Republican New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov has extended a formal invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the city on January 1, 2026, a date intentionally chosen to coincide with the first day in office for Mayor-elect Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, the Councilwoman announced Tuesday.



The invitation is a direct rebuke of Mamdani, who campaigned on a promise to arrest the Israeli leader if he visited New York City.



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In a public statement, Vernikov wrote on X the invitation as a defense of the city&#8217;s relationship with Israel against &#8220;radical marxists.&#8221;



&#8220;One of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign promises was to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu, the duly elected Prime Minister of Israel, upon his arrival in NYC,&#8221; Vernikov wrote. &#8220;On January 1, Mamdani will take office. And also on January 1st, I look forward to welcoming Bibi to New York City. NY will always stand with Israel, and no radical marxists with a title can change that.&#8221;



In an invitational letter to the Prime Minister&#8217;s Office, Vernikov called Mamdani&#8217;s pledge &#8220;irresponsible and frankly absurd.&#8221;



&#8220;It is with great honor that I extend to you an invitation to visit New York City on January 1, 2026,&#8221; the letter reads, &#8220;to meet with members of our community and to reaffirm the deep and enduring bond between the State of Israel and the people of New York City, home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.&#8221;



&#8220;In recent months, there have been irresponsible and frankly absurd statements made by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has campaigned on the promise of &#8216;arresting&#8221; you upon setting foot in our city.



Vernikov described Netanyahu as a leader of a &#8220;democratic nation that stands as a beacon of hope, freedom, western values, resilience, and strength in a region surrounded by tyranny and terror.&#8221;



Mamdani’s controversial campaign promise, while popular with his base, carries no legal weight according to legal scholars. Under international and U.S. law, a local mayor has no authority to detain a visiting head of state.



Furthermore, the United States is not a member state of the International Criminal Court (ICC), meaning the court holds no jurisdiction within the U.S.



Diplomatic protocols grant visiting dignitaries and heads of state significant immunity. Legal experts note that any attempt by local authorities to detain a foreign leader would be a profound breach of international law and diplomatic norms, widely considered an act of war.

Vernikov Invites Netanyahu to NYC in Defiance of Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s ‘Arrest’ Promise

Rabbi Dudi Caplin, the Chabad-Lubavitch emissary in Cozumel, Mexico, has been officially appointed by the Mexican government as the first Chief Rabbi of the State of Quintana Roo.



The appointment, which follows 17 years of work in the region, marks a historic milestone for the Jewish community in Mexico’s most popular tourist destination.



Rabbi Caplin, who arrived in the United States this week to attend the International Kinus Hashluchim Conference in New York, shared his thoughts about the appointment in an interview with Belaaz.



“After much work with the government, they announced that I will serve as the official Rabbi of the State, representing the government,” Rabbi Caplin said.



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Quintana Roo is home to Mexico’s most visited tourist centers, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Bacalar, and the island of Cozumel, which together receive over six million visitors annually.



“The Jewish community in Quintana Roo has grown tremendously,” Rabbi Caplin noted. “This new role allows me to officially represent the Jewish community before the government. That means that whenever there are matters involving Jewish individuals, communities, or Chabad centers, I can be involved directly as part of the system, whether it’s issues of discrimination, religious rights, or other concerns.”



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He emphasized that the state&#8217;s government&nbsp; shows &#8220;great respect for the Jewish communities and Chabad centers and appreciates their contribution to society and to local tourism.&#8221;



In addition to his work in Cozumel, Rabbi Caplin highlighted the wide Chabad network operating successfully for many years throughout the state, in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Bacalar, serving both local residents and thousands of Jewish visitors.



“Today, there is vibrant Jewish life across the state, with kosher restaurants, Jewish education, active synagogues with regular minyanim, and more,” he said.



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When asked about the safety of the Jewish community, especially in light of the global rise in antisemitism since October 7, Rabbi Caplin responded: “In Quintana Roo, and especially in Cozumel, which is an island city, we feel very safe. The Jewish community lives here peacefully, and we haven’t experienced antisemitism. Our children walk freely in the streets, something rare in other parts of Mexico.”



Alongside his new position, Rabbi Caplin is leading several major initiatives to serve both the local community and the millions of tourists who visit each year. One of the projects is the creation of a Museum of Tolerance.



“We’re working on a major project, a new building that will include a Museum of Tolerance,” Rabbi Caplin explained. “The goal is to reach the millions of international tourists who come here with a universal message of tolerance, respect, and the Seven Noahide Laws, presented in a modern and engaging way. As part of the mission for which the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt&#8221;l sent us, we are working to prepare the world for the Redemption and to inspire everyone we meet with light and love.”



In addition to the museum, the new center will include a permanent facility dedicated to helping IDF veterans who come to the area after their service, offering emotional support and assistance to those dealing with post-trauma. “We see this as a true shlichus, a mission to help those young people heal and move forward after difficult times,” Rabbi Caplin said.



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Rabbi Caplin added that they are currently in the process of purchasing and constructing a new building to house all of his projects.

Interview: Chabad Shliach of Cozumel Appointed Chief Rabbi of the State of Quintana Roo

University College London (UCL) has issued an “unequivocal apology,” banned a researcher from campus, and suspended a student group after a lecture hosted by the group featured &#8220;heinous antisemitic comments,&#8221; including the promotion of a medieval blood libel and other conspiratorial tropes.



The Tuesday event, part of a lecture series by the campus branch of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), featured Dr. Samar Maqusi, identified as a former fixed-term researcher at the university. In her talk on &#8220;The Birth of Zionism,&#8221; Maqusi discussed the 1840 Damascus Affair, an incident where the Jewish community was falsely accused of murdering a monk to use his blood for Passover. 



In an audio recording shared by the advocacy group StandWithUs, Maqusi is heard uncritically repeating the antisemitic falsehood. “During this feast, they make these special pancakes, or bread, and part of the holy ceremony is that drops of blood from someone who’s not Jewish&#8230; has to be mixed in that bread,” Maqusi stated. She added that the monk, Father Thomas, “was found murdered and a group of Jews who lived in Syria&#8230; admitted to kidnapping him and murdering him to get drops of blood for making the holy bread.” Maqusi also made no mention of the Jews who were murdered over the centuries due to the blood libel and dozens of others throughout history. 



Maqusi also failed to mention that the &#8220;confessions&#8221; in the 1840 affair were extracted under brutal torture, which resulted in the deaths of two of the accused Jews. Dozens of Jewish children were kidnapped as well, by Christians who tried to force them to receal where the blood was supposedly kept. While Maqusi did tell students to &#8220;do investigate, draw your own narrative,&#8221; she offered no such corrections herself.



In the same lecture, Maqusi also invoked other antisemitic tropes about global control, claiming, “the Jews pretty much controlled the [world’s] financialisation (sic) structure,” and that “a lot of the banks, a lot of the financial infrastructure, was (sic) owned by a lot of Jewish families.”



She further claimed this financial power persuaded Napoleon Bonaparte to “erect the Jewish kingdom (sic) in Palestine under French patronage,” aided by “a man called Sir Moses Montefiore&#8230; a British financier and banker.” Israel was established over a century after Napoleon died and had nothing to do with French influence.



The university’s response was swift. Dr. Michael Spence, UCL’s president and provost, released a statement calling the comments appalling. “Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our university, and I want to express my unequivocal apology to all Jewish students, staff, alumni, and the wider community that these words were uttered at UCL,” Spence said. Spence confirmed that UCL has reported the incident to the police, banned Maqusi, who he confirmed is not a current staffer, from campus, and launched a “full investigation” into the incident.



He also banned the SJP student group “from holding any further events on campus pending the outcome of this.”



Mark Ben Mikhelson, a Jewish UCL student who attended and recorded the lecture, told StandWithUs he was shaken. “The acceptance by my fellow students of antisemitic blood libels and conspiracy theories was a chilling moment,” he said. “These lies have led to the killing of so many Jews throughout history and yet it is seen as perfectly normal discourse at UCL.”



A senior official at the Community Security Trust, which protects UK Jewish communities, told UnHerd that the lecture represented “the crossing of a Rubicon” where &#8220;flagrant antisemitism&#8221; is becoming acceptable. StandWithUs executive director Isaac Zarfati called it “indefensible” that UCL provided a platform for “long debunked racist conspiracy theories.”



The incident has amplified wider concerns about antisemitism on British campuses, drawing reactions from political figures. Last month, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated there had been an “unacceptable increase in antisemitism” at universities and said the government was funding training to help staff &#8220;tackle this poison.&#8221; Also last month, Arif Ahmed, the free speech director at the Office for Students (OfS), warned that the watchdog was prepared to punish universities that failed to keep Jewish faculty and students safe. Responding to the UCL incident, Shadow Education Minister Saqib Bhatti said UCL must investigate “immediately,” stating that “life has become intolerable for Jewish students across the UK due to the surge in antisemitism.”



The lecture as the latest in a pattern of incidents at UCL.



A month after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, more than 500 alumni wrote to the provost demanding action against a “torrent of antisemitism.” They cited student societies glorifying the terrorist killings and a motion by UCL’s branch of the University and College Union (UCU) calling for “intifada until victory” and a “mass uprising.”



In March 2025, Dr. Tarek Younis of Middlesex University delivered a lecture at UCL claiming that terrorism was a term “deployed by Israel” to discriminate against Muslims and “marginalise Palestinian resistance.”



In his statement, Dr. Spence acknowledged the ongoing problem. “Regrettably, like many UK universities, we continue to confront incidents of antisemitism and are committing to banishing this from our campus.”



He concluded, “Freedom of speech and academic freedom are fundamental to university life, but they can never be misused as a shield for hatred. UCL remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure our campus is a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone.”

Britsh University Bans Lecturer and Suspends Student Group Over ‘Heinous’ Antisemitic Blood Libel Lecture

Rabbi Mendy Chitrik, the Rabbi of the Ashkenazi Jewish community in Turkey and head of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States (ARIS), met Friday with the Satmar Rebbe, Harav Aharon Teitelbaum shlita.



Rabbi Chitrik briefed the Rebbe on the organization&#8217;s extensive work and the current state of Jewish life across various Muslim-majority countries.



&#8220;We spoke to spoke to Satmar Rebbe about Jewish life in the Muslim world, in Tunisia, in in the Gulf, in Turkey and other places,&#8221; Rabbi Chitrik told Belaaz.



The briefing highlighted the scope of the Jewish presence in these regions, which remains substantial. &#8220;There are 100,000 Jews in the Muslim world,&#8221; Rabbi Chitrik explained, &#8220;and we represent all the rabbonim in the in the Muslim world, whether in Africa, in the Gulf area, in the Middle East, in Asia and Far East.&#8221;



Rabbi Chitrik detailed the practical efforts ARIS is undertaking to ensure the continuity and vitality of these communities. He described the organization&#8217;s focus on building essential religious infrastructure to support Torah life. &#8220;We are building mikvaos and building shuls and renewing mikvaos and strengthening Yiddishkeit,&#8221; he stated.



According to Rabbi Chitrik, the Satmar Rebbe received the update warmly and offered his encouragement for the challenging work. &#8220;The Rebbe gave us a bracha and gave us advice.&#8221;



&#8220;[We] and Hashem hope that to be matzliach and to continue to strengthen Yiddishkeit in the Muslim world,&#8221; Rabbi Chitrik concluded.

Chair of Rabbinic Group for Jews in Muslims Countries Meets Satmar Rebbe

In an interview with Fox News, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed the possibility of U.S.-brokered negotiations with Israel and described his visit to the White House on Monday as the beginning of a new chapter in Syria’s relations with Washington and the region.



“Syria has borders with Israel, and Israel occupies the Golan Heights since 1967,” al-Sharaa said. “We are not going to enter into a negotiation directly right now. Maybe the United States administration, with President Trump, will help us reach this kind of negotiation.”



Reflecting on his historic meeting with President Trump, al-Sharaa noted, “This is the first time a Syrian president visits the White House since the establishment of Syria in the 40s of the last century. After the fall of the former regime, Syria has entered into a new era. And this will build on a new strategy with the United States.”



When asked if Syria would join the coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists, al-Sharaa replied, “We participated in so many battles against ISIS for 10 years… I have lost much of my forces in the battles against ISIS. The US presence in Syria must now be coordinated with the Syrian government.”



Pressed on his past designation as a foreign terrorist affiliated with Al-Qaeda, al-Sharaa shifted focus, saying, “We talked about the future, the present and the past. We talked about lifting the sanctions… There was a decision at the United Nations to lift the sanctions on myself and other people.”



He continued, “We did not discuss [Al-Qaeda] actively. We talked about investment opportunities… Syria is no longer looked at as a security threat. It is now looked at as a geopolitical ally… especially extracting gas.”



Regarding former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted by rebels led by al-Sharaa last year, he stated, “Justice must prevail… We have established a justice commission… so that everyone can be held accountable for what they did, including Bashar Al-Assad.”



Al-Sharaa also addressed the case of missing American journalist Austin Tice, saying, “I have met with the mother of Tice… I’m going to do everything in my power so that she can have important and enough information about her son.”

Al-Sharaa Open To U.S.-Brokered Talks With Israel, Calls White House Visit ‘A New Era’ For Syria

Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar TV aired footage that it claims shows Israeli forces building a new concrete wall along the border with Lebanon, reportedly extending beyond the UN-demarcated Blue Line, across from the northern Israeli community of Avivim.



Unverified reports allege that certain parts of the barrier stretch one to two kilometers into Lebanese territory, near one of five strategic positions still controlled by the IDF since Israel’s withdrawal under the November 2024 ceasefire.



The footage comes as tensions along Israel’s northern border have intensified, with the terrorists rebuilding their arsenal of missiles while the IDF has been stepping up airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon over the past several weeks. The terrorists have been smuggling arms from Iran and Iraq, as Israel decimated Hezbollah&#8217;s own weapons production facilities last year.



The IDF has not yet released an official statement regarding the report.

Hezbollah Media Claims Israel Erecting New Border Wall Beyond Blue Line

The House on Wednesday approved a sweeping spending package to reopen the government, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history, which left federal workers unpaid, cut food aid, and caused flight cancellations. The vote was 222-209, largely along party lines, with two Republicans opposing and six Democrats crossing over.



President Donald Trump signed the bill at around 10:30 PM; 45 minutes after the planned 9:45 signing, which officially reopened the government.



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The bill survived last-minute GOP objections to a Senate-added provision allowing senators to sue the government over seized phone records from the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) promised a separate vote next week to repeal that language.



&#8220;I think you can evaluate for yourself which party is working for the people,&#8221; Johnson said.



President Trump has indicated he is ready to sign the measure, which provides full-year funding for key departments like Agriculture and Veterans Affairs while funding other agencies short-term through Jan. 30. The package also reinstates federal workers fired during the shutdown and blocks further layoffs before February.



The deal does not extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, drawing criticism from liberal Democrats and leaving Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) under fire for failing to unite the party. “I respect Chuck Schumer… but it may be time for the Senate Democrats to get a new leader,” Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) said.



Democrats also criticized the Trump administration for using the shutdown to pressure the party, with Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) saying, “Imagine that the president… depriving kids of food. And in addition to that, depriving their parents of health care. Staggering.”



The health care fight isn’t over. With ACA subsidies set to expire, Democrats and some moderate Republicans may push for a fix before the next funding deadline on Jan. 30, leaving the door open for another potential shutdown.

Trump Signs Bill Ending Record Gov. Shutdown

The IDF is expressing concern that the Trump administration may pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw from strategic outposts on the Syrian Mount Hermon, according to an official who spoke with Ynet on Friday.



The anxiety comes following what was described as a &#8220;warm and unprecedented&#8221; White House welcome for Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, a move that reportedly &#8220;stunned&#8221; the Israeli intelligence community. A senior IDF official warned that this represents a &#8220;dangerous, watershed-like rapprochement,&#8221; noting that &#8220;Al-Sharaa is still surrounded by al-Qaeda elements who swear to destroy Israel.&#8221;



The analysis suggests the IDF fears this new diplomatic alignment, coupled with pressure from Turkish President Erdogan, could force Israel to abandon two key Syrian Hermon outposts: Metzuda and Keter Hermon.



This diplomatic pressure is running counter to direct IDF recommendations. The military&#8217;s position, detailed in the analysis, is to &#8220;not give up the Syrian Hermon at any cost.&#8221; The summit, at an altitude of 2,800 meters, is considered critical for three &#8220;red lines&#8221; that Israel insists must be guaranteed in any renewed ceasefire agreement with Syria: Thwarting arms smuggling routes from Syria to Hezbollah, providing air support and protection for Syrian Druze in Sweida and Khader and&nbsp; maintaining full air freedom of action across Syria.



Negotiations in recent months have focused solely on revalidating the 1975 ceasefire agreement, not on normalization or a comprehensive peace treaty. The IDF has reportedly indicated that if these three security conditions are met, it could withdraw from other positions in the Syrian Golan, but the Syrian Hermon remains non-negotiable.



Turkey&#8217;s involvement is a significant complicating factor. The IDF is said to be &#8220;monitoring with concern&#8221; Erdogan&#8217;s role, as Turkey is reportedly arming al-Sharaa’s militias with anti-tank launchers and rifles. The greater fear is that this could escalate to Turkey providing advanced air defense systems, like the Russian S-400, which would &#8220;erode the air superiority&#8221; Israel has used to operate over Syria.



This perceived vulnerability comes at a time when the analysis claims the Middle East already senses &#8220;Israeli political weakness&#8221; following the &#8220;flawed agreement&#8221; with Hamas, which left the group de facto in power in Gaza.



At the same time, the IDF is bracing for a new escalation with Hezbollah on the Lebanese front. The military reportedly expects the Lebanese army to &#8220;soon announce the end of the operation to collect Hezbollah&#8217;s weapons,&#8221; dismissing any such statement as a &#8220;false declaration.&#8221; Intelligence suggests Hezbollah is, in fact, &#8220;gaining confidence to strengthen again&#8221; and is enjoying increased cooperation with junior officers in the Lebanese army.



While the analysis describes a &#8220;different Hezbollah&#8221; than the one before the recent war—&#8221;damaged and weak, without real invasion capabilities&#8221; and with &#8220;inexperienced command&#8221;—it cautions that the group still possesses tens of thousands of rockets. Crucially, it maintains hidden workshops to convert these into precision missiles and build explosive drones, all while nursing an &#8220;open revenge calculation.&#8221;



The Israeli Air Force has repeatedly struck these assets, attacking a precision missile plant in the Bekaa Valley this week for the ninth time this year. Since the beginning of November, the Northern Command has eliminated approximately 20 Hezbollah terrorists. According to the analysis, a &#8220;critical mass of escalation violations&#8221; has now accumulated, justifying a new &#8220;fire operation&#8221; against Hezbollah. This operation may include a &#8220;limited ground maneuver&#8221; to clear terrorist bases near the border and protect five IDF outposts situated in Lebanese territory.

IDF Fears US Pressure on Syrian Hermon as New Hezbollah Operation Looms

The body of Meny Godard Hy&#8217;d, a 73-year-old resident of Kibbutz Be’eri who was murdered on October 7, 2023, has been returned from the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces announced Thursday.



Military representatives notified the Godard family after forensic experts at the Abu Kabir forensic institute in Tel Aviv completed the identification.



Godard was murdered alongside his wife, Ayelet, 63, when Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorists attacked their kibbutz. His body was then abducted to Gaza by the Hamas-allied terror group.



In a joint statement, Hamas and PIJ said the body had been located in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza on Thursday. Footage aired by Al Jazeera showed Hamas members placing a photo of one of the hostages on the body bag during the recovery.



IDF troops brought the casket out of the Gaza Strip, where they held a short ceremony led by IDF Chief Rabbi Brig. Gen. Eyal Krim, saluting the casket. It was then escorted by police to the Abu Kabir institute for identification.



The recovery comes after troops in March recovered findings belonging to Godard at an Islamic Jihad post in southern Gaza’s Rafah. Those findings were identified in Israel, but his body remained held in the Strip.



The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement sharing in the &#8220;deep sorrow of the Godard family and of all the families of the fallen hostages.&#8221; The PMO stated that Israel is &#8220;determined, committed, and working tirelessly&#8221; to bring back the remaining slain hostages for burial, adding that Hamas is &#8220;required to fulfill its commitments to the mediators and return them as part of the implementation of the agreement.”



The couple is survived by their children, Mor, Gal, Bar, and Goni, as well as a number of grandchildren and several siblings.



With Godard&#8217;s return, the bodies of three slain hostages remain held in Gaza: Israelis Master Sgt. Ran Gvili and Dror Or, and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak.

Slain Hostage Meny Godard Hy’d Returned From Gaza, Identified by Forensic Experts

Mayor-elect Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani met privately on Wednesday with far-left Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a quiet sit-down spotted by an office worker across the street from Mamdani’s headquarters.



Warren later boasted on Instagram about the gathering with Mamdani and Lina Khan, the Big Tech antagonist serving as co-chair of his transition team. “Tax the rich. Billionaire tears not pictured,” she wrote beneath a photo of the smiling trio.



The eagle-eyed New Yorker who photographed the meeting described seeing the pair “in deep debate” on Nov. 12, sharing the image on X.



By the next morning, the blinds in Mamdani’s office had been pulled shut, the same user noted in a follow-up post. The details of the conversation remain unknown.



Warren, a longtime critic of Wall Street, has previously praised Mamdani’s “steely” focus on affordability. Over the summer she hailed his sweeping pledges — free child care, transit, and rent freezes — as the real “Democratic message.”



She again posted the photo of the meeting on Instagram with the caption, “Tax the rich. Billionaire tears not pictured.”



Maria Danzilo, a former New York state Senate candidate, blasted Warren’s involvement, calling it an “obsession” with the incoming mayor. “This woman will not rest until she brings down America, starting with NYC. It’s bad enough we have [AOC] here,” she wrote on X, warning the city is “headed for anti-growth and a death spiral.”



Others voiced alarm at the growing parade of left-wing politicians surrounding Mamdani. “Welp Bernie said it. He wants to bring Mamdani politics all across the country,” one user wrote, referring to Sen. Bernie Sanders, who recently rallied with the mayor-elect.



“I don’t think her policies work for nyc,” another user said, while a third questioned Warren’s presence entirely: “She is a MA senator…why is she even there?”

Warren’s Secretive Meeting With NYC Mayor-Elect Sparks Backlash Over ‘Tax The Rich’ Agenda

Venezuela has begun deploying military units and stockpiling weapons in response to the Trump administration’s growing naval buildup in the Caribbean, signaling heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.



According to sources and planning documents reviewed by Reuters, the Venezuelan government has activated what it calls a “prolonged resistance” strategy — positioning small military units at more than 280 locations to carry out sabotage missions and other guerrilla operations if conflict erupts.



“We don’t discuss intelligence matters,” a War Department official told Fox News when asked about the reports.



President Nicolás Maduro has accused the Trump administration of attempting to remove him from power and vowed that Venezuelans will defend their country against any American assault.



The deployment follows President Donald Trump’s order to intensify anti-narcotics operations in the Caribbean. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group have entered the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility as part of the administration’s efforts to expand military pressure in the region.



“The enhanced U.S. force presence in the USSOUTHCOM AOR will bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States homeland and our security in the Western Hemisphere,” said Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell. “These forces will enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations.”



Amid the standoff, the U.S. military has conducted a series of lethal strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels. President Trump has hinted that direct ground operations could follow, saying, “the land is going to be next.”



Despite the fiery rhetoric, Venezuela’s military faces major logistical challenges. According to Reuters, some unit commanders have had to negotiate with local food producers to feed their troops because government supplies are insufficient.



As part of its defensive strategy, Venezuela is reportedly preparing for a guerrilla-style resistance. “We wouldn’t last two hours in a conventional war,” a source close to the government told the outlet.



Russia’s foreign ministry announced last week that it stands ready to assist Venezuela upon request, while urging both sides to avoid escalation.

Venezuela Mobilizes Troops And Weapons As U.S. Warships Mass In The Caribbean

Iran has sharply intensified its campaign to arm terrorist factions in Yehudah and Shomron, smuggling in advanced weaponry in recent months, according to Israeli intelligence officials and regional experts cited in a Washington Free Beacon report published Tuesday.



Sources said the regime’s objective is to turn the region into a Gaza-style terror base capable of carrying out massacres similar to Hamas’s October 7 assault.



Following the Trump-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last month, Islamic Jihad reportedly shifted its main operational focus to Yehuda and Shomron. The group, Iran’s most active proxy in the territory, is operating in cities including Hebron, Shechem (Nablus), Jenin, and Jericho. It now works alongside members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and local Hamas factions — 28 groups in total, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).



These organizations have obtained weaponry not previously seen in Yehudah and Shomron, such as explosive-laden drones, anti-tank missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and advanced rockets. The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center reported that after the October 10 ceasefire, Hamas declared the region would “continue to be a leading arena of resistance (sic).”



Recent IDF counterterror operations have intercepted multiple Iranian arms shipments, including a drone launched from Jordan carrying 10 firearms, and an October delivery from Iran’s Quds Force containing 15 anti-tank rockets, 29 explosive devices, four armed drones, and various firearms.



Iran is also seeking new smuggling routes through Jordan and Lebanon. In July, Israeli forces foiled two Quds Force attempts to transfer weapons from Lebanon, the Amit Center confirmed.



In February, the IDF uncovered a joint Hamas–Islamic Jihad–Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades operation based in the Nur Shams refugee camp. Terrorists had planted explosives on buses in five separate locations targeting civilians, but a timing malfunction caused a premature explosion that exposed the plot and allowed Israeli forces to dismantle the remaining devices.



The David Institute for Security Policy verified that the plot had Iranian sponsorship, warning that Yehudah and Shomron represent Israel’s “soft underbelly” due to their proximity to major cities and Ben Gurion Airport.



Photographs seized from a Hebron weapons depot revealed active missile production workshops, suggesting that terror groups in the region are now capable of independently manufacturing advanced weapons — mirroring Hamas’s weapons development in Gaza after the 2005 IDF withdrawal.

Iran Reportedly Flooding Yehudah And Shomron With Advanced Weapons To Replicate Oct. 7 Attack

Senior American officials are expressing growing concern that President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative could collapse amid mounting challenges to its implementation, according to internal documents obtained by Politico, who reported the findings Tuesday. The plan, intended to formally end hostilities between Israel and Hamas, has reportedly hit multiple logistical and political roadblocks.



The classified materials were discussed last month at a major conference in Israel’s Kiryat Gat, where roughly 400 officials and private-sector participants convened under the U.S. military’s new Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC). The event was organized by Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel, Washington’s security coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and included input from U.S. security agencies and outside advisers.



A 67-slide presentation reviewed at the meeting included one particularly striking visual—a question mark between “Phase 1” and “Phase 2” of the Trump plan—signaling widespread uncertainty about how to proceed. According to Politico, the slides drew on situation reports from U.S. agencies and documents from the Blair Institute, founded by former British prime minister Tony Blair, who has been advising on Gaza stabilization efforts. One U.S. security official told the outlet the presentation showed “real anxiety in Washington about whether this can actually work.”



Although the administration maintains that it remains committed to the plan, the internal reports make clear that the optimism voiced publicly by Trump and his team contrasts sharply with the realities on the ground. The documents warn that efforts to stabilize Gaza and secure lasting peace between Israel and Hamas are fraught with obstacles.



A central element of the proposal, a multinational stabilization force to monitor a ceasefire and oversee Gaza’s demilitarization, remains mired in ambiguity. Questions persist over the force’s legal authority, its composition, rules of engagement, and oversight. One presentation slide reportedly indicated that the U.S. would take a supervisory role. Israel, however, has resisted withdrawing troops while Hamas remains armed, and Jerusalem continues to oppose the Palestinian Authority’s return to the enclave.



Analysts caution that if the process stalls, Gaza could split into separate zones; one controlled by Israel and another by Hamas. Western diplomats warn that such a stalemate could entrench a long-term division, undermining the plan’s intent to unify the territory under stable governance.



David Schenker, a former assistant secretary of State for Near Eastern affairs under Trump, told Politico the effort is “a full-time job,” noting that the administration’s limited diplomatic resources may not suffice. Another participant in the Kiryat Gat meeting remarked, “Divorced from the peace deal is a plan of how to actually implement this peace deal. Everyone is floating around at 40,000 feet and nobody is talking operations or tactics.”



An additional document reviewed at the session warned that “Hamas is buying time for eventual reassertion of control. Every delay works in their favor,” citing ongoing risks to both humanitarian and security operations in areas outside Hamas’s direct reach.



Some officials also questioned whether Washington’s deep involvement in Gaza is compatible with Trump’s “America First” policy. One participant said, “There’s a bigger question, which is whether it’s advisable or consistent with the president’s America First agenda for the United States to have a long term involvement in Gaza. This is an issue that’s being worked out.”

US Officials Warn Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Faces Major Setbacks

President Donald Trump on Monday met with Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa in the Oval Office, hailing him as a “very strong leader” and expressing optimism about Syria’s role in stabilizing the region.



Monday&#8217;s meeting marks the first time a Syrian head of state has met with a US president in the Oval Office.



“He’s a very strong leader. He comes from a very tough place and he’s a tough guy. I like him. I get along with the President, the new president of Syria,” Trump told reporters after the meeting. “We want to see Syria be successful along with the rest of the Middle East. So I have confidence that he’ll be able to do the job.”



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Trump confirmed that the U.S. expects Syria to formally join the coalition against ISIS in the coming days. “You can expect some announcements on Syria,” he said. “We want to see Syria become a country that’s very successful. And I think this leader can do it, I really do.”



Defending his engagement with Damascus, Trump said cooperation with regional powers would help ensure long-term stability. “He gets along very well with Turkey, with President Erdogan,” Trump noted. “He’s a great leader. Erdogan’s a great leader. And very much in favor of what’s happening in Syria. We have to make Syria work. Syria is a big part of the Middle East.”



After the meeting, Trump took to his Truth Social to discuss the meeting. &#8220;It was an Honor to spend time with Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, the new President of Syria, where we discussed all the intricacies of PEACE in the Middle East, of which he is a major advocate. I look forward to meeting and speaking again. Everyone is talking about the Great Miracle that is taking place in the Middle East. Having a stable and successful Syria is very important to all countries in the Region,&#8221; he wrote.



In the Oval Office at the conclusion of the meeting, the president also touched on domestic politics, indicating tentative support for a congressional deal to reopen the government following the extended shutdown. “It depends what deal we’re talking about,” he said. “But if it’s the deal I heard about — certainly we want to change the deal a little bit — but I would say so, because based on everything I’m hearing, they haven’t changed anything, and we have support from enough Democrats and we’re going to be opening up our country. Too bad it was closed but we’ll be opening up our country very quickly.”



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Asked whether he approved of provisions reversing the mass firings that occurred during the shutdown, Trump replied simply, “The deal is very good.”



Trump also said tariffs against India would come down “at some point,” praising New Delhi for cutting its reliance on Russian oil, and confirmed talks toward a potential new trade deal with Switzerland.



When asked about criticism from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene that he should focus more on domestic policy than foreign affairs, Trump dismissed the remarks. “I don’t know what happened. She’s lost her way, I think,” he said. “But I have to view the presidency as a worldwide situation, not locally. I mean, we could have a world that’s on fire, where wars come to our shores very easily.”



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Trump Praises Syria’s al Sharaa in Historic Oval Office Meeting

The Israel Defense Forces announced the death of Maj. Gen. (res.) Herzl Bodinger, who served as Israeali Air Force (IAF) commander from 1992-1996.



IDF Spokesperson: “Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the IDF General Staff Forum, commanders, and soldiers bow their heads upon the passing of Maj. Gen. (res.) 



Herzl Bodinger.”Bodinger died Monday at age 82, leaving a wife and four children. He will be laid to rest in a full military ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 3:30 p.m. at the Kiryat Shaul Cemetery.

IDF Announces Passing of Former Air Force Chief Herzl Bodinger

In a miraculous turn of events that concludes a decade-long saga of fear and desperate tefillos, the death sentence facing Binyamin (ben Limor) Chasin in Iraq has been officially nullified, askanim reported Thursday. A Kurdish judge formally rescinded the verdict following the successful completion of a &#8220;sulcha&#8221; (reconciliation agreement) with the family of a man who died after attacking Chasin.



The annulment comes after an international pidyon shvuyim campaign, led by prominent rabbanim and askanim working alongside legal advocates, who spearheaded the &#8220;Zachreinu L’Chaim&#8221; campaign. Klal Yisroel responded powerfully, with over 6,000 individuals contributing to the $250,000 fund required by the family to revoke their demand for execution under Islamic law.



Binyamin&#8217;s harrowing ordeal began in 2014. Born in Iraqi Kurdistan before immigrating to Eretz Yisrael and Canada, he returned at age 21 to visit his elderly grandparents. He arrived just as the ISIS terror group began its brutal rampage across the region. Witnessing the atrocities, Binyamin joined local Kurdish forces to protect their towns.



In 2015, this act of bravery led to tragedy. A taxi driver, upon overhearing Binyamin speaking Hebrew, became hostile and threatened to hand him over to ISIS terrorists. A struggle ensued, and the driver was wounded, later succumbing to his injuries.



What followed was a nightmare of arrest and brutal torture. Rabbi Avraham (Alan) Lowy, an askan with extensive experience in pidyon shvuyim who traveled to Iraq multiple times, reported finding Binyamin &#8220;physically broken&#8230; trembling, and spitting blood&#8221; as a result of his captivity.



In August 2020, a Kurdish court handed down the dreadful death sentence, by hanging.



Negotiators &#8211; including renowned attorney Alan Dershowitz &#8211; worked tirelessly behind the scenes. They first managed a critical transfer, moving Binyamin from the dangerous, Iranian-influenced Sulaymaniyah prison to a safer facility in Erbil. This move bought precious time, though the threat of execution remained constant.



After years of delicate negotiations, the deceased&#8221;s family finally agreed to accept the sulcha. With the funds now secured and transferred, the family&#8217;s forgiveness was recognized by the court, and the gezeirah has, baruch Hashem, been annulled, bringing this terrifying chapter to a close.

Baruch Hashem: Death Sentence Annulled for Binyamin Chasin in Iraq After Large Sum Secured

Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams is scheduled to travel to Israel on Friday for a trip focused on strengthening economic partnerships and addressing the global rise of antisemitism.



During the visit, the mayor’s office, in a statement shared with Belaaz, says he will &#8220;meet with government officials, economic development leaders, and members of the tech community.&#8221; The agenda also includes visits to religious sites and high-level discussions on &#8220;efforts to combat antisemitism here in New York City and across the world.&#8221;



That Adams, who will leave office in a month and a half, decided to make a trip to Israel one of his last actions as mayor, highlights relationship he has built with both the Israeli and Jewish community over his tenure as mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel. 



According to data from the United States-Israel Business Alliance, Israeli firms contributed $13.3 billion to New York’s economy last year alone and helped support nearly 58,000 jobs.



The Administration emphasized that New York City, home to the largest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel, has been a &#8220;key partner&#8221; for the nation since its founding.



That partnership is particularly evident in the tech and startup ecosystem. New York City, in which 20,000 Israelis live, is home to more than 400 Israeli-founded startups and at least 30 Israeli-founded companies valued at $1 billion or more. These include major global companies with a large New York footprint, such as Wix, Lemonade, and Monday.com.



Adams&#8217; administration has invested in Israeli companies, including a deal signed with Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat. That declaration officially established the NYC-Israel Economic Council, which was created to strengthen economic ties and promote innovation between the two locations.

With 6 Weeks Left in Office, Mayor Adams’ Israel Trip Aims to Bolster Economic Ties, Combat Antisemitism

Mayor Eric Adams will travel to Israel this week as his time in City Hall draws to a close.



The outgoing mayor’s overseas trip follows last week’s election victory of Zohran Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel, who will succeed Adams as New York City’s next mayor.



According to his public schedule, Adams is set to depart for Israel on Friday and return to New York on Tuesday, November 18.



City Hall officials said the visit will focus on strengthening cooperation in the fight against antisemitism in New York City, home to the largest Jewish community in the United States.

Eric Adams To Visit Israel As His Term Nears End, Plans Talks On Combating Antisemitism

President Donald Trump is threatening to sue the BBC for $1 billion, accusing Britain’s public broadcaster of manipulating one of his speeches to influence last year’s U.S. presidential election. His legal team confirmed the move to NBC News on Monday, saying the network “intentionally and deceitfully” edited his remarks.



The threat comes just one day after the resignations of BBC Director General Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness, who stepped down Sunday amid growing backlash over editorial practices at the 103-year-old institution.



With the resignations, Trump has become a central voice in the debate over the future of the BBC, a network now facing fierce criticism from Britain’s political right.



BBC Chairman Samir Shah apologized Monday, calling the decision to alter the broadcast an “error of judgment.” The controversy stems from a “Panorama” program that spliced together two parts of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech—keeping his call to “fight” but removing the portion urging protesters to act “peacefully.”



“The BBC defamed President Trump by intentionally and deceitfully editing its documentary in order to try and interfere in the Presidential Election,” a spokesman for Trump’s legal team told NBC News. “President Trump will continue to hold accountable those who traffic in lies, deception, and fake news.”



A BBC spokesperson said only, “We will review the letter and respond directly in due course.”



Trump celebrated the resignations on Truth Social, writing, “The TOP people in the BBC, including TIM DAVIE, the BOSS, are all quitting/FIRED, because they were caught ‘doctoring’ my very good (PERFECT!) speech of January 6th. These are very dishonest people who tried to step on the scales of a Presidential Election. On top of everything else, they are from a Foreign Country, one that many consider our Number One Ally. What a terrible thing for Democracy!”



The backlash began after Britain’s Daily Telegraph revealed an internal memo that criticized the edited speech and highlighted broader editorial problems at the network. The revelations quickly spread through conservative media in the U.K. and U.S., eventually drawing in the White House.



Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Telegraph on Friday that the BBC had been “purposefully dishonest” and called it “100 per cent fake news.”



Arriving at BBC headquarters Monday, Turnes rejected Trump’s accusations. “Of course our journalists aren’t corrupt,” she said. “Our journalists are hardworking people who strive for impartiality. The buck stops with me. But I’d like to make one thing very clear, BBC News is not institutionally biased.”



Davie also took responsibility, saying, “Overall the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as director-general I have to take ultimate responsibility.”



Even among the BBC’s defenders, some admit reform is overdue. “I’m a big defender of the BBC. I worked there for 20 years. I think it’s one of the best things about Britain in a world of fake news and deliberately opinionated channels,” said former BBC journalist Guto Harri told NBC. “But there is a default at the organization toward the liberal left. If it has a reputation for being the most trusted news operation in the world, it really cannot mess up on major things like this.”



Nigel Farage, a close Trump ally and leader of Britain’s Reform Party, went further, telling NBC, “The BBC has been institutionally biased for decades. The license fee as it currently is cannot survive. It is wholly unsustainable.”



The BBC’s funding has long been mired in controversy. Viewers must pay a compulsory fee of about $230 annually, with fines or even jail time for nonpayment. Supporters argue the fee funds a vast range of services—from TV and radio to digital platforms and the BBC World Service, which reaches an audience of roughly 450 million globally.



Despite its global prestige, the BBC now faces criticism from both the political right and left, including over its coverage of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.



The network’s Royal Charter, which determines its funding, is set to expire in 2027, just as Farage rises in the polls and public trust in institutions wavers.

Trump Threatens $1 Billion Lawsuit Against BBC After Top Executives Resign Over Edited Speech

An undercover investigation has revealed that administrators at North Carolina A&amp;T State University have been quietly maintaining their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs by rebranding them under new names, despite efforts by state and federal officials to dismantle such policies.



&#8220;It shook things up around here, but fortunately for us, this office is not actually under the DEI office at all, so we&#8217;re able to just keep going. We just like switched up our, you know, changed the wording of things,&#8221; said Pascha Miller, assistant director at the Office of Intercultural Engagement, in a video recorded by Accuracy in Media.



The hidden-camera footage, filmed in August and September 2024, surfaced months after the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors voted to effectively ban DEI initiatives and require “institutional neutrality,” according to the Carolina Journal.



Michael Eccles, office manager for the same department, acknowledged the rebranding effort, saying, &#8220;The word ‘diversity,’ we had to change saying ‘diversity’ to competency.&#8221; When asked if he would describe the process as “creative naming,” Eccles agreed, calling it “cleverly” done.



Austin Horne, assistant director of Programs and Services for members of the to&#8217;eva community, confirmed that university officials adapted their approach following new restrictions. &#8220;The Board of Governors did a statute in May that is really like, attacking DEI jobs and restricting some of our language,&#8221; Horne said. He added that the statute’s vague language left universities to interpret how far they could go without risking legal consequences.



The undercover journalist pressed Horne further: “Just to make sure I understand, so for at least A&amp;T, you’ve not had to like, you’ve just changed or maybe got creative, with some of the language?”



“Yes,” Horne replied. When asked if it was to “get around the legislation,” Horne said, “Well, it’s not even to get around the legislation… some universities like Charlotte have taken that and said these positions can’t function with these rules in place so we’re just going to get rid of them. Every other public university has said they can function, we’re just going to try and shield ourselves from litigation.”



The journalist then asked if that was done “just to appease the politicians.”



“Yes, it’s very much, it’s so vague,” Horne answered.



In another portion of the footage, Eccles said, “It’s been a little bit of a challenge, but we’re still pushing through and trying to make sure people get what they need.” Miller added later, “We don’t use DEI anymore, it’s kind of hard not to use the word ‘diversity,’” laughing as she admitted, “We try not to, you know, just to be safe.”



Fox News Digital previously reported on other universities accused of similar tactics—renaming or quietly continuing DEI programs to avoid scrutiny from the Trump administration or local governments. Earlier this year, UNC Asheville severed ties with its dean of students after she was caught on video saying DEI work was still ongoing, but “you gotta keep it quiet.”



Adam Guillette, president of Accuracy in Media, condemned the behavior, telling Fox News Digital, “North Carolina’s universities have been captured by lawbreaking radicals, and they require fundamental reform. Any government employee who is caught circumventing laws should never again be allowed to earn a paycheck from taxpayers. And the legislature needs to enact a Kansas-style DEI ban which includes both a reporting mechanism and actual consequences for those who flout the law.”

Undercover Investigation: North Carolina University Officials Caught Admitting to Secretly Continuing DEI Agenda

The IDF has concluded a large-scale military exercise in Yehuda and Shomron this week, bringing together the Central Command’s Yehuda and Shomron Division and the newly formed 96th “Gilad” Division, which is responsible for securing Israel’s border with Jordan, the military announced Wednesday.



The three-day operation tested around 40 “extreme” scenarios, according to the military. It incorporated 180 aircraft from the Israeli Air Force, as well as units from the Technological and Logistics Directorate, other IDF branches, the Israel Police, and Magen David Adom emergency services.



This marked the first time both regional divisions under Central Command have trained jointly.



The IDF stated that troops rehearsed responses to complex threats including coordinated terrorist infiltrations into multiple communities, attacks on army outposts, urban combat situations, and large-scale casualty events. The exercise also simulated rescue missions and the rapid mobilization of the 96th Division’s reservist brigades.



According to the military, the drill tested new operational plans combining defensive and offensive tactics within Central Command.



The IDF said the entire exercise was “based on the lessons learned from October 7,” emphasizing early airstrikes to preempt attacks, the quick activation of standby forces, the use of special operations units, and the rapid mobilization of the army’s full response network “to ensure decisive impact in the initial hours.”

IDF Simulates Dozens of ‘Extreme’ Oct 7-Like Scenarios in Major Yehuda and Shomron Drill

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) was transported to a Pittsburgh hospital on Thursday after a fall, which his office attributed to a flare-up of a heart condition.



According to a statement from his office, the senator is &#8220;doing well&#8221; and is under &#8220;routine observation.&#8221;



The incident was caused by &#8220;a ventricular fibrillation flare-up that led to Senator Fetterman feeling light-headed, falling to the ground and hitting his face with minor injuries,&#8221; the statement explained.



Ventricular fibrillation is a serious type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can cause the heart to quiver ineffectively, preventing it from pumping blood to the body.



In a remark in line with his self-deprecating humor, Fetterman commented on his injuries: “If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!”



The Senator was one of a handful of Democrats who voted to approve the spending bill that ended the longest government shutdown in US history earlier this week.



Fetterman, 56, has a history of health issues. While campaigning for the Senate in May 2022, Fetterman suffered a near-fatal ischemic stroke. The stroke was caused by a blood clot from his heart, which had been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm) in 2017.



Doctors also diagnosed him with cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle is weakened. He subsequently had a pacemaker and defibrillator implanted. The stroke left Fetterman with auditory processing disorder, a condition that makes it difficult to understand spoken language, necessitating his use of a closed-captioning device for Senate business and interviews. In February 2023, shortly after taking office, Senator Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for inpatient treatment for clinical depression, which his aides said had become severe in the preceding weeks. He was also treated for light-headedness during a separate hospitalization that same month.

Sen. Fetterman Hospitalized After Fall Caused by Heart Arrhythmia

Rising from the wreckage left by Hurricane Ian, the Jewish community of Southwest Florida gathered on Sunday to celebrate a powerful symbol of rebirth: the dedication of the new, state-of-the-art Mikvah Bashka.



The new structure at Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida, led by Rabbi Yitzchok and Shani Minkowicz, replaces the original mikvah that was tragically destroyed during the hurricane, leaving a spiritual void in the community.



That need has now been filled with a breathtaking, state-of-the-art facility featuring custom marble sinks, imported high-end tile, and a sophisticated filtration system from Israel. The dedication ceremony was a joyous affair, with elegant refreshments sponsored by Taryn Sasser, in memory of her mother, and Amy Fox a&#8221;h, in honor of her daughter&#8217;s birthday.



The mikvah was dedicated by Arlene Silver in memory of her mother, Bernice Orkin Kaye a&#8221;h, whose Hebrew name, Bashka, now graces the building.



Rabbi Minkowicz, who led the ceremony, spoke of the profound significance of the project, which he described as a testament to emunah and resilience.



“The mikvah is the heart of Jewish family life, a symbol of renewal and purity,” Rabbi Minkowicz said in a statement shared with Belaaz. “To see this space reborn from the devastation of Hurricane Ian is not just a structural victory, but a profound spiritual one. It is a divine promise fulfilled.”



The rabbi expressed deep gratitude for the community&#8217;s unified effort.



“This dream was made possible by the unwavering faith and generosity of our community and partners,” Rabbi Minkowicz stated. “From our lead donor, Arlene Silver, whose beautiful tribute to her mother, Bashka, anchors this holy place, to the critical partnership of Mikvah USA, and every single person who contributed, this is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a sacred purpose.”



Mikvah USA, a national organization, was instrumental in the rebuilding. The organization provided critical guidance, funding, and technical expertise to ensure the new mikvah met the highest halachic and aesthetic standards.



Rabbi Hershy Indig of Mikvah USA, who traveled from New York for the event, shared a message that resonated with the crowd: “When Jews from all over the world unite to bring purity to one corner of the earth, we are truly purifying the entire world and preparing it for Moshiach.”



The project also received recognition from Washington. U.S. Senator Rick Scott sent heartfelt greetings, commending the community&#8217;s perseverance.



“The rebirth of Mikvah Bashka stands as a shining example of faith overcoming adversity, and of Florida’s strength to rebuild not only our homes, but our hearts,” Scott&#8217;s message read.



Rabbi Minkowicz expressed his gratitude to community figures Betty Rubenstein, Dr. Jonathan Daitch, Steve Levine, Oren Barsheshet, and David Bergner, for their vital roles.



The sense of unity was further emphasized by the presence of local Chabad Shluchim from across the region, including Rabbi Shalom Katz of Fort Myers, Rabbi Mendy Greenberg of Bonita Springs, and Rabbi Yossi Labkowski of Cape Coral.



Rabbi Minkowicz concluded the evening by reflecting on the mikvah&#8217;s future impact. “Mikvah Bashka now stands as a beacon of faith, unity, and renewal for the Jewish community of Southwest Florida,” he said. “It is a shining reminder that from every storm, new light can and will emerge.”



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Southwest Florida Jewish Community Celebrates New Mikvah After Hurricane Destruction

The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia pressed its final batch of pennies on Wednesday, officially ending production of the 1-cent coin after more than two centuries. The move, aimed at cutting costs and reflecting the penny’s dwindling relevance, marks the end of an American era that began in 1793.



U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, who struck the last penny, said, “G-d bless America, and we’re going to save the taxpayers $56 million.” Officials confirmed that the last few coins will be auctioned off, while existing pennies will remain legal tender.



President Donald Trump ordered the phase-out as the cost of minting reached nearly four cents per coin. “For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents,” Trump wrote earlier this year. “This is so wasteful!”



The penny is the first U.S. coin to be discontinued since the half-cent in 1857. Despite the change, billions remain in circulation, though most are no longer used in daily transactions.



Some retailers complained the decision came abruptly, leaving them without guidance on handling cash sales. Others rounded prices or offered small incentives for customers to use up their remaining pennies. “We have been advocating abolition of the penny for 30 years. But this is not the way we wanted it to go,” Jeff Lenard of the National Association of Convenience Stores told the Associated Press.



Over the years, pennies made up about half of all coins minted in Philadelphia and Denver. Ironically, they still cost less to produce than nickels, which now run nearly 14 cents each.



For collectors and historians, the penny’s end represents more than economics. “We put mottos on them and self-identifiers, and we decide — in the case of the United States — which dead persons are most important to us,” Frank Holt, a University of Houston professor emeritus told Associated Preaa. “They reflect our politics, our religion, our art, our sense of ourselves, our ideals, our aspirations.”

U.S. Mint Strikes Final Pennies As 1-Cent Coin Retired

A small group of Senate Democrats joined Republicans on Monday night to pass a bipartisan bill funding the federal government and ending the nation’s longest-ever shutdown — even without securing their party’s demand to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that help millions afford insurance.



The measure now heads to the House, where Republican leaders hope for swift approval as early as Wednesday. The agreement, which President Donald Trump is expected to sign, would restore key programs such as federal food assistance and ensure pay for hundreds of thousands of federal employees.



Eight Democrats crossed party lines in the 60–40 vote, while only one Republican, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, opposed the bill.



The 41-day shutdown has taken a political toll, with Republicans absorbing most of the public blame in polls. The compromise, brokered by moderate Democrats, has sparked a fierce internal fight over strategy and priorities within the party.



Many Democrats wanted to continue pressing for health care concessions, but centrist members argued that Trump’s firm opposition made it impossible to achieve their goals. Instead, they won a commitment for a future vote on a health care measure of their choosing — though its passage in either chamber remains uncertain.



The late-night vote followed an intense weekend of negotiations between centrist Democrats, Republican leadership, and the White House. Talks began quietly and culminated in a public deal unveiled Sunday. The same eight Democrats who initially backed the framework — Dick Durbin, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Jeanne Shaheen, Catherine Cortez Masto, John Fetterman, Jacky Rosen, and Angus King — gave the final push Monday night.



Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer did not support the final bill, drawing anger from progressives for allowing moderates to cut a deal without winning protections for Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire soon and raise costs for millions.



Democrats expect the funding battle to return quickly, with the next deadline approaching on January 30. The current package, however, secures funding for major agencies — including those administering food aid, the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program, and veterans’ services — through the rest of fiscal year 2026.



Attention now shifts to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who must navigate his divided caucus to pass the bill. Many expect Trump’s influence to be crucial in rallying Republican support.



In a positive signal, Trump told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, “I would say so,” when asked if he backed the deal. “I think, based on everything I’m hearing, they haven’t changed anything, and we have support from enough Democrats, and we’re going to be opening up our country,” he said. “It’s too bad it was closed, but we’ll be opening up our country very quickly.”

Senate Approves Bipartisan Bill To End Historic Government Shutdown, Sending Measure To House

The BBC is examining claims of a second instance in which remarks by US President Donald Trump were edited in a deceptive manner.



Earlier this week, the broadcaster apologized for a documentary aired last October that made it seem as though Trump had directly called for “violent action” ahead of the 2021 Capitol assault carried out by his supporters.



Trump’s legal team has since sent a letter demanding the BBC “appropriately compensate” the president for the “harm caused” by the edit by Friday, or face a $1 billion lawsuit.



The fallout has already led to the resignations of the BBC’s director-general and its top news chief on Sunday.



According to The Telegraph, another questionable edit appeared in a June 2022 segment on the “Newsnight” program. That report stitched together separate lines from Trump’s January 6, 2021 speech — delivered the day of the riots — making it look as if he was urging supporters to head to the Capitol and “fight.”



A BBC spokesperson says: “This matter has been brought to our attention and we are now looking into it.”



The controversy lands at a sensitive moment for the BBC, which is preparing for negotiations over its Royal Charter governing structure, set to expire in 2027.



Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government have so far tried to balance support for the BBC’s independence with a deliberate effort to avoid appearing aligned against Trump.

BBC Faces 2nd Allegation Of Misleadingly Edited Trump Footage

Three NYPD officers pulled a teenage girl from the frigid Harlem River on Tuesday in a gripping rescue captured on body camera — with one officer saying afterward, “Nothing else mattered but just getting her out of the water,” the New York Post reported Thursday.



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Officers Ankit Gupta, Wilmer Guerrero and Shuaibul Amine, all from Uptown Manhattan, were praised Thursday for their swift response after the teen jumped into the icy river only to immediately panic as the cold set in.



“Somebody needed help, and this is what we signed up for, and we’re here to help, and that’s what we did,” Guerrero said.



Bodycam footage shows Guerrero stripping off his jacket and most of his gear before diving into the water, while Gupta and Amine positioned themselves to pull both of them back to shore near 142nd Street around 2 p.m.



“It was definitely a cold plunge, freezing. But at that moment, nothing else mattered but just getting her out of the water,” Guerrero recalled at the scene Thursday with Gupta and Amine. “I just grabbed her by her sweater and her shoulder, and I was just swimming along with her, and then I was just pushing her forward.”



He said the teen was “in such a panic frenzy” that steady encouragement was the only way to keep her calm as he guided her toward help.



The ordeal began when authorities were alerted that a girl was in distress and attempting to jump off the Harlem River Drive. As officers rushed toward her, “she just jumped into the water, with all her clothes on,” Gupta said.



The teen immediately began to scream, “help me, help me, please!” prompting Guerrero to prepare to jump as another officer asked him, “Can you swim? Can you swim?”



Guerrero reached the girl — roughly 20 feet out — within moments and brought her back toward land, where Gupta and Amine, who also shed some gear in case he needed to go in, hoisted them both to safety.



The Emergency Service Unit wrapped the girl in blankets and she was taken to a hospital conscious and alert.



“And hopefully we gave this girl a second chance, because obviously this thing could have gone a whole different way,” Guerrero said.



All three officers, each with under four years on the force, work at the 32nd Precinct. The rescue marked their first water save and a defining early moment in their careers.



“I’m just glad that we were all there as a group, that it was a group effort that gave her a second chance,” Gupta said, as Amine added, “It’s great when you save somebody. That’s what we signed up for in this job, right?”

NYPD Officers Leap Into Freezing Harlem River To Save Teen

Tens of thousands of people streamed into Chevron on Friday, joining what organizers expect will reached roughly 50,000 visitors spending Shabbos near the Ma’aras HaMachpelah.



This Shabbos marks the reading of Parshas Chayei Sarah worldwide, the parsha describing how Avraham Avinu purchased the Ma’aras HaMachpelah as a burial place for Sarah Imainu.



Adam, Chava, Avraham, Sara, Yitzchak, Rivkah, Yaakov, and Leah are all buried there.



A full weekend of programming is planned. Israeli police said tens of thousands are expected over Shabbos, prompting expanded security measures throughout the area.



Before the 20th century, Jews and Arabs lived side by side in Chevron. Rising Arab nationalism, coupled with anti-Jewish incitement, eventually culminated in the 1929 massacre, when 67 Jews were slaughtered and the ancient Jewish community was destroyed.



Following the 1967 Six Day War, Jews returned to Chevron under the protection of the IDF and the State of Israel. Many Palestinian residents, however, viewed the renewed Jewish presence as unwelcome.



Since 1997, Chevron has been divided between the Palestinian-administered H1 zone—home to roughly 200,000 Palestinians—and the Israeli-controlled H2 area, where about 1,000 Jews live. The division continues to fuel friction, leading to frequent clashes.



In 2017, UNESCO designated Chevron&#8217;s Old City and the Cave of the Patriarchs—under the “State of Palestine” listing— as a World Heritage Site in Danger, prompting outrage across Israel.

50,000 Travel to Chevron For Shabbos Chayei Sarah

A Danish court has begun the trial of two Swedish nationals accused of carrying out a grenade attack on the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen last year. Both men face terrorism, aggravated assault, and attempted murder charges.



The defendants, aged 18 and 21, allegedly threw two hand grenades toward the embassy on October 2, 2024. Their lawyers, however, deny the terrorism allegations.



“My client pleads not guilty to the charge of terrorism,” defense attorney Jakob Buch-Jepsen told the court. The 18-year-old defendant has admitted to aggravated assault but denies targeting the embassy directly.



“He admits to throwing two grenades… but he did not throw them at the embassy,” Buch-Jepsen said as his client, wearing a white T-shirt, listened in court.



Swedish media reported that the younger man was recruited by the Foxtrot criminal network while still in high school. He is also facing separate charges in Sweden for a shooting at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm on October 1, 2024.



The second suspect pleaded not guilty to all charges.



Authorities say two explosions were reported near the Israeli embassy in the Hellerup district of Copenhagen during the night of the attack. Prosecutors allege the suspects brought five hand grenades to the area, throwing two toward the embassy — which instead struck a nearby apartment building and exploded.



Prosecutor Soren Harbo said DNA belonging to the 18-year-old was found on one of the grenades recovered in a nearby garden.



The pair were arrested shortly afterward at Copenhagen’s central train station while attempting to travel to Amsterdam.



The trial is expected to last six days, concluding on February 3.



The embassy attack took place just hours after shots were fired at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm. That case has not yet gone to trial.



In May 2024, Swedish intelligence officials reported that Iran had been attempting to recruit members of Swedish criminal gangs to carry out attacks on Israeli targets — a claim the Iranian regime has denied.

Trial Begins in Case of  Grenade Attack on Israeli Embassy in Copenhagen

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday condemned French President Emmanuel Macron for describing Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman Mahmoud Abbas as a “prince of peace” during their meeting in Paris.



“To bring in such a person, embrace him and say you’re the prince of peace is the opposite of reality — it’s false,” Netanyahu told Australian journalist Erin Molan on her podcast. “You cannot build peace on falsehoods. Sooner or later, these falsehoods crash on the rocks of Middle East reality.”



Netanyahu said Abbas was being celebrated in Paris despite overseeing a system that rewards terrorists who murder Jews. “The reality is that the Palestinian leader Abbas, who was feted right now in Paris, pays terrorists to kill Jews. The more Jews they kill, the more they get paid. They take care of their families,” he said.



Even after the PA tried to rebrand its terror-payment program as “welfare support” under an “independent” foundation, Abbas has insisted he will not cut “a single penny” from it.



Netanyahu also highlighted Abbas’s grip on power — now 21 years into what was supposed to be a four-year term — as well as the PA’s glorification of terrorists and continued use of schoolbooks that promote Israel’s destruction.



“My advice to Macron is: learn the facts, stick to the facts, stick to realities and don’t try to escape it,” Netanyahu said. “When you look at the facts, the force for peace, the force for stability, the force for progress, is not the Palestinian Authority, but Israel.”



During Macron’s meeting with Abbas on Tuesday, the French president announced that France will help the PA draft a constitution for a future Palestinian state. He said a joint committee would oversee “all legal aspects: constitutional, institutional and organisational,” adding that it would support efforts to finalize the framework for a Palestinian state.



Macron further praised Abbas as a “partner for peace,” claiming Abbas has “consistently” condemned terrorism — including the Hamas attacks of October 7. Abbas, however, has never publicly denounced the massacre.



France led an initiative in September — alongside Britain, Canada, and Australia — to formally recognize a Palestinian state, a move rejected by both Israel and the United States, which warned that unilateral recognition rewards the Hamas terrorist organization.



The PA has long pushed for international recognition of “Palestine” as a way to bypass direct negotiations with Israel.

Netanyahu Blasts Macron For Calling Abbas A ‘Prince Of Peace’

With President Trump’s return to the White House, the push for peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is also making a comeback, as efforts in Washington are underway to accelerate the agreement. However, Belaaz can reveal that there are those in Israel who are cooling the excitement, despite recent reports that a normalization agreement can happen very soon.



Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, a close ally of Prime Minister Netanyahu who has become a key figure in security and diplomatic matters since the beginning of the war, and a member of Israel&#8217;s security cabinet, addressed the issue.



Belaaz obtained an exclusive quote from Deri’s conversation with several of his close associates which reveals his stance on the possibility of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. He stated: &#8220;The agreement with Saudi Arabia will take a few more months&#8221;



Sources close to Deri explained to Belaaz that the reason for this delay is the potential for further fighting in Gaza until all hostages are brought home. As long as Israel remains engaged in Gaza, the Saudis are not expected to make any official announcements about an agreement with Israel.



It’s worth noting that just last week, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed Saudi Arabia during a press briefing at the White House, with Netanyahu remarking, &#8220;It will happen&#8221;. Apparently not too soon.

Deri MBS

MORE FROM BELAAZ

EXCLUSIVE: Deri Cools Hopes for Quick Saudi-Israel Normalization, Says Deal May Take Months

Israeli Pr8me Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met moments ago with President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, amid US pressure to advance to the second phase of the Gaza deal.

Netanyahu Meets with Kushner on Gaza Deal Phase Two

President Donald Trump issued a sweeping proclamation on Friday granting &#8220;full, complete, and unconditional pardons&#8221; to dozens of allies, former aides, and individuals involved in challenging the 2020 election, including high-profile figures Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows.



Meadows is a former White House Chief of Staff and Giuliani is the president&#8217;s personal attorney and former mayor of New York City.



The proclamation, dated November 7, 2025, and titled &#8220;Granting Pardons for Certain Offenses Related to the 2020 Presidential Election,&#8221; formally pardons a long list of individuals for conduct related to their efforts following that election, and was released Sunday night.



Many of the people named on the list faced indictments, prosecutions, and in some cases, convictions on state and federal charges pursued during the Biden administration. The pardon proclamation explicitly frames the action as a corrective measure. &#8220;This proclamation ends a grave national injustice perpetrated upon the American people following the 2020 Presidential Election and continues the process of national reconciliation,&#8221; the document states.



The pardon covers &#8220;conduct relating to the advice, creation, organization, execution, submission, support, voting, activities, participation in, or advocacy for or of any slate or proposed slate of Presidential electors&#8230; in connection with the 2020 Presidential Election.&#8221; It also extends to &#8220;any conduct relating to their efforts to expose voting fraud and vulnerabilities&#8221; during that period.



The extensive list of beneficiaries includes many of President Trump&#8217;s most prominent former attorneys and advisors, such as:



&nbsp; John Eastman, attorney and author of legal memos proposing an alternate elector strategy. Jenna Ellis, a former senior legal adviser to the Trump campaign.



&nbsp; Sidney Powell, an attorney who filed multiple lawsuits challenging the election results.



&nbsp; Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official.



&nbsp; Kenneth Chesebro, an attorney who helped devise the alternate elector plan.



The list also includes dozens of other individuals, many of whom served as alternate electors in key states or were involved in state-level efforts to challenge the 2020 results, such as former Georgia GOP Chairman David Shafer and Arizona&#8217;s Kelli Ward.



The proclamation notably includes a specific exclusion, stating: &#8220;This pardon does not apply to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.&#8221;



The document concludes by directing the Attorney General to &#8220;administer and effectuate the issuance of certificates of pardon to eligible applicants.&#8221;



While a presidential pardon provides broad protection from federal charges, it does not extend to state-level offenses. Several of the individuals named in the proclamation, including Giuliani and Meadows, had faced state-level indictments, such as those in Georgia and Arizona related to their roles in the 2020 election challenges. The practical impact of the federal pardon on any pending state legal matters remains unclear.

Trump Pardons Allies, Including Giuliani and Meadows, for 2020 Election Conduct

WASHINGTON — The Senate voted tonight, Sunday, 60-40 to advance a tentative deal to end the government shutdown, clearing a key hurdle.



If approved, the measure must still pass the House and be signed by President Trump to become law and reopen the government. Even with support, final passage is expected to take days.



The Senate reconvenes at 11 a.m. tomorrow — Day 41 of the shutdown. The next vote (TBA) will formally take up the House-passed short-term funding bill, to which the deal will be attached before a final vote.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">U.S. Senate advances bill to reopen the government, 60-40. <a href="https://t.co/r2CfPUReJV">pic.twitter.com/r2CfPUReJV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1987730780114817278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Senate Advances Deal to End Shutdown 60-40, Clears Key Hurdle

Over 60% of New York City Jews say that they feel less safe after Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral election last week, according to a Belaaz poll taken over the weekend.



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The poll surveyed 494 participants, asking the question: &#8220;Are you scared to live in NYC now that Zohran Mamdani just won?&#8221;



Of those surveyed, 42% of participants responded, &#8220;Yes,&#8221; Jews are less safe, 36% replied &#8220;No,&#8221; stating that the danger was &#8220;overrated.&#8221;



Adding to their feelings of Jews being less safe, a separate 16% said they were &#8220;staying &amp; fighting&#8221; and 6% said they were &#8220;Packing their bags&#8221; and leaving the city.



Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist and now the city&#8217;s first Muslim mayor, ran on a staunchly progressive platform and frequently slammed Israel.

Belaaz Poll: Majority of New York City Jews Say Mamdani Win Makes Jews Less Safe

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Sunday that the state had begun releasing full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments to residents, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown that had halted benefits for more than a week. Her office confirmed to The New York Post that the first payments were issued Sunday — nine days after the shutdown froze food aid for millions.



Roughly 2.9 million New Yorkers depend on SNAP, commonly called food stamps, and Hochul said the decision was necessary to prevent further “chaos and confusion” caused by the federal stalemate. She directed state agencies to ensure the program remains fully funded through November.



The move, however, conflicts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent directive. On Saturday, the federal agency said any state issuing full SNAP benefits for November was acting “unauthorized” and instructed states to release only 65% of payments, with any overpayments to be clawed back later, Politico reported.



Although the state oversees SNAP distribution, the funds come entirely from the federal government. According to Hochul spokeswoman Jen Goodman, “The federal government is paying for it.” She noted that an outside vendor is responsible for transferring funds onto recipients’ electronic benefit cards.



Hochul doubled down on her criticism of the administration Friday, saying, “Let me be clear, President Trump is hellbent on preventing millions of Americans from putting food on the table. He’s made decision after decision to withhold funding that feeds families, seniors and children — and continues doubling down on this cruelty by challenging the courts’ clear orders.”



Her statement came just hours after Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) announced her campaign to challenge Hochul in the 2026 gubernatorial race, a matchup early polls suggest could be highly competitive.



Initially, the USDA had planned to fully fund November’s SNAP payments despite the shutdown. But the Trump administration appealed a court order that required those payments, arguing it would have forced the agency to tap into funds designated for other programs like the Child Nutrition Program. On Friday, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked that lower court ruling.



The average SNAP household receives about $332 a month, while families with children average roughly $575. The program provides food assistance to about 42 million Americans nationwide, costing between $8.5 and $9 billion monthly.



Republicans, meanwhile, maintain that restoring full benefits is straightforward — Democrats simply need to pass the government funding bill and reopen the government. The administration has ruled out diverting funds from the Child Nutrition Program, citing uncertainty over whether Congress would reimburse it.



Other states have taken varied approaches. Massachusetts and Connecticut have committed to fully funding the program, while Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, and North Dakota opted for partial payments. The shutdown, which began October 1, has now stretched into its sixth week, marking one of the longest in U.S. history.

Hochul Sends Full SNAP Payments To New Yorkers Amid Shutdown Standoff, Defies Federal Gov

The IDF revealed today, Sunday, that in recent weeks, troops of the 36th Division, including the 7th Brigade, Golani Brigade, and Yahalom Unit, have operated east of the Yellow Line in Khan Yunis per political directives. Their mission: locate and neutralize remaining Hamas terrorist infrastructure used against IDF forces.



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cb8453a2-c00b-4001-842e-abb8022d7cbf.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Footage of the dismantling of an underground tunnel route by soldiers of the Yahalom unit near the Yellow Line in Khan Yunis:</figcaption></figure>



The forces uncovered and dismantled 4 underground terror tunnels, destroyed dozens of Hamas terror sites and seized large quantities of weapons.



The IDF said in its statement that southern Command forces continue operations along the Yellow Line to eliminate immediate threats to IDF troops and Israeli civilians.



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/224c9c86-b226-49cb-84a1-6f29929a8686-1.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Footage from inside the underground tunnel route uncovered near the Yellow Line in Khan Yunis:</figcaption></figure>







Below are photos from the activity of the 7th and Golani Brigade near the Yellow Line in Khan Yunis:



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IDF: 36th Division & Yahalom Unit Dismantle 4 Hamas Terror Tunnels in Khan Yunis

After over a decade of painful waiting, the body of Israeli officer Lt. Hadar Goldin Hy&#8221;d, killed and abducted by Hamas terrorists during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, was officially identified at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute after being transferred to Israel Sunday.



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Hadar&#8217;s friends tell Channel 14 after his return: Hadar was &#8220;a special and positive person who always acted for others — we were privileged to know him and his family.&#8221;



The Health Ministry announced that the casket believed to contain Hadar had arrived at Abu Kabir just hours before he was identified, even though the Ministry cautioned that the verification process could take up to two days.



Hadar was 23 years old&nbsp; when he was killed. He left behind his parents, a sister, two brothers, and his fiancée.



The IDF released a statement, saying: &#8220;The effort to retrieve him involved extensive intelligence efforts, alongside operational activities on the ground, led by the IDF and ISA. These efforts continued throughout the past decade and during the war.



&#8220;The IDF expresses deep condolences to the family and continues to make every effort to return all the deceased hostages and is prepared for the continued implementation of the agreement.&#8221;



After Hadar&#8217;s return, the total number of murdered hostages held by the terrorists stands at four: Meny Godard Hy&#8217;d, Master Sgt. Ran Gvili Hy&#8217;d, Dror Or Hy&#8217;d, and Sudthisak Rinthalak.



The Health Ministry extended its “deep condolences to the bereaved families and shares in their pain as their loved ones are brought to burial in Israel.” The ministry also urged the public and media to respect the families’ privacy, avoid speculation, and “rely solely on official information sources.”



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A statement from the Prime Minister&#8217;s Office read: &#8220;After completing the identification process by the National Center for Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of the deceased abductee, Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, that their loved one had been returned to Israel and his identification had been completed.&#8221;



&#8220;The Israeli government shares the deep sorrow of the Goldin family and all the families of the deceased abductees.&#8221;



&#8220;The government and the entire Israeli Defense Forces are determined, committed and working tirelessly to return all of our deceased abductees for a proper burial in their country.&#8221;



&#8220;The Hamas terrorist organization is required to fulfill its commitments to the mediators and return them within the framework of implementing the agreement. We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all of the abductees, down to the last one.&#8221;

וְשָׁבוּ בָנִים לִגְבוּלָם – After 11 Years: Lt. Hadar Goldin Hy”d, Identified After Returning to Israel

A week after Rabbi Moshe Indig, prominent askan in the Satmar community which follows Harav Aharon Teitelbaum shlita, endorsed Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, the askan tells Belaaz that not only was his move made with the full backing of the Rebbe, it was in line with Satmar&#8217;s long-standing policies.



Indig, who says he has overseen the community&#8217;s&nbsp; political policies and endorsements for 25 years, told Belaaz: &#8220;The simple fact is that I was authorized, and I would never doing anything without that.&#8221;



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&#8220;One of the main policies in Satmar, which we received from the Divrei Yoel zy&#8221;a, is that he was very against fighting anyone, as this is hisgarus b&#8217;umos. It doesn&#8217;t make a difference what religion is; we are in galus. We&#8217;re allowed to endorse, to enjoy the privilege and vote for who you feel is good for you. But making it a fight against anyone, you&#8217;re not allowed to do that.&#8221;



He emphasized that this principle is particularly important in the current political climate. &#8220;We are guests here,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We have to thank Hashem that we can live in peace, we don&#8217;t go &#8216;against him, against them.'&#8221;



Indig described his decision as a pragmatic calculation based on Mamdani&#8217;s persistent outreach and high likelihood of winning.



&#8220;The way it looked, I believe that he has a great chance of being the next mayor. So why should I fight him?&#8221; Indig stated. &#8220;You know the saying, &#8216;You can&#8217;t fight city hall.&#8217; Tomorrow, if he wins, you&#8217;re going to have to deal with him.&#8221;



According to Indig, Mamdani and his team &#8220;kept on reaching out, again and again and again, to establish a relationship.&#8221; Mamdani&#8217;s team reportedly told him, &#8220;Rabbi, we are going to win with you or without you. We have the numbers. We&#8217;re going to win. But we want to win with you together. We want to show&#8230; we want to have the Jewish community with us.&#8221;



Indig argued it is more effective to build a relationship before an election, &#8220;when he wants you,&#8221; rather than &#8220;coming, like an umbrella after the rain.&#8221;



The askan recalled a frank conversation he had with the candidate during their first meeting. &#8220;My first question was, &#8216;The perception is that you&#8217;re an anti-Semite. What do you say to that? Let me hear from you.&#8217; And he said, &#8216;No, I&#8217;m not,'&#8221;



When Indig pressed Mamdani on his focus on Israel, Mamdani linked it to his faith, saying, &#8220;Because I&#8217;m a Muslim, and this is what bothers me more.&#8221; Indig said he refocused the conversation, asking, &#8220;Are you running in Israel, or are you running in New York?&#8230; Let me hear what your feeling is about New York, about our community.&#8221;



In response, Mamdani promised, &#8220;I&#8217;ll be your mayor,&#8221; and, &#8220;I will prove them all wrong. And everybody who is upset on your endorsement, will thank you in a few months.&#8221;



Indig said Mamdani specifically wanted the endorsement to &#8220;prove that I&#8217;m not an anti-Semite. I want to stand with the Jewish people.&#8221;



While the last election was not the first time Indig has caught backlash for endorsing a candidate opposed by most other Orthodox leaders, Mamdani remains the most vehemently opposed candidate by the Jewish community in decades.



&#8220;I did the same thing when Bill de Blasio was running. I was the only one in the beginning,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I did the same thing with Eric Adams. When he was running, he was painted as an anti-Semite. And then the big fight was a few years ago when everybody claimed that Hochul was against education. I did the same thing now. Baruch Hashem we were able to help Klal Yisroel, almost every heimishe kehila and Yeshiva the past 25 years, and looking forward with Hashem’s help to continue.&#8221;



He pointed to the example of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who Indig described as &#8220;A great friend of the community.&#8221;



&#8220;Almost the entire Jewish community was against him four years ago. He was fighting us over here, tooth and nail,&#8221; Indig said. &#8220;He came to us&nbsp; before, and he promised me, &#8216;I&#8217;ll be good to you.&#8217; I endorsed him. Everybody yelled at me, &#8216;You&#8217;re crazy.&#8217;&nbsp; He was now running again. The entire Jewish community from all across the board [supported him], four years later.&#8221;



On why he didn&#8217;t endorse Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Indig said: &#8220;First of all, it bothered me that it seemed like a fight from our community against one candidate. Secondly, Cuomo came with a lot of baggage. Many in the community were still reeling from the loss of relatives who passed away during the Pandemic, under his policies. I didn&#8217;t fight against coumo either.&#8221;



To critics who suggested leaving the city if Mamdani won, Indig had a sharp reply. &#8220;I asked them, &#8216;What should I do Wednesday after the election?&#8217; [They said], &#8216;Oh, if he wins, we&#8217;ll all move to Israel.'&#8221; &#8220;I said, &#8216;Okay, that&#8217;s a good solution for you guys. I am not planning on moving out&#8230; I&#8217;m looking out now for these families that are not planning to move&#8230; They&#8217;re going to have to stay here, and I&#8217;m going to have to deal with it.&#8221;

INTERVIEW: Rabbi Moshe Indig Defends Mamdani Endorsement, Tells Belaaz in First Post-Election Interview – ‘Satmar Rebbe Gave Full Approval’

Jewish leaders in Oslo are voicing concern that Sunday’s event marking the 87th anniversary of Kristallnacht may be used to criticize Israel rather than honor the memory of Jews murdered during the Nazi pogrom of November 9–10, 1938.



The annual torchlight vigil is organized by Norway’s Center Against Racism, a nonprofit that has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Several pro-Palestinian groups are listed as co-organizers, and among the scheduled speakers are Yonatan Shapira and Mia Habib of “Jewish Voices for Just Peace,” an organization known for its anti-Israel stance.



Center Against Racism director Omar Ashraf has denied that the event is antisemitic, saying Jews are welcome to attend. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe are expected to speak at the ceremony, though both reportedly declined invitations to a separate commemoration organized by the local Jewish community.



Oslo’s Chief Rabbi Joav Melchior told broadcaster NRK last week that using the memorial as a platform to attack Israel shows “a lack of empathy.” In a letter to the Center Against Racism, Jewish community representatives warned that the heavy involvement of left-wing and anti-Israel groups in the event is “inappropriate and dangerous.”

Norwegian Jews Alarmed As Kristallnacht Memorial Risks Turning Into Anti-Israel Rally

Researchers at Mount Sinai and international partners have identified special immune cells in the brain that seem to slow down Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers reported Saturday. These cells reduce inflammation and stop harmful proteins from spreading, protecting memory and brain health. Scientists say this could open the door to new treatments that strengthen the brain’s natural defenses.



Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia, involves complex changes in the brain. Microglia—the immune cells that act as the brain’s cleanup crew—can either protect against damage or make it worse, depending on how they function. Understanding how these cells behave is key to figuring out how Alzheimer’s develops.



The research team from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, along with scientists from Germany, Rockefeller University, and other institutions, found a unique type of microglia that only protects the brain, and influences other microglia to do the same. This microglia has a lowered level of a protein called PU.1, and a higher level of a receptor called CD28. Their findings, published in Nature, could lead to new therapies that prevent or delay Alzheimer’s.



These cells also slow the buildup of amyloid plaques and &#8220;toxic tau&#8221; proteins; two major signs of Alzheimer’s.



Using lab mice and human brain samples, scientists showed that lowering PU.1 encouraged microglia to take on protective roles. Although these microglia are only a small fraction of all brain immune cells, they had a large impact, reducing inflammation and helping preserve memory in the mice.



When the researchers removed CD28 from these protective microglia, inflammation worsened and more plaques appeared, confirming CD28’s critical role.



“Microglia are not simply destructive responders in Alzheimer’s disease—they can become the brain’s protectors,” Anne Schaefer, MD, PhD, senior author of the study told Science Daily. “This finding extends our earlier observations on the remarkable plasticity of microglia states and their important roles in diverse brain functions. It also underscores the vital importance of international collaboration in advancing scientific progress.”



The study builds on earlier genetic work by Dr. Alison Goate of Mount Sinai, who found that people with a specific variant in the SPI1 gene—which controls PU.1—have a lower risk of Alzheimer’s. “These results provide a mechanistic explanation for why lower PU.1 levels are linked to reduced Alzheimer’s disease risk,” said Dr. Goate.



Overall, the discovery of how PU.1 and CD28 work together gives researchers a new understanding of how to harness the brain’s immune system to fight Alzheimer’s. It also supports the growing idea that targeting microglial activity could be a promising approach for new treatments.



The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the European Research Council, the Alzheimer’s Association, and other organizations dedicated to advancing research on neurodegenerative diseases.

Scientists Discover Brain Cells That Could Help Stop Alzheimer’s

Hamas claimed today, Saturday, to have located the body of Hadar Goldin HY”D, the fallen IDF officer held by Hamas for 4,117 days since being killed in 2014 in Rafah. There is still no final or official confirmation.



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The IDF is preparing for the possibility that his remains could be returned tonight. Earlier this evening, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited the Goldin family home in Kfar Saba.







Hours before Hamas’s announcement, Saudi outlet Al-Hadath reported that Red Cross and Hamas vehicles entered Rafah’s al-Jeninah neighborhood, where roughly 200 terrorists remain trapped in tunnels, in search of the Goldin’s body.



Meanwhile, Hamas-affiliated media released a video showing 6 al-Qassam terrorists inside Rafah tunnel, identified as the site where Hadar Goldin HY”D’s body was reportedly located.



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Hamas Claims Hadar Goldin HY”D Body Found; IDF Preps Possible Return, Chief Visits Family

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a powerful new privacy feature designed to give users greater control over who can contact them and how new messages appear.



The Meta-owned platform’s upcoming “Who Can Message Me” update, currently in beta testing for Android, aims to boost user safety and reduce unwanted messages.



The latest beta version allows users to connect using unique usernames instead of phone numbers, enabling chats and calls without exposing personal contact details.



A second addition, found in version 2.25.33.11, introduces the “Who Can Message Me” setting with two options: Everyone, which allows all new messages to go straight into the chat list, or My Contacts, which filters messages from strangers into a new Requests folder.



The new folder lets users review incoming messages before deciding whether to delete, block, or reply — helping reduce spam and unwanted contact.



The Requests feature also helps keep conversations organized and safer, particularly for younger users who may be more vulnerable to unsolicited messages.



Once username-based communication is fully launched, it will work in tandem with this feature to provide an even more secure and private messaging experience.



The new privacy tools will first roll out to WhatsApp beta testers before becoming available to all users through the Google Play Store.



It isn&#8217;t clear if or when the features will be available on Apple iOS.

WhatsApp Rolls Out Major Privacy Upgrade With ‘Who Can Message Me’ Setting

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has privately told associates that VP JD Vance is the frontrunner for the 2028 Republican nomination, and that he’d back Vance if he runs, Politico reported.



Rubio reportedly said Vance “will be the Republican nominee if he wants to be,” with one source adding he’d “do anything he can” to support him.



Trump has previously called Vance and Rubio his most likely successors and even floated a Vance–Rubio ticket.



Polls show Vance leading among 2024 Trump voters with 35% support.

Rubio Backs Vance for 2028 GOP Nod – “He’ll Be Nominee If He Wants”

The IDF and Prime Minister’s Office confirmed Saturday morning that the body of kidnapped reservist Lior Rudaeff HY”D, 61, was identified after being returned from Gaza Friday night.



Rudaeff was a member of the Nir Yitzchak emergency squad and killed defending his kibbutz on October 7. His body was then abducted by Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists.



He is survived by his wife, four children, three grandchildren, his father, sister, and brother.

Lior Rudaeff Hy”d, 61, Killed Defending Kibbutz on Oct. 7, Returned from PIJ Captivity

Cornell University agreed Friday to pay $30 million to the Trump administration to resolve federal investigations and immediately restore millions in frozen research grants following antisemitic incidents on campus.



As part of the deal, Cornell will also invest $30 million in agricultural and farming technology programs, submit undergraduate admissions data to the administration, and comply with foreign funding reporting requirements.



This agreement makes Cornell the third Ivy League school to resolve disputes with the administration and regain access to previously frozen federal research funding.



In April, the university received over 75 stop work orders from the Department of Defense affecting research in national defense, cybersecurity, and health. At the time, the Trump administration froze roughly $1 billion in federal grants and contracts with Cornell.



“The decades-long research partnership between Cornell and the federal government is critical to advancing the university’s core mission and to our continuing contributions to the nation’s health, welfare, and economic and military strength,” Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said. “This agreement revives that partnership, while affirming the university’s commitment to the principles of academic freedom, independence, and institutional autonomy that, from our founding, have been integral to our excellence.”



The settlement follows a 2023 wave of violent, antisemitic online threats, including one targeting the university’s kosher and multicultural dining room near the Center for Jewish Living. Threats included instructions to harm Jewish students on campus. Federal and state authorities, including the FBI, investigated.



The federal government has agreed to close all investigations and restore all withheld grants, making Cornell fully eligible for new funding without disadvantage.



“The government has further agreed to restore terminated federal grants, release all withheld funds for active grants, and consider Cornell fully eligible for new grants and funding awards, without disadvantage or preference,” Kotlikoff added.



The White House hailed the settlement as a victory for both the president and Jewish students at Cornell. “President Trump has once again delivered a major win for American students with this Cornell University deal,” said White House spokesperson Liz Huston. “Under the President’s commonsense leadership, academic excellence, merit, and accountability will continue to be restored across America’s universities.”

Cornell to Pay $30M to Trump Administration in Settlement Over Campus Antisemitism

Protesters against the ban on Israeli fans attending Aston Villa’s Europa League game found themselves inside a steel-ringed enclosure outside Villa Park on Thursday night, a move that many called a “Jew cage.”



For those inside, the experience was humiliating after a tense buildup to the match. The location of the enclosure had been agreed between West Midlands Police and the British pro-Israel group organizing the protest and was intended for the demonstrators’ safety. Yet seeing Jews confined while rival protesters moved freely around Birmingham highlighted the broader tensions surrounding the game.



The fan ban had been controversial from the start, with police later admitting it aimed more at preventing who they called &#8220;Israeli hooligans&#8221; from traveling than protecting Maccabi supporters. Masked anti-Zionist demonstrators had also put up signs around Villa Park, reinforcing feelings of being unwelcome in the majority-Muslim Birmingham suburb.



Protests began hours before kickoff, including trucks carrying giant screens displaying slogans like “KICK OUT ANTI-SEMITISM,” linked to Tali Smus’s Instagram account @the.britishzioness, who identifies as an “unapologetic Jew and Zionist.”



Arab Christian visitor Yoseph Haddad from Israel attended to protest the ban, telling Telegraph Sport: “It feels like going back to the 1940s all over again.” He had also attended Manchester City’s Champions League game the night before and argued there was no reason he shouldn’t support his team at Villa Park. Wearing a Maccabi scarf, he was later escorted by police, presumably for his safety.



Formal demonstrations continued, including by pro-Israel group Our Fight. Jewish activist Itai Galmudy said: “For some reason, we need to find ourselves surrounded in a steel cage. It’s a sad, sad day for the United Kingdom that Jewish people have been made to feel that unsafe and unwelcome.”



Speeches through megaphones included Our Fight founder Mark Birbeck: “A lot of people are talking about this as if it’s just something to do with football fans; it’s just something to do with policing. And we’re here to say: ‘No, it isn’t.’ This is part of a wider pattern, an attempt to exclude Israel from sport, from culture, from politics, and to paint and present Israel as a pariah state.”



Another speaker, known only as Russell, criticized rival pro-Palestinian protesters: “They think they own the streets. They think they can create no-go areas for Israelis, for Jews, for anyone who doesn’t agree with their twisted, warped, worldview.” He also called out MP Ayoub Khan, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group: “Will the authorities, will the police, will the politicians, will the Government continue to appease the Islamo-fascist mob who abuse the Palestinian cause for their own political and religious gain? If we let them get away with this, what’s next? Birmingham will fall, London will fall, Britain will fall.”



Galmudy spoke again before GB News presenter Josh Howie addressed the crowd: “It’s not fair that the racism and lies of sectarian extremists can determine which ethnic groups can attend a football match, can go to different areas of a city, even go to different areas of this country’s second city itself. And it’s not fair that, for our safety, we’ve been put in a Jew cage. But that is the reality of what we are seeing today, when Jewish Villa fans have been scared off from coming to support their own team.”



Birbeck concluded the protest, referencing Remembrance Sunday: “We have to remember that people of Britain – and our ancestors – they fought in wars for democratic rights, they fought for our freedoms, and this is exactly the kind of freedom that they’d have been fighting for.”



The demonstrators were then escorted away from Villa Park, moving from one police-formed enclosure to another, while outside they faced chants of &#8220;Death to the IDF,&#8221; “Stop the genocide” and “Free Palestine.&#8221;

Pro-Israel Fans Forced into ‘Jew Cage’ at Villa Park Ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv Match

The investigation into former Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi took a dramatic turn Friday after police received a report of a phone discovered on a Herzliya beach that may belong to her. The device was examined by forensic experts and determined to be hers, buried in the beach likely by her or an associate.



Police confirmed the discovery in a statement, saying: “A short time ago, reports were received at the police headquarters about a mobile phone being found in the Herzliya beach area by citizens. Upon the arrival of the police, the phone was seized and the matter is being investigated by the police.”



According to i24 News, the phone is believed to be the same device that went missing when the investigation against Yerushalmi began. A civilian reportedly found it on the beach and turned it over to authorities. The discovery follows public offers of a large cash reward for the missing device, which is now undergoing technological analysis and could become key evidence if authenticated.



“I was surfing on the beach and suddenly I find a phone with a screen and a picture of the police officer and I immediately contacted the police,” the person who found the device told the Mako website.



Investigators are testing whether the phone could have been tampered with, suggesting the possibility that the image on its screen was altered. The finding raises questions about how the device remained intact after a week near the water and how its battery stayed charged.



Earlier Friday, the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court ordered that Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi be placed under a ten-day house arrest. The court did not impose any financial bond, travel restrictions, or passport surrender. She remains under investigation for alleged fraud, obstruction of justice, breach of trust, and abuse of authority.



Meanwhile, the High Court of Justice is set to hold a hearing on Tuesday to address petitions regarding who should oversee the investigation — the Legal Advisor to the Government Gali Baharav Mayara or the State Attorney’s Office.

Confirmed: Phone Found On Beach  Belonged To Military Advocate Who Resigned Amid Investigation

The IDF said Friday that it thwarted an attempt to smuggle weapons from Egypt into Israel using a drone earlier in the day.



Soldiers monitoring surveillance cameras spotted the drone as it crossed the border, and troops from the Paran Regional Brigade quickly downed the device.



According to the IDF, the drone was carrying three assault rifles, which were transferred to police for further investigation.



Over the past year, smugglers have repeatedly tried to transport weapons and drugs across the Egyptian border using drones, prompting heightened security measures in the region.



On Thursday, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced he was “declaring war” on drone smuggling operations along the Egyptian border. He ordered the IDF to designate the area as a closed military zone and directed the Shin Bet to classify such smuggling attempts as acts of terrorism.



IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the military would dedicate increased resources to combating the growing drone threat.

IDF Foils Drone Smuggling Attempt On Egyptian Border

U.S. and Israeli officials revealed that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) Quds Force Unit 11000, led by Hassan Izadi, a former Iran embassy official in Venezuela, plotted to kill Israeli Ambassador to Mexico, Einat Krantz-Neiger in Mexico City. The plot was foiled by Mexican security services.



The plan reportedly started late 2024, continued through mid-2025, and was stopped by Mexican security last summer.



The same unit is reportedly behind failed attacks on Jewish targets in Australia and across Europe. A source tells N12 that Iran runs broad terror network in Latin America, directed from its Venezuela embassy, an American official tells N12.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="935" height="1010" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/fotografo._shlomi_amsalem.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-19748" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/fotografo._shlomi_amsalem.jpeg 935w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/fotografo._shlomi_amsalem-278x300.jpeg 278w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/fotografo._shlomi_amsalem-768x830.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 935px) 100vw, 935px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Israeli Ambassador to Mexico, Einat Krantz-Neiger</figcaption></figure>



U.S. official in response: “This is the latest in Iran’s long history of trying to murder diplomats, journalists, and dissidents worldwide — a deep concern for any country with Iranian presence.”



Israeli MFA spokesman Oren Marmorstein said: “We thank Mexico for stopping this Iranian terror cell. Israel’s security and intelligence will keep working nonstop with global partners to block Iran’s threats to Israelis and Jews everywhere.”

Iran Tried to Assassinate Israel’s Ambassador in Mexico – Plot Foiled

Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik announced her bid for New York governor on early Friday morning, challenging Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 race. In a statement, Stefanik criticized Hochul, calling her &#8220;the Worst Governor in America&#8221; and highlighting New York&#8217;s high costs and crime rates. 



She pledged to make the state &#8220;affordable and safe for all,&#8221; with a platform including tax cuts and law enforcement support, and called for unity across parties to &#8220;save our state.&#8221; Stefanik has raised over $13 million and is endorsed by the state GOP. 



This announcement follows Zohran Mamdani&#8217;s recent win as New York&#8217;s first Muslim mayor, focusing on affordability. Stefanik aims to reverse Hochul&#8217;s &#8220;failed policies,&#8221; despite Hochul&#8217;s campaign labeling her a Trump-aligned &#8220;extremist.&#8221;

Rep. Stefanik Launches NY Gubernatorial Campaign Against Hochul

A suspicious package containing an unknown white powder and political propaganda was delivered today, Thursday, to a US military base at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, causing several people to fall ill and require hospitalization.



The incident prompted an evacuation and ongoing investigation by the Office of Special Investigations, with initial HAZMAT tests showing no immediate hazards, though the base&#8217;s strategic role in hosting VIP travel adds urgency to the probe.

Multiple Fall I’ll after Suspicious Package Sent to Joint Base Andrews, Investigation Ongoing

A wealthy New Jersey teen allegedly linked to an ISIS-inspired terror plot reportedly bragged about being “the biggest antisemite in America” and expressed a desire to murder his mother’s Jewish friends, according to court documents unsealed Thursday. Milo Sedarat, 19, also posed for photos at his $1.2 million home with swords and knives.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="762" height="1024" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000227722-762x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19762" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000227722-762x1024.jpg 762w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000227722-223x300.jpg 223w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000227722-768x1032.jpg 768w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000227722.jpg 823w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 762px) 100vw, 762px" /></figure>



The complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey states Sedarat ranted online about carrying out mass executions of Jews and running over participants in a pro-Israel demonstration in Montclair. He allegedly exchanged extremist messages with another man through social media.



“I can’t wait for the day I get to execute like 10 yahood,” he wrote, using an Arabic term for Jewish people, the complaint says.



Another teen from Montclair, Tomas Kaan Jimenez-Guzel, 19, the son of a UN diplomat, was also arrested in connection with the plot. He allegedly planned a Boston bombing-style attack to gain notoriety and volunteered to perform beheadings for propaganda videos, telling co-conspirators, “I’ll do it, bro.” Jimenez-Guzel was apprehended at Newark Liberty International Airport while attempting to travel to Turkey and join ISIS.



Local leaders expressed shock that radical ideology could take hold in the affluent, diverse community. Rabbi Yaacov Leaf of Chabad of Montclair told the NY Post: “It’s frightening to realize this type of hate has seeped into our suburban liberal community … To see that hate has found its way into the community is very frightening.” Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba added, “Radicalization unfortunately is something that is a part of our world now.”



Five men and a juvenile have been arrested so far in connection with the alleged plot, including suspects in New Jersey, Michigan, and Washington state. Authorities indicated more arrests could be forthcoming in the U.K.



Court documents show Sedarat threatened his own mother’s Jewish friends, claiming they “deserve to die,” and detailed mass executions of Jews in chilling messages. He sent images of himself brandishing knives and swords, practiced shooting at a gun range, and boasted about carrying weapons in public with the intent to target Jewish individuals.



Sedarat allegedly wrote: “Line up like 500 Jews and execute them in front of their wives and family. Then take all their wives [as] slaves. Imma have like 10 yahood slave girls inshallah.” He also proposed attacks on Tel Aviv, saying, “We need to do a 9/11 to [Tel Aviv] … Even a gun … I wanna kill them with [a] sword. Look them in the eyes as I take their women and stab them.”



The suspects were reportedly preparing an attack on bars in Ferndale, Michigan, acquiring guns and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, in a plan codenamed “Pumpkin.” Habba stressed that authorities are treating each lead seriously to prevent terrorist acts and hold all involved accountable.

Privileged NJ Iranian Teen Arrested Over ISIS-Linked Antisemitic Plot

US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Kazakhstan, a Muslim-majority nation in Central Asia, will be the first country to join the Abraham Accords during his second term — a move widely viewed as symbolic since Kazakhstan already maintains diplomatic relations with Israel.



Trump made the announcement on Truth Social following a phone call with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.



“This is a major step forward in building bridges across the World. Today, more nations are lining up to embrace peace and prosperity through my Abraham Accords,” Trump said.



He added that a “signing ceremony” will soon be held to formalize the decision, noting that “many more countries” are eager to join the “club of STRENGTH.” “So much more to come in uniting countries for stability and growth — real progress, real results. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” he wrote.



US envoy Steve Witkoff had hinted earlier in the day that a new country would join the Abraham Accords but did not disclose which one. The accords, first brokered under Trump’s 2020 administration, established normalized ties between Israel and several Arab and Muslim-majority nations.



While the move is largely symbolic, it reflects an effort by Trump’s administration to revive momentum for the initiative following the setbacks caused by the Gaza war. Kazakhstan and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992, shortly after Kazakhstan’s independence from the Soviet Union.



A senior US official told The Times of Israel that Kazakhstan’s inclusion could “reinvigorate” the accords. “It will become the alliance for Arab-Muslim ties with Israel,” the official said, adding that Washington no longer intends to restrict membership to countries without previous ties to the Jewish state.



The Trump administration has continued to push for Saudi Arabia and even Syria to join the accords, though neither currently recognizes Israel. Syria has fought multiple wars against it.



In a statement, Kazakhstan described its move as a continuation of its established diplomatic approach. “Our anticipated accession to the Abraham Accords represents a natural and logical continuation of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy course — grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and regional stability,” the government said.



Trump hosted Tokayev and the leaders of four other Central Asian nations at the White House on Thursday evening, seeking to expand US influence across the region.



During the dinner, Trump was asked by reporters about the significance of Kazakhstan’s decision, given its existing ties with Israel. He turned to Vice President JD Vance to respond.



“What the president has done is signal that the momentum of the Abraham Accords is alive and well in the second administration. It’s not just going to be Kazakhstan, but also a number of other countries that join in the months to come,” Vance said.



Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that the Abraham Accords are designed to go beyond mere diplomatic normalization. “You’re now creating a partnership that brings special and unique economic development on all sorts of issues… The strength of it is to have majority Muslim countries and the Jewish state able to partner on things to show the world that it is possible,” Rubio said.



When asked whether he planned to discuss the Abraham Accords with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the latter’s upcoming White House visit, Trump sidestepped the question. Instead, he reiterated his support for Sharaa, saying he is doing a “very good job” in a “tough neighborhood,” and justified his decision to remove US sanctions over Damascus.



Reports from August indicated that Azerbaijan may also be among the next countries to join the accords, alongside other Central Asian US allies that already enjoy close ties with Israel.



Kazakhstan, a nation of about 20 million people, ranks among the world’s largest countries by landmass. Although the majority of its citizens are Muslim, the nation identifies as officially secular — setting it apart from other Abraham Accords signatories such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.



A recent international review of school textbooks in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan found generally positive portrayals of Jewish people, a contrast to the content found in many other Muslim-majority states.



While Kazakhstan’s inclusion may not significantly alter regional dynamics, the move serves as a powerful symbol that the Abraham Accords continue to advance under Trump’s renewed leadership — signaling that the vision of broader Muslim-Israeli cooperation remains alive.



Rabbi Marc, of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, wrote tongue-in-cheek:



&#8220;I welcome Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords. I am proud to have discussed this initiative with President Tokayev during our several meetings in Astana. In joining the Abraham Accords, how ironic that yet another Muslim-majority country is publicly demonstrating its support for a two-state solution, while New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani refuses to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a democratic Jewish nation.



&#8220;He must get on the peace train before history leaves him behind.&#8221;

Kazakhstan To Join Abraham Accords In Symbolic Move

Iran has sentenced Kamran Hekmati, a Jewish dual Iranian-American national, to prison for traveling to Israel 13 years ago to celebrate his son’s bar mitzvah, his family told The New York Times Thursday.



Hekmati, 70, a jeweler who had returned to Iran in May for a short visit, has been held in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison since July, according to his family.



Hekmati, who moved to the U.S. at age 13, was given a four-year prison sentence in late August, the family said. They added that authorities apparently waited until now to make the case public. His sentence was later cut in half in September.



An appeal has been filed on his behalf, though a court date has not yet been scheduled.



His family says Hekmati is in poor health and is battling an aggressive bladder condition.

American-Iranian Jewish Man Jailed in Tehran for Visiting Israel 13 Years Ago

Ariel Shamai, the Yeshivah Bachur who was arrested for avoiding IDF service and released yesterday from military prison after 15 days, reciting ‘HaGomel’ this morning at the Ateres Shlomo Yeshivahin Rishon Letzion.



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During his over two weeks in prison, Shamai was supported by visits and messages from a number of Gedolei Yisrael, including Slabodka Rosh Yeshivah, HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch Shlita, who expressed a desire to remain with him in jail.

WATCH: Ariel Shamai, Jailed for 15 Days Over IDF Draft Refusal, Recites ‘HaGomel’

Novo Nordisk executive Gordon Findlay fainted in the Oval Office earlier, on Thursday, during President Trump&#8217;s announcement on reduced drug prices.



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President Trump stood up from his seat and remained silent while watching the scene. Video shows HHS Secretary RFK Jr. rushing to get medical assistance while others tended to the man.



Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement shortly after the incident: &#8220;During the Most Favored Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative with one of the companies fainted. The White House Medical Unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is okay. The Press Conference will resume shortly&#8221;

Pharma Exec Faints During Trump’s Drug Price Announcement in Oval Office

Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto, known for his connections with American celebrities, met with rapper Kanye West Thursday.



Belaaz is told that the meeting took place this morning at Rabbi Pinto’s home in Manhattan. 



For several years, West has made Antisemitic comments, including expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler and blaming Jews for the world&#8217;s problems. He has apologized before, including in December of 2023, before reverting back to spreading antisemitism, including a salute of Hitler in May or this year. He once again apologized recently, in the wake of the Yom Kippur terror attack in England.



During the Thursday meeting, West said he has bipolar and said he wanted to take accountability for his actions.



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I feel really blessed to be able to sit here with you today and just take accountability. I was dealing with some various issues, bipolar also, so it would take the ideas I had and take them to an extreme, where I would forget about the protection of the people around me or and myself.



&#8220;I wanted to come and take accountability,&#8221; West told the Rav of the Shuva Yisrael community.



&#8220;Sometimes people aren&#8217;t that knowledgeable about the bipolar and the way you act when you have this disease,&#8221; he continued.



&#8220;So it&#8217;s like if you left the house and you left your kid at the house and your kid went and messed up the kitchen and messed up the garage, the living room, and when you get back, it&#8217;s your responsibility, because that&#8217;s your child, and that&#8217;s the way I look at it, like I got to go clean up the kitchen, living room, I gotta clean up the garage.&#8221;



&#8220;I really just appreciate you embracing me with open arms and allowing me to make amends. And this is beginning in the first steps and the first brick by brick to build back strong walls.&#8221; Rabbi Pinto responded that &#8220;Judaism brought to the world a way for someone, when he regrets&nbsp; something that he has done wrong, to regret and fix it. Jews live this way.



&#8220;I am hugging you and from now on, good things and only good you&#8217;re a very good man,&#8221; Rabbi Pinto said, before proceeding to embrace West.

RARE MEETING: Antisemite Kanye West Apologizes for Jew Hatred in Meeting With Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto

White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced Thursday that a new country will join the Abraham Accords within hours.



According to N12 reporter Barak Ravid, During President Trump’s meeting with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev later today, the two leaders are expected to hold a joint call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to formally announce Kazakhstan’s intention to join the Abraham Accords.



A U.S. official later confirmed the news to Fox News. 



Kazakhstan will become the 5th country to join the Abraham Accords, joining the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

BREAKING: Kazakhstan Joining Abraham Accords in Historic White House Announcement

A Republican lawmaker in the House introduced a bill Thursday seeking to halt all federal funding to New York City for as long as Zohran Mamdani serves as mayor.



The legislation, introduced by Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia, is titled the “Moving American Money Distant from Anti-National Interests Act” — shortened to the “MAMDANI Act.”



According to the bill, “notwithstanding any other provision of law,” during any period that Mamdani serves as mayor, “any unobligated Federal funds available” to New York City “are hereby rescinded,” and “no Federal funds may be obligated or expended for any purpose to New York, New York.”



Mamdani, a 34-year-old self-described socialist, won Tuesday’s New York City mayoral race, defeating both former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.



Although Carter’s proposal is unlikely to advance in Congress, it underscores the GOP’s strong response to Mamdani’s win. Republican leaders in the House have quickly cast him as the face of the modern Democratic Party and a symbol of its shift to the far left.



A GOP campaign strategist told Fox News Digital that Republicans intend to use Mamdani’s socialist record to politically tie vulnerable Democrats across the country to his policies and positions.



Carter, who is also running for U.S. Senate in Georgia, said he doesn’t believe taxpayer dollars from his state should “be wasted on programs that will bankrupt the financial capital of the world.”



“If New Yorkers want communism, we should let them have their wish and not artificially prop them up with our successful capitalist system,” Carter said. “Any New Yorker with common sense is welcome to move to the great, FREE state of Georgia.”



Historically, New York State has sent more in federal taxes than it receives in federal funding — a dynamic that could be sharply affected if the proposed legislation ever gained traction.

GOP Rep. Pushes ‘MAMDANI Act’ To Cut Federal Funding From New York City After Socialist Wins

A new international survey has revealed a deep divide between the Iranian regime and public opinion inside the Islamic Republic, showing that most Iranians want their government to end its calls for Israel’s destruction and instead seek dialogue with the United States.



The poll, conducted by the Netherlands-based GAMAAN Institute in September, found that 69% of Iranians believe their regime should stop promoting the destruction of Israel. The survey, titled “Iranians’ Attitudes Towards the 12-Day War,” reflected the views of citizens aged 15 and older, with a 95% confidence level, according to Iran International TV. 



The study showed that 51% of respondents believe Israel achieved its objectives in the June war between the two nations, while only 16% said Tehran was victorious. Another 19% said neither side had met its goals.



Analysts have long believed that the Islamic regime does not represent the attitudes of most Iranians, who prior to the fall of the Shah in the 1970s lived mostly secular lives.



A strong 62% majority said Iran should engage in direct talks with the United States to resolve ongoing disputes, while 22% opposed such negotiations. Opinions were more divided regarding Iran’s missile program: 46% felt it strengthened national security, compared to 43% who disagreed.



Nearly half of those surveyed, 47%, agreed that Iran should halt uranium enrichment to prevent another war, while 36% opposed the idea. When asked about the likelihood of future conflict, 34% rated it “very likely,” and 26% said it was “somewhat likely.”



The poll also highlighted changing perceptions of other nations. The United States received the most positive view among Iranians, with 53% expressing favorable opinions. Israel ranked second, with 39% holding a positive attitude and 48% negative.



Social media remains the dominant source of information for Iranians; 51% said they rely on Telegram, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) for news. Another 43% cited the Iran International channel, while only 27% said they watch state-run IRIB television, and 9% follow BBC Persian.



The survey also showed widespread dissatisfaction with Iran’s leadership. Only 27% rated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s performance during the war positively, compared to 58% who viewed it negatively—contradicting the glowing reports from state media.



According to the data, 62% of respondents credited U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention as a key factor in ending the war and reaching a ceasefire. Just 22% rejected that view.



Regarding responsibility for the conflict, 44% blamed Iran, 33% blamed Israel, and 16% said both sides were at fault. Moreover, 63% said the 12-day war was between Israel and the Iranian regime—not the Iranian people—while a majority rejected describing it as a “national” or “patriotic” war.



The findings suggest growing disillusionment among Iranians with the regime’s hardline stance toward Israel and the West, marking a potential turning point in public sentiment across the Islamic Republic.



Israeli journalist Amit Segal points to another fact indicating Iranian unrest:



&#8220;Since June, on the Iranian housing classifieds website, apartment owners have been proudly noting that their property is far from military bases,&#8221; he observed, in remarks translated from Hebrew. &#8220;If the Revolutionary Guards or similar installations are nearby, the property value plummets — out of fear of an Israeli strike.&#8221;



Pointing out the tyranny of Tehran, Segal continued: &#8220;The water pipes in Tehran are shut down six hours a day, but the gallows operate 24/7. Since the beginning of 2025, the Iranian regime has executed 1,500 civilians. The ayatollahs use mass executions to terrorize the public.&#8221;

Shocking Poll: 69% of Iranians Say “Stop Calling for the Destruction of Israel”

Austria’s Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) said Thursday that a major weapons cache, believed to be intended for attacks in Europe targeting Israeli and Jewish sites, has been uncovered as part of an international probe into a global terrorist network linked to Hamas. 



As part of the coordinated investigation, authorities in London arrested a 39-year-old British man suspected of involvement in weapons trafficking and planning terror attacks. The arrest was made in cooperation with security services from Austria, Germany, and the UK. Investigators seized five pistols and ten cartridges hidden in a rented storage unit on the outskirts of Vienna. Security sources said the cache was likely connected to Hamas’s foreign operations in Europe.



Austria’s security agency and Interior Ministry confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, though no further arrests have been reported locally. Meanwhile, German federal prosecutors stated that those detained in the case had purchased weapons and ammunition from foreign suppliers to carry out attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets.



Hamas has denied any involvement, but European intelligence officials believe the discovery exposes a sophisticated network preparing coordinated assaults in multiple countries. The investigation is reportedly linked to the October 1 arrest of three Hamas-affiliated suspects in Berlin.

B”H, Attacks on European Jews Thwarted, Hamas Weapons Cache Discovered in Vienna

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, announced Thursday morming that she will not be running for re-election in 2026 and will retire when her term ends in 2027.



Pelosi is resigning after 38 years serving in congress as a Dan FranciscoRepresentative. 



She is the the second-longest-serving woman in congressional history.



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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Thank you, San Francisco. <a href="https://t.co/OP8ubeFzR6">pic.twitter.com/OP8ubeFzR6</a>&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamPelosi/status/1986433397921833435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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BREAKING: Pelosi Announces She Won’t Seek Re-Election

After identification, it was revealed that Hamas returned on Wednesday night the body of Joshua Loitu Mollel, 21, a student from Tanzania, who was kidnapped and murdered during the October 7 attacks just after arriving in Israel just two weeks earlier.



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Mollel came to study agriculture at Kibbutz Nachal Oz, where he was working in a dairy barn when Hamas terrorists surrounded and killed him on his way home. His family was notified of his death last December, and Israeli officials confirmed his body was identified and brought back to Israel last night.



Six slain hostages still remain held in Gaza, five Israelis and one foreign national.



Photos below show IDF soldiers saluting the casket containing the body of Joshua Mollel after being returned by Hamas.



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Body returned by Hamas Identified as Joshua Mollel, 21, Tanzanian student killed Oct 7

A college talk featuring former IDF soldiers was violently disrupted Wednesday when a masked mob shattered a glass door and stormed a private venue near Toronto Metropolitan University.



One IDF veteran who attended the event, dubbed &#8220;Combat on Campus,&#8221; was left bleeding from glass shards. Two people were hospitalized. 



The attack came as members of TMU’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter rallied nearby, chanting &#8220;Zionist murderers&#8221; and calling to shut the event down. Toronto Police made multiple arrests.



The event, hosted by TMU SSI, had been denied campus space and relocated off-site. Jewish groups condemned the assault as antisemitic intimidation aimed at silencing dialogue.

Masked Pro-Hamas Mob Storms Israeli Soldiers Event at Toronto TMU, Injuring Guest.

The Federal Aviation Administration will begin reducing flights in several high-traffic areas across the country as the ongoing government shutdown worsens staffing shortages, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Wednesday.



“There is going to be a 10 percent reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations,” Duffy said. “This is about where’s the pressure and how do we alleviate the pressure.”



The cuts are scheduled to begin Friday, Duffy added.



The move comes as the government shutdown enters its second month, following a weekend marked by widespread flight delays at dozens of U.S. airports.



On Sunday alone, more than 5,000 flights across the country were delayed, while the Transportation Security Administration reported screening nearly 2.7 million travelers nationwide.



By Monday evening, 2,885 flights were delayed and 70 were canceled, according to FlightAware.com. Major airports including , Newark Liberty, John F. Kennedy, Chicago O’Hare and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta faced the worst disruptions, with over 900 delays and 35 cancellations among them.



The following day, delays dipped slightly to 2,133, but cancellations climbed to 148, the site reported.



The prolonged shutdown has forced thousands of essential personnel, including air traffic controllers, to work without pay, contributing to a shortage of roughly 2,000 to 3,000 controllers, Duffy has previously said.



FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency is acting before the situation deteriorates further. “We can’t ignore it,” he told NBC.

FAA To Cut Flights Nationwide Amid Shutdown And Staffing Shortages

Following Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York City mayoral election, leaders within the Jewish community, which had mobilized heavily for his opponent Andrew Cuomo, tell Belaaz that there’s a silver lining &#8211; the emergence of a powerful, unified voting bloc.



Despite their candidate&#8217;s loss, community figures pointed to record turnout in neighborhoods like Borough Park as a &#8220;great victory&#8221; that establishes the community as a political force to be reckoned with.



The sentiment was clear from a source close to the Bobov community in Borough Park, which saw a massive voter registration and ballot campaign for Cuomo.



&#8220;Although we may not have achieved the outcome we wanted, Borough Park as a whole is a clear winner,&#8221; the source told Belaaz. &#8220;The efforts of many individuals and leaders resulted in record turnout. The neighborhood and the entire Orthodox Jewish vote have now become a powerful voting bloc for future elections, and that is the greatest victory we can celebrate.&#8221;



Prominent askan Abe Eisner echoed the focus on unity and effort, regardless of the final tally.



&#8220;It was great to see the orthodox Jewish communities coming together heavily for Cuomo,&#8221; Eisner told Belaaz. &#8220;At 9 pm last night I switched from heavy Hishtadlus to heavy Emunah &amp; Bitachon.&#8221;



Far Rockaway Askan Richard Altebe told Belaaz: &#8220;Knowing that we did our hishtadlus , had record frum turnout in every community and that we maintained achdus throughout gives me peace of mind. Clearly Hashem has a plan for all of us.&#8221;



City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov wrote on X that &#8220;New York City has fallen. But we will survive this too and we shall overcome. Fight! Fight! Fight!&#8221;



Yossi Gestetner, a marketing executive highly involved in community affairs, emphasizing that the community&#8217;s political power has increased, not decreased.



&#8220;First off, turnout in the most visibly Jewish-populated areas was very high, underscoring once again that this is an electorally rich community,&#8221; Gestetner told Belaaz. &#8220;Even if you lose one election, there are many more ahead at different levels of government, and this is a community to be reckoned with.&#8221;



&#8220;According to some data, around 30% of Jews in New York City voted for Mamdani. But that&#8217;s a very liberal way of using the term &#8216;Jewish.&#8217; In the visibly Jewish communities, he didn&#8217;t get anywhere close to 30%,&#8221; Gestetner argued.



This rejection by a major voting bloc can weaken the incoming mayor&#8217;s position, Gestetner said.



&#8220;So, when a major ethnic community rejects a candidate—and the candidate wins with barely 50% of the vote, when his predecessors picked up much larger numbers—it means that, yes, he&#8217;s mayor, but no, he does not have a mandate. And no, this is not the last of this political debate and discussion.&#8221;



Gestetner said that the new administration will have to work hard to build bridges with communities that did not vote for him. &#8220;This doesn&#8217;t imply that there will necessarily be an ongoing political war between this administration and leaders from these communities,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It just means that this incoming administration has a lot of work to do to be able to govern without being bogged down by pushback, lawsuits, and other legal-political tactics to make sure that New Yorkers, especially Jewish ones, are protected.&#8221;



Agudas Yisrael released a statement Wednesday, saying: The voters have spoken, and Agudath Israel of America congratulates those elected this election cycle. Amongst the stories in this election is the remarkable turnout of the Orthodox Jewish community in New York City. Hundreds of thousands participated &#8211; including many first- time registrants and voters. Community organizations in Flatbush, Queens, Borough Park, Far Rockaway, and throughout the city galvanized, with Agudath Israel, in a proactive, multi-pronged get-out-the-vote effort.&#8221; 



Agudah says Jewish voters were &#8220;animated by rising antisemitism, and the safety and security of their families, their institutions, and their neighborhoods. Their robust participation was an emphatic statement that these issues must not be ignored.



&#8220;In his victory speech last night, Mayor-elect Mamdani vowed to &#8216;build a City Hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism.&#8217; Agudath Israel &#8211; representing the concerns of hundreds of thousands of community members &#8211; will work with the administration to ensure that this commitment is fully honored.&#8221;



&#8220;As Torah Jews we place our ultimate trust in the Creator. We recognize that, even as we act responsibly, our future remains fully in His hands.

The Day After: Jewish Community Leaders Hail Record Turnout for Election Day, React to Mamdani’s Win

Rebbetzin Leah Feiga Sorotzkin, a&#8221;h, wife of Hagaon Harav Binyamin Sorotzkin, zt&#8221;l, and mother of ybl&#8221;c Harav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Ateres Shlomo, was nifteres Wednesday morning at Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer.



She was 79 years old.



The levaya was held at 2:15 PM from the Shamgar Funeral Home in Yerushalayim, proceeding to Har HaMenuchos for burial.



The nifteres was born in the United States on 14 Iyar 5706 (1946) to her father, Rabbi Shalom Dov Silver zt&#8221;l, and her mother, Mrs. Chaya Rachel, A&#8221;H. After reaching marriageable age, she married her esteemed husband, Hagaon Harav Binyamin Sorotzkin, zt&#8221;l, mechaber of Sefer Nachlas Binyamin. Rav Binyamin was the son of Hagaon Harav Baruch Sorotzkin, zt&#8221;l, Rosh Yeshiva of the Telz Yeshiva in Cleveland, and the grandson of Hagaon Harav Zalman Sorotzkin, zt&#8221;l, the Rav of Lutsk.



Together, Rav Binyamin and the Rebbetzin built their home on the foundations of Torah and Yiras Shamayim.The Rebbetzin stood faithfully at her husband&#8217;s right hand, supporting his dedication to Torah. She lived all her years in Telz-Stone, where she worked for many years as a psychologist and was deeply involved in the field of chinuch.



She was blessed with a large family; sons, daughters, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law, who continue in her path.



Yehi zichra baruch.

BDE: Rebbetzin Leah Feiga Sorotzkin, A”H, Mother of Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo Shlita

New York City’s Jewish Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker resigned this morning, Wednesday, just hours after anti-Israel Socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s election win, the New York Post reported. 



Tucker, a philanthropist and businessman, is set to leave the post he held for over 12 months on Dec. 19.





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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">It was a privilege to be honored by the Rabbinical Alliance of America at their 37th annual Siyum HaShas and 83rd Anniversary celebration. Thanks to the RAA for recognizing FDNY Staten Island Borough Commander David Simms and I. <a href="https://t.co/5GueOSCrbr">pic.twitter.com/5GueOSCrbr</a>&mdash; FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker (@FDNYFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FDNYFC/status/1968323711792222262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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NYC Jewish Fire Commissioner Resigns Hours After Anti-Israel Mayor-Elect’s Win

Israel is insisting that the armed terrorists on Rafah surrender their weapons before being allowed safe passage, but Hamas is refusing the condition, claiming it would endanger their lives, Israel Hayom reported Wednesday.



The discussions, facilitated by mediators involved in the hostage negotiations, reportedly center on allowing the terrorists to exit the tunnels beyond the Yellow Line and move further into Gaza. The sources said the International Committee of the Red Cross might oversee their withdrawal to ensure they are not harmed.



According to the Palestinian sources, over 200 terrorists are hiding in various locations across the Gaza Strip, not just in Rafah. They added that these individuals are scattered throughout multiple areas, making their extraction more complex.



The report noted that Israel’s condition requiring the terrorists to disarm before leaving has been rejected by the terror groups, who argue that “there is a danger to their lives.” The sources further claimed that Israel “does not have accurate information” about the terrorists’ exact whereabouts, citing “sensitive security conditions.”



One source told Palestinian media that it is “impossible” for 150 or 200 terrorists to be confined to a single tunnel. He explained that the tunnel network is vast and interlinked across multiple sectors, complicating the IDF’s efforts to locate and target Hamas members.



The sources further dismissed Israeli warnings about sealing tunnels with cement, claiming that such measures pose little threat because “most of them include many openings and side passages.” According to the sources, previous attempts to flood the tunnels with water also failed to neutralize the underground network.

Hamas Refuses To Let Trapped Terrorists In Rafah Surrender Their Weapons

Israeli officials believe that the body of fallen IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, HY”D, kidnapped in 2014, is being held inside a Hamas tunnel in eastern Rafah, where an estimated 150 terrorists are barricaded, according to Army Radio.



According to the report, the IDF has refrained from striking or collapsing the tunnel to preserve the possibility of recovering Goldin’s remains for proper burial in Israel.



IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir speaking to the government about the tunnel: “No terrorist should leave alive unless Hadar Goldin is returned,” as Netanyahu rejected a proposal to let the terrorists cross into Hamas-controlled territory in exchange for disarmament.

REPORT: Hostage Hadar Goldin’s Remains Being Held in Rafah Tunnel with 150 Hamas Terrorists

Earlier today, Wednesday, in two separate incidents in the central Gaza Strip, two Hamas terrorists were identified crossing the yellow line, approaching IDF soldiers operating in northern Gaza in a manner that posed a threat to them, the IDF says.



Following their identification, forces eliminated the terrorists in order to remove the threat.



IDF in the Statement said: &#8220;IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat.&#8221;

CEASEFIRE VIOLATION: 2 Terrorists Eliminated After Crossing Yellow Line, Threatening IDF Forces in Gaza

&#8220;Russian Unity Day&#8221; has been celebrated in Russia for 33 years as a national holiday, celebrated on November 4th, and is also known as &#8220;People&#8217;s Unity Day”.



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 It emphasizes the commonality between all the diverse religions that exist in the Russian state, while respecting the history, culture, and even the food of every people and religion in the country. &nbsp; Many ceremonies and events are held during the day, and even in the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin holds several official meetings to mark the holiday, to which the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar Shlita, is invited every year.



 He takes advantage of the opportunity to increase and promote peace between peoples, and his words cause a great Kidush Hashem. &nbsp; 



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This year, President Putin awarded state awards and the Presidential Award for Contribution to Strengthening the Unity of the Russian Nation to a limited number of public figures who worked for the benefit of Russian citizens, in various areas of community, family, health, and and economics. &nbsp; The President awarded the Order of Honor to the country&#8217;s Chief Rabbi for his contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation. 



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Rabbi Lazar&nbsp; was invited to deliver a congratulatory speech, in which he said: &#8220;First of all, thank you very much for the honor and attention. I understand that this is an award for the entire Jewish community and all its rabbis. Exactly 25 years ago, you opened the first Jewish Community Center. Since then, the Jewish community in Russia has developed like it has not developed anywhere else in the world. This is largely thanks to you. The friendship between us is also what has made Russia unique. I am proud to live in this country and serve God here. I understand that everything we do is necessary, and we must do even more. The whole world will see how we act out of unity and help each other.&#8221; &nbsp;



 In response, President Putin said: &#8220;We are grateful to everyone who sees Russia as a reliable partner and is always open to new mutually beneficial ties, for the development and mutual enrichment of cultures. The value of our unity is undoubted. Once again, I sincerely congratulate you on the Day of National Unity, on receiving the Prize of the President of Russia and on receiving these listed state awards. Let me once again wish you continued success with all my heart. Thank you. &nbsp; 



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 Photo Credit: The Kremlin, Moscow

Russian President awards Order of Honor to country’s Chief Rabbi

In a disgusting act of hate, Swastikas were spray-painted overnight on the walls of the Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood, prompting an immediate probe by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force.



&nbsp;Flatbush Shomrim coordinator Tzi Weil tells Belaaz that surveillance footage captured a suspect dressed in all black riding a bicycle past the yeshiva at around 6:10 a.m., spray-painting four swastikas on the building’s exterior. “We are currently reviewing video footage,” Weil told Belaaz.



The incident has stunned the local Jewish community and fueled fears of surging antisemitism in New York City—just hours after Zohran Mamdani’s election as the city’s next mayor.



In a statement to Belaaz, Tzi Weil issued a stark warning about public safety under the incoming administration:



“It’s going to be up to the new Mayor on JAN 1 2026 to show toughness and work with all communities to insure that anyone committing a hate crime as well as any other crimes will be dealt with. Otherwise things will get out of control in a hurry.”



 



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Pinny Ringel, District Leader of the 48th Assembly District, tells Belaaz: &#8220;It&#8217;s sickening that antisemites feel emboldened to express their hatred openly in New York City, a place with the largest population of Holocaust survivors. Hate has no place in this city. Thank you to the NYC Police Department and Flatbush Shomrim for their swift response to the yeshiva and for investigating this deeply troubling incident.&#8221;



In a post on X, NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani responded to the Antisemitic graffiti spray painted on the Flatbush Yeshivhah:



&#8220;This is a disgusting and heartbreaking act of antisemitism, and it has no place in our beautiful city. As Mayor, I will always stand steadfast with our Jewish neighbors to root the scourge of antisemitism out of our city.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This is a disgusting and heartbreaking act of antisemitism, and it has no place in our beautiful city. As Mayor, I will always stand steadfast with our Jewish neighbors to root the scourge of antisemitism out of our city. <a href="https://t.co/W3jVlmr1rU">https://t.co/W3jVlmr1rU</a>&mdash; Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZohranKMamdani/status/1986116380735778835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Askan Moshe Spern, head of United Jewish Teachers, told Belaaz: &#8220;I call this the Mamdani effect, in the sense that people have now been given this permission to act and with aggression towards Jewish people. And this is the fear we all had with electing someone like Zohran with his views as the next mayor. Now we cannot blame him for this act. This is the act of a few people, but the reality is, we know things will only get worse, unless he takes a strong stance today and denounces acts like this and makes it very clear that people who act this way will be criminalized and will go to jail for it, or will face consequences for it. That&#8217;s the reality.&#8221;

Brooklyn Yeshiva Vandalized With Swastikas in Antisemitic Attack; NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force Investigates

THE RESULTS ARE IN:



MYC’s Zohran Mamdani and New Jersey’s Mikie Sherrill beat out Andrew Coumo and Jack Ciattarelli in their races.



It&#8217;s the reality that so many people feared that settling in.



WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?!?



Is it time to panic?



WHAT&#8217;S THE RIGHT RESPONSE?



The answer is that there is no right response. Each person goes through their own process of accepting and grieving things they wanted that didn&#8217;t work out



Know and accept that you did your part to produce the best results and the rest is out of your hand



Although the person we feel is best for us may not have win, it&#8217;s important to remember that everything is done with the Yad Hashem and it&#8217;s in Hashems hands to decide what happens next



IT&#8217;S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY



Allow yourself to process the results and remember to plan forward at the same time.



Remember, Hashem has the real control



By Eli Weinreb, LCSW

Processing the Unexpected: Faith, Fear, and the Election Results | By Eli Weinreb LCSW

Republican Shmuel “Sam” Ellenbogen scored a landmark victory Tuesday night, becoming the first frum Jewish official ever elected to a countywide position in Ocean County.



According to unofficial results from the Ocean County Clerk’s Office, Ellenbogen and his running mate, Raymond Gormley of Little Egg Harbor, won decisively with 68% of the vote against their Democratic challengers, who received 31%, with all precincts reporting.



“I am deeply honored by the trust the people of Ocean County have placed in me,” Ellenbogen said in a statement Tuesday night. “This victory belongs to every resident who believes in responsible, responsive, and inclusive leadership. I look forward to working across the aisle to keep taxes low, improve infrastructure, and support our growing communities.”



A 37-year-old father of five from Toms River, Ellenbogen ran unopposed in the June Republican primary after securing the backing of Ocean County GOP Chairman George R. Gilmore. He will fill the seat of retiring Commissioner Virginia “Ginny” Haines, while Gormley will take over for John P. Kelly, who was elected County Clerk.



Ellenbogen, who serves as commissioner and treasurer of the Ocean County Utilities Authority, has long been an advocate for Toms River’s growing Jewish community. Supporters praised his commitment to transparency and his responsiveness to residents’ concerns.



Democrats mounted a minimal campaign effort in the deep-red county, where Republicans continue to hold every commissioner seat and all countywide offices.



Ellenbogen and Gormley are slated to take the oath of office at the Board of Commissioners’ reorganization meeting in January 2026. The Ocean County Board of Elections will certify the final vote totals on November 18.

Frum Republican Shmuel Ellenbogen Makes History With Ocean County Win

Hamas-praising Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani is projected to win the New York City mayoral race, according to Decision Desk HQ, marking a frightening new epoch in the city&#8217;s history and sparking renewed debate over the Democratic Party’s direction.



At 34, Mamdani, a democratic socialist who quotes Karl Marx and praised indicted Hamas supporters as a rapper, is set to become the first millennial and first Muslim mayor of New York City.



His campaign produced one of the most surprising political upsets in recent memory, defeating former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the race to succeed Mayor Eric Adams.



Mamdani campaigned heavily on extreme anti Israel rhetoric, affordability, promising to freeze rent, launch city-owned grocery stores, and making buses free for riders.



Mamdani faced criticism for not condemning the phrase “globalize the intifada.” While Mamdani himself has not used the term, pro-Israel activists warned it could incite violence against Jews and Zionists, as it refers to waves of deadly terror attacks in Israel over three decades.



Mamdani also faced criticism over past comments criticizing the police and advocating defunding, though he later issued a public apology to the New York Police Department during a Fox News interview.



Despite Cuomo receiving endorsements from prominent Democrats both within and outside the state during the primary, his campaign was burdened by past controversies. In 2021, Cuomo resigned as governor.



Cuomo was likely also hindered by Sliwa’s continued presence in the race. Even after Adams dropped out and endorsed Cuomo, Sliwa maintained a double-digit share of votes, effectively acting as a spoiler and benefiting Mamdani.



In the campaign’s final days, Cuomo received an unlikely endorsement from President Trump, a move that did little to boost his standing in the heavily Democratic city.



According to new reports, Mamdani&#8217;s campaign was funded largely by Muslim groups, and included a large amount of out-of-state support, even illegal donations from overseas, only some of which were returned.



Mamdani&#8217;s victory will likely intensify discussions over whether he represents the Democratic Party’s future amid the ongoing divide between its progressive wing and the more moderate, establishment-aligned faction led by figures such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who did not endorse him.

Communist Zohran Mamdani Projected to Win New York City Mayoral Race

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) is projected to defeat former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R) in the New Jersey governor’s race, marking a significant win for Democrats in their first election cycle since the start of President Trump’s second term, according to Decision Desk HQ.



Sherrill, a fourth-term congresswoman representing northern New Jersey, overcame a strong challenge from Ciattarelli, who sought the governorship for a third time after narrowly losing to Gov. Phil Murphy (D) in 2021. Murphy, now term-limited, was ineligible to run.



The contest grew increasingly competitive in recent weeks, with some polls showing the race as a toss-up, as both candidates navigated overlapping political challenges.



For Democrats, the state had not elected a governor from the same party three consecutive times since 1961. Sherrill’s win marks the first time in six decades that New Jersey has kept the same party in power for three straight gubernatorial races, even as the party faced voter frustration over an affordability crisis while controlling both the governor’s office and state legislature.



Republicans, on the other hand, had to contend with President Trump’s unpopularity in New Jersey, despite GOP gains in recent elections. Murphy narrowly won four years ago, and Vice President Harris defeated Trump in the state by six points last year. Still, Trump’s current 51 percent disapproval rating, according to a recent Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey, forced Ciattarelli to balance embracing the former president while maintaining some distance.



Trump publicly backed Ciattarelli during the campaign and reached out to the state&#8217;s Jewish community. In a post on Truth Social, he said: “I just heard that 32,000 Orthodox Jews around Lakewood and Jackson, New Jersey, have showed up BIG for Jack Ciattarelli. My friends in this Great Community know how important this Election is to New Jersey, and to our Country. There is still time to vote! I am asking ALL PATRIOTIC CITIZENS OF THE GREAT STATE OF NEW JERSEY, including all Kollel and Yeshiva students who haven&#8217;t voted yet, to please GET OUT AND VOTE FOR JACK CIATTARELLI. You can win this Election for Jack! VOTE FOR JACK, WHO HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. Polls close at 8 P.M., and every vote counts. IF YOU ARE IN LINE BY 8 P.M., STAY IN LINE, AND THEY MUST LET YOU VOTE!”



Sherrill presented a plan to address antisemitism and by calling for a ceasefire in international conflicts earlier than many other politicians, though she did not accuse Israel of “genocide” or the like. Meanwhile, while Ciattarelli has publicly stated that he would opt in to the Trump Administration’s federal private school tax credit program, Sherrill declined to express a view on the matter.



Democrats aimed to frame the election as a referendum on Trump and his administration, linking Ciattarelli to the former president, while Republicans focused on portraying the race as a referendum on Democratic leadership in New Jersey.



The final stretch of the campaign turned personal, with both candidates targeting each other’s histories. Ciattarelli criticized Sherrill over her time at the U.S. Naval Academy after reports revealed she did not walk during her 1994 commencement ceremony.



Sherrill, in turn, attacked Ciattarelli after an ally obtained a largely unredacted copy of her military records containing personal information about her and her family. Ciattarelli denied any wrongdoing, and the National Archives assumed responsibility for the incident.



Sherrill also accused Ciattarelli and his medical publishing firm of contributing to the opioid crisis, a claim the GOP candidate rejected.



New Jersey was one of two closely watched governor’s races on Tuesday; in Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger ran against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears to succeed term-limited Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).

Sherrill Clinches New Jersey Governor’s Race in Key Democratic Victory

The remains of 19-year-old Israeli-American IDF Sgt. Itay Chen by”d were returned to Israel tonight Tuesday, after over two years brutally held by Hamas. 



Chen was murdered on October 7, 2023, while serving in the 7th Armored Brigade near Gaza,



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="662" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1007855874.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19495" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1007855874.jpg 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1007855874-300x221.jpg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1007855874-768x565.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure>



Chen was one of eight deceased hostages whose bodies remained in Gaza. With his return, seven are still held by Hamas:



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Hadar Goldin</li>



<li>Meny Godard</li>



<li>Lior Rudaeff</li>



<li>Dror Or</li>



<li>Ran Gvili</li>



<li>Joshua Mollel</li>



<li>Sudthisak Rinthalak</li>
</ol>

IDF Soldier Sgt. Itay Chen’s Body Returned After 2+ Years in Hamas Captivity

As voters across New York head to the polls today, Jewish community leaders spoke with Belaaz about the closely-watched mayoral race, stressing that robust civic engagement is essential for the community&#8217;s well-being.



The leaders emphasized that the primary goal is demonstrating the community&#8217;s unified voice and engagement.



Yossi Gestetner, a marketing executive active in communal affairs, noted the high participation in New York and New Jersey.



&#8220;The turnout in many Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods in New York and New Jersey are very strong,&#8221; Gestetner told Belaaz. &#8220;And at the end of the day, even if people vote for a candidate who ends up losing, the turnout in itself carries weight and a value throughout the year and into the next election period. Political candidates, office holders and elected officials generally tend to engage with and assist communities that are active in the civic process. Therefore, it&#8217;s encouraging to see the turnout in many Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods being what they are.&#8221;



This sentiment was echoed by Josh Mehlman of the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition (FJCC). &#8220;It is crucial for every person in the Orthodox Jewish community to vote,&#8221; Mehlman said, explaining that &#8220;win or lose, the fact that our community votes helps us be heard on all levels of government. City, state, and federal officials are watching this election closely to see which communities actually come out to vote. The ones that do are the ones that are listened to when issues invariably come up.&#8221;



Mehlman stressed the tangible impact of this engagement on &#8220;everyday issues,&#8221; citing &#8220;our yeshivas, our shuls, our safety, security, quality of life, our businesses, or health issues.&#8221;



The mobilization efforts have already yielded significant results. Mehlman reported a massive spike in early voting, particularly in Flatbush. &#8220;We had a record turnout for early voting,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The New York Times published a graph showing which communities citywide came out strongest. The highest number of voters as a community in the entire city was the Flatbush community.&#8221;



According to Mehlman, the early voting surge was so intense that the Board of Elections was caught off guard. &#8220;The Board of Elections executives called me asking, &#8216;What are we doing?&#8217; They couldn&#8217;t handle it. On an almost daily basis, they were adding more staff and more machines to handle the crowd.&#8221;



Despite the high engagement, leaders acknowledged challenges, such as confusion over the complex ballot layout. Mehlman confirmed that voters, particularly those looking for Governor Cuomo on a specific line, found the ballot confusing, since former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is in a close race against Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, appears almost last in a group of other candidates, many of whom have dropped out.



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&#8220;Yes, people are definitely confused,&#8221; Mehlman stated. &#8220;That&#8217;s why FJCC and most organizations, while endorsing candidates, are giving out sample ballots.&#8221;



The message from leaders across the boroughs was one of urgency.



&#8220;Vote like your life depends on it,&#8221; said Sorolle Idels of the Queens Jewish Alliance. &#8220;And if you don’t, don’t kvetch about it later.&#8221;



Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein issued a similar call to action: &#8220;It’s Election Day, and your vote truly matters! Now more than ever, we need you to show up at your polling place and make your voice heard! Regardless of the outcome, we must show our elected officials that we care. Let’s make our voices heard!&#8221;



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City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov said: &#8220;This is one of the most consequential city elections of our lifetime. Our choice is between socialism and the American way of life. There’s no understating how high the stakes are here. Don’t let our city down! Vote for Cuomo!”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000222807.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19500" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000222807.jpg 1024w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000222807-300x225.jpg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000222807-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As the polls remain open, community leaders are optimistic that the strong early voting turnout will continue through Election Day. &#8220;We are looking forward to a similar Election Day turnout, with Hashem&#8217;s help, by the end of the day today,&#8221; Mehlman said.



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‘Vote Like Your Life Depends on it’ – Jewish Community Leaders on Election Day

As New Yorkers head to the polls Tuesday for the city&#8217;s closely watched mayoral election, independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo says supporters cheered when he cast his own ballot.



Cuomo also spoke with Fox News the same day, and apologized for the many deaths that occurred in nursing homes during the pandemic, under his administration.



Speaking after casting his own vote, Cuomo said: &#8220;First time I ever walked into a polling place and the polling place cheered for me,&#8221; Mr. Cuomo told reporters, beaming. &#8220;So that&#8217;s a good sign, and the record turnout is a good sign. &#8230; It&#8217;s because New Yorkers are concerned about New York.&#8221;



Cuomo also rebuffed critics who say that President Trump is supporting him.



&#8220;The President does not support me. The President opposes Zohran Mamdani. The President believes Zohran Mamdani is a communist. He believes he&#8217;s an existential threat. I believe he&#8217;s a socialist and an existential threat, and not a dress up socialist, their school of socialism, this Democratic Socialist of America, means that the government controls the &#8216;means of production,&#8217; (a Marxist slogan Mamdani has used), no private ownership of real estate, abolish jails. This is frightening stuff.



In his remarks, Cuomo said the election &#8220;is the most important election of my lifetime.&#8221;



&#8220;This is going to determine the future of the city of New York [and] may also determine the future of the Democratic Party, so get out and vote.&#8221;



During the Fox News interview, he said: &#8220;Nobody knew what we were dealing with.&#8221;



&#8220;There were no visitors allowed into nursing homes, and I apologize for any family that lost a loved one during that time,&#8221; Mr. Cuomo stated. &#8220;It was on my watch, and I understand how terrible it was.&#8221;



Polls released ahead of election day paint a very close race between Cuomo and&nbsp; Mamdani, with Republican Curtis Sliwa trailing behind.

Cuomo Cheered at Voting Station, Apologizes for Nursing Home Deaths

Voting Day brings up a lot of feelings for many people. Who is the right choice? 



Did I do enough research to make the right decision? Will my vote truly have an impact?



This years elections have so much riding on them. The races are close and each vote counts. The bystander effect is a social psychology phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present.



 This often happens due to diffusion of responsibility, where people assume someone else will intervene.



Let&#8217;s not think that other people will go and vote and therefore we don&#8217;t have to do our part. Let&#8217;s take the time out of our day to ensure that we go and do our part to vote to make the difference that we truly can.



YOUR VOTE MATTERS

Voter Anxiety and Impact: Overcoming the ‘Bystander Effect’ at the Ballot Box

Wednesday, 7:00 AM: 



Minneapolis mayor’s race advances to ranked-choice voting; no candidate reached 50%. Incumbent Jacob Frey and left wing pro Hamas challenger Omar Fateh top first-round votes.



Wednesday, 6:00 AM:



According to CNN exit polls of Jewish votes, 33% voted Zohran Mamdani, 3% voted Silwa, 63% voted for Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race.



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9:20 PM: 



Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, who prosecuted Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the 2024 hush-money case, has won re-election with 74% of the vote (81% counted), defeating GOP&#8217;s Maud Maron and independent Diana Florence, who criticized him as soft on crime.







9:15 PM:



Frum Democrat Avi Schnall has secured re-election for a second term in New Jersey&#8217;s 30th Legislative District, one of the state&#8217;s most heavily Republican areas.



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9:00 PM: 



Decision Desk HQ projects that Democrat Jihadi Socialist Zohran Mamdani to win the New York City Mayor election, defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. 8:18 PM



Decision Desk HQ has determined that Democrat Mikie Sherrill has won the race for New Jersey Governor, defeating Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="625" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000223081.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19519" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000223081.jpg 500w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000223081-240x300.jpg 240w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure>



8:15 PM: Republican Shmuel “Sam” Ellenbogen from Toms River, scored a landmark victory tonight, becoming the first frum Jewish official ever elected to a countywide position in Ocean County, to serve as Commissioner.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="739" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG-20251104-WA0129.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19532" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG-20251104-WA0129.jpg 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG-20251104-WA0129-300x246.jpg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG-20251104-WA0129-768x631.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Republican Shmuel “Sam” Ellenbogen </figcaption></figure>



 8:10 PM &#8211;



 New Jersey Governor race: With 17% of the votes counted, Democrat Mikie Sherrill has garnered 62.8%. Republican Jack Ciattarelli trails at 37.6%



8:00 PM:



Democrat Abigail Spanberger Projected to Flip Virginia Governor’s Seat



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Democrat Abigail Spanberger is projected to have won the Virginia governor’s race, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and flipping the state’s top office for Democrats, according to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ).



Early results shortly after polls closed showed Spanberger leading Earle-Sears 55% to 45%, with about 12% of precincts reporting, DDHQ said.



Virginia’s constitution bars governors from consecutive terms, preventing incumbent Republican Glenn Youngkin from running. Spanberger will be sworn in on January 17 as the state’s 75th governor for a four-year term.



This year, Virginia’s election was one of only two gubernatorial contests nationwide, alongside New Jersey, and the only Republican-held seat on the ballot in 2025.



Historically, Virginia’s off-year gubernatorial races often signal national trends. Since 1976, the winning party has opposed the sitting U.S. president’s party in 11 of the last 12 elections.



10:00 AM: NYC Independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo voted at the Art and Design High School in Manhattan alongside his daughters who aren&#8217;t eligible vote in NYC.



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 8:00 AM: NYC Democrat Socialist Zohran Mamdani just casted his ballot in Queens.



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<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



 







As of 6:00 AM, New York City voters began to cast their ballots for the mayoral election starting at 6:00 a.m., with polls open until 9:00 p.m. The high-profile Mayoral race is between Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Independent Andrew Cuomo (Former Governor), and Republican Curtis Sliwa.



In New Jersey, polling stations statewide opened at 6:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. The Gubernatorial race features a close contest between Democrat Mikie Sherrill (U.S. Representative) and Republican Jack Ciattarelli (Former State Assemblyman).



Anyone in line by closing time will be allowed to vote.



Other Key US Elections to Watch Today:



Virginia: Gubernatorial race between Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger; a win for Earle-Sears would make her the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history.



California: Proposition 50 ballot measure to adopt new congressional maps for the next three cycles. 



Texas: Special election for the 18th Congressional District plus constitutional amendments on election rules. 



Minneapolis: Mayoral race between incumbent Jacob Frey and Muslim progressive challenger Omar Fateh.

Election Day 2025 – Live Updates: Mamdani Wins NYC, Democrat Mikie Sherrill Wins NJ Governor Race

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who served two terms alongside President George W. Bush and was widely regarded as one of the most powerful vice presidents in U.S. history, passed away at the age of 84. The White House flag was lowered to half-staff Tuesday in his honor.



Cheney’s family said he died surrounded by his wife of 61 years, Lynne, and their daughters, Liz and Mary, after complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. “Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing,” the family said in a statement.



George W. Bush, under whom Cheney served from 2001 to 2009, described his former vice president as “a decent, honorable man.” Bush added, “History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation — a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held.”



Cheney was a dominant figure in shaping U.S. policy after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, helping lead the administration’s “war on terror” and advocating for the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Though he faced enduring criticism for the flawed intelligence underlying the Iraq war and for his defense of controversial interrogation methods, Cheney maintained throughout his life that his actions were necessary to protect the United States.



A lifelong Republican and former congressman from Wyoming, Cheney also served as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford and as Defense Secretary under President George H.W. Bush. In his later years, he broke sharply with much of his party, calling Donald Trump a “coward” and “the greatest threat to the republic” following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He proceeded to back liberal Democrat candidates.



Cheney underwent a heart transplant in 2012 and often referred to it as “the gift of life itself.” Despite a long battle with heart disease, he remained active in public life and deeply engaged in national debates until his final years.

Dick Cheney, Former VP, Dies at 84

INTERVIEW: NJ Polls Open in Just Hours: Aguda Director to New Jersey, Shlomo Schorr, Breaks Down Tomorrow’s Election for Belaaz:



Shlomo Schorr: &#8220;One of the ways Jack Ciattarell can win in what it is democratic state, he&#8217;s gonna have to have massive turnout, a lot from the Orthodox Jews… amongst other areas in the state…&#8221;



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NJ POLLS OPEN SOON: Agudah’s Shlomo Schorr to Belaaz – Ciattarelli Needs Huge Orthodox Turnout to Win

A draft United Nations Security Council resolution backed by the Trump administration proposes creating an international force to govern Gaza and maintain security for two years, according to a Monday night report by Axios.



The draft, obtained by the outlet, outlines plans for an “International Stabilization Force” (ISF) that would oversee Gaza’s borders with both Israel and Egypt. Its responsibilities would include protecting civilians, safeguarding humanitarian zones, and working alongside newly trained Palestinian police officers.



The resolution reportedly grants the ISF authority to disarm Hamas terrorists, stating that the mission will “stabilize the security environment in Gaza by ensuring the process of demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, including the destruction and prevention of rebuilding of military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, as well as the permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups.”



The document also allows the ISF to carry out “additional tasks as may be necessary in support of the Gaza agreement,” noting that the operation will function “in close consultation and cooperation with Egypt and Israel.”



Axios further reports that the proposal empowers President Donald Trump’s planned “Board of Peace” to serve as “a transitional governance administration.” This body would coordinate Gaza’s reconstruction efforts and manage fundraising until the Palestinian Authority “has satisfactorily completed its reform program.”

US-Led Force To Take Control Of Gaza Under Trump-Backed UN Plan

Independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo has surged in the final stretch of the New York City mayoral race, closing Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s lead to just four points — nearly within the margin of error — according to a new AtlasIntel poll released Monday.



The survey shows Mamdani with 43.9% support and Cuomo close behind at 39.4%. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa remains a distant third with 15.5%, while just over 1% of voters said they were undecided or would not vote. The poll, conducted from Friday through Sunday among more than 2,400 likely voters, carries a margin of error of two percentage points.



The latest results mark a continued tightening of the race: the same pollster found only last week that Mamdani led Cuomo by six points. The two-point swing underscores the momentum Cuomo has built heading into Tuesday’s general election.



In a hypothetical head-to-head contest without Sliwa in the race, Cuomo would decisively defeat Mamdani by a margin of 49.7% to 44.1%, the poll found.



While the poll’s sample somewhat overrepresents Republican and independent voters and underrepresents Democrats, the trend lines clearly show Cuomo gaining ground rapidly as Mamdani’s campaign faces growing headwinds.



Election day is Tuesday. Early voting ended Sunday.

Cuomo Narrows Mamdani’s Lead To Four Points As Momentum Builds Before Election Day

The Jewish community in the suburban village of Novi Veshki experienced a landmark celebration Sunday with a Hachnasas Sefer Torah attended by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Harav Berel Lazar shlita.



The event highlights the &#8220;significant progress&#8221; and &#8220;noticeable development of Jewish communities&#8221; across the Moscow region, a statement from the Chief Rabbi&#8217;s office read.



The hachnasas Sefer Torah highlighted efforts ny the chief rabbi to establish new communities, serving thousands of Jews, guided by Rabbi Lazar&#8217;s mission &#8220;to reach every Jew in Russia.&#8221;



This growth is particularly notable in the capital&#8217;s suburbs, where thousands &#8220;are chosing to move&#8230; to escape the noise and bustle of the busy metropolis for a slower pace of life.&#8221;



Novi Veshki is described by the chief rabbi&#8217;s office as a &#8220;prestigious village&#8230; built from the ground up&#8221; features &#8220;elegant houses with green areas surrounded by lakes, forests, and orchards.&#8221;



With the expansion of its Jewish population, the &#8220;need to open their own community and shul&#8221; became clear. In response,Rabbi Lazar appointed Rabbi Zalman Shimon HaCohen Deren, the Gabbai of the Chief Rabbinate, to serve as the community&#8217;s Mara De&#8217;asra.



The local community is already active, providing &#8220;minyanim, Torah classes, holiday events and youth activities&#8221; for the neighborhood&#8217;s Jews throughout the year.



The celebration was sparked by a generous donation from the Yakubov family, described as &#8220;distinguished members of the community.&#8221; &#8220;Great joy enveloped the community&#8221; upon learning that the family was dedicating a &#8220;most exquisite Torah scroll, with beautiful accessories, in memory of their beloved parents.&#8221;



The celebration, held in the shul hall, was &#8220;skillfully led&#8221; by the family&#8217;s friend, the Shliach Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Gedzh. He invited Rabbi Lazar &#8220;to finish writing the Torah scroll,&#8221; completing the final letters.



After offering &#8220;Divrei Torah and brachos,&#8221; Rabbi Lazar presented the donors, Mr. David and Mr. Moshe Yakubov, with a &#8220;prestigious certificate along with a dollar and blessings from the Lubavitcher Rebbe.&#8221; The award was given &#8220;on behalf of the charitable organizations in Moscow, which the Yakubov family supports regularly.&#8221;



Following the ceremony, the celebration concluded with a festive seudas mitzvah. Guests heard addresses from the Rabbi of the Bolshaya Bronaya shul, Rabbi Yitzhak HaKohen Kogan,&nbsp; Rabbi Zalman Shimon Deren, and &#8220;many distinguished friends and community members.&#8221;



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Russian Jewish Community of Novi Veshki Celebrates New Sefer Torah with Chief Rabbi

Tel Aviv is finally set to receive a new chief rabbi in January, ending an eight-year period without one.



The committee responsible for selecting the city’s new chief rabbi convened Monday at the Religious Services Ministry and agreed to hold a vote on January 6, 2026, according to a ministry spokesperson.



Like many cities across Israel, Tel Aviv has lacked a chief rabbi since 2017, when Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau — who also previously served as Israel’s Ashkenazi chief rabbi — completed his term.



Earlier this year, then–Religious Services Minister Michael Malkieli of Shas reversed regulations that had placed the appointment of city rabbis directly under ministry control, a move that had drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers and religious rights advocates.



Municipal rabbis serve as the primary halachic authority for Jewish residents of their cities, overseeing matters such as marriage certification and kashrus supervision for local establishments.



Each city’s rabbinic appointment is decided by a committee composed of city council members, appointees from the Religious Services Ministry, and the head of the local religious council.



For Tel Aviv, the selection committee will be chaired by Rabbi Yaakov Zamir, a former judge on the Great Rabbinical Court. Other members include Rabbi Yitzhak Levy, chief rabbi of Nesher, as well as Rachel Dayan and Tal Tnaami from the Tel Aviv Municipality, and Yonit Gispan from the Religious Services Ministry.



“This is a significant step that restores to Israel’s central city its spiritual leadership,” said Yehuda Avidan, the ministry’s director general.



Avidan expressed appreciation to Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and the city council for their cooperation, adding that “the entire process is being conducted in an atmosphere of partnership, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the benefit of all residents — religious and secular alike.”

Tel Aviv To Appoint New Chief Rabbi After Eight-Year Vacancy

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is reportedly planning to retire after her current term, with Democrats preparing for an announcement following Tuesday’s elections, according to multiple party sources cited by NBC News.



The 85-year-old lawmaker, who twice served as Speaker of the House, would conclude nearly 40 years representing San Francisco if she follows through with the decision.



Pelosi has fueled speculation by not discouraging potential successors, including state Sen. Scott Wiener and former tech executive Saikat Chakrabarti, despite having millions in campaign funds still on hand.



Colleagues say Pelosi has hinted at her intentions, joking that she hopes to watch Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., become the first Black House speaker “if she’s still allowed on the floor.”



Her spokesperson, Ian Krager, declined to confirm her retirement, saying Pelosi remains “fully focused” on promoting Proposition 50 — a partisan redistricting measure Democrats believe is essential to regaining the House majority.



Speaking to the San Francisco Examiner, Pelosi called the initiative “the best antidote to poison,” apparently referring to Republican-led redistricting efforts in states such as Texas that have challenged President Donald Trump’s policies.

Pelosi Expected To Retire After 2026, Ending Four Decades In Congress

A shul in the Chicago suburb of Skokie has launched a kosher community fridge dedicated to the memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin Hy’d, the American-Israeli hostage murdered by Hamas after 328 days in captivity.



Organizers say “Hersh’s Fridge” is believed to be the first community fridge in the U.S. offering exclusively kosher food, designed to help both Jews and others in need of assistance.



“Through this fridge, Hersh’s values of chesed, community, and bridge-building are continuing to serve as a blessing – and a revolution – for the Chicagoland area, where his family’s roots run deep,” reads a statement on the Solu organization’s website. Solu is affiliated with the Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob Synagogue and works to strengthen connections between Orthodox Jews and neighboring communities.



Both of Hersh’s parents grew up in the Chicago area.



The new facility includes separate sections: one fridge for food and groceries purchased from kosher-certified establishments, another for sealed kosher groceries donated from private kosher homes, and a cabinet with shelf-stable items bearing recognized kosher certification.

Kosher Community Fridge in Skokie Honors Hersh Goldberg-Polin Hy’d

Omer Neutra z”l hy&#8221;d, 22-year-old Israeli-American IDF soldier killed on October 7, 2023, was returned from Gaza for burial, his family confirmed this evening. 



President Trump announced the return of Neutra’s body along with two others hostage bodies, saying he spoke with the parents and called Omer “an American hero.”

Murdered IDF Hero Omer Neutra Hy”d Returned Home for Burial After 760 Days in Hamas Captivity

On the final day of early voting, Belaaz hit the streets of Boro Park to talk with Jewish voters.



The Boro Park Center nursing home on 10th Avenue and 49th Street was buzzing with voters, described by one voter as a &#8220;fantastic&#8221; scene with &#8220;thousands of people here.&#8221;



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However, voters in the heavily Jewish neighborhood expressed&nbsp;hope and anxiety, with many casting ballots aimed at blocking one candidate in particular: Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani.



&#8220;I hope it&#8217;s going to be good, be&#8217;ezrat Hashem, good times to us,&#8221; said one voter. She added, &#8220;Let&#8217;s hope for the best; we did our hishtadlus.&#8221;



That effort, for several voters, translated into a reluctant choice. &#8220;I voted for Cuomo,&#8221; one man shared. When asked why, he was candid: &#8220;Not that he should be the best candidate, but the best of of the rest.&#8221;



The issue of antisemitism was front and center for one resident. When asked if he was worried about it, another voter replied, &#8220;You know, I&#8217;m Jewish, you&#8217;re Jewish. It&#8217;s bad, very bad.&#8221;



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He predicted a dire outcome if Mamdani wins. &#8220;Going to be much worse,&#8221; the voter stated. &#8220;But he&#8217;s going to look away at all the crime. That&#8217;s what I think.&#8221; Another voter said he thought antisemitism wouldn&#8217;t necessarily increase should Mamdani win.



Another voter said a Mamdani mayorship would be a &#8220;disaster for New York City.&#8221;



&#8220;Definitely. So I&#8217;m going to vote for Cuomo,&#8221; he explained, &#8220;and I think that a vote for Sliwa would effectively be a vote for Mamdani.&#8221;



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When asked why it would be &#8220;so terrible&#8221; if Mamdani wins, this voter laid out his concerns bluntly. &#8220;I think he makes promises he won&#8217;t be able to keep. I think he is an Islamist, Marxist, and I think he hates Israel.&#8221;



His conclusion about public safety was stark. Asked if he thought Jews would be safe under Mamdani, he replied, &#8220;No, definitely not. Definitely Jews will definitely not be safer if he wins.&#8221;



Not all were backing Como, however. One resident cast his ballot for Curtis Sliwa, citing party affiliation as his primary motivation. &#8220;Was it you have to vote for Curtis? Yeah,&#8221; he said. &#8220;How come? Why? Because he&#8217;s a Republican.&#8221; But his choice was tinged with pessimism about the race&#8217;s outcome. &#8220;Yeah, but I know he&#8217;s going to lose,&#8221; he conceded, expressing frustration with the options.



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A young boy who accompanied his father said: &#8220;I feel good about elections.&#8221; When asked why, his answer was simple: &#8220;Because you could vote!&#8221; &#8220;What&#8217;s good about voting?&#8221; he was asked. &#8220;You could do everything,&#8221; he replied. &#8220;You could choose who wants to be your mayor.&#8221;



Early voting is not available on Monday; election day is Tuesday.



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‘Best of the Rest’ – Boro Park Voters Cast Ballots on Last Day of Early Voting

A taxi driver from the area arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport to pick up passengers and lost consciousness in his car.



After hours of no contact with his family, he was located during search efforts and was found without signs of life.



Police investigation indicates no suspicion of foul play. His body has been released for burial in Holon.

Taxi Driver Found Dead in Vehicle at Ben Gurion Airport:

The Board of Directors for the Satmar community, which follows Harav Aharon Teitelbaum shlita, formally endorsed Andrew Cuomo for Mayor of New York City on Sunday, after what insiders tell Belaaz was the unauthorized endorsement of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani by community leader Rabbi Moshe Indig in the name of Satmar hours before.



Indig, who typically speaks on behalf of Satmar, made the endorsement while meeting Mamdani.



This announcement was immediately met with internal pushback. Sources confirm that upon seeing a post about it on a Williamsburg news website, askanim contacted the Satmar Board of Directors and the Rebbe&#8217;s gabbai directly, who were not aware of the endorsement.



According to a high-level source who spoke with Belaaz, both the Board and the gabbai stated that the endorsement was &#8220;totally unauthorized&#8221; and that the Rebbe&#8217;s original instructions had been for the community to remain neutral in the mayoral race.



In response to the unauthorized posting, the Board of Directors opted to counteract the messaging and endorsed the independent candidate Cuomo.



The letter, which was provided in both Yiddish and English, is reportedly signed by three Board of Directors members: Cheskel Berkowitz, Avrum Brach,and Shulem Yitzchok Jacobowitz.



Following the intervention, the original website post was altered, changing the source of the endorsement from &#8220;Satmar&#8221; to indicate that Indig himself was endorsing Mamdani, according to the source.



The chaos follows a meeting last week in Williamsburg with the leaders of both Satmar communities, including Indig, with Cuomo and outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, in which both communities showed solidarity with Cuomo, but held off of a full endorsement, as reported first by Belaaz.



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Satmar Leadership Rejects ‘Unauthorized’ Mamdani Endorsement, Backs Cuomo

Acting under orders from the Chief of Staff, the IDF has begun removing Chinese-made vehicles previously issued to officers, citing growing fears of espionage and data leaks through built-in smart systems. Around 700 cars are being collected, most of them Chery Tiggo 8 models—popular among officers with large families because of their seven-seat design.



The move comes amid rising alarm within the Israeli defense establishment over the influx of smart Chinese vehicles.



The IDF additionally enacted a total ban on the entry of such vehicles onto military bases.



Officials warn that modern Chinese vehicles pose a significant intelligence risk. These cars, equipped with cameras, microphones, GPS, sensors, and internet connectivity, could be exploited to gather information, monitor movements, or transmit data outside Israel.



Reports indicate that the Chery Tiggo 8 has been specifically blacklisted from military installations, and the distribution of all Chinese-made vehicles to IDF officers has been suspended pending further review.



Israel is not alone in taking action; several Western countries have already expressed similar concerns over Chinese technologies in security-sensitive environments. The IDF previously ordered owners of Chinese vehicles to park outside restricted areas on bases.



Defense sources say the army is considering additional measures, such as tagging these vehicles, requiring off-base parking, and mandating that soldiers disclose if they own a Chinese-made car.



Beyond security issues, the ban also highlights economic tensions. Chinese cars, particularly electric ones, have become increasingly popular in Israel thanks to their price and performance.

IDF Pulls Chinese-Made Cars From Officers Over Surveillance Fears

President Trump is working to ensure that low-income Americans continue receiving food stamp benefits and may draw from a contingency fund as early as Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday.



“President Trump just Truthed out that he’s very anxious to get this done,” Bessent told CNN’s “State of the Union” regarding efforts to address the lapse in funding caused by the shutdown.



“There’s a process that has to be followed. So we got to figure out what the process is. President Trump wants to make sure that people get their food benefit,” Bessent added.



The statement follows a ruling from a Rhode Island federal judge who ordered the Department of Agriculture to use emergency funds to issue partial payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program ran out of money Saturday amid the ongoing shutdown.



The court directed the Trump administration to ensure those partial SNAP payments are made by Wednesday.



The Department of Agriculture had previously argued in a memo that it lacked the legal authority to access the contingency funds for SNAP payments.



Bessent emphasized that President Trump does not plan to challenge the judge’s order and urged Democrats to end the shutdown to prevent further disruption.



“The best way for Snap benefits to get paid is for five Democrats to cross the aisle and reopen the government,” he said.

Bessent: Trump is  Pushing To Restore Food Stamp Payments Amid Shutdown Funding Lapse

Efrat Mor, the mother of returned hostage Eitan Mor, shared that her son recited Hagomel this Shabbos in the shul that was built as a zchus for his safe return, Arutz Sheva reported Sunday. Eitan was freed from Hamas captivity just last month.



&#8220;Really big things happen far from the spotlight and cameras,&#8221; Mor wrote on social media. She explained that on Friday, Eitan expressed his wish to recite Hagomel during Shacharis at the local shul that was constructed in his zchus during his captivity. &#8220;I immediately told Tzvika (her husband) that there is no way that we don&#8217;t organize a community kiddush after the service.&#8221;



Efrat Mor detailed the community&#8217;s immediate response, noting that all the neighbors mobilized on short notice to help organize the gathering, culminating in a deeply emotional event for everyone present.



&#8220;Over the past two years, I repeatedly said that I imagine Eitan reciting the &#8216;Hagomel&#8217; blessing at the Beit Haknesset. The one that was built in his merit by Am Yisrael. But I didn&#8217;t imagine how emotional it would be. The place was full, both the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s sections. Candies were thrown, tears flowed, and Eitan&#8217;s voice was heard; it was not loud, but it shook hearts,&#8221; she recounted.



&#8220;My child, whom I received as a miraculous gift at the age of 25, stood there next to the Sefer Torah, in front of the Aron Kodesh, and thanked the Borei Olam for all the good He did for him. As he recited the bracha, I thought of all the horror stories he told us and the countless miracles he experienced, and I am sure I haven&#8217;t heard them all.&#8221;

‘His Voice Shook Hearts’: Rescued Hostage Eitan Mor Recites Hagomel at Shul Built in His Zchus

Four Hezbollah terrorists, including a senior officer, were killed Saturday in an Israel Defense Forces airstrike in southern Lebanon, the IDF said Sunday.



The military confirmed that it “struck and eliminated the logistics support officer of Hezbollah’s ‘Radwan Force’ in southern Lebanon,” adding that he had been involved in transferring weapons and rebuilding the group’s terrorist network.



The airstrike targeted a vehicle near Kfar Reman, roughly seven miles from Israel’s border, marking the fourth straight day of Israeli operations aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s rearmament in violation of the ceasefire agreement.



The Radwan Force is Hezbollah’s elite unit trained to infiltrate Israel, capture border areas, and kidnap Israelis as part of its “Conquer the Galilee” strategy.



The IDF said the terrorists’ activity “posed a direct threat to Israel’s security” and violated the Nov. 26, 2024, truce with Lebanon. “The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat to the State of Israel,” it stated.



Defense Minister Yisrael Katz warned that “Hezbollah is playing with fire and the president of Lebanon is dragging his feet,” calling on Beirut to enforce the disarmament of Hezbollah. “Maximum enforcement will continue and even intensify—we will not allow a threat to the residents of the north,” he said.



The ceasefire, signed nearly a year ago, was meant to end a year of cross-border clashes triggered when Hezbollah joined Hamas’s war on Israel after the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre. Despite the deal, Hezbollah has continued attacks and rearmament efforts.



U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack said during a security forum in Bahrain that Hezbollah still possesses between 15,000 and 20,000 rockets and missiles. “Israel every day is bombing the south because you still have thousands of rockets and missiles that are threatening it,” he said.



Barrack added that Israel’s intelligence shows Hezbollah is rebuilding across the Bekaa Valley and that Jerusalem “cannot withdraw from the border areas it secured.” He said Washington is trying to push Hezbollah to stand down through diplomatic incentives and regional agreements.

IDF Eliminates Senior Hezbollah Officer in Fourth Straight Day of Strikes

In the devastating wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is grappling with a catastrophic breakdown of infrastructure, leaving the majority of its population in dire straits.



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According to a statement from Chabad of Jamaica, the situation is &#8220;very difficult,&#8221; with &#8220;over 70% of the Island&#8230; without water or electricity.&#8221;



The storm&#8217;s fallout has been immediate and severe, with &#8220;many people [having] lost everything, including people we know dearly.&#8221; Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, the Chabad Shliach in Jamaica, described the harrowing human toll in an interview with Belaaz.



The Chabad House has transformed into an emergency shelter, with its official statement noting, &#8220;Fifteen people are currently sheltering at the Chabad House, both stranded tourists and displaced Jamaicans.&#8221;



The relief efforts are aimed at assisting both visitors and the established local Jewish community.



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According to Rabbi Raskin, there are 360 local Jews spread out over the entire island.&nbsp; &#8220;Some of them have been living here for generations,&#8221; Rabbi Raskin said. &#8220;Some of them came here for business. Some of them fell in love with Jamaica while visiting,&#8221; Rabbi Raskin said, adding that the country is not an ideal place for being shomer Torah umitzvos.



In recent years, Rabbi Raskin noted, many have sought to reconnect with Yiddishkeit, particularly since the COVID pandemic and the events of October 7, &#8220;a lot of them committed&#8221; he says. He&nbsp; shared an anecdote of discovering a local Jewish man he had not been aware of before and teaching him the mitzvah of tefilin.



Rabbi Raskin recounted the story of one woman who sought refuge at the Chabad House on Friday night. &#8220;Everybody&#8217;s sharing their experience,&#8221; he said. &#8220;She said, &#8216;the house is down to the earth.’ She came here, she slept, she brought her six bags of clothes—that was left of her life. Everything else, gone.&#8221; The woman, he added, &#8220;didn&#8217;t eat for two days.&#8221;



The emotional weight of the disaster was felt profoundly during Shabbos. &#8220;There was not a dry eye by the Shabbos table,&#8221; Raskin shared. &#8220;It was just so painful to hear.&#8221;



Access to the Chabad House remains a significant challenge. &#8220;The roads are blocked still. Today, six days after, there&#8217;s a huge electric pole in front of the Chabad House,&#8221; he explained. &#8220;Anybody who wants to come to the Chabad House has to park their car five minutes away and walk 20 minutes&#8230; And we are in a better community, next to the hotels. Think about the people who are in harsh places.&#8221;



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Chabad of Jamaica has mobilized its resources, leaning on a generator to keep operations running. &#8220;Thank G-d, we have a diesel generator which powers our lights and fans, but things are very difficult and we need your help,&#8221; the organization stated.



&#8220;We&#8217;ve begun arranging aid packages with food, clean clothes, bottled water, and hygiene supplies for people in the hardest-hit regions,&#8221; Chabad announced. &#8220;The need is extreme.&#8221;



Chabad of Jamaica has launched an emergency fund and is appealing for supplies. &#8220;We can only accept new items, which means no opened packages or used clothing,&#8221; the statement clarified. G-d Bless you and G-d bless Jamaica.&#8221;



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Chabad has issued an urgent call for donations of essential supplies to assist families in need. The organization is seeking baby and childcare items such as diapers in all sizes, wipes, baby food and formula, feeding bottles, sheets, and new blankets. Health and hygiene products are also in high demand, including pain relievers, cough and cold medicine, first aid kits, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, feminine hygiene products, mosquito repellent, laundry detergent, and general cleaning supplies.



Nonperishable food items are another priority. Chabad is asking for canned goods like tuna, beans, vegetables, soups, and sausages, along with instant meals, snack bars, nuts, rice, crackers, cookies, applesauce or fruit cups, shelf-stable milk, small cereal boxes, and condiment packets such as mayonnaise. Other requested essentials include bottled water, batteries, flashlights or lanterns, sleeping bags, and new clothing for both children and adults. All donations will go directly toward providing relief and comfort to those affected.



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EXCLUSIVE: Deri Cools Hopes for Quick Saudi-Israel Normalization, Says Deal May Take Months

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