New York News
A FOIA request revealed by Ari Hofman, a Seattle-based radio host, shows that during the Fall of 2020, New York City officials only targeted Jewish schools with citations and inspections. The results showed a myriad of Jewish schools, with no non-Jewish, private, or charter schools listed on the returned results of the requests. These results match the rhetoric that was being spoken at the time of then-Governor Andrew Cuomo and then-Mayor Bill DeBlasio. The revelation of these documents could lead to discriminations lawsuits by these schools against the city.
The Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Joel, HaRav Aharon Teitelbaum, has notably shifted his traditionally Democratic-aligned chasidus to endorse former President Donald Trump in his 2024 presidential campaign, as reported by Arutz 7. This change in support stems from concerns within the chasidus about potential implications for Jews should Vice President Kamala Harris ascend to the presidency, though the exact nature of these concerns has not been detailed. While the report is yet to be verified by YWN, the decision is anticipated to rally tens of thousands of Satmar votes in New York and possibly in other states, with the chasidus offering free transportation to polling stations to facilitate early voting. This endorsement is expected to bolster Trump’s support within the Orthodox Jewish community, especially if the second faction of Satmar, led by Rav Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, follows suit, as an endorsement from this faction is also speculated.
Federal investigators from agencies including the Bureau of Prisons and the Justice Department launched an interagency operation on Monday at New York’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), where Sean “Diddy” Combs and other high-profile inmates are held. The operation, aimed at improving safety for staff and inmates, follows intensifying scrutiny over MDC’s violent conditions, which Combs’ lawyers have cited in bail requests. Recent incidents at MDC include a series of violent attacks, resulting in charges for nine inmates and a correctional officer, along with a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by an inmate using a contraband cellphone. These cases underscore the facility’s severe dysfunction, pushing federal agencies to address security and accountability issues. The Bureau of Prisons stated the operation was pre-planned with no active threat to the jail.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that he does not consider Donald Trump a fascist, defending the former president ahead of his rally at Madison Square Garden. This defense was not unusual for Adams, who has often refrained from criticizing Trump, setting himself apart from other Democrats. At an NYPD press conference focused on rally security, Adams noted that, though he’s been labeled with similar terms by political leaders, he does not believe Trump aligns with fascist or Hitler-like regimes. Adams also emphasized the need to reduce the intensity of political rhetoric and stressed Trump’s right to rally in Manhattan as free speech. Like Trump, Adams has faced federal indictments and suggested, without providing evidence, that he is targeted by a politically motivated Biden administration. Trump expressed support for Adams at a recent Al Smith dinner, underscoring a rare instance of shared sympathies between the two.
New York is expanding its red light camera program statewide, with Governor Kathy Hochul signing legislation to extend the program until 2027 and increase camera coverage in several areas, including a new program in Greenburgh and expansions in White Plains, Albany, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, and Nassau County. In New York City, the number of red light cameras will jump from 150 to 600, marking the largest expansion to date. Hochul and NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasized the program’s role in public safety, citing a 73% reduction in red light violations and related crashes in areas where cameras are already installed. Meanwhile, the expansion comes amid debates over the city’s speed camera program, which operates over 2,000 cameras across 750 school zones. Though critics argue the speed cameras are a financial strategy rather than a safety tool, the city reports a 30% drop in violations since they began 24/7 operation.
US NEWS
In Chicago’s West Ridge neighborhood, a gunman, Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, was arrested after opening fire on a Jewish man en route to synagogue and later engaging in a shootout with police, reportedly shouting “Allahu Akbar” during the incident. The attack happened around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, leaving the 39-year-old Orthodox Jewish victim with a shoulder wound, from which he is recovering. Following a standoff, Abdallahi was critically injured after being shot multiple times by officers and was subsequently charged with multiple counts, including six counts of attempted murder. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack and have yet to interview Abdallahi due to his injuries. Local leaders, including Alderperson Debra Silverstein, expressed outrage over the absence of hate crime charges and urged the Cook County State’s Attorney to fully prosecute. The incident occurs against a backdrop of rising antisemitic incidents in the U.S. since the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
Federal authorities are investigating fires at two ballot boxes in the Portland, Oregon, area, both reported on Monday morning, which destroyed hundreds of ballots at a Vancouver, Washington, site and damaged a few in Portland. The incidents are believed to be connected to another ballot box fire in Vancouver on October 8, with evidence indicating the use of incendiary devices in each case. Portland police identified a suspect vehicle, a dark-colored Volvo S-60, possibly linked to all three fires, and have increased their efforts alongside a parallel FBI investigation. In response, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced enhanced 24-hour security at ballot drop-off locations, and election officials are working to ensure impacted voters can obtain replacement ballots or confirm their ballot status. Election officials in both Portland and Vancouver have fire suppression systems installed in ballot boxes, which minimized damage in some cases. Local and state leaders condemned these incidents as attacks on democracy, stressing their commitment to a secure voting process.
U.S. officials are deeply concerned about a potential intelligence leak following the publication of highly sensitive documents on pro-Iranian social media, revealing U.S. satellite surveillance of Israel’s preparations for a strike on Iran. This leak suggests close U.S. monitoring of Israeli military maneuvers, including aircraft and munitions movements observed by spy satellites. The Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not dispute the documents’ authenticity, further heightening concerns about internal security breaches. This revelation follows the controversy involving Robert Malley, the Biden administration’s special envoy to Iran, who is under federal investigation for allegedly transferring classified materials to personal devices, which were reportedly accessed by a foreign cyber actor. Malley was previously linked to advancing suspected operatives tied to Iran’s “Iran Experts Initiative,” a covert influence operation under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC, designated as a terrorist organization, allegedly used Iranian-American academics as assets to promote favorable U.S. policy toward Iran, with Malley purportedly aiding individuals like Ariane Tabatabai in obtaining sensitive U.S. government roles. High-ranking members of Congress have expressed frustration over the State Department’s transparency on these matters, suggesting potential risks to national security, and some lawmakers have questioned if Malley’s actions constitute treason.
The Washington Post announced it will no longer endorse presidential candidates, drawing backlash from prominent liberals and staff who see it as a retreat from democratic responsibility. Former editor Marty Baron and others criticized the move as “cowardice,” while Rep. Ted Lieu and ex-Obama aide Ben Rhodes argued it signals fear of retribution from figures like Donald Trump. The decision, following a similar one by the LA Times, sparked concerns that owner Jeff Bezos may be avoiding potential conflicts due to his business interests. Many critics cited the paper’s motto, “Democracy Dies in Darkness,” accusing the Post of abandoning its role in safeguarding democracy at a pivotal time. Following this decision, USA Today also declined to endorse a presidential candidate.
The United States has approved a $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, marking the first delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system to the self-ruled island amid escalating military threats from China. Taiwan’s presidential office expressed gratitude for the decision, which is seen as crucial for enhancing its self-defense capabilities under new President Lai Ching-te. In response, China condemned the arms sale as a violation of its sovereignty and a destabilizing factor in US-China relations, warning of “resolute countermeasures.” The arms package includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and radar systems, which are expected to bolster Taiwan’s air defense, especially after China’s recent military drills encircling the island.
Microsoft has terminated the employment of two employees who organized an unauthorized vigil at the company’s headquarters to honor Palestinians killed in Gaza during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The employees, Abdo Mohamed and Hossam Nasr, were part of a group called “No Azure for Apartheid,” which opposes Microsoft’s cloud technology sales to the Israeli government. They argued that the vigil was akin to other company-sanctioned events for humanitarian causes, emphasizing the need for a space to mourn within the company. Microsoft stated that the firings were in line with internal policy but did not provide further details. Both employees expressed concern over the impact of their terminations, particularly Mohamed, who fears deportation due to his work visa situation. Nasr revealed that his firing was publicized on social media before he was officially informed.
Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates the social media platform Truth Social, is currently facing significant financial challenges, with minimal revenue generation and a valuation that has unexpectedly surged to $9 billion—over three times its value just five weeks prior. This dramatic increase in market value is largely driven by speculation surrounding former President Donald Trump’s potential victory in the upcoming presidential election, effectively turning Trump Media into a “meme stock” that trades more on political hype than on traditional business fundamentals. Despite reporting only $837,000 in revenue for the second quarter, the company’s stock has risen by over 200% since late September, as investors perceive it as a high-stakes gamble on election outcomes. Trump’s substantial shareholding, now valued at around $5 billion, has also contributed to this valuation boost, especially since he has pledged not to sell any shares, which prevents any immediate downward pressure on the stock price.
Israel NEWS
In a recent address to the Knesset, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the effectiveness of Israel’s airstrikes against Iranian military targets, claiming they significantly damaged Iran’s defense capabilities and missile export operations. Netanyahu asserted that Israel’s military decisions are made independently, countering reports of U.S. influence on its military responses. He outlined Israel’s long-term strategy to dismantle what he called the “axis of evil” led by Iran, aiming to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. The recent strikes were unprecedented in scale, taking place almost a month after Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel. Netanyahu underscored that Israel is a crucial barrier against Iranian expansion in the Middle East, vowing to eliminate Hamas’s control in Gaza and Hezbollah’s presence on Israel’s northern border. He also reiterated commitments to peace with Arab nations and the return of hostages taken during the conflict.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have begun dismantling protective barriers along major routes near Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Kfar Yuval, originally installed to safeguard against anti-tank missile attacks. This move follows a perceived decrease in the threat from Hezbollah, particularly after military operations in southern Lebanon. However, Kiryat Shmona Mayor Avichai Stern has expressed serious concerns about the timing and implications of this decision, arguing that the walls should only be removed once there is complete assurance of safety. He worries that while the IDF claims to have neutralized nearby terror threats, distant villages may still pose risks, and believes the removal sends a message that it is safe to return home prematurely. Stern suspects that political pressures may be influencing the IDF to hasten the withdrawal of these defenses, cautioning against a possible agreement that could allow Hezbollah to regroup and threaten the area again.
The man killed in the truck-ramming incident at the Glilot Interchange near Tel Aviv has been identified as 72-year-old Betzalel Carmi from Rishon Lezion. Carmi was critically injured and later pronounced dead at Ichilov Hospital. The incident injured 39 others, with several in serious condition. The truck driver, an Israeli citizen from Qalansawe, deliberately crashed into a bus carrying retirees who had just arrived at a military base to observe a national day of mourning for victims of the October 7 Hamas-led attack. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver accelerated toward the bus and attempted to exit the vehicle to confront officers before being shot and killed. Authorities are investigating the incident, and it has not yet been officially classified as a terrorist attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that the classification is still under consideration.
The U.S. government announced a $45.5 million grant to the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support essential healthcare services for Palestinians. This funding aims to address financial and operational challenges faced by the network, which has been crucial in providing quality healthcare to thousands in the West Bank and Gaza. Amy Tohill-Stull, director of USAID’s mission in the region, highlighted the U.S. commitment to Palestinian health and well-being. The new funding includes $27 million in direct debt relief and $18.5 million for long-term sustainability efforts, such as facility renovations and equipment purchases. Since 2014, USAID has contributed $202 million to the hospital network, fulfilling a $100 million commitment made by President Biden during his July 2022 visit. The network includes several key hospitals, such as Augusta Victoria and Makassed Islamic Charitable Hospital.
Israel’s high-powered laser interception system, known as Iron Beam, is set to become operational next year, according to the Defense Ministry. During a contract signing worth NIS 2 billion ($535 million) with manufacturers Rafael and Elbit, Eyal Zamir, the ministry’s director general, announced that the system will significantly increase production rates to ensure timely delivery. Iron Beam is designed to complement existing air defense systems like the Iron Dome, specifically targeting smaller projectiles while larger threats will still be handled by missile-based systems like David’s Sling and Arrow. The Defense Ministry emphasizes that as long as there is a continuous energy source, the laser system will never run out of ammunition, positioning it as a cost-effective and efficient solution against the ongoing threat of rocket attacks. Since the conflict in Gaza escalated on October 7, over 26,000 projectiles have been launched at Israel, demonstrating the urgent need for such defensive capabilities.
WORLD NEWS
North Korean troops have reportedly been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region amid escalating tensions from Ukraine’s recent counter-invasion efforts. The Pentagon confirmed that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are being prepared for combat, with the possibility of them participating in operations against Ukrainian forces in the coming weeks. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte labeled this deployment a “significant escalation” that threatens global security and violates UN Security Council resolutions. The deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has raised concerns in both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, criticized Western allies for underestimating the threat posed by North Korea’s involvement and called for unified support against it. Despite initial denials from the Kremlin regarding the presence of North Korean soldiers, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the situation last week, indicating that such actions are within international norms. Observers note that this move may signal growing desperation within the Russian military, which has suffered significant casualties in the ongoing conflict.
Iran has executed Jamshid Sharmahd, a 69-year-old California resident and German-Iranian dissident who was abducted during a layover in Dubai four years ago, following accusations of involvement in a 2008 mosque attack that killed 14 people—claims his family vehemently disputes, asserting that he was kidnapped and returned to Iran under false pretenses. The Iranian judiciary alleged that Sharmahd operated under the influence of Western intelligence agencies, specifically naming the U.S. and Israel, and accused him of disclosing classified missile information during a television appearance. His trial has been criticized as unfair by organizations like Amnesty International, which noted a lack of due process. Living in the U.S. since 2003 and involved in opposition efforts against the Iranian regime, Sharmahd’s execution has drawn condemnation from human rights advocates and raised alarms about Iran’s treatment of dissidents abroad.
