cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/27334930

Generated Summary below:

Video Description:

As the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on dissent, we will talk to journalist and researcher Eli Clifton about the role of pro-Israel mega-donor Miriam Adelson in the arrest of Columbia University student leader Mahmoud Khalil.

This is a segment from The Electronic Intifada’s livestream on day 531 of the Gaza genocide. Ali Abunimah, Nora Barrows-Friedman, Jon Elmer and Asa Winstanley were joined by human rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber, journalist and researcher Eli Clifton and Abubaker Abed live from the Gaza Strip. You can watch the full show here: https://youtu.be/kAx1nEUvnoA

#TheElectronicIntifada #TheElectronicIntifadaPodcast

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: The video discusses the role of Miriam Adelson, an Israeli-American billionaire, in the Trump administration’s crackdown on free speech, particularly regarding criticism of Israeli policies.

Key Points:

  • Miriam Adelson’s Influence: Miriam Adelson, the wife of the late Sheldon Adelson, is a major financial supporter of the Republican party and Donald Trump’s campaigns. Her primary political interest is maintaining strong US-Israel relations.
  • Crackdown on Palestinian Rights Supporters: The Trump administration has targeted and attempted to deport several individuals involved in activism supporting Palestinian rights, including Mahmud Khalil, a Columbia University student.
  • The Makabbe Task Force: Adelson is the president of the Makabbe Task Force, a group funded largely by the Adelsons, that actively campaigns against pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses. The group uses social media to target individuals and institutions, making unsubstantiated claims and pushing for their deportation or defunding.
  • Foreign Influence: The Makabbe Task Force’s Facebook page reveals that several managers are based in Israel, highlighting the potential for foreign influence in suppressing free speech within the US.
  • Suppression of Free Speech: The actions of the Makabbe Task Force and the Trump administration’s response represent a significant threat to free speech and academic freedom in the US. The video argues that this is a consequence of the strong US-Israel relationship and the powerful influence of donors like Miriam Adelson.
  • Coordination and Collusion: The video suggests a level of coordination and collusion between the US government and pro-Israel groups in targeting individuals critical of Israeli policies.

Highlights:

  • The video features an interview with Eli Clifton, a senior advisor at the Quincy Institute, who details Miriam Adelson’s role and the Makabbe Task Force’s activities.
  • The discussion includes specific cases of individuals targeted for their activism, such as Mahmud Khalil and Badar Khuri.
  • The video connects the crackdown on free speech to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the declining public support for Israeli actions in the region.
  • The video highlights the potential for foreign influence in shaping US domestic policy and the suppression of dissent.

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