Medical professionals determined that a ventricular fibrillation flare-up caused the senator to become light-headed, resulting in his fall to the ground and subsequent facial impact that produced minor injuries, a spokesperson for Senator Fetterman stated. The cardiac rhythm disturbance preceded his loss of balance during the walk.

The senator maintained his characteristic humor about the incident, remarking "If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!" according to the spokesperson's statement. His ability to joke about the situation reflected his overall stable condition following the episode.

Senator Fetterman's current medical status shows improvement, with routine observation continuing at the hospital facility, the spokesperson noted. The 56-year-old senator made the decision to remain hospitalized rather than return home immediately after initial evaluation.

The extended hospital stay will allow medical professionals to optimize his medication regimen for the cardiac condition, according to the spokesperson's statement. Doctors are working to fine-tune the pharmaceutical protocol to prevent future episodes of ventricular fibrillation, which causes rapid, irregular heartbeats.

The senator expressed appreciation for the emergency medical technicians, physicians, and nursing staff providing his medical care at the Pittsburgh facility, the spokesperson stated. His gratitude extended to all healthcare workers involved in his treatment and ongoing observation.

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Joe Lieberman may not have appeared to be a rebel at first glance, but this mild-mannered politician possessed a backbone of steel. As the first Orthodox Jew elected to the US Senate, he often acted as a bridge between Democrats and Republicans during an era of bitter polarization.

Bridging political divides

Imagine a Democratic presidential candidate choosing a Republican as their running mate. In today's political climate, that sounds outrageous. Yet, this almost became a reality in 2008 when Republican candidate John McCain considered selecting Lieberman as his vice president. Why would McCain partner with a Democrat? It was likely due to Lieberman's unique ability to bridge political divides.

Lieberman frequently collaborated with Republicans on significant issues, such as environmental legislation and welfare reform. His commitment to working across party lines was a hallmark of his political career, demonstrating that achieving goals often requires collaboration, even among those with differing viewpoints.

The first Orthodox Jew in the Senate

Lieberman's journey to the Senate was not just about politics but also about faith. As the first observant Jew in the Senate, he faced unique challenges. Observing Shabbat meant disconnecting from work for 25 hours each week, and attending events during Jewish holidays was often complicated. Some of Lieberman's political advisors expressed concern that his religious observance would impede his campaign. Yet, he viewed his Judaism as a source of motivation.

Throughout his political career, Lieberman maintained a daily practice of morning prayers, reflecting his commitment to his faith. This practice provided him with a sense of calm amidst the chaos of political life. Raised in an Orthodox home, he was instilled with the importance of Shabbat, which remained a priority even during his time in the Senate.

Lieberman's dedication to Shabbat was evident when he would walk for hours to the Capitol to vote on Saturdays, demonstrating his commitment to both his faith and his duties as a senator. His colleagues respected this unique aspect of his character, and it became a defining trait of his political persona. The Jewish value of tikun olam, or repairing the world, inspired him to address social issues head-on, from civil rights to environmental advocacy.

A commitment to social activism

Joe Lieberman's activism began in the 1960s, during a time of significant social upheaval in the United States. He was deeply affected by the injustices of Jim Crow laws and felt compelled to take action. In 1963, he marched on Washington, witnessing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

Moved by the struggle for civil rights, Lieberman organized voter registration campaigns and publicized mock elections to demonstrate that Black Americans were indeed interested in politics. His efforts were not just about political activism; they were personal, stemming from a belief in justice and equality.

The value of debate

Another key aspect of Lieberman's approach to politics was his appreciation for debate. He grew up in a household that studied the Talmud, which encourages lively discussions, values diverse opinions, and is unafraid to engage in disagreements. This tradition is integral to Jewish culture, where debate and discourse are necessary to understand and interpret religious texts. Lieberman's ability to embrace disagreements allowed him to work collaboratively across party lines. He believed that productive disagreements were essential to democracy as long as they were rooted in good faith and mutual respect.

Staying true to his convictions

Lieberman's political journey was not without challenges. He often found himself at odds with his party, especially regarding the Iraq War. While many Democrats opposed the war, Lieberman remained a staunch supporter, believing that withdrawing would damage American credibility and security in the Middle East. He was willing to face backlash for his convictions, showcasing a rare form of political integrity in an era marked by partisanship.

Endorsing McCain

In 2008, as Barack Obama campaigned for president, Lieberman publicly endorsed John McCain, a decision that sparked outrage among some Democrats. He felt that the Democratic Party had shifted away from the principles he once valued. His endorsement was not just a political move; it was a reflection of his deep-seated beliefs about the country's direction. This decision led to calls for Lieberman to be punished by his party, but he remained steadfast. His willingness to prioritize principle over party loyalty was a hallmark of his character, earning him respect from colleagues across the aisle.

Legacy of Jewish observance

Most people remember Lieberman as a politician who came close to being vice president. However, his legacy extends beyond political titles. He demonstrated that devout Jewish observance could coexist with a successful political career.

Lieberman's journey teaches us valuable lessons about the importance of conviction, collaboration, and the ability to engage with differing perspectives. In a time when political divisions seem deeper than ever, his example serves as a reminder that it is possible to bridge gaps and work together for the common good.

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In a scathing rebuke, a group of distinguished Israelis has condemned the US Congress's invitation to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session on July 24. The critics, spanning various sectors of Israeli society, argue that this gesture rewards Netanyahu's "scandalous and destructive conduct" towards Israel, in The New York Times opinion piece on Tuesday.

The authors, who hail from various sectors of Israeli society, including science, technology, politics, defense, law, and culture, contend that Netanyahu's government is "driving Israel downhill at an alarming speed" and that the country may eventually be lost as a result. They contend that Netanyahu's government is rapidly driving Israel towards ruin, citing his failure to end the Gaza war and secure hostage releases as prime examples of his ineffectiveness.

"Inviting Netanyahu will reward his contempt for US efforts to establish a peace plan, allow more aid to the beleaguered people of Gaza, and do a better job of sparing civilians," the authors write in The New York Times. They argue that the invitation should have been contingent upon resolving these issues and calling for new elections in Israel.

The critics also accuse Netanyahu of repeatedly rejecting President Biden's plan to remove Hamas from power in Gaza through the establishment of a peacekeeping force, a move they believe could lead to a broader regional alliance and a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They assert that such an outcome is not only in Israel's interest but also in the interest of both political parties in the United States.

Furthermore, the authors contend that Netanyahu has failed to take responsibility for the blunders that allowed the Hamas assault, initially blaming security chiefs before quickly backtracking. They call for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, headed by a Supreme Court judge, to investigate the fiasco.

The opinion piece also highlights the ongoing nationwide demonstrations in Israel, with participants demanding an immediate release of the hostages, an end to the war, and immediate elections. Polls cited by the authors indicate that a majority of Israelis support these demands, reflecting a growing loss of faith in Netanyahu's government.

"Giving Netanyahu the stage in Washington will all but dismiss the rage and pain of his people, as expressed in the demonstrations throughout the country," the authors write, urging American lawmakers to reconsider the invitation and ask the prime minister to stay home.

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Bipartisan members of the Senate's Black-Jewish Caucus on Thursday introduced a historic resolution recognizing the contributions of the Israeli-American community in the US

The measure, which was introduced by Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Tim Scott (R-SC), is the first resolution focused on Israeli-Americans. It stated that the values of the more than 800,000-strong Israeli-American community contribute significantly "to the welfare and diversity of the United States" and help strengthen the bonds between the US and Israel.

The resolution cited numerous industries where Israeli-Americans have made a positive impact, including health sciences, pharmaceutics, disaster relief, astrophysics, mathematics, chemistry, aerospace engineering, biotech, agriculture, and internet technologies.

It also applauded Israeli-Americans and Jews for advancing civil rights, equal protection, and justice, particularly for the most vulnerable.

Lastly, the resolution condemns the growing national origin discrimination faced by Israeli-Americans and rising antisemitism against Israeli-Americans and Jews, noting and condemning recent incidents of assaults and bullying targeted at Jews and Israeli-Americans, especially in grade schools and college campuses.

"As the third Jewish woman to ever serve in the US Senate, I'm proud to help introduce this resolution to honor the culture, heritage, and legacy of Israeli-Americans," Rosen said in a statement. "At a time of rising antisemitism that impacts Israeli-Americans, this resolution recognizes their contributions to the United States and condemns all forms of hate and discrimination."

"It particularly pains me to see the Jewish community, and in particular the Israeli-American subset, targeted with national origin discrimination by the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) hate movement. This hate and bias has no place in the United States of America," said Scott.

The Israeli-American Council (IAC), a nonprofit which represents Israeli-Americans in the US, thanked both senators in a statement on Friday.

"We are proud that our community and institutions have matured to the point that the Israeli-American story and our contributions to America are worthy of such acknowledgment," the IAC said. "This resolution comes at a crucial time for the Israeli-American and pro-Israel community who are unjustly being targeted at record levels based on national origin bias. With the rise of antisemitism and national-origin discrimination against Israeli-Americans, now is the time for leaders to stand up with a voice of moral clarity, and we are grateful that Senators Jacky Rosen and Tim Scott are doing so."

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The US Senate runoffs in Georgia to take place on Jan. 5 have expectedly generated intense national interest and already become the most expensive in history with some $340 million raised so far. Democrats Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock have hauled in more than $100 million each, significantly more than Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler at $68 million and $64 million, respectively.

With the outcome set to determine control of the Senate for the upcoming Biden administration, the stakes are about as high as they can get. American Jewish groups from both sides of the aisle have invested heavily in the race, as they see stark differences in the candidates' policies on topics such as the US-Israel relationship, the Iran nuclear deal, anti-Semitism and more.

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Most of the scrutiny by the Jewish and pro-Israel community surrounding the runoffs has been on the race between Loeffler and Warnock.

Loeffler has supported Trump's pro-Israel agenda, while Warnock has come under fire for defending anti-Semitic comments made by Rev. Jeremiah Wright, giving a May 2018 sermon in which he accused Israel of shooting non-violent Palestinian protesters, signing onto an anti-Israel statement last year that likened Israeli control of the West Bank to "previous oppressive regimes" such as "apartheid South Africa" and presenting a 2016 sermon that compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to segregationist and former Alabama Gov. George Wallace.

Last month, Warnock released an editorial by the Democrat titled "I Stand With Israel." In that piece, he did not repudiate those past controversies.

The Jewish Democratic Council of America endorsed Warnock and Ossoff, who is Jewish, both in the general election and ahead of the runoffs, and hosted a Dec. 8 virtual event that also featured Ossoff.

Warnock, the pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta where civil-rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., preached, also said, "I am a staunch ally and supporter of Israel, and I echo without reservation Dr. King's perspective that Israel's right to exist as a state and in security is incontestable."

In addition to holding the event (its super PAC cannot give directly to the candidates in accordance with election law), JDCA PAC has been fundraising and spending money in campaigning for Warnock and Ossoff. It is spending close to $200,000, the council's CEO, Halie Soifer, told JNS.

According to Soifer, JDCA has put out digital ads and sent direct mail pieces to more than 50,000 homes in Georgia. It has also been making an estimated 50,000 phone calls and sent 50,000 text messages to nearly 100,000 Jewish voters in the state. The organization isn't doing door-to-door canvassing, as requested by the campaigns due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

In response to the criticism Warnock has gotten for his past statements and actions on Israel, Soifer cited his position paper and remarks during the JDCA event. "He's made it clear that he strongly supports the US-Israel relationship, he strongly supports the full implementation of the MOU [from 2016 between the United States and Israel worth $38 billion over a decade in defense assistance]."

"He does not support any cutting or conditioning of aid," she continued. "He opposes BDS. So he's made it clear that he shares our views when it comes to Israel."

In response to Warnock comparing Netanyahu to Wallace, Soifer said "what he has said in the past, frankly, is also aligned with the view of the majority of Jews in that the majority of Jews consider themselves pro-Israel and are critical of at least some of the current Israeli government's policies. Just as we can be strong patriots and be critical of our own government's policies, so, too, can we be pro-Israel and criticize or question some of the Israeli government's policies."

She dismissed the criticism of Warnock's support for Wright and called it "guilt by association claim from many years ago," saying it's not "relevant" to the runoffs.

Rather, what is far more relevant, said Soifer, is Loeffler's ties to House Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has trafficked in anti-Semitic, and other racist and conspiratorial remarks, and has also heralded QAnon.

Whereas JDCA endorsed Warnock and Ossoff in the general election and from the start of the runoffs, Democratic Majority for Israel's political action committee, DMFI PAC, endorsed just Ossoff in the general and from the start of the runoff cycle and did not immediately endorse Warnock following the general election until Dec. 9.

In a statement that day, DMFI PAC president Mark Mellman said the endorsement of Warnock was decided following a Zoom conference between the candidate and DMFI leadership.

"Warnock is strongly committed to strengthening the US-Israel relationship, as well as to achieving social justice, delivering affordable health care for all Americans and creating opportunities for all to succeed," he said.

Mellman echoed the talking points of Jewish Democrats who say Warnock has expressed support for US assistance for Israel, support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and opposition to the BDS movement.

He also mentioned Warnock inviting Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer in 2015 to address "his congregation during Sunday services.

Like JDCA and DMFI PAC, JStreetPAC has endorsed Ossoff and Warnock. JStreetPAC has raised more than $500,000 for the runoffs with $385,000 of that going directly to the campaigns and $115,000 going to the group Fair Fight to assist with their organizing efforts, J Street spokesperson Logan Bayroff told JNS.

JStreetPAC, joined by Chicago-based black women-led grassroots group Women2Win, held a fundraiser for Ossoff and Warnock on Dec. 21 that was attended by the Democratic candidates.

Turning out the Jewish vote

The Republican Jewish Coalition, which endorsed Loeffler and Perdue, has been doing targeted Jewish outreach in Georgia since the runoffs were declared shortly after the Nov. 3 election, the organization's national political director, Sam Markstein, told JNS. The campaign strategy has included sending 25,000 text messages, 100,000 phone calls and canvassing by knocking on thousands of doors in the Atlanta suburban countries including Fulton, Cobb and DeKalb.

The RJC plans on tens of thousands of text messages and phone calls every day until Jan. 5, added Markstein.

Whereas JDCA has released campaign ads, the RJC has not. Markstein said that hundreds of millions have already been spent on ads by other entities.

"We're focusing on where we can make a difference in a market that is so overly saturated with ads, we don't think it's a good use of our time, energy or resources," he said. "We're going to be focusing on to turn out the Jewish vote is to hyper-target the grassroots ground game in Georgia, whether it's in-person canvassing, virtually through phones or texts as well as raising money directly for the campaigns from our generous supporters from across the country."

The RJC's political action committee, RJCPAC, has raised around $700,000, while RJC national chairman and former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) raised around $1 million, according to Markstein. RJCPAC has a portal through which RJC members can donate to the candidates in accordance with campaign finance laws.

On Warnock, Markstein said, "I would direct you to the comments made by local [Orthodox] rabbis – representatives of the Jewish community in Georgia who would know better than anybody else who Raphael Warnock truly is, and they lambasted him for his rhetoric, for his actions, and they strongly encouraged voters to reject him and his record on Jan. 5."

On Loeffler's association with Greene, who endorsed Loeffler, Markstein deferred to RJC executive director Matt Brooks, who did not respond to a request for comment on the issue.

Perdue, who co-sponsored an anti-BDS law in 2017, has supported Trump's pro-Israel agenda, while Ossoff has supported the Iran nuclear deal. In a statement to Jewish Insider, Ossoff warned that Israel applying sovereignty to the West Bank would undermine "efforts to achieve a two-state solution. A sustainable and humane resolution of conflict can only be achieved by diplomacy."

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org

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Turkey condemned the measure, which passed a month after an official visit to the White House by Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan, who enjoys a special rapport with US President Donald Trump, amid mounting issues that have soured the relationship between the two NATO allies.

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Trump had cast his Nov. 13 meeting with Erdoğan as "wonderful" despite no concrete breakthrough on deep disagreements such as Ankara's purchase of Russian weapon systems and diverging views on Syria policy.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives had passed the resolution by an overwhelming majority in October. But a vote in the Senate was repeatedly blocked by Trump's fellow Republican senators since meeting with Erdoğan.

"This is a tribute to the memory of 1.5 million victims of the first #Genocide of the 20th century and bold step in promotion of the prevention agenda. #NeverAgain," Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tweeted in English.

The resolution asserts that it is US policy to commemorate as genocide the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923. The Ottoman Empire was centered in present-day Turkey.

Turkey accepts that many Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces during World War I, but contests the figures and denies that the killings were systematically orchestrated and constitute genocide.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu called the decision a "political show" while presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Ankara strongly condemned and rejected the measure. The resolution is nonbinding.

"History will note these resolutions as irresponsible and irrational actions by some members of the US Congress against Turkey," Fahrettin Altun, Turkey's communications director, said on Twitter in response.

Congressional aides said the White House does not want the legislation to move ahead while it negotiates with Ankara on sensitive issues. However, since the visit, Erdoğan repeatedly said Turkey has no intention of dropping the Russian S-400 air defense missile systems it has bought, crushing any hopes for progress.

For decades, measures recognizing the Armenian genocide have stalled in the US Congress, stymied by concerns about relations with Turkey and intense lobbying by Ankara.

"I've invested like decades of my life," said Aram Hamparian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America. "So it was a sense of relief and a bit of a vindication that ... [the United] States recognized the history of the Armenians, but also put up a firewall against foreign countries coming into our democracy and dictating to us."

The US Congress has been united in its opposition to Turkey's recent policy actions. Republican senators have been incensed with Turkey's purchase of the S-400, which the United States says pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and cannot be integrated into NATO defenses.

They have also moved to punish Turkey over its Oct. 9 incursion into Syria. A US Senate committee backed legislation on Wednesday to impose sanctions on Turkey, pushing Trump to take a harder line on the issue, as many lawmakers blame Trump for giving a green light to Ankara for its military offensive.

To become law, that legislation would have to pass the House of Representatives, which passed its own Turkish sanctions bill by an overwhelming 403-16 vote in October, and be signed by Trump.

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