‘Deeply troubling developments’ in Democratic Party, says pro-Israel Dem group
(JNS) — Democratic Majority for Israel called for the Democratic Party to remain united against Jew-hatred following what it called “a series of deeply troubling developments within the Democratic Party and progressive community that reflect a growing willingness to excuse or embrace rhetoric and policies hostile to the safety of Jewish Americans, to Israel and to those who support its right to exist in peace and security.”
A series of incidents reflect a “troubling pattern” of “the erosion of core pillars of the Democratic Party and the marginalization of pro-Israel voices across the progressive landscape,” the group stated. “This trend stands in contrast to the Democratic Party’s proud tradition of standing up to antisemitism and hate and steadfastly supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship.”
Huckabee ‘representing the president’ in show up for Netanyahu’s trial
(JNS) — U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Wednesday attended a hearing in the Tel Aviv District court on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial, saying the unusual step was a matter of representing the position of the U.S. president.
“I’m an observer, it’s an open trial. I wanted to see what was happening,” the diplomat told Israeli reporters when asked why he decided to come.
However, as Huckabee took a seat in the courtroom, the proceedings moved behind closed doors and he was required to leave the room, according to Hebrew-language outlet Ynet News.
A photo of Huckabee standing next to Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana inside the court surfaced online, in an apparent show of support for the Israeli premier.
‘Passover Coke’ could become obsolete as Trump says Coca-Cola will use ‘REAL’ sugar in US soda
(JTA) — A uniquely American Passover tradition could become a thing of the past, after President Donald Trump announced that he had successfully pressed Coca-Cola to change the formulation of its signature drink in the United States.
“I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform, on Wednesday. “I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!”
Such a change would obviate Coca-Cola’s special runs for Passover — and the fervent searches that some kosher-keeping Jews undertake to secure the scarce “yellow-cap” bottles of Coke that result.
Trump admin action could cost Harvard $1b annually, university president says
(JNS) — Alan Garber, president of Harvard University, stated on Monday that the Trump administration’s recent actions against the school could cost it up to $1 billion annually.
In a joint statement with the school’s provost, executive vice president and vice president for finance and chief financial officer, Garber stated on July 14 that “the federal government has terminated billions of dollars of multi-year research grants and contracts that had been awarded to Harvard.”
The Trump administration has also proposed “dramatic reductions” in the National Institute of Health and other agencies “that support research,” the leaders wrote.
The university’s legal fight to host foreign students and academics remains ongoing, and a recent spending bill raises the tax on Harvard’s endowment from 1.4% to as high as 8%, the Harvard leaders stated.
