New York
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State will allocate $54 million from discretionary infrastructure funds to restart the long-stalled extension of the Second Avenue subway line in Manhattan.
This project, which had been delayed following the suspension of the congestion pricing plan, aims to extend the line to East Harlem, a historically underserved area. The funding allows the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to proceed with utility relocation work, although additional billions will be required to complete the project. The extension, expected to serve 123,000 daily riders, would add three new stops along the Q line. The suspension of congestion pricing, which was projected to generate $3 billion for the project and $1 billion annually for the MTA, has left many essential transit upgrades uncertain. The state’s interim funding helps secure $3.4 billion in federal grants contingent on local funding, while broader financial strategies are developed.
New York City has launched a 30-day pilot program using AI-powered Evolv scanners to detect weapons in the subway system, sparking controversy and skepticism. Mayor Eric Adams introduced the technology at Fulton Center, emphasizing the goal of enhancing subway safety despite the limited scope and experimental nature of the project. Civil liberties groups, such as the New York Civil Liberties Union and the Legal Aid Society, have threatened lawsuits, arguing that the searches may violate constitutional rights. Critics, including some riders, question the practicality of deploying scanners system-wide, while others doubt the technology’s effectiveness, especially given the subway’s complexity and multiple access points. Despite concerns, Adams envisions future widespread use, although logistical and legal challenges remain significant.
Mayor Eric Adams issued an emergency order suspending key parts of a new law banning solitary confinement in New York City jails, citing safety concerns for staff and detainees. The suspended provisions include a four-hour limit on holding prisoners in “de-escalation confinement” and restrictions on using restraints during transport. Adams’ order also overrides a prohibition on placing prisoners in restrictive housing for more than 60 days in a year, mandating reviews every 15 days instead. This emergency measure, effective for up to 30 days with possible extensions, has sparked criticism from City Council leaders and supporters of the law, who argue it was unnecessary and undermines legal protections intended to prevent the psychological harms associated with solitary confinement. Adams defended the action, emphasizing the need for measures to manage violent inmates and maintain safety in jails.
Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller, announced his intention to challenge Mayor Eric Adams in the upcoming Democratic primary, setting up a rare contest between two prominent citywide officials. Lander, a progressive Democrat, has been a vocal critic of Adams, particularly on issues like handling the migrant crisis and emergency spending. In his campaign launch, Lander focused on concerns like budget cuts and childcare costs, distancing himself from his progressive base to appeal to a broader electorate. Despite Adams’ low approval ratings and the potential vulnerabilities he faces, including a federal investigation and critiques of his administration, Lander will face significant challenges, including fundraising disparities and the need to garner support from communities of color. Other Democratic challengers, including former comptroller Scott Stringer and state senator Zellnor Myrie, have also entered the race, which is shaping up to be a critical test for Adams’ moderate platform versus progressive alternatives.
US
A fire at a Fair Lawn shopping center early on July 26 caused extensive damage to several businesses, including Zadies Kosher Bake Shop and Fair Lawn Roadhouse, deeply affecting the local Jewish community. The blaze began at Green Dragon Asian Cuisine and quickly spread to adjacent establishments. Despite a swift response from local fire departments, which included assistance from neighboring areas, the fire led to the collapse of the roof and significant damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The incident has prompted a strong outpouring of community support, with local officials and residents expressing their sorrow and commitment to helping the affected businesses recover. “It’s heartbreaking. I mean, not just for the business owners but for the entire community,” said local congressman Josh Gottheimer. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
During a demonstration in Washington, DC, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress, anti-Israel protesters engaged in a range of provocative actions. These included burning the U.S. flag and an effigy of Netanyahu, displaying incendiary signs, and attempting to breach police lines, leading Capitol Police to use pepper spray and other defensive measures. Protesters also vandalized public spaces, raising Palestinian flags and defacing monuments with graffiti. The protest, marked by intense slogans and symbols, was partly in response to Netanyahu’s policies and his reception by U.S. lawmakers, with demonstrators expressing their outrage through various aggressive actions. This event highlights the deep divisions and intense emotions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the controversial figure of Netanyahu in international politics.
President Joe Biden, in a Washington Post op-ed, outlined three major reforms he seeks for the Supreme Court, including implementing term limits for justices, establishing a new ethics code, and amending the Constitution to eliminate broad presidential immunity for crimes committed while in office. He criticized the court’s recent decisions, particularly the 6-3 ruling granting former President Donald Trump broad immunity and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, arguing that these actions threaten accountability and the court’s impartiality. Biden proposed a system where a president would appoint a new justice every two years for an 18-year term to ensure a more predictable and balanced court composition. These proposals, particularly amid controversies surrounding justices’ financial disclosures, face strong opposition from Republicans, who accuse Biden of politicizing the judiciary.
The U.S. announced a $1.7 billion military aid package to Ukraine, comprising $1.5 billion for long-term contracts through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and $200 million in immediate aid from Pentagon stockpiles. The package includes munitions for air defense systems like NASAMS and HIMARS, along with Javelin and other missiles, artillery, mortars, anti-armor systems, and additional military equipment. This aid follows a NATO summit in Washington, where member states pledged continued support for Ukraine, including a commitment to Ukraine’s eventual NATO membership and the provision of a Patriot missile battery. The U.S. has provided over $55.4 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered statewide sweeps of homeless encampments following a recent Supreme Court decision that grants cities greater authority to manage public spaces. This executive order advises, though does not mandate, local officials to clear encampments while working to provide housing and services. The Supreme Court ruling, which affects cities like Grants Pass, Oregon, allows enforcement of bans on outdoor sleeping even without sufficient shelter space. Newsom’s action, which follows about $24 billion in state spending on homelessness since 2019, aims to address California’s severe homelessness crisis, the highest in the nation, with approximately 180,000 homeless people statewide. In San Francisco, Mayor London Breed has also announced aggressive measures to tackle encampments amid rising homelessness and associated issues.
Martin Indyk, a seasoned diplomat and expert on Middle East affairs, passed away at 73 due to complications from esophageal cancer. Indyk served as the U.S. ambassador to Israel under President Bill Clinton and as a special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations under President Barack Obama. He co-founded the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in 1985 and played a significant role in shaping U.S. Middle East policy, including the Oslo process and the ‘dual containment’ strategy for Iraq and Iran. Indyk continued to engage in Middle East issues until his death, critiquing Israeli policies under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His contributions to diplomacy were praised by former President Clinton and others.
Israel
A Hezbollah rocket hit a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, killing twelve children aged 10 to 20 and wounding over thirty others. The attack, which was part of a series of rocket barrages from Lebanon, has been confirmed by the IDF to be the work of Hezbollah, despite the group’s denials. The IDF reported scenes of devastation with victims found on the grass, and ongoing medical treatment for the injured. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cut short his visit to the U.S. and will convene the Security Cabinet upon his return. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of Hezbollah’s violence. Hezbollah has been intensifying its attacks on Israel since joining the conflict on October 8, supporting Hamas and targeting Israeli towns with rockets and drones.
The IDF recovered the bodies of five individuals abducted by Hamas terrorists during their October 7 attack. The victims, previously declared dead in absentia, include Oren Goldin (33), Ravid Katz (51), Maya Goren (56), Sgt. Kiril Brodski (19), and Staff Sgt. Tomer Yaakov Ahimas (20). Their remains were found in Khan Younis during an IDF operation aimed at combating Hamas resurgence in southern Gaza. The IDF and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) obtained intelligence on the locations of the bodies through the interrogation of Palestinian terrorists. President Isaac Herzog praised the security forces for their efforts, emphasizing the importance of returning all captives and fallen soldiers to Israel. Maya Goren, a kindergarten teacher, was previously confirmed dead by the IDF, while her husband Avner’s body remains with Hamas. The recovery of these bodies provides closure to their families and underscores ongoing Israeli efforts to address the aftermath of the October 7 massacre.
Israeli hospitals reported a surge in patients following the closure of Gai Beach water park due to two recent cases of Naegleria fowleri infection. Over 70 individuals who visited the park sought medical attention, though most were healthy and discharged. The rare amoeba, known as the “brain-eating amoeba,” was linked to the hospitalization of a 10-year-old boy with encephalitis and the death of a 26-year-old man earlier this month. The Health Ministry’s precautionary closure aims to prevent further infections and advises anyone who visited the park in the past two weeks and shows symptoms like fever, headache, blurred vision, or vomiting to seek medical care. The amoeba thrives in warm water and causes severe, often fatal infections in rare instances.
During a soccer match between Israel and Mali at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, was met with boos and whistles from the audience, as reported by the Associated Press. Despite a heavy police presence at the Parc des Princes stadium due to international tensions and safety concerns, the Israeli team faced continuous hostility, with booing whenever they touched the ball. The stadium’s speakers were reportedly turned up to drown out the jeers. In contrast, Mali’s anthem was received with enthusiastic support from its fans.
WORLD
Canadian Jewish organizations have achieved a legal victory to protect kosher meat preparation practices in Canada. On Wednesday, Canada’s Federal Court granted an injunction against the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), halting new guidelines that had disrupted shechita, the ritual kosher slaughter. The injunction was a result of collaborative efforts by major kosher certifiers MK Global Kosher Certification Agency and the Kashruth Council of Canada, along with support from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and other Jewish groups. The court recognized the CFIA’s guidelines as discriminatory and affirmed that shechita meets high animal welfare standards. Jewish leaders expressed gratitude for the court’s decision and the support of community organizations.
Following Venezuela’s disputed presidential election, opposition candidate Edmundo González and leader Maria Corina Machado claim they have proof that González won over incumbent Nicolás Maduro, citing tally sheets showing he received more than double Maduro’s votes. The National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner, leading to widespread protests in Caracas, where clashes with police occurred. Maduro dismissed the protests as a coup attempt and vowed to maintain order, while international skepticism grew, prompting diplomatic tensions. The election, marked by widespread discontent and economic hardship, saw limited violence compared to past events, but the release of official results and tally sheets remained delayed.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the U.K. will not intervene in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reversing the previous government’s stance. This decision reflects Starmer’s commitment to maintaining the ICC’s independence and adhering to legal principles. The ICC’s prosecutor has accused Netanyahu and other leaders of war crimes related to the Gaza conflict, but since Israel is not a member of the court, the warrants would have limited immediate impact. Starmer’s decision diverges from U.S. support for Israel, amid rising pressure within the U.K. over the ongoing crisis in Gaza and concerns about antisemitism.
Archaeologists have uncovered significant remnants of the 17th-century Great Synagogue in Vilnius, Lithuania, revealing parts of its women’s section, large water basins, and a collapsed pillar from the bimah. These findings, part of ongoing excavations since 2015, highlight the synagogue’s historical and architectural richness before its destruction by the Nazis during World War II and the Soviets in the mid-1950s. The synagogue, central to Vilnius’s vibrant Jewish community and a hub of Jewish learning under the Vilna Gaon, was part of a complex known as Shulhoyf. Its destruction marks a tragic chapter in the city’s history of Jewish persecution and the broader narrative of antisemitism.
