New York News
Israeli soldier Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, a 21-year-old tank platoon commander, was confirmed killed during Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack near Kibbutz Nir Oz. Initially believed to be among the hostages in Gaza, new intelligence revealed his death and the abduction of his body. Neutra, born in New York after 9/11 and later immigrating to Israel to serve in the IDF, was described by Israeli leaders as a devoted Zionist and exemplary soldier. During the attack, Neutra’s tank was struck, forcing the crew to evacuate, with some killed and others taken hostage. Israeli officials vowed to recover all hostages and bodies, honoring Neutra’s legacy and commitment.
Nallah Sutherland, a special event coordinator for the New York City Mayor’s Office, faced public outrage after being caught on video tearing down a poster raising awareness about hostages taken by Hamas and allegedly assaulting an eyewitness who confronted her. Initially, Sutherland was given a light disciplinary action, including multicultural training and a note in her file, which drew criticism from activists and lawmakers. Following increased scrutiny and criticism, Mayor Eric Adams, distancing himself from the earlier decision, suspended Sutherland without pay indefinitely, pending further investigation. Advocates against antisemitism have called for her immediate termination, urging stronger action against such behavior.
A federal judge’s harsh ruling advances the potential takeover of New York City’s troubled Rikers Island jail complex. Judge Laura Taylor Swain declared the city and the Department of Correction in civil contempt for failing to address 18 separate issues related to use of force and safety, citing that required reforms from a 2012 settlement have progressed at a “glacial pace.” Swain indicated a preference for imposing a federal receivership, which would place the management of force and safety directly under court supervision. She ordered the city to collaborate with a court-appointed monitor to develop a receivership plan by January 14. Mayor Eric Adams, while opposing the takeover, acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve jail safety and expressed willingness to work with federal monitors. The Legal Aid Society hailed the decision as “historic,” highlighting the significance of the judge’s actions in pushing for substantial reforms at Rikers Island.
A new study by the Empire Center claims that up to 3 million New Yorkers may be fraudulently receiving Medicaid and Essential Plan benefits, costing taxpayers as much as $20 billion annually. With Medicaid enrollment at 8.5 million—3 million more than those meeting standard income eligibility requirements—the report suggests widespread fraud and criticized expanded eligibility rules, loose federal vetting during COVID-19, and abuse in programs like the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. Medicaid now consumes 28% of New York’s operating budget, surpassing education funding. Critics urge refocusing Medicaid on its original intent: aiding the truly needy, while state officials emphasize fiscal responsibility.
The 41st annual International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries (Kinus Hashluchim) held its iconic “class picture” on Sunday morning in front of Chabad headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. The photo, featuring thousands of black-hatted rabbis from across the globe, symbolizes Jewish pride and unity, capturing rabbis serving diverse communities—from war-torn Ukraine to U.S. college campuses and Israel’s borders. This year’s Kinus, the world’s largest rabbinic gathering, runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2, featuring workshops, a spiritually uplifting Shabbat, and a concluding gala banquet in New Jersey, celebrating the mission of spreading Yiddishkeit worldwide.
Starting December 15, pet stores in New York State will no longer be permitted to sell dogs, cats, and rabbits, as part of a new law aimed at combating abusive practices in large-scale breeding operations, commonly known as puppy mills. Advocates and officials, including Attorney General Letitia James, have highlighted the physical and emotional harm animals from such operations often endure, which can leave families facing unexpected veterinary costs. The legislation allows pet stores to collaborate with nonprofit animal rescue organizations to showcase animals available for adoption instead of selling them directly. Violations of the ban will result in fines of up to $1,000 per offense. This move is seen as a significant step toward ending the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline and ensuring better welfare for animals entering homes in New York.
US NEWS
President Joe Biden announced he has issued a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, covering crimes committed or potentially committed over an 11-year period, despite previous denials from the White House that such an action would occur. The pardon, signed ahead of Hunter Biden’s sentencing for gun and tax evasion crimes in December, shields him from the possibility of prison time following convictions and guilty pleas earlier this year. President Biden defended the decision, asserting that his son was unfairly targeted due to their familial connection and blaming political interference for what he deemed a miscarriage of justice after a failed plea deal. The pardon erases legal vulnerabilities tied to Hunter’s firearm and tax offenses and precludes future prosecution for other potential crimes during the covered timeframe, including possible foreign lobbying violations. The investigation, led by David Weiss and scrutinized for alleged political bias and slow-walking, garnered attention from whistleblowers and Congress, adding fuel to the controversy. While Hunter expressed gratitude and a commitment to helping others, critics have called the pardon unprecedented, with some noting it follows Donald Trump’s return to the presidency after defeating Kamala Harris, during which Trump suggested he might consider a similar pardon.
Several of Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees and White House appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and swatting incidents, prompting federal and local law enforcement investigations. At least nine individuals, including nominees for roles such as Defense Secretary, EPA Administrator, and UN Ambassador, were threatened, with some incidents involving credible pipe bomb threats. Prominent figures like Elise Stefanik, Pete Hegseth, and Lee Zeldin confirmed receiving threats but vowed to remain undeterred. While the FBI is actively investigating, President Joe Biden has been briefed, and federal agencies are coordinating to address the threats. The incidents reflect a growing trend of politically motivated intimidation against public figures.
President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), marking a significant step in his administration’s health policy agenda. Bhattacharya, a Stanford School of Medicine professor renowned for his expertise in health policy, infectious diseases, COVID-19, and health economics, will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to steer medical research and address the nation’s pressing health challenges, including chronic illness and disease. Trump expressed confidence that Bhattacharya and Kennedy would restore the NIH’s reputation for scientific excellence, declaring their mission to “Make America Healthy Again.” Bhattacharya, who holds an MD and PhD in economics from Stanford, emphasized his commitment to reforming scientific institutions and regaining public trust. The nomination drew praise from figures like Elon Musk and RFK Jr., the latter applauding Bhattacharya as the ideal leader to reestablish the NIH as a global standard for evidence-based medicine.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kashyap “Kash” Patel to be the next director of the FBI, signaling a major shakeup in the bureau’s leadership and priorities. Trump praised Patel as a “brilliant lawyer” and “America First fighter” known for exposing corruption and defending constitutional principles, citing his instrumental role in debunking the “Russia Hoax” and his extensive experience in high-level government positions, including Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense and Deputy Director of National Intelligence. If confirmed, Patel plans to address America’s “growing crime epidemic” by targeting migrant criminal gangs, drug trafficking, and human trafficking while refocusing the FBI on traditional law enforcement tasks like investigating violent crime. Patel has also advocated for significant structural reforms, including transforming the FBI headquarters into a “Museum of the Deep State” and eliminating bureaucratic elements he believes undermine congressional oversight. His nomination, which aligns with Trump’s criticisms of the current FBI leadership and investigations into his presidency, is expected to lead to the firing of FBI Director Christopher Wray after Trump’s January inauguration.
President-elect Donald Trump announced that he has nominated Charles Kushner, founder and chairman of Kushner Companies, to serve as U.S. Ambassador to France after his inauguration in January. Trump praised Kushner as a successful business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker, highlighting his achievements, including being named New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year and serving on significant boards, such as the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Trump also noted the contributions of Kushner’s son, Jared, during his first term, particularly in initiatives like Operation Warp Speed and the Abraham Accords. Trump emphasized that Kushner will work to strengthen the U.S.-France relationship, calling France America’s “oldest ally.”
President Biden surprised onlookers during a Black Friday shopping trip in Nantucket by leaving a bookstore with a copy of The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi, a book that describes Israel’s establishment as “colonialism” and discusses Palestinian “resistance.” Khalidi, a professor at Columbia University, argues that the history of Palestine is shaped by colonial forces forcing indigenous populations to surrender their homeland, with ongoing resistance from Palestinians. While Biden has long identified as a Zionist and has supported Israel, he has also criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and voiced concern over the humanitarian impact of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The book criticizes former President Trump’s policies toward Israel and advocates for a path to peace based on equality and justice, urging the end of colonial supremacy. Despite Biden’s longstanding pro-Israel stance, his recent criticisms of Netanyahu have caused tension, especially among pro-Israel advocates.
Three American citizens—Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung—who had been imprisoned for years in China, arrived back in the United States following a rare diplomatic agreement between Washington and Beijing. The release was announced by the White House and marks a significant moment in U.S.-China relations. Swidan, who had faced a death sentence on drug charges, and Li and Leung, who were imprisoned on espionage charges, had all been designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained. The release follows the return of four individuals to China, including three Chinese citizens held for “political purposes” and one sought by Beijing for crimes. President Biden expressed his joy upon speaking to the released Americans, who landed at a military base in San Antonio, Texas. This release comes two months after China freed David Lin, a pastor from California who had spent nearly 20 years in prison.
The Federal Reserve’s third-quarter financial report revealed a $19.9 billion operating loss, down from $30.8 billion last year but slightly higher than in Q2. These losses are due to the gap between the Fed’s interest income from its shrinking portfolio and the rising interest expenses paid to banks and money market funds. The Fed’s balance sheet has shrunk by $2 trillion to $6.92 trillion, and although losses have decreased since Q4 2023, the year-to-date operating loss for 2024 is $63.1 billion, down from $88.1 billion in 2023.
Israel NEWS
The Israeli Air Force struck Hezbollah targets across Lebanon on Monday night in retaliation for the group’s mortar attack earlier that day, which violated the Nov. 27 ceasefire. The strikes hit Hezbollah launchers, infrastructure, and terrorists, including the launcher used in the Har Dov attack. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) condemned the mortar fire as a breach of the ceasefire agreement and vowed to continue defending Israeli civilians. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was a “warning.” The IDF also targeted Hezbollah-related military assets in the Beqaa Valley and the Syria-Lebanon border. The violation followed the terms of the ceasefire, under which Israeli forces were to withdraw from Lebanon, while the Lebanese army would take control.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) intercepted an Iranian flight suspected of transporting arms to Hezbollah in Lebanon. The flight, which was over Syria, was ordered by IAF fighter jets to turn around, and it complied shortly thereafter. This interception is part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to prevent Iranian weapons from reaching Hezbollah, even during a ceasefire between Israel and the terror group. Recently, the IDF has forced several Iranian flights suspected of carrying weapons to make U-turns over Syrian or Iraqi airspace. The IDF continues to target weapon shipments and smuggling routes, particularly in Syria and Lebanon, as part of its broader strategy to prevent Hezbollah from obtaining arms.
The IDF recently announced that seven Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre in Israel’s northwestern Negev were killed in operations in central Gaza. The terrorists were eliminated by troops from the 99th Division’s 990th Reserve Artillery Regiment.
The family of Keith Siegel, who has been held captive by Hamas since the October 7 massacre, announced the passing of his mother. In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Siegel’s daughter, Elan, shared that her father could not say goodbye to his mother due to his captivity. She described the cruel conditions her father has endured since being taken from his home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, highlighting the emotional and physical abuse he faces while imprisoned in Gaza. Siegel’s wife, Aviva, was among those released in a swap with Hamas in November 2023. Siegel’s current condition remains unknown, though Hamas released a propaganda video of him in April.
The Israeli Defense Ministry announced the purchase of $40 million-worth of advanced drones and autonomous systems from Haifa-based Elbit Systems Ltd. These systems, developed jointly with the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), the IDF ground forces, and Elbit, are designed to support various missions, including precise intelligence gathering and targeted strikes. Brig. Gen. Yehuda Almakias, head of DDR&D’s research and development department, emphasized that these acquisitions ensure that troops can effectively execute their missions. Elbit’s executive vice president, Haim Delmar, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing advanced, reliable systems for enhanced battlefield dominance.
WORLD NEWS
France has reportedly withdrawn its commitment to enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of securing its involvement in the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement. A Diplomatic-Security Cabinet minister told Israel Hayom that without this concession from France, Israel would not have included them in the ceasefire agreement. This shift has raised questions about whether Netanyahu’s support for the ceasefire is connected to broader arrangements with Western powers regarding the enforcement of ICC warrants. Additionally, Australia, which had initially pledged to enforce the warrant, is said to have revised its stance, now indicating that such enforcement would not be mandatory.
Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis criticized the effectiveness of the ICC arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, calling the decision “a move that will solve no problem.” Marinakis emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and argued that such actions were unhelpful. He also rejected comparisons between Israel’s situation and other nations, such as Russia in Ukraine, highlighting that Israel was the victim of a terrorist attack by Hamas. Additionally, Marinakis reiterated Greece’s stance of separating Hamas from the Palestinian people and called for solutions to protect civilians, acknowledging the tragic losses on both sides.
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol met with a Ukrainian delegation on Wednesday to discuss countermeasures against the threat posed by North Korea’s recent deployment of over 10,000 soldiers to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. This military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is concerning to both Seoul and Washington, with fears that Russian aid could help North Korea develop more advanced nuclear weapons targeting them. President Yoon expressed the hope that South Korea and Ukraine would collaborate to address the security risks, including North Korea’s troop presence in Russia. While the Ukrainian delegation briefed South Korean officials on the war’s status and expressed interest in strengthening ties, the meeting did not clarify whether South Korea would supply weapons to Ukraine.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced that, in the event of a vacancy in the presidency, Rawhi Fattouh, the former speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, would temporarily take over as interim president. Fattouh, who also served as interim PA chief after the death of Yasser Arafat, would hold the position for up to 90 days, during which time presidential elections would be scheduled. If elections cannot be held, the Palestinian Central Council could grant a one-time extension to Fattouh’s term. Abbas, 89, has been in power since 2005 and has faced criticism for his unpopularity and his refusal to hold elections, with his administration often accused of corruption. Fattouh, born in Rafah, Gaza, has been a prominent figure in the Palestinian national movement, including roles in the Palestinian National Council and as PA agriculture minister. In 2008, Fattouh was involved in a smuggling attempt of 3,000 cell phones into Israel using his VIP pass.
Uruguay’s new president, Yamandú Orsi, has expressed support for Israel’s right to exist while also backing the establishment of a Palestinian state. Orsi, a left-wing politician who won the country’s runoff election on Sunday, shared his admiration for Israel’s multicultural society after visiting the Jewish state in September 2023. During his trip, organized by the Central Israelite Committee of Uruguay and the Latin American Jewish Congress, Orsi visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Center in Jerusalem, where he was deeply moved by what he learned about World War II and the Holocaust. Uruguay was the first South American country to officially recognize Israel in 1948 and to host an Israeli Embassy. Today, the country is home to approximately 15,000 Jews, with most living in Montevideo and Punta del Este.
