Supporters > Detractors

Bipartisan Policy, Blocking Aid, Columbia Back in the News, Iranian Axis Losing Another Leg, Bibas Funeral, Investigation, Standstill: The Weekly Conquest Week of 2.23.25 – 3.1.25

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Week of February 23, 2025

Myself with Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Seth Moulton, Rep. Katherine Clark, Rep. Jared Golden, Rep. Chris Pappas, Rep. Tom Suozzi (Left to Right Each Row)

Thanks to AIPAC for a phenomenal experience at their annual Congressional Summit! I had a wonderful time meeting Israel’s champions in Congress and hearing from preeminent thought leaders on the region. The confab was a reminder that while America is currently deeply divided, the U.S.-Israel relationship is a unique area of robust bipartisan agreement.

Sunday 2.23

In the last Congress, Senator Bernie Sanders forced a vote to block arms sales to Israel. He corralled 18 other Democrats to support him. Most of them justified their affirmations by saying they didn’t intend for the bill to pass. Rather, they wanted it to serve as a message of disapproval of the Netanyahu government.

Following the failed vote, I signed my campus pro-Israel group onto a letter expressing our disappointment with our Massachusetts Senators’ vote with Sanders. Senator Sanders reintroduced the motion in this Congress. Hopefully our Senators changed their minds. [1][2]

Monday 2.24

In a rare pro-Israel win for Columbia University, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will teach a diplomacy class at the school. Don’t get your hopes too high, because the institution didn’t have a great rest of its week. [3]

Tuesday 2.25

All Falls Down Song on Spotify

Just like Kanye once sang and experienced himself, Iran’s influence in the Middle East “All Falls Down.” The Islamic Republic lost control of Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. The Atlantic reports that Iraq is soon to be their latest defector. [4]

Wednesday 2.26

Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas Funeral Procession

The Bibas family decided to have a small, private funeral for Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir. That didn’t stop thousands of Israelis from showing their support, lining the roads of the procession, expressing their sorrow and love. Israelis held signs saying “sorry,” Israeli flags, and pictures of the family.

Yarden Bibas, Shiri’s husband, responded to the show of love saying he “apologizes for not being able to come down and personally hug each and every one of you.” [5]

Thursday 2.27

Protestors at Barnard College, Columbia’s sister school, assaulted a school employee while occupying a building. Not helping their case at all, they were chanting “resistance is justified when people are occupied” and “intifada revolution” at the time. I almost spoke too soon about their campus climate this week. [6]

Friday 2.28

A new IDF investigation into the security failures surrounding 10/7 cited a “fundamental misunderstanding” of Hamas. For years, the terror group reinforced an image of reluctance to attack, that Israel mistakenly internalized. The IDF Gaza war goal of total victory, elimination of Hamas, and the return of the hostages leave no room for making the same mistake again. [7][8][9]

Saturday 2.29

Ceasefire talks about continuing phase one or starting phase two of the deal reached a dead end. Mediators in Cairo await U.S. Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff’s arrival, which they hope will give the negotiations a higher chance of picking up. As of now, the status of war’s future is in limbo. [10]