5 Key Updates: Harris’s Hypocrisy; Israel’s Ban From Tournament
Looking back on this week, we witnessed pivotal developments that exposed Vice President Kamala Harris’s hypocrisy, the shocking (i.e., marvelous, to be frank) moment of Israel’s exclusion from a major international tournament, and more.
Here are the top five stories to keep on your radar as you are about to kickstart the week ahead.
US Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris Orders Pro-Palestine Protestors To Keep Quiet Unless They ‘Want Donald Trump To Win’
Overview: At a recent rally in Detroit, Kamala Harris encountered a wave of opposition from pro-Palestinian protesters who have voiced their deep concerns about the United States’ policies toward Gaza. The protesters’ chants, “Kamala, you can’t hide; we won’t vote for genocide,” are a clear expression of their frustration with the current administration’s stance.
Rather than directly engaging with these concerns, Harris responded, “If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking.” This reaction seemed to brush aside the legitimate anxieties of those advocating for Palestinian rights and a more just foreign policy.
Why it matters: This interaction with protesters reveals Harris’s true pro-Israel stance. Even though she pretends to care about enacting a permanent ceasefire, her actions prove otherwise.
Harris’s mixed messaging on the Palestinian issue is more than just a disappointment — it is alienating. The protests at her rally were not just spontaneous outbursts; they were a reflection of a broader dissatisfaction with the Biden administration’s policies regarding Israel and Palestine. Pro-Palestinians are demanding a clear shift in the United States’ actions, including advocating for a ceasefire and considering an arms embargo on Israel.
DC Memo: Hot Rematch Between Omar and Samuels Heads to the Finish Line, With a Bizarre Twist
Overview: In the upcoming primary for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) is once again facing off against Don Samuels, the opponent she narrowly defeated in 2022. This race has garnered unusual attention, with Republican candidates looking to influence the outcome by encouraging their base to vote against Omar. Notably, former NBA player Royce White has called on Republicans to back Samuels.
Despite these efforts, Omar has a significant financial edge, having raised over $6.6 million, which she has used to fuel a powerful advertising campaign. Samuels, however, is relying on grassroots support with a dedicated team of 1,200 volunteers.
Why it matters: Ilhan Omar’s potential re-election carries significant weight, not just for Minnesota but for the broader national conversation on social justice and foreign policy. Omar has been a voice advocating for Palestine and challenging the United States’ military’s funding of Israel.
Her presence in Congress may lead to a push for policies that prioritize human rights — an approach that stands out in the current political climate amid the ongoing genocide. Omar’s role is also crucial for the representation of marginalized communities, particularly Muslim Americans and pro-Palestinian advocates.
Tlaib Slams White House for Defending AIPAC After Triumph Over Cori Bush
Overview: Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has courageously criticized the White House’s support for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) following the defeat of Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) in the primary. Her tweet, “You know what’s not helpful? Sending bombs to be used for war crimes and killing thousands of children,” has echoed across the political chamber, so much so that she has made headlines for it.
In her concession speech, Bush vowed to continue the fight against AIPAC’s influence, rallying her supporters to push back against the overwhelming financial and political power that seeks to silence the voices fighting for peace.
Why it matters: Bush’s loss is more than just a political setback; it highlights the deep influence of pro-Israel lobbyists on the elections and their impact on the decisions of the Democratic Party.
Tlaib’s remarks are not merely about politics; they are about challenging the sway of powerful lobbying groups that prioritize their own interests over human rights and justice for Palestinians.
US, UK, French Ambassadors Skip Nagasaki Ceremony Over Decision To Snub Israel
Overview: On August 9, 2024, ambassadors from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and other European Union countries notably boycotted the 79th commemoration of the Nagasaki atomic bombing over the exclusion of Israeli officials from the ceremony.
The United States Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, chose instead to participate in a prayer meeting in Tokyo, criticizing the Nagasaki mayor’s claim that Israel’s absence was to prevent potential protests related to the genocide in Gaza. Emanuel argued that equating Israel’s exclusion with that of Russia unfairly positioned a historical victim (Israel) alongside an active aggressor (Russia).
Why it matters: This diplomatic maneuver highlights a significant shift in how global powers handle historical memory and political alliances. The omission of Israeli officials from a commemoration that is meant to remember the devastating impact of the atomic bombings reveals deeper issues within foreign policies. By defending Israel and its contentious military actions against Palestinians, the United States and the rest are shamelessly declaring their complicity in the ongoing genocide, despite the ruling of the International Court of Justice.
If anything, the United States’ inability to issue a formal apology for the atomic bombings that caused over 210,000 civilian deaths is a telltale sign of a lack of regret and apathy. It is also a clear reflection of why they help Israel continue denying and avoiding responsibility for the suffering they have inflicted on Palestinians for decades. That is to say, they’re two sides of the same rusty coin.
Now Youth Frisbee Gets Political: Israeli Team Forced Out Over ‘Security Threat’
Overview: The Israeli youth Frisbee team in Belgium has been excluded from the tournament in light of the pro-Palestine protests demanding to boycott Israel, which sparked yet another controversy around anti-Semitism.
Why it matters: Framing the exclusion as anti-Semitic can mask the stark truth about Israeli genocidal policies in Palestine. It is never about rejecting Jewish identities; it is about holding accountable a state that is responsible for apartheid and all forms of genocide. The way that news media platforms have been reporting this story so far downplays the gravity of the war crimes and human rights violations being committed.
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