New York News
Thousands of F train riders in New York City’s subway system experienced a harrowing ordeal when they were stuck in sweltering tunnels for hours due to a massive power outage. The incident, occurring during peak commuting hours, left passengers without air conditioning, light, or communication, leading to cramped conditions and significant discomfort. Emergency services, including the FDNY, were involved in evacuating riders through service tunnels, a process that was both time-consuming and chaotic. Social media was flooded with accounts from frustrated commuters, highlighting not only the immediate distress but also raising broader concerns about the aging infrastructure of the NYC subway system. This event underscored the urgent need for investment in maintenance and upgrades to prevent such disruptions in the future.
Three masked thieves executed a bold smash-and-grab robbery at ABID Jewelers in Queens, managing to escape with $800,000 worth of necklaces. Armed with sledgehammers and hammers, they shattered the store’s window around 6:20 p.m. in Jackson Heights, quickly grabbing their loot and fleeing the scene. The robbers made their getaway in a black Jeep, which was later found abandoned, after which they switched to a black sedan and drove off in an unknown direction. Police suspect the Jeep used in the heist was stolen. This incident has sparked concerns about the security of local businesses and the increasing audacity of thieves in the area.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently met with Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming “border czar,” to discuss strategies for addressing the city’s migrant crisis and public safety. Their conversation focused on ways to cooperate on deporting migrants who commit violent crimes, with Adams emphasizing that New York would not be a safe haven for such individuals. This meeting has stirred controversy, particularly among advocates for immigrant rights who fear a shift in the city’s sanctuary city policies. Adams reiterated his commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants contributing positively to the city while also expressing a desire to work with the new federal administration on public safety issues. The meeting is seen as part of Adams’ broader strategy to navigate the complexities of immigration policy in a city facing significant migrant influx and resource strain.
The Jewish Children’s Museum in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, has been granted $4.5 million by Governor Kathy Hochul to revamp its fifth floor, transforming it into a new educational and interactive space. This significant investment aims to expand the museum’s educational offerings, focusing on Jewish culture, history, and heritage in a way that is engaging for children of all backgrounds. The museum, a notable fixture in the community, has long served as an educational hub promoting tolerance and understanding through its interactive exhibits on Jewish life and traditions. This grant is part of a broader initiative to support cultural institutions in New York City, enhancing their role in community education and cultural enrichment. The upgrade is expected to attract more visitors and provide an even richer experience for those exploring Jewish heritage.
President-elect Donald Trump signed the New York Stock Exchange guest book, becoming the first president to do so since Ronald Reagan. This event coincided with Trump ringing the NYSE’s opening bell, a ceremonial act that marks the start of the trading day and symbolizes his comeback from a contentious post-presidency to winning the White House again. The act of signing the guest book was seen by many as a symbolic gesture of Trump’s renewed influence on both the financial and political landscapes. Surrounded by family members including Melania, Ivanka, and Tiffany Trump, along with key figures from his incoming administration, Trump used this opportunity to tout his economic plans and to celebrate his Time magazine accolade.
Jewish pitcher Max Fried has signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees, marking the largest deal for a left-handed pitcher in baseball history. This move follows Fried’s impressive tenure with the Atlanta Braves, where he was a two-time All-Star and played a pivotal role in their 2021 World Series win. His signing with the Yankees not only bolsters their rotation, joining the likes of Gerrit Cole, but also signifies a significant investment in a pitcher known for his command, spin, and effectiveness on the mound. Fried’s addition to the Yankees is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their pitching staff, especially after missing out on Juan Soto. His contract is the fourth-largest for a pitcher ever, behind deals for Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Gerrit Cole, reflecting his high value in the current free-agent market.
US NEWS
Donald Trump has been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2024, marking the second time he has received this recognition, the first being in 2016 after his initial presidential election victory. Time’s editor-in-chief, Sam Jacobs, highlighted Trump’s “historic comeback” and the significant impact he has had on American politics and global affairs. Critics argue that the selection reflects Trump’s influence, whether for better or worse, while supporters see it as an acknowledgment of his political resilience and influence. Amidst a backdrop of economic policies, international relations, and domestic agendas, Trump’s selection underscores his central role in shaping the current political narrative.
FBI Director Christopher Wray announced his resignation at the end of the Biden administration, avoiding a potential dismissal by President-elect Donald Trump, who had signaled his intent to replace Wray with Kash Patel. Wray’s decision came after weeks of consideration, emphasizing that his resignation would help keep the FBI’s focus on its mission rather than being dragged into political controversies. This move was seen by some as preempting a more chaotic transition, with Trump having previously criticized Wray, particularly over the FBI’s involvement in investigations related to Trump’s actions. Wray’s tenure was marked by efforts to navigate the FBI through a politically charged landscape, including managing investigations into both Trump and Biden administrations. His departure, three years short of his 10-year term, signals a significant change in leadership at the FBI, with potential implications for the bureau’s future direction and independence.
New Jersey has been the site of numerous mysterious drone sightings, sparking widespread speculation and concern among residents and officials alike. These drones, described as large, low-flying, and sometimes flying in formations, have been spotted over critical infrastructure like reservoirs, military bases such as Picatinny Arsenal, and even near President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. The FBI, alongside local law enforcement, has taken the lead in investigating these occurrences, but so far, no definitive source or purpose for the drones has been identified. Despite assurances from Governor Phil Murphy and federal agencies that there is no immediate threat to public safety, the lack of transparency has led to frustration among state lawmakers and local officials, with some even calling for a state of emergency or military intervention to address the situation. Some have suggested these drones might belong to sophisticated operators, potentially foreign entities or advanced hobbyists, though this remains speculative without concrete evidence.
In Fair Lawn, New Jersey, an alleged antisemitic incident occurred when a mother took her 11-year-old son to Broadway Barber Shop for a haircut. According to her account, she explicitly instructed the barber not to cut her son’s peyot, a religious observance in Judaism, but the barber cut them off despite her instructions, leading to the child being deeply upset. This incident was reported on social media, prompting an investigation by local authorities and the Anti-Defamation League for potential hate crime charges. The situation garnered significant attention, with some social media posts on X calling for it to be treated as a hate crime, while others questioned the context, suggesting it might have been a misunderstanding if the barber was not familiar with Jewish hair customs. The Fair Lawn Police Department later clarified that after discussions involving the mother, two rabbis, and the barber, the incident was deemed a misunderstanding, with the barber shop issuing an apology. However, this did not quell the initial outrage and calls for accountability.
ABC News has agreed to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump, stemming from comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos on “This Week” in March 2024. The settlement involves ABC paying $15 million to a future Trump presidential foundation and museum, along with an additional $1 million to cover Trump’s legal fees. This legal action was initiated after Stephanopoulos incorrectly stated during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace that Trump had been “found liable for rape” in relation to E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuits, despite the jury’s findings only confirming sexual abuse and battery. The network also published an editor’s note expressing regret for the statements. This settlement marks a rare legal victory for Trump, who has a history of suing media outlets, and it has sparked debate over media accountability and the implications for free speech and journalism.
Florida Representative Brian Mast has been selected as the new chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, succeeding Rep. Michael McCaul, who was term-limited. Mast, a staunch supporter of Israel and known for his conservative views, was chosen after a competitive selection process, beating out other experienced members like Reps. Darrell Issa, Joe Wilson, and Ann Wagner. His appointment was seen as a surprise by some, given his reputation for sharp rhetoric and some past comments. As chairman, Mast has promised an “America First” approach, focusing on putting U.S. interests at the forefront of foreign policy decisions. His leadership role comes at a critical time as the committee navigates complex international issues including the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the situation in Ukraine, and U.S. relations with China.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, at 82 years old, experienced a fall following a Senate Republican lunch, resulting in a minor cut to his face and a sprained wrist. This incident adds to a series of health concerns for McConnell, who has had multiple falls in recent years, including one in March 2023 that led to a concussion and a fractured rib. Despite these health episodes, McConnell has been cleared to resume his schedule, with his office reporting that he was experiencing leg stiffness and would work from home the day following the fall. The situation has reignited discussions about McConnell’s health and his capacity to serve, with some voices on social media calling for his retirement, while others, including his colleagues, have reassured the public of his condition. His office has not announced any plans for him to step down from his Senate seat, where he is expected to serve until his term ends in January 2027.
Two young men, Robert Cabell Romer and Mohammad “Tahoor” Zafar, have been suspended from the University of Virginia following an alleged hate crime incident involving their Jewish housemate. The Jewish student accused Romer of harassment culminating in a threat at gunpoint, with the firearm reportedly supplied by Zafar. This incident, which took place on October 30, led to Romer facing multiple criminal charges, including brandishing a firearm and perpetrating a hate crime. Both individuals were removed from their shared residence at 513 Rugby Road and are under investigation by the University Judiciary Committee, which could potentially lead to their expulsion. This event has stirred significant attention, reflecting ongoing concerns about antisemitism on college campuses and the university’s response to such incidents.
President Joe Biden signed into law the “Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act.” This legislation initiates the process of potentially incorporating the Weitzman National Museum, located in Philadelphia, into the Smithsonian Institution, which would elevate its status and secure federal support. The act establishes a commission to study the feasibility of this transfer, with a report expected within two years. This move comes at a time when the museum, which faced bankruptcy in 2020, has regained financial stability, and the bill has garnered unanimous support from both the House and Senate, backed by 36 Jewish organizations. The integration into the Smithsonian could significantly enhance the museum’s role in educating the public about Jewish American history and combatting rising antisemitism.
Israel NEWS
The IDF intercepted a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting central Israel. The missile was shot down before it could cross into Israeli territory, activating air-raid sirens across the Tel Aviv area due to the risk of falling debris. Earlier that day, an Israeli Navy vessel had also intercepted a Yemeni drone over the Red Sea, showcasing Israel’s heightened alertness to threats from the Houthis, who have been attacking Israel in solidarity with Hamas. This incident reflects the ongoing regional tensions, with the Houthis vowing to continue their attacks in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israel executed a massive aerial campaign, striking most of Syria’s strategic weapons arsenal to prevent these assets from falling into the hands of extremist groups. Over the course of 48 hours, the IDF conducted more than 350 airstrikes targeting military installations, including anti-aircraft batteries, airfields, weapons production sites, and naval facilities across key cities like Damascus, Homs, and Latakia. This operation, dubbed “Arrow of Bashan,” aimed at neutralizing a wide array of weaponry such as Scud missiles, cruise missiles, and chemical weapons suspected to be stored in various locations. The strategic move was announced by Israeli officials to ensure regional security, particularly in light of the potential threat posed by rebel factions with affiliations to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The Israeli Navy also destroyed the Syrian naval fleet, further crippling the military capabilities left by the Assad regime.
Israel has officially appealed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, issued on November 21. The appeal challenges the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing that Israel, not being a state party to the Rome Statute, does not recognize the court’s authority over its nationals. The warrants accuse Netanyahu and Gallant of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare. The Israeli government, alongside Netanyahu and Gallant, has vehemently rejected these allegations, describing them as antisemitic and politically motivated. This legal move by Israel reflects its determination to contest the ICC’s decisions, which could have significant implications for international law and diplomacy. However, the appeal also risks being interpreted as an implicit acknowledgment of the ICC’s jurisdiction, a point of contention among legal experts.
WORLD NEWS
Israel announced the closure of its embassy in Dublin, Ireland, citing “the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government.” This decision was made following Ireland’s unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state in May, which prompted Israel to recall its ambassador, and Ireland’s recent decision to support South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described Ireland’s actions as crossing “every red line” in its relationship with Israel, arguing that the anti-Semitic rhetoric and policies from Ireland delegitimize and demonize Israel. In response, Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris labeled the closure as “deeply regrettable,” emphasizing Ireland’s stance as pro-peace, pro-human rights, and pro-international law. Israel plans to redirect its diplomatic resources to countries like Moldova, where it will open a new embassy.
A Russian court handed down heavy prison sentences to nine defendants accused of involvement in the attempted lynching of Jews at the Dagestan airport shortly after the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. The incident, which involved a mob storming Makhachkala Uytash Airport in search of Jewish passengers from a flight arriving from Tel Aviv, led to significant public and international outcry. The sentences ranged from 8 to 9 years, reflecting the severity with which the Russian judicial system treated the case, particularly in light of the ethnic and religious hatred motives cited in the verdicts. This trial was one of the first major convictions related to the violent unrest, where over 1,500 people participated, leading to injuries among police officers and civilians. The event has been widely condemned as an antisemitic riot, drawing attention to the growing tensions and the need for stronger measures against hate crimes in the region.
The World Central Kitchen NGO dismissed 62 of its local staff members in the Gaza Strip after Israel alleged that these individuals were linked to various terror groups, including Hamas. This action followed an Israeli security review which claimed to have found “affiliations and direct connections” between the dismissed employees and militant organizations. World Central Kitchen, while not confirming these allegations due to lack of shared intelligence from Israel, stated the dismissals were made to “protect our team and our operations.” The charity emphasized that this should not be seen as a conclusion of their own that the individuals were affiliated with any terror organization but rather a precautionary measure. This incident has stirred controversy and highlighted the challenges NGOs face in conflict zones where ensuring the safety of operations and staff is paramount.
An Australian man was arrested by Queensland Police for making threats toward a Jewish community center in Victoria. The 52-year-old man allegedly made verbal threats on social media on Saturday, leading to his arrest later that night. He has been charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence and is scheduled to appear in court on January 16. Authorities have clarified that this incident is not connected to the recent arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, which is being treated as a separate act of terrorism. This arrest underscores ongoing concerns about antisemitic threats in Australia, particularly in light of recent escalations in hate crimes.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was hospitalized after sustaining an injury from a fall during a congressional visit to Luxembourg. The 84-year-old was part of a bipartisan delegation commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge when she tripped and fell, leading to a hip injury that necessitated a hip replacement surgery in Germany. Her office confirmed that the surgery was successful, and she was “well on the mend.” Various news outlets expressed concern and well wishes for her recovery, while also highlighting the challenges of aging politicians in public service.
