More Than Four Questions

Timely Talks, UN Uncertainty, Re:Revolution, Deportations, Respect the Chag, Turkey, Sultan Shuffle, Shapiro, Green Day: The Weekly Conquest Week of 4.6.25 – 4.14.25

Welcome to the ZioKnight

Week of April 6, 2025 and Beyond

Brandeis Hillel’s Picture of Me from Resetting the Table

I’m sorry that The ZioKnight is late to your inbox this week. It was delayed because of Passover.

I attended an event at school to bridge differences in opinion about Israel. My two partners in the exercise and I have spoken about Israel so much that instead, we had a meta-conversation about disagreements themselves. Hopefully, I embodied the right one of the four sons.

Sunday 4.6

Last week 15 bodies were found in a shallow grave in Southern Gaza. The IDF took responsibility. The UN said that they were paramedics and rescue workers. The IDF said that at least nine of them were Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants. The case is of growing concern and is unclear, as the details are sparse and frequently contradicting. [1]

Monday 4.7

Reza Pahlavi, Former Shah of Iran’s Son

The news cycle was clogged early in the week about whether the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks would be direct or indirect. The former Shah of Iran’s son suggested a different path: support a popular revolution against the ruling regime. His idea is gaining traction with a bipartisan bill backing it in the House of Representatives. [2][3]

Tuesday 4.8

The campus deportations have had a few popular figures, but the administration’s actions are far more extensive than meets the eye. Three hundred students have had their visas revoked for speech against the U.S. or Israel and breaking the law. Once they lose their visas, they are at risk of deportation. Some fight the moves in the courts while others are self-deporting in fear. [4]

Wednesday 4.9

Georgetown University Boycott, Divest, Sanction Protest

Georgetown University Student Government likely wouldn’t be a fan of my late publication of this week’s newsletter. They scheduled a referendum vote to adopt BDS over the holiday. Following negative media attention and complaints, they pushed it off in recognition of their blunder. [5][6][7]

Thursday 4.10

Israeli and Turkish officials met to discuss easing tensions in Syria. They didn’t release many details, but the gist of the conversation is that neither wants conflict. The Trump administration is considering selling Turkey F-35 Fighter Jets if they play nice. [8][9]

Friday 4.11

An immigration judge in Louisiana ruled allowing the case against Columbia student Mohammad Khalil to proceed. This case will likely be the grounds for how the administration will handle other anti-Israel students on visas. [10]

Saturday 4.12

The U.S. Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the Iranian Foreign Minister indirectly met in Oman. They both sat in different rooms with an Omani mediator. They said it was “very positive and constructive” and '“was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.” They plan to reconvene next week. [11][12][13]

Sunday 4.13

Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion

Shortly following Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s Seder, Cody Balmer allegedly set fire to the Governor’s mansion. Mr. Balmer broke into the residence with a hammer and ignited Molotov cocktails. He initially escaped law enforcement, but later turned himself in. The FBI is on the case. [14]

Monday 4.14

The Band Green Day changed a line in their song during Coachella to be anti-Israel. It was a temporary reminder that they still make music. [15]