A federal court in California has initiated a civil case accusing United States President Joe Biden and other senior US officials of complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza. The lawsuit, filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) on behalf of various parties, alleges that Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin failed to prevent and were complicit in Israel’s actions, which the plaintiffs describe as a “genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza.
During the recent court proceedings, lawyers, activists, and organizers, including doctors in Gaza, presented information about the situation that Palestinians have been facing for nearly four months. Since the conflict began on October 7, over 26,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, following a Hamas attack on Israel that resulted in about 1,100 casualties in Israel.
The CCR is seeking a declaration from the court that the defendants violated their duty under customary international law to prevent Israel from committing genocide against the Palestinian people of Gaza. Additionally, the group is calling for the US to use its influence over Israel to end hostilities against Palestinians in Gaza.
The CCR argues that the US’s support for Israel, including providing weapons, violates the 1948 Genocide Convention. In response, lawyers representing the Biden administration are asserting a narrow legal argument, claiming that the court lacks the authority to rule on this matter. They cite the political doctrine, which concerns the separation of powers in the United States, suggesting that foreign policy, diplomacy, military activities, and relations with allies fall under the purview of the executive branch and are not subject to judicial action by other branches of the US government.
The judge in the case also appeared to question his authority, but he began the proceedings by acknowledging the difficult situation faced by Palestinians in Gaza. Additionally, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts that could be considered genocide in Gaza and do more to assist civilians. However, the ICJ did not call for a ceasefire, despite South Africa’s request for one when presenting the case to the court.
Joy-Ann Reid, the host of MSNBC’s The ReidOut & New York Times bestselling author of ‘The Man Who Sold America,’ comes to Westchester’s Iona University in New Rochelle, Sunday, February 4th to discuss her new book that traces the extraordinary lives and legacy of civil rights icons Medgar and Myrlie Evers, situating Medgar Evers’s assassination as a catalyzing moment in American history.
Myrlie Louise Beasley met Medgar Evers on her first day of college. They fell in love at first sight, married just one year later, and Myrlie left school to focus on their growing family.
Medgar became the field secretary for the Mississippi branch of the NAACP, charged with beating back the most intractable and violent resistance to black voting rights in the country. Myrlie served as Medgar’s secretary and confidant, working hand in hand with him as they struggled against public accommodations and school segregation, lynching, violence, and sheer despair within their state’s “black belt.” They fought to desegregate the intractable University of Mississippi, organized picket lines and boycotts, despite repeated terroristic threats, including the 1962 firebombing of their home, where they lived with their three young children.
On June 12, 1963, Medgar Evers became the highest profile victim of Klan-related assassination of a black civil rights leader at that time; gunned down in the couple’s driveway in Jackson. In the wake of his tragic death, Myrlie carried on their civil rights legacy; writing a book about Medgar’s fight, trying to win a congressional seat, and becoming a leader of the NAACP in her own right.
In this groundbreaking and thrilling account of two heroes of the civil rights movement, Joy-Ann Reid uses Medgar and Myrlie’s relationship as a lens through which to explore the on-the-ground work that went into winning basic rights for Black Americans, and the repercussions that still resonate today.
Westchester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, in partnership with Iona Univesity – Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging presents- An Afternoon with MSNBC Host and New York Times Best Selling Joy-Ann Reid.
Book: “Medgar & Myrlie: Medgar Evers and Love Story That Awakened America“
by Joy-Ann Reid
General Admission Ticket: Includes a copy of the book with an autographed book plate.
VIP Ticket: Includes the VIP Reception and includes a copy of the book with an autographed book plate
Additional Books: If you’re attending, you can buy additional books.
**You must attend the event to receive your book(s). No books will be mailed. **
On the 2024 Season Premiere of People Before Politics Radio, hosts Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson are back with that ‘Real Talk For The Community’ with special guest co-host Shane Osinloye discussing the intentional influx of Republican funding to disrupt the political landscape by encouraging Republicans to switch their party affiliation to Democratic, with the expressed intention to unseat the incumbent—the first Black Congressman in New York Congressional District 16—Jamaal Bowman.
Feel free to join this important conversation and leave your feedback and thoughts in the comment section below.
Check out the Prelude to the Show Editorial, which includes all the links and websites discussed on the show so you can see them for yourself. To see the entire Rev W. Franklyn Richardson interview, click here
Since the start of Israel’s military operation in Gaza on October 7th, the conflict has resulted in the tragic loss of over 25,000 Palestinian lives, with an alarming 70 percent of the casualties being women and children. A particularly distressing dimension of this ongoing conflict has been Israel’s deliberate targeting of hospitals and medical infrastructure, further worsening the already dire state of Gaza’s healthcare system, which has endured a 16-year blockade.
On a significant note, Israel encircled and bombarded Al-Shifa, Gaza’s largest hospital, over several days before launching a raid on the facility. Israel claimed the presence of a Hamas command center under Al-Shifa, a claim that Hamas vehemently denied. In the week leading up to this incident, Al-Shifa was already in a “catastrophic” state. Heavy fighting was ongoing in the vicinity, medical supplies were in short supply, utilities had been disrupted, and medical staff were compelled to work under candlelight, conducting surgeries without anesthesia.
What’s particularly distressing is that Israel gave just a one-hour notice for over 2,300 patients, medical personnel, and Palestinians who had sought shelter at Al-Shifa to evacuate before the assault. Given the circumstances, it was practically impossible to ensure the safety of all these vulnerable individuals within such a short timeframe.
As a result of Israeli attacks and power shortages, 26 out of 35 hospitals in Gaza are now non-functional. Only 9 hospitals and 18 clinics remain operational, but their capacity is severely limited. The hospitals in northern Gaza, where the conflict has been most intense, have ceased to function entirely.
It is worth noting that Israel has carried out 164 documented attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza since October 7th. Hospitals, clinics, and ambulances have all been damaged or destroyed due to shelling and airstrikes. Importantly, targeting medical facilities constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law, regardless of Israel’s allegations that Hamas is using them. Hospitals are considered protected civilian structures under international law.
The collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system is a result of years of an Israeli-Egyptian blockade and the recent deliberate targeting by Israel’s military. The international community has been criticized for failing to exert pressure on Israel to comply with its legal obligations or suspend relations. Ultimately, an end to this devastating assault on civilians will only come when those responsible face genuine accountability for their serious breaches of international law. The denial of Palestinians’ right to medical care is a distressing consequence of the ongoing bombardment of Gaza.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently ordered Israel to take several provisional measures in response to a case brought by South Africa alleging Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The measures aim to protect Palestinians from further harm while the case proceeds.
Specifically, the ICJ ordered Israel to:
Refrain from acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention
Prevent and punish direct calls encouraging genocide
Take immediate steps to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza
Preserve evidence related to allegations of genocide
Report back in one month on compliance
Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, welcomed the ruling as an important reminder that international law has a crucial role in preventing genocide and protecting victims. She said the decision sends a message that the world is watching what’s happening in Gaza and will not stay silent.
However, Callamard stressed that while an important step, the ICJ ruling alone cannot end the death and devastation occurring in Gaza. An immediate ceasefire by all parties remains essential. Although the Court did not order a ceasefire, implementing one would be the most effective way to fulfill the ordered measures and alleviate civilian suffering.
The stakes are incredibly high, as the Court signaled that the very survival of Palestinians in Gaza is at risk. All states now must ensure Israel complies. World leaders, including from the US, UK, Germany and EU, must demonstrate respect for this legally binding decision and do everything possible to uphold the obligation to prevent genocide.
In addition to compliance with the ICJ’s order, states should take further steps like imposing a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel and Palestinian armed groups. The potential for genocide underscores the need for unified, effective pressure to stop the violence against civilians in Gaza.
In a recent report by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, it was revealed that sixteen school districts in the state have been designated as experiencing varying levels of fiscal stress for the school year ending June 30, 2023. This marks a slight increase from the previous year when 14 districts were in fiscal stress. However, the current numbers remain significantly lower than the 33 districts that faced fiscal stress in 2019.
The reduction in the number of school districts facing fiscal stress can be attributed to increased temporary federal aid and growth in state aid. These financial injections provided much-needed support to schools grappling with the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The number of districts designated in fiscal stress remains low after significant increases to both federal and state aid over the past few years,” commented Comptroller DiNapoli. “Although federal relief packages and state aid provided much-needed assistance, school officials should remain diligent and closely monitor their financial condition in the current and future budget cycles as one-time federal funds are depleted and state aid is uncertain.”
To mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic, the federal government passed three major multiyear grants of aid, while New York State substantially increased ongoing state aid in the 2022-23 school year. Furthermore, the state committed to fully funding Foundation Aid for school districts by the 2023-24 school year. As a result, total state aid reported by school districts (excluding New York City and the Big Four) increased from $15.1 billion in the 2021-22 school year to $16.7 billion in 2022-23, representing a noteworthy increase of $1.6 billion, or 10.1%.
Comptroller DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System is designed to identify budgetary solvency issues faced by school districts, counties, cities, towns, and villages. This system assesses various factors, including year-end fund balances, operating deficits and surpluses, cash positions, and reliance on short-term debt for cash flow. The resulting fiscal stress score determines the severity of financial stress, with higher scores indicating more significant challenges.
In the recent assessment, three school districts were found to be in “significant fiscal stress,” the highest category. These districts include the Amityville Union Free School District and New Suffolk Common School District, both located in Suffolk County, as well as the Mount Vernon School District in Westchester County. Additionally, the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District in Albany County was designated as being in “moderate fiscal stress,” while twelve other districts were labeled as “susceptible to fiscal stress.”
Despite the overall positive trend in reducing fiscal stress among New York State school districts, the report highlights the importance of continued vigilance and prudent financial management as the effects of one-time federal funds wane and state aid remains uncertain in future budget cycles.
Well, over the past few weeks, I have sat back and read all the news, coverage, and online opinions of the CD16 Race and it may have been noticed that my voice has been visibly absent. I recently had surgery and have been home recovering. Yes, I am okay. I am still in a little pain but I can no longer sit back silently. It’s time for some Real Talk!!!
My partner, Damon K. Jones, has picked up the pen in my absence and released a series of articles on various aspects of what’s going on. Please feel free to click on his name and play catch-up if you need to.
We will be addressing all of this on Sunday’s show—our season premiere, if you will—but I must say this is bigger than supporting Congressman Jamaal Bowman for re-election. This is about big interest groups, superPACs, and MAGA Republicans influencing the results of a Democratic primary.
Groups like AIPAC – The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which many are arguing isn’t a PAC but an organization. They would be right but two things can be true at the same time. AIPAC created a super PAC – the AIPAC Political Action Committee, which touts itself as the largest Pro-Isreal Pac in America on its website. They just leave that part out in their arguement, like Latimer, was recruited by AIPAC as part of the group’s $100 million campaign against progressive Israel critics.
Then there is The District Pac, a Westchester-based political action committee that handed out cards at a rally at the shopping center on the Scarsdale/New Rochelle border on Thursday evening. The cards say Defeat Bowman (in bold letters) and Make The Switch. They are encouraging Republicans to register as Democrats and vote against Bowman in the June Democratic Primary. While the AIPAC PAC is threatening to spend $100 million to unseat every member of The Squad (including Jamaal Bowman), The District PAC is much less subtle; they are boldly trying to circumvent the political process in a MAGA GOP takeover of the Democratic Primary.
Instead of working to change the law and fight for Open Primaries like Black Westchester has been doing for the past ten years, they are blatantly attempting to sabotage and cumulatively undermine the electoral process. These bold PACs aren’t even trying to hide their actions; they have created websites and business cards spelling out their intentions, counting on Democrats to focus on all the anti-semitism noise and being guilted into standing with Isreal against the evil terrorist Hamas, that they don’t see their control of their party slipping from their fingertips in real-time.
This would not be the first time Republicans tried to take over another political party in Westchester County using similar tactics. In October 2013, the Westchester Independence Party filed a suit against former CE Rob Astorino and other defendants, alleging that Astorino and his campaign attempted to win the party’s nomination by coercing dozens of staff members, political associates, friends, and family members to switch their party affiliation to the Independence Party. Eight months later, in June of 2014, State Supreme Court Justice Robert DiBella ordered the removal of 3,700 Republican names from the rolls of Westchester County’s Independence Party after complaints from the party chairman that they were allies of the former Republican gubernatorial candidate and improperly changed affiliations to ensure he’d be re-elected as county executive.
“If you are a registered Republican voter, you are not eligible to vote in the all-important Democratic primary,” says Harris’s email, a copy of which was obtained by The Intercept. “It is critically important that if you are a registered Republican, at least for this election you should re-register as a Democrat so you can vote in the primary (against Bowman).”
Now that the MAGA GOP has revealed their plans, what are the Democrats going to do about it? I have seen some diehard Dems post comments like ‘you can’t blame Latimer for their actions.’ Latimer is even seeking to draw attention away from his Israel stance. Instead, he has billed himself as a progressive. The only problem is progressives don’t take money from MAGA GOP super PACs to unseat other Democrats, or maybe the definition of progressive has changed in 2024!
Other Dems have commented on Facebook, ‘I never heard of these organizations before,’ like that makes them any less threatening to the electrical process. Others are singing choruses of ‘Bowman did this or didn’t do that,’ etc. I guess it’s okay if MAGA GOP influences the primary election to raise money and infiltrate the Westchester Democratic Party, as long as it gets the outcome you want.
In addition, the Teach Coalition plans to spend a substantial $1.6 million to remove Congressman Jamaal Bowman from his position. This organization operates in seven states and is actively involved in a campaign centered on Westchester County, which has been covered by Lohud. Damon also sounded the alarm of a MAGA GOP takeover or coup of the Westchester Democratic Party last week. I saw many Democrats laugh in response to his editorial and throw shade on Bowman. I repeat this is much bigger than Bowman’s re-election bid
Damon also wrote about wealthy GOP donor Alex Dubitsky, a supporter of former President Trump, hosting a fundraiser for Democrat George Latimer’s challenge of Rep. Bowman in the Democratic primary. This fundraiser, where guests could pay up to $6,600 per person, has sparked controversy due to Dubitsky’s substantial donations to Trump and the Republican National Committee.
I have to question where Westchester County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Suzanne Berger stands on this carefully orchestrated coup of the Westchester Democratic Party. While Black Westchester has often been critical of former Democratic Chair Reginald Lafayette, I doubt he would sit still for this attempted takeover if he were still chair of the party. Would we even be in this position under Reggie? Would Latimer even run to challenge Bowman, if Reggie was still alive and in charge, I do not think so.
In my Laurence Fishburne, School Daze voice it’s time for the Dems to WAKE UP!
Tune in this Sunday, January 28th at 6PM to Black Westchester present The People Before Politics Radio Show, where Damon & I and a few guests will be discussing this extensively!
In a nation that prides itself on equality and justice for all, one cannot help but question the conspicuous silence that shrouds incidents of violence against the Black community. While the cries for justice reverberate loudly when other races face adversity, the same cannot be said for the persistent brutality faced by Black Americans.
It is disheartening to acknowledge that some of our elected officials only brandish the slogan “Black Lives Matter” when it aligns with their political agendas. The phrase has been uttered more for political posturing than as a sincere commitment to dismantling the deeply ingrained systemic issues that plague our society.
The stark reality of police violence against Black individuals is an undeniable crisis that demands our collective attention. According to harrowing statistics (https://mappingpoliceviolence.org) and (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1124036/number-people-killed-police-ethnicity-us) as of December 18, 2023, 282 Black lives were lost at the hands of the police, compared to 201 Hispanic and 495 White lives. The rate of police shootings targeting Black Americans stands alarmingly high at 5.9 per million people, dwarfing the rates for Hispanic (2.5 per million) and White (2.3 per million) communities.
Black individuals are 2.9 times more likely to be killed by the police than their white counterparts, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change. The past year 2023 witnessed 197 days marred by the tragic loss of Black lives at the hands of law enforcement, painting a grim picture of the state of justice in our nation.
What transpires in our society when the very institutions sworn to protect and serve engage in actions that mirror crimes against humanity? Crimes against humanity are a widespread, systematic attack on a civilian or identifiable part of a civilian population. Murder, torture, sexual violence, enslavement, persecution, and enforced disappearance fall under this ominous umbrella. The continuous violation of Black lives reveals systemic and institutional racism at its most insidious and entrenched state.
To affect positive change, we must move beyond the superficial acknowledgment of the issue and delve into actionable solutions. First and foremost, there must be an unyielding commitment from our leaders to address the root causes of systemic racism. Legislation must be enacted to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions, with comprehensive reforms that prioritize de-escalation tactics, community policing, and the demilitarization of police forces.
Furthermore, education plays a pivotal role in dismantling prejudiced ideologies. Implementing curriculum reforms that accurately reflect the history and contributions of Black Americans is crucial. By fostering understanding and empathy, we can hope to break the cycle of ignorance that perpetuates discrimination.
The time for performative gestures is over. It is time for a genuine reckoning with the inequities that persist in our society. Let us collectively rise to the occasion and demand justice, not just in words, but in the tangible actions and policies that will reshape our nation into one that truly values and protects every life, regardless of the color of their skin.
Under the Teach Action Fund, the Teach organization is supporting George Latimer and actively attempting to persuade Republicans to change their party affiliation from Republican to Democrat in order to remove Congressman Jamaal Bowman from office. Their website prominently features the slogan “COMMUNITY OVER PARTY.”
The website highlights the upcoming election on June 25, which hinges on the Democratic primary. The key message is the importance of electing a candidate who prioritizes ensuring the safety and welfare of the Jewish community. It’s essential to understand that only registered Democrats are eligible to participate in this pivotal election. However, the organization is actively engaged in efforts to convert Republicans, Independents, and Conservatives into registered Democrats, enabling them to vote in this crucial election. It’s worth noting that these registrants dont align with the Democratic Party’s principles and values, but the ultimate goal is to gain control of the Democratic Primary.
We have already reported that AIPAC and other supporters of George Latimer campaign are putting millions of Republican dotations behind Latimer. According to a Lohud report, the Teach Coalition plans to spend a substantial $1.6 million to remove Congressman Jamaal. In addition, wealthy GOP donor Alex Dubitsky, a supporter of former President Trump, is hosting a fundraiser for Democrat George Latimer. The Repulicans have found a safe haven in George Latimer to control the party.
Critics contend that the organization’s emphasis on the community over party that their loyaty neglects the diverse cultural elements and broader concerns within NYCD16. This prompts inquiries into whether George Latimer will openly distance himself from this approach or if he might be seen as potentially adopting a strategy reminiscent of former President Trump’s approach to radicalizing the Republican Party. Such a strategy could involve encouraging extreme elements to infiltrate the Democratic party, potentially sidelining other ethnic groups in NYCD16 from the political process.
We also wonder why they claim that Anti-semitism is at stake in this election. We’re curious if Congressman Bowman has made any remarks or taken actions that could be deemed anti-semitic. In reality, many registered Democrats within NYCD16 fully support Congressman Bowman. It’s worth noting that this perspective differs significantly from that of the radical right-wing organization making these claims.
While some argue that Latimer should denounce these actions if he were a genuine Democrat, they believe he won’t, as he prioritizes winning, even if it diminishes the influence of those who truly believe in the Democratic values and Black voters—the same voters Latimer courts on the campaign trail.
This strategy aims to impede the ability of Black and Brown communities to vote effectively by enlisting individuals from different parties to bolster Latimer’s support. It’s disheartening because some Black voters, loyal to the party, may not realize by supporting Latimer that they are unintentionally relinquishing their political influence because NYCD16 will be infested with Republicans controlling the Democratic process in Westchester’s Democratic Party.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF CANCELATION Please be advised that the Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York on the following General Ordinance, to wit:
PROPOSED GENERAL ORDINANCE
A PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 43 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF YONKERS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF YONKERS, AND THE ACCOMPANYING ZONING MAP TO RECLASSIFY AND REZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 900 NORTH BROADWAY ON THE TAX MAP AS BLOCK 3415, LOT 23, SECTION 23, SECTION 3, FROM ITS PRESENT PEP DISTRICT DESIGNATION TO THE MG DISTRICT.
