Trump's Attack on Iran's Nuclear Sites Results in Ceasefire

I would never have expected this, but President Donald Trump's attacks at Iranian nuclear sites appears to be on its way to a happy ending. Instead of activating sleeper cells or closing the Strait of Hormuz, I ran has agreed to a ceasefire. Everybody wins. Iran's nuclear dreams have been delayed a few years. Israel has seriously weakened its most belligerent adversary. Iran survives.

Here's how the nonpartisan Institute for the Study of War, which tends to be unbiased, has to say: 

US President Donald Trump announced that Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire that will go into effect at 12:00 AM ET on June 24. Trump said that Iran would adhere to the ceasefire starting at midnight on June 24 and that Israel would join at noon on June 24. Trump said that the war would officially end at midnight on June 25. Trump congratulated Israel and Iran for “having the stamina, courage, and intelligence” to end the war. Trump announced the ceasefire five hours after Iran conducted a ballistic missile attack targeting US forces in Qatar. A senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that Iran agreed to a Qatar-mediated, US-proposed ceasefire.

Iran conducted a retaliatory, but largely symbolic, ballistic missile attack targeting a US airbase in Qatar on June 23. Iran launched 14 medium- and short-range ballistic missiles at the United States’ largest position in the Middle East—al Udeid Airbase—just before 1:00 PM ET. The United States and partner forces intercepted 13 missiles and “set free” one missile on a “nonthreatening” trajectory. Trump confirmed that the Iranian attack did not injure or kill any US servicemembers or Qataris and caused “hardly any damage.” Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian claimed after the attack that Iran fired one missile at al Udeid Airbase for each bomb that the United States dropped on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21. Initial reports claimed that Iran also fired a single short-range ballistic missile targeting US forces at Ain al Asad Airbase in Iraq, but a US military official refuted that claim.

Key Takeaways:

• US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, beginning the evening of June 23. A senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that the ceasefire would occur following Qatari mediation.

• Iran conducted a missile attack targeting the US al Udeid Airbase in Qatar in retaliation for the US strikes on the Iranian nuclear program. The attack was largely symbolic and inflicted no casualties or damage, however.

• Iranian elite, including some moderate leaders, have reportedly tried to pressure Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to accept a ceasefire or sideline him entirely. It is unclear what role these individuals played in the US-announced ceasefire.

• Iranian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Policy Majid Takht Ravanchi announced that Iran will remain a member of the NPT. Iranian officials have previously threatened to withdraw from the NPT in response to US and Israeli strikes.

• IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the United States likely inflicted “very significant damage” in its strikes on the Fordow nuclear site. Iran may have moved some of its nuclear material to undisclosed locations beforehand, however.

Israel Has No Choice

Although I'll agree that Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu is a thug, there's a marked difference between him and Israel itself. If Iran is able to develop nuclear weapons, there is little doubt in my mind that they will be used, and against Israel. While Tehran insists it only wishes to develop nuclear power for peaceful purposes, it is enriching uranium far beyond the level needed for civilian use. Moreover, the UN nuclear watchdog concluded last week that the Persian Power is ignoring its nuclear safeguard obligations. 

With the backing of 19 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency has determined that

“Iran’s many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement.”

Instead of vowing to comply, Iran instead said it would start a new "secure site" and speed up its uranium enrichment program, which is what is needed for nukes. 

So Israel has no choice.

Israel has attacked military targets, but the underground sites might be invulnerable to bunker buster bombs. If that is so, it might be necessary to use troops as Irael did in Syria.  

UPDATED: LV Jewish Federation President Addresses Ceasefire Resolution in Bethlehem

As I write this story, people were still addressing Bethlehem City Council last night concerning the Israeli conflict in Gaza. It was standing room only, with at least 200 people filling the chamber and spilling out into the hallways. Just two weeks before, City Council rejected a one-sentence ceasefire resolution. They had promised to adopt a resolution of some sort at last night's meeting. But when the agenda for last night's meeting was published, no resolution of any sort was listed. This left many pro-Palestinian proponents feeling betrayed. Council President Michael Colon explained this failure by telling the audience that, instead of adopting a resolution, City Council opted to send a letter to federal officials expressing a desire for peace. 

Colon told several audience members that Council would violate the Sunshine Act by adopting a ceasefire resolution that it failed to include in its published agenda. That's certainly true. But guess what?  Council already violated the Sunshine Act when it decided, behind closed doors, to send a letter to federal elected officials. That should have been voted on in public and after deliberation, just as Easton City Council did when it recently adopted a resolution calling for peace. Bethlehem City Council did more than violate the Sunshine Act. It demonstrated that it is pretty much gutless and unwilling to discuss its decisions publicly. I expect this kind of cowardice from Colon, but am disappointed to see it in other members of City Council. 

Most of the people I heard speak wanted a cease-fire resolution, but the person who impressed me most was Robert Wax, President of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Federation. He represents 8,000 Jews in the Lehigh Valley. What he said was instructive, and I thought I'd share his remarks.

"The brutal atrocities on October 7 awakened many to the depravity of Hamas, the ruthless terrorist organization controlling Gaza with the stated goal of destroying Israel and murdering all Jews who live there. Over 1200 Israelis were savagely murdered. babies, yes, were burned and decapitated. Women, yes, were raped and subjected to sexual torture. And 240 Israelis, Americans and others were taken hostage. This was the most brutal attack on Jews since the Holocaust. And 140 hostages remain in captivity tonight. It's worth noting that this Council did not pass a resolution or take a position condemning those actions. 

"While the issues are complex, the following facts, yes, facts, are intended to provide you with a deeper understanding of the conflict. 

"First, what does Hamas want from Israel? Hamas wants to take the land "from the river to the sea." For those unfamiliar with this phrase, it means Hamas seeks all the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, In other words, all of Israel. This is not a compromise position. Unfortunately, over the past few months, protesters have continually repeated this threat from Hamas across the United States and even in Bethlehem and on our local college campuses. Some knowingly, and others unknowingly, calling for an entire country and its people to be wiped off the face of the earth.

"Has Israel offered land in exchange for peace? Yes, many times. The Palestinian Authority, formerly known as the PLO international terrorist organization and neighboring Arab countries, rejected nine peace plans between 1947 and 2019. Each of these peace plans would have created a state for the Palestinian people. 

"Does Israel occupy Gaza? No, Israel does not occupy Gaza. In 2005, Israel unilaterally evacuated the Gaza strip. Regrettably, the Palestinians elected Hamas into power, and Hamas began diverting humanitarian aid to support its military operations and began its reign of terror, including the October 7 massacre. 

"So what is the role of the United Nations and the United States?  The UN, through its refugee agency, has allowed humanitarian aid to be diverted to Hamas and other terrorist organizations, and employees of the UN participated in the attacks on Israeli citizens on October 7. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas pay families of terrorists who murder innocent Israelis a success bonus and a monthly stipend in perpetuity. In 2018, Congress passed the Taylor Force Act, which reduces economic aid to the Palestinian Authority until it ends this policy, which continues today. 

"Who else funds Hamas? Iran. Iran has sent hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas and provides military training to the terrorists. How would residents of Bethlehem feel if a terrorist organization funded by Iran launched thousands of missiles at our families from UN sponsored schools and hospitals just a few miles away? Would we be calling for a cease fire or would we be asking our government to protect us from the terrorists targeting our homes? 

"And how does the Israeli Defense Force respond? The IDF is more cautious about mitigating civilian casualties than any other military in modern times. The IDF uses efforts, where possible, to warn civilians before bombing in populated areas. Hamas, unfortunately, hides weapons and terrorist command centers in schools and hospitals, using human civilian shields to protect its terrorist activities. It takes civilians as hostages. It launches thousands of rockets on civilian populations in Israel.

"Is Israel engaged in ethnic cleansing or committing genocide against the Palestinians? Absolutely not. Between 1948 and 2023, the combined Jewish population in Arab countries surrounding Israel dropped from 985,000 Jews to 12,000 Jews, representing a decrease of 99% and leaving Israel - a country the size of New Jersey - as the sole safe haven for Jews in the entire Middle East. During the same period, the number of Arabs in Israel increased from 156,000 to 2.1 million, and the number of Arabs living in Gaza increased from 80,000 to 2 million. So claims of ethnic cleansing or genocide are patently untrue. 

"Have other municipalities passed ceasefire resolutions? 99.7% of municipalities in America have not done so, and neither should Bethlehem City Council. 

"With all due respect, while everyone wants peace in the Middle East, these issues are clearly beyond the scope and jurisdiction of this body. Council has a lengthy agenda tonight, and it should remain focused on those items. If members of the crowd are unhappy with our federal government's position on the conflict in Gaza, they should contact our federal legislators and stop creating distractions at municipal meetings so that you can complete the work you were elected to perform." 

10:15 AM UPDATE: After five hours, the meeting ended in chaos. The City Council Solicitor began to discuss policy instead of the law. People continued speaking and then began chanting, "Cease Fire Now! Cease Fire Now!" Colon, who has spent most of his political career looking for a spine, failed to find one last night. The police chief approached the dais and said the meeting had to end. Eventually, the meeting adjourned without conducting any City business as audience members shouted "Stay!"

Gaza Supporters to March on Bethlehem City Hall For Cease-Fire

According to Substack site Lehigh Valley Left View, Gaza supporters plan to march on Bethlehem City Hall tonight to demand their City Council adopt a cease fire resolution of the Israeli-Gaza conflict.  

"At Bethlehem city council’s last meeting (on 2/20), dozens of speakers pleaded with the city council to pass a ceasefire resolution. Councilperson Bryan Callahan pushed for an immediate vote on a simple, one-sentence resolution, but council decided to take two weeks to articulate a longer, formal document, promising such a resolution would manifest on the agenda for this week’s March 5th meeting. With the deadline for altering that agenda having passed at the end of last week, we now know the city council has broken their promise. This makes the event Tuesday all the more important."

In another story, this group contends that democracy is nonexistent in the Lehigh Valley because the democratically elected representatives of the people in Allentown and Easton refused (1) a proposal to send social workers instead of police in response to 9-1-1 calls; and (2) a ceasefire resolution in Gaza. 

"As bitter a pill as it may be, the reality is that we do not engage in politics on a terrain where the majority wins, where social benefit is the goal, or even a terrain where debate is encouraged. Instead, the wealthy (more precisely, the capitalists) consolidate power, organize society for their narrow benefit, and discourage discussion."

If they want to see democracy denied, they should try living in any Middle Eastern country outside of Israel. 

Will Bethlehem City Council Take Stance on Israeli-Gaza Conflict?

When Bethlehem City Council last met, they were besieged by a rowdy audience demanding that they adopt a cease-fire resolution concerning the Israeli-Gaza conflict. They just happened to have a draft, too. Council member Bryan Callahan wanted to adopt it on the spot. But as Council member Colleen Laird pointed out, they needed time to consider the matter. Just as members of the audience had time to draft their resolution, City Council should be extended that same courtesy. So no resolution was adopted. As of late last night, no such resolution appears on the agenda for Tuesday night's meeting. 

Last week, Easton City Council rejected a cease-fire resolution sponsored by Council member Taiba Sultana in a 6-1 vote. But the adopted a general resolution calling for peace, with only Sultana in opposition. 

Members of the Bethlehem and Easton audiences were festooned in the kaffiyehs in some attempt to show solidarity with Palestinians. Ironically, that garment was worn by Bedouins in rural areas to protect themselves from the sun. More urban Palestinians traditionally wore a fez, but I guess that's less fashionable. 

My brother Mike lives in Bethlehem. I'm rather secular, but he's heavily involved in his church. He has written to City Council and has suggested that a day of prayer and reflection might be the best approach. I doubt a City Council can urge a day of prayer and reflection, but it can urge a day of reflection. 

Hello, 

After listening to the statements last evening concerning a ceasefire resolution, here are my comments and observations. 

• Council is to be commended for their tolerant and respectful behavior, even when many unfair comments were made about elected officials' presumed motives and opinions. 
• Many of the comments were overtly antisemitic/racist: One speaker's statement, "From the river to the sea." is clearly a racist statement expressing the desire to remove by any means necessary the Jewish people from their county.
• There are two sides to the story. Little was said about the brutal and horrific attacks that were made on October 7th against innocent women, children and elderly Jewish citizens. There were also American citizens who were killed and taken as hostages. Statements that were made about the October 7th attacks were made in the context that they were falsely reported or did not happen.   
• If Hamas would lay down their weapons and surrender, there would be an immediate ceasefire. 
• The Hamas charter includes language that call for the elimination of the Jewish nation. 
• Many of the speakers disqualified themselves with their hateful and arrogant rhetoric. Some should have been removed from the room for outbursts outside of decorum. 
• Statements of fact were made that were anecdotal and not supported by data.  

City Council needs to be cautious in resolutions calling for a ceasefire:

• Language should be carefully chosen to avoid any misinterpretation that could be considered racist or antisemitic. 
• Mayor Reynolds' suggestion was noteworthy: calling for peace rather than a ceasefire. "Ceasefire" is becoming a politically charged word. 
• There are many Bethlehem Jewish and Christian citizens who have good reasons to be supportive of Israel. Their views should be valued and respected. 
• The resolution should include a call for mutual respect and tolerance among all religions and groups within our city. 
• Council can lead by calling for a city-wide day of reflection/prayer/mediation and hosting respectful conversations with diverse groups to foster greater understanding and respect.  

Wishing you all well as you craft the resolution.  

Easton City Council Rejects Cease Fire Resolution, But Calls For Peace

"We will vote you out."

Easton City Council last night rejected a cease-fire resolution concerning the Gaza conflagration. It was sponsored by Council member Taiba Sultana. Her resolution died for a lack of a second. But by a 6-1 vote, with Sultana the sole dissenter, they adopted a resolution calling for world peace. (The text of both the cease-fire resolution and the competing peace proposal are located here). 

Sultana questioned how six members of City Council could draft a resolution without first consulting her. Council member Frank Pintabone responded, "I think our resolution was drafted the same way yours was because nobody was offered to get involved with yours either." 

She also stated resolutions eventually become law, but was corrected by both Solicitor Joel Scheer and Mayor Sal Panto. They both said that an ordinance is required for anything to become a city law. 

Sultana argued the peace notes there are over 45 armed conflicts but fails to specify where. That can be found with a one-second search at Google, which lists precisely where there are 62 ongoing armed conflicts in the world. 

Council member Crystal Rose explained that "the thought process was that there are always going to be conflicts worldwide and we would like to say that all of us up here don't want to see people die, we don't want to see people harmed, we don't want to see armed conflict throughout the world but we want to get back to city business and I think that if we keep bringing this up, we're getting away from the things that the people elected us to do here. I have had an overwhelming amount of people come up to me and email me and ... most of them have been angered that we are focusing on issues that don't involve Easton." She said she was elected to deal with issues like affordable housing and food insecurity.

Sultana said she was listening to the people who came to the meeting, not those who sit in their "cozy homes." Pintabone said he received 740 emails just that day "90% of them told me they did not elect me to represent them on international business. They elected me to represent them in City of Easton business. 

Of the 13 members of the public who spoke before the vote, 12 supported the cease-fire resolution. I have summarized their comments below. I found it necessary to fact check a few claims.  

Kaitlyn Hart (sp?): "I've been able to hold my newborn while others have placed white sheets over theirs." 80% of the world's population experiencing famine is in the Gaza strip."

Factcheck: The claim that 80% of those who experience famine worldwide are in the Gaza strip is false. Today, nearly 45 million people in 37 different countries are at risk of starvation. This problem is most acute in Somalia. 

Mark Rosenzweig "We can't ignore this ... genocide in progress. It's being televised. " At least 70 cities have advocated cease-fire resolutions. 

Factcheck (Reuters): 70 cities have called for ceasefires in Gaza. 48 cities have called for a halt to bombing in Gaza. Six cities have adopted resolutions broadly calling for peace. 20 cities have condemned the Hamas attack in Israel. 

Jason Werner: A ceasefire resolution is appropriate on a local level because "that is the most direct form of democracy the people have."  

Kaylee Smith: "Our tax dollars are sent to Israel when they could instead fund the future of our children in this city." 

Crystal Phillips: "I wish that we would fill the room for local stuff. ... There's multiple things that we presented as south side residents, but you [Council member Sultana] have not been there for us ... and it's frustrating."

(Council member Sultana retorted that she represents residents "diligently.")

Rai Ismail: $367,000 goes to Israel from Easton.

Factcheck: Any calculation of how much each city resident contributes via federal tax to Israel is at best a guestimate. 

Logan Scheirer: He lives in Lehighton but is too scared to speak there because residents there intimidate him with threats and harassment.. He spoke twice to Easton City Council, both before and after the vote. Then he made his own promise to return to every City Council meeting until a cease fire resolution is adopted. 

Aven Lancaster: All 12 universities in Gaza have been bombed and destroyed. 

Factcheck: All 12 universities have been bombed and destroyed or damaged. 378 schools have been destroyed or damaged,   

Avalea Danes: Unless City Council adopts a cease-fire resolution, "we will organize and we will vote you out for your duplicity."

Yaseen Salee: This was his fourth or fifth appearance before City Council. He pretty much said what he said every other time. 

Raya Abdelaal: "We're gonna' keep coming back 'till this is passed."

Jack Rosa with flag and mask: claimed incorrectly that Easton City's budget "is and has been funding a genocide in Palestine." She added South side Easton is not as important as the conflagration in Gaza.

Thomas Henchen: Criticized the competing peace resolution as a "vague platitude that mocks us. ... We know how the world works. ... We are a political movement with political power.""

Easton City Council's Foreign Affairs Division Poised to Take Up Ceasefire Resolution Again on Wednesday

On Wednesday, Easton City Council will once again take up the Israeli-Gaza ceasefire resolution being promoted by Council member Taiba Sultana. So far, only the United Nations has weighed in on this topic. The world awaits Easton. 

Last time this came up, Sultana packed the room with emotional supporters while she used every chance she had to promote herself and condemn others on Council, even suggesting to Roger Ruggles that city service "may not be for you." 

This time around, the Jewish community has been alerted. It opposes Sultana's ceasefire resolution because it is inappropriate for the city council level of government. 

You can submit your own message to Easton City Council on this topic. Here's what I sent. 

I urge you to reject Sultana's resolution because her sole purpose in presenting it is to promote herself, not a peaceful resolution of a centuries-old conflict. While we all condemn the loss of innocent life, I am primarily concerned about the loss of innocent Jewish and Muslim lives here in the Lehigh Valley. Sultana's resolution drives a wedge between our religious communities at a time when they should be united. Her divisive actions also could inspire attacks at both synagogues and mosques from people who hate Jews or Muslims.

Middle East War Breaks Out at Easton City Council

Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana was arrested in late July for domestic assault, and even spent a sultry evening in the hoosegow. But she's now all about peace and wanted City Council members to join her last night to call on Congress and the Governor to endorse a "Ceasefire Now" resolution being pushed by left-leaning members of the House.  Though the Ceasefire Now resolution is itself rather innocuous, Sultana never bothered to attach it to her own resolution. And her own resolution is one-sided. It accuses Israel of "targeting civilians" and claims incorrectly that President Joe Biden has advocated increased escalation by Israel when he's actually pressured Netanyahu to delay his ground war.  It never even mentions Hamas, which started the latest chapter in this never-ending conflict. Finally, she submitted her resolution at the last-minute, though she was sure to pack the meeting room with pro-Palestinian supporters. City Council accordingly voted 5-2 to strike Sultana's proposed resolution from last night's agenda, but that was only the beginning of a near war that erupted in City Council, as an emotional Sultana did her best to incite an equally intense mob that was at times completely out of control. 

Voting to strike the proposed resolution from the agenda were Sal Panto, Jim Edinger, Roger Ruggles, Peter Melan and Ken Brown. Voting to consider it were Sultana and Dave O'Connell. 

This is where things should have ended, but it's where it began .After all, this is Easton. While claiming to be solely interested in a ceasefire, Sultana in the same breath and sentence was accusing Israel of genocide. Sal Panto spoke glowingly of his Palestinian taxicab driver when he visited Israel a few years ago. Roger Ruggles said he has difficulty sleeping at night, so he listens to BBC and knows there are genocides all over the place. He wondered whether Easton should take a stand on them all. 

After going back and forth among each other, the floor was opened up for agenda items only, and most people addressed the Ceasefire Resolution that had already been removed. Remember, this is Easton.   

Yaseen Saleh, a Lafayette College student, actually spoke twice. He expressed some concern for his own safety, although I'm pretty sure Mossad was in Bethlehem last night to try out the new Peruvian chicken restaurant on Broad Street. He noted that, according to UNICEF, 2,300 Palestinian children have already died as a result of the Israeli bombing in Gaza. "By shutting down this resolution, we are shutting down the voices of those who are dying," he lamented.

Next up was fireball An-nisa Muqtadir, a very well-spoken resident, who reminded Council that she has voted in every election since she turned 18. She was furious with Mayor Sal Pnato, who earlier stated he does not speak for the City of Easton. "You say you don't speak for the City of Easton? Actually, you do. Every single one of you do." She reminded Panto that he once told her, "We are a voice for you.' Do not go back on your words now."

She made clear that "[w]e are against genocide, illegal occupation. Look at how many people have died and look at the definition of genocide." She slammed Easton for having a Christopher Columbus statue in close proximity to one of Larry Holmes. "Tell me how that makes sense. Tell me where it makes sense to put a colonizer and colonized together." 

In Easton. 

When her five minutes were up, she continued speaking anyway. "I am a citizen of Easton " She was incensed because she thought Council members were laughing at her. I'll tell you I doubt that very much. She was not only eloquent, but I think she could take down all five behind the dais in the blink of an eye. Her mike was eventually cut, but I could hear her saying, "I am not finished." As she spoke, another woman placed herself between Muqtadir and City Council while a third woman stood in solidarity next to her. 

I thought for sure that Muqtadir would be yanked, especially since two police officers were there on loan from Mossad. But they let her go. This is Easton. Ken Brown began talking to the triumvirate in soothing tones about giving respect to get respect.  Downtown Kenny Brown was a basketball referee so he knows how to mollify angry mobs as he's covered several Central Catholic games. 

Following fireball Muqtadir was Raya Abdelaal, a Palestinian who said she lives in Nazareth, of all places. After her grandfather left Palestine in '48, he was never allowed to return. He died in Syria. Her grandmother was displaced by war three times. "I am a product of war," she asserted. She brought pictures of children she claims were killed by Israeli bombs, adding little stories about the hopes of each of them. "And I have thousands more!" she cried out in anguish, as other photos fell out of her hands and onto the floor.

"When you question why this should be here, it makes me feel that you question the identity of all Palestinians in the United States," she posited somewhat illogically.

She also derided the 5-minte rule on public comment. "The Nazis also said we need to follow the rules when they were killing the Jews. ... The world said never again, but it's happening again." Look, I'm a big advocate of public comment and just had a big argument with a Northampton County Council member about this, but I think it's a tad ridiculous to equate a five-minute public comment rule with the Nazi Final Solution.  

She told Easton City Council that she wants to return to Palestine. "Do you think I want to be here right now? Don't you think I had a right to grow up in Palestine?" She also told them to disregard biased media reports and "look outside regular media."

That's exactly what right wingnuts say too. 

She closed with a text message allegedly sent by a Palestinian under a pile of rubble. "I'm screaming. Nobody can hear me. That's all I have to say."

Unfortunately for Sultana, there was an Israeli in the audience. Hagai Feiner is not in Mossad (at least I don't think he is), but did serve in the Israeli Air Force for four years before coming here in 1998. "I've seen first hand the impact of terror," he said.  "My sister was injured and had half of her leg blown off by Hezbollah terrorists shooting over the border from Lebanon into Israel." He also lost a family member three weeks ago in Gaza. He was used as a human shield when Hamas made their escape from Israel and was then shot in the head when his usefulness came to an end. Despite this, "I feel all of the pain in this room," he said. But he took Sultana to task and declared she has an agenda. 

He pointed to Sultana's false Facebook claim that Israel has bombed a Gaza hospital and killed 500 when it was actually a misfire from terrorists. "Miss Sultana has an agenda beyond the pain. There are lies that are being spread on the Internet about my people, which also incites violence. This is not just a call for a ceasefire. There was never a call for the release of the American hostages who are still being held in Gaza. Where is that?'

"I know that this hurts," he told everyone.. "It hurts me, too."  But he's bothered by the misstatements Sultana has made online. 

Will there ever be peace? "That may not be achievable when our children are beheaded," Feiner observed. "No posts about that. It's condemnable, but did you actually condemn it?" he asked Sultana. "I will condemn Israel's acts against any innocent person, but Israel's also fighting guerilla warfare, where Hamas is embedded within a civilian population.." 

He warned there are "two sides to this story and we have a City Council member misrepresenting the facts." 

Would not be the first time. 

Easton Solicitor Joel Scheer suggested this issue should be brought to Northampton County Council, so this may be making the rounds.

Sen. Bernie Sanders On Gaza

Senator Bernie Sanders (I. Vt.) view on what is going on in Gaza pretty much matches my own beliefs:

He condemned the "barbarous" terrorist attack by Hamas and said that Israel has "the absolute right to defend itself against Hamas and terrorism in general." He called the mowing down of innocent Israelis a "horrific act precipitating a worldwide crisis."

He reminds us, however, that right now, "there are hundreds and hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza who have lost their homes, they've been thrown out of their homes, they have no food, they have no water, they have no fuel. ... {H]alf of those people are children."

...

""We have got to do everything that we can to make sure that not one nickel goes to the murderous Hamas organization. But at the same time we have got to stand with the innocent women and children in Palestine who are suffering today and are facing an almost unprecedented modern humanitarian disaster

...

"[W]hile we do our best to support Israel and destroy Hamas, please, let us not turn our back on the suffering people in Gaza. This is not what we should be doing, not what Congress should be doing, and therefore I object."

Sanders was objecting to a measure that would have blocled humanitarian aid.

A Voice in the Israeli Wilderness

Like most Israelis, Olmert shuns the
suit and tie 

Earlier this week, I condemned Hamas' incursion into Israel and the multiple atrocities that ensued. There are stories of wholesale slaughter, beheadings and rape, to say nothing of taking babies away as hostages. Any decent person should be outraged by this savagery. Yet there are those who celebrated this massacre, not in some third world country, but in Manhattan. 

I am equally disturbed by Israel's reaction. Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, announced a complete siege of the Gaza strip, denying food, water and electricity to the people trapped there. That's exactly the kind of tactic that Stalin might approve, as he did during the holodomor in Ukraine. Gallant claimed Israel is fighting "human animals," using the same kind of language that Nazis used to justify their genocide of Jews. There are 2 million people inside the Gaza strip, and only a tiny fraction of that amount had anything to do with the atrocities in Israel. 

Whether you're Palestinian or Israeli, Muslim or Jew, it is simply wrong to take an innocent life.  Yet that's precisely what's happening, as Israel bombs building after building as a prelude to a ground invasion 

In addition to being morally wrong, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told DW News that this kind of approach will alienate Israel in the eyes of the international community.  "I'm afraid that if these attacks, which have taken place over the past few days, will continue and more and more buildings in Gaza will be destroyed, the smoke and fire will spread all over the screen and this will be broadcast day in and day out all over the world. Soon enough, the emotion and sympathy which is now spread all over the world in support of the state of Israel, will change." 

Olmert suggests that allowing humanitarian aid or creating a pathway for innocents to leave "might be a reasonable vehicle in order to achieve a separation between the civilian population, which is not involved, and the terrorist organizations."  He acknowledged there is no easy answer.

This much is clear to me. There is no way that Israel will have any semblance of peace under bigoted and authoritarian leaders like Bibi Netanyahu. It's clear to Olmert as well. "I'm scared of this group of thugs, violent messianic thugs, run by a reckless, irresponsible person - Netanyahu."  

Olmert said Israel's first priority should be ridding itself of Hamas. After that, it should dump Netanyahu.  

"We Stand With Israel" Vigil Tonight

Tonight, a 7 pm, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) (702 N 22d St, Allentown, PA) will host a vigil to demonstrate that we stand "shoulder to shoulder" with Israel in the wake of a shocking terrorist attack from Hamas that occurred over the weekend.  

It is unclear at this point how many innocent civilians have been killed in what certainly seems like a brutal and indiscriminate attack that even included 260 young ravers at a music festival held dangerously close to Gaza. Numerous hostages from countries all over the world have been seen. A murdered woman's semi-naked body was paraded through the streets as though she was a trophy. One visitor from Philly reports seeing people raped and decapitated.  

It's certainly understandable that Israel's defense minister would refer to these actions as the work of "human animals." 

Unfortunately, Israel is positioned to itself engage in the very atrocities we all rightly condemn. Blasting Gaza to rubble will kill innocents. So will cutting off food, water and electricity. Rather than creating more terrorists by killing and maiming innocent children, Israel should devote its resources to apprehending those responsible for these atrocities. Iran has denied involvement, just as it denies supplying drones to Russia.  Iran has unquestionably funded and armed Hamas for years, and should suffer the consequences.  Not with the murder of innocent civilians, but attacks at the state sponsors of this terrorism.  

Obama's Supposed Pogrom

Blogger Michael Molovinsky , who admits he is a Zionist, is understandably miffed that the United States decided recently to abstain from a UN resolution that condemns Israeli settlements along the West Bank. He paints the story as a question of Israel's very survival, without any consideration of the reality that Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is poking at a hornet's nest. But where he really loses all perspective when he claims that opposition to any new settlement is akin to a pogrom.

I completely sympathize with Israel. There is no way that Israel should relinquish control of the West Bank borders at this juncture because Molovinsky is right - it really is a question of Israel's very survival. What he fails to mention is that just three months before this abstention, Obama agreed to give Israel $38 billion in military aid over the next ten years.

That's pretty strange behavior for someone who is engaged in a pogrom against Israel.
Link to Molovinsky diatribe:
http://molovinskyonallentown.blogspot.com/2016/12/obamas-progrom-against-israel.html

Dent With Netanyahu: Never Again!

This is LV Congressman Charlie Dent's reaction to the historic address to Congress that was delivered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today:

“Prime Minister Netanyahu laid out a compelling case during his speech for extreme caution on the part of United States in reaching any agreement that would lead to Iran gaining the ability to produce nuclear weapons. Israel is one of our greatest and truest allies and it’s people rightly view a nuclear-capable Iran as an existential threat to their existence. It was important for the Congress to hear that message directly from Israel’s leader. On a personal note, it was a truly inspiring moment to be in the chamber and to hear Prime Minister Netanyahu forcefully proclaim ‘Never again’ regarding Israel’s determination to avoid the tragedy of another Holocaust. I’m proud to stand with our Israeli ally.”

LV Jewish Federation Condemns Senseless Slaughter of Four Rabbis

Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley President Mark H. Scoblionko and Executive Director Mark L. Goldstein have issued a statement condemning the senseless slaughter of four rabbis who were in the middle of prayer. Eight others were wounded.

“The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley sends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those murdered in the terror attack that took place earlier today at a west Jerusalem synagogue. We pray for the recovery of those wounded in the attack.

Four rabbis, including Rabbi Moshe Twersky, grandson of renowned Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, a dominant American Jewish leader for over 50 years, were senselessly murdered in today's attack.

The recent wave of Palestinian terror attacks in Israel is outrageous and completely unacceptable, but today's attack on innocent people praying in a synagogue is incomprehensible. We pray that the authorities will do everything they can to put an end to the incitement and will find a solution to curb escalating tension in Jerusalem and the rest of the country.

We thank President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro for their swift and strong condemnation of the attack. The support of the U.S. Administration in these harsh times serves as a reminder of the unbreakable bond that exists between our nations.

At the same time, we condemn in the strongest terms the statements by Hamas, which celebrated today's attack and called for further terrorist attacks against Jews. While Palestinian Authority President Abbas did condemn today's attack, it was offered in the context of his having already incited violence by his libelous statements that Jews were contaminating Muslim holy sites and his Fatah‐controlled broadcast media glorifying today's attackers as martyrs and heroes. We ask for the international community to unite and demand that the Palestinian Authority and Hamas put an immediate end to its campaign of libel and incitement. Responsible language and actions by Palestinian and Israeli leaders will help calm the tensions and bring about reasoned dialogue.

We encourage people of all faiths to voice their rejection to the violent attack that took place this morning in Jerusalem. May the families of the victims and may peace and tranquility be restored to the residents of Jerusalem.”

Three LV Jewish Leaders Go To Israel

As Hamas rocket fire continues to rain down on Israel, three Lehigh Valley Jewish community leaders are seeing firsthand what happens when the sirens sound, according to a statement from the LV Jewish Federation.

Iris Epstein, 2015 Annual Campaign chairperson, Judy Diamondstein, assistant executive director, and Vicki Glaser arrived in Israel Saturday morning and spent two days on a kibbutz in the Yoav region. The Lehigh Valley enjoys a special relationship with Yoav, located in south central Israel and well within the reach of Hamas missiles.

“It was a bit surreal hearing the sirens the first time,” Epstein said after having to rush to an underground shelter. “It helped me remain calm seeing how calm everyone else was. It really is a way of life here.” Epstein, Diamondstein and Glaser have had their visit interrupted several times with “Red Alert” sirens warning everyone to immediately take shelter.

The trio will spend the next week traveling across Israel. .

Meanwhile, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, in partnership with all local synagogues, has opened the Israel Emergency Campaign to raise money for emergency needs emanating from Israel being under attack. 100 percent of the money donated goes directly to emergency needs.

The money will provide care for homebound elderly and disabled adults during this time of terror, respite for tens of thousands of children fleeing rocket attacks and crisis counseling for Israelis who are overwhelmed by anxiety and in need of relief.

The #StoptheSirens campaign is being conducted in conjunction with Jewish communities across North America.

Already, the money raised is doing good. Tomorrow, 540 children from Yoav will spend the day outside of the frequent rocket zone for a day of respite programming. Their day camps and summer programs have been cancelled due to the incessant missile attacks.

To learn more about the campaign and Israel travelers, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

LV Jewish Federation Condemns Hamas Rocket Attacks

What disturbs me most about the rocket attacks on Israel is that they are senselessly aimed at civilians. This is not just war, but terror. Lehigh Valley's Jewish Federation has just released this statement:

“The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is extremely concerned about Hamas’ escalating rocket attacks against Israeli citizens. We support Israel’s right to defend itself as a sovereign country from relentless rocket fire targeted at innocent civilians and support Israeli efforts to prevent further escalation and minimize casualties on both sides.

On July 7, Israel launched Operation Protective Edge to intensify defensive efforts against Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip to restore stability to the country. Since Monday morning, over 160 rockets have been fired at Israel activating "Code Red" sirens (rocket alerting system) deep into central Israel. At this moment, over 3.5 million Israelis are in the line of fire from these rockets.

The senseless murders of Israeli and Palestinian teens – all of which we condemn and mourn – should have been a clarion call to Hamas that war and bloodshed should cease. At a moment when world, including Israeli and Palestinian Authority, leaders were calling for calming times, Hamas chose to escalate the situation by firing 18 rockets during the funeral of the Israeli teens. Since Monday morning over 165 rockets have been fired at Israeli citizens, and this morning 5 armed Palestinians were intercepted illegally entering Israel along the shore south of Ashkelon.

In spite of these actions, the Israel Defense Forces is doing everything possible to minimize civilian injuries by sacrificing the element of surprise and calling Gaza homes being used forcibly as centers for terrorist activities that are going to be bombed; utilizing pin point precision rockets; and engaging in the 'knock on the roof' tactic- where Israel deploys a 'scare' bomb which only makes noise in order to make civilians leave a targeted area.

We applaud the US Administration’s strong condemnation of the rocket fire toward Israel, noting that “No country can accept rocket fire aimed at civilians and (the United States) supports Israel's right to defend itself against these vicious attacks."

Our community remains committed to peace and a two-state solution, in which both the Israeli and Palestinian people live securely within mutually recognized and sovereign borders. But for that to happen we first hope and pray for quick restoration of calm, for cool heads to prevail in the face of incitement and hatred, and for an end to bloodshed.”

Memorial Service Planned For Murdered Israeli Teens

A memorial service has been planned to mourn the loss of three young lives that were taken because they happen to be Jews. Mark Goldstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, has announced that the service will take place on Wednesday, July 2, 7:15 pm, at Allentown's Jewish Community Center (702 N. 22d St).

"On behalf of our Lehigh Valley Jewish community, we join with our brothers and sisters across the Jewish world in mourning the tragic and senseless loss of Naftali Fraenkel (16) z"l, Gilad Shaar (16) z"l, and Eyal Yifrach (19) z"l. "We express our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. There are no words to describe this devastating loss of three young lives. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the terrorists involved in the senseless murder of three innocent teenagers, and pray that justice will be served.

"For the past 18 days since the kidnapping, we were unified in prayer and hope for the teens' safe return. Now, tragically, we are unified in grief. Our hearts are one with the people of Israel as we stand in solidarity with Israel, especially during this difficult time.

"Tomorrow night (Wednesday, July 2nd) at 7:15 PM, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Jewish Clergy Group will coordinate a community-wide Memorial Service at 7:15 PM at the Jewish Community Center in Allentown.

"We pray that peace may come to Israel and to the entire Middle East for the sake of all who cherish life.

"May the memories of these innocents be a blessing and their families be comforted among the mourners all who mourn."

Is Barack Obama the Neville Chamberlain of the U.S.?

According to Slate, the Geneva accord is a "good deal" that "makes it impossible for the Iranians to make any further progress toward making a nuclear weapon in the next six months—and, if the talks break down after that, and the Iranians decide at that point to start building a nuclear arsenal, it will take them much longer to do so." Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu agrees, but calls it a great deal for Iran.

It's a sad commentary on our President, but I trust Netanyahu over a guy who couldn't even get his facts right over Obamacare. I tend to agree that it is a "historic mistake.," Obama looks to me like the Neville Chamberlain of the United States.

Yitzhak Shamir: An Inglorious Bastard

You don't have to watch a movie starring Brad Pitt. All you need do is google Yitzhak Shamir for a glimpse into the life of a real bastard. He makes Benjamin Netanyahu look like a candyass. His parents and his two sisters died in the Holocaust.

I suppose little things like that might affect you down the road.

He resisted British rule in Israel, even emulating the IRA, until he was exiled.

Interestingly, his name means a thorn that stabs and a rock that can cut steel.

He died Saturday, and is being buried today. Michael Molovinsky has a small tribute on his blog as well.

With Friends Like These ...

Although President Obama insists that "I have Israel's back," blogger Michael Molovinsky thinks the President might just be be sticking a knife or two in it.

Israel has been granted access to airbases in Azerbaijan, on Iran's northern border.

This is a game-changer, making it easier for Israel to launch an airstrike against Iran's looming nuclear threat, But this, along with other U.S. leaks to the media, reveal that the Obama administration is doing everything it can to stop Israel, making sure that Iran knows what we know.