The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Episode Summary

Title: Biden Released Somali Terrorist into the U.S. & Funds UN Agency CAUGHT Participating in October 7 Terrorist Attack
Release Date: January 31, 2024
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

1. Introduction to National Security Concerns

In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz delve into alarming national security issues under the Biden administration. They shed light on the administration's handling of terrorist apprehensions at the U.S. southern border and the troubling ties between U.S. funding agencies and terrorist activities.

Key Discussion Points:

• Release of a Somali Terrorist:
  Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by highlighting a shocking report where a member of the Somali terror group Al Shabaab was released into the U.S. for nearly a year after being apprehended at the southern border.

  Ben Ferguson [00:01]: "Center terrorists that have been caught illegally crossing the border in this country were released and allowed to roam free for nearly a year..."

• Increased Terror Apprehensions:
  Senator Cruz emphasizes the unprecedented rise in terrorism-related apprehensions, comparing the current numbers unfavorably to the Trump administration's tenure.

  Senator Ted Cruz [00:53]: "I've said a number of times that I believe the risks of a major terrorist attack right now are greater than they have been at any time since September 11th."

  He reveals that last year saw 172 terror watch list suspects caught, a stark increase from the previous average of single digits. In just the last three months of the Biden administration, 50 suspects were apprehended, surpassing the total 30 caught during the entire Trump presidency.

  Senator Ted Cruz [03:54]: "More people on the terror watch list were caught at our southern border in October, November to December than all four years of the Trump presidency."

2. UNRWA Funding and Its Implications

The conversation shifts to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), with Senator Cruz exposing its alleged involvement in terrorist activities and critiquing the Biden administration's continued funding.

Key Highlights:

• UNRWA’s Involvement in Terrorism:
  Senator Cruz discusses recent reports indicating that at least 12 UNRWA employees were directly involved in the October 7th terrorist attack.

  Senator Ted Cruz [12:21]: "At least 12 employees who work for the United Nations... were actively involved in the October 7th terrorist attack."

• Biden Administration’s Funding Choices:
  Despite these revelations, the Biden administration has historically provided substantial funding to UNRWA, a move Cruz vehemently opposes. He points out that several other nations have halted their contributions in response to UNRWA's misconduct.

  Senator Ted Cruz [19:17]: "When the United States halted funding, we saw countries throughout Europe do so as well."

• State Department's Defense of UNRWA:
  Matt Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, defends UNRWA by emphasizing its humanitarian role. However, Senator Cruz challenges this stance, arguing that the agency's actions undermine national security and support extremist activities.

  Matt Miller [13:03]: "UNRWA is providing life-saving work for Palestinians right now under very difficult circumstances."

3. International Response and Policy Implications

Senator Cruz elaborates on the international community's response to UNRWA's alleged ties with terrorism, highlighting the withdrawal of support from several Western nations and criticizing the Biden administration for not taking the lead in addressing these issues sooner.

Senator Ted Cruz [19:17]: "Many of those countries, particularly the European countries, have long been willing to stand with the Palestinians against Israel. And it says something that the Biden administration is not willing to lead."

4. Guest Segment: Support Efforts in Israel

The episode features Yael Eckstein, the President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, who provides an on-the-ground perspective from Israel amidst ongoing conflicts.

Key Insights:

• Resilience and Unity in Israel:
  Yael Eckstein shares the resilience and unity of the Israeli people in the face of continuous threats, emphasizing the crucial support from international Christian communities.

  Yael Eckstein [21:42]: "Israel is resilient. Israel has always been resilient... we are all unified and finding moments of hope..."

• Rising Anti-Semitism:
  Eckstein highlights the rise of anti-Semitism globally, underscoring the importance of international solidarity in combating hatred and ensuring the safety of Jewish communities.

  Yael Eckstein [23:11]: "There is so much hatred towards the Jewish people. There's so much anti-Semitism."

• Essential Humanitarian Work:
  She details the efforts of her organization in providing critical support such as bomb shelters, bulletproof ambulances, and food aid to vulnerable populations in Israel.

  Yael Eckstein [28:00]: "We have been providing security for over 15 years, and we were able to mobilize on October 7th..."

• Call to Action:
  Eckstein urges listeners to support their mission by donating to help meet the basic needs of those affected by the conflict, emphasizing that even small contributions can make a significant impact.

  Yael Eckstein [29:39]: "We have reserve soldiers who were called up four months ago... we are desperately in need of food and basic necessities."

5. Conclusion and Final Remarks

Senator Cruz reiterates the necessity of stringent immigration enforcement to safeguard national security and criticizes the Biden administration for its mismanagement and misplaced priorities. He also commends Yael Eckstein and her organization for their vital work in supporting Israel.

Senator Ted Cruz [31:28]: "Truth will prevail. Israel will stand against the face of evil and America stands."

Ben Ferguson wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay informed and engaged with the pressing national security issues discussed.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Ferguson [00:01]: "Center terrorists that have been caught illegally crossing the border in this country were released and allowed to roam free for nearly a year..."

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:53]: "I've said a number of times that I believe the risks of a major terrorist attack right now are greater than they have been at any time since September 11th."

• Senator Ted Cruz [03:54]: "More people on the terror watch list were caught at our southern border in October, November to December than all four years of the Trump presidency."

• Senator Ted Cruz [12:21]: "At least 12 employees who work for the United Nations... were actively involved in the October 7th terrorist attack."

• Yael Eckstein [21:42]: "Israel is resilient. Israel has always been resilient... we are all unified and finding moments of hope..."

• Senator Ted Cruz [19:17]: "When the United States halted funding, we saw countries throughout Europe do so as well."

• Senator Ted Cruz [31:28]: "Truth will prevail. Israel will stand against the face of evil and America stands."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The 47 Morning Update provides a critical examination of the Biden administration's immigration and foreign aid policies, highlighting significant lapses in national security and the unintended consequences of funding decisions. Through robust dialogue between Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz, coupled with firsthand insights from Yael Eckstein, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the current challenges facing the United States and its allies.

For those seeking to support humanitarian efforts in Israel or address national security concerns, the episode offers actionable information and calls to action, emphasizing the importance of informed and active citizenship.