Pro-Israel professor Shai Davidai exits Columbia University
Israeli-born Columbia University professor Shai Davidai, who ripped the school's failure to address campus antisemitism, is leaving his post, effective July 8, 2025.
News writer based in North America
Elad was born in Haifa, Israel, and currently resides in Canada.
News by Elad Benari
WJC demands action on surging antisemitism in Australia
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder strongly condemns recent antisemitic acts in Melbourne, urges the Australian government to take concrete action to safeguard its Jewish community.
Tehran rejects Trump's claim of scheduled talks
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson firmly denies a US claim of a meeting request, contradicting President Trump's assertion of scheduled talks.
UK warns Iran:
UK warns Iran: 'Dramatic sanctions' if UN inspectors aren’t allowed
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy warns Iran of "dramatic sanctions" if it doesn't clarify its nuclear program and allow UN inspectors.
After synagogue arson
Australian state of Victoria forms anti-hate task force after synagogue arson
Victoria establishes an anti-hate task force after a synagogue arson and attack on an Israeli restaurant in Melbourne. Premier Allan condemns antisemitism.
Barnard College reaches settlement in antisemitism lawsuit
Barnard College settles a lawsuit brought by Jewish students over alleged rising antisemitism. The agreement includes a campus-wide mask ban, disengagement from the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group, and the creation of a Title VI coordinator to oversee anti-discrimination compliance.
'A shameful day'
Sanders slams Netanyahu's White House visit: A shameful day
Senator Bernie Sanders labels Prime Minister Netanyahu's White House visit a "shameful day in America," citing ICC arrest warrant against him: Both Trump and Biden aided and abetted the extremist Netanyahu government.
Report:
Report: Columbia, Trump admin close to funding deal amid antisemitism row
The Wall Street Journal reports that Columbia University and the Trump administration are in advanced talks to restore federal funding, previously cut due to alleged antisemitism. Columbia seeks to regain funding while maintaining autonomy.
Hezbollah vows no surrender as US Envoy heads to Beirut
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declares the group will not disarm or surrender despite Israeli threats and international pressure, ahead of a US envoy's visit to Beirut.
Trump:
Trump: 'Good chance' for deal with Hamas this week
President Trump anticipates a "good chance" of a deal with Hamas this week to release remaining hostages. He also plans to discuss a "permanent deal" with Iran with PM Netanyahu.
After intense debate
No vote on Israel’s Eurovision status after intense EBU debate
A European Broadcasting Union meeting in London ends without a vote on expelling Israel from Eurovision, granting the country a temporary reprieve.
France:
France: Iran sanctions hinge on release of detainees charged with spying for Israel
France warns it may reimpose sanctions on Iran if two detained French nationals are not released. The pair are charged with spying for Israel’s Mossad, allegations Paris rejects.
After anti-IDF chant
BBC bans 'high risk' live shows after anti-IDF chant sparks outrage
The BBC announces it will no longer stream "high risk" music acts live after punk-rap duo Bob Vylan chanted “death to the IDF” during a live broadcast from Glastonbury.
Trump:
Trump: I want to see the people of Gaza safe
Trump speaks to reporters amid speculation that a hostage release deal is close: I want to see the people of Gaza safe, they have been through hell.
Columbia acting President apologizes for anti-Israel texts targeting Jewish trustee
Columbia University's interim president Claire Shipman apologizes privately after leaked texts show her targeting a Jewish trustee for pro-Israel views and calling for an Arab board member.
Iran suspends IAEA access after US, Israeli strikes
Iran officially suspends cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, a move the US calls "unacceptable." This follows a 12-day conflict with Israel and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Miss Indonesia hopeful disqualified over pro-Israel video
Merince Kogoya, a Miss Indonesia 2025 contestant, disqualified after a two-year-old video of her expressing support for Israel goes viral.
After 'Death to IDF' chant
German venue nixes Bob Vylan after 'Death to IDF' chant
German music venue cancels a Bob Vylan performance after the rap duo's frontman led an anti-Israel chant at Glastonbury, sparking widespread condemnation.
Australian nurses who threatened Israelis hit with nationwide ban
Two Australian nurses, Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, who stated they would refuse to treat Israelis, banned for two years from Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and its participants.
Houthis claim missile attack targeted Ben Gurion Airport
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claims the group fired a "Palestine 2" ballistic missile towards Ben Gurion Airport on Tuesday evening. The IDF confirmed the missile was intercepted with no injuries.
Trump:
Trump: Israel agreed to ceasefire terms, Hamas should take this deal
President Trump announces on Truth Social that Israel has agreed to conditions for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. He urges Hamas to accept the deal, warning of worsening conditions if they refuse.
Ottawa:
Ottawa city lawyer fired following Holocaust Monument vandalism charges
Ottawa city lawyer fired after being charged in connection with the vandalism of the National Holocaust Monument in early June. The accused, identified as Iain Aspenlieder, remains in custody.
Iran's FM:
Iran's FM: Don't hold your breath for quick US-Iran nuke talks
Iranian FM Araghchi downplays immediate US nuclear talks, insists Iran needs security assurances and time.
Harvard rejects Trump administration’s antisemitism claims
Harvard University denies federal accusations of "deliberate indifference" to antisemitism, stating it has taken steps to address the issue.
Turkish cartoonists detained over controversial religious satire
Turkish authorities detain three cartoonists from a weekly magazine following the publication of a satirical drawing interpreted by some as depicting religious figures.
Jordan forfeits World Cup basketball match against Israel
Jordan's U19 national basketball team officially withdraws from its scheduled FIBA World Cup match against Israel, handing Israel an automatic technical victory.
Iran's ultimatum:
Iran's ultimatum: US must halt attacks for dialogue
Iran's deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi states the US must end all strikes for diplomatic talks to resume: "We do not want war. We want to engage in dialogue."
Iran’s UN envoy:
Iran’s UN envoy: Our nuclear enrichment 'will never stop'
Iran's UN envoy, Amir-Saeid Iravani, declares that Iran's nuclear enrichment "will never stop," calling it an "inalienable right." He affirms Tehran's readiness for talks but rejects "unconditional surrender".
New low:
New low: Ireland's boycott bill targets Israeli 'settlements'
Ireland advances a draft bill to boycott Israeli goods from Judea and Samaria, an unprecedented move for an EU member, further escalating diplomatic tensions.
Historic decision:
Historic decision: Argentina to try AMIA bombing suspects in absentia
Argentina will try ten Iranian and Lebanese nationals in absentia for the 1994 AMIA Jewish center bombing that killed 85, a landmark decision enabled by new laws.
IAEA:
IAEA: Iran's Fordow centrifuges 'no longer operational' after strikes
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirms "considerable damage" to Iran's Fordow enrichment plant, stating centrifuges are "no longer operational" after recent strikes.
Khamenei threatens Israel after boasting war 'victory'
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, renewed threats against Israel, warning of a "heavy cost" for any attacks. This follows his claims of Iran's "victory" over the "fake Zionist regime".
Iranian FM admits 'serious' nuclear site damage after 12-day war
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirms "serious" damage to the country's nuclear sites following a 12-day conflict with Israel. Araghchi also firmly denies any speculation about resuming nuclear negotiations with the United States.
History in the NBA:
History in the NBA: Two Israelis drafted in the first round
For the first time, two Israeli players, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf, drafted into the NBA, both by the Brooklyn Nets. Saraf, an Israeli league MVP, and Wolf, a standout US college player, join Deni Avdija as the only Israelis in the NBA.
Iranian Parliament greenlights suspension of IAEA cooperation
Iran's Parliament approves a bill to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, following the war with Israel.
CIA Director:
CIA Director: Iran's nuclear program has been severely damaged
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirms Iran's nuclear program was severely damaged by recent strikes, stating credible intelligence indicates key facilities were destroyed and would take years to rebuild.
Witkoff predicts significant Abraham Accords expansion
Trump's Middle East envoy estimates "big announcements" coming soon on countries that are joining the Abraham Accords.
Wikoff reveals:
Wikoff reveals: US and Iran restarting nuclear program discussions
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reveals to Fox News that the US and Iran are in early stages of renewed discussions on Iran's nuclear program, both directly and via intermediaries, despite recent hostilities, says the conversations are "promising".
Quds Force commander surfaces, dispelling elimination rumors
Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani seen alive in video from Tehran, dispelling rumors that he was eliminated by Israel during Operation Rising Lion.
Trump reiterates:
Trump reiterates: The nuclear sites in Iran are completely destroyed!
US President refutes CNN and NYT reports claiming US strikes failed to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities: An attempt to demean one of the most successful military strikes in history.
