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THIS WEEK’S CONTENT
WATCH THE WEEKLY CAM NEWSLETTER SUMMARY BELOW
Take action
(1 Piece)
1. CAM Theodor Herzl Take Action Contest: Round 2
By CAM
We want to hear your creative concepts for combatting anti-Semitism! Do you have an out-of-the-box idea to help end anti-Semitism? Think you have what it takes to win? Join our Venture Creative Contest and submit your idea on how to combat anti-Semitism. Successful entrants can win up to $50,000 to implement their social venture projects.
Special Feature
(1 Piece)
1. “How Muslims and Jews Can Combat Anti-Semitism Together: A Dialogue with Dr. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa.”
By Combat Anti-Semitism Movement, American Sephardi Federation and the Muslim World League
Even during a global pandemic, hate and xenophobia continue to proliferate. Unique solutions are required to beat back this wave of intolerance. The Combat Anti-Semitism Movement (CAM) and American Sephardi Federation (ASF) invite you to join an interfaith ceremony unlike any other next Tuesday, June 9th at 1:00pm EDT, titled “How Muslims and Jews Can Combat Anti-Semitism Together: A Dialogue with Dr. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa.”
Join us in honoring Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa for his courageous leadership in combating anti-Semitism and building bridges between faith communities. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed-Al Issa will deliver a special address outlining his pioneering vision for how Jews and Muslims can work together to defeat rising anti-Semitism and hatred during these tumultuous times. The event will be streamed live on Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. Register & Watch The Event Here
UNITED STATES
(11 Articles)
1. Florida state primary opponent of Jewish candidate takes anti-Semitic pot shots
By JNS
Marcie Adkins, a Republican primary opponent of Randy Fine, a sitting Florida state representative, has been accused of engaging in anti-Semitism against the Jewish incumbent. A fake Facebook page was created called “Randy Fine Not So Fine,” trafficking in unverified allegations against him, including an anti-Semitic meme of Fine and Brevard County Commission chair Bryan Lober, depicted as insects engaged in indecent behavior. Read Here
2. Outrage After Far-Left Pro-BDS Group Ties Israel to Minneapolis Police Violence
By Benjamin Kerstein
The Democratic Socialists of America’s BDS national working group attempted to tie Israel to US police violence against minorities. Referring to unrest following the police killing of George Floyd, the group tweeted, “The police violence happening tonight in Minneapolis is straight out of the IDF playbook,” adding, “US cops train in Israel.” Read Here
3. Two Charged With Spray-Painting Racist, Anti-Semitic Graffiti In Westchester County, NY
By Zak Failla
Two men are facing charges for spray-painting anti-Semitic graffiti on county-owned property in Westchester. The graffiti included a swastika as well as racist language targeting African-Americans and Mexican-Americans. Read Here
4. Swastikas found drawn on front porch of Flatbush, Brooklyn home
By News12 The Bronx
The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating anti-Semitic drawings, depicting three Swastikas, which were found on the front porch of a Flatbush home. Read Here
5.Jackson council repeals dorm ban, claims DOJ anti-Semitism complaint has ‘inaccuracies’
By Mike Davis
Township officials reversed course on a 2017 ordinance banning dormitories, a measure the Justice Department alleges unlawfully targets the Orthodox Jewish community and that the dormitory and school ordinances were designed “to prevent the Orthodox community from further populating Jackson.” Read Here
6. Details released of woman’s arrest for defacing Jewish temple in McAllen, Texas
By Valley Central
The McAllen Police Department released new details of the arrest made in connection to the defacing of a Jewish temple. Erica Yme Garza, was arrested and charged with one count of criminal mischief. Read Here
7. San Diego Hillcrest neighbors woke up to find disturbing graffiti in neighborhood
By Marie Coronel
Disturbing graffiti, depicting Swastikas and anti-semitic imagery, was painted on to cars throughout the Hillcrest neighborhood in San Diego. One neighbor was walking his dog when he noticed the graffiti and he called police, “Several of my grandparents died in the Holocaust. So, for me to see this, this reminds me of Nazi Germany. It’s very offensive.” Read Here
8. Synagogues in Los Angeles and Richmond vandalized during protests
By JTA
A synagogue in Los Angeles was vandalized with graffiti reading “F**k Israel” and “Free Palestine” as protests against the police killing of George Floyd swept the city. Also Saturday, the window of a synagogue in Richmond, Virginia, was smashed during protests. Read Here
9. Los Angeles Real Estate Mogul Mohamed Hadid Apologizes for Post Linking Israel to Police Brutality in United States
By Benjamin Kerstein
Mohamed Hadid apologized for linking Israel to police violence in the US against people of color. Hadid posted an image on Instagram showing an American policeman kneeling on the neck of an African-American man while embracing an Israeli soldier doing the same to a Palestinian. Read Here
10. Suspect arrested for smashing a window of a shul on 15th Ave in Brooklyn
By Boro Park 24
A man was taken into custody after he smashed the window of a Shul in a Brooklyn neighborhood. While the NYPD is still investigating his motive behind the act, the Hate Crimes Task Force has been notified. Read Here
11. Rep. Steve King defeated by primary challenger Randy Feenstra
By OMRI NAHMIAS
Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), a nine-term Congressman with a long history of inflammatory comments, was defeated by State Senator Randy Feenstra in Iowa’s 4th district primary. The RJC endorsed Feenstra last month saying “Rep. Steve King’s record includes inflammatory rhetoric condoning white supremacists and anti-Semites. Read Here
WORLD News
(4 Pieces)
1. IN-DEPTH: THIS WEEK’S NEWS ON ANTI-SEMITISM IN THE UK
Local Newspaper in North East England Apologizes for Publishing an Anti-Semitic Letter to the Editor
The newspaper published an apology after printing an anti-Semitic letter to the editor from an individual who regretted that the Jewish community in the region was unable to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen due to COVID-19, but then proceeded to compare the effect of Israeli policy to the those of the Nazi regime, “one sees that the sufferers in the past are now repeating the atrocities!” Read Here
Labour suspends four Wavertree CLP officers
Labour has suspended four members of the Liverpool Wavertree Constituency Labour Party after it was revealed the members had criticised their own MP as she tried to reach out to the local Jewish community. Read Here
Corbyn questions impartiality of the EHRC ahead of publication of Labour anti-Semitism inquiry
Jeremy Corbyn questioned the impartiality of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), claiming that it is “part of the government machine.” More recently, the former Labour leader also claimed attacks over his failure on anti-Semitism were “wrong and unfair”, and suggested that former Tory Prime Minister Winston Churchill was guilty of anti-Jewish racism “all through his life”. Read Here
Man, 35, charged after video of anti-Semitic abuse on Tube goes viral
By MATHILDE FROT
Screengrab taken with permission from the Twitter feed of Chris Atkins of a woman defending a family being harassed and targeted with antisemitic abuse by a man on a Northern Line train on Friday afternoon. PA Photo. Issue date: Friday November 22, 2019. The British Transport Police are investigating the incident after the footage of it was shared online. See PA story POLICE Tube. Photo credit should read: Chris Atkins/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
A man has been charged after a viral video showed a London Underground passenger racially abusing Jewish children last year. The British Transport Police said: “Isher Campbell, of Spiral Close, Dudley, has been charged with a public order offence and two counts of a racially aggravated public order offence, in connection to the incident on the Northern Line on 22 November 2019. Read Here
Vicious anti-Semitism in Labour was part of my reason to leave politics, says Tom Watson
Labour’s former deputy leader Tom Watson spoke of the “vicious and uncompromising anti-Semitism” in the party that “contributed to my decision to leave politics”. He said he “can never come to terms” with the fact that the MP Luciana Berger was bullied out of the party for being Jewish. Mr Watson added: “We were being infested with anti-Jewish racism that was vicious and uncompromising. Read Here
2. IN DEPTH: THIS WEEK’S NEWS ON ANTI-SEMITISM in germany
German MP resigns from Palestinian NGO over support for BDS
German politician Olaf in der Beek resigned from the German-Palestinian Society on because the organization’s advisory board did not reject the anti-Semitic boycott campaign against the Jewish state. Read Here
Berlin plans to ban pro-Iran, anit-Semitic al-Quds rally in 2021
The State Minister of the Interior for the city-state of Berlin Andreas Geisel said he will initiate a legal process to ban the annual Iranian regime-sponsored al-Quds rally in Berlin that calls for the destruction of Israel. Read Here
German magazine Spiegel accused of anti-Semitism against reporter
The issue of anti-Semitism in the German magazine Der Spiegel resurfaced in an article that allegedly stokes Jew-hatred against a reporter for Germany’s best-selling Bild paper. In a Spiegel article about the dispute between German virologist Christian Drosten and Bild over anti-coronavirus measures, Der Spiegel asked if Bild reporter Filipp Piatov came to the mass-circulation paper from the Israeli Embassy. Read Here
Demonstrators wear yellow stars to protest COVID-19 rules in Germany
Demonstrators in Nuremberg have been facing criticism for using Nazi-era symbols, including a yellow Star of David badge worn by Jews throughout Nazi-occupied Europe during WWII, to protest restrictions in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Read Here
3. IN DEPTH: THIS WEEK’S NEWS ON ANTI-SEMITISM ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST
Swastikas used to ‘Zoombomb’ online Torah study session in Israel
In an anti-Semitic “Zoombombing” incident, a Shavuot study session held by the Steinzaltz Center in Israel was interrupted by anti-Semites who posted swastikas and other offensive images. Read Here
Qatar’s Al Jazeera Network Broadcasts Islamist Cleric’s Appeal to ‘Kill Jews’
The Qatar-owned satellite network Al Jazeera broadcast an anti-Semitic interview with a leading Muslim cleric who called for the violent conquest of the State of Israel. “Victory will not come on a golden platter. Victory is achieved through the blood of martyrs and over the skulls of the enemies. Victory is achieved by sacrificing money, life, and all that is precious,” Dr. Abduljabbar Saeed — head of the Quran and Sunnah Department in Qatar University’s Shari’a Faculty — declared. Read Here
On Iran TV: Black Fedoras Worn By Orthodox Jews Float Over A Flooded Jerusalem; ‘If Every Muslim Were to Pour One Bucket of Water, Israel Would Be Washed Away’
Iranian Ofogh TV marked Al-Qods Day by airing a video titled “The Flood of Jerusalem.” In the video Jerusalem is completely flooded and black fedoras, typically worn by Orthodox Jews are seen floating above the water. It ends with a quote from Imam Khomeini’s book: “If every Muslims were to pour one bucket of water, Israel would be washed away in the flood.” Read Here
4. IN DEPTH: OTHER WORLD NEWS
Czech company sells Nazi ‘Personalities of the Third Reich’ 2021 Calendar
The Czech publisher Naše Vojsko (Our Army) is under criticism for selling a calendar consisting of Nazi leaders. The calendar, titled ‘Personalities of the Third Reich’ contains pictures of well-known leaders including Adolf Hitler, Heinrich Himmler and Joseph Goebbels. Read Here
Polish historian Ewa Kurek: Coronavirus is ‘Jewfication’ of Europe
Polish historian Ewa Kurek, known for her radical arguments about the Holocaust, spoke about Jewish control in Europe, linking it to the spread of Coronavirus. She described the outbreak as “Jewfication,” and attempted to claim that issues with ventilator shortages in Spain, and the decision of who gets use of them, stems from “Talmudic behavior.” Read Here
Former Vice-Chancellor of Austria Accused of Penning Anti-Semitic Dedication in Nazi-Era Book
A former vice-chancellor of Austria was accused of having penned a handwritten dedication railing against the “Jewish lust for power” on the title page of an anti-Semitic screed from the Nazi era. An investigation concluded that the handwriting — inside a book that was given as a gift during the early 1990s — belonged to Heinz-Christian Strache, the former leader of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party, who served as the deputy of the current Austrian chancellor, from December 2017 until May 2019. Read Here
TV Comedy Sketch Featuring Swastika Slammed For ‘Authorising Anti-Semitic Hate’ in Sydney, Australia
A comedy sketch featuring the Nazi swastika has sparked backlash for “authorising anti-Semitic hate”. The clip was meant to poke fun at haircuts during COVID-19, however, its feature of a woman calling herself a “freaking bald Nazi,” after revealing a swastika shaped mark on head, was quickly seen as “unfunny, inappropriate and offensive.” Read Here
The bizarre excuse a cyclist gave for wearing a Nazi swastika armband after being confronted by the grandson of Holocaust survivor in an Australian city park
David, the grandson of a holocaust survivor, confronted a man wearing a Nazi armband at a Melbourne city park. The many offered the bizarre excuse that his band featuring the Nazi swastika was “a flag of the german people.” Read Here
Fox Sports slammed over ‘sickening’ Hitler image in Australia
Fox Sports came under fire after airing a photoshopped image featuring Adolf Hitler as a fan at a NRL match on national television in Australia. The Anti-Defamation Commission questioned the thoughts behind the action stating that using Hitler to elicit a laugh is “inexcusable,” and questioned “was there not a single person on Fox Sports to say that this was a terrible idea, that there was no humour to be milked from genocide?” Read Here
Prayer shawls stuffed in toilets and Torah scrolls cut up in vandalism at Montreal synagogue
Vandals ransacked a Sephardic congregation in a Montreal suburb with a large Jewish population. The damage at the synygogue included prayer shawls, and tefillin stuffed in toilets; Torah scrolls cut and tossed on the floor; other religious items seriously damaged; and illegibly scrawled anti-Semitic graffiti. Read Here
Anti-Semitic slogans in the anti-quarantine march that took place in Buenos Aires
A group of protesters gathered in Buenos Aires to protest against the mandatory quarantine for COVID-19. A small group took the opportunity to promote anti-Semitic messages holding signs with the slogan “the people have to wake up, all the media work for the powerful who run the world; the politicians are Freemasons and Zionists, Zionism runs the world.” Read Here
Argentine gov’t under fire for glorifying Nazi admirer
The Argentinian government honored a doctor who glorified the Nazi movement on a new peso note, prompting sharp criticism. Ramón Carrillo, the pro-Nazi doctor, was the advisor who accompanied former president Juan Domingo Perón as Secretary of Health during his first two terms. Carillo provided refuge to the Danish fugitive and Buchenwald camp doctor Carl Peter Vaernet, permitting him to continue experiments on homosexuals to “heal” them. Read Here
ON CAMPUS
(6 Articles)
1. Ex-Head of American Association of University Professors Slams Award for SFSU Professor Who Engaged in Hate Speech Against Jewish Students
By Benjamin Kerstein
President Professor Cary Nelson, former president of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) criticized the organization after they gave an award to Rabab Ibrahim Abdulhadi, a San Francisco State University professor who engaged in hate speech against “Zionists” and Jewish students who support Israel. Nelson called the award “deplorable,” saying he “would have condemned” Read Here
2. University of Florida SJP Removes Cartoon Criticized as Anti-Semitic, Says it Was ‘Misunderstood’
By Aaron Bandler
University of Florida’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter took down a cartoon from social media that was criticized as anti-Semitic. The cartoon, posted to commemorate Nakba Day, depicted an Israeli soldier with a sinister grin and hooked nose opening a window. Read Here
3. Universities Urged to Protect Jewish Students ‘Under Attack’ by Anti-Israel Activists on Campuses
By Algemeiner Staff
The ADL called on campus administrations to proactively counter anti-Israel activists. The organization’s latest report on campus anti-Semitism,“Antisemitism and the Radical Anti-Israel Movement on U.S. Campuses in 2019,” drew attention to the many disturbing incidents last year that highlighted the overlap between anti-Semitism and radical oppostion to Israel. The report noted that “a significant segment of the activism reported in 2019 contributed to an atmosphere in which Jewish students felt under attack – and from which anti-Semitism sometimes emerged.” Read Here
4. Toronto School Vandalized with Anti-Semitic Graffiti
By FSWC
Anti-Semitic graffiti was discovered at a Toronto school. Toronto police confirmed that a swastika and the words “all heil Hitler” were found drawn in chalk on Dublin Heights Elementary and Middle School, which is located in an area with a large Jewish population. Read Here
5. MPD Investigating Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found on Hardy Middle School Property in Washington, DC
By Clara Grudberg
An unknown perpetrator defaced a middle school building in an Washington D.C. neighbrohood with “bizzare messages” filled with anti-Semitic tropes. Read Here
6. Ethnic studies model curriculum no longer includes BDS, state officials say
By Gabe Stutman
A conflict has continued to flare up surrounding a draft for an ethnic studies curriculum in Bay Area schools. While references to BDS were originally included, the California State Department of Education informed Jewish lawmakers that their request to remove this information has been fulfilled. The development comes as a modest win for Jewish groups pushing for revisions to the draft, which the California Legislative Jewish Caucus said reflected an “anti-Jewish bias.” Read Here
ANALYSIS
(1 Piece)
1. The Shifting Boundaries of Anti-Semitism
By Dr. Manfred Gerstenfeld
An important tool in understanding the dynamics of anti-Semitism is the identification of moments when its boundaries shift. This occurred with the Trump Peace Plan, the anti-Semitism crisis in the British Labour party, the UN’s first World Conference against Racism, the huge outburst of anti-Ssemitism in France in 2000, and the German welcome policy for refugees and asylum seekers. Read Here
STUDIES AND STATISTICS
(2 Pieces)
1. Anti-Semitic Crimes in Austria Climb by Nearly 10 Percent: New Report
By Algemeiner Staff
Anti-Semitic incidents in Austria rose by nearly 10% in 2019, a new report issued by the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) disclosed. A total of 550 outrages targeting Jews were reported. While there was a slight decrease in the number of physical assaults and threats, attacks on property increased by over 50%. Read Here
2. New report finds anti-Semitism on the rise in Czech Republic
By Associated Press
The number of anti-Semitic incidents in the Czech Republic doubled last year. The Federation of the Jewish Communities said there were 694 anti-Semitic attacks in 2019 compared with 347 in the previous year. A majority of the attacks — 95% — were registered on the internet. Read Here
FEATURED PARTNER
Combat Anti-Semitism is proud to be a partner of Israel-is, a nonprofit, grassroots, apolitical organization empowers young Israelis to be the next ambassador for the country . Learn more about Israel-is below.
An army of ambassadors: NGO trains troops to defend Israel during post-army trek
By JUDAH ARI GROSS
Before release from the military, Israeli soldiers undergo a course from ‘ISRAEL-is,’ teaching them how to better speak about Israel. For many young Israelis, trips after the military are a rite of passage, during which they often spend time with non-Israelis, both locals and fellow backpackers, not all of whom necessarily have positive feelings toward the State of Israel. With this in mind Eyal Biram, founder of Israel-is, saw an opportunity: These masses of recently released soldiers travelling across the world could be “ambassadors” for Israel. Read Here
ISRAEL-is is a non-profit, apolitical, grassroots organization that aims to improve the international perceptions of Israel through personal connections. It was founded in 2017 by three officers in an elite IDF unit. Upon returning from their travels abroad, they realized there was an unprecedented opportunity not being utilized for young Israeli travelers to connect with foreigners and influence their perceptions of Israel. Their understanding is that each Israeli backpacker has their own view and story about Israel. The goal of ISRAEL-is is to provide them with the skills and tools to share their perspectives and personal stories, creating more meaningful interactions in order to challenge the stereotypes people have about Israel. The organization believes that these P2P (peer-to-peer) encounters are the next step of rejuvenating Israel’s public diplomacy and helping to create a change in Israel’s global image.
PARTNER Content
Freedom to Believe Statement on Endorsing IHRA Working Definition of Anti-Semitism
By Freedom to Believe
Freedom to Believe has endorsed the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism. “Today’s endorsement of the IHRA definition by Freedom to Believe is an important step in the fight to combat anti-Semitism.” Having a unified definition of anti-Semitism is essential to building an international consensus against those that deny the Jewish people the right to a homeland, hold Israel to a double-standard, and promote boycotts against the Jewish state for purposes of denying her right to exist. Read Here
Ben Shapiro Inspires College Students to Lead During Pandemic
By Matt Lebovic for Combined Jewish Philanthropies
As a Tufts University student, Ben Shapiro was as an Israel advocate, activist against anti-Semitism and public speaker. Following his “virtual” graduation, Shapiro decided to take his leadership lessons and turn them into a “mini fellowship” for students and recent graduates. Working with CJP’s Israel Campus Roundtable, Shapiro created YallaLIVE, an interactive webinar series focused on “innovative ideas” in the Jewish world from pioneering student leaders. Read Here
Canadian Jewish Views – Episode 2
By The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Canada (CIJA) has created the powerful new series “Canadian Jewish Views.” In the second episode, host Martin Sampson presents an innovative perspective on Jewish issues in Canada and around the globe. Special guests include: Andrea Freedman (CEO – Jewish Federation of Ottawa) and Dr. Einat Wolf (Author – The War of Return).
Government & Policy Update
This section highlights the work of government officials around the world that are combating anti-Semitism in their official capacities.
(9 Pieces)
1. Trump signs ‘Never Again’ Holocaust education bill into law
By ERIC CORTELLESSA
President Trump signed into law legislation to allocate $10 million in federal funding over the next five years to further Holocaust education. Authored by New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, the Never Again Education Act directs millions of dollars toward expanding the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s education program, supporting a website with curriculum materials for teachers and hosting workshops in Holocaust education and awareness throughout the country. Read Here
2. US anti-Semitism envoy condemns attacks on synagogues in LA protests
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The US Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Anti-Semitism Elan S. Carr, condemned the anti-Semitic graffiti placed on the Beth Israel Congregation building and the damage inflicted upon other kosher stores in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles. “I just visited Congregation Beth Israel… This graffiti is yet more evidence that anti-#Zionism is #Antisemitism. Thank you to the many community volunteers whose kindness in the face of hatred restored the synagogue.” Read Here
3. US should ‘never, ever’ condition aid to Israel, senator says
By OMRI NAHMIAS
Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada said the US should never condition assistance for Israel during a webinar in honor of the Jewish American Heritage Month that addressed anti-Semitism and the Never Again Education Act. “Ensuring that Israel remains safe and secure [and] its democracy is safe and secure, it is paramount importance to all of us,” she said. “To that end, we have to be sure that anything we do doesn’t demote that or collapse that.” Read Here
4. Veterans Affairs department to reverse course and replace tombstones that have swastikas
By BEN HARRIS
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it will begin the process of replacing three gravestones bearing swastikas in cemeteries in Texas and Utah, less than a month after saying they would be preserved as “historic resources.” The headstones are located at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, and the Fort Douglas Post Cemetery in Salt Lake City. Read Here
5. FCC Chair Asks Why Ayatollah Khamenei’s Tweets Don’t Violate Twitter Guidelines
By Aaron Bandler
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai asked Twitter why Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s tweets against Israel don’t violate Twitter’s guidelines. Pai highlighted an assortment of Khamenei’s tweets stating that “the Zionist regime is a deadly, cancerous growth” and calling for “firm, armed resistance [against Israel].” Read Here
6. LA city councilmember condemns targeting of Jewish institutions during protests
By Ariel Sobel
Following riots in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, City Councilmember Paul Koretz (D-District 5) publicly condemned the targeting of Jewish institutions. “The attack on our community last night was vicious and criminal. Fairfax is the center of the oldest Jewish community in Los Angeles,” Koretz said. “As we watched the fires and looting what didn’t get covered were the anti-Semitic hate crimes and incidents.” Read Here
7. Serbia adopts universal definition of anti-Semitism
By JNS
The Serbian government has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism. Israel’s embassy in Serbia applauded the move, which was made a few months ago, but not publicized by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs until Monday as the government didn’t want the news lost in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Read Here
8. Austria’s parliament passes resolution to prevent Hezbollah’s financing, urges the government to advocate within the EU reassessment of the group’s terror designation
By YOSSI LEMPKOWICZ
The Austrian parliament passed a resolution to “take appropriate and effective measures to act decisively against the terrorist and criminal activities of Hezbollah and its supporters in Austria.’’ Introduced by the governing coalition parties, the Austrian People’s Party and the Greens, it calls on the government to work to prevent Hezbollah’s financing through money laundering activities and urges Chancellor Kurz to advocate within the EU that Hezbollah’s entire organisation be reassessed in connection with a full terror designation. Read Here
9. Munich bans use of Nazi ‘Jewish star’ at coronavirus protests
By DW
The city of Munich banned the use of Nazi-era Stars of David at coronavirus protests after participants were seen wearing them in recent weeks. Several protesters in cities across Germany started wearing yellow stars with the word “unvaccinated” emblazoned on them. They’re nearly identical to the badges Jewish people were forced to wear during the Holocaust. Read Here
HUMANITY
(7 Pieces)
1. Tending wounds and distributing supplies: Minneapolis Jews care for a city in turmoil
By DEBRA NUSSBAUM COHEN
Dr. Vivian Fischer, a family physician, put on gray scrubs, her stethoscope, a mask and gloves, filled a backpack with extra masks, medical gloves, asthma inhalers, bandages, tweezers to pick glass out of cuts and water, and went to see where she could help. Others were, as volunteers, boarding up the store and office windows that had been shattered. Read Here
2. ‘Looting loss loans available immediately,’ Jewish Free Loan Association tells Los Angeles residents
By GABE FRIEDMAN
Until last week, Los Angeles’ Jewish Free Loan Association was busy doling out financial support to locals who were struggling because of the coronavirus. Now, the group is making loans available to people hit hard by another crisis: the aftermath of protests responding to the police killing of George Floyd. The city’s Jewish community has been hit particularly hard by the protests. Read Here
3. How we Jews can use our influence to fight for black lives
By MELANIE ROTH GORELICK
We can recommit to building a just society by ending racism and supporting equal opportunity for all people. Jewish and black communities need to have a deeper understanding of each other’s histories, traumas and hopes for the future. While the Jewish community is impacted by growing anti-Semitism, the black community is harmed by bigotry and racism. Our shared history in fighting in the civil rights era 60 years ago can inspire a new generation of joint activism against it. Read Here
4. Jews are people of color – here’s how they can support black people right now
By Anthony Johnson
When I attend Jewish solidarity rallies, there are only a handful of blacks. When I attend black solidarity rallies, there are only a handful of Jews. If we can have meaningful, robust dialogue, understand one another’s priorities and come together, when Jewish communities are attacked by anti-Semites, then the black community will be there for you. And when injustices occur toward blacks, I believe that Jews will in turn be there to support our communities. We need each other. We can do infinitely more to bring about justice, freedom and democracy if we at last come together. Read Here
5. Israel invents one-minute coronavirus breath test
By Australian Jewish News
An Israeli-designed one-minute breath test to tell whether someone has coronavirus could soon be installed at hundreds of global entry points if it gets approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. The clever contraption, which uses frequency to detect the deadly SARS-CoV-2, was designed by a team at an Israeli university and has a success rate of more than 90%. Read Here
6. Jeremy Piven on Performing Stand-Up Comedy in Israel: ‘It Was the Best Set I Ever Had’
By Shiryn Ghermezian
Jewish American comic and actor Jeremy Piven performed his best stand-up act ever when he was in Israel. The “Entourage” star participated in a panel of comedians who discussed their past trips to the Jewish state and the comedy industry in a Zoom call and Facebook Live event organized by the non-profit group Creative Community for Peace. Read Here
7. Congo’s first ‘Drive-Thru’ COVID-19 testing facility established with MDA
By AARON REICH
The Democratic Republic of the Congo established the country’s first “drive-thru” coronavirus testing facilities, after seeking the expertise of Magen David Adom (MDA). Congo’s Honorary Consul in Israel Dan Gertler asked MDA for assistance in setting up similar facilities. MDA agreed and created a dedicated software to manage the Congo’s drive-thru facilities and prepared a training program that incorporates both videos and written procedures. Read Here
OVER 245,000 INDIVIDUALS AND 230 ORGANIZATIONS HAVE SIGNED OUR PLEDGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
“Combat anti-Semitism (CAM) is a non-partisan, global grassroots movement of interfaith individuals and organizations united to combat anti-Semitism. CAM exposes anti-Semitic activity from across the ideological spectrum and highlights those working to fight against its resurgence. One of the most pernicious forms of modern anti-Semitism is the effort to deny and delegitimize the Jewish people’s right to self-determination and their profound historic, religious and cultural connection to their ancestral homeland, Israel. Humanity flourishes when religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity is respected, and we hope to encourage understanding and set an example through our work. Anti-Semitism is the oldest form of bigotry and by working to eliminate it, we hope tragedies like the holocaust or any incidents of hate inspired speech or violence perpetrated against the Jewish people, Israel, or any discriminated group are reduced significantly.”