Luke Tress

In this discussion, Luke Tress, New York correspondent for The Times of Israel, dives into the implications of Zohran Mamdani's surprising mayoral win in NYC. Describing Mamdani's anti-Zionist stance, he highlights the unease within the Jewish community and the reactions from organizations like the ADL. Luke explores Mamdani's plans regarding city funding and governance, examining the potential impact of his views on Israel. The conversation also touches on a controversial UN cartoon that echoes historical antisemitic tropes.

Luke Tress, New York correspondent for The Times of Israel, provides an on-the-ground perspective on recent protests disrupting an Israel-immigration event at Park East Synagogue. He shares details about intimidating chants and community responses, including NYPD's apology at Shabbat services. The discussion expands on legal questions surrounding the FACE Act's applicability to synagogue protests and highlights a controversial interfaith event walkout at City College, revealing tensions over antisemitism on campus.

Luke Tress, a New York-based reporter, shares insights into Mayor Zohran Mamdani's controversial start, particularly his revocation of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which has alarmed Jewish organizations. Tress discusses the potential impacts of this decision on hate crimes and education. He also addresses Mamdani's commitment to maintaining an office to combat antisemitism despite these changes. Additionally, Tress delves into the implications of Ramzi Kassem's appointment as chief counsel, known for his connections to anti-Israel protests.

Luke Tress, a New York correspondent specializing in local politics and Jewish community issues, discusses the newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani's controversial appointees, revealing that over 20% have ties to anti-Zionist groups. He shares insights on Mamdani's security policies, school funding for yeshivas, and his absence at the Israel Day Parade despite granting permits. Additionally, Tress introduces the Movement Against Antizionism, aimed at re-framing anti-Zionism as a distinct form of discrimination against Jews, igniting important debates in the community.

In this discussion, Luke Tress, a U.S. reporter covering American politics and Jewish community issues, dives into Columbia University’s final report on antisemitism, highlighting discriminatory practices faced by Jewish and Israeli students. He examines tensions between free speech and faculty biases in Middle East studies while revealing a controversy at Cal State where a professor encouraged students to oppose an antisemitism bill. Additionally, Tress discusses a legal settlement at UC Berkeley after an Israeli lecturer was disinvited, and explores the political implications of mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's victory.