Two Wyoming men were charged for trafficking large amounts of Fentanyl to Cody, Wyoming. 29-year-old Jonathan Castillo from Casper, Wyoming, and Cody, Wyoming resident, 36-year-old Tucker D. Wirfel. Both men were accused of having direct involvement in a Fentanyl trafficking ring that was distributing vast quantities of Fentanyl to Cody. It was enough Fentanyl to kill everyone in Park County.
Both men pleaded guilty. Castillo received 90 months in prison with four years of supervised release.
Tucker Wirfel pleaded guilty to Fentanyl distribution and received 92 months and only three years of supervised release and to pay only 500 dollars in restitution.
According to Court Documents, a significant form of distributing the Fentanyl pills to Cody, Wyoming, was using the United States Postal mail.
The shipments were coming from the State of Arizona, and the Fentanyl was directly linked to the Illegal Aliens that were coming across the open Southern border, more than likely Cartel Drugs.
The Rainbow Fentanyl, is the name of brightly colored pills that look like candy bear are syntheticOpioid that is 50 times more potent than Heroin and 100 times more potent that Morphine and, it will kill a person.
On 11/28/2023 at 0250 hours, an officer responded to the 3100 block of Queen Anns for a report of a theft. At the conclusion of the investigation, a 40-year-old female was cited for theft.
On 11/28/2023 at 0539 hours, an officer responded to the 0 block of Ewing for a welfare check on an individual. It was determined that the individual was having a mental health crisis, and they were later transported to the hospital for an evaluation.
On 11/28/2023 at 0900 hours, an officer responded to the 100 block of Valley for a welfare check on an individual. It was determined that the individual was having a mental health crisis, and they were later transported to the hospital for an evaluation.
On 11/28/2023 at 0950 hours, an officer responded to the 2100 block of Gold for a report of a theft. The case is active.
On 11/28/2023 at 1001 hours, an officer responded to the 500 block of Last Chance for a welfare check on an individual. It was determined that the individual was having a mental health crisis, and they were later transported to the hospital for an evaluation.
On 11/28/2023 at 1021 hours, an officer responded to the 1400 block of Broadwater Circle for a report of a theft.
On 11/28/2023 at 1121 hours, an officer responded to the 2000 block of Cromwell Dixon for a report of a theft. The suspect left prior to officers’ arrival. The case is active.
On 11/28/2023 at 1208 hours, an officer responded to the 400 block of Fuller for a welfare check on an individual. It was determined that the individual was having a mental health crisis, and they were later transported to the hospital for an evaluation.
On 11/28/2023 at 1339 hours, an officer responded to the 3500 block of Ptarmigan for a report of a disorderly male. The case is active.
On 11/28/2023 at 1451 hours, an officer responded to the 700 block of Hauser for a report of a theft. The case is active.
On 11/28/2023 at 1624 hours, an officer responded to the 600 block of Montana for a report of a theft. The case is active.
On 11/28/2023 at 1636 hours, an officer responded to the 1000 block of Hollins for a possible order of protection violation. The case is active.
On 11/28/2023 at 1650 hours, an officer responded to the 1700 block of Hannaford for a report of a disturbance. The officer met with all parties involved and determined that there was nothing criminal.
On 11/28/2023 at 1603 hours, an officer responded to the 700 block of Fee for a report of a theft that had occurred earlier. The officer located the suspect and at the conclusion of the investigation, a 37-year-old male was cited for theft.
On 11/28/2023 at 1959 hours, an officer responded to the 3100 block of Montana for a welfare check on an individual. It was determined that the individual was having a mental health crisis, and they were later transported to the hospital for an evaluation.
On 11/28/2023 at 2128 hours, an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the area of Cedar and Cooke. At the conclusion of the investigation, a 20-year-old male was placed under arrest for driving while suspended and 4 warrants.
On 11/28/2023 at 2229 hours, an officer was patrolling in the 300 block of Last Chance when he observed an individual in a business where they had been previously trespassed. At the conclusion of the investigation, a 49-year-old male was cited for trespass to property.
In the last 24 hours, officers responded to 79 calls for service which included 3 accidents, 1 disorderly, 2 family disturbance/domestics, 4 suspicious, 9 theft/frauds, 2 threats, 6 trespass, and 12 welfare checks.
Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Division detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify additional crimes committed by Miguel Abad Muñoz around the South Park District of Downtown Los Angeles, following his arrest for multiple acts of arson. On November 27, 2023, around 10:00 a.m., private security personnel in the area of Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard saw Muñoz setting multiple fires. Central Area patrol officers responded, located and arrested Muñoz near Hope Street north of Washington Boulevard. Muñoz, a 40-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was arrested for 451 (d) PC – Arson of Property, booking number 6717428. Muñoz’s bail was set at $50,000. A small black butane lighter was recovered and booked as evidence. The officers’ investigation revealed eight separate sites where property, including loose trash and other debris, was intentionally ignited by Muñoz. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to ensure all fires were extinguished. Los Angeles Fire Department Arson Investigators are assisting the ongoing investigation. Anyone who witnessed these acts of arson, or who has additional information is asked to contact LAPD Central Area Detectives at (213) 833-37508.
PROBATION VIOLATION-FELONY 10/24/2023 20:07:00 In Custody Jessie Martinez 64 Fail To Maintain Sex Off Reg BURGLARY-RESIDENCE 10/23/2023 22:36:00 In CustodyJeremy Merritt 20 Motor Vehicle Theft
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT10/23/2023 22:36:00 In Custody Jeremy Merritt 20 Motor Vehicle Theft
10/23/2023 09:00:00 In Custody Lenard Stang 66 Warrant Other Jurisdiction
VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER-1ST MISD 10/26/2023 12:40:00 Notice to Appearn Joan Magerb 59 TRO Violation
CONTEMPT OF COURT- FELONY 10/23/2023 17:30:00 In Custody James Whiteside 30 Warrant County
In Custody CHRISTOPHER BURNS 45 Warrant Other Jurisdiction
In Custody AMANDA INGOLD 38 Warrant City
CONTEMPT OF COURT – MISD 10/24/2023 13:09:00 In Custody JAMACENA MORIN 39 Warrant County
10/24/2023 14:56:00b In Custody Christina Koch 44 Warrant City
10/24/2023 15:02:00 In Custody AMANDA INGOLD 38 Warrant City
10/25/2023 09:42:00 In Custody Steven Sadler 53n Warrant Other Jurisdiction
10/25/2023 23:00:00 ASSAULT ON PEACE OR JUDICIAL OFFICER, MINOR OR NO INJURY
In Custody Anfernee Whiteman 24 Assault Fist Feet 10/26/2023 17:51:00 DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS – 4th or Subsequent Offense
10/26/2023 17:51:00 In Custody Christy Davidson 59 Driving Under the Influence
10/26/2023 19:34:00 ESCAPE (OFFICIAL DETENTION) – FELONY 10/26/2023 19:34:00 In Custody Julie Balback 57 Warrant Other Jurisdiction
10/27/2023 01:51:00 In Custody Christy Davidson 59 Warrant City
10/27/2023 02:51:00 AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCE w/ 0.16 ALCOHOL-1st Offense 10/27/2023 03:04:00 Notice to Appear Zachary Barnes 26 Driving Under the Influence
10/27/2023 09:23:00 In Custody Connor Woods 25 Warrant Other Jurisdiction
ASSAULT 10/29/2023 03:37:00 In Custody ELSWORTH GOESAHEAD 23 Partner Family Member Assault
CHEYENNE, Wy — Saturday, October 14, at approximately 2:13 a.m., Cheyenne Police Officers made a traffic stop on a Chevrolet pickup truck near the 1200 block of Ames Avenue. The truck was traveling through downtown at a high rate of speed and failing to maintain its lane. The driver, later identified as Evan Kearsley, 35, of Kent, Washington, pulled the vehicle over at the intersection of Ames Avenue and Parsley Boulevard. During the traffic stop, Kearsley was instructed to remove his keys from the ignition, but instead, he put the vehicle into drive and accelerated away from officers. Officers immediately pursued the vehicle, following south on Parsley Boulevard and then east on West College Drive. Kearsley proceeded to drive recklessly at times crossing into oncoming traffic and running red lights. A Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper successfully deployed spike strips, however, the truck continued to travel at a high rate of speed toward South Greeley Highway. The driver then turned into the parking lot of Rossman Elementary School, struck a curb, and nearly collided with a police officer’s patrol vehicle. As the driver was attempting to exit the parking lot, a Laramie County Sheriff’s Deputy pulled into the entrance on Walterscheid Boulevard. Kearsley swerved his vehicle towards the deputy’s patrol car and crashed into the front fender on the driver’s side. He continued to accelerate into the deputy’s vehicle with the deputy still in the driver’s seat. Cheyenne Police Officers ran to the driver’s door, gained entry, and took Kearsley into custody. No injuries were reported. Kearsley was booked into Laramie County Jail for aggravated assault on a peace officer, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), aggravated fleeing and eluding, and interference with a police
JASON RICHARD KODISHGender: MHair Color: BROWNHeight: 72Weight: 190Ethnicity: WHITEEye Color: BROWNSource State: MTAgencyMONTANA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONSOffense InformationPROBATIONSource StateMT
PROBATIONMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHGender: MHair Color: BROWNHeight: 72Weight: 190Ethnicity: WHITEEye Color: BROWNSource State: MTAgencyMONTANA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONSOffense InformationPROBATIONSource StateMT
PROBATIONMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHGender: MHair Color: BROWNHeight: 72Weight: 190Ethnicity: WHITEEye Color: BROWNSource State: MTAgencyMONTANA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONSOffense InformationPROBATIONSource StateMT
MISD CHGMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Case NumberKODISHJASONRICHARD11271977ChargesMISD CHGSource StateMT
FELONY CHGMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Case NumberKODISHJASONRICHARD11271977ChargesFELONY CHGSource StateMT
PARTNER OR FAMILY ASSAULT-3RD + OFFENSEMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date09/07/2009Charge ClassFELONY CHGChargesPARTNER OR FAMILY ASSAULT-3RD + OFFENSEBond$$15,000.00Current LocationNOR1-N120Source StateMT
REVOCATION OF SUSPENDED OR DEFERRED SENTENCEMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date09/07/2009Charge ClassFELONY CHGChargesREVOCATION OF SUSPENDED OR DEFERRED SENTENCEBond$$15,000.00Current LocationNOR1-N120Source StateMT
PARTNER OR FAMILY ASSAULT-3RD + OFFENSEMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date09/07/2009Charge ClassFELONY CHGChargesPARTNER OR FAMILY ASSAULT-3RD + OFFENSEBond$$1,000.00Current LocationNOR1-N120Source StateMT
REVOCATION OF SUSPENDED OR DEFERRED SENTENCEMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date09/07/2009Charge ClassFELONY CHGChargesREVOCATION OF SUSPENDED OR DEFERRED SENTENCEBond$$1,000.00Current LocationNOR1-N120Source StateMT
PARTNER OR FAMILY ASSAULT-3RD + OFFENSEMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date05/20/2012Charge ClassFELONY CHGChargesPARTNER OR FAMILY ASSAULT-3RD + OFFENSEBond$$30,000.00Current LocationNOR3-N314Source StateMT
CRIMINAL DESTRUCTION OF COMMUNICATION DEVICEMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date05/20/2012Charge ClassFELONY CHGChargesCRIMINAL DESTRUCTION OF COMMUNICATION DEVICEBond$$30,000.00Current LocationNOR3-N314Source StateMT
PAROLE VIOLATIONMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date05/20/2012Charge ClassFELONY CHGChargesPAROLE VIOLATIONBond$$30,000.00Current LocationNOR3-N314Source StateMT
PARTNER OR FAMILY ASSAULT-3RD + OFFENSEMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date05/20/2012Charge ClassFELONY CHGChargesPARTNER OR FAMILY ASSAULT-3RD + OFFENSEBond$$20,000.00Current LocationNOR3-N314Source StateMT
CRIMINAL DESTRUCTION OF COMMUNICATION DEVICEMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date05/20/2012Charge ClassFELONY CHGChargesCRIMINAL DESTRUCTION OF COMMUNICATION DEVICEBond$$20,000.00Current LocationNOR3-N314Source StateMT
PAROLE VIOLATIONMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date05/20/2012Charge ClassFELONY CHGChargesPAROLE VIOLATIONBond$$20,000.00Current LocationNOR3-N314Source StateMT
PROBATION VIOLATION-FELONYMontana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Booking Date07/03/2012Charge ClassPROBATIONChargesPROBATION VIOLATION-FELONYBond$$0.00Current LocationCLSD-CD02Source StateMT
UNLAWFUL OR UNSIGNALED TURN 1997 | Oregon
JASON R KODISHSubject’s Address:16751 SE 82ND DR APT 1504, CLACKAMAS, OR 97015-9549Date of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Gender: MEthnicity: WHITECase NumberDCLA 9779341DEF00001Case TypeOFFENSE INFRACTIONCounts00000Crime TypeTRAFFICDegree Of OffenseINFRACTION CLASS DGrade Of OffenseCRCrime CountyCLACKAMASOffense Code811335Offense Date10/28/1997Offense DescriptionUNLAWFUL OR UNSIGNALED TURN Charges Filed Date10/30/1997CourtCLACKAMAS COUNTY COURTSPlea2032DispositionFINDING OF GUILTYDisposition Date03/09/1998StatusSTATE OF OREGON VS. JASON R KODISHExtra InfoADDITIONAL DISPOSITION INFORMATION: COURT ACTION: SIGNED; COURT ACTION DATE: 03/09/1998;; AGENCY: CLACKAMAS COUNTY SHERIFF; CASE SUB TYPE: OFFENSE INFRACTION; CHARGE NUMBER: 1; COURT LOCATION: 105100; SEQ: 1; PLEA DATE: 11/13/1997; RECEIVEDATE: 10/06/2021Source StateOR
UNSPECIFIED Montana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Gender: MEthnicity: WHITEOffense DescriptionUNSPECIFIED StatusCONDITIONAL RELEASEStatus Date11/30/2013Extra InfoCORRECTIONS TYPE: CON; DOC ID: 3004253; FACILITY: BILLINGS PROBATION AND PAROLE; SCARS MARKS AND TATTOOS: SC L CHK SCARS CHEEK (FACE), LEFT; TAT L SHLD TATTOOS SHOULDER, LEFT “THE GIFT”; TAT UR ARM TATTOOS ARM, RIGHT UPPER BARBED WIRE;; SEQ: 1; VIOLENT: VIOLENT; RECEIVEDATE: 08/30/2017Source StateMT
PARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT Montana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Gender: MEthnicity: WHITECase NumberDC 09-0471Counts1Crime CountyYELLOWSTONEOffense Code455206Offense Date09/07/2009Offense DescriptionPARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT CountyYELLOWSTONEStatusRELEASEDExtra InfoDOC ID: 3004253; LEGAL TYPE: PROBATION VIOLATION SENTENCE; SCARS MARKS AND TATTOOS: SC L CHK SCARS CHEEK (FACE), LEFT; TAT L SHLD TATTOOS SHOULDER, LEFT ‘THE GIFT’; TAT UR ARM TATTOOS ARM, RIGHT UPPER BARBED WIRE;; SENTENCE TYPE: DOC COMMIT NONE SUSPENDED; SEQ: 1; TOTAL SENTENCE MONTHS: 36M; VIOLENT: VIOLENT; RECEIVEDATE: 03/12/2021; SENTENCE PRONOUNCED DATE: 12/20/2012Source StateMT
PARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT Montana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Gender: MEthnicity: WHITECase NumberDC 12-0331Counts1Crime CountyYELLOWSTONEOffense Code455206Offense Date05/20/2012Offense DescriptionPARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT CountyYELLOWSTONESentenceSentenceMaxYears=5StatusRELEASEDExtra InfoDOC ID: 3004253; LEGAL TYPE: ORIGINAL SENTENCE; SCARS MARKS AND TATTOOS: SC L CHK SCARS CHEEK (FACE), LEFT; TAT L SHLD TATTOOS SHOULDER, LEFT ‘THE GIFT’; TAT UR ARM TATTOOS ARM, RIGHT UPPER BARBED WIRE;; SENTENCE TYPE: DOC COMMIT NONE SUSPENDED; SEQ: 1; TOTAL SENTENCE MONTHS: 60M; VIOLENT: VIOLENT; RECEIVEDATE: 03/12/2021; SENTENCE PRONOUNCED DATE: 12/20/2012Source StateMT
PARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT Montana
JASON RICHARD KODISHDate of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Gender: MEthnicity: WHITECase Number3004253Counts1Crime CountyYELLOWSTONEOffense Code455206Offense Date10/06/2009Offense DescriptionPARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT CourtYELLOWSTONDispositionSENTENCEDSource StateMT
OPR MOTOR VEH NO DRIVERS LIC 1997 | Oregon
JAYSON R KODISHSubject’s Address:2616 SE 81ST AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97206Date of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Gender: MEthnicity: WHITECase NumberDCLA 9773954DEF00001Case TypeOFFENSE INFRACTIONCounts00000Crime CountyCLACKAMASOffense Date03/14/1997Offense DescriptionOPR MOTOR VEH NO DRIVERS LIC Charges Filed Date03/17/1997CourtCLACKAMAS COUNTY COURTSDispositionDISMISSEDDisposition Date03/28/1997Source StateOR
DRIVING UNINSURED 1997 | Oregon
JAYSON R KODISHSubject’s Address:2616 SE 81ST AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97206Date of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Gender: MEthnicity: WHITECase NumberDCLA 9773954DEF00001Case TypeOFFENSE INFRACTIONCounts00000Crime CountyCLACKAMASOffense Date03/14/1997Offense DescriptionDRIVING UNINSURED Charges Filed Date03/17/1997CourtCLACKAMAS COUNTY COURTSSource StateOR
REGISTRATION STICKER-EXPIRED 1997 | Oregon
JAYSON R KODISHSubject’s Address:2616 SE 81ST AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97206Date of Birth: Nov 27, 1977Current Age: 45Gender: MEthnicity: WHITECase NumberDCLA 9773954DEF00001Case TypeOFFENSE INFRACTIONCounts00000Crime CountyCLACKAMASOffense Date03/14/1997Offense DescriptionREGISTRATION STICKER-EXPIRED Charges Filed Date03/17/1997CourtCLACKAMAS COUNTY COURTSDispositionDISMISSEDDisposition Date03/28/1997Source StateOR
PARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT Montana
JASON RICHARD KODISHSubject’s Address:2606 ATCHISON DR, LAUREL, MT 59044-3523Counts1Offense DescriptionPARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT Extra InfoDESIGNATION: NON-COMPLIANT/ADDRESS VERIFICA; OFFENDER TYPE: VIOLENT; REGISTERING AGENCY: YELLOWSTONE COUNTY SHERIFF, (406) 256-2929; SEQ: 1; RECEIVEDATE: 07/31/2020; REGISTRATION INFORMATION UPDATED DATE: 03/31/2020; SENTENCE DATE: 12/11/2009Source StateMT
PARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT Montana
JASON RICHARD KODISHSubject’s Address:3385 GRANGER AVE S APT 67, BILLINGS, MT 59102Case NumberMT02129110KODJASCounts1Offense DescriptionPARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT DispositionREGISTEREDDisposition Date12/11/2009Source StateMT
UNSPECIFIED Montana
JASON RICHARD KODISHCase NumberDC-56-2020-0000305-INCrime CountyYELLOWSTONE – DISTRICT COURT|YELLOWSTONEOffense DescriptionUNSPECIFIED CountyYELLOWSTONEExtra InfoSEQ: 1; COURT DATE: 10/13/2020; RECEIVEDATE: 10/11/2022Source StateMT
NOT SPECIFIED Montana
JASON RICHARD KODISHSubject’s Address:790 9TH ST S, HUNTLEY, MT 59037-9048Case NumberDC 12-0331Counts1Grade Of OffensePARTNER/FAMILY MEMBEOffense DescriptionNOT SPECIFIED StatusVIOLENTSource StateMT
1. Hamas grew out of antisemitic Islamist movements.
Hamas grew out of the Muslim Brotherhood, a radical Islamist movement that was founded in Egypt in 1928 by a hardline preacher named Hasan al-Banna. al-Banna was implacably opposed to a Jewish state. He admired Hitler and established outposts of his movement in Jordan and present-day Israel during World War II. In 1948, he told The New York Times: “If the Jewish state becomes a fact…the Arab peoples…will drive the Jews who live in their midst into the sea….”
An influential proponent of Muslim Brotherhood’s ideas was Ahmed Yassin, a popular preacher who spent most of his life in Gaza. He established a Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in the 1970s and 1980s, getting arrested along the way for raising a private army and amassing a huge collection of arms. In 1987, he co-founded Hamas.
2. Hamas is Dedicated to Israel’s Destruction.
In Arabic, Hamas is an acronym for “Islamic Resistance Movement”: Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya. (In Hebrew, the word hamas means violence.) From its start, Hamas lived up to both meanings, pledging to destroy all of Israel using all available means. Hamas’ charter calls for the violent destruction of Israel and the creation of an Islamist government in all of Israel, Gaza, plus the areas governed by the Palestinian Authority.
3. Hamas Has Perpetuated Attacks on Israel Since the 1990s
Hamas’ military wing – called the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades – has been attacking Israel since the 1990s. According to the US Government: “These attacks have included large-scale bombings against Israeli civilian targets, small-arms attacks, improvised roadside explosives, and rocket attacks. In 2021, for instance, Hamas launched over 4,000 missiles into Israel, causing over 300 casualties and 10 deaths.
4. Hamas’ Charter Calls for Genocide
Hamas’ Charter is filled with paranoid ranting about Jews and calls for Muslims to kill them. “Israel, Judaism and Jews challenge Islam and the Muslim people,” the Charter declares. It also quotes a Muslim injunction: “The Day of Judgment will not come about until Muslims fight the Jews. When the Jew will hide behind stones and trees, the stones and trees will say O Muslims…there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him….” In Hamas’ eyes, Jews – not just Israelis – are an enemy to be eradicated.
Some commentators point to a 2017 Statement of General Principles and Policies as “proof” that Hamas became more moderate. In the midst of Arab-Israeli peace talks, Hamas’ new document accepted the possibility of a two-state agreement with Israel establishing an independent Palestinian State – but only as an interim step before Israel’s complete obliteration.
5. Hamas Was Voted into Power
There are two main Palestinian political parties: Fatah, which controls the Palestinian Authority and rules the West Bank, and Hamas, which governs Gaza.
Israel conquered the West Bank from Jordan and Gaza from Egypt during the Six Day War of 1967. In 2005, under international pressure, Israel withdrew from Gaza, uprooting every Israeli and making sure the area was completely free of Jews. Even Jewish graves were relocated. Two years later, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza held local elections: Hamas won a clear majority of seats in both areas. The Fatah party ejected Hamas from the government in the West Bank, but the terror group tightened its grip on Gaza. There has never been another election in Gaza.
6. Hamas is a Designated Terrorist Organization
Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union (and 15 individual EU member states), Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand.
7. Hamas Kills and Oppresses Women, Gays, and Political Opponents
Women’s rights in Gaza are seriously constrained: women are barred from most Government positions, compelled to wear a black hijab in some public settings, and face widespread and pervasive state-sanctioned discrimination. Hamas’ charter declares that Muslim women are important only because they “manufacture men.” Amnesty International has documented Hamas’ tolerance honor killings.
Gaza’s Christian population declined precipitously under Hamas to only a few hundred today. The US Government has documented “individual killings, physical attacks and verbal harassment of worshippers and clergy, and vandalism of (Christian) religious sites” under Hamas. .
Human Rights Watch calls Hamas’ treatment of political prisoners “crimes against humanity.” They’ve documented widespread torture, imprisonment and murder of any Gazan who dares defy Hamas.
8. Hamas Uses its People as Human Shields
Hamas uses its own people as human shields, hiding military sites and targets in civilian areas. NATO calls Hamas’ actions a “war crime.” According to NATO, Hamas fires “rockets, artillery, and mortars from…heavily populated civilian areas, often from…facilities which should be protected according to the Geneva Convention (e.g. schools, hospitals, or mosques).” NATO also documented Hamas’ practice of locating military bases in civilian areas, prioritizing saving the lives of Hamas fighters over those of civilians, and forcing civilians to act as spies, often through blackmail.
9. Hamas is Funded by Billions of Dollars
Hamas-Generated Funds – Hamas collects approximately $144 million annually in taxes on goods entering Gaza from Egypt. It also controls a vast and secret network of companies with investments of half a billion dollars around the world. According to the United States’ Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, “Hamas moves funds through the smuggling of physical currency as well as a regional network of complicit money transmitters, exchange houses, and Hezbollah-affiliated banks,” allowing it to collect and invest money around much of the world with impunity.
Donations – Hamas receives a huge amount of donations: at least $100 million annually from Iran, $360 million – plus fuel – from Qatar, as much as $300 million annually from Turkey, plus donations from individual donors and charities around the world.
Theft of Aid. All this is on top of the aid money that flows into Gaza, much of which is stolen outright by Hamas. The UN spends about $600 million in Gaza annually, providing schools, medical care and food. Qatar has donated about $1.3 billion in aid money since 2012. The Palestinian Authority donates about $1.7 billion in aid money each year. Other countries, including Egypt and the United States, plus the European Union, also donate tens of millions of dollars for discreet aid projects. Most of this aid money winds up not aiding poor civilians, but in the pockets of Hamas’ officials.
10. Iran Trains Hamas’ Army
Besides funding, Iran provides Hamas with advanced weaponry, military training, cyber security, and expertise to manufacture military equipment inside Gaza. Hamas now maintains a naval commando unit and a standing 40,000-man army.
Since October 7, Iran has provided support for Hamas by using Hezbollah, another proxy army it controls, to bomb Israel from Lebanon. With two borders to defend, Israel has found its resources stretched and its population severely traumatized.
11. Hamas Built 500 km of Terror Tunnels – and No Bomb Shelters
Hamas used billions of dollars in aid money to build a network of 500 km – about 300 miles – of deep tunnels underneath Gaza and extending into Israel and Egypt. According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, “Gaza tunnel entrances are hidden under houses, mosques and schools….” guaranteeing that any military assault on them will cause widespread casualties.
Tunnels are up to ten stories deep, reinforced with concrete and wired for ventilation, electricity and communication.
While Hamas leaders and fighters shelter in the tunnels, this huge underground network is off limits to ordinary Gazans. For Palestinian civilians used as human shields, there’s no protection during wartime: Hamas has built no bomb shelters in Gaza.
12. Hamas is Bombing Israel Daily – And 20% of Hamas Bombs Fall on Gaza
Hamas has regularly attacked Israel for years, sending mortars, rockets and incendiary devices into Israeli cities and towns. Since October 7, 2023, Hamas has launched missiles into Israel daily, aiming for major centers such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. 20% of Hamas’ missiles malfunction and fall within Gaza, causing casualties among the civilian population, as in the Al-Ahri Hospital, which was hit by a bomb launched by the Hamas-affiliated group Islamic Jihad on October 17, 2023.
13. Hamas’ Leaders are Protected, with Many Abroad
Hamas’ political chief is Ismail Haniyeh, who lives in Doha, Qatar. Several senior Hamas leaders live with their families in Turkey, where they’ve gained citizenship and run their own lucrative businesses. Muhammad Qassem Sawalhalives in a taxpayer-subsidized house in London, where he’s helped plan terror attacks and launder money to Hamas.
Saleh al-Arouri heads Hamas’ Lebanon office and lives in Lebanon, with homes in Qatar, Iran, and Turkey. Khaled Mashal, Hamas’ former leader, lives in Qatar and recently called on a global jihad against Jews. Khaled Qaddoumiis Hamas’ representative in Iran, Hamas’ chief backer in recent years.
High-level Hamas leaders actually living in Gaza include Gaza political leader Yahya Sinwar (who served 22 years in jail in Israel for arranging the kidnapping and murder of two Israeli soldiers), Issam al-Da’alis, who serves as a de facto prime minister in Gaza, and Marwan Issa and Mohammed Deif, who command Hamas’ military organization, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
14. Hamas is Admired in Much of the World
After Hamas’ horrific, brutal attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 that brutally murdered 1400 and kidnapped over 200, leaders in much of the Muslim world praised the attacks and Hamas. Leaders of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Lebanon complimented Hamas on the attacks. In the West, some groups – including individual chapters of the Democratic Socialists for America and independent chapters of Black Lives Matter – spoke warmly of Hamas’ attacks. The leaders of a recent 100,000 strong pro-Palestinian march in the center of London have ties to Hamas, yet their march was allowed to go ahead.
Actions We Can Take
We all can help weaken Hamas. Urge your elected representatives to impose tough financial sanctions on Hamas. Call your representatives today and ask them to support steps that aggressively shut down charities and businesses shown to have Hamas ties.
Push for stronger Iranian sanctions. As Hamas’ greatest backer, a stronger Iran means a stronger Hamas. The United States has been leading the way, imposing sanctions on people and companies with ties to Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs. It’s crucial that we don’t let up the pressure, and that more countries crack down on firms that do business with Iran.
The global conventional arms embargo on Iran expired on October 18, 2023. The United States is attempting to gain backing for a snapback provision in the United Nations, which would allow a permanent reimposition of sanctions without the resolution going to a vote in the Security Council (which Russia and China would prevent passing). Urge your representatives to support snapback, ensuring that Iran doesn’t gain access to even more military goods.
Finally, speak up. Educate yourself about the war between Israel and Hamas (and Hezbollah). Blog about it. Post on social media, drawing attention to the danger Hamas poses. Fill people in on what’s at stake. Become a foot soldier in the war of public opinion now, during Israel’s hour of need.
Dr. Yvette Alt Miller
Dr. Alt Miller lives with her family in Chicago, and has lectured internationally on Jewish topics