Andrew Bernard
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Washington Correspondent for @JNS_org
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Articles by Andrew Bernard
Families of US Oct. 7 victims ask for investigation in Washington Original
(Oct. 15, 2026 / JNS) Relatives of American victims of the Oct. 7 attacks asked Congress to investigate the 2023 Hamas-led terrorist attacks during a memorial ceremony at the U.S. State Department on Wednesday. The memorial with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and CENTCOM commander Adm. Bradley Cooper was closed to the press, but some of the family members who attended spoke to reporters that evening.
Pennsylvania senators swear in panel to advise Congress on whether Smithsonian should take over Philadelphia Jewish museum Original
(Oct. 14, 2026 / JNS) A congressional commission that will advise Congress on whether the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, in downtown Philadelphia, should join the Smithsonian Institution was sworn in and held its first meeting on Tuesday. The chairman of the commission, Philip Darivoff, chairman emeritus of the Weitzman, told JNS on Monday that bringing the museum into the Smithsonian fold would promote teaching Jewish history from a Jewish perspective.
Supreme Court to Hear Case on Defining ‘Material Support’ for Terrorism
Categories: News & Views / News Briefs (Oct. 13, 2026 / JNS) The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to hear a case that may define the boundaries of what constitutes “material support” for a terrorist organization.
Gaza administration signs reconstruction cooperation agreement with German agency
(Oct. 14, 2026 / JNS) The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) signed an agreement with Germany’s international development agency, GIZ, in Cairo on Tuesday to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip, the committee announced on Wednesday. The memorandum of understanding establishes a framework for technical assistance in economic recovery, institutional development and essential services, including water and energy.
AJU reopens admissions at Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
(Oct. 14, 2026 / American Jewish University) American Jewish University (AJU) announced that fall 2027 admissions are open at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, following a yearlong period of review and planning designed to prepare the next generation of rabbis for the changing demands of Jewish communal leadership.
Forced to Cook for Terrorists. Does That Make Him an Accomplice?
That legal threshold “requires enough support to have some meaningful impact on the terrorist organization’s ability to achieve its goals,” a dissenting Fourth Circuit judge wrote. “Selling a hot dog to a terrorist would not count.”
Supreme Court opts to hear case about how to define ‘material support’ for terrorism
(Oct. 13, 2026 / JNS) The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to hear a case that may define the boundaries of what constitutes “material support” for a terrorist organization.
Supreme Court opts to hear case about how to define ‘material support’ for terrorism
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to hear a case that may define the boundaries of what constitutes “material support” for a terrorist organization.
Supreme Court opts to hear case about how to define ‘material support’ for terrorism
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to hear a case that may define the boundaries of what constitutes “material support” for a terrorist organization.
US mission walks out of UN in protest as it did in 2001 at anti-Israel Durban event, Waltz says
(Oct. 12, 2026 / JNS) The United States walked out in protest of the 25th celebration of the 2001 anti-Israel Durban Conference at the United Nations, just as it did at the original event, according to Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador to the global body. The 2001 event, which was meant to discuss racism, ended up being the “basis for this anti-Western hate, anti-Americanism and antisemitism,” the American envoy stated.
Israeli, Lebanese leaders keep asking about Michigan Senate race, US senator says
(Oct. 12, 2026 / JNS) Israel is two weeks away from an election and Lebanon is amid complicated negotiations to disarm Hezbollah and secure an Israeli withdrawal. But leaders from both countries are focused on the Senate race unfolding thousands of miles away in Michigan, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) told reporters on Monday. That question was a surprising focus of meetings in both countries during Lankford’s trip to the Middle East last week, he said.
US Sanctions Entire International Criminal Court in The Hague
Categories: News & Views / News Briefs (Oct. 9, 2026 / JNS) The Trump administration imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, an independent judicial body in The Hague, in its entirety on Friday. The move builds on an executive order that U.S. President Donald Trump signed shortly after the start of his second term, which was previously used to impose sanctions on individual judges and prosecutors of the legal body, which is not part of the United Nations.
Birmanie, cette guerre que personne ne peut gagner
Politique Cinq ans après le coup d’État, la junte a organisé une élection, troqué l’uniforme contre le costume et fait élire son général président. Sur le terrain, elle ne contrôle plus qu’un cinquième du pays. Entre une armée qui ne peut plus reconquérir et une résistance qui ne peut pas prendre la capitale, le seul acteur capable d’imposer une décision n’est pas birman, il est chinois. Le 18 mars 2026, le Parlement birman s’est réuni pour la première fois depuis cinq ans.
Israeli, Lebanese leaders keep asking about Michigan Senate race, US senator says
Israel is two weeks away from an election and Lebanon is amid complicated negotiations to disarm Hezbollah and secure an Israeli withdrawal. But leaders from both countries are focused on the Senate race unfolding thousands of miles away in Michigan, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) told reporters on Monday. That question was a surprising focus of meetings in both countries during Lankford’s trip to the Middle East last week, he said.
In debate, Ossoff punts on ‘genocide’ but accuses Israel of violating armed conflict law Original
(Oct. 9, 2026 / JNS) Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) accused Israel of violating international law in Gaza in a debate with Rep.
US sanctions entire International Criminal Court in The Hague
(Oct. 9, 2026 / JNS) The Trump Administration imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, an independent judicial body in The Hague, in its entirety on Friday. The move builds on an executive order that U.S. President Donald Trump signed shortly after the start of his second term that was previously used to impose sanctions on individual judges and prosecutors of the legal body, which is not part of the United Nations.
Israel recupera la máxima categoría de EE. UU. en la lucha contra la trata de personas
(9 octubre 2026) El Departamento de Estado de EE. UU. devolvió el jueves a Israel a la categoría más alta de países que combaten la trata de personas en su informe anual sobre el tema. En su Informe sobre la Trata de Personas de 2026, el departamento incluyó a Israel entre los 33 países del Nivel 1, los que más hacen para frenar el trabajo forzoso y la explotación sexual, después de cinco años en los que el Estado judío figuró en el Nivel 2.
Remembering victims and honoring heroes means defending the truth
(Oct. 9, 2026 / The Focus Project) Stories of bravery and resilience told by the survivors and families of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, demonstrate the tenacious spirit of Israelis even as more graphic details of the day’s horrors continue to emerge. That same spirit was on full display on Sept. 30 as brave airline passengers and a wounded pilot swiftly united to avert what could have become Israel’s 9/11.
After meeting Qatari mediator, Dem senator says Iran deal not imminent, ‘skimpy’ Original
(Oct. 8, 2026 / JNS) Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said on Thursday that any potential deal to end the conflict between the United States and Iran “does not sound imminent” and that its parameters are “likely pretty skimpy” after he met with Qatari officials mediating the negotiations. Murphy spoke to reporters after visiting Qatar and Saudi Arabia earlier this week and described his impressions of a potential Iran deal from his discussions with the mediators.
State Department returns Israel to highest rank in fight against human trafficking Original
(Oct. 8, 2026 / JNS) The U.S. State Department returned Israel to the highest rank of countries fighting human trafficking on Thursday in its annual report on the practice. In its 2026 “Trafficking in Persons Report,” the department counted Israel among the 33 “tier one” countries that are doing the most to stop forced labor and sexual exploitation after a five year period, in which the Jewish state was listed in the “tier two” list.
No renewed attack on Iran before Election Day, Trump says Original
(Oct. 8, 2026 / JNS) U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he intends to hold off on any renewed strikes on Iran until at least Election Day. “We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections to be held in the United States on Nov. 3,” the president wrote.
In front of Parthenon, Rubio calls for Western revival Original
(Oct.
In Florida, Byron Donalds aims to do the opposite of New York, California Original
(Oct. 6, 2026 / JNS) Florida has emerged as one of the more surprising battlegrounds of the 2026 midterm gubernatorial elections amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s sagging approval rating, high gas prices and nationwide cost-of-living issues. Recent polls suggest that the race to succeed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who won nearly 60% of the vote in 2022, could be close in November despite an enormous Republican advantage in voter registration in the Sunshine State. JNS spoke with Rep.
Bipartisan House group brings legislation decrying terror attack on flydubai plane
(Oct. 6, 2026 / JNS) A bipartisan group of U.S. House members introduced a resolution Monday honoring the captain, crew and passengers of flydubai Flight 1073 and condemning the attempted terrorist attack aboard the Israel-bound flight. The resolution, H. Res. 1612, sponsored by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and co-sponsored by Reps. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), honors Capt. Smit Machchhar for his “extraordinary courage” after he was seriously wounded by the flight’s first officer.
Israeli embassy in Washington marks third anniversary of Oct. 7 Original
(Oct. 6, 2026 / JNS) The Israeli embassy in Washington held a memorial to mark the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks on Monday at Washington Hebrew Congregation, a Reform synagogue in the District. Michael Needham, U.S. deputy national security advisor, described the Hamas massacre in southern Israel as evidence of a struggle between “civilization and barbarism” that unites Israel and the United States.
AFHU names Caryn Peretz Midwest region executive director
(Oct. 4, 2026 / American Friends of the Hebrew University) American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) announced that fundraising veteran Caryn Peretz has been named executive director of its Midwest Region. Peretz succeeds Judith Shenkman, who retired from the position after 17 years at AFHU. Peretz brings more than two decades of experience working with Jewish organizations. Most recently, she served as executive vice president, development, Midwest at the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
US, France dismantle ‘terror finance network’ that raised $1.75 million for Hamas, $626,000 of that in United States Original
(Oct. 2, 2026 / JNS) The U.S. Department of Justice said on Friday that American and French law enforcement carried out a coordinated operation to dismantle what it said is a Hamas finance network that raised funds in both countries under the guise of humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Qatari envoy accuses Huckabee of ‘promoting interests of Israel’s leadership’ Original
(Oct. 2, 2026 / JNS) Meshal Hamad Al Thani, Qatari ambassador to the United States, accused Mike Huckabee, U.S. ambassador to Israel, of serving the interests of Israel over America on Thursday. Al Thani claimed that his country “has nothing to do with antisemitism or anti-Israel sentiment on American college campuses” and that Huckabee “echoes talking points from Israel’s extremist government.” “It is regrettable that Amb.
Republicanos piden quitar la exención fiscal a una oenegé con presuntos lazos terroristas
(1 octubre 2026) Los republicanos de la Comisión de Medios y Arbitrios de la Cámara de Representantes instaron el lunes al Servicio de Impuestos Internos (IRS) a revocar la exención fiscal de la organización sin fines de lucro Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA). Alegan que las subvenciones que la entidad otorga en el exterior podrían haber beneficiado a una organización terrorista extranjera.
Pro-school choice Jewish groups laud Trump admin for rules confirming larger education credits
(Oct. 1, 2026 / JNS) Pro-school choice Jewish groups praised the Trump administration on Thursday for new regulations that they say will effectively double an education tax credit for married couples. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed in 2025, “any taxpayer” could receive a credit of $1,700 for payments to charities that disburse K-12 scholarships.
FBI arrests 40-year-old, who allegedly planned attack on Texas Capitol, said AIPAC must be ‘exterminated’ Original
(Oct. 1, 2026 / JNS) The FBI arrested Benny Caldera Jr. late on Wednesday evening at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center in San Antonio, and the 40-year-old now faces added federal charges “in connection with a possible planned attack at the Texas State Capitol,” the Texas Department of Public Safety said. “Caldera Jr. was then released from the Bexar Co. Jail into federal custody, where he will remain,” the department said.
American Jewish University to celebrate 85 years of Ziering Brandeis Camp Institute
(Oct. 1, 2026 / American Jewish University) American Jewish University (AJU) will celebrate the 85th anniversary of its Ziering Brandeis Camp Institute (BCI) with “BCI at 85,” a weekend-long celebration bringing together generations of BCI participants, alumni, faculty and friends to honor 85 years of Jewish learning, community, creativity and connection. The celebration will feature two signature events, each open to the entire community. On Saturday, Oct.
Pro-school choice Jewish groups laud Trump admin for rules confirming larger education credits
Pro-school choice Jewish groups praised the Trump administration on Thursday for new regulations that they say will effectively double an education tax credit for married couples. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed in 2025, “any taxpayer” could receive a credit of $1,700 for payments to charities that disburse K-12 scholarships.
House panel urges removal of tax-emption for charity with alleged Palestinian terror ties
(Sept. 30, 2026 / JNS) Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee urged the IRS to revoke the tax-exempt status of the nonprofit Middle East Children’s Alliance on Monday, alleging that the group’s foreign grants may have benefitted a foreign terrorist organization.
US withdrawal from Iraq a ‘victory,’ Trump says Original
(Sept. 30, 2026 / JNS) U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the withdrawal of American military forces from Iraq as “a victory for the United States” on Wednesday. He contrasted the removal of U.S. troops from Erbil with the Biden administration’s ending of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.
AJU Ziegler students opt for alternative summer experiences
(Sept. 30, 2026 / American Jewish University) This summer, students at American Jewish University’s Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies served as educators, chaplains, organizers, clergy interns and camp leaders at a variety of Jewish institutions and communities. “Rabbi education cannot happen in the classroom alone,” Ziegler School interim dean Rabbi Cheryl Peretz said.
House panel urges removal of tax-emption for charity with alleged Palestinian terror ties
Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee urged the IRS to revoke the tax-exempt status of the nonprofit Middle East Children’s Alliance on Monday, alleging that the group’s foreign grants may have benefitted a foreign terrorist organization.
House panel urges removal of tax-emption for charity with alleged Palestinian terror ties
Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee urged the IRS to revoke the tax-exempt status of the nonprofit Middle East Children’s Alliance on Monday, alleging that the group’s foreign grants may have benefitted a foreign terrorist organization.
Florida designates CAIR as domestic terror group
(Sept. 29, 2026 / JNS) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, and the Florida Cabinet voted to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Muslim Brotherhood and more than 90 other organizations as terror groups on Tuesday.
Trump approval ties lowest level in Quinnipiac polling as voters favor Democratic House Original
(Sept. 29, 2026 / JNS) Five weeks before the midterm elections, President Donald Trump’s job approval rating has tied its lowest level in Quinnipiac University polling, while voters give Democrats an edge over Republicans on control of the U.S. House and on several major issues, according to data released on Tuesday. Some 34% of registered voters approve of the way Trump is handling his job as president, while 61% disapprove, according to the Quinnipiac University poll.
US sanctions 10 individuals, entities tied to Iranian military procurement networks
(Sept. 29, 2026 / JNS) The Trump administration sanctioned 10 individuals and entities in Iran, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for procuring weapons and weapons components for Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Tuesday. The action targets several procurement networks.
Dem, GOP senators demand answers from Meta on Jew-hating bot networks Original
(Sept. 29, 2026 / JNS) The co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate taskforce on combatting antisemitism demanded answers from the parent company of Facebook and Instagram on Tuesday about what it is doing to stop foreign bot networks from promulgating Jew-hatred. Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Jackie Rosen (D-Nev.) wrote to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to ask that the company take new steps and be more transparent about antisemitism on its social networks.
Liberan bajo fianza a los sospechosos de planear un atentado con bomba en el Reino Unido
(29 septiembre 2026) El jefe de la Policía Antiterrorista del Reino Unido informó el lunes que los cinco hombres detenidos por sospecha de planear un atentado contra una base de la Real Fuerza Aérea (RAF) en Gloucestershire quedaron en libertad bajo fianza. En declaraciones a la prensa, Laurence Taylor dijo que la policía mantiene “la mente abierta” en la investigación del posible complot con bomba.
Newsom signs bill banning hate speech in state voter guides Original
(Sept. 29, 2026 / JNS) Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed a bill into law on Monday banning hate speech from state voter guides. The bill, AB 1853, prohibits candidate statements with an attack on a specific person or group, external link, false or misleading claims or hateful or discriminatory content.
Israel election panel clears 3 parties after barring Arab list
(Sept. 29, 2026 / JNS) Israel’s Central Elections Committee on Thursday concluded its last deliberation ahead of the Oct. 27 general election, after it decided to reject petitions to disqualify the Religious Zionism-Zehut Party and Ozma Yehudit on the right, and the Democrats on the left. The petition against the Democrats, headed by Yair Golan, was submitted by Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit. The petition to disqualify Otzma Yehudit was submitted by the Democrats.
El-Sayed dodges question about decrying Islamic regime Original
(Sept. 29, 2026 / JNS) Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a former Detroit health director who is the Democratic nominee for Senate in Michigan, declined to denounce the Iranian regime when a student called on him to do so at a Sept. 23 event. “I just don’t want to comment on Khamenei at all,” the politician said.
Israeli engineering team makes history at Europe’s 24-hour solar car race
(Sept. 29, 2026 / Afeka Academic College of Engineering) A team of engineering students from Afeka Academic College of Engineering in Tel Aviv made history this month, becoming the first Israeli team to compete in the iLumen European Solar Challenge in Belgium, a 24-hour solar-powered endurance race.
Netanyahu condemns ‘violent riots’ by Israelis in Samaria
(Sept. 29, 2026 / JNS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday condemned what he called violent rioting by Israelis in the Palestinian village of Jalud, that left three security forces personnel lightly injured.
Florida designates CAIR as domestic terror group
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, and the Florida Cabinet voted to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Muslim Brotherhood and more than 90 other organizations as terror groups on Tuesday.
Florida designates CAIR as domestic terror group
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, and the Florida Cabinet voted to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Muslim Brotherhood and more than 90 other organizations as terror groups on Tuesday.
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