Michael Oren, Jonathan Schanzer split over when Israel should move past U.S. aid

Barrack says Iran-backed threats are ‘not America’s job’

This briefing covers key political updates, including Michigan Senate race tensions, U.S.-Israel relations, international defense strategies, and recent developments involving prominent political figures and organizations.

El-Sayed focuses on attacking Israel in closing stretch of the campaign

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed said in an interview released Monday that Israel is not a friend or ally of the United States, escalating comments he’s made repeatedly this month characterizing Israel as a threat comparable to Iran. “I don’t think an ally who uses you as a shield in war is actually an... <a href="">Read More</a>

Federal civil rights complaint accuses Montgomery County, Md., schools of ignoring antisemitic harassment

A Jewish high school student in a Washington, D.C., suburb faced a campaign of antisemitic harassment at school, culminating in an anonymous phone call threatening to bomb him followed by fireworks set off outside his home, according to a new federal civil rights complaint accusing Montgomery County Public Schools of failing to protect him from... <a href="https://jewishinsider.com/2026/10/hasan-piker-event-ilhan-omar-growing-backlash/">Read More</a>

Amb. Tom Barrack: It’s ‘not America’s job’ to combat Iran-backed threats in the Middle East

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said Tuesday that it is “not America’s job” to resolve the threats posed by Iranian-backed terror groups and militias across the Middle East, arguing that regional governments must take greater responsibility for their own security rather than relying on U.S. military intervention. Speaking with Al Jazeera diplomatic editor James... <a href="">Read More</a>

If not then, when? Hillel says Emory rabbi hid conflicts

This Daily Kickoff explores tight congressional races, new PAC initiatives against antisemitism, and recent controversies surrounding political figures, activists, and international security developments.