Weekly Update: Nachum Segal and Malcolm Hoenlein Discuss the Latest News

Malcolm Homeline's with us. We called this the weekly update conference of presidents of major American Jewish organizations. Mr. Homeline, welcome back to JM and the AM. >> Thank you. Great to be with you as always. >> Appreciate that very much. Couple of things from last week that well actually there are a couple, but right now I'll just bring up one. Uh we never explored the news story that really hit. It's funny. It hit it hit the media in the most mildmannered fashion and all of a sudden Thursday and Friday of last week it exploded. I'm talking about uh the um the plot in Michigan uh a similar one or related depending on which news account you read in New Jersey um where there were uh a terror plot that was quelled that was discovered and authorities were able to um to stop it in its progress and uh those of us who watched all of that with concern wonder how common place this is. Do you think this is an exception or do you think there's constant attempts that authorities in this country need to extinguish? >> Well, I don't think it's an eitheror situation. Uh actually this morning the Canadian police announced that they had prevented some sort of an attack also and it's happening with greater and greater frequency. So the fact that the media did not um cover it more and there was a lot of competing stories uh says a lot and it's the problem is you become inure to it. It becomes too commonplace. It's a mistake. It it uh you you can't just accept that this is the way it is or not to be horrified each time a new plot against elected officials, against individuals um uh comes up and it's happening around the world, of course, but we're just not used to it. And so it doesn't get uh it doesn't have the shock value that it used to have. you know, if if somebody was targeted for something, there would be headlines and, you know, police mobilization and and a police assigned to protect people. Uh today, it's a it's a much more accepting environment and it's it's reflective in in the radicalization in society, the uh and the availability of weapons, but also of foreign involvement. It it seems like the authorities here in the US are much better prepared for these types of things than when it looked like I don't know 5 10 years ago they were more caught off guard by these episodes. Do you agree with that or I'm giving them too much credit? I think people are more aware of the possibility. Um the problem is that we still only get a a percentage of uh of potential attacker and attackers. You see the the you know how many arrests there are of people who carry out and they go to their homes and they find weapons and and often heavy duty weapons which because somebody you know executed an event unsuccessfully uh or even successfully if in terms of eliminating themselves that we find out and then uh the interlocking networks that are established that usually they say it's a lone wolf and uh you know the mother expresses shock at what you then and they find out they go online, check their computers and see that in fact they have been in touch with people that they uh you know were indoctrinated in in extremist things and why we take so seriously what is happening in our schools, what is happening in society as a whole. We we've gone through a week with one incident after another whether at Heritage or whether with um the Bonhopper comments by Tucker Carlson and the and Nick Fuentes of I mean all these things are reaching millions and millions of young people and anybody who thinks that they're not affected and infected by it is making a mistake. >> Uh you mentioned Toronto before. We were horrified by the decision to fly the Palestinian flag over Toronto city hall. First of all, just confirm for me it's an accurate story because you never know on social media what's correct, what's true and not true these days. And secondly, you know, Toronto, major city, big Jewish community, etc. What's your comment regarding their decision to do that? >> Well, Toronto is a great Jewish community. It's an active Jewish community, but the fact is that remember that Canada has a strong French influence that um that we have seen this process of radicalization. Toronto. If you remember on this show maybe 20 years ago, I spoken more based on information we've been getting and the open door policy of Canada that Toronto became the second biggest uh presence ofah in outside of the Middle East. And it was because they were they had allowed people to come in freely. they settled around the Toronto area and and so you have this large concentration there already and why we've had many incidents and why the escalating violence of the demonstrations in Montreal and Toronto just like in the in places in the United States. So the it's it doesn't come as a surprise that these incidents take place. Remember, there are places across America today from Patterson to Texas to Michigan >> to Seattle getting a Mum Donnie candidate that that are similarly seeing the manifestations of extremism u tied to to anti-Jewish hatred. Uh but it's anti-American at its core. And that's the message I think that we have to get out to the American people is that this is not, you know, Jews may be the first victims, we're never the last. And as I said on several interviews this week, I I I believe that we should not let Heritage become a Jewish event. It's not. It's Heritage's internal event that they have to decide what they're going to do. But we have to use it to highlight that this is anti-American at its core that you have the anti-semitism on the right as you have anti-semitism on the left. And we've been focused on the left because it was more visible and more virulent when in fact today you see the expressions on the extreme right as well. So it's it's something that you know when Senator Moan 50 years ago wrote a book and and he decided he he talked about dumbing deviency down that we have destroyed the standards things that would have horrified people as you said even the violence >> right >> uh you know does not anymore has no shock value and and people you know can often humid or or just dismiss quote another incident when in fact that should not be the reaction and We should not be making this a Jewish issue. This should be about what what is the soul of heritage? What is their mandate? What what how do they live up to their responsibility? Why are they hosting it? What foreign influences are involved in all of these things? What you know what funding is coming in to some people engage in it? And to show the American people this is their challenge. This is undermining the basic values of our country. And we're raising a generation that doesn't know anything. So if you tell him Bonhaofer who tried to kill you know Hitler uh gets criticized for for that and said it's uncchristian and all all the things that that were said why this is a poisoning of of the next generation. >> Yeah. I mean I think some of the issue is and I I I know that it's only some of it. Um, and you and I have discussed things like this in the past, but uh, I think there's a misplacement of priorities, and misplacement is the wrong word. There's a debate over priorities. And this, what you just described, is such a priority for our community for obvious reasons. And there are many people, especially many commentators now in the US, some responsible, others not so responsible, who would say this is simply not a priority for them. And they would never in their, you know, they would never dream of doing something, you know, against the Jewish community. But this is, you know, this is a Jewish issue and not an American issue. In fact, your perspective of of that this is an American issue. I think it's one of the most important things um that that you tell us here all the time. Uh we can't ignore the fact that this is a you know an issue important to America today and in its future. And and when we see the things that happened here in New York and the po exit polls asking people why they're anti-Jewish anti-Israel stance and and a third say they support them or many identify with it and that it's not a reason why 90% of people wouldn't vote against somebody who holds the views that he holds and and the fact that you know his pie in the sky proposals we already see are being shot down the free causes every other thing and Hokll now says that it's not possible. Yeah. >> Uh but but when you go you see in in um two student Muslim student organizations in Virginia in Fairfax in you see the Harvard magazine you see all these things that despite all the exposure about anti-semitism on their campuses um and and you see university presidents acknowledging that in fact there was foreign funding and that most of their students did not participate and that minorities were it was really foreign students and foreign funding that that um and that uh talked about organized networks that are involved in those demonstrations which we and said and identified a long time ago uh on this program and and trying to get the message out and getting Congress and others to act and they did take some steps as steps against care and we find now that care is being uh looked at for having um stolen or misused or engaged in fraud with huge amounts of federal funding. uh that they were given and yet you don't see a headline on it. You don't see the kind of of mobilization about it. Thank god there are some members of Congress and others who are willing to step out and and step up and and address it. You remember what Stefanic did with the university presidents. >> Yeah. >> Uh you know, there aren't that many people ready to do that today. >> It's going to be a tight race between her and the governor, right? >> It'll be a tight race first between her and Bruce Blakeman. >> Right. Well, did he announce he's for sure running? >> He is. He's traveling around the country doing exp around the state looking doing exploration and has indicated his interest in it. I think it's not they're not declared. She did declare this week as did Hok um >> that but both are great friends and and we don't want to see a blood bath between them. it could strengthen the party if you have a constructive debate between them and I'm sure others may get into the race yet as well. Um but I hope that it's not um they don't divide the uh vote and that um that we can both can go around and and advance the views that they have um that they have both professed and practiced both been courageous supporters uh certainly the Jewish people, Jewish community and of Israel. uh and the uh we need to have positive uh debates, but I don't want to see Israel and and and Jews be put in the center so that the negative forces then take advantage of that in order to undermine support and to spread the lies and the distortions and misrepresentations that have become so commonplace. And truth is the victim. And when truth in a democracy is a victim, you know that that that corrupts the whole system. >> It's a good point you're raising. We have to be thankful that if there is a bloodbath of a campaign like we like we anticipate, even though you're praying it won't be one. It it's likely that Israel will not be an issue on the agenda, right? Safe to say based on their both of their track records. >> But I think both of them don't want it. They're they're both decent people. They're not going to want to do a Mumani type campaign or have a knockout like you had in the Democratic parties where they were going at each other's throats rather than focusing on the opposition. >> And I don't think that that will be the case. >> America's one and only Jewish moments in the morning radio program heard on listener sponsored digital radio around the world, the web alam.com, the single network and of course the beloved NSN app. Malcolm Homeline's with us. Reminder, our fundraiser is now active. for our year-end fundraiser. Give what you can, especially if you like the programming Friday and every other day, uh, fjbunity.org or go to the top of school.com and click on the year-end banner. And of course, we thank you. What did Malcolm Homeline think of the visit of the president of Syria to Washington DC? Well, I think you know we we're glorifying somebody who a few year a short while ago had a $10 million bounty on his head for his involvement in terrorism and it's still to be proven. Has he gone through this amazing metamorphosis, you know, just because he put on a suit and that somehow changed him or is he he how he conducts himself and what long-term policies he will institute? Remember, he he's not supported broadly in Syria. You have a lot of the opposition groups are are very much against him, but he has the support of the United States right now. And the president clearly enamored uh with him and hosted him. But it was interesting to me that he didn't come up through the regular portal. He was taken in through the side door into the White House. Um and you know, symbolism means a lot. Now, it could be they were doing construction there. It could be other things but to me symbolism is always important. Second is how he will treat the minority groups and you know Israel has been the defender of the Jews, Kurds, others, the Christians, Alawites, they they are still very much opposed to him and they they would like to overthrow him and get rid of this regime because they they they look at the ties he has still to a lot of these negative groups. He's also very much in the orbit of of the pro-Turkey and um and the US uh special envoy to Syria has been very uh positive in promoting him and trying to get everybody to come in under his flag and they they're not going to because the they saw the massacres of the Alawites and they saw the massacre of of of Drews that took place had they not had some weapons the the toll would have been much higher uh in terms of the Jews. He made it clear he's not interested in the Abraham Accords. That was playing to his home base. >> Well, in part, but it it he didn't say he wasn't interested. He's he's trying to use it to leverage about the go. He said he has to have the return of the Golan. That is not going to happen. And if they decide to opt out of this thing, it's his loss. Syria's economy is in shambles. Um you know, I don't see Russia running in to give them economic aid. And in fact, Russia has been more or less sidelined there. The Iran has been sidelined. They still continue to send weapons through and try to get to um uh to Lebanon and they and the Syrian forces have not done enough on the border though they have tried to stop several se some a few cases of weapons which are still getting through. So but Shra if in his visit did not get what he want he wanted the dropping all the Caesar's policy which was the sanctions against him. They removed a lot of it but not all of it and and that is very important for the people in Syria that it you know that there is still the hesitancy and and a recognition that that the guy has to prove himself and we have to see what direction they go. We know in Idlib where he ruled before you know the Islamist policies were instituted girls didn't get education after you know I think 12 years older and they were walking around in boras and etc. uh and much of the population in Syria is in fact secular. The Iranians brought in a lot of Shiite and did a population replacement. Again, no UN resolutions on that. And hundreds and hundreds of thousands are refugees. Many tens and perhaps hundreds of thousands were killed. Uh so Syria is still in in the throws of uh I think of shifting relationships. They need a strong leader now to keep to pull the country together. Uh the president likes strong leaders. He says it about Erdogan. He said it about Shara. Uh but we also have to look at where what is his position? What is his ideology? And Senator Lindsey Graham was very effective in seeing to it that we just didn't give a complete uh you know get out of jail free card. >> I thought the president was enamored with him or acting the way he did around him because he's his ticket to the Nobel Peace Prize. if he gets Syria to come to the table for the Abraham Accords and it goes through that then that may be the you know the checkmate for his ultimate goal. So I I mean enamored, you know, it sounds like he he has this, you know, uh unjustified um affection for him. I think it's simply that he he views him as a as a key to getting to where he needs to get to. Right. >> Very well could be. Uh remember that this is not the first time it's the second time you met him. It's the first time a Syrian president has been at the White House in probably 40 years, 50 years, whatever. >> And uh and it is symbolic that that he gets invited. Now, it could be a message to others in the region because uh we need his help. It needs to be Lebanon, >> right? >> And you saw that that um the US envoy Barack was very tough on the Lebanese the last couple weeks. and the Ortega who is the special envoy for Lebanon was there and also uh talked about their responsibilities to shore up what they're supposed to do along the border to stop the the to go after the weapons the confiscation of weapons. Uh those are all issue and everything as you know in the Middle East is is interrelated. So I think the president does do things on a personal basis. I think he has a vision for the region. I don't think he's just going to sell out because of the Nobel Prize. He's going to get that if he can get a settlement in Gaza and build international force and and even stabilize the parties for Syria is not going to come in to Abraham Accords now under these circumstances though I do other think other countries uh might eventually I mean Lebanon would not be able to do also but if they cooperate and they you know calm the borders and they don't they prevent the smuggling weapons and they go after the stockpile of weapons inside the country and go door to door and take the weapons out of the houses as Israel has asked uh and they've refused so far. Uh if they actually achieve that kind of stability, the Nobel Prize could be his anyway. >> Interesting. Uh didn't you find it unusual his formal request submitted for a Netanyahu pardon? >> Unusual is the right word. Advanced. But I saw today that the prime minister uh was uh welcoming of it and expressed his gratitude. Uh I don't know if he could have done it without I mean he did mention it as you know at the Knesset when the president >> but when you put it in writing you know that it's that's frightful when you put >> that's much more formal. Absolutely. It's it's a different level than than off the cover more can say hey Mr. President why don't you give the guy a break? >> Exactly. and what for cigars and champagne. That's what you do with him. But but as he as he said and sitting there watching it, I have to tell you, my mouth fell open and and as did most of the others saying, "What?" And uh >> because the cigar the cigar champagne line was the was the kicker. Like that was it. That was the cherry on top. >> So So you're never surprised. And and then he wrote there that and he has said that he thinks it doing harm to Israel that this uh distraction and it does distract the prime minister and you know even if they had put it off until after his you know term in office or something but getting it off the table but I think in Israeli law you have to admit guilt in order to get a pardon. >> Wow. So would would the prime minister then have to acknowledge the charges and and in order to get uh a pardon? These are serious questions. >> Another very interesting um piece this week with the prime minister in the news. I don't if you saw this interview, but he was emphatic that he wants to make Israel independent from financial aid. He focused on military aid, but using the argument that really financial aid is a non-issue at this point. and you can confirm or deny that for us. Uh and then he said that he just wants the uh you know he he wants to cut off all aid from the United States and make Israel militarily independent literally taking it upon themselves Israelis to even manufacture all the weapons on Israeli soil. And he was really strong about this. I have a theory about the timing. What did you think about his declaration? I agree with your theory about the timing, but I no I don't know what it is, but >> Well, my theory my theory is that he he sees the American first, the America firsters and how successful they're being and how this is going to be a major issue down a very short road, right? Probably in the next presidential election and feels like this is the time. I mean, why on earth didn't he talk about this in the '9s? Why didn't he talk about it in the year 2000? Why didn't he talk about it in the year 2010? Why is it that this all of a sudden he wakes up that this is what Israel needs to do for the benefit of I would say not only Israel but for American jury as well. So this is not this is not without precedent and I was deeply involved in the efforts to get Israel you know the United States is offered Israel debt forgiveness at the time of the Iraq war like they gave7 billion dollars to Egypt and others and I went to see the prime minister because the secretary of state called me and say why isn't Israel accepting it and I flew over literally for shabas I met with him shabas afternoon in his home cuz I my father was sick in the hospital and I had to get right back and and I could not convince him to take the aid But the whole point was to to get off of the dole to not to have to because most of what we were getting in economic aid was paying the debt service on $7 billion in debt. >> So Israel paid it off and and we get no economic assistance. The only assistance is military and and and the vast majority of that 70% maybe even more 80% is spent here in the United States. only about $400 million I think is allowed for offshore meaning that they can strengthen Israel's domestic uh military systems because of the money that uh from this from the foreign aid uh uh allocations but remember it's only military and they signed under Obama the 10-year deal which is running out and we're getting three billion dollars a year in fact it's more and uh I I think what the calls have been made that about continuing the aid uh uh one of the right-wing commentator influencers, you know, started coming out on on it this week. So, I think it's not a new issue. And would Israel like to be economically independent because they saw during the war when they couldn't get enough shells, when they couldn't get um enough of the weapons uh and the systems that they're developing are largely Israeli developed, though, you know, we're not going to make F-35s, we still need to to buy them and h have the money. Israel has emerged economically from where it started and and is in strong position. But I think right now with the burdens that they have, uh it's not it's not in a position really to to sustain their defense system without the economic aid and and subsidies that the United States gives. It could be a phase out program over the next 10 or 15 years, which is the way I think it would work uh or might work. But it it I think the the idea of economic independence is is as you said consistent with the agenda of a lot of people in important positions, but it's not realistic to think that this is something you can just say tomorrow we're going to do it. it it you have to wean it off of it. And it it is so important because to produce uh three and a half or or even more billion dollars worth of free cash, you know, from a from an economy means you have to have 50 times that amount, you know, that you have to tax in order to be able to produce uh money to be spent in these areas. can develop the econ the the military companies should be developed and export and and they are and the products are in great demand but I think it's a complicated issue. >> It is a complicated issue but he also it's obvious at least to me that he sees the he he sees the landscape in this country. He sees the landscape. He sees what the future brings and this issue which again you you basically have confirmed that there's been you know tremendous support for this for decades at this point. The level of support we could argue about but certainly there's been support for it. Now he sees it's come to a head and there's no choice. I found it fascinating that he spoke about it as emphatically as he did when I don't remember the last time he even even addressed the issue. Certainly not addressed this side of the issue. If anything, he was defending why it's a good idea for the United States to, you know, maintain this presence or this relationship with the only democracy in the Middle East, etc., etc. So, I found it very interesting. In fact, in fact, it was a little bit scary because if he, the prime minister, who's very familiar with the US feels that this is the direction the country here is going through. Now, I understand better why he and others including Rav who is in my studio here on Monday, are encouraging people to get to Israel as soon as possible. Well, I think Ali has a separate issue, but I think you're right on the first part and it could be that this is a way to let off some of the steam that he feels building up in the United States by saying that you know that Israel is looking at it and looking thing or on the other hand you could just turn up the heat on that steam because they're saying look even the prime minister acknowledges that they have to go in that direction. Why? I was surprised that he did it now, especially because of the pressures on Israel's economy, on Israel's military. The the dangers have not gone away. We're seeing the Shiite ring of fire being replaced by a Sunni ring of fire. That the Houthis announced that they're going to stop shooting, but you know that that is they're dead all the time. They're regrouping. That's Iran's danger has not been eliminated. And a lot of people feel that we're going to go into another round with them. And uh and and the truth is that you want Israel to be independent. You want Israel to be the closest ally with the United States because of friendship but not because you know we get assistance which puts you in a somewhat subservient relationship. And you're right. He reading the mood in the country. >> But you made but you just made my point so much stronger. I never even thought of that. I mean we're talking about postwar. We're talking about the most sensitive time to start making a proposal to start that weaning process that you described. And he still felt it was worth going out there emphatically and making a statement like that. So I I think it only helps my argument. >> I I am I am saying I agree with >> Yeah, I know. I'm just saying I never even thought of that part. Right. You're just reinforcing it for me. >> That's why you have me on. >> That's exactly right. I need I need you for clarity. We all need you for clarity. Thank God. Another uh set of remains, if you will. Mendy Goddard was returned to Israel. Somebody who was murdered from Makibbutz Berry. His wife was murdered as Israel as well. It leaves Ron Guli Jer or and Trustasik Rintal as the three hostage remains that Israel still awaits. You know, it's interesting. I was wrong on this. Uh, and you were right because I I conjectured that because of the war and the perception of disorganization of this haphazard uh, terrorist group Hamas, I I was under the impression that there's no way they have the remains of, you know, most of these hostages. I guess they're a lot more organized as a military effort than I thought. and the value of these bodies. Uh, as much as we know how valuable they are to the enemy, uh, this really does confirm just how valuable they are. Odds are they know the location of the final three >> most. Yes. Likely. And and and I think it's part of the process that we underestimate our enemy. >> Right. Correct. >> And and the fact is that we learn now that Israel knew where many of the the bodies were but couldn't attack because they were being guarded. And of course with the living ones would didn't want to endanger them further. But uh so Israeli intelligence was also very good and when they said when they you remember initially the kamas kept saying we don't know where they are in Israel saying yeah but we know where they are and and we'll help you find them if you if you need it. And then they they quickly but you notice how they triple it out so they keep this story going as long as possible. And remember that the Palestinian bodies and terrorists are released >> uh basis as well. It doesn't even make the news, but in fact, it's happening each time. And uh >> it's really the only incentive otherwise they wouldn't even bother with the remains at this point. It's out of the headlines, right? Or they can cause it to be out of the headlines. But I guess they feel there's some benefit because they have families that want, you know, certain remains back and certain prisoners released. >> Yeah. But there's also pressure on the other side from the, you know, the parties, the Qataris, the Turks, and others. They want >> Are they still paying attention to it? I THOUGHT THIS DEAL WAS dead already. By the way, I haven't heard a word about anybody actually putting pressure on Kamas in Gaza in those last week or two. >> Well, because we come so common place, but I'm saying that they they want to show that they are in fact able to control and to to they want to rebuild Gaza. They all want to get in on billions of dollars of redevelopment money. >> So, that's real. So, that's real. There are there are countries that feel there's potential there. There are Egypt certainly is is drooling over the millions in reconstruction. So are others. uh but also remember that there's a competition for dominance and now they're saying with the vacuum of Iran's ring of fire having been set back so much that the Sunni ring of fire with Turkey and Qatar you know funding it and with elements in different countries Syria is for instance uh up for grabs and we don't know what the ultimate outcome you look at what India is doing India's relations with Israel buying weapons but more importantly want to that that the link to Europe through Israel and and Saudi Arabia will make a dramatic change. It'll be a competition to their road and belt. Uh and and you see also by the way China and Russia's roles much more contained than people would have estimated and especially in Syria uh which have been so beholden and involved with them. So the the when you look at what's happening in Saigaza, it's much more complicated I think. Yeah. Then people soon. >> You think there'll be a uh a US Army base in Gaza or near Gaza? Because that's also driving certain people crazy in this country. Do you think it's actually going to happen? >> I do. I think that there could be a base in Israel, but it will be a coordination base. It's not going to be a fighting base. It's not going to be, you know, where people are, you know, American troops are not going into Gaza. That was the president's commitment. >> Yeah. But the question is, will there be American troops in harm's way? That's the question. No, they'll be they will be in Israel. They will go they can go into Gaza, you know, periodically to check on things, but they're not going to be a fighting force. That's why we want international forces there. Uh I saw that Indonesia today announced that they were prepared, I think, send 10,000 troops and and people please note Indonesia's role and we'll come back to it when uh when you will understand why. But I think it's a very key uh element for many reasons. >> Uh and seeing other parties that might come into this uh who don't have diplomatic relations or relations with Israel per se. Uh so it's a lot of moving parts, you know, in all of this. >> H no question about it. Um, thank God tens of thousands of people in Kavon Shabas, if you would have told if you would have told our predecessors a couple of decades ago, well, not a couple, but a few decades ago that this would be the case, they never would have believed it. I think that's true. Nobody would have believed that it was possible. And uh and and we look at the the changes that have taken place. Look at Iran's um economic conditions. the fact that >> why are there any different >> uh yeah remember how long I've talked about >> yeah but I'm saying is it >> no the drought >> in particular you know people can live with a lot without a lot of things they can't live without water >> and and tan now is being slowly starved of water >> and and of the 10 reservoirs that feed it I think three are already closed or dribbling and they're going to start you know having to ration water like they do electricity uh so Iran's internal uh situation is is deteriorates and they step up the executions. It's well over 1,500 uh already. And they uh you know that they've instituted a law that anybody who visited Israel gets a four-year term. They just reduced it to a 2-year term. And there is an American who was uh in visiting family there, an American Iranian who who Jewish who was arrested. And uh and now the lawyers are saying look the law was enacted 7 years before he would visit Israel 7 years before the law was enacted. You can't retroactively sentence him in Iran. You can do whatever you want. U our hope is that that he will get out. But you see the crackdown domestically and the the decreasing support uh that they have and unfortunately there isn't a unified opposition or the opposition that exists is not unified enough. our steps to bring them together, but um it it's not unified enough now even though the majority of the country wants to get rid of this regime and I think the majority in in the Middle East want to see the regime gone and would welcome and even support efforts to do that. So there there's so many um moving parts of what's happening in Iraq where we're seeing in one part radicalization and again some of the language that we used to hear from Iraq uh and then on the other hand you have uh outreach by the United States with with Iraq uh and and the um the Houthis announcing unilaterally that they're going to stop shooting at ships but I don't believe it but they suffered so much and they they have no economy. they have no um domestic production. So they need it for their again for their own purposes. So there are a lot of moving parts right now that we we'll have to see and that's why we need a strong till on the hand hand on the till in Washington and we need Congress to be solid and to be out there supporting uh the elements. It's a chance to change if if if the if we support the minorities in Syria, they can put pressure even if they don't overthrow Shara at least to move the country in the right direction where minority rights would be protected where and many of them want relations with Israel. You know that the the Drews have developed their own flag which is two blue stripes with some writing or something in the middle. Wow. And and they demonstrate with Israeli flags openly. So it's an interesting time there. >> You could say that again. Uh, thank you so much. Have a wonderful Shabas. We'll speak again next week. >> God willing. Be well. >> Malcolm Homeline with us. Weekly update. Boy, there's a lot going on, isn't there? Don't forget our year-end fundraiser. 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