Weekly roundup of world briefs

Israeli soldiers return fire and kill at least 2 Palestinians in raid as tensions continue to mount

By Gabe Friedman

(JTA) — Israeli soldiers shot and killed at least two Palestinians after being fired at in a raid on a West Bank refugee camp on Thursday, in the latest instance of rapidly escalating tensions across Israel.

Troops entered the Jenin camp to arrest suspects allegedly connected to the terror attack that left five Israelis dead in and around Bnei Brak on Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces said, and to subdue others who were suspected of carrying out future attacks.

The IDF claims multiple gunmen shot at the Israeli troops, who returned fire. The IDF announced three Palestinian deaths, while the Palestinian Health Ministry announced two. Over a dozen more were injured.

Hamas, the group that controls the Gaza Strip and frequently engages in military conflicts with Israel, said Thursday’s raid called for an “escalation” of activity.

The Jenin camp has historically been a hotspot for Israeli-Palestinian clashes; in 2002, dozens of Palestinians and Israeli soldiers were killed when IDF troops attempted to enter the camp during the Second Intifada.

Separately on Thursday, a 30-year-old Palestinian man wielding a screwdriver seriously injured a 28-year-old Israeli man on a bus near the Neve Daniel West Bank settlement south of Jerusalem.

The IDF said that the attacker was shot and killed by a fellow bus passenger. After the morning incident, Palestinian media reported that the Israeli military searched the assailant’s hometown, which reportedly triggered clashes between locals and troops.

Several attacks by Arabs against Israelis over the past week, including the one in Bnei Brak, have left a total of over 10 dead. Israeli officials fear that the upcoming Ramadan holiday, during which Muslim worshippers clashed heavily for weeks with Israeli police last year, could lead to further violence.

Turkey says gas pipeline with Israel not likely any time soon

(JNS) — Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a gas pipeline with Israel is not possible right now.

He said that cutting its dependence on Russia would not happen quickly, reported Reuters.

Cavusoglu told national Turkish TV station A Haber that he would travel to Israel with Energy Minister Fatih Donmez in May.

Turkey and Israel are holding high-level talks to repair relations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that he was “very, very hopeful” about energy cooperation with Israel and wanted to discuss it with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Turkish media reported on Thursday.

“If we discuss this subject with Bennett after Ramadan and we take steps immediately, the process will accelerate for Israel-Turkey cooperation, East Mediterranean crude oil and natural gas,” said Erdoğan.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog landed in Turkey a few weeks ago for a state visit at the invitation of Erdoğan, a controversial figure who has gone from hot to cold when it comes to his Jewish regional neighbor.

Teens face probation for vandalizing Florida rabbi’s home in hate crime

(JNS) — Two teenagers have been charged for vandalizing a rabbi’s home in Bonita Springs, Fla., by spray-painting the word “Jews” on the victim’s driveway, smashing his car window and destroying his mailbox, reported Florida’s NBC2.

Tucker Bachman, 17, and Case Leckbee, 14, were placed on probation, which includes community service and a curfew, and must attend a Neighborhood Accountability Board meeting with their parents or legal guardian.

The anti-Semitic crime took place on Jan. 31 at the home of Rabbi Mendy Greenberg, director of Chabad of Bonita Springs, Estero & FGCU.

“These juveniles will face their consequences immediately from the community they injured,” said State Attorney Amira Fox. “They will learn of the impact of their senseless behavior by meeting with leaders of the Jewish community and, together, the community will determine how best to repair the harm.”

Greenberg told Florida’s Fox 4 that he hopes the teens will develop an appreciation for Judaism, and “hopefully, in the future, they’ll be advocates for the Jewish community.”

“The more education there is, the more awareness there is … the less chance of these things repeating themselves,” he added.

Commenting on the sentencing they received, Greenberg said: “I’m not looking for punishment; I’m looking for rehabilitation. For something to be rectified, for a wrong to be righted.”

Noam Shalit, father of former Hamas prisoner Gilad Shalit, dies at age 68

(JNS) — Noam Shalit, the father of Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, who was captured by Hamas and held for more than five years, died on Wednesday at the age of 68.

Shali, who grappled with cancer, passed away at the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, said a spokesman for the hospital.

The elder Shalit had grabbed the country’s attention as he worked to gain the release of his son, who was declared missing in action after being captured on June 25, 2006.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eventually worked to secure Shalit’s freedom on Oct. 18, 2011, in a prisoner-exchange deal for the release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Noam Shalit met with Israeli leaders and was constantly in the Israeli media during his struggle to free his son.

After Gilad’s release, Noam and his wife, Aviva, returned to life outside of the public eye.

Gilad Shalit, 35, married last June, 10 years after his return to Israel.

Amid terror wave in Israel, New York BDS group calls to ‘globalize intifada’ at rally

(JNS) — Amid the ongoing terror wave that has killed nearly a dozen Israelis in the past week, a pro-BDS group in New York City held a rally in front of the offices of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) on Wednesday urging to “globalize the intifada.”

During the event, the leader of the group Nerdeen Kiswani, who heads the group Within Our Lifetime (WOL), led the chant ­from New York to Palestine, globalize the intifada,” in what can be perceived as a call to conduct acts of terror against Israelis or Jews in other places around the world.

Attendees there chanted: “There is only one solution, intifada revolution” and “whose streets? Our streets!”

WOL also handed out a map to participants with 10 specific addresses of Jewish and Zionist NGOs and foundations across New York City.

Videos from the event were uploaded to WOL’s Instagram account, which was briefly suspended last month by Instagram for glorifying a female PFLP terrorist in a post celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. Not long afterwards, the social-media account was reinstated.

In addition to Palestinian flags, at least three attendees were flying the flag of the Israel-designated terror group Samidoun, which is affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine —a U.S.-designated foreign terror group.

Due to WOL’s extremist activities, pro-Israel groups have called upon Donorbox and Google Pay to block their platforms from providing fundraising services to this anti-Israel group.

However, no such actions have been taken as of yet.

After deadly attacks, new synagogue guidelines call for weapons, phones on Shabbat

By Hanan Greenwood

(Israel Hayom via JNS) — In the wake of the recent wave of deadly terror attacks in Israel, the World Organization of Orthodox Communities and Synagogues on Wednesday called for congregations to take precautions against possible attacks. Among its recommendations: Worshippers should arrive at services armed, and a cellular phone should be left on in the building during Shabbat services.

In guidelines issued on Wednesday, the organization called on gabbais—who assist in running synagogues—community leaders and worshippers to remain vigilant, and for those licensed to do so to carry weapons with them, including on Shabbat.

“The synagogue gabbai must ensure a first-aid kit is permanently stationed at the synagogue. Likewise, community heads must locate the professionals trained to provide first aid so that they are on alert and able to handle the provision of care to victims when necessary. They must ensure the synagogue has organized emergency exits and inform worshippers of the exit route and how to escape in an emergency,” the organization said.

“These guidelines are the endeavors we are committed to in accordance with halachah [‘Jewish law’] and together with prayers to our Father in Heaven. We call on synagogues to petition in prayers and supplications to the Holy One, Blessed is He, to say enough to our troubles. We call for proliferation in Torah study and the reading of psalms for the sake of the souls of the victims and the healing of the wounded. Additionally, there should be prayers for the welfare of IDF soldiers and members of the security forces who are on the frontlines for all of Israel’s citizens,” the organization said.

This article first appeared in Israel Hayom.

Biden to Bennett: ‘US stands firmly and resolutely with Israel in the face of terror threat’

(JNS) — U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Wednesday night to convey America’s support amid the deadly wave of terror attacks the country is currently experiencing.

Biden conveyed to Bennett “his deepest condolences following the horrific terrorist attacks that have killed 11 people in three Israeli cities,” according to the White House.

He “emphasized that the United States stands firmly and resolutely with Israel in the face of this terrorist threat and all threats to the State of Israel.”

Bennett thanked Biden for standing with the people of Israel and for conveying his sympathies to the bereaved families, according to a statement from Bennett’s office.

While the statement from Bennett’s office said the two leaders had discussed “Iran and its regional aggression,” the White House statement made no mention of Iran.

Instead, it said the leaders had discussed “the importance of regional partnerships, as exemplified by the Abraham Accords and the Negev Summit, in promoting security and improving the lives of people across the Middle East. The president offered all appropriate assistance to our Israeli allies as they confront threats to their citizens.”

Senior IAF official flies on future heavy-lift helicopter

(JNS) — Senior officials from the Israeli Air Force visited the U.S. Naval Air Station at Patuxent River, Md., in February, to receive a program update and fly onboard the IAF’s future heavy-lift helicopter, the U.S. Navy Air Systems Command website reported in recent days.

IAF Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Eyal Grinboim and his staff met with Maj. Gen. Gregory Masiello, program executive officer for air anti-submarine warfare, assault and special-mission programs. According to the report, Masiello and Col. Jack Perrin, manager of the heavy-lift helicopter program, “gave the IAF group an overview of the CH-53K, and a status update on current tests and production.”

“The visit included an opportunity to copilot the aircraft,” the report stated. “The flight demonstrated the power and capabilities of the CH-53K aircraft.”

Grinboim’s visit to the program office was the first since Israel’s decision in late 2021 to purchase 12 Sikorsky-made CH-53K and begin to modernize its aging fleet of transport helicopters.

The IAF signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance on Dec. 30 with the U.S. government. The first deliveries are planned for 2025.

“As the long-range logistic support backbone for the U.S. Marine Corps, the CH-53K will support Israeli special operations programs first, as well as provide the Israeli Defense Forces with a platform that has the speed, safety and gross weight capability to support all of its missions, including troop and cargo transport, and search and rescue,” said the report.

It added that for the United States, the CH-53K will transport Marines, heavy equipment and supplies “during ship-to-shore movement in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore.”

Study: Israel is world’s 10th largest arms exporter

(JNS) — Israel is ranked eighth in the world in military exports in 2021, according to data gathered by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in Sweden, compared to 12th place in 2020.

The ranking is according to SIPRI’s Arms Transfers Database, which has information on all transfers of conventional weapons from 1950 until 2021. The database was last updated on March 14 and includes the largest arms exporters in 2021.

According to the database, the United States holds the top spot for exports in 2021, followed by France, Russia, Italy, China, Germany and Spain. Turkey is ranked 11th and Ukraine 19th.

According to a separate SIPRI Fact Sheet published this month, Israel ranks 10th in the list of largest arms exporters from 2017 to 2021.

In terms of the largest importers in that same period, Israel is ranked 14th, with the United States the top supplier, followed by Germany and Italy.

The top importer was India, supplied by Russia, France and the United States, in that order.

The main importers of major arms in the Middle East from 2017 to 2021 were Saudi Arabia, which held the second spot, Egypt third, Qatar sixth, Pakistan eighth, UAE ninth, Algeria 11th, Israel 14th and Turkey 17th.

Security guard at Ohio Jewish school arrested after threatening school on social media

By Shira Hanau

(JTA) — A security guard at a Jewish day school in Columbus, Ohio, was arrested and charged with making terrorist threats against the students and parents at the school.

Thomas Develin, 24, worked as a security guard at Columbus Torah Academy, a Modern Orthodox Jewish day school for students from kindergarten through high school, until his arrest Wednesday.

The arrest came after local law enforcement was alerted to photos shared to social media platforms showing Develin threatening the school community.

“I’m at a Jewish school and about to make it everyone’s problem,” read the caption of one picture of Develin holding a gun posted to his social media account on March 11. Another photo posted that day was captioned: “The playground is about to turn into a self defense situation,” according to the Columbus Dispatch.

JewishColumbus, a community organization that replaced the Columbus Jewish Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Columbus, released a statement crediting law enforcement for responding swiftly to Develin’s posts.

“Securing our community is the top priority at JewishColumbus and we remain in close contact with our law enforcement partners as the investigation continues,” the organization said. “We want to express our gratitude to the quick-thinking law enforcement officials at the local, state and national agencies. Their training, planning and professionalism stopped the threat. We believe strongly that those implicated in this threat will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Develin, who previously served in the National Guard, is being held on $1 million bond.

Deni Avdija draws Stars of David on his sneakers as violence surges in Israel

By Jacob Gurvis

(JTA) — As the only Israeli in the National Basketball Association, Deni Avdija has not been shy about his Jewish and Israeli pride. 

The 21-year-old has shared Hanukkah with his Washington Wizards teammates, spoken at the team’s Jewish Heritage Night and attempted to grow the NBA’s popularity grow in Israel.

After multiple violent attacks in Israel in the past week, Avdija again used his platform to express support for his home country.

Before Washington’s Wednesday night home game against the Orlando Magic, Avdija wrote “Am Yisrael Chai” (“the Jewish people live”) and drew Stars of David on his sneakers. It is not the first time he has used his basketball shoes to share a Jewish message — last year he called attention to Holocaust remembrance day.

“My heart is with Israel,” Avdija told reporters, according to Israel Hayom. “I am very sad to hear about what is happening in Israel. There are things that are bigger than basketball and with how much I try to represent us in the NBA, it is difficult for me.”

He continued: “My friends and family are in Israel, I watch the news almost every day, I watch Israeli TV. My heart goes out to the families and to the people of Israel, let’s hope it ends as soon as possible. I will not get into politics, but I am sending a hug and love. It’s hard to watch.”

The 6-foot-9 small forward has appeared in all 76 of the Wizards’ games this season, starting in six. He is averaging 8.1 points per game. 

Avdija made history as the highest-drafted Israeli in NBA history when he was selected ninth overall in the 2020 NBA draft.