 seats. Nasirzadeh was chief of the Iranian air force from 2018 to 2021. Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi received the lowest number of votes with 163. The only female minister proposed, Housing and Road Minister Farzaneh Sadegh, a 47-year-old architect, received 231 votes. She is the first female minister in Iran in more than a decade. The parliament also approved Pezeshkian’s proposed Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib, as well as Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi, both of whom served under the late President Ebrahim Raisi. Pezeshkian also put Raisi’s minister of industries, Abbas Aliabadi, in the post of energy minister. Dropping proposed ministers has been a tradition in Iran’s parliament, making Pezeshkian’s success that much more striking. Former reformist President Mohammad Khatami was the only president who received vote of confidence for all of his proposed ministers in both 1997 and 2001. (AP)
A Fatah member who worked as an operative for Iran in Lebanon was killed on Wednesday in an IDF drone strike in an affluent neighborhood in Sidon. Three people were killed in the attack, including the target, Khalil al-Maqdah. The Shin Bet and IDF said it targeted Maqdah for collaborating with Iran to transfer weapons and funds to terror cells in the Shomron. He is the brother of senior Fatah official Mounir Maqdah, who has worked for years for Hezbollah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to carry out attacks against Israel. “The IDF and Shin Bet continue a series of eliminations in Lebanon of terrorists that are directing terrorist activity in Yehudah and Shomron on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).” “Earlier today, under the direction of the IDF and the Shin Bet, an Air Force aircraft struck the terrorist Khalil Hussein Khalil Al-Maqdah in the area of Sidon in southern Lebanon,” a joint statement said. “Khalil is the brother of Mounir Al-Maqdah, a resident of Lebanon who operates on behalf of the Hezbollah terrorist organization and the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and is continuing attempts to carry out terror attacks. The two collaborate on behalf of the IRGC and are involved in the direction of terror attacks as well as the smuggling of weapons and funds designated for terrorist activities into Yehudah and Shomron.” “In March 2024, weapons smuggled into Yehudah and Shomron and distributed to terrorist cells were discovered that were recruited and directed by Khalil and Mounir’s terrorist infrastructure in Lebanon.” A senior Fatah official claimed that the goal of Israel’s killing of a Fatah official is to spark a regional war. The “assassination of a Fatah official is further proof that Israel wants to ignite a full-scale war in the region,” Tawfik Tirawi, a member of Fatah’s central committee, told AFP. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Facing competition from automakers with lower costs, Ford Motor Co. is shifting its electric vehicle strategy and now will focus on making two new electric pickup trucks and a new commercial van. The company says all will cost less, have longer range and be profitable within a year of reaching showrooms. Ford, which is losing millions on its current EVs, gave few details about the new products. But it said production of its next generation full-size electric pickup truck in Tennessee will be delayed 18 months, until 2027. The company also says it won’t build fully electric three-row SUVs due to high battery costs, but instead will focus on making those vehicles as gas-electric hybrids. The other new pickup will be mid-sized, based on new underpinnings developed by a small team in California. It also will go on sale in 2027. Production of the unspecified van will start at an assembly plant west of Cleveland in 2026. The changes will force Ford to write down $400 million of its current assets, and it also expects to have additional expenses of up to $1.5 billion. “We’re committed to creating long-term value by building a competitive and profitable business,” Chief Financial Officer John Lawler said in a statement. The company also said it will cut capital spending on EVs. It now will spend 30% of its annual capital budget to develop them rather than the current 40%. Ford, which has long been talking about making profitable EVs, lost $2.46 billion on them in the first half of the year, dragging down profits from its gas-powered and commercial units. The company said in a prepared statement that the global EV market is changing rapidly, and it must evolve to compete with Chinese automakers that have lower production and engineering costs. At the same time, current buyers are more cost-conscious than early adopters, and automakers are introducing more EVs. “These dynamics underscore the necessity of a globally competitive cost structure while being selective about customer and product segments to ensure profitable growth and capital efficiency,” the company said. (AP)
Boro Park Shomrim hosted their annual appreciation event on Monday night, celebrating the selfless efforts of their volunteers who dedicate their time—and often their own resources—to assist those in need. Shomrim plays a critical role in the community, responding to reports of missing persons, addressing suspicious activity, solving crimes, and apprehending suspects every day of the year. This year’s event saw a strong presence from law enforcement, with NYPD Chief of Department Jeff Maddrey, Chief of Patrol John Shell, Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kat Dorothy, Chief Charles McAvoy of Brooklyn South, Lt. Ira Jablonsky, and Community Affairs officers all in attendance. NYPD Inspector Richie Taylor also joined the event, along with numerous community leaders and politicians, underscoring the strong partnership between Shomrim and the city’s police force. Councilman Kalman Yeger, Chairman Yidel Perlstein of Community Board 12, District Manager Berish Spitzer, Rabbi Abe Rosenberg, Rabbi Joel Friedman, Rabbi Yosef Friedlander, and representatives from various Shomrim branches across New York City were also present to support and celebrate the occasion. During the ceremony, Shomrim presented a plaque to Chief McAvoy in recognition of his outstanding work in Brooklyn South, commending his professionalism and dedication to safety. Lt. Jablonsky was also honored with an award for his tireless service to the community. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The Greek-flagged Sounion oil tanker was attacked by two small boats and struck by three projectiles on Wednesday as it was traveling in the Red Sea, leaving it “not under command,” the Greek shipping ministry and UK maritime agency United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said. The attack saw about 15 men on small boats first open fire with small arms some 140 kilometers (90 miles) west of the rebel-held Yemeni port city of Hodeida. Three projectiles also hit the ship, it added. It wasn’t immediately clear if that meant drones or missiles. The ship, with about 25 crew members aboard, was damaged and lost all power. There were no injuries among the crew members, two Russians and the rest Filipinos. The British Ambrey security company reported a separate incident in the same area, saying that “the vessel was engaged by small arms fire from two skiffs in a previous incident 10NM further south.” The Houthis did not immediately claim the attack, though it can take them hours or even days before they acknowledge one of their assaults. The Houthis have targeted more than 80 vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October. They seized one vessel and sunk two in the campaign which also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have been either intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem & AP)
Police handcuffed at least four people and led them away from a pro-Palestinian demonstration after protesters charged a line of officers on the second night of the Democratic National Convention. A small crowd of a few dozen protesters chanted “Let them go!” outside a Chicago skyscraper that houses the Israeli consulate while police penned demonstrators in on the street, preventing them from marching. Officers with wood clubs pushed protesters back, shouting “move.” Some demonstrators set an American flag on fire in the street as the celebratory roll call for Vice President Kamala Harris took place 2 miles away. Others carried Palestinian flags, while many others wore black and covered their faces. A man in Chicago Bulls hat, his face covered by a balaclava, called on protesters to “shut down the DNC.” The group, which is not the same coalition of over 200 groups that organized Monday’s protests, advertised the demonstration Tuesday under the slogan of “Make it great like ’68,” invoking the anti-Vietnam War protests that seized the city during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Dozens of Chicago police officers were posted outside the building, where law enforcement had closed down most of the entrances to the building on Tuesday, allowing commuters to come in only one entrance where armed officers were also posted. Many of the building’s shops were closed. Martha Hill, a spokeswoman for the Metra commuter rail service, says train service is running as normal. Meanwhile, the sites of demonstrations from the previous night were largely quiet. Thirteen people were arrested during Monday’s protests, most them related to a “brief breach” of security fencing “within sight and sound of the United Center,” the city’s police superintendent said. In downtown Chicago, security was tighter than usual — including law enforcement officers with weapons slung across their bodies — outside the office building that houses the Israeli Consulate and a major city transportation hub. Metal barricades were set up, and an officer said they were preparing for a 7 p.m. demonstration. The consulate, located about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the United Center, has been the site of numerous demonstrations since the war in Gaza began in October. It is in a building connected to the Ogilvie Transportation Center, a major commuter rail station. Israel supporters, including some relatives of people kidnapped by Hamas, gathered earlier in the day at a pro-Israel art installation not far from the consulate to call on U.S. leaders to continue backing Israel and pushing for the release of hostages. The art installation included giant milk cartons bearing photos of some of the hostages. Elan Carr, CEO of the Israeli-American Council, condemned the pro-Palestinian protesters who have descended on Chicago this week, calling them “fringe crazies” and demanding that U.S. leaders “stand unequivocally with the state of Israel.” More protests were planned throughout the week. However, attendance at the main rally on Monday was far below estimates of organizers who had predicted more than 20,000 would show up. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said Tuesday that the crowd was around 3,500 strong and that the vast majority of the protesters were peaceful. However, some clashed with police, used pepper spray against them and threw water bottles at officers during the clash in the park where there was a breach in security fencing, Snelling said. […]
by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Sefas Tamim Foundation QUESTION: I have some very expensive medications even after my health insurance kicks in. My Brilinta costs $418.54 for 30 days worth of pills. I can get my American doctor to call the prescription in to a Canadian pharmacy and the pharmacy can ask a Canadian doctor to look it over and they can ship it to the USA. The price for buying Brilinta this way is only $122.89. My Farxiga is $365 per month as a co-pay, but in Canada the whole bill is only $99.76. My Entresto copay in the United States is $639.45. In Canada, the entire cost of it is $139.94. Is this enabling a lie, because I am sure that both AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP who manufactures the first two and Novartis who manufactures Entresto probably made Canada promise that they wouldn’t sell to Americans? ANSWER: There are three issues here. Firstly, is it a violation of American law? Our research shows that it is not. Secondly, is it a violation of US Customs law? Our research shows that it depends on the class of drugs – these three drugs are legal to mail because they are not considered a narcotic. The third issue is are you allowed to purchase something from a gentile who may be in violation of his initial agreement? The answer to the third question is further broken up into two sections and is somewhat complex – the first part involves defining what is called a clear and defined mekach ta’us in the first sale. If that would be the case, then it would be forbidden to do so because the Brilinta and the Farxiga would not belong to the pharmacy. It would seem, however, that in this case – the first party would be fine with the sale because of two factors 1] They know about it anyway and 2] It would be too much of a pain in the neck to stop those sales. The second part involves the issue of Lifnei Iver on lying. WHY NOT SUBSCRIBE? Each week the Sefas Tamim Foundation publishes a parsha sheet with four columns. To subscribe please send an email to the author at yairhoffman2@gmail.com Although there is a prohibition of lifnei Iver regarding non-Jews as well, here there are two mitigating factors: 1] We are not sure if these companies made this arrangement with Canada in the first place, thus rendering it a safaik and thus permissible (see the author’s sefer, “Misguiding the Perplexed”) and also there is a three way debate as to how we understand this pasuk of MiDvar Sheker Tirchak. The Chofetz Chaim rules in his ahavas chessed that there is an out and out prohibition to lie. This is in accordance with the view of many Rishonim. Other Rishonim hold that the verse is merely good advice, but not halacha. A third opinion holds that it is applicable to judges adjudicating law. Generally speaking, the view of the Chofetz Chaim is normative halacha but for gentiles this may not be the case. It would therefore be entirely permitted. There is also a Mitzvah in saving money, when you can. Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher, author of the Tur, in the Choshen Mishpat section of Shulchan Aruch, chapter 35) discusses a person who […]
Chareidi extremists held a protest next to the recruitment center in Jerusalem on Wednesday, the day 200 bnei yeshivos were scheduled to report to the center for their first summons. According to Army Radio, the IDF instructed soldiers not to report to work at the center on Wednesday. Instead, a large number of Border Police and Israel Police officers were stationed in the area. As the protesters streamed to the area, they began blocking the surrounding streets as well as the nearby light rail station on Rechov Yaffo, leading to skirmishes between the protestors and police. The police declared the protest illegal due to the disturbance of public order and began forcibly removing the protesters. Five protesters were arrested. Some of the passersby began arguing with the protesters and one man punched a protester in his face. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Rocket alert sirens blared across the Golan on Wednesday morning as Hezbollah fired a barrage of about 50 rockets and drones at northern Israel. The yishuv of Katzrin absorbed most of the fire. Ynet reported that Hezbollah directly targeted the yishuv rather than military bases – considered a serious escalation as Hezbollah fired directly at civilian targets. The IDF’s defense systems intercepted some of the projectiles but others scored direct hits on the yishuv, moderately injuring one man and causing heavy property damage. Several fires broke out and firefighters are currently fighting the flames at several sites. The injured victim, a man in his 30s, was at home when the rocket hit and was injured by shrapnel and the impact of the blast. MDA paramedics administered emergency medical aid at the scene and evacuated him to Ziv Hospital in Tzfas. Two others were treated for shock. Ynet military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua wrote: “It was a targeted barrage of 40 rockets at Katzrin. The Iron Dome defense system successfully intercepted about 90% of the barrage. There is no airtight defense and there certainly won’t be during an all-out war. Therefore: 1. It’s required to heed the directives of the Home Front Command, they’re life-saving. 2. Defense is not enough. We must exact a price from Hezbollah and create deterrence. In the video below, Uri Kellner, head of the Golan Regional Council, says: “We were sure that there were people trapped in their homes. The State allows miracles to happen instead of taking the initiative and providing security. We cannot allow Hezbollah to win.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
With the Democratic National Convention ongoing in Chicago, Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois is rolling out the red carpet for Jewish visitors. The Chabad Jewish Center of South Loop, led by Rabbi Mordechai and Mushky Gershon, has set up a vibrant “Chabad Hub” near the McCormick Place Convention Center, offering a range of amenities and services. Daily minyanim, kosher breakfast and meal options, and a welcoming space for connection and community are just a few of the highlights. And, at Booth #213 within the Convention itself, Chabad is sharing Jewish resources, promoting the Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach, and encouraging acts of kindness through customized ARK charity boxes. “The ARK encourages daily acts of giving, turning each of us into giving people and changing the world,” said Rabbi Meir Moscowitz, Regional Director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois, which partnered in sponsoring the initiative. “As elected officials and guests from around the world gather in Chicago, we look forward to inspiring a heightened sense of moral and purposeful living.” Visit JewishattheDNC.com for more information on the Chabad Hub and services for Jewish DNC attendees. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Agudath Israel hosted an event on the sidelines of the DNC in Chicago bringing together elected officials and stakeholders from federal, state, and local government including, Senator Debby Stabenow (D- Michigan), NJ Governor Phil Murphy, NJ Congressman Josh Gottheimer, NY Congressman Pat Ryan, Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiss, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, and numerous state and local officials from across the country to highlight the alarming rise of antisemitism and the growing electoral strength of Orthodox Jewish community. Agudah Chairman Shloime Werdiger opened the jammed packed event with a straightforward explanation: “The Jewish people are living though very trying times. As the banners around the room sadly show, the rise of antisemitism is extremely alarming. The identifiable Orthodox Jewish communities we represent have been subjected to an unprecedented level of antisemitic incidents over the past few years. “You may have noticed that outside of this convention, not too far away from here, there are thousands of anti-Israel protesters. Perhaps they thought they could intimidate us so that we would not be here so that our voices would be silenced. And that’s exactly why we are here. We are the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, and we will never cower or be silenced. On the contrary, we intend to stand up for our rights and for our freedoms, and we need you to stand with us now against this hate and antisemitism.” Despite the event not being advertised and tightly controlled by invitation only, anti-Israel protestors nearly crashed the gathering before being repelled by the heavy security, ironically adding an exclamation point to the event meant to highlight antisemitism. The most emotional moment of the afternoon came from the parents of hostage Omer Neutra, who made an emotional bipartisan plea to bring their son, held hostage by Hamas for over 10 months, home. Tehillim was led by Mr. Neutra. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Israeli troops have killed approximately 40 gunmen in the Gaza Strip over the past day, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The clashes and airstrikes took place in various locations across southern and central Gaza. In the Tel Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, troops with the 162nd Division engaged in fierce battles with gunmen, resulting in the deaths of around 40 terrorists. In one incident, the military directed a drone strike on a building where a cell of RPG-wielding operatives was spotted, eliminating the threat. Further north, in Khan Younis, troops with the 98th Division killed several terror operatives and destroyed sites belonging to terror groups, including rocket launchers used in recent attacks. In the Netzarim Corridor, reservists with the 252nd Division directed airstrikes, killing several terror operatives. Additionally, reservists from the Jerusalem Brigade foiled an attempt by two gunmen to plant a bomb near troops in central Gaza, killing both operatives as they emerged from a tunnel. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Turner warned on Sunday that Iran may declare itself a nuclear weapons state by the end of this year, citing rapid advancements in the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. Turner blamed the Biden administration’s policies for reversing gains made during former President Donald Trump’s tenure. Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Turner noted the impact of Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, which included economic and military measures. “Donald Trump… put the most pressure on Iran that they have had in any administration. Both economically, militarily, they were on the ropes,” he told host Margaret Brennan. “What we see now with this administration, they might declare themselves a nuclear weapons state by the end of this year.” “The flexibility and freedom that [Iran has] had under the Biden administration has given them the ability to… continue their nuclear weapons and nuclear enrichment programs,” he added. Recent reports from Iran International, a London-based opposition media outlet, indicate that Tehran is advancing its secret nuclear program. According to three independent sources, Iran is restructuring its Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), resuming tests to produce nuclear bomb detonators, and retaining Mohammad Eslami as the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. In response to these developments, the Biden administration issued private warnings to Tehran in June regarding its nuclear research activities, according to Axios. Both U.S. and Israeli officials have detected suspicious activities by Iranian scientists, fueling fears that Iran may use the period around the U.S. presidential election to push closer to nuclear weaponization. American and Israeli officials met in Washington in mid-July to discuss coordinated efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The White House confirmed that these discussions focused on measures to ensure Iran never achieves nuclear weapon status. The mounting tension has also triggered debates within Iran’s leadership, with some officials advocating for nuclear weapons as a deterrence strategy. Iranian lawmaker Mohammad-Reza Sabbaghian voiced his support for such a path during a parliamentary session, asking, “What logic or law dictates that arrogant powers should have nuclear weapons, but Iran should not?” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Outgoing President Joe Biden addressed anti-Israel protests during a keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Monday, asserting that demonstrators “have a point” regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Biden’s comments came after four protesters were arrested for attempting to breach security at the United Center, where Biden delivered his speech. “Those protesters out on the street, they have a point,” the 81-year-old president said to the crowd, following his introduction by First Lady Jill Biden and their daughter, Ashley. “A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides.” Biden reaffirmed his administration’s efforts to address the conflict. “We’ll keep working to bring hostages home and end the war in Gaza and bring peace and security to the Middle East,” Biden said. He highlighted his recent proposals aimed at brokering a ceasefire and emphasized ongoing efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Earlier in the evening, dozens of anti-Israel protesters attempted to disrupt the event, with some breaching an outer security fence before being pushed back by Chicago police in riot gear. “At no point was the inner perimeter breached,” the Chicago Police Department later stated, emphasizing that no protectees were at risk. Footage of the protest showed demonstrators carrying antisemitic signs and supporting Hamas. One protester was seen waving a Hezbollah flag, according to Israel’s Channel 12. Inside the United Center, Biden’s speech was briefly interrupted when attendees unfurled a “Stop Arming Israel” banner, which was swiftly removed by other audience members. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
A new analysis by the Pew Research Center reveals that one in five Jews globally live outside their birth country, making Jews the most migratory major religious group by percentage. The findings are based on data from 2020 and include both adults and children living outside their native countries, regardless of when they migrated. While Christians make up the largest religious migrant group at 47% worldwide, Jews are the most likely to have migrated, despite being one of the smallest religious groups at just 1% of the global migrant population. According to Pew, 20% of Jews have migrated, compared to 6% of Christians, the next most likely group to move abroad. Israel is the leading destination for Jewish migrants, with 1.5 million Jews, or 51%, having moved there from other countries as of 2020. The United States follows with 400,000 Jewish migrants, and the United Kingdom ranks third with 120,000. Pew’s analysis highlights that former Soviet republics, including Ukraine (170,000) and Russia (150,000), are among the top sources of Jewish migrants to Israel. Morocco also ranks high on the list, contributing 160,000 Jewish migrants. Between 1990 and 2020, the global Jewish migrant population grew by 28%, from 2.3 million to 3 million. This increase represents the smallest growth among major religious groups during that period, with the religiously unaffiliated (67%) and Hindus (48%) experiencing the largest growth, according to Pew. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro denied rumors that his Jewish faith was a factor in being passed over as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate for the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket. The denial came after former President Donald Trump suggested that Harris rejected Shapiro due to concerns that his Jewish identity might alienate Muslim voters in swing states like Michigan, especially amid the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict. Speaking to reporters at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Shapiro called Trump “the least credible person” to speak on antisemitism, accusing the former president of attempting to exploit the issue to divide Americans. “Trump is trying to use me and trying to use other Jews to divide Americans further,” Shapiro said. Shapiro was widely considered a potential vice-presidential pick due to his popularity as the governor of a critical swing state. However, Harris ultimately selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Many have speculated that Shapiro’s staunch support of Israel made him a controversial choice for the ticket in light of anti-Israel criticism from radical factions within the Democratic Party. Despite the speculation, Shapiro asserted that antisemitism “played absolutely no role” in his conversations with Harris. He did, however, acknowledge antisemitism in parts of the country and within his own party, stressing the need to confront it. “We have to stand up and speak out against that,” he added. As a vocal supporter of Israel, Shapiro has been outspoken in his condemnation of Hamas following the group’s attack on Israel on October 7. He ordered flags to be flown at half-mast at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in honor of the victims and delivered a speech at a local synagogue. Shapiro has also condemned antisemitic protests in Pennsylvania and has resisted calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, comparing anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses to the Ku Klux Klan. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Federal safety officials are requiring inspections of cockpit seats on Boeing 787 Dreamliners after one of the jets went into a dive when the captain’s seat lurched forward without warning and disconnected the plane’s autopilot system. Boeing also has stopped test flights of a new version of its 777 jetliner after discovering a damaged structural part between the engine and the rest of the plane. The new model has not yet been approved by regulators. The Federal Aviation Administration said in an order scheduled to be published Wednesday that it will require operators of 787s to inspect both pilot seats for missing or cracked caps that cover a switch used to move the seats. During a March flight by Chile-based Latam Airlines, the captain’s seat moved forward and hit a switch that disconnected the autopilot system. The plane, flying from Australia to New Zealand, rapidly dropped about 400 feet (120 meters) before the co-pilot regained control, according to a preliminary report by Chilean authorities. Several dozen passengers were injured, according to news reports. Within days of the incident, Boeing recommended that airlines look at the cockpit seats on 787s for loose caps on the switches and told them how to turn off power to the motorized seats. The FAA said it has received four other reports from Boeing of cockpit seats moving when not intended to, including one in June. The FAA said its safety order will affect 158 planes registered in the United States. Separately, the FAA published a final rule requiring airlines to inspect inlets around ducts in engine anti-ice systems on 787s for signs of heat damage. The agency proposed the rule in February after a report of damage to “multiple” engine inlets caused by missing or “degraded” seals around the ducts. Boeing identified the inlet issue in bulletins sent to airlines last year. Meanwhile, Boeing suffered a setback in its effort to win FAA certification of the 777-9, a new, long-range addition to its lineup of 777 jets. The plane might be most noteworthy for its folding wingtips, which would allow the larger model to fit at airport gates designed for other 777s. Boeing said Tuesday it has stopped flights after one of four test planes was found to have cracks on a part called a thrust link that helps balance load between the engines and the aircraft. The issue surfaced after a test flight returned to Hawaii. “During scheduled maintenance, we identified a component that did not perform as designed,” Boeing said in a statement. “Our team is replacing the part and capturing any learnings from the component and will resume flight testing when ready.” Boeing said there are four thrust links on each 777-9 — two on each engine for redundancy. The company said the component is new to the 777-9 and is not used on existing 777s or other planes. Boeing, which is based in Arlington, Virginia, said it was keeping the FAA and airlines informed about the issue. (AP)
Hezbollah has confirmed the deaths of four of its members, referring to them as martyrs “on the road to Jerusalem,” a phrase the group uses to describe those killed by Israeli forces. The announcement follows an Israeli airstrike on a Hezbollah cell in a building located in Matmoura, southern Lebanon, earlier today. These recent casualties bring the total number of Hezbollah members killed since the onset of the Gaza conflict to at least 419.
