Pod Save America Hosts Call on Democrats to Cut All Israel Military Aid, No Longer Accept AIPAC Funding
Jews, Israelis Targeted in Austria Amid Surge in Antisemitic Incidents; Local Jewish Community Calls for Action
‘All of Our Strength’: Over 1,000 Pro-Israel Activists Gather in DC for Solidarity Conference
‘Devastated’: Wesley LePatner, Killed in Manhattan Mass Shooting, Was a Jewish Communal, Philanthropic Leader
Sen. Angus King Vows to No Longer Vote for Israel Military Aid Until Gaza Conditions Improve
Europe Won’t Pressure Israel to ‘Commit Suicide’ Amid Gaza Backlash, Palestinian State Push, Says Israeli FM
Israel’s National Soccer Coach Attacked in Athens Before Soccer Fans Chant ‘F–K Israel, Free Palestine’ at Match
New York Judge Sentences Neo-Nazi to 5 Years for Livestreaming Bomb Threats Against Jewish Hospitals
US Pressures Lebanon to Issue Cabinet Decision to Disarm Hezbollah Before Talks Continue
UK Plans to Recognize Palestinian State in September Unless Israel Meets Conditions, Starmer Says
Michael Bloomberg Arrives in Israel in FAA Flight Ban Protest (PHOTOS)
by Shiryn Ghermezian
Michael Bloomberg leaving New York. Photo: Flickr.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg arrived in Israel on Wednesday in a stated act of protest against the FAA’s ban on U.S. carriers flying to and from Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport.
The ban was instated on Tuesday for fear of Gaza rocket attacks as Israel fights a nasty battle against terror group Hamas, which rules the enclave.
“Safely landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv – here to show support for Israel’s right to defend itself,” Bloomberg tweeted early Wednesday morning.
Shortly after his arrival he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. After the first meeting, Bloomberg said on Twitter, “Thank you PM @netanyahu for welcoming me to Israel – Ben Gurion airport is the best protected airport in the world.”
Bloomberg said on Facebook that he flew to the Jewish state “to show solidarity with the Israeli people, who have come under attack from Hamas, and to show that it’s safe to fly in and out of Israel.”
“Halting flights here – when the airport is safe – hurts Israel and rewards Hamas for attacking Israel,” he added. “Hamas wants to shut down the airport; we can’t let that happen.”
The former mayor also slammed the FAA for its decision to suspend flights, calling the restrictions “a mistake that hands Hamas an undeserved victory and should be lifted immediately.”
See photos of Michael Bloomberg arriving in Israel below:
Michael Bloomberg leaving New York. Photo: Flickr.
Michael Bloomberg leaving New York. Photo: Flickr.
Michael Bloomberg leaving New York. Photo: Flickr.
Michael Bloomberg leaving New York. Photo: Flickr.
Michael Bloomberg leaving New York. Photo: Flickr.
Michael Bloomberg and Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Twitter.
Michael Bloomberg and Shimon Peres. Photo: Flickr.
