Pennsylvania Lawmakers Commemorate Tree of Life Victims on April 10
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania convened April 10 in a joint session to commemorate the 11 victims of the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh last October, the Associated Press reported.
“A dark and despicable act inspired thousands to reach out and find ways to lift up their grieving and terrified neighbors,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement.
House and Senate members participated in the session with members of the three congregations victimized in the Oct. 27 attack and offered prayers and made speeches.
Lawmakers have introduced resolutions that establish April 10 as Stronger Than Hate Day in Pennsylvania, remember the victims individually and highlight the history of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community.
A day earlier, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto signed new gun control measures, although gun rights advocates have legally challenged the legislation, contending that municipalities can’t impose regulations that go further than state law.
The gunman has pleaded not guilty to charges that could result in the death penalty.
Airbnb Reverses Policy on West Bank Listings as Part of Settlement
Airbnb no longer will remove West Bank settlement listings from its website as part of a court settlement, JTA reported.
The settlement on April 8 was forged between numerous American Jewish plaintiffs and the vacation rental company and reverses a 2018 Airbnb policy announcement.
“Airbnb takes no position on the Host-Plaintiffs’ claims, or others’ claims, to legal title to the properties on which the accommodations are located,” the court settlement reads. “All listings for accommodations located in the Affected Region [the West Bank] will at all times be permitted on its platform, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.”
Airbnb has said in November that it was removing 200 West Bank listing because the settlements “are at the core of the dispute between Israelis and Palestinians,” although it never did remove them.
Study: Most Jewish Grandparents Committed to Transmitting Jewish Values
In news that probably qualifies as unsurprising, the first-ever national study of Jewish grandparents concludes that most are committed to transmitting Jewish values, JNS.org reported.
The study of nearly 8,000 people was commissioned by the Jewish Grandparents Network, which partnered with 17 national organizations and Jewish Federations.
Five segments of Jewish grandparents were identified.
About 20 percent are “joyful transmitters,” who believe in transmitting Jewish values and beliefs, while 16 percent are “faithful transmitters” who want their grandkids to marry Jews. Another 23 percent are “engaged secularists” who are involved with the grandchildren, but don’t model Jewish involvement, and 20 percent are “wistful outsiders,” whose involvement is hindered by family dynamics.
The final 20 percent are “non-transmitters” who aren’t Jewishly engaged.
Florida Governor to Visit Israel
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will visit Israel in May — his first international trip in office, JNS.org reported.
“I promised to be the most pro-Israel governor in America, and that the first delegation I would lead would be to the state of Israel,” DeSantis said. “I’m pleased to report that I’m keeping that promise.”
The six-day trip will be aimed at strengthening economic ties between Florida and Israel.
