New York News
United Hatzalah of Israel’s annual New York Gala raised over $16 million with 1,200 attendees.
Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Peace Missions and real estate developer, spoke as the special guest. Dr. Miriam Adelson, Gala Chair, pledged $5 million. Former hostages Noa Argamani and Eli Sharabi joined Witkoff and Adelson on stage, where Argamani thanked Witkoff for his advocacy in securing hostage releases. She expressed hope for the release of her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, still held by Hamas. The event honored Dr. Tamar Shlezinger for aiding siblings during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Michael Boulos, and hostage families also attended.
Eight NYPD vehicles, six marked and two unmarked, were set on fire in a suspected arson attack at a parking lot on Central and Dekalb Avenues in Bushwick, Brooklyn, near the 83rd Precinct. Surveillance footage captured two masked individuals dressed in black fleeing the scene. Undetonated explosive devices resembling M-80s were found on three other vehicles, and a strong smell of gasoline was detected. Several vehicles had shattered windows, indicating vandalism. The FDNY extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported. The NYPD’s Arson Explosion Investigation Squad is investigating, with no arrests made.
New York Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Senator Sam Sutton passed legislation prohibiting the New York City Department of Sanitation from issuing fines after 3:00 p.m. on Fridays. The law addresses a city rule requiring trash placement after 8:00 p.m., which conflicted with Sabbath observance for Jewish New Yorkers, as handling trash is prohibited after sundown on Fridays. Fines for non-compliance ranged from $50 to $300. The legislation ensures residents can place trash out before Shabbos without penalties. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, following advocacy from Brooklyn’s Orthodox Jewish community.
The Adams administration is removing a three-block section of the protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, between Willoughby and Flushing Avenues, reverting to an unprotected painted lane. The decision followed concerns from the Charedi community about children’s safety, citing over 20 incidents, including a 3-year-old girl struck by an e-bike after stepping off a school bus. The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg supported the removal, while Council Members Lincoln Restler and Chi Ossé criticized it as a political move.
In Spring Valley, a suspected drunk driver veered onto the sidewalk near Kennedy Park at Old Nyack Turnpike and Zachary Court, striking four pedestrians. Goldy Eisenbach, the four-year-old daughter of Village Trustee Yisroel Eisenbach, was fatally injured and pronounced dead hours later at Westchester Medical Center. A 31-year-old man and a five-year-old boy sustained life-threatening injuries, while a two-year-old boy suffered minor injuries. The driver, 41-year-old Axel Lopez-Santiago, was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated, and vehicular assault. Lopez-Santiago, who has a prior DWI conviction, was arraigned and held on $750,000 bail.
US NEWS
Just after midnight on Sunday, a brick inscribed with “Free Palestine” in red paint was thrown through the front window of The Butcherie, a kosher grocery store in Brookline, Massachusetts. Surveillance footage shows at least two masked individuals approaching from Coolidge Street, hurling the brick through a window displaying a map of Israeli wineries, and fleeing back down Coolidge Street. The Butcherie, a 54-year-old family-owned business in the Jewish hub of Coolidge Corner, reported no injuries. Brookline Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime, with no arrests made. Over 150 community members rallied outside the store on Sunday to show support.
Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their Brooklyn Park home. Earlier that morning, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot and wounded at their home in Champlin, nine miles away. The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, allegedly impersonated a police officer, wearing a tactical vest and silicone mask. Police found a hit list of 70 names, including Democratic lawmakers and abortion rights advocates, in Boelter’s vehicle, along with “No Kings” flyers. Boelter, arrested on June 15 in Green Isle, faces federal murder and state second-degree murder charges, with first-degree murder charges pending. The attacks are considered politically motivated.
A grand military parade in Washington, D.C., marked the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, featuring nearly 7,000 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft along Constitution Avenue. The event, the largest military parade in the capital since 1991, included historical reenactors in Revolutionary War uniforms, 28 Abrams tanks, and flyovers with World War II-era planes like the B-25 Mitchell. A festival on the National Mall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. showcased military hardware, followed by a 7:30 p.m. concert at the Ellipse and a fireworks display. Despite rain, thousands attended, though some left early due to heavy security and weather.
Over 2,000 “No Kings” protests took place across all 50 U.S. states, territories like Puerto Rico and Guam, and 20 countries, including Canada and Mexico, with an estimated 4–6 million participants. Organized by a coalition including the ACLU, Indivisible, and the 50501 Movement, the demonstrations opposed President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly immigration raids and National Guard deployments in Los Angeles. Major rallies occurred in Philadelphia, with 80,000 marchers, New York with 200,000, and Los Angeles with 30,000. Most protests were peaceful, featuring American flags and signs like “No kings, no dictators.” Violent incidents included a shooting in Salt Lake City, injuring one, and a vehicular assault in Virginia.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 214-212 to approve a $9.4 billion rescissions package proposed by President Donald Trump, codifying cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency. The package eliminates $8.3 billion from the U.S. Agency for International Development, affecting programs like global health and food assistance, and $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS. The vote followed a procedural rule passing 213-207, allowing debate and the final vote. The legislation, introduced by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, now moves to the Senate, where it faces opposition from Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 266-148 to pass H.R. 884, a bill repealing Washington, D.C.’s Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, which allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections. The legislation, led by Representative August Pfluger, prohibits non-U.S. citizens from voting in D.C. elections for public office or on ballot initiatives. Fifty-six Democrats joined all 210 Republicans in supporting the measure, while one Democrat voted present. The D.C. law, enacted over Mayor Muriel Bowser’s objection, permitted noncitizens residing in the city for at least 30 days to vote in local elections. Fewer than 1,000 noncitizens are registered to vote citywide. The bill now awaits Senate consideration.
Asif William Rahman, a 34-year-old former CIA analyst, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for leaking top-secret documents detailing Israel’s planned retaliatory airstrikes against Iran. Rahman, who held top-secret clearance since joining the CIA in 2016, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to two counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information under the Espionage Act. On October 17, 2024, he accessed and photographed two National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency documents at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, transmitting them to unauthorized individuals. The documents, which appeared on the Telegram channel “Middle East Spectator” the next day, described Israeli aviation exercises and munitions movements, prompting Israel to delay its strikes. Rahman was arrested by the FBI in Cambodia in November 2024.
ABC News terminated correspondent Terry Moran after he posted a now-deleted X post calling White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and President Donald Trump “world-class haters.” The network suspended Moran on June 8, stating the post violated its standards of objectivity and impartiality. Two days later, ABC announced it would not renew Moran’s contract, citing the post as a “clear violation” of its policies. Moran, who joined ABC in 1997 and served as senior national correspondent, defended his remarks, claiming they reflected his true beliefs. White House officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, condemned the post, with Vance calling it a “vile smear.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1708, which would have allowed students and parents to sue educators for teaching or promoting antisemitism in public schools, community colleges, and universities. The bill, passed by the Arizona Legislature, aimed to address rising antisemitic incidents but included provisions for personal liability against teachers, potentially leading to costly lawsuits. Hobbs stated the legislation unfairly targeted educators rather than focusing on combating antisemitism. The veto followed advocacy from Jewish community leaders and educators who argued the bill’s broad language could chill free speech and expose teachers to frivolous lawsuits. Republican lawmakers, who sponsored the bill, expressed disappointment, claiming it was necessary to protect students.
Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. announced Trump Mobile, a new wireless service, at Trump Tower in Manhattan, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign launch. The service offers a “47 Plan” priced at $47.45 per month, providing unlimited talk, text, and data with 5G connectivity through AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile networks. The plan includes free international calling to over 100 countries, telehealth services, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Trump Mobile will sell a $499 gold-colored T1 Phone, running Android 15 with a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen, though experts question the feasibility of domestic manufacturing by the September 2025 release. Customer service will be based in St. Louis, Missouri.
Israel NEWS
Israel launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, targeting sites like the Natanz uranium enrichment plant and killing top commanders and scientists. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Iran’s Health Ministry reports 224 people killed in Israel’s strikes with over 1,400 injured. In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed by Iran’s retaliatory strikes, with nearly 600 injured, including 10 seriously, according to the Prime Minister’s office. Magen David Adom evacuated 67 victims from four sites in central Israel after a ballistic missile attack
The Israel Defense Forces will issue 54,000 initial draft orders, known as “Tzav Rishon,” to eligible Haredi men starting in July 2025, as announced by Brig. Gen. Shai Tayeb, head of the IDF Personnel Directorate’s Planning and Personnel Management Division, during a Knesset Subcommittee on IDF Human Resources meeting. This follows 24,000 draft orders sent to Haredi men since July 2024, targeting the entire pool of approximately 80,000 eligible Haredi men aged 18-24. Reporting dates will be staggered from July 2025 to June 2026. The IDF also plans to increase enforcement, including mobile arrest units and airport detentions, against those ignoring orders, following a June 2024 High Court ruling mandating Haredi conscription.
A class action lawsuit filed in Lod District Court accuses EL AL Israel Airlines of exploiting wartime conditions during the Iron Swords war, seeking 600 million shekels ($169 million) in damages. The suit, supported by former Israel Competition Authority director Professor David Gilo, alleges EL AL abused its near-monopoly on 20 of 24 flight routes after foreign airlines suspended operations following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Gilo’s analysis shows EL AL’s operational costs dropped 3% in 2024 compared to 2023, yet ticket prices surged 14.2%, yielding a $554 million net profit, up from $113 million in 2023. CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia received a 10.2% salary increase, and employees got $103 million in bonuses. EL AL denies wrongdoing, stating it complied with legal pricing regulations.
Argentinian President Javier Milei received the Genesis Prize, valued at $1 million, in Jerusalem, honoring his vocal support for Israel amid its international challenges. The ceremony, attended by 350 guests including Israeli officials and Jewish philanthropists, took place at the Jerusalem Theatre. Milei, speaking in Spanish, expressed solidarity, concluding with “Am Yisrael Chai,” prompting a standing ovation. The Genesis Prize Foundation, co-founded by Mikhail Fridman, recognized Milei as the first non-Jewish recipient for his principled stance. Milei announced plans to donate the prize money to causes supporting Israel and Jewish communities. His visit included meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, reinforcing Argentina’s alignment with Israel.
WORLD NEWS
The United States and the United Kingdom signed a trade agreement reducing tariffs on specific goods. The U.S. lowered its tariff on 100,000 UK cars from 27.5% to 10% and eliminated 25% tariffs on UK steel and aluminum. The UK removed its 19% tariff on 1.4 billion liters of U.S. ethanol and its 20% tariff on 13,000 metric tons of U.S. beef, while maintaining food standards. The UK also committed to purchasing $10 billion in Boeing planes, with Rolls-Royce engines entering the U.S. duty-free. A 10% U.S. tariff remains on most UK imports, higher than the 2.5% pre-2025 rate. The deal, announced as the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal, awaits final negotiations and congressional approval.
Argentinian President Javier Milei announced that Argentina will relocate its embassy in Israel from Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, to West Jerusalem in 2026. The statement was made during a speech to the Knesset on June 11, 2025, during his second state visit to Israel since taking office in 2023. Milei first pledged the move in February 2024, aligning Argentina with six countries—United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Paraguay, and Papua New Guinea—that have embassies in Jerusalem. The decision follows Argentina’s shift to stronger support for Israel, including voting in its favor at the United Nations. Milei also met with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and hostage families during the visit.
Vandals desecrated dozens of graves at the Jewish cemetery in Chisinau, Moldova, spray-painting swastikas and Nazi symbols on more than 50 headstones. The attack, discovered on Saturday, also involved verbal harassment of Jewish community members and antisemitic graffiti on a nearby synagogue’s wall. A criminal case has been opened for desecration and incitement of racial hatred, with Moldovan police investigating but no arrests reported. The Jewish community, now numbering about 5,000, noted a controversial history textbook that distorts Holocaust narratives. Chief Rabbi Pinchas Zaltzman condemned the acts, linking them to rising antisemitism across Europe. Chisinau authorities and the Russian Embassy denounced the vandalism, urging swift action.
Egyptian authorities blocked a convoy of approximately 4,000 activists from over 80 countries attempting to join the Global March to Gaza, aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid. The group, including citizens from France, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, and the U.S., planned to travel from Cairo to El Arish in Sinai, then march 50 kilometers to the Rafah crossing. Over 200 activists were detained at Cairo International Airport or hotels, with at least 73 deported, mostly Europeans, for lacking proper authorizations. The Soumoud convoy, with 1,500 North African activists from Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya, was halted in Sirte, Libya, at Egypt’s request. Organizers reported assaults by alleged government-aligned groups near Ismailia.
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into a doctors’ hostel in the Meghaninagar area shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, reached a maximum altitude of 625 feet before losing signal 36 seconds after departure. Of the passengers, 169 were Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. The crash killed 241 on board, with one passenger surviving, and at least 33 on the ground, including medical students. The flight issued a mayday call before impact. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the probe, with U.S. and UK investigators assisting.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, confirmed via X that Starlink’s satellite internet service was activated in Iran. The move followed Iran’s imposition of nationwide internet restrictions after Israeli airstrikes targeted its nuclear facilities, including the Natanz site. Iran’s Communications Ministry cited “special conditions” for the blackout, which disrupted access to external news sources. Starlink, using low Earth orbit satellites, provides connectivity bypassing Iran’s ground infrastructure. An estimated 20,000 Starlink terminals are active in Iran via black market channels.
