EU parliament backs labels for products made beyond Israel’s pre-1967 lines
(BreakingIsraelNews.com/JNS.org) On Thursday, the European Union’s parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution to differentiate labels on products made in Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights from those made in the rest of Israel.
The labels were backed by 525 European Parliament members and opposed by 70, while 31 abstained. EU officials claim this is not a boycott and represents an extension of existing EU law, which considers the regions beyond Israel’s pre-1967 lines to be “occupied territory” and not legally part of Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in the U.K. when the measure was approved, said, “It is simply a distortion of justice and of logic and I think that it also hurts peace; it does not advance peace. The root of the conflict is not the territories, and the root of the conflict is not the settlements.”
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said, “Under the guise of a technical step, this is an attempt to force a diplomatic solution instead of encouraging the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table.”
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Senate Democrats block Republican resolution to kill Iran nuke deal
(JNS.org) Senate Democrats on Thursday blocked a resolution by Republicans that was meant to reject the Iran nuclear deal, helping President Barack Obama avoid the use of his veto.
In a 58-42 vote, Democrats filibustered the disapproval resolution that Republicans and some Democrats had hoped to send to Obama, who had promised to use his veto if needed.
The vote came after nearly two months of contentious debate in Congress over the nuclear deal. Despite the fact that Republicans, who unanimously opposed the deal, control both the houses of Congress, Senate rules stipulate that 60 votes are needed to successfully thwart a filibuster.
“Regardless of how one feels about the agreement, fair-minded Americans should acknowledge the president’s strong achievements in combating and containing Iran,” said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), one of four Democrats to vote against the president, the New York Times reported.
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Amazon removes products featuring bloodstained Israeli flag after outcry
(JNS.org) The Internet retail giant Amazon agreed to remove several products featuring a bloodstained Israeli flag following outrage by the Israeli government and consumers.
A number of items featuring the same bloodied flag were available for purchase on the website through third-party sellers that are hosted by Amazon.com. These items included a cell phone cover, shower curtain, welcome mat, mouse pad, an umbrella, and a throw pillow. Prices ranged from $7.99 for the mouse pad to $34.99 for the shower curtain before the items were removed.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said before the removal that it was “shocked and revolted in light of Amazon’s agreement to sell anti-Israel and anti-Semitic products of the worst kind,” Israel’s Channel 2 reported.
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U.S. bolsters its peacekeeping force in the Sinai following increased attacks
(JNS.org) The U.S. announced that it is bolstering its peacekeeping force in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula by sending 75 additional troops and other assets to the region, in order to boost the security of the soldiers who have come under increasing attacks from Islamic State-affiliated terror groups there.
According to Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook, the deployment will include a light infantry platoon and forward surgical teams, as well as equipment and vehicles, Reuters reported.
Last week, a bomb attack in the Sinai wounded six soldiers, including four Americans.
The U.S. peacekeepers serve as part of a larger contingent of the Multinational Force and Observers, which was established following the 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Around 700 U.S. soldiers serve as part of the mission.
Israel recently allowed Egypt to bolster its Sinai forces to their highest levels since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
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Jim Joseph Foundation grants $16 million to Hillel campus umbrella
(JNS.org) Hillel International has received a new $16 million grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation. The largest grant ever awarded by the foundation will be distributed over five years and will help Hillel, the umbrella organization working on more than 550 college campuses, to improve and expand its practices that promote Jewish student life.
“We are excited and deeply humbled to receive this grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation, which will position Hillel International to begin implementing its Drive to Excellence campaign,” said Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of Hillel International. “As a global movement, we are intent on utilizing best practices to inspire every single Jewish student to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel.”
The “Drive to Excellence” initiative involves recruiting and developing talent, engaging students on campus, and developing resources.
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Stephen Colbert’s Late Show mention of Sabra hummus angers BDS activists
(JNS.org) Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) activists expressed anger over a mention of the partially Israeli-owned hummus brand Sabra on the first “Late Show” episode hosted by Stephen Colbert on CBS.
Colbert replaced David Letterman as the show’s host on Sept. 8. During his debut show, Colbert claimed that an “ancient cursed amulet” is “forcing him to make “certain regrettable compromises” by plugging certain products on his show.
“The amulet commands me to inform you of the delicious taste of tonight’s sponsor, Sabra roasted red pepper hummus. It’s made from simple, fresh ingredients that bring people together one bite at a time,” Colbert said.
Although Sabra is a U.S.-based company, it is co-owned by Israeli food manufacturer Strauss and the multinational PepsiCo corporation. The mention of the brand on the show elicited angry tweets by BDS activists, who accused Colbert of collaborating with a product from the “Israeli occupation.”
Sabra called it a “great honor” to be mentioned during Colbert’s debut.
“Although they didn’t do it for free, he and his people could have turned to any other American company and they still chose us,” said Sabra CEO Shali Shalit-Shoval, Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
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