Out of Session

Mamdani, Syria, UN, Bunker Busting, Ceasefire: The Weekly Conquest Week of 6.29.25 – 7.5.25

Welcome to the ZioKnight

Week of June 29, 2025

Me in front of the Capitol

This past Thursday was my last day interning for Congressman Steny Hoyer. Working for one of Israel’s biggest friends in Congress amid the Jewish State’s most consequential time in modern history has been an incomparable experience. I was constantly reminded of how dear a friend of Israel he is, whether at work, with the Israeli flag in front of the office, or outside of work, with a picture of him at the entrance of the DC Chabad.

Sunday 6.29

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from Brooklyn refuses to endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor of the city. He cites his failure to clarify his acceptance of the phrase “globalize the intifada.” The ZioKnight will follow Rep. Jeffries' lead and withhold its endorsement. [1]

Monday 6.30

President Trump signed an executive order following up on his commitment to lift most sanctions from Syria. This is a crucial step towards normalization with the West and the viability of the trip I hope to take to the Great Synagogue of Aleppo. [2]

Tuesday 7.1

People who aren’t as informed about Israel as you, my dear reader, tend to question my criticism of the UN’s Israel policies. Most of the proof for my conviction is in trends, acceptance of Hamas, and an outsized focus on the Jewish State, which is difficult to explain quickly.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation provided a black-and-white example, alleging that the UN is sabotaging its aid efforts. [3]

Wednesday 7.2

Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mike Lawler introduced a bill providing Israel with bunker-busting bombs and the aircraft necessary to deliver them. I am a proud intern-alumnus of Rep. Gottheimer. [4]

Thursday 7.3

Edan Alexander and his family visited the White House and were received by President and Melania Trump. Edan was released in a gesture of goodwill from Hamas to the President. [5]

Friday 7.4

Hamas agreed to move forward with talks on establishing a ceasefire. It will likely begin with a 60-day truce. This comes as the Israeli public increasingly perceives less of a clear end goal of a presence in Gaza. [6]

Saturday 7.5

Against all odds, Itamar Ben-Gvir came out against the deal. [7]