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On the eve of Election Night, former President Donald Trump was ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris in all seven key swing states, according to multiple polls.

Surveys by AtlasIntel show Trump leading Harris in battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

However, Harris is leading in two states—Minnesota and Virginia. In Minnesota, out of 2,065 likely voters polled, 49.2% supported Harris, compared to 47.2% for Trump. In Virginia, 51.3% of the 2,202 likely voters surveyed favored Harris, while 45.9% backed Trump.

In Arizona, with 875 likely voters surveyed, Trump garnered 51.6% support, while Harris received 46.5%.

In Georgia, Trump led with 49.9% of support among 1,112 likely voters, compared to Harris’ 48.3%.

Michigan’s survey of 1,113 likely voters showed 49.8% support for Trump, while 48.3% sided with Harris.

In Nevada, 707 likely voters gave Trump 50.2% support, whereas Harris secured 47.2%.

North Carolina’s poll of 1,219 likely voters had Trump at 50% support, with Harris close behind at 47.9%.

Among 1,840 likely voters in Pennsylvania, Trump had 49.6% support, while Harris had 48.6%.

Wisconsin’s survey of 869 likely voters showed Trump with 49.5% support, and Harris with 48.6%.

These AtlasIntel findings align with previous polls by the same organization, which also showed Trump leading Harris in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll from August similarly found Trump ahead in seven battleground states, described as the closest contests in the 2020 election.

{Matzav.com}

Kamala Harris’ interview with a Muslim social media influencer was never released after the vice president avoided discussing Gaza but surprisingly praised bacon—a food strictly prohibited in Islam.

Kareem Rahma, the host of the widely followed “Subway Takes” series on Instagram and TikTok, decided not to air his conversation with Harris, which was recorded over the summer, according to his comments to the New York Times.

Before the interview, Rahma intended to challenge Harris on her administration’s stance on Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza—a position he strongly opposes, as reported by the Times. However, despite multiple requests to address this topic during discussions with her team and the Democratic National Committee, he was denied.

Instead, Harris’ team agreed she would share a “hot take” on people removing their shoes on airplanes. The format of Rahma’s show involves guests, including notable figures, defending an unconventional opinion.

“[Rahma] ultimately agreed to the terms, reasoning that he could choose not to publish the video if it made him uneasy,” the New York Times story said.

During the interview, however, Harris veered off-topic, declaring, “bacon is a spice.” This was an unexpected remark, especially since Rahma, like many practicing Muslims, avoids pork due to religious beliefs.

“I don’t know,” Rahma reportedly replied, visibly surprised, as noted by the Times.

“Think about it, it’s pure flavor,” she continued, according to footage reviewed by the Times.

Rahma then paused the interview to explain his dietary restrictions and tried steering the conversation back to the agreed subject of airplane etiquette. Yet, Harris continued discussing food, this time promoting anchovies on pizza—a move reportedly suggested by one of her staffers.

“Well,” Rahma told Harris in the recording. “I’m 100% unsure on both of those.”

Rahma ultimately decided not to release the interview, concerned about backlash from the Muslim community.

“He had been apprehensive about potential criticism from other Muslims, and the bacon talk had thrown him off,” the Times reported.

“It was so complicated because I’m Muslim and there’s something going on in the world that 100 percent of Muslims care about,” Rahma told the outlet. “And then they made it worse by talking about anchovies. Boring!”

According to two senior officials from Harris’ campaign, Rahma was briefed about the bacon topic beforehand, but both Rahma and his manager refuted this claim. Despite the campaign offering an apology and suggesting a reshoot, Rahma opted not to proceed.

In August, Rahma aired an unrelated interview with Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, where Walz discussed gutter maintenance—a conversation that gained considerable attention online.

Harris, who has faced criticism for her limited media engagements early in her campaign, has a track record of problematic interviews. She has often been criticized for delivering what her detractors call “word salads,” referring to her tendency to make redundant or incoherent statements during the election period.

{Matzav.com}

Russia-linked disinformation campaigns have falsely alleged that officials in key battleground states are plotting to manipulate the results of the razor-thin U.S. presidential election, authorities caution just hours before voters head to the polls.

Securing victory in the seven crucial swing states is essential for both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and these states have previously been the target of baseless claims of electoral fraud.

“Russia is the most active threat,” warns the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), alongside the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

“These actions pose a danger of inciting violence, even targeting election officials,” they add, highlighting that these operations are likely to escalate not only on Election Day but also in the weeks that follow.

This warning is the latest in a series from the ODNI about foreign interference — primarily attributed to Russia and Iran — allegedly involving disinformation or attempts to hack into the election process.

Both Tehran and Moscow have consistently denied these accusations in the past.

The newest ODNI alert points to a recent video as an example, which falsely shows an interview with someone claiming electoral fraud in Arizona. The video alleges fraudulent overseas ballots and alterations to voter rolls to favor Harris.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes dismissed the video and its allegations as “completely false, fake and fraudulent.”

Officials also anticipate that operations linked to Iran will aim to incite unrest by disseminating misleading information.

{Matzav.com}

Former President Donald Trump has asserted that Vice President Kamala Harris plans to “invade the Middle East,” as he makes a last-minute pitch to Arab and Muslim constituents while aiming for their backing in the crucial swing state of Michigan just before the election.

“We are building the biggest and broadest coalition in American political history. This includes record-breaking numbers of Arab and Muslim Voters in Michigan who want PEACE,” Trump expressed on X.

He continued, “They know Kamala and her warmonger Cabinet will invade the Middle East, get millions of Muslims killed and start World War III,” as he vowed to “BRING BACK PEACE!”

{Matzav.com}

Hamas has once again rejected calls to release the hostages it has been holding in Gaza since its attack on Israel last October, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

The State Department issued a summary on Monday detailing the conversation between Blinken and Abdelatty, which took place on Sunday and focused on the situations in the Middle East and Sudan.

“The Secretary noted that Hamas has once again refused to release even a limited number of hostages to secure a ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. Blinken also “discussed the importance of establishing a path for the post-conflict period that provides governance, security, and reconstruction.”

The discussion also covered Lebanon, Miller stated. “The Secretary and Foreign Minister Abdelatty discussed efforts to promote a diplomatic resolution that would enable civilians on both sides of the blue line to return to their homes with safety and security. The Secretary underscored the need for Lebanese leaders to swiftly address the country’s presidential vacancy.”

Blinken’s remarks to Abdelatty highlight that Hamas has consistently turned down proposals for releasing hostages. This includes last week’s offer from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, which proposed a two-day ceasefire in Gaza. During this period, four Israeli hostages would be released in exchange for prisoners, with further negotiations planned for the following ten days.

Additionally, senior Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri reiterated last week that any agreement must involve a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

{Matzav.com}

Podcaster Joe Rogan, known for his extensive interviews, recently hosted a nearly three-hour conversation with Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump. Following the discussion, Rogan announced on Monday that he is backing Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, set for November 5.

The election pits Trump against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, with polls indicating a closely contested race. Harris has garnered support from several high-profile celebrities.

Rogan clarified his position on the social media platform X, stating, “For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump.”

{Matzav.com}

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​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

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Why do we vote if everything is in G-d’s Hands anyway? It’s the same as everything else. It’s in the Hands of Hashem but we have to do our part and try to vote the right candidate into office.

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Megyn Kelly speaks at former President Trump’s campaign event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Just a day before the U.S. presidential election, the betting markets are showing a neck-and-neck race between the Republican contender, former President Donald Trump, and the Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

According to the latest figures from Oddschecker, Trump is currently given a 56% chance of winning, while Harris stands at 44%. These probabilities are derived from betting odds of 8/11 (-138) for Trump and 5/4 (+125) for Harris (see chart).

Trump’s lead in the odds has slightly diminished from the 60% support he garnered from bettors between October 2 and October 29. During the same period, Harris was at 47%.

“As we approach the final stretch before election day, we’re observing notable movements in the betting trends, particularly in the crucial swing states,” says Leon Blackman, a representative for Oddschecker in the UK, which aggregates data from 80 betting platforms.

“Trump’s position as the favorite in the overall odds aligns with the consistent pattern we’ve tracked throughout October. However, Harris has seen a significant uptick in betting support, especially in key battlegrounds like Michigan and Pennsylvania,” Blackman continues.

In these pivotal states, Republican candidates are seeing increased betting backing in Arizona and Nevada. North Carolina and Pennsylvania are holding steady, with Republicans maintaining a narrow advantage.

Michigan and Wisconsin are the only two states where Democrats are currently favored by bettors. Meanwhile, in Georgia, the Republicans’ chances have slightly declined (see chart).

The Betfair Exchange has witnessed over $220 million traded on the outcome of the U.S. presidential race, making it the second most heavily bet political event in history, following the 2020 U.S. election, which saw a record $2.6 billion wagered.

{Matzav.com}

The Harris campaign, along with its allied groups, poured over $2.185 billion into efforts aimed at thwarting former President Donald Trump from achieving a historic political comeback, according to a Bloomberg report citing data from Open Secrets.

This staggering financial effort highlights the significant obstacles Trump must overcome to secure reelection, despite enduring two assassination attempts and facing extensive legal challenges from Democrats.

Beyond this massive expenditure, there were additional millions funneled in smaller amounts by organizations aligned with the Democratic Party. Major contributors to the $2.185 billion figure include:

Bloomberg detailed the broader landscape of political spending, stating, “11,000 Political Groups Spent $14.7 Billion to Influence the 2024 Election.” They highlighted key financial figures:

The article noted, “[I]t’s Vice President Kamala Harris who has the huge money advantage. She’s raised large sums from wealthy supporters and grassroots donors alike, which allowed her campaign to spend more handily compared to Trump’s, pouring $875 million into the race compared to $355 million for the Republican nominee.”

Political fundraising efforts have funneled billions through major political action committees, such as the Democrats’ ActBlue and the Republicans’ WinRed. Together, these PACs have managed more than 113 million donations and distributed $4.5 billion to various committees. These two organizations alone account for more than 31 cents of every dollar spent in the U.S. political arena, making them the most financially active entities in the 2024 election cycle.

The American political landscape is heavily fueled by substantial financial resources. With no caps on campaign contributions for presidential and congressional candidates, voters are bombarded with advertising, text messages, and mailers as both Republicans and Democrats vie for influence over an increasingly polarized electorate.

Amid these intense efforts, Trump released an ad on Monday focusing on resilience in the face of challenges:

“Nothing worth doing ever came easy. Treat the word impossible as nothing more than motivation. Never ever quit. Never quit. Adversity makes you stronger. Don’t give in. Don’t back down and never stop doing what you know is right. They want to take away my freedom, because I will never let them take away your freedoms. They’re not coming after me. They’re coming after you and I just happen to be standing in their way.”

{Matzav.com}

Jim Messina, who managed Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, expressed concern about early voting trends in the current race involving Vice President Kamala Harris. Speaking on MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki,” Messina shared that the early voting figures had alarmed some of his colleagues, prompting panicked calls after they compared the data to that of the 2020 election.

“Republicans didn’t do what they did last time,” Messina remarked, emphasizing that Donald Trump’s campaign has actively encouraged early voting this time around.

“Last time, Trump said don’t early vote so they didn’t,” Messina explained. “Republicans do have an advantage in early vote numbers. When the early votes come in, it’s going to look a little bit different than 2020, and that’s scary.”

Despite the worrying signs, Messina pointed out positive developments for the Democrats, particularly among key voter groups such as women and young people. These groups have been showing up in strong numbers for early voting, which bodes well for Harris.

“Women voters make up 55% of the early voters and in the past 10 days, young voters in these battleground states are coming out in what looks to be, for early votes, historic numbers,” Messina noted.

{Matzav.com}

The government advanced a proposal to the Knesset that would secure ongoing taxpayer-funded childcare subsidies for the chareidi community. This move comes despite a ruling by the High Court of Justice, which deemed such financial assistance illegal when the father is obligated to serve in the Israel Defense Forces but does not.

The newly introduced legislation seeks to ensure that children of chareidi men, who are mandated but have not completed military service, remain eligible for state-funded daycare. This bill fulfills a significant political promise made to the chareidi coalition parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism.

The bill has sparked intense debate, with detractors arguing that it perpetuates the avoidance of military service among chareidi men. This is particularly concerning given the IDF’s pressing need for personnel after a prolonged conflict involving both Hamas and Hezbollah.

Following its approval by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation on Sunday, the bill is now set for a preliminary reading in the Knesset, expected to occur this Wednesday. United Torah Judaism MK Yisrael Eichler, who spearheaded the initiative, confirmed this development.

Gideon Sa’ar, leader of the New Hope party within the coalition, announced that his party would oppose the bill in the Knesset. He criticized the legislation, stating it “will convey a message of encouraging evasion from service in the IDF and will assist in doing so.”

Sa’ar, who became a minister without portfolio in September, emphasized that the coalition should focus on promoting the involvement of all societal groups in military service.

The opposition vehemently condemned the legislation, with Yesh Atid accusing the ministers supporting the bill of “treachery” and betraying “the middle class, IDF reservists, wounded IDF servicemen, and the memory of the fallen.”

National Unity MK Matan Kahana expressed his outrage, asserting that the legislation “spat in the face of IDF reservists” and accused it of facilitating draft evasion by legitimizing and funding it.

In correspondence with Levin earlier on Sunday, the Attorney General’s Office highlighted legal concerns about the bill. They argued that it attempts to bypass the 2023 expiration of a law granting blanket military service exemptions to chareidi yeshiva students, which the High Court had ruled against in June, mandating their enlistment.

The court also ruled that financial aid to such students must cease in the absence of legislation allowing their exemption from military duty.

The Attorney General’s Office warned, “A Knesset law cannot be considered constitutional if it means that the principle of equality will be harmed through state and institutional encouragement of avoiding conscription into the IDF in defiance of the Law for Security Services, contrary to the needs of the IDF, and contrary to the obligation of equal burden [in military service].”

Despite these objections, the legislation, being a private member’s bill, does not require approval from the Attorney General’s Office to progress in the Knesset.

Under previous regulations, families where the mother worked and the father studied full-time in yeshiva instead of serving in the military were eligible for the subsidy. This amounted to thousands of shekels per month for many large chareidi families.

From 2002 to 2018, the subsidy was granted to working mothers earning below a specific income level to boost female employment.

In 2021, then-Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman revised the law, requiring both parents to be employed to qualify for the subsidy, effectively excluding families with fathers in full-time yeshiva study. The current administration has amended this, allowing full-time yeshiva study to count as employment for subsidy purposes.

These daycare subsidies are a financial lifeline for many chareidi households, prompting the chareidi parties to strongly advocate for their reinstatement.

Last week, UTJ proposed the bill after retracting their threat to disrupt government budget negotiations unless the coalition passed a law reintroducing blanket military service exemptions for yeshiva students.

The broader enlistment law, intended to address this issue, is currently stalled in the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Likud MK Yuli Edelstein, who chairs the committee, has stated that the bill will only move forward if there is widespread agreement among lawmakers.

{Matzav.com}

A Philadelphia judge on Monday dismissed an attempt by District Attorney Larry Krasner to prevent Elon Musk from distributing daily $1 million prizes to registered voters in swing states.

Krasner claimed the initiative constituted an illegal lottery. However, Judge Angelo Foglietta rejected the argument following testimony from Musk’s attorney, who clarified that the selection process wasn’t based on randomness.

“The $1 million recipients are not chosen by chance,” attorney Chris Gober testified, as reported by the Associated Press. “We know exactly who will be announced as the $1 million recipient today and tomorrow.”

Chris Young, leader of Musk’s America PAC, explained that potential prize recipients undergo a vetting process to assess their character and ensure their values align with the PAC’s objectives.

Musk’s legal team further contended that the prize winners serve as compensated spokespeople for America PAC, and halting the giveaways would infringe on their “core political speech.” They also noted that Krasner’s motion was irrelevant since no additional Pennsylvanians would be awarded before the program concludes on Election Day.

Since October 19, Musk has distributed $16 million to voters who signed a petition supporting free speech and the right to bear arms. Eligibility for the million-dollar prize requires participants to be registered voters in one of seven pivotal swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

In response to the revelation that the selection process wasn’t random, Krasner criticized Musk’s initiative, labeling it a “grift.”

“This was all political marketing masquerading as a lottery,” the DA stated. “That’s what it is. A grift.”

“They were scammed for their information,” Krasner continued. “It has almost unlimited use.”

Musk, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, is expected to announce the final prize winner on Election Day.

Last month, the Harris-Biden Justice Department reportedly cautioned Musk that his program might be unlawful.

{Matzav.com}

As we approach this pivotal election, we share a pre-election message from Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Moshe of South Fallsburg. Rav Wachtfogel’s message is not just a call to action, but a reflection on the values that underpin our participation in the democratic process.

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The Israel Defense Forces are set to issue another 7,000 draft notices to members of the chareidi community next week. This follows an initial phase aimed at drafting chareidi soldiers, which yielded minimal success.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant convened with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and other senior military officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amir Baram, Personnel Directorate Chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, and Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi. During the meeting, Gallant was briefed on the outcomes of the first phase of the chareidi draft initiative.

Over the summer, the IDF dispatched 3,000 draft orders in this initial phase. Despite this effort, only 230 individuals reported to induction centers.

On Monday, Gallant gave his approval for the IDF’s proposal to send out an additional 7,000 draft orders to chareidi men.

The IDF has made it clear that it will adhere to the legal requirements. Those who repeatedly ignore their draft notices may face restrictions on leaving the country, arrests by Military Police, and possible incarceration in military facilities.

Thus far, no reports have emerged of such arrests taking place.

These draft notices represent the initial phase of the army’s process for evaluating and screening recruits for enlistment in the coming year. This development follows a significant High Court ruling in June, which eliminated the legal basis for exempting chareidi yeshiva students from military service.

Subsequently, the attorney general directed the government to promptly begin conscription procedures for 3,000 chareidi men.

The IDF has stated its need for approximately 10,000 new soldiers, primarily in combat roles. However, it can currently only manage the enlistment of an additional 3,000 chareidi recruits this year due to their specific requirements. This figure is in addition to the roughly 1,800 chareidi soldiers drafted annually.

The military plans to establish new units tailored for chareidi troops, complementing existing ones like the Netzach Yehuda Battalion in the Kfir Brigade, the Tomer Company in the Givati Brigade’s Rotem Battalion, the Hetz Company in the Paratroopers Brigade’s 202nd Battalion, and the ground defense unit at Nevatim Airbase, alongside various non-combat roles.

In a separate session on Monday, Halevi was updated on the progress of a new brigade being formed for chareidi soldiers, named the Hasmonean Brigade.

According to the IDF, the staff for the first chareidi brigade has been assembled, and preparations are underway to induct the brigade’s inaugural company next month.

Senior officials, including Ground Forces Chief Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, provided Halevi with updates on the continuing development efforts.

The debate surrounding the conscription of the chareidi community is among Israel’s most contentious issues. Numerous attempts by both government and judiciary to resolve this have failed to yield a lasting solution, as chareidi religious and political leaders strongly oppose drafting their young men.

Many within the chareidi community view military service as fundamentally incompatible with their lifestyle and worry about the risk of secular influence on those who enlist.

In contrast, Israelis who do serve in the military argue that the widespread exemptions for chareidim place an undue burden on them. This sentiment has grown particularly acute following the events of October 7 and the subsequent war, which have seen the loss of over 780 soldiers and the mobilization of around 300,000 reservists.

Over the past year, 63,000 chareidi males were deemed eligible for military service.

{Matzav.com}

This afternoon, the children of Misameach were granted a remarkable opportunity to meet several members of the Trump family, including Eric and Don Jr. It was an extraordinary experience, offering a rare chance to connect with such prominent figures on a personal level.

In addition to this unforgettable encounter, the group was invited to a private meeting with influential political leaders, including Dave McCormick, a Senate candidate from Pennsylvania. This inspiring session allowed for meaningful discussions and provided valuable insights into the current political landscape.

As part of this exceptional day, the children of Misameach had the honor of sitting in the front row at the rally, just a few feet from President Donald Trump. The energy of the event was electrifying, and being so close to the President offered a truly unique and memorable perspective.

{Matzav.com}

Former President Donald Trump attributed the recent shooting of a Jewish man in Chicago to the policies of Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden Administration. The incident occurred as the victim was on his way to shul last week.

“Only days ago, an illegal alien from North Africa, who Kamala let into our county with her horrendous open border, traveled to a Jewish neighborhood in Chicago and tried to execute a Jewish man on the street, shooting him in the back as he walked to synagogue,” Trump stated during a campaign event.

The former president also praised law enforcement for their swift response. “He then opened fire on police and paramedics, shooting an ambulance before police returned fire and ended his rampage fairly quickly,” Trump noted. He emphasized the need for respect toward law enforcement, saying, “our police have got to be respected.”

On Thursday, authorities charged 22-year-old Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi with terrorism and a hate crime related to the Shabbos shooting. According to police, Abdallahi approached a 39-year-old Jewish man on the North Side of Chicago and shot him multiple times before targeting responding officers and paramedics from different locations. Officers ultimately shot and subdued Abdallahi.

Abdallahi, reportedly an illegal immigrant from Mauritania who was previously apprehended and released by the US Border Patrol in San Diego, initially faced six counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, and one count of aggravated battery.

Members of the Jewish community expressed dissatisfaction with the initial hesitation to label the attack as a hate crime. They also criticized the mayor for not acknowledging the victim’s Jewish identity in his public remarks about the shooting.

{Matzav.com}

New York Judge John Hubbard sentenced Zachary Kowatch, 23, to five years of probation for attempted reckless endangerment in the first degree, a Class E felony, on Aug. 30.

Kowatch had pleaded guilty on Oct. 21 to swerving at a Jewish teenager and yelling antisemitic insults at him in the village of Fleischmanns, in Middletown, N.Y., on May 9.

“I have another one almost identical going on right now, and I don’t understand what’s the matter with people,” Shawn Smith, acting district attorney in Delaware County, N.Y., told JNS.

Joseph E. VanBlarcom, 20, faces charges for allegedly swerving his car at Jews while yelling bigoted slurs on July 29, also in the village of Fleischmanns. He awaits trial where he, too, faces a Class E felony of aggravated harassment in the second degree as a hate crime.

Smith told JNS how the police charge against Kowatch of reckless endangerment in the first degree as a hate crime wasn’t strong enough.

Still, said the DA, “for the rest of his life, he’s going to be stuck with a felony conviction. And if he violates probation, he’s got an alcohol problem, I think that was pretty clear. If he can get that under control—and turn over a new leaf and live a law-abiding way—then that works out. And if he doesn’t, then he’s convicted of a felony.”

Smith said every community “deserves to raise their children in peace. Mr. Kowatch violated that peace, and he has been held accountable.”

Gerard Filitti, senior counsel at the Lawfare Project, disagreed.

“Unfortunately, we see time and again that prosecutors under-charge bias crimes targeting the Jewish people, including in the case of Zachary Kowatch,” he told JNS. “An aggressive prosecutor could have charged him with a more serious offense: second-degree attempted murder.”

Filitti called the sentence “a sweetheart plea deal” and “a slap on the wrist for a person who was so motivated by Jew-hatred that he could have easily killed two people—and arguably may have intended to do so—and a slap in the face not just to the victims but to the Jewish community.”

Expressing skepticism at the possibility of rehabilitation, he told JNS that “it’s easy to believe that doing right by the Jewish community was outweighed by the cost of bringing Kowatch to trial.”

(JNS)