Jordan considering banning ‘Wonder Woman’ over Israeli star Gal Gadot
Jordan is considering banning the film “Wonder Woman” because star Gal Gadot served in the Israel Defense Forces.
Jordan’s Communications Commission is currently reviewing the film to determine whether it meets the country’s standards and laws, the Israeli news website Ynet reported.
The review comes in the wake of Lebanon’s decision to ban the film as part of its total boycott of all things Israeli. Lebanon is officially at war with Israel and bans Israeli products.
Gadot, 32, does not shy away from touting her Israeli heritage. She praised the Israeli military in a widely shared Facebook post during the 2014 Gaza War.
The film, which opened in the United States on Friday, took in an estimated $103.1 million over the weekend and $223 million worldwide.
Pro-Israel event in London postponed
A pro-Israel event in London has been postponed due to security concerns in the wake of recent terror attacks in London and Manchester, JTA reports. The Christians United For Israel’s annual “A Night To Honour Israel,” scheduled for June 22 in the British capital, was postponed yesterday.
The organization said in a statement that “having assessed the current situation and received independent advice we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the event. Islamic extremists have called for the specific targeting of Christians and Jews during the month of Ramadan, during which our event was set to take place. Although no specific threat has been received, we have been advised that our event could be a target.”
A car ramming and stabbing attack on London Bridge and in the nearby Borough Market on Saturday night left seven people dead and dozens injured. The Islamic State late on Sunday claimed responsibility.
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Senate resolution praises Jerusalem’s reunification
The U.S. Senate yesterday passed a resolution that celebrates Jerusalem as Israel’s “undivided” capital and calls on the Trump administration to move the U.S. embassy there, the Jerusalem Post reports. The non-binding measure, introduced by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support with a final vote of 90-0.
“It is very fitting that the Senate passed this resolution 50 years to the day of the start of the Six Day War,” Schumer said in a statement. “The semi-centennial of the reunification of Jerusalem is an important milestone for Israel and Jewish people across the globe given that Jerusalem has been a focal point of Jewish life for thousands of years.”
UN Secretary-General calls for Palestinian state
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and called for the establishment of a Palestinian state in a statement marking the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Six-Day War.
In a statement, he said yesterday that the war “resulted in Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza and the Syrian Golan and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and Syrians,” JTA reports.
Guterres said Israel’s military control of Palestinian areas endangers both Israelis and Palestinians, and called for the establishment of a Palestinian state through “direct negotiations to resolve all final status issues on the basis of relevant UN resolutions, agreements and international law.”
The Anti-Defamation League criticized Guterres’ statement.
New Yeshiva University president take office
Rabbi Ari Berman yesterday began his tenure as Yeshiva University’s fifth president by meeting with students, faculty and staff across the University, the school reported. “I am humbled by the many inspiring partners I had the opportunity to connect with so far, and eagerly anticipate getting to know many more,” he said.
The University will celebrate Rabbi Berman’s official investiture on September 10, 2017.
Before assuming his role at YU, Rabbi Berman was the head of Hechal Shlomo – Center of Jewish Heritage in Jerusalem. In 2000, he became rabbi of The Jewish Center in New York City, after having served there as rabbinic intern, assistant rabbi and associate rabbi.
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Interfaith Jewish group aiding Muslims during Ramadan
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is increasing food and clothing assistance to Arab Israelis during the Muslim holiday season of Ramadan, JTA reports. The fellowship currently is distributing 9,500 food and clothing vouchers during Ramadan, which began on May 26, through Israeli social services offices in 78 Arab and Arab-Jewish communities.
The fellowship also will distribute 5,500 food vouchers and 4,000 clothing vouchers to children in after-school clubs run by Israel’s Ministry of Social Services and Social Affairs.
Israel’s UN ambassador elected to General Assembly position
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations was last week elected a vice president of the 72nd session of the General Assembly, which is considered “a significant triumph by the Israeli mission to the U.N.,” ABC News reports.
“It is an honor to represent the State of Israel in this leadership position at the @UN.,” Danon tweeted. “We’ve proven once again that Israel is able to serve in significant positions at the @UN & the attempts to block this progress won’t succeed.”
Danon will chair General Assembly meetings when the president is absent, have a say in setting the agenda and oversee “the rules and decorum during the sessions,” according to Danon’s office.
