New York News
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration will revoke visas and green cards of Hamas supporters in the U.S.
for deportation, following the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestine activist who led protests at Columbia University. Khalil, a green card holder, was detained by ICE despite his legal residency status. The Department of Homeland Security stated the arrest aligns with Trump’s executive order against antisemitism, alleging Khalil’s activities supported Hamas, a designated terrorist group. Khalil’s attorney claims the detention lacks clear justification, and legal challenges are underway.
NYPD Strategic Response Group units cleared protesters from the Barnard College lawn after pro-Palestine students occupied the Milstein Library. The demonstration involved about two dozen masked individuals chanting “Free Palestine” and displaying Palestinian flags. Isra Hirsi, daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, was prominently involved, with posts on X alleging she and others waved images of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah while clashing with police. The NYPD intervened around 5 p.m. after a bomb threat, evacuating the building and arresting at least nine protesters who refused to leave. The threat was later deemed unfounded, and the area was cleared. The protest disrupted classes, targeting the expulsion of three students.
The Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing the school’s failure to address antisemitism amid pro-Palestinian protests since October 2023. The decision, announced by the Departments of Justice, Education, Health and Human Services, and the General Services Administration, targets Columbia’s over $5 billion in federal funding, primarily for research. This follows a review by the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, with more cuts expected. Columbia’s Interim President Katrina Armstrong said the loss will impact research, jobs, and operations, pledging to restore funding while combating antisemitism.
A massive brush fire on Long Island’s Pine Barrens, which scorched over 600 acres, has been fully contained after burning through wooded areas in Suffolk County. Firefighters from over 90 departments, aided by New York National Guard helicopters dropping water, knocked down all visible flames. The blaze, fueled by 35 mph winds and dry conditions, was declared 100% contained, though crews continue to monitor hotspots. Two firefighters were injured, and two commercial buildings were damaged, but no homes were affected. Governor Kathy Hochul’s state of emergency supported the response, which prevented further spread despite initial threats to Westhampton and nearby facilities like an Amazon warehouse.
A federal judge in Manhattan ruled that FEMA does not have to immediately repay New York City over $80 million it withheld last month amid a dispute over migrant shelter funding. Judge Jennifer H. Rearden denied the city’s request for a temporary restraining order, stating it didn’t demonstrate irreparable harm. The funds, part of a $106 million FEMA grant for migrant housing costs from July 2023 to June 2024, were cut after federal auditors questioned the city’s spending documentation. The city sued FEMA, arguing the reduction threatens its shelter system for over 62,000 migrants. Rearden’s decision allows FEMA to maintain the cut pending further legal proceedings.
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has officially entered the 2025 mayoral race, joining the Democratic primary to challenge Mayor Eric Adams, to whom she is not related. She announced her candidacy, citing the need for steady leadership amid rising living costs and City Hall chaos. Adams, the first Black woman to serve as speaker since 2022, represents southeast Queens and has limited funds, with just $211,000 in her campaign account. Her entry adds to a crowded field that includes former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Comptroller Brad Lander. She plans a kickoff rally in Jamaica, Queens, emphasizing competence and integrity over drama.
JetBlue unveiled a $100 million upgrade to its Terminal 5 at JFK Airport, featuring 40 new concessions with local food options and art installations. The project, part of a $19 billion airport overhaul, aims for completion by 2026. Terminal 5, JetBlue’s main hub, handles 165 daily flights and over 35,000 passengers. The enhancements include modernized facilities and expanded retail, aligning with efforts to improve traveler experience. Construction began after Thursday’s announcement, with JetBlue funding the work alongside the broader JFK redevelopment led by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
US NEWS
President Donald Trump met with a delegation of former Israeli hostages in the Oval Office, where Omer Shem Tov expressed gratitude, saying, “You are the hope of the hostages.” Shem Tov, freed on February 22 as part of a ceasefire deal, added, “My family and I believe you were sent by God to rescue the hostages.” The group of eight, including Naama Levy and Keith Siegel, thanked Trump for his efforts to secure their release and urged him to free the remaining 59 hostages held by Hamas. They presented Trump with a gold plaque inscribed with a Talmudic saying, “Whoever saves one life saves the entire world.”
Mohammad Sharifullah, accused of planning the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members, was detained and extradited to the U.S. President Donald Trump announced the arrest during his Joint Address to Congress, stating Sharifullah was en route to face justice. The White House identified him as an ISIS-K operative who orchestrated the Abbey Gate attack. Pakistan captured Sharifullah near the Afghan border, following U.S. intelligence, and handed him over to American authorities. He faces charges of providing material support to a terrorist organization, with a potential life sentence if convicted. Sharifullah arrived in the U.S. and appeared in a Virginia federal court, where he was ordered detained.
A fire at the Khal Chasidim Hasidic community center in Casa Grande, Arizona, on Monday caused significant damage, leading to the arrest of Everardo Gregorio, 30, on arson charges by Thursday. The blaze heavily impacted the structure at 913 East 8th Street, but sacred items like scrolls and Tefillin were preserved. Abraham Breier, a community member, guided by Rabbi Abraham Rabinowitz, highlighted the congregation’s resilience, suggesting the fire may not have been intentional. Local police linked Gregorio to the incident through evidence, booking him into Pinal County Adult Detention Center. Mayor Lisa Navarro Fitzgibbons and other leaders pledged support for the community’s recovery efforts.
The House of Representatives voted 224-198 to censure Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) for disrupting President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. Green shouted that Trump lacked a mandate to cut Medicaid, prompting Speaker Mike Johnson to have him removed from the chamber. Ten Democrats joined all Republicans in supporting the censure, with Green and Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Ala.) voting present. After the vote, Green stood in the House well as Johnson read the resolution, while dozens of Democrats surrounded him, singing “We Shall Overcome.” The formal rebuke, introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), marks Green as the 28th House member censured in U.S. history, though it carries no further penalty beyond public reprimand.
The Supreme Court blocked an attempt to halt cuts to USAID funding, allowing the Trump administration to proceed with reductions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the end of a six-week review of the U.S. Agency for International Development, stating that over 80% of its programs—approximately 5,200 contracts—were canceled. These contracts, Rubio said, involved tens of billions of dollars not aligned with U.S. interests. The remaining 18% of programs, about 1,000, will now be managed by the State Department. The Court’s ruling upheld a lower court order requiring payment for past USAID services but did not reverse the cuts, affirming the administration’s authority to terminate the contracts after the review.
The Trump administration has postponed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada covered under the USMCA trade agreement until April 2. President Trump signed executive orders delaying the tariffs, initially set to begin earlier, after negotiations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian officials. Mexico pledged 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border, while Canada committed to enhancing border security with personnel and technology. The delay excludes Canadian energy products, which face a 10% tariff. This follows a $1.1 trillion U.S. stock market drop, prompting Trump to ease trade tensions temporarily. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated tariffs could still rise later based on outcomes like fentanyl overdose metrics.
Secret Service personnel shot and injured a man carrying a firearm near the White House early Sunday after local police flagged him as a “suicidal individual” from Indiana. Officers located his parked vehicle near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, about a block from the White House. As they approached, he brandished a firearm, leading to an armed confrontation where shots were fired. The man was taken to a hospital; his condition remains unknown. No Secret Service members were injured, and President Trump was at Mar-a-Lago in Florida at the time. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the incident.
SpaceX launched its Starship rocket from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, achieving its third successful catch of the Super Heavy booster using the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms. The booster returned to the pad seven minutes after liftoff, secured by the mechanical arms. However, the Starship upper stage broke apart during ascent, experiencing a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” about nine minutes into the flight. The vehicle, carrying mock Starlink satellites, lost contact after several engines shut down, scattering debris over the Caribbean. This marked the eighth test flight, with SpaceX emphasizing the catch as progress toward reusability, despite the upper stage’s failure.
The House passed the Subterranean Border Defense Act with a 402-1 vote, targeting underground tunnels used by cartels and traffickers along the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill, led by Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) and co-sponsored by Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.), requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to submit annual reports to Congress on tunnel activities and countermeasures. Since 1990, over 140 tunnels have been discovered breaching the border, with an 80% increase in activity since 2008. The legislation aims to enhance oversight and strengthen border security against illicit crossings. It now awaits Senate consideration. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) cast the sole ‘Nay’ vote.
Israel NEWS
The IDF confirmed a drone strike in Tyre, Lebanon, killed Haidar Hashem, a Hezbollah commander in the Radwan Force’s naval unit. Hashem was involved in smuggling arms via maritime routes and planning naval attacks on Israel and its civilians. His actions violated the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The military stated that Hashem’s activities posed a direct threat to Israel’s security. The strike targeted a vehicle, with Lebanese media reporting one death, aligning with the IDF’s account of eliminating the commander.
IDF troops from the Kfir Brigade’s Shimshon Battalion in Tulkarem, West Bank, uncovered and destroyed a bomb-making lab and a drone construction site used by Palestinian terrorists. They found 100 pipe bombs, eight makeshift mines, and detonator systems in the explosives facility. A separate lab contained equipment for building drones, also dismantled by the soldiers. The operation targeted multiple buildings linked to terrorist activities in the city. The IDF stated the discoveries were part of efforts to neutralize threats in the region, with all materials safely destroyed on-site by the battalion.
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari will retire in the coming weeks, as agreed with the new IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. Hagari, who served as the military’s public voice during the war against Hamas since October 2023, gained prominence for his nightly briefings. His retirement follows two years in the role, with the decision finalized after Zamir succeeded Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi. The IDF praised Hagari’s service, particularly his handling of complex operations and communication during the conflict. A replacement has not yet been named, but the transition aligns with Zamir’s new leadership term.
Rabbi Nota Schiller, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Ohr Sameach and a pioneer of the Teshuva movement, died Friday night at Shaare Tzedek Hospital in Israel at 88 after a brief illness. Born in 1937 in Brooklyn, he co-founded Shma Yisrael Yeshiva in 1972, later renamed Ohr Sameach, shaping Jewish education globally. Schiller moved to Israel in 1974, growing the yeshiva into a major institution for baalei teshuva. His death prompted tributes from students and leaders worldwide, noting his role in reviving Torah study. His funeral was held Sunday at the yeshiva in Jerusalem, attended by hundreds.
President Donald Trump shared a statement from Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, recognizing Trump’s support for Israel. Dagan announced that the “Balcony of the State,” an iconic observation deck in Peduel, Samaria, will be renamed the “Trump Observation Deck.” The site offers sweeping views of Israel’s coastal plain, from Ashkelon to Hadera. The decision, made with the Peduel Village Committee, honors Trump’s policies favoring Israel’s security and Judea and Samaria. Dagan notified Trump via letter, expressing gratitude on behalf of Samaria’s residents. The renaming awaits an inauguration ceremony, with plans to invite global officials.
Jerusalem’s Piedra was ranked #37 globally and named Best Kosher Pizza in the World by the TOP 50 PIZZA guide. Co-owner Avi Sinclair accepted the award in Tokyo, dedicating it to Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. During the ceremony, he wore a yellow ribbon pin and raised a dog tag necklace symbolizing their plight. Sinclair announced Piedra’s new delivery service, set to launch soon, expanding its reach beyond its Agrippas Street location. He emphasized that the hostages’ return would be a “tremendous victory” for Israel and the kosher community worldwide.
WORLD NEWS
Mark Carney has been elected leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, positioning him to succeed Justin Trudeau as the country’s next prime minister. The former governor of the Bank of Canada (2008-2013) and the Bank of England (2013-2020) won with 85.9% of the vote, defeating Chrystia Freeland and others in a landslide. Carney, 59, assumes the role amid a U.S. trade war sparked by President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. He has vowed to maintain retaliatory tariffs until the U.S. shows “respect,” leveraging his financial expertise to navigate the crisis. Though unelected to public office, he’s expected to be sworn in soon and may call a snap election, facing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Jewish communities in the United Arab Emirates have launched “Zvi’s Tefillin,” a project creating 60 tefillin stations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah to honor Rabbi Zvi Kogan, murdered by Islamic terrorists in November 2024. The initiative reflects Kogan’s dedication to helping Jews perform mitzvahs, as he often carried tefillin to assist others. Stations are placed in tourist areas and community homes, with some extending to other Gulf regions. Each kit includes an AirTag for tracking. The project, sparked by Avi Batito and Chabad rabbis, began with 60 men donning tefillin simultaneously, ensuring Kogan’s legacy endures in the Emirates’ growing Jewish community.
BlackRock has agreed to buy two major ports at the Panama Canal, Balboa and Cristobal, from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison in a $22.8 billion deal. The purchase follows pressure from President Donald Trump, who raised concerns about Chinese influence over the strategic waterway, despite Panama’s sovereign control since 1999. The deal, part of a larger sale of 43 ports across 23 countries, shifts control to a U.S.-led consortium including BlackRock. CK Hutchison insists the transaction is purely commercial, unrelated to political pressure. Trump hailed the move as a step toward “reclaiming” the canal, though Panama denies any foreign control over its operations. The sale awaits Panamanian government approval.
Australian police charged a second nurse, Ahmad Rashad Nadir, 27, on Tuesday for threatening to kill Israeli patients in a video chat with an Israeli influencer. He faces charges of using a communication system to threaten, menace, or harass, plus possession of a prohibited drug. Nadir, previously suspended from Bankstown Hospital alongside colleague Sarah Abu Lebdeh, was arrested after the widely circulated video prompted public outrage. He was granted conditional bail and is due in court later this month. Lebdeh was charged earlier with threatening violence. Both nurses remain barred from practicing by NSW Health.
The Jewish community in Tyumen, Siberia, dedicated a new synagogue this past week, showcasing its growth under Rabbi Yerachmiel Gorelick’s leadership. Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar affixed the mezuzah at the synagogue’s entrance during the ceremony. A tile from the historic mikvah in Rostov was incorporated into the new mikvah’s structure. A cornerstone-laying event also occurred for a planned Jewish center, using a stone from Chabad-Lubavitch’s New York headquarters. The new building will mirror the iconic “770” facade of the Brooklyn headquarters. The events reflect the community’s expansion, serving thousands of Jews in this industrial Siberian city.
Pro-Palestinian activists from Palestine Action vandalized President Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, painting “Gaza Is Not For Sale” in large letters on the lawn and splattering red paint on the clubhouse. The group also dug up parts of the golf course. They claimed the action was a direct response to Trump’s proposal to displace Gaza’s Palestinian population and redevelop the area. Police Scotland is investigating the damage. A Trump Turnberry spokesperson called it a “childish, criminal act,” asserting it won’t disrupt operations at the renowned course.
