Explore

Academic Engagement Network Seeks Assistant Director for Programs and Communications

Academic Engagement Network Seeks Assistant Director for Programs and Communications

The Academic Engagement Network (AEN) is actively seeking an Assistant Director of Programs and Communications. This full-time position, reporting to the Director of Programs and Partnerships, is open to candidates authorized to work in the United States. AEN, founded in 2015, is dedicated to building and mobilizing university faculty and administrators to counter antisemitism, oppose the denigration of Jewish and Zionist identity, promote academic freedom, and advance education about Israel. The organization operates on over 350 university and college campuses across the U.S. The Assistant Director will be crucial in delivering AEN's signature faculty programs, including the Short Course, Faculty Fellowship, regional Hub Convenings, faculty delegations to Israel, thematic conferences, webinars, and other educational initiatives. The role involves coordinating program planning and implementation, supporting faculty presenters and organizational partners, managing program communications, and ensuring a seam...

Randy Fine Secures Primary Victory Against Dan Bilzerian Amidst Antisemitic Campaign

Randy Fine Secures Primary Victory Against Dan Bilzerian Amidst Antisemitic Campaign

Representative Randy Fine (R-FL) has won his primary election, defeating social media personality Dan Bilzerian. Fine garnered 56.8% of the vote, while Bilzerian received 17.9%. The Associated Press called the race at 7:53 p.m. The primary contest was notable for Bilzerian's overtly antisemitic campaign against Fine, who is recognized as a prominent supporter of Israel in Congress. Two other candidates, veteran Charles Gambaro and activist Aaron Baker, also participated in the race. This election outcome solidifies Fine's position, allowing him to continue representing his district, and marks a decisive rejection of the antisemitic rhetoric employed by his opponent during the campaign.

Maine Opens First Recovery High School to Combat Teen Substance Abuse

Maine Opens First Recovery High School to Combat Teen Substance Abuse

Maine has opened its first recovery high school, the Upper St. John Valley Recovery High School, located on the University of Maine at Fort Kent campus. This initiative aims to provide a supportive educational environment for teenagers struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The school is primarily funded by opioid settlement funds received by the state and is notable for being the only rural recovery high school in the U.S., according to the Association of Recovery Schools. The inaugural class consists of four students who will live on campus five nights a week, a unique feature among recovery high schools. Students will attend trade classes in the mornings and online academic classes in the afternoons, alongside developing coping skills and participating in physical activities. The program is free for families, with funding secured for the first two years and plans for future legislative support.

Ohio State University's Crackdown on Pro-Palestine Encampment Draws Scrutiny

Ohio State University's Crackdown on Pro-Palestine Encampment Draws Scrutiny

Ohio State University's administrative response to a pro-Palestine encampment in April 2024 has been notably severe compared to similar protests at other colleges, leading to ongoing repercussions. While the University of Michigan allowed student encampments to remain for 30 days and Oberlin College engaged in dialogue, Ohio State dismantled its encampment within six hours, resulting in 36 arrests, including 16 Ohio State students. Heba Latif, then-president of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at Ohio State, stated that the university's response included Columbus Division of Police officers in riot gear and aerial surveillance. Latif also noted that prior to the encampment, SJP had made a space reservation for an 'art installation' on the South Oval, attempting to follow university procedures. Following the encampment, Ohio State implemented new rules restricting protest activities, such as limits on amplified sound, crowd-based demonstrations, and a ban on chalking, which Latif believes has signifi...

Mehdi Hasan Challenges Senator Mark Warner on Israel-Gaza and AIPAC Influence

Mehdi Hasan Challenges Senator Mark Warner on Israel-Gaza and AIPAC Influence

Journalist Mehdi Hasan recently challenged Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) on his podcast, 'Mehdi Unfiltered,' regarding the Senator's stance on Israel's actions in Gaza and the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in U.S. politics. Hasan pressed Warner on whether he would label Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, a question the Senator reportedly sidestepped by expressing concern that such terminology would fuel those seeking to eliminate Israel. Hasan also questioned Warner about the potential negative role of AIPAC campaign contributions in U.S. politics, to which the Senator provided evasive answers. This exchange highlights a growing tension between establishment politicians and independent progressive media outlets, which are increasingly willing to challenge conventional political narratives. The interview demonstrated how some politicians, accustomed to less rigorous questioning from mainstream media, are unprepared for direct and persistent inquiries on sensitive topics.

Russian Envoy Defends Hamas Ties, Citing Role in Hostage Release Efforts

Russian Envoy Defends Hamas Ties, Citing Role in Hostage Release Efforts

Russian Ambassador to Israel, Anatoly Viktorov, has publicly defended Russia's continued engagement with Hamas, despite criticism from Israel. Viktorov stated that these contacts are crucial for humanitarian efforts, particularly in securing the release of hostages. He clarified that Russia does not view Hamas as an organization it created or supports, but rather as a product of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According to Viktorov, severing ties with Hamas would hinder Russia's ability to address humanitarian issues. He highlighted that a significant portion of Russia's interactions with Hamas representatives since October 2023 has focused on facilitating the release of Israeli hostages, including Russian citizens. The ambassador emphasized that while Russia does not align with Israel's stance on Hamas's status, this does not prevent Moscow from maintaining communication with various Palestinian factions. He also reiterated Russia's support for the establishment of a Palestinian state coexisting peacefu...

U.S. Envoy to Skip Nagasaki Bombing Memorial Following Exclusion of Israeli Envoy

U.S. Envoy to Skip Nagasaki Bombing Memorial Following Exclusion of Israeli Envoy

U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, will not attend the ceremonies marking the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9th. This decision stems from the Nagasaki mayor's choice to not invite Israel's envoy to the event. Ambassador Emanuel communicated in a letter to the mayor that he could not attend in good conscience, and the U.S. will instead be represented at a lower diplomatic level. The mayor of Nagasaki stated that the exclusion of the Israeli envoy was a precautionary measure to prevent disruptions during the ceremony, not a political act. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is still scheduled to attend the event. This development follows a letter sent last month by international envoys from the Group of Seven nations to the mayor, expressing concerns about Israel's exclusion from the memorial.

US Treasury Secretary Bessent doubles US long-bond buybacks in the face of surging yields

US Treasury Secretary Bessent doubles US long-bond buybacks in the face of surging yields

By David Lawder WASHINGTON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - The U.S.

Virginia Attorney General's Office Finds Yorktown High School 'Deliberately Indifferent' to Antisemitism

Virginia Attorney General's Office Finds Yorktown High School 'Deliberately Indifferent' to Antisemitism

An investigation by the Virginia Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights has concluded that Arlington County Public Schools (APS) was "deliberately indifferent to a discriminatory hostile environment against Jewish students at Yorktown High School." The findings, which have not been publicly released but were exclusively reviewed by The Free Press, detail a systemic failure by school officials to address surging antisemitism. Jewish students reported being targeted, mocked, threatened, and chased. Incidents included a male Jewish student having his kippah pulled off and being called an antisemitic slur, leading him to cover his kippah with a baseball cap. Other students described hearing Nazi salutes, Holocaust jokes, and being told they belonged in a gas chamber or that 'Hitler should have finished the job.' The report indicates that despite warnings that harassment would not be tolerated, Yorktown’s principal and other school leadership rarely followed through with punishment, failing to protect Jewish...

The worst primary in America just ended

The worst primary in America just ended

An Islamophobic Congress member beat an antisemitic influencer. It may be a sign of the GOP to come.

Senator Mark Warner Faces Rigorous Interrogation on 'Mehdi Unfiltered' Podcast

Senator Mark Warner Faces Rigorous Interrogation on 'Mehdi Unfiltered' Podcast

Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), the ranking Democratic member on the Senate Intelligence Committee, recently appeared on Mehdi Hasan's podcast, 'Mehdi Unfiltered.' During the interview, Senator Warner faced a rigorous interrogation regarding various topics, including the Middle East and the role of U.S. aid to Israel. The discussion highlighted a perceived disconnect between establishment politicians and mainstream media's approach to these sensitive issues. The interviewers, including Hasan, were noted for their willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and press lawmakers on their stances, particularly concerning U.S. foreign policy and campaign contributions. This approach contrasted with what the source describes as the more constrained conversations typically found on major network TV shows.

Palestinian American Returns to West Bank to Defend Home Amidst Israeli Settler Siege

Palestinian American Returns to West Bank to Defend Home Amidst Israeli Settler Siege

A Palestinian American, Loui Ridi, has returned to his home in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra to defend it against a siege by Israeli settlers. For over a week, groups of settlers have surrounded several Palestinian houses, preventing residents from leaving. Ridi, an Ohio-based owner of one of the besieged homes, traveled to his property to join family members who have been attempting to protect it. The United States has condemned the siege, and the Israeli military has deployed troops, stating their purpose is to maintain order. However, Ridi's brother's footage showed soldiers interacting amicably with settlers. This incident occurs amidst a significant increase in violence in the West Bank, where settlers, reportedly emboldened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government, have intensified attacks on Palestinian towns, harassing residents and setting property ablaze. According to Palestinian health officials, 87 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers this...