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Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Israeli Actions In Palestinian Territories Constitute War Crimes, Human Rights Council Hears
17 June 2025 'The goal of the Israeli government is abundantly clear: the destruction of life in Gaza.' That's how Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, opened her statement to the 59th session of the Council on Tuesday. Calling the war in Gaza 'the most ruthless, prolonged and widespread attack against the Palestinian people since 1948,' Ms. Pillay addressed the findings of the Commission's report, released to the HRC on 6 May. Attacks on educational facilities in Gaza It found that 90 per cent of Gaza's schools and universities have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks – including airstrikes, shelling, burning and controlled demolitions. 'With the loss of education, Palestinians are also losing their source of stability, hope and possibility of a future,' said Ms. Pillay. By not issuing adequate warnings to civilians sheltering inside, these attacks caused extensive casualties, amounting to war crimes, including knowingly launching attacks that caused excessive and disproportionate civilian harm, and the crime against humanity of extermination. The Commission found no military necessity to justify the destruction of schools, concluding that the intent was to restrict long-term Palestinian access to education. Notably, while Israeli forces often claimed they were targeting Hamas operatives allegedly based in schools, the Commission verified only one instance of Hamas using a school for military purposes, compared to the systematic Israeli use of schools as military bases. Education restrictions in the West Bank Ms. Pillay also warned that education in the West Bank remains under threat. Demolition orders, military raids, restrictions, and operations have significantly reduced school days, while settler violence has endangered students and teachers. The Israeli government has either incited or failed to prevent such violence, she said. Attacks on religious and cultural sites In Gaza, Israeli forces have damaged 53 per cent of religious and cultural sites. Many were being used for refuge or worship, causing further civilian casualties, constituting war crimes and, in some cases, the crime against humanity of extermination. This completely avoidable damage 'has a cascading effect and deeply affects intangible cultural elements, such as religious and cultural practices, memories and history, undermining the identity of Palestinians as a people,' said Ms. Pillay. Because Israeli forces should have known where these sites were and planned their assaults accordingly, the Commission found these acts constituted war crimes including intentionally targeting historic and religious sites and widespread destruction without military necessity. Seizure of cultural heritage sites in the West Bank In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the Commission documented repeated cases of Israeli authorities or settlers seizing cultural heritage sites, displacing Palestinians, excluding non-Jewish history and restricting Palestinian access. The report highlights increasing restrictions and assaults on Palestinians at Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, a long-standing flashpoint in East Jerusalem. Ms. Pillay argued that through these actions, 'Israel has been using cultural heritage and settlements as leverage for its unlawful territorial claims in the occupied West Bank, in flagrant defiance of multiple United Nations resolutions and the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).' These actions violate international law, including the right to cultural life, freedom of religion, and protection of cultural heritage. Recommendations Ms. Pillay concluded her speech by underscoring that Israel's attacks on education, infrastructure and heritage sites aim to 'erode Palestinians' historical ties to the land and weaken their collective identity, thereby hindering their right to self-determination' and the possibility of a peaceful, sustainable two-State solution. Accordingly, the Commission calls for Israel to end the unlawful occupation and enable Palestinian self-determination; stop attacks and seizures of educational, religious and cultural sites; end the systematic erasure of Palestinian history; and comply fully with international law, including the 2024 ICJ ruling. Sudan's war intensifies amid starvation, rights probe warns Meanwhile in Sudan, heavy fighting continues to escalate as a 'direct result' of the continued flow of arms into the country meaning that the war is far from over, top independent human rights investigators said on Tuesday, ahead of briefing the Human Rights Council. In an update on the emergency in the northeast African nation, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan highlighted the increased use of heavy weaponry in populated areas - and a sharp rise in sexual violence. 'Many Sudanese are dying from hunger and especially those who have been detained and in detention - they are dying and millions affected,' said Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Expert Member of the Fact-Finding Mission. 'In terms of international responsibility, we urge all States to respect and enforce the arms embargo of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1556,' she added. Humanitarian relief continues to be weaponized and hospitals and medical facilities remain under siege, warned the investigators, whose mandate was established by the Council in October 2023. Direct link ' There is a direct link between the flow of arms in Sudan, armed hostilities and the resulting violence amounting to violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations,' said Mohamed Chande Othman, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission. ' We know the kind of arms that are being used: heavy artillery, modern warfare, drones and in fact, they have escalated.' Fellow investigator Mona Rishmawi insisted that testimonies gathered pointed to 'both sides' continuing to commit war crimes – a reference to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which turned on each other in April 2023, following a breakdown in transition to civilian rule. Around El Fasher, for instance, civilians have been 'assaulted, detained and killed while villages have been attacked, burned and looted' by the RSF. During one RSF attack from 10 to 13 April, more than 100 civilians were reportedly killed, while a SAF bombing in Al Koma killed at least 15 civilians. Now into its third year, the war has killed tens of thousands of civilians so far, displacing over 13 million Sudanese and subjecting many more to sexual violence, looting and the destruction of homes, health facilities, markets and other infrastructure. Crimes against humanity continue, 'particularly in the context of persecution of certain ethnic groups', Ms. Rishmawi insisted. The result of restrictions to aid relief has been to drive famine, 'especially in Darfur', said the investigators, who are respected human rights experts and not UN staff. In their latest update to the Human Rights Council, the investigators documented a sharp rise in sexual and gender-based violence, with women and girls subjected to rape, gang rape, abduction, sexual slavery and forced marriage, mostly in RSF-controlled displacement camps. About UN experts The members of both the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan receive their mandates from the UN Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff and do not receive payment for their work.
Winnipeg Free Press
09-06-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Asper donates $3M for Shaarey Zedek upgrades
Gail Asper has announced a $3-million donation to the capital campaign for Congregation Shaarey Zedek, which she likened to Grand Central Station for Winnipeg's Jewish community. Asper said in her remarks at a ceremony where she announced the gift that the decision to support the synagogue 'was the easiest and fastest to make' because generations of her family have benefited from its services. 'If we have benefited so much from something, we have a responsibility to be there for it,' she said, adding her family wanted to do its 'fair share' to support the synagogue. The Asper Foundation is giving $2 million, and the Gail Asper Family Foundation is giving $1 million. The campaign to renovate the synagogue will cost nearly $18 million. The Jewish community has raised $8.4 million, including the donation from the Aspers. Another $3 million was from the synagogue's reserve fund, while the Manitoba government is contributing another $3 million. About $3.8 million must be raised. The donation will enable Shaarey Zedek to 'meet the needs of a changing congregation,' Asper said, adding she is 'confident it will be able to do so for generations to come.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Shaarey Zedek executive director Rena Secter Elbaze said the donation will enable the 'beloved building to be transformed' for the community. Congregation Shaarey Zedek was closed from 2022 until last fall for the renovation project, which included floor-to-ceiling windows in the auditorium, pews and carpeting in the sanctuary, modern conference rooms, accessible and gender-neutral washrooms, a child-care centre and upgrades to the audio-visual system. Asbestos was removed, and security features were enhanced, including the addition of shatter-proof windows, 32 CCTV cameras and a pass card-entry system. Secter Elbaze said the building is a 'welcoming space' for all and is used by non-Jewish groups as well. faith@ John LonghurstFaith reporter John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
New York Post
08-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Eric Adams signs executive order adopting Holocaust remembrance group's definition of antisemitism
Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order Sunday adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism, as he vowed to ramp up the city campaign to combat Jew hatred. He also introduced legislation urging the City Council to approve the IHRA definition, which would make it official law. The IHRA definition is considered by many Jewish leaders to be the standard in fighting antisemitism. 4 Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order Sunday adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. Matthew McDermott 'Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities,' the IHRA definition states. Adams announced the order during a discussion with Dr. Phil Sunday night at the Tribeca Synagogue. It comes as he faces re-election and plans to run as an independent on an 'End Semitism' ballot line. 4 Adams also introduced legislation urging the City Council to approve the IHRA definition, which would make it official law. Paul Martinka 'Antisemitism is a vile disease that's been spreading across our nation and our city. What's worse, since Hamas' terror attacks on October 7, 2023, we have seen this hateful rhetoric become normalized on our campuses, in our communities, and online as antisemitic propaganda far too often masquerades as 'activism,'' Adams said. More than half of the hate crimes reported in the city in March victimized Jews, even though they account for just 11 percent of the population, the mayor noted. 4 Adams announced the order during a discussion with Dr. Phil Sunday night at the Tribeca Synagogue. LP Media 'We know this moment demands bold, decisive action to crack down on anti-Jewish hatred,' Adams said. 'Today, we signed a landmark executive order to adopt an internationally recognized definition of antisemitism, but we must go further. I am calling on the City Council to join this commitment to target antisemitism everywhere it exists and immediately pass a bill to codify this definition into law. It's time we all come together to eradicate this hatred from our city, once and for all.' 4 More than half of the hate crimes reported in the city in March victimized Jews, even though they account for just 11 percent of the population. Kevin C Downs forThe New York Post At the state level, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo — who's also running for mayor — issued an order barring state entities from doing business with firms that back the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel before his resignation. Gov. Kathy Hochul has retained the policy. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has his own pro-Israel policy. In 2021, he announced that he pulled $111 million in investments out of the firm that owns Ben & Jerry's because of the ice cream maker's boycott of Israel's occupied territories. DiNapoli is the sole manager of the $274 billion state Common Retirement Fund.
New York Post
04-06-2025
- General
- New York Post
Michael Rapaport warns Jewish people the ‘cavalry ain't coming' to save them following antisemitic attacks
Comedian and actor Michael Rapaport is alarmed that more non-Jewish people aren't speaking out in defense of Jewish people following multiple violent attacks against them. In the latest episode of his podcast posted Tuesday, Rapaport warned fellow Jewish people to keep on guard over the rising antisemitic violence in the country as other people don't seem to be rushing to their defense. Advertisement 'I'm telling you something, Jewish people, the cavalry ain't coming. The cavalry is not coming for us. They don't give a f—,' he said. The comedian has become a prominent advocate for Israel and the Jewish people following the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack in Israel in 2023, and the raucous anti-Israel protests that consumed many US college campuses in its wake. Rapaport's latest words come after suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly set pro-Jewish protesters on fire in Boulder, Colorado using a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails. Actor Michael Rapaport is seen among the pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators during a rally calling for a cease-fire in Gaza at Columbia University on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in New York, NY. James Keivom Advertisement Soliman, an Egyptian national who overstayed his travel visa, was arrested on Sunday following the attack on demonstrators protesting Hamas continuing to hold hostages in Gaza. Twelve protesters were injured. Before his arrest, the suspect was caught on video yelling 'free Palestine' and other anti-Israel slogans during the attack. Soliman later told police he wanted to kill 'all Zionist people.' The attack comes less than two weeks after two Israeli diplomats were gunned down outside a Jewish event in Washington, DC. Rapaport expressed frustration at having spoken up for multiple marginalized communities and feeling as though other groups have failed to speak up for Jewish communities now under threat. Advertisement Mothers Against College Antisemitism rally at Washington Square Park. John Roca 'I have spoken out on behalf of Black Lives Matter, George Floyd. I have spoken out on behalf on women's rights. I called [Supreme Court Justice] Clarence Thomas 'Uncle Clarence.' I've spoken on abortion rights. Every single thing under the sun on social media in the last, I don't know, ten years – let's say ten years – I have spoken out,' he said. 'I put a f—— black square up there like a f—— a—— during Black Lives Matter,' he continued, mentioning the viral social media post made in solidarity with that movement in 2020. Advertisement 'Don't you feel like an a—— now for putting up a black square during Black Lives Matter when nobody is coming and saying anything on our behalf?' he asked. 'Nobody is coming and saying anything on our behalf, Jewish people, Zionist people. They're not calling, they're not texting, they're not tweeting. They're not leaving comments. They're not DMing [Direct Messaging]. They're not doing s—.' The comedian added, 'It's sad, it's frustrating. You feel used. You feel manipulated. You feel like a sucker. I feel like it too!'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Following antisemitic attacks, Rapaport warns Jewish people the ‘cavalry ain't coming' to save them
Comedian and actor Michael Rapaport is alarmed that more non-Jewish people aren't speaking out in defense of Jewish people following multiple violent attacks against them. In the latest episode of his podcast posted Tuesday, Rapaport warned fellow Jewish people to keep on guard over the rising antisemitic violence in the country as other people don't seem to be rushing to their defense. "I'm telling you something, Jewish people, the cavalry ain't coming. The cavalry is not coming for us. They don't give a f---," he said. 'Usaid' Paperwork Found In Car Of Boulder Terror Attack Suspect Targeting Pro-israel Group The comedian has become a prominent advocate for Israel and the Jewish people following the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack in Israel in 2023, and the raucous anti-Israel protests that consumed many U.S. college campuses in its wake. Rapaport's latest words come after suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly set pro-Jewish protesters on fire in Boulder, Colorado using a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails. Read On The Fox News App Soliman, an Egyptian national who overstayed his travel visa, was arrested on Sunday following the attack on demonstrators protesting Hamas continuing to hold hostages in Gaza. Twelve protesters were injured. Slain Israeli Embassy Workers Were On Verge Of Engagement, Ambassador Says Before his arrest, the suspect was caught on video yelling "free Palestine" and other anti-Israel slogans during the attack. Soliman later told police he wanted to kill "all Zionist people." The attack comes less than two weeks after two Israeli diplomats were gunned down outside a Jewish event in Washington, D.C. Rapaport expressed frustration at having spoken up for multiple marginalized communities and feeling as though other groups have failed to speak up for Jewish communities now under threat. "I have spoken out on behalf of Black Lives Matter, George Floyd. I have spoken out on behalf on women's rights. I called [Supreme Court Justice] Clarence Thomas 'Uncle Clarence.' I've spoken on abortion rights. Every single thing under the sun on social media in the last, I don't know, ten years – let's say ten years – I have spoken out," he said. Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture "I put a f------ black square up there like a f------ a------ during Black Lives Matter," he continued, mentioning the viral social media post made in solidarity with that movement in 2020. "Don't you feel like an a------ now for putting up a black square during Black Lives Matter when nobody is coming and saying anything on our behalf?" he asked. "Nobody is coming and saying anything on our behalf, Jewish people, Zionist people. They're not calling, they're not texting, they're not tweeting. They're not leaving comments. They're not DMing [Direct Messaging]. They're not doing s---." The comedian added, "It's sad, it's frustrating. You feel used. You feel manipulated. You feel like a sucker. I feel like it too!"Original article source: Following antisemitic attacks, Rapaport warns Jewish people the 'cavalry ain't coming' to save them
