American anti-Zionist, pro-Palestinian left-wing advocacy group
California lawmakers are advancing a bill to add “Jewish” as an ethnicity option in state demographics. The measure aims to improve data on Jewish Californians for policymaking, while privacy guards are cited. The bill could help track hate crimes but faces concerns about counting Jews as a single ethnicity. The proposal has been amended to shield funding and privacy safeguards.
Thailand has cut visa‑free tourist stays from 60 to 30 days for citizens of about 60 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Japan, and will limit land‑border entries to twice per year. Officials say the move responds to national security, economic and tourism management concerns and will not affect tourists already in the country.
Pro-Palestine remarks have sparked a wave of artist withdrawals from Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour. Macklemore has been dropped by promoters, prompting fellow acts to withdraw; Sheeran blames promoters, while venue owners cite concerns over antisemitism and hate speech. The tour resumes with an unsettled lineup and ticketing questions.
Palestinian President Abbas has addressed the UN via a pre-recorded video, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is delivering a live address. Abbas has called for ending the war in Gaza, a withdrawal from Gaza, and a political process toward an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu is focusing on Israel's security concerns and Iran, with some world leaders planning protests in New York.
Ed Sheeran has faced cancellations and protests after his promoter removed Macklemore from the US tour following the rapper's onstage "Free Palestine" remarks. Four supporting acts have quit, ticket sales have softened, and pro-Palestinian demonstrators have gathered outside his Philadelphia show as Sheeran has defended his decision to remain apolitical.
Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine demonstrators gather near the UN as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the General Assembly. Arrests occur as protesters block traffic near First Avenue. Celebrities attend or support the protests, while some activists call for halting U.S. funding to Israel.
Netanyahu has addressed the UN General Assembly amid international walkouts and domestic political tension. He frames Gaza actions as defending Israel, while critics accuse him of genocide and war crimes. Protests and heavy international scrutiny accompany the speech.
AIPAC has halted public endorsements of federal candidates and direct PAC contributions, while continuing to operate its United Democracy Project super PAC. The move shifts focus to mobilizing individual donors and new fundraising tools, after a period of heavy outside spending linked to Pro-Israel advocacy. UDP remains active in independent campaigns.