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Must-reads
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European Countries to Hold Iran Accountable for Violating Nuclear Deal
The Washington Post / 2-minute read
Britain, France and Germany are seeking recourse from Iran’s breach of the 2015 nuclear deal. Tehran has gradually walked back its commitments to limit its nuclear energy program since the U.S. withdrew from the deal and imposed new sanctions in 2018. Iran has warned that, like American troops, European soldiers could be in jeopardy if Europe doesn’t hold back on sanctions. But by employing the agreement’s dispute mechanism, the Western European countries hope to avoid penalties and bring Iran back into compliance. The push to seek recourse came from leaders of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) in the European Parliament, a group of lawmakers dedicated to strengthening the alliance of the U.S., Israel, and Europe. TFI was assembled by AJC’s Brussels-based Transatlantic Institute. AJC tweeted: “Iran by its own admission is exceeding the enrichment limits of the 2015 nuclear deal – shrinking breakout time to weapons capability in violation of that accord. France, Germany, and the UK are right to invoke the deal’s ‘dispute resolution mechanism.’” Read more |
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Experts Advise Synagogues to Rely on Law Enforcement in Uniform
The Associated Press / 2-minute read
An unprecedented report issued by what many call the “official safety and security organization” of America’s Jewish community, recommends that synagogues using armed security guards should rely on uniformed law enforcement officers rather than hire private guards or tap volunteers. The report, titled Firearms and the Faithful, released by the Secure Community Network, addresses concerns that congregations have raised repeatedly since the October 2018 massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. A year after that attack, AJC’s landmark survey of American Jews revealed that 33% of the respondents were affiliated with Jewish institutions that had been targets of antisemitism, and 57% said their Jewish institutions had hired security personnel. Using armed guards is a decision every house of worship must weigh carefully, the report stresses, and isn’t necessarily the right fit for every congregation. Read more |
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Israel Retaliates After Rockets, Incendiary Balloons from Gaza
The Times of Israel / 1-minute read
Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system shot down two incoming rockets fired from Gaza Wednesday, while two other rockets landed in open fields. The attack sent Israelis scrambling for safety in bomb shelters. Police also responded to reports of incendiary objects attached to balloons touching down in residential neighborhoods of Israel, some exploding as they hit the ground. “Arson balloons” launched from Gaza in the past have been blamed for burning thousands of acres of Israeli fields along the border of Gaza and Israel. The rocket fire and incendiary balloons prompted Israel to retaliate with air strikes on Hamas facilities, including a weapons production site and a military base. Read more |
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South Dakota Bans Boycotts of Israel
JTA / 2-minute read
This week, South Dakota became the 28th state to take concrete action against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem signed an executive order that forbids state offices from doing business with companies that boycott Israel. The new law applies to vendors with more than five employees that seek state contracts costing $100,000 or more. AJC was instrumental in crafting the legislation and attended the signing ceremony. Other states that have passed similar measures include Alabama, California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. AJC tweeted: “Thank you South Dakota Governor @govkristinnoem for standing with our ally Israel and taking bold action to combat the insidious BDS movement.” Read more |
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