Israel accuses dozens more UNRWA workers of taking part in October 7 massacre;Brazilian president compares Israel’s conduct in Gaza to Hitler killing Jews;BBC director general warns staff: ‘No room for antisemitism’

 

THE DAILY EDITION Monday, February 19, 2024

Israel accuses dozens more UNRWA workers of taking part in October 7 massacre BY JN REPORTER New evidence revealed by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to foreign journalists – 12% of UNRWA workers belong to terror groups, according to Gallant

Israeli government ‘opposes unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state’ BY JOTAM CONFINO IN ISRAEL   Another Lib Dem councillor embroiled in antisemitism scandal over ‘vile Jews’ comments BY LEE HARPIN   Lord Austin suspended from housing association for post criticising UN over Hamas tunnel BY JN REPORTER

Pro-Palestine fanatics target newly-elected Labour MP over Israeli husband BY LEE HARPIN Damien Egan, elected as MP for Kingswood in Bristol last week, is being targeted by extremists after it emerged he had an Israeli husband who served in the IDF

Brazilian president compares Israel’s conduct in Gaza to Hitler killing Jews BY JN REPORTER Yad Vashem chief criticises Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for having ‘stooped to such a level of extreme distortion of the Holocaust’

BBC director general warns staff: ‘No room for antisemitism’ BY MICHELLE ROSENBERG Tim Davie’s email follows a series of incidents, including a former senior member of staff who was sacked for actively promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories on social media

Matisyahu concerts cancelled after pro-Palestinian activists protest BY JTA   Phil Rosenberg sails through first stage of Board of Deputies presidency bid BY MICHELLE ROSENBERG

Congressional committee issues subpoenas to Harvard, stepping up antisemitism inquiry BY LUKE TRESS (JTA) Requests signal that the House investigation remains focused on discrimination against Jews and Israelis on campus

Two charged and will appear in court after London pro-Palestinian protest BY JEWISH NEWS REPORTER Lucia Whittaker De Abrew, of Derby and Martin Prady of Somerset will appear in court.

Eleven arrested at pro-Palestine demonstration in central London BY JEWISH NEWS REPORTER

Police secure opening night of London play over Jewish actress safety fears BY JN REPORTER Police were present outside London’s Criterion Theatre as actress Tracey-Ann Oberman appeared in the West End opening of the Merchant of Venice 1936 production

Kisharon Langdon appoints new fundraising director BY MICHELLE ROSENBERG Newly merged learning disabilities and autism charity appoints community professional Adam Overlander-Kaye into pivotal role

OPINION: Simcha, silence and solidarity: reflections from Israel’s heartland BY ELLIOT GOODMAN   OPINION: Pupils and teachers need tools to engage in 7 October debates BY YEHUDA FINK

Seriously! Chabad rabbi to make standup debut in Soho BY BEATRICE SAYERS Completing his first ultramarathon wasn’t enough of a challenge for Islington’s Rabbi Mendy Korer, who has two comedy gigs lined up at the Sanctum Hotel on 25 February

The tattooist of Nova: Family tribute to the murdered artist and ink she inspires BY BRIGIT GRANT Shani Louk died after the attack on the Nova Festival on October 7. Since then many survivors have expressed their support for Israel on their skin

Spa day proves to be perfect recharge in the run-up to a wedding BY LOUISA WALTERS

Fr. JAMES MARTIN BACKPEDALS PRAISE FOR ‘TRANS’ FUNERAL;SAN FRANCISO APPOINTS NON-CITIZEN TO ELECTION COMMISSION;JIM BIDEN ALLEGEDLY USED BROTHER’S CLOUT IN FRAUD SCHEME

 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 TRUMP SUPPORTS 16-WEEK PRO-LIFE LAW  Former President Donald Trump reportedly told his advisors in private that he is open to supporting a national pro-life law prohibiting most abortions after 16 weeks of gestation. CatholicVote President Brian Burch warned that Trump would gain little from “playing defense” on abortion.  READ Fr. JAMES MARTIN BACKPEDALS PRAISE FOR ‘TRANS’ FUNERAL  Fr. James Martin, SJ, partially backpedaled his praise of an LGBTQ funeral service held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York after the raucous event provoked a firestorm of condemnations for “blasphemy.”  READ SAN FRANCISO APPOINTS NON-CITIZEN TO ELECTION COMMISSION  San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to place illegal immigrant Kelly Wong on the city’s Elections Commission last week. San Francisco passed a measure in 2020 removing the citizenship requirement to serve on city boards, commissions, and advisory bodies.  READ JIM BIDEN ALLEGEDLY USED BROTHER’S CLOUT IN FRAUD SCHEME  President Joe Biden’s younger brother, Jim Biden, was deeply involved in a company now being investigated for an alleged massive Medicare fraud scheme. POLITICO obtained an email in which the younger Biden mentions using his connection with his brother, the former vice president, to help with the scheme.  READ PRO-TRUMP TRUCKERS TO BOYCOTT NEW YORK CITY  Truckers who support Trump say they will refuse to drive loads to and from New York City following the $355 million verdict in Trump's civil fraud trial. "I've been on the radio for over an hour and I've talked to at least (10) Truckers who are gonna start refusing loads [on] Monday,” one trucker wrote on social media.  READ BIDEN BACKS DOWN ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE PUSH The New York Times reports that Biden is reportedly preparing to ease its push to force electric vehicles onto American consumers as demand for the vehicles remains low, dealerships have expressed serious concerns, and automakers have had to cut production and revamp production of gas vehicles. READ CATHOLIC PARENTS OF ‘TRANS’ CHILD BRING CASE TO SUPREME COURT  A new book gives the ever-increasing number of detransitioners a voice by calling attention to the lies and the medical, mental, and physical abuse of the “trans” agenda.  READ LOOPcast LIVE!  Want more LOOPcast? We're LIVE on YouTube every Monday at noon ET. Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss it!  CLICK TOP COUNTRY FOR MASS ATTENDANCE – AND PERSECUTION  Nigeria is one of the countries in the world with the best Mass attendance rates. As many as 94% of self-identified Nigerian Catholics surveyed said they attend weekly or daily Mass, a 2023 study found. At the same time, Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest degree of anti-Catholic persecution.  READ GERMAN BISHOPS BACK DOWN ON ‘SYNODAL WAY’  In a significant setback for the Synodal Way project in Germany, the German bishops will not be voting on a step toward a forbidden “Synodal Council” at their upcoming plenary assembly. The rogue bishops seem to have been reined in by the pope; they made the decision to back down at the Vatican’s request.  READ KEEPING KIDS CATHOLIC  What makes the faith stick? When we hear so much about “the rise of the nones,” and anecdotes from friends and neighbors about their children abandoning the faith as soon as they leave home – or sooner! – it makes us desperate to avoid the same outcome. A new study shares commonalities among families whose kids embrace the faith.  READ CATHOLIC 101  There’s a reason Fr. Mike Schmitz is one of the most popular priests in the country. He has a gift for teaching and explaining things so they’re practical and easy to understand. Fr. Schmitz offers his tips for a fruitful penitential season by prioritizing Christ in daily life, picking prudent penances, and more. “We are trusting that God sees our sacrifices and that they make a difference.”  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  St. Conrad was born to a noble family in Northern Italy and married a noblewoman. After he accidentally set miles of forest, towns, and villages on fire, Conrad ran at first, but then turned himself in when an innocent man was condemned to death instead. Conrad and his wife gave away all their possessions as recompense and became religious. Conrad lived as a hermit for 36 years and became known far and wide for his wisdom and holiness.  READ DAILY PSALM  “Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.” (John 6:63)  READ DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings  READ HISTORY  Today marks the 79th anniversary of the landing at Iwo Jima. Catholic priests offered the sacraments to the men before the battle began – and continued to serve the wounded and dying throughout the three-day conflict. After the famous flag was finally raised over the island, a Catholic priest said Mass on the same mountain.  READ Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127