SAN DIEGO — Following are some of the stories of Jewish interest that hit our editor’s computer mail box at editor@sdjewishworld.com on Friday, June 22. We are interested in local, national, and international news of Jewish interest, and welcome comments from members of the Jewish community about these news items.
Pompeo meets with King Abdullah II of Jordan
U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo had a working lunch with King Abdullah on Friday, during which they discussed a wide range of shared interests, including regional stability and the U.S.-Jordan economic and commercial partnership, according to the State Department.
“The leaders discussed their commitment to defeat ISIS, support for lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and ongoing efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties,” the State Department said.
“The Secretary underscored U.S. support for Jordan as the King implements critical reforms to promote Jordan’s prosperity and self-reliance. Secretary Pompeo and King Abdullah reaffirmed their mutual commitment to a strong and long-standing partnership.” – From U.S. State Department
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Security grant program for religious institutions, schools moves through U.S. Senate committee
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, welcomed the Senate Appropriations Committee’s approval of $35 million for fiscal year 2019 to fund a federal grant program that helps shuls, schools and other nonprofit entities improve the security of their buildings.
The proposed allocation for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is the second highest in its history and, for the second consecutive year, includes $10 million for nonprofits located in areas outside major metropolitan areas. The Orthodox Union Advocacy Center and other Jewish organizations helped create the program in 2005 in the wake of 9/11.
To date, the Department of Homeland Security, which administers the NSGP, has delivered $269 million to eligible nonprofits so they can acquire and install items such as fences, lighting, video surveillance and metal detectors. The appropriation will next be considered by the full Senate. – From Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations
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New Israel Fund concerned over bill allowing ministers to appoint attorneys
The New Israel Fund (NIF) has reported that on Monday, June 25, the Knesset’s Constitution Committee will take up a bill, developed by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, to allow ministers to select the attorneys that serve as legal advisors for their ministries. The bill has already passed its first reading.
“These advisors establish the legal boundaries of a minister’s authority. If they find that a decision made by the minister is unlawful, then it is not carried out,” the NIF reported. “Currently, ministers are not allowed to choose their own legal advisors. Rather, decisions about how to staff these positions are made by a committee of professional civil servants. Under the new bill, a new committee (the majority of which are selected by the minister) prepares a slate of candidates for the position of legal advisor. The minister then chooses one candidate from this slate.
“The bill would remove one of the checks and balances of Israel’s democracy by effectively making this position a political appointment. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has expressed his opposition to the bill, noting that the proposal would undermine the independence of his office. A number of retired High Court justices, former attorney generals, and other prominent Israeli legal individuals have also expressed their opposition. Yitzhak Zamir, a former High Court justice and attorney general, has called the proposal “a draft law against the rule of law.”
“The Committee has invited a number of agencies and NGO’s to take part in Monday’s session. Those include NIF’s action arm Shatil as well as the Israeli Democracy Institute, the Associations for Civil Rights in Israel, Forum Kohelet, and the Social Guard.” – From New Israel Fund
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Preceding culled from news releases sent to editor@sdjewishworld.com