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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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

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

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

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.



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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

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”

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

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

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.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="480" height="495" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bd0a1ea3-9bdd-4a3c-876d-0a047807d08b.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-19642" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bd0a1ea3-9bdd-4a3c-876d-0a047807d08b.jpeg 480w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bd0a1ea3-9bdd-4a3c-876d-0a047807d08b-291x300.jpeg 291w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /></figure>



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.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="680" height="453" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_5337.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-19643" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_5337.jpeg 680w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_5337-300x200.jpeg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="680" height="453" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_5338.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-19644" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_5338.jpeg 680w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_5338-300x200.jpeg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /></figure>

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

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

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

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

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.



<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">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>
</div></figure>

BREAKING: Pelosi Announces She Won’t Seek Re-Election

In a long-awaited breakthrough, the body of Israeli officer Lt. Hadar Goldin, killed and abducted by Hamas during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, was transferred to Israel today. It was officially identified at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, closing a painful chapter for his family after over a decade of advocacy.

After 11 Years: Lt. Hadar Goldin’s Body Returned to Israel, Identified

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;



&#8220;One of the main policies as 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;

Belaaz Interview: Rabbi Moshe Indig Defends Mamdani Endorsement

A casket believed to contain the body of fallen IDF officer and hostage Hadar Goldin Hy’d has arrived at the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine near Tel Aviv for official identification, the Health Ministry announced Sunday.



Officials stated that the identification process could take up to two days. Hamas terrorists have claimed the body is that of Lt. Goldin, who was killed and abducted by the terrorists during the 2014 Gaza War.



If confirmed, the discovery would mean that the bodies of four Israeli hostages are still being held in Gaza — Meny Godard, Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, Dror Or, 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.”

Body Believed To Be Of Hostage Hadar Goldin Hy’d Brought To Israeli Forensic Institute

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

In a joint operation between the Shin Bet and the IDF, a terror cell of Fatah and Hamas terrorists from the Ramallah area was arrested in November-December 2024, including Ahmad Jasser Ali, Mandar Shikh Qassem, Bashir Awad, Omar Tzovah, and Ali Shweiki.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="548" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-06-at-6.18.19-AM-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8137" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-06-at-6.18.19-AM-1.jpeg 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-06-at-6.18.19-AM-1-300x183.jpeg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-06-at-6.18.19-AM-1-768x468.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The terror cell</figcaption></figure>



Shin Bet investigation revealed that the cell had planned to remotely detonate an explosive device, which they intended to smuggle into Israeli territory to carry out a bombing attack, during the war in Gaza. Additionally, some members of the cell had carried out shooting attacks against IDF forces over the past year, which b&#8221;h ended without injuries.



Further investigation of Ahmad Jasser Ali revealed that, along with other cell members, he had manufactured an explosive device and planned to carry out a suicide bombing on a bus in Jerusalem. During the investigation, an explosive device created by the cell was seized, which was intended for a test to verify the remote activation mechanism. Carlo submachine gun was also seized.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="467" height="445" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-06-at-6.18.19-AM.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8139" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-06-at-6.18.19-AM.jpeg 467w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-06-at-6.18.19-AM-300x286.jpeg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 467px) 100vw, 467px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bomb seized during the investigation</figcaption></figure>



Recently, indictments were filed against members of the cell for offenses including membership and activity in an illegal association, shooting at a person, attempted murder, possession of firearms, and attempted manufacture of firearms.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="460" height="391" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-06-at-6.18.18-AM.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8138" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-06-at-6.18.18-AM.jpeg 460w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-06-at-6.18.18-AM-300x255.jpeg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /></figure>

WhatsApp Image 2025-02-06 at 8.39.13 AM

MORE FROM BELAAZ

Shin Bet Prevents Bus Bombing in Jerusalem Planned by Terror Cell from Ramallah Area

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;



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<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,



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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!”



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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.



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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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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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‘The House is Down to the Earth’: Rabbi Yaakov Raskin Details Hurricane Melissa’s Devastation in Jamaica

We regret to inform our readers of the tragic and sudden passing of Reb Moshe Tzuker, z&#8221;l, who was 76 years old.



Reb Moshe was found unresponsive inside the mikvah at the Satmar shul on 10th Avenue early Shabbos morning. Sources confirm the discovery was made at approximately 5:30 AM.



Reb Moshe was described by community members as a choshuve yid and a beloved figure, who davened in Satmar for decades. He leaves behind a very large family.



His sudden passing has sent a shockwave of grief through the neighborhood.



Reb Moshe&#8217;s levaya was held at the Satmar shul on Motzoei Shabbos.



Yehi zichro baruch.

BDE: Reb Moshe Tzuker z”l, 76, Found in Boro Park Satmar Mikvah on Shabbos

Two weeks after having a mysterious dream about meeting Republican NYC mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa and asking him to join forces with Independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Moshe Spern says that his dream came true in an unexpected way.



Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers, encountered the Guardian Angels&#8217; founder when both paid a visit at the same time to the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt&#8221;l on Motzoei Shabbos. He recognized sliwa by spotting his signature red beret. Sliwa&#8217;s trip was unannounced, and Spern simply made the trip to daven.



After approaching the candidate and wishing him luck, Spern made his plea. &#8220;I said, &#8216;But Curtis, I have to ask you to please unite with Cuomo,'&#8221; Spern told Belaaz. &#8220;I said, &#8216;We&#8217;re scared.'&#8221;



According to Spern, Sliwa initially responded that the decision was &#8220;up to the voters.&#8221; As Spern respectfully pressed the issue, saying the Jewish community is afraid, Sliwa began to walk away.



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However, a person accompanying Sliwa remarked, &#8220;It&#8217;s too late.&#8221;



Spern replied, &#8220;It&#8217;s never too late. It&#8217;s never too late for unity.&#8221;



Following the exchange, another man accompanying Sliwa, a Lubavitcher Chasid, approached Spern, explaining that Sliwa was at the Ohel for a &#8220;personal visit&#8221; and that the request was inappropriate.



&#8220;I said to him, &#8216;Listen, an opportunity presented itself to me to speak to him. I&#8217;m not going to pass up on that,'&#8221; Spern said, defending his actions as a necessary hishtadlus.



Spern, who noted he does not visit the Ohel often, said he also felt a persistent urge over the recent Shabbos to find and speak with Sliwa. &#8220;I really can&#8217;t make this stuff up,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Hashem directed me here. I really believe it.&#8221;



Spern emphasized his actions were motivated by a genuine fear for the community&#8217;s future. &#8220;The existential threat… is too great. We got to work together,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I can go to sleep knowing I did something versus doing nothing.&#8221;



Sliwa has made many trips to the Ohel over the years, and is known in Crown Heights for his role in protecting Jews during the Crown Heights riots.

Askan Asks Sliwa to Unify With Cuomo at Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Ohel, Attendant Says ‘It’s Too Late’

Ten people were injured by rampaging terrorists aboard a train in Cambridgeshire, England, on Saturday, as two men armed with large knives attacked terrified passengers. Counter-terror police are investigating the assault, according to reports.



Nine of the victims suffered life-threatening wounds when the unidentified assailants began slashing commuters aboard an LNER train departing Peterborough for London around 7:35 p.m., Sky News reported.



Police said the two attackers, dressed entirely in black, were tasered, restrained, and taken into custody at the scene.



Though a motive has not yet been revealed, England’s Counter Terrorism Police have joined the investigation. The British Transport Police said officers used the UK emergency code “Plato” during the incident — a term reserved for suspected marauding terror attacks.



Panic erupted inside the train as passengers fled down aisles, locking themselves in bathrooms to escape the bloodshed.



“They were making their way through the carriage to get away from the suspects. They were extremely bloodied,” a man identified only as Gavin told Sky News.



He said he spotted one of the attackers on the platform, describing him as holding “quite a large knife.”



“The suspect had also come off the train as well. So while we were being told to come out of the station the suspect was obviously running rampant,” Gavin added.



Video shared online showed a massive emergency response at Huntingdon Station, with dozens of police vehicles and ambulances surrounding the area.



“We are currently responding to an incident on a train in Huntingdon where multiple people have been stabbed,” the British Transport Police confirmed on X Saturday.



Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his concern and extended condolences following the attack, though he gave no details about the suspects or their motive.



“The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning. My thought are with those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response,” Starmer wrote on X.

Knife-Wielding Terrorists Injure 10 Passengers on UK Train

The annual yahrtzeit celebration of Rachel Imeinu descended into &#8220;absolute chaos&#8221; on Motzoei Shabbos as a severe transportation collapse left thousands of mispalelim stranded, with many forced to march long distances on foot, according to witnesses who spoke with Israeli media.



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Crowds arriving at the kever complex reported heavy congestion, long delays, and a significant lack of coordination between organizing agencies.



Reports from the scene described massive lines forming at the exit from the kever, with mispalelim waiting extended periods for buses that failed to arrive. The central transportation hub at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, designated for shuttles to the site, was also plagued by gridlock as buses did not arrive on time, leaving the public waiting.



Sources involved in the event&#8217;s preparations told B&#8217;chadrei Charedim that the number of buses allocated for this year&#8217;s yahrtzeit was insufficient for the &#8220;heavy load,&#8221; stating that &#8220;there were many more mispalelim than expected, and the system was unable to cope.&#8221;



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However, the Ministry of Transportation rejected this assessment, claiming there was no shortage of buses. The Ministry placed responsibility for traffic arrangements on the police and noted that, under police guidance, departures from Teddy Stadium to the kever were halted due to the &#8220;unusual congestion&#8221; at the site.



Police and Border Guard soldiers were deployed to provide security and maintain order. Authorities reported that at one point, participants &#8220;began to disrupt order by attempting to forcefully enter the kever complex, which was crowded and at the maximum occupancy allowed.&#8221;



In response, forces worked to restore order and partially and temporarily closed public entrance to the complex.



Adding to the confusion, police decided not to allow passenger drop-offs near the checkpoint to &#8220;prevent friction and jostling.&#8221; This order required the public to walk to the &#8220;yellow gate,&#8221; a move that sources on the ground said caused additional congestion.

Chaos Erupts at Kever Rachel as Transportation System Collapses; Thousands Stranded

Communist, Hamas-praising Zohran Mamdani’s once-comfortable advantage over former Governor Andrew Cuomo has dwindled to just 6.6 percentage points — his narrowest margin since the summer, according to a new AtlasIntel poll released Saturday.



The survey shows Democrat Mamdani leading with 40.6%, while Cuomo, a lifeline Democrat running as an independent, has climbed to 34% just days before Tuesday’s election.



“The gap is closing fast — we can feel it on the ground everywhere from the Bronx to Staten Island. At this rate, we win the race. Keep going strong,” Cuomo said.



“Six points in this election is nothing,” the former governor told reporters while campaigning in Brownsville, Brooklyn, on Saturday. He said New Yorkers have begun to see through Mamdani’s “pie-in-the-sky” promises like free bus service and government-run grocery stores — proposals the city’s mayor has no authority to enact.



“What has happened is, in the primary, Zohran got away with his TikTok band, and a smile, whatever he said, he smiled, and he had his slogans, ‘freeze the rent,’ ‘free buses,’ ‘free food,’ and that was enough,” Cuomo said. “What has happened since is people have [found] out what he’s about, and there is no free food, and there are no free buses, and he can’t raise corporate taxes statewide and dedicate it to New York [City]. That can’t happen.”



Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is also enjoying his best poll numbers of the campaign, with 24.1% — his strongest showing since a July HarrisX poll that had him at 22%.



The results come shortly after two other polls painted a different picture. A Fox News survey released Thursday found Mamdani ahead 47% to 31%, with Sliwa at 15%, while an Emerson College poll showed Mamdani at 50%, Cuomo at 25%, and Sliwa at 21%. Real Clear Politics’ average still gives Mamdani a 14.5-point lead overall, at 45%, followed by Cuomo at 31% and Sliwa at 17%.



The AtlasIntel poll highlights Sliwa’s effect on the race, with data showing that in a head-to-head matchup, Cuomo would beat Mamdani 50% to 42%.



Mamdani, who attended a Saturday event at antisemite and Crown Heights riots instigator Al Sharpton’s National Action Network in Harlem, brushed off concerns about the shifting numbers. “I’m not worried at all,” he said. “I continue to be confident, but I never let that confidence become complacency.”



Nearly half a million New Yorkers have already voted early, marking a sharp rise from 2021, according to the City Board of Elections. The AtlasIntel poll carries a margin of error of three percentage points.



Cuomo campaigned Friday in Brighton Beach, telling supporters that “there is no way” Sliwa can win and that his continued presence in the race “can only make Zohran Mamdani win.”

Cuomo Surges As Mamdani’s Lead Shrinks To Single Digits In Tight NYC Mayoral Race

The partial remains of three bodies handed to Israel by Hamas on Friday night were determined not to belong to any hostages, following examination at the Abu Kabir forensic institute in Tel Aviv.



The Hamas terror group claims it initially offered to hand over three samples from unidentified bodies but later transferred the remains “to preempt Israeli claims” after Israel refused to accept samples alone.



The Red Cross said it acted as a neutral intermediary, it only facilitated the handover and that identifying the remains is Israel’s responsibility.

Hamas Delivers Partial Remains of Three Bodies—Abu Kabir Forensics Confirms They Are Not Hostages

John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark airports were all forced to halt departures Friday as high winds swept through the New York metro area, compounding delays amid reduced staffing caused by the ongoing government shutdown.



Flights bound for JFK are being held at their departure airports, with a ground stop in effect until 7:30 p.m. due to staffing limitations, according to local reports.



The Federal Aviation Administration said ground delays at JFK were averaging about one hour because of the high winds.



Delays at LaGuardia are even longer, with some flights held on the tarmac for up to two hours.



Newark Airport is experiencing delays of up to an hour and 40 minutes.



Officials emphasized that the combination of severe weather and limited air traffic control staffing is affecting all major airports in the New York City area, creating widespread disruptions for travelers.

JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Grounded as High Winds and Staffing Shortages Disrupt NYC Airports

Hamas handed over the remains of three Hostages they murdered to the Red Cross tonight. Their identities and any potential connection to the 11 decreased still held in Gaza remain unknown. 



The remains are now undergoing examination at the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine after being transfered to the IDF.

Hamas Releases More Remains,

The United States is preparing to launch strikes on Venezuelan military installations as President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to dismantle dictator Nicolás Maduro’s narcoterror network, senior sources told The New York Post on Friday. 



The operation, expected to take place within days or even hours, aims to cripple the Cartel de los Soles, a powerful drug-trafficking organization embedded within the Venezuelan armed forces.



According to a source close to the White House, the strikes would target key military sites that shield the cartel’s cocaine trafficking routes and criminal operations. U.S. officials accuse Cartel de los Soles of smuggling roughly 500 tons of cocaine each year to the United States and Europe, working with Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, and other transnational criminal groups.



President Trump first deployed warships to waters surrounding Venezuela in August, beginning with seven vessels carrying 4,500 troops. That force has since expanded to around 10,000 troops, now including an aircraft carrier. “The president is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said when the deployment was first announced.



Since then, U.S. forces have conducted 13 successful strikes on at least 14 drug boats, eliminating roughly 57 narcoterrorists, officials said Friday. Earlier missions targeted traffickers at sea, but the next phase will focus on striking the leadership structure on land, according to the Miami Herald, which first reported the development.



In recent weeks, the Pentagon has twice dispatched B-52 bombers to fly near Venezuela’s coast in what officials described as “show of force” missions—sending a clear warning to the Maduro regime.



While it remains unclear whether Maduro himself will be a direct target, American officials have long signaled that his hold on power is nearing its end. Attorney General Pam Bondi has called Maduro “one of the world’s biggest drug traffickers,” citing his extensive ties to organized crime and the national security threat he poses.



Earlier this year, Bondi doubled the Justice Department’s reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to a record $50 million—twice the amount once placed on Osama bin Laden’s head. Other top regime figures, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, each face U.S. bounties of up to $25 million.

US Poised To Strike Venezuelan Military Bases, Possibly Within Hours

Crowds gathered Friday morning at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, to put on tefillin together with former hostage Bar Kupershtein, after he invited the public to the event on Tuesday.



Bar and all of those assembled, including his father and Harav David Lau, the former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, recited Shema Yisrael while wearing tefillin.



Bar was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on the morning of the October 7 massacre and was released from captivity last month.



On Tuesday night, speaking for the first time at Hostages Square, Bar had invited the public to join and perform the mitzvah with him.



&#8220;Dear Am Yisrael! For two years I was in captivity—two years during which I dreamed and prayed every day that I would be able to don tefillin.&#8221;



In a recent interview with Israeli journalist Bar Shem-Or, Bar Kupershtein, wearing a yarmulka, said he and the other hostages would sing Shalom Aleichem, Eishes Chayil, Bar Yochai, and recite kiddush on a cup of water. &#8220;I closed my eyes and imagined I was with my family at the Shabbat table.&#8221; He said they would sing loudly, as the terrorists holding them were far away, around 250 meters.



&#8220;I want to invite everyone this Friday, at 10 o’clock in the morning. I want to organize a mass tefillin laying, where you all put them on together with me. Fulfill my dream with me! My dream was to lay tefillin in captivity. And we’ll do it for the freedom of our brothers still held captive,” he said on Tuesday.



Bar&#8217;s mother, Julie, had organized a massive&nbsp; initiative aimed at spreading awareness about tefilin during her son&#8217;s two years in captivity. Throughout that time, she inspired Jews around the world with her unwavering emunah, encouraging men to don tefillin in the zchus of her son and the other hostages held in Gaza.

Former Hostage Bar Kupershtein, Who Sang Shalom Aleichem in Gaza, Leads Tefillin Laying Gathering At Hostages Square

The IDF and Mossad are on alert for an emerging threat from Iraq, as Iran continues to expand its network of pro-Iranian terror groups and infrastructure there, Maariv reported Friday. 



According to Northern Command sources, Tehran has been heavily investing in these groups to enable potential attacks on Israel—both by air and on land—should the order be given. Reports indicate that Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force, recently visited Iraq to meet with senior militia leaders and advance operational coordination.



Iran has seen its axis of regional terror groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, crumble at the hands of the IDF ever since the Oct. 7 massacre.



The report states that the Iraqi terror groups’ main method of attack would likely involve missile and drone launches from Iraqi territory, following a pattern similar to that seen during the Iron Swords War against Israel. A secondary option reportedly being considered is a coordinated ground maneuver starting in Iraq, moving through Syria, and potentially approaching the Israel–Jordan border. 



Meanwhile, Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced progress on plans to reinforce the nation’s eastern border. The ministry confirmed that the first tenders have been completed, and construction of a new border barrier will begin in the coming weeks. The initial phase will cover two sections in the northern sector, with early work focused on the valley area stretching from Hamat Gader to Jordan. Additional companies will later join to extend the project from Machsom Tzafo to Yafit.



The project will include earthworks, drainage, road and highway rehabilitation, as well as the installation of water, sewage, electrical, and communication infrastructure. The Defense Ministry said the initiative is a key component of its national security strategy, spearheaded by Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, aimed at strengthening strategic control over Israel’s eastern border.



Major General Eran Ofir, head of the Borders and Seam Directorate, is leading the establishment of a comprehensive operational system that integrates barriers, intelligence collection, technology, sensing, reconnaissance, and maintenance teams. As construction proceeds, the Defense Ministry and IDF will continue planning the next sections and refining the broader border defense concept.



The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately 5.5 billion shekels. Once completed, it will form a multi-layered security system spanning 425 kilometers—from the southern Golan Heights to the Samar Sands, north of Eilat.



Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram stated, “Looking ahead to the emerging threats, we must act with a sense of urgency and strengthen the strategic grip on the eastern border. This is not just a physical obstacle, but a complete multi-layered system that will include the deployment of flexible and mobile forces, appropriate to the topography and changing threats. This is alongside encouraging Zionist-security settlement, investing in security-civilian infrastructure, and creating industrial growth engines. This is a national mission to which we must enlist all government ministries and the civilian and business sectors.” Maariv reported.

IDF And Mossad Warn Of Growing  Iraqi Terror Threat Toward Israel

New information was released Thursday evening regarding the failed IDF rescue mission to save hostage Sahar Baruch Hy’d, as his body was returned to Israel under the terms of the latest agreement with Hamas.



The operation took place on December 8, 2023, when members of the elite Sayeret Matkal unit stormed a building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza in an attempt to rescue Baruch from Hamas captivity.



During the mission, the soldiers faced heavy gunfire from Hamas terrorists, leading to an intense battle in which Baruch was killed. The following day, Hamas announced his death, after which the IDF confirmed the operation and its tragic outcome.



A military investigation launched after the incident has not yet determined whether Baruch was killed by Hamas or by IDF fire during the exchange.



Baruch’s family has asked that the IDF officially recognize him as having been murdered while in captivity.



On Thursday evening, as part of the current agreement with Hamas, Baruch’s body was returned to Israel and transferred to the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification. Experts there are expected to examine the remains to help clarify the exact circumstances of his death.



Baruch, 25, was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, after he and his brother Idan tried to flee their home as Hamas terrorists set it ablaze.

New Details Revealed About Failed Rescue Operation in Which Sahar Baruch Hy’d Was Killed

After identification by the National Center for Forensic Medicine with Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF notified families of hostages Amiram Cooper hy&#8221;d and Sahar Baruch hy&#8221;d that their loved ones were returned from Gaza for burial.



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Based on our information and intelligence, Amiram Cooper hy&#8221;d was kidnapped alive from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz by the Hamas terror organization, the IDF said. The assessment is that he was murdered in captivity during February 2024. 



Amiram hy&#8221;d, 84 at his death, left behind a wife, 4 children, and 11 grandchildren. His wife, Nurit Cooper, was also kidnapped and released from Hamas captivity in October 2023.



Final conclusions will be formulated after completing the examination of death circumstances at the National Center for Forensic Medicine.



Based on IDF information and intelligence, Sahar Baruch hy&#8221;d, was also kidnapped alive from his home in Kibbutz Be&#8217;eri by the Hamas terror organization. The assessment is that he was murdered in captivity on 08/12/23. 



Sahar, 25 at his death, left behind parents and two brothers. His brother, Idan Baruch z&#8221;l, and grandmother, Geula Becher z&#8221;l, were murdered in the attack on the kibbutz.



Final conclusions will be formulated after completing the examination of death circumstances at the National Center for Forensic Medicine.



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IDF Confirms Bodies of Hostages Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch HY”D Returned for Burial

New York City Mayor Eric Adams strongly condemned an art exhibit on Governor’s Island this week that featured pro-Hamas and antisemitic imagery, calling the display “vile” and a warning of how hatred can spread.



Speaking at a press event Thursday evening, Adams described the exhibit, which was unsanctioned and quickly removed, as including images with phrases such as “Hamas lover” a Magen Dovid on a Ku Klux Klan hood, a depiction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a Hitler mustache accompanied by the words “Zionism, Nazism, Fascism,&#8221; and profanity-laced attacks on Israel.



“This right here is beyond the pale,” Adams said. “As questions about where that art came from started to pour in, a shocking number of people were afraid to call this out for what it is, but I am not one of those people. This was a vile, antisemitic exhibit.”



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Adams stressed that activism is no excuse for hatred. “It is a stark reminder of what happens when ignorance and bigotry combine. This incident disturbs me and it should disturb anyone with a conscience,” he said.



The mayor warned that antisemitism is evolving and can appear in new forms. “Antisemitism is a virus that mutates. It comes back in different forms and finds new ways to hide in plain sight,” he said. “Disagreeing with the policies of Israel’s government does not make someone antisemitic, but to openly praise Hamas at an exhibit in a government facility sends a message of institutionalizing hatred.”



Adams, who endorsed former Governor and Independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo after leaving the race last month, slammed far-left, antisemitic candidate Zohran Mamdani. “We will never surrender our city to hate or to those who want to globalize the intifada,” Adams said, referencing Mamdani’s earlier defense of the slogan “Globalize the intifada.”



The speech comes a day after Adams joined Cuomo in meeting leaders of both Satmar communities in Williamsburg, in a display of solidarity.



Noting the prevalence of anti-Jewish hate crimes in the city, Adams said on Thursday, “Jews are targeted in 57% of all hate crimes in New York City. If this were a stat for any group, we would respond accordingly.”



He concluded with a call for unity and tolerance. “We must bring down the temperature. Too many across this country are ready to go to war with one another, to start at a place of disagreement, to believe in only the worst of one another. I know we can change that. I know that we can move forward with love and acceptance.”

Mayor Eric Adams Condemns Antisemitic Art Exhibit on Governor’s Island

Newrly a million Jews from Israel&#8217;s Charedi community and beyond, led by Gedolei Yisrael, gathered in Yerushalayim on Thursday for a massive rally to protest mandatory IDF conscription and the recent jailing of yeshiva students.



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The demonstration, dubbed the &#8220;Million-Strong Rally,&#8221; brought the capital to a near-total halt but was marred by tragedy when a young man fell from a height at a nearby construction site and was pronounced dead.



The rally, described by organizers as an act of &#8220;tefilah and crying out,&#8221; saw participants from &#8220;all shades and communities&#8221; converge at the entrance to the city. The protest was called in response to the draft decree and specifically &#8220;ignited,&#8221; according to askanim, by the arrests of yeshiva students, particularly Ariel Shamai.



At the demonstration, the &#8220;Za&#8217;akas HaTorah&#8221; movement, which helped organize the event, announced firm resolutions, declaring, &#8220;We will not remain silent in the face of the arrests of the talmidei chachamim.&#8221;



Leading Gedolim in attendance included Hagaon Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita, who traveled from Bnei Brak, the Gerrer Rebbe shlita, Belzer Rebbe shlita, and Hagaon Harav Moshe Bergman shlita. Rav Hirsch said, &#8220;We are zocheh to fulfill the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem.&#8221;



Rabbanim and followers of the Edah Charedis attended as well, highlighting the universality of the cause. Hagaon Harav Moshe Shternbuch shlita was among the Gedolei Yisrael who participated. The Edah rabbanim stood on the balcony at the corner of Brinds and Yermiyahu streets.



The event was marked by solemn speeches given by rabbanim. Hagaon Harav Reuven Elbaz shlita, a member of Shas&#8217; Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah, led the massive crowd in the recitation of Selichos. Participants also were mekabel ohl malchus shamayim.



Unfortunately, several medical and safety incidents occurred during the rally. The most severe was the tragic death of 20-year-old Menachem Mendel Litzman, who fell from a construction site on Shazar Boulevard



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Chaim Weingarten, ZAKA&#8217;s Deputy Director of Operations, called it &#8220;a very difficult incident&#8221; and urged the dispersing public to &#8220;adhere to safety rules.&#8221; ZAKA volunteers remained at the &#8220;difficult scene&#8221; to treat the deceased with respect.



Medical teams treated numerous minor injuries throughout the day. United Hatzalah had earlier reported treating 74 participants. Separately, the MDA spokesperson reported that as of 4:45 PM, their teams had provided medical treatment to 56 participants. Of those, four required evacuation to hospitals in minor condition, including two cases of fainting, one cardiac event, and one minor injury.



The warnings about safety risks proved prescient, as authorities had previously issued urgent warnings as young men were spotted climbing tall poles and the top of a construction crane, creating a significant risk of &#8220;danger to life.&#8221;



In response to the tragedy, the Organizing Committee of the &#8220;Za’akas HaTorah&#8221; event issued a statement expressing &#8220;shock and deep sorrow.&#8221; The committee announced that &#8220;in light of the grave disaster, no music will be played during the dispersal, and the public is asked to disperse quietly and safely&#8230; and to avoid entering dangerous places.&#8221;



The rally was no easy feat for organizers and security personnel. Police deployed approximately 2,000 officers as major roads, including Highway 1, were blocked to traffic. Convoys of buses and crowds on foot clogged the main arteries into the city. Jerusalem&#8217;s train station was overwhelmed, forcing organizers to coordinate with Israel Railways to manage the crowds.



MK Yuli Edelstein, who was recently removed from the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee over his failures to advance a draft law, attended a counter-demonstration held by military reservists.



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Massive ‘Million-Strong Rally’ Protests IDF Conscription

A massive Thursday “Rally of the Many,&#8221; in which nearly a million people attended, ended in tragedy when 20-year-old Menachem Mendel Litzman died after falling from a construction site near the Yitzchak Navon light rail station.



His parents are Chabad Shluchim in South Korea.



Menachem Mendel&#8217;s tragic fall occured in circumstances of great sorrow.



According to Magen David Adom (MDA), emergency teams providing medical coverage for the rally treated 56 participants during the event. Among them was Litzman, who fell from a great height at the “Migdal Merom” construction site on Shazar Boulevard. Despite prolonged CPR attempts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.



ZAKA Jerusalem District volunteers responded immediately. “This is a very difficult incident in the area of the mass rally,” said Haim Weingarten, ZAKA’s Deputy Director of Operations. “The volunteers who were already deployed in the area immediately arrived at the scene and are treating the deceased with respect. We call on the public who are dispersing at this time to adhere to safety rules, and please be very careful for yourselves.”



Initial reports indicate that Litzman had climbed the unfinished building to get a better view of the rally when he lost his balance and fell.



MDA Spokesman Zaki Heller confirmed that, aside from the fatal fall, four other participants required hospitalization for minor conditions, including fainting, a cardiac event, and a light injury.



In a statement, the organizing committee of the “Zakat HaTorah” event expressed “shock and deep sorrow over the terrible tragedy that occurred at the end of the rally,” urging attendees “to act responsibly, with caution and moderation, and to avoid entering dangerous places.”



Out of respect for the tragedy, the committee announced that no music would be played during the dispersal and asked the public to leave the area quietly and safely.

Tragedy Strikes Yerushalayim Rally as 20-Year-Old Menachem Mendel Litzman Falls to His Death

Hundreds of educators from schools throughout the country participated in Moldova’s first-ever seminar of its kind, organized in cooperation with leading embassies • “The painful past of the Jewish people is always before our eyes,” said Germany’s Ambassador to Moldova • Chief Rabbi Pinchas Zaltzman: “The way to fight hatred begins with education. At a time when antisemitism is again rearing its head around the world, we must respond with light, with love, with education – and with faith”



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Following the alarming surge in antisemitic incidents across Europe since the October 7 massacre, Moldova’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Pinchas Zaltzman, initiated a special seminar for the country’s educators. Its goal: to raise awareness of antisemitism and strengthen the values of tolerance and human dignity.



 The five-day professional seminar, held in Moldova’s capital city of Chișinău, brought together the Ambassadors of Germany and Israel, representatives of the local Ministry of Education, and hundreds of teachers from a wide range of educational institutions. 



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In his remarks, the German Ambassador stated: “The painful past of the Jewish people — men, women, and children who suffered — remains forever before us. The German people feel that pain as well, and we are determined not to allow antisemitism to resurface anywhere in the world.”



Israel’s Ambassador to Moldova, Yoram Elron, praised the initiative and emphasized its critical importance at a time when “the fight against antisemitism must be not only moral but educational, to prevent the next generation of hatred.”



Rabbi Pinchas Zaltzman, Moldova’s Chief Rabbi and the driving force behind the initiative, addressed the participants, saying: “In Judaism, education is a supreme value. I salute every teacher who dedicated their time to join this seminar. In my eyes, you are not only educators; you are mothers. You spend more time with the children than their own parents. Your mission is sacred.”



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Rabbi Saltzman stressed the powerful message at the heart of the seminar: “Precisely now, when antisemitism is once again raising its head around the world, we are duty-bound to respond with light, with love, with education, and with faith. The fight against hatred begins in the classroom.”



At the conclusion of the seminar, the Chief Rabbi and government representatives agreed to continue strengthening international cooperation to advance education in core values and to intensify efforts to combat antisemitism throughout Europe.



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Amid Surging Antisemitism in Europe: Moldova’s Chief Rabbi Heads Teacher Training to Combat the Hatefull Trend

Up to a million people are expected to flood Yerushalayim Thursday for a massive demonstration, according to former MK Yitzchak Pindros of Degel Hatorah, who spoke with Belaaz Wednesday night as last-minute preparations were underway.



The protest, which organizers anticipate will draw 600,000 people from outside the city alone, is a direct response to the ongoing arrest of yeshiva students who have not enlisted in the IDF.



&#8220;I believe there&#8217;s going to be a million people,&#8221; Pindros told Belaaz. &#8220;You&#8217;re talking about 1/8 of the Jewish population. That shows how important the issue is to them.&#8221;



Logistical preparations are massive, with Pindros noting that &#8220;transportation is going to be an issue,&#8221; and many participants are already traveling to the capital. He stressed the demonstration represents an unusually broad coalition within the Charedi community and beyond, with several Religious Zionist figures, including Rabbi Tzvi Thau instructing their followers to attend.



&#8220;Everybody wants to be part of it,&#8221; Pindros stated. &#8220;All parts of the Charedim..from the Edah Charedis until the Mizrachi.&#8221;



While the political debate over the draft has simmered for years, Pindros identified a clear &#8220;tipping point&#8221; for the mass mobilization: the arrests themselves, which he framed as an intolerable desecration.



&#8220;The issue is very simple: that bachurim that are sitting and learning are being arrested,&#8221; Pindros explained. &#8220;Having people that are sitting and learning being arrested, that is a Chilul Hashem . And that Chilul Hashem, we can&#8217;t just sit there.&#8221;



He described a climate of fear among students, stating, &#8220;A bachur doesn&#8217;t know when he&#8217;s going to be arrested, if he&#8217;s going to pass a traffic light or be stopped by a cop&#8230; or they&#8217;re knocking at his door at night. The arrests&#8230; that&#8217;s something that we can&#8217;t agree to.&#8221;



The demonstration was initially hesitated upon, according to Pindros, due to the ongoing war. &#8220;It was in the middle of the war, and we were having funerals every day,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It&#8217;s very difficult for people to absorb a situation like that, and it would be a chillul Hashem in its own right to protest under such circumstances.”



However, he said the community&#8217;s hopes that the situation would &#8220;calm down&#8221; have faded. &#8220;They&#8217;re not calming down,&#8221; Pindros said. &#8220;People are being arrested more and more, again and again, and that&#8217;s the reason [the Gedolim] decided this.&#8221;



Pindros laid blame on the legal system, which he accused of pushing for increased enforcement despite the coalition agreements.



&#8220;We saw Bagatz [the High Court of Justice] today, how the judges were looking,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We saw the [Attorney General] demanding every day that she wants more arresting. The Supreme Court today said it wants more arresting. And that&#8230; we can&#8217;t agree with.&#8221;

Belaaz Interview: MK Pindros on Mass Protest, ‘We Can’t Let a Chillul Hashem Stand’

In a historic show of achdus, both Satmar groups met with independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams Wednesday night in Williamsburg.



Belaaz has learned that while neither group will issue a formal endorsement, Rabbi Moshe Indig and Rabbi Moshe Dovid Niederman, representing both factions of Satmar Chasidus, greeted Cuomo and Adams warmly and listened attentively to both politicians&#8217; speeches, which warned of the catastrophe of a Mamdani mayorship.



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Askanim assembled described the meeting as a &#8220;family reunion.&#8221;



The meeting was at a small, personal rooftop venue in Williamsburg, and included the mayor&#8217;s Jewish media liasion and esteemed askanim.



Adams said that Satmar comes together when it really matters, such as this election, and cited the murder of Menachem Stark in 2014, which also brought the community together.



Cuomo said that if Mamdani wins, the Democratic Socialists of America will collectively run the city, and will ruin Yeshiva education.



If you&#8217;re thinking, we&#8217;ll make nice to this guy [Mamdani], he&#8217;s ahead in the polls, I saw this DSA movement in Albany. They cannot make nice. There&#8217;s no &#8220;him,&#8221; they&#8217;ll meet with him once a week. They&#8217;re talking about a &#8220;co-governance&#8221; model, where DSA members will meet with him once a week. He&#8217;s a tool of the DSA. I spent 10 years watching them grow. We thought if we give them a little bit, they&#8217;ll be happy. We gave them the hand, but they ate it, then they ate the arm, the shoulder, until the whole body was gone. They will not allow him to help you, because they&#8217;re against everything that you&#8217;re going to need. They don&#8217;t want yeshivos. They have the teachers union, everything should be public; no charter schools, no private schools. It&#8217;s against their religion to help you. They are zealots. Ask Carl Heastie&#8230;you can&#8217;t talk to them. He will not be a friend, he will be an enemy to you.&#8221;



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Cuomo then explained how the turnout for early voting has been 5 times as much as the last election, and that older voters, who he is more popular with, are coming out in much higher numbers than they did during the primaries.



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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🇺🇸✡️ &#8212; BELAAZ VIDEO: <a href="https://twitter.com/andrewcuomo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndrewCuomo</a> meeting with representatives of both Satmars ealrier today. CUOMO: &quot;If you’re thinking, we’ll make nice to this guy [Mamdani], he’s ahead in the polls, I saw this DSA movement in Albany. They cannot make nice. There’s no “him,” they’ll meet… <a href="https://t.co/3ELnpCeNu4">pic.twitter.com/3ELnpCeNu4</a>&mdash; Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBelaaz/status/1983732175540220135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Adams, who exited the race recently and endorsed Cuomo, said: &#8220;I think it&#8217;s imperative that the governor gets in and not allow our city to go backwards.&#8221;



&#8220;This is about the city, and if we like it or not&#8230;I said to Andrew, that families argue, families fight. If we were talking about a Brad Lander, who was a terrible leader, or Scott Stringer, I wouldn&#8217;t be here today. They hate our way of life,&#8221; Adams said, referring to the DSA.

Belaaz Exclusive: Satmar Leadership of Both Groups Meet Cuomo and Mayor Adams in Williamsburg

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben &amp; Jerry’s, says parent company Unilever blocked an attempt by the ice cream brand to release a new flavor expressing solidarity with Palestinians, according to a BBC report.



Cohen announced that he will move forward with the project independently, creating the flavor under his personal brand that promotes social causes which he claims Ben &amp; Jerry’s has been prevented from supporting.



(Belaaz wonders if the Kosher certification would have been the classic Kof-K DE, or would have gone Halal)



Ben &amp; Jerry’s, known for its political activism and extremely anti Israel statements, including its past remarks on the Israel-Gaza conflict, has often clashed with Unilever, which acquired the company in 2000.



According to Cohen, both Unilever and its soon-to-be-separated ice cream division, Magnum, have “unlawfully blocked” Ben &amp; Jerry’s from pursuing its “social mission.”



In a video posted on Instagram on Tuesday, Cohen revealed he is developing a watermelon-flavored sorbet and invited fans to suggest names and ingredients. The watermelon, featuring the same colors as the Palestinian flag, has become a symbol associated with Palestinians.



“I’m doing what they couldn’t,” Cohen said in the video, filmed in a kitchen. “I’m making a watermelon-flavoured ice cream that calls for permanent peace in Palestine and for repairing the damage that was done there.”



Cohen added that Unilever had explicitly forbidden Ben &amp; Jerry’s from producing the dessert.



The flavor will be released through his separate venture, Ben’s Best, which focuses on socially driven products. In a press statement, Cohen said the new flavor will be produced independently and will highlight issues that the original company was blocked from addressing.



Ben’s Best was first launched in 2016 to support then-presidential candidate Bernie Sanders with the “Bernie’s Back” flavor. Cohen said he plans to continue developing other socially conscious flavors under the brand.



Ben &amp; Jerry’s previously announced in 2021 that it would halt sales in what it called “Israeli-occupied territories.” Unilever later sold the company’s Israeli operations to a local licensee, ensuring that Ben &amp; Jerry’s ice cream continues to be sold across Yehudah and Shomron.



Tensions between the company’s founders and Unilever have intensified in recent months. In September, co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned, saying Unilever’s control had compromised Ben &amp; Jerry’s independence.



At the time, Cohen commented that Greenfield’s decision came from “a really big heart” and that “this conflict with Unilever was breaking it.” He added, “My heart leads me to keep working within the company to advocate for its independence, so it can continue to live up to its founding values and social mission of more than 40 years.”



Since 2022, Ben &amp; Jerry’s Israel has operated entirely independently. The local branch, owned by Avi Zinger’s American Quality Products Ltd., manufactures ice cream in Be’er Tuvia and employs more than 200 workers, most from Israel’s south. The Israeli company continues to operate nationwide with full autonomy and strong community ties.

Unilever Blocks Ben & Jerry’s Plan for ‘Palestine’ Flavor, Co-Founder Launches It Independently

Germany has agreed to allocate more than $1 billion for home care services benefiting Holocaust survivors worldwide in 2026, the organization representing Jewish victims of Nazi persecution announced Wednesday.



The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, known as the Claims Conference, said it reached an agreement with Germany’s finance ministry to extend $1.076 billion (923.9 million euros) for this purpose. The amount marks the largest budget ever dedicated to home care for aging Holocaust survivors.



“This historic increase to home care funding reflects the complex and growing needs of Holocaust survivors worldwide,” said Gideon Taylor, president of the New York-based Claims Conference.



“While we are losing survivors at a rapid pace each year, those who remain are older, frailer and in greater need than ever before,” Taylor said in a statement. “This budget is critical in providing each of them the opportunity to age in place, a dignity that was stolen from them in their youth.”



According to the organization, the average age of survivors receiving home care through its funding has risen from 86 in 2018 to 88.5 in 2024. Data also show that many survivors now suffer from more severe disabilities and health issues, with the number of those requiring full-time assistance for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia nearly doubling in recent years.



In addition, Germany and the Claims Conference agreed to extend the Hardship Fund Supplemental payments, previously set to continue through 2027, by another year. The annual €1,450 payments will now continue through 2028, benefitting over 127,000 survivors worldwide.



The Claims Conference estimates that roughly 200,000 Holocaust survivors remain alive today, most living in Israel, the United States, and Europe, though many are dispersed across other parts of the world.



The organization also announced that “righteous rescuers” — non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust — who already receive monthly pensions will now be eligible for home care assistance similar to that provided to Jewish survivors.



Colette Avital, a Holocaust survivor and member of the Claims Conference negotiating delegation, welcomed the agreement. “It is deeply meaningful that, 80 years after the liberation, the German government maintains its responsibility to those who suffered and survived,” she said.



“Every survivor — and every rescuer — deserves to live with dignity and to be seen, heard and cared for,” Avital added.



Germany also agreed to extend Holocaust education funding through 2029, pledging €175 million for educational efforts. The programs will support teacher training, academic research, and new media initiatives such as films, gaming, and virtual reality projects to help reach broader audiences amid growing Holocaust ignorance and rising antisemitism.



&#8220;It is imperative that we invest in the future of Holocaust education while we still have living witnesses who can share their firsthand testimonies of survival,&#8221; said Greg Schneider, executive vice president of the Claims Conference. “This is our moral obligation to the survivors of the Holocaust and to the 6 million who were murdered.”

Germany Commits Over $1 Billion to Support Holocaust Survivors’ Home Care in 2026

The IDF said Wednesday that its latest wave of strikes in Gaza targeted senior Hamas and other terror commanders following what it described as “blatant violations” of the ceasefire by the terrorist organization.



According to an IDF and Shin Bet statement, the overnight operation, led by the Southern Command and guided by Military Intelligence, hit “dozens of terrorists in the Gaza Strip, including two battalion-level terrorists, two deputy battalion-level terrorists, and 16 company-level commanders.”



The military said the airstrikes were carried out by the Israeli Air Force in coordination with Shin Bet and targeted “dozens of key terrorists, observation posts, a weapons production site, rocket and mortar launch positions, and underground tunnels.” These strikes were part of what the IDF called a “renewed enforcement” of the ceasefire following Hamas’ violations.



The IDF noted that the operation was designed to further degrade Hamas’ military infrastructure and eliminate key figures responsible for directing terror attacks. “The IDF and Shin Bet will continue to operate with force to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel,” the statement said.



In the past 24 hours alone, the Air Force struck “dozens of terrorists from terrorist organizations across the Gaza Strip,” according to the IDF. Among those confirmed killed were several Hamas operatives who had taken part in the October 7, 2023, massacre.



They included Muhammad Issa Asher, a Nukhba unit commander; Fuaz Awida, head of a Nukhba squad; and two members of the so-called “Desert Lords” terror organization, Muhammad Abu Sharia and Nidal Abu Sharia.



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The IDF also said that in a “precise strike in the southern Gaza Strip,” its forces eliminated Khatam Maher Musa Qadra, a Nukhba company commander in northern Khan Younis, who personally led the murderous raid on Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha on October 7.



While the IDF continues to assess the results of the operation, it said that the strikes were aimed at terror operatives directly involved in Hamas’s military command structure. “Attack attempts were made on two battalion-level terrorists, two deputy battalion-level terrorists, and 16 company-level commanders,” the military said.



The IDF emphasized that it will not allow Hamas to rearm or regroup amid ongoing ceasefire violations, vowing to “continue to operate with determination to remove any threat to Israeli civilians.”

IDF: Latest Gaza Strikes Kill Hamas Commanders Involved in Oct. 7 Massacre

Belaaz is saddened to inform you on the passing of Rabbi Alvin Kass, the New York City Police Department&#8217;s (NYPD) chief chaplain and its longest-serving member. He was 89 years old and remained the department&#8217;s oldest active member at the time of his passing overnight.



Kass joined the NYPD in 1966 at age 30, becoming the youngest chaplain in its history. A U.S. Air Force veteran and Columbia University graduate, he served nearly six decades as the department&#8217;s &#8220;spiritual heart,&#8221; providing strength, guidance, and faith to generations of officers and their families.



He was among the first to respond after the 9/11 attacks, consoling the families of the 23 NYPD officers lost that day. A fixture at funerals, celebrations, and Police Academy graduations, Kass stood beside members &#8220;through moments of tragedy and triumph alike.&#8221;



At every graduation, he delivered his signature blessing: a prayer that New York be “a place where people of every race, religion, color, and creed can pursue their individual destinies untrammeled, unafraid, and in obedience to Thy will”, NYPD chief Jessica Tisch wrote on social media.



In September 2020, Kass made headlines when he fought off a mugger during his daily walk on the Upper West Side — the second time he had been attacked on his morning route. Undeterred, he vowed to resume his walk the next day.



Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called him “a source of strength, guidance, and faith,” adding: “His loss is immeasurable. His example is everlasting. May his memory be a blessing.”

Rabbi Alvin Kass, NYPD’s Longest-Serving Chaplain, Passes Away at 89

With one week until the NYC mayoral election, Republican City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov announced Tuesday night that she is withdrawing her endorsement of longtime ally and friend, Republican Curtis Sliwa and throwing her support behind independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Vernikov believes that he is the only person that can defeat Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani.



In an interview with Belaaz moments after the announcement, Vernikov, who represents the 48th District in Brooklyn, cast the move as a painful but necessary decision aimed squarely at preventing Mamdani, who has praised convicted Hamas supporters and has spoken about wanting to, quoting Karl Marx, “seize the means of production,” from winning City Hall.



The endorsement marks a difficult break for the councilwoman, who described Sliwa as a “loyal friend” who has “done a lot for the city and the Jewish community.”



Despite that personal loyalty, Vernikov insisted that political reality dictated the change. Speaking with Belaaz, Vernikov, when asked what ultimately made her switch from supporting Sliwa, replied: “This is not about any single individual. It&#8217;s not about Sliwa; it&#8217;s not about Cuomo. It&#8217;s about saving our city. It&#8217;s about saving the Jewish people from a Hamas-supporting, jihadi-sympathizing mayor, G-d forbid.”



She delivered sharp criticism for the Democratic nominee, slamming Mamdani as “anti-American, anti-Israel, anti-cop” and warning that he poses an “existential threat” to the city.



“As much as it hurts me to say this, a vote for Curtis Sliwa is a vote for Zohran Mamdani,” Vernikov said in a video shared with Belaaz.



Vernikov’s decision follows similar moves by other prominent right-of-center figures, including billionaire John Catsimatidis and 77 WABC host Sid Rosenberg, Sliwa’s own co-host. The growing defections suggest a consolidating effort among some conservatives who fear Sliwa and Cuomo will split the anti-Mamdani vote, allowing the progressive to win.



When asked by Belaaz at what point she realized Sliwa didn&#8217;t have a path to victory, Vernikov cited the data. &#8220;We look at the numbers… but most importantly, the math just isn&#8217;t there,” she explained. “He is consistently polling 11%, 13%, 17%. We&#8217;re seven days before the election, and he just hasn&#8217;t polled to a point where he can win.”



She maintained that her decision was not a personal slight against the Guardian Angels founder. “He&#8217;s a good person. I&#8217;m very grateful for everything he has done for the Jewish community, for the city,” she said, adding, “But unfortunately, this is not about him. It&#8217;s about saving our city.”



With early voting underway, Vernikov noted that turnout appears high in her district, which includes neighborhoods like Midwood and Sheepshead Bay. “Yesterday, one of my poll sites was the busiest poll site in New York City for early voting,” she told Belaaz. “That&#8217;s Council Center, off Quentin Road.”



 Vernikov reiterated the stark choice she believes voters are facing. “The guy we may not like is the only one who has a shot,” she said in her video statement. She expanded on this later on in the interview,, offering a final plea to voters on the fence: “I think that Cuomo has the momentum right now to defeat Mamdani… unfortunately, a vote for Curtis Sliwa is a vote for Zohran Mamdani. So I would just encourage everybody to vote for Andrew Cuomo to beat Mamdani.”



Sliwa had not responded publicly to Vernikov&#8217;s endorsement change by Tuesday evening.

Vernikov Backs Cuomo in Mayoral Race, Calling Mamdani an ‘Existential Threat’

Members of the Bobov-45 Chasidish community learned this week of a &#8220;historic letter&#8221; sent by President Donald Trump to their Rebbe, shlita.



The letter, which was sent to congratulate the Rebbe on the inauguration of his massive new Beis Medrash in Borough Park, arrived during Chol HaMoed but was only revealed to the wider&nbsp; public in the last 24 hours. The grand opening of the new center took place just before the Yamim Noraim.



Belaaz has learned that community letters of this sort are frequently written by one of Trump&#8217;s associates, signed with an auto pen, and that the president is sometimes not aware of them. This letter is likely one such case.



In the letter, President Trump mentioned that the new Beis Medrash continues the distinguished legacy of the Rebbe&#8217;s grandfather, the previous Rebbe, Rebbe Shlomo of Bobov, zt&#8221;l.



&#8220;Congratulations on the completion of your new synagogue in Brooklyn, New York,&#8221; the letter began.



&#8220;This building is a powerful testament to the strength and courage of the Bobov-45 community. From the destruction of the Holocaust, the third Bobover Rebbe rebuilt Jewish life in New York, laying the foundation for the dynamic and vibrant community that has flourished for generations. This new synagogue continues that legacy, standing as a symbol of the resilience of the Jewish people and a reminder that even from the ashes of tragedy, great things can grow.&#8221;



The letter was delivered to the Rebbe through Rabbi David Katz, who is close with some Trump staffers. Rabbi Katz also arranged letters sent from the White House to the Skverer and Satmar Rebbes shlita.

Trump Sends Letter to Bobov-45 Rebbe Shlita Congratulating Him on New Beis Medrash

Tarek Bazrouk, a 20-year-old Palestinian and outspoken antisemite in New York City, was sentenced to 17 months in prison for a string of antisemitic assaults committed during anti-Israel protests. The attacks, which took place between April 2024 and January 2025, targeted visibly Jewish individuals in Manhattan and were without provocation.



Bazrouk’s sentencing drew a crowd of about 200 supporters at the federal courthouse in Manhattan. Despite earlier warnings from Judge Richard Berman in June that he could face up to five years behind bars, Bazrouk ultimately received only a year and a half in prison—on the higher end of his plea agreement’s 12–18 month guideline. He will also serve three years of supervised release.



Supporters of the Jew hater and violent attacked included the Palestinian Youth Movement, which lobbied for his release, claiming that he was &#8220;targeted&#8221; because he is Palestinian, ignoring ample evidence of his crimes and plastering social media with pictures of him in peaceful poses, with his hands shaped into a heart.



“If you assault somebody unprovoked just because that random somebody is an actual or perceived Jew,” Judge Berman stated, “because you, the assaulter, hate Jews, you are very likely to go to jail. It’s that simple.” The judge added that his message applied to hate crimes against any group, including Palestinians.



One of the victims, Elisha Baker, expressed appreciation for the court’s decision. “The message that the court sent today is that if you assault Jews on the basis of their Judaism and membership in the Jewish people, you will be held accountable,” he told The Times of Israel.



During his June hearing, Bazrouk had pleaded guilty to three hate crime assaults but offered no apology to his Jewish victims. Instead, he addressed the Palestinian community, saying, “I am sorry. I am Palestinian and I participated in the protest to display my outrage… I should not have used violence. I hope my family and community can forgive me.”



 On April 15, 2024, Bazrouk kicked a man wearing a kippa in the chest while the victim sang a Jewish song and held an Israeli flag near the New York Stock Exchange. He assaulted two others during the same protest. Later that year, he texted that he would “boom boom boom” the next Jewish person he saw, and subsequently punched another Jewish man carrying an Israeli flag during a December 9 protest.



Prosecutors said Bazrouk struck again on January 6, 2025, punching another flag-bearing demonstrator in the face. Although he had no connection to Columbia University, he joined several of its campus protests as an outside agitator.



When federal agents searched Bazrouk’s Manhattan home after his May arrest, they uncovered four knives, brass knuckles, a replica firearm, and $750,000 in cash hidden in a safe. His phone contained messages in which he called Jews “worthless,” referred to himself as a “Jew hater,” and said he was proud that family members were fighting with Hamas terrorists.



Prosecutors revealed that Bazrouk was part of a chat group that received updates from Abu Obeda, spokesman for Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades. His lawyers denied any link between their client and the terror group. The seized cash was forfeited to the government.



Judge Berman had cautioned in June that Bazrouk could face up to five years in prison, along with a $250,000 fine and restitution payments. Tuesday’s sentence of just 17 months marks a far lighter punishment than the maximum penalty once on the table.

NYC Antisemite Who Called Himself a ‘Jew Hater’ Gets Only 17 Months for Series of Attacks on Jews

Israel notified the Trump administration of its plan to strike Gaza City only after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already ordered the operation in response to Hamas’ repeated violations of the ceasefire, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.



“The prime minister made the decision to carry out the strike, gave the order to the military to execute it and afterward informed the United States,” the PMO said.



Officials from both Israel and the U.S. told The Times of Israel that Washington was briefed after Jerusalem finalized its decision, but before the strikes were actually launched.



“We were informed,” a Trump administration official stated, explaining that the U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat—responsible for supervising the ceasefire and monitoring Washington’s Gaza peace framework—served as the channel for communication between the two governments.



An Israeli official confirmed that “there were talks with the Americans” about Israel’s intended response before the military acted.



Both political and defense-level discussions reportedly took place between the allies.



Meanwhile, despite the latest exchange of fire between Israel and Hamas terrorists, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters that the ceasefire would remain in place.



“There are going to be little skirmishes here and there. We know Hamas attacked an IDF soldier. We expect the Israelis are going to respond,” Vance said.

Netanyahu Informed U.S. of Gaza Strikes Beforehand, PMO Confirms: Vance Downplays Escalation

Richelle Tzarfati, mother of murdered hostage Ofir Tzarfati Hy’d, says she has been forced to open her son’s grave for the third time.



Ofir Tzarfati, who was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, from the Nova and later killed in captivity, had his body recovered by the IDF in December 2023 and again in March 2024.



Hamas released additional parts that require kevurah to Israel last night.



Speaking at a press conference at the family home in Kiryat Ata, Richelle Tzarfati described the return of more remains as “continuous emotional abuse” by the terror group, saying she is forced again to bid her son farewell.



“For the third time. The third time I’ve been required to bury my Ofir,” Tzarfati said.



She detailed the emotional toll, describing the wound that is reopened each time the grave is opened.



“It’s a punch to the gut, an arrow to the heart, a wound that opens again and again,” she said.



“We thought we had closed the circle, that we were able to lay Ofir to rest, but today we discovered we never received all of him,” she continued. “I can’t grasp this. How can you bury your child in installments? How can you relive this once, and again, and again? Each time the grave is opened, my heart opens too, and another small piece of me is buried inside.”



“And what turns the pain into something unbearable is the way Hamas chooses to play with the bodies of our boys. With our pain. With videos, manipulations, and vile presentations,” Tzarfati added.



She accused Hamas of deceiving the world through “false presentations of ‘searches’ and ‘discoveries,’ when it is completely clear they know where most of the hostages are.”



Amid the grief, she noted “one moment of light,” which is the return of Ofir’s remains. “I choose to remember Ofir not through the horrors, but through his life,” she said.



Tzarfati’s sister, Shoval Tzarfati, condemned Hamas for what she called a cruel manipulation, returning her brother’s body instead of one of the remaining 13 hostages, in violation of the agreement signed and approved by both sides.

‘How Can You Bury Your Child in Installments?’ Family of Ofir Tzarfati Hy’d Slams Hamas’ ‘Continuous Emotional Abuse’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the IDF to “carry out immediate and powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip,” his office announced Monday evening, following a high-level meeting on Israel’s response to what officials described as repeated and deliberate violations of the Gaza ceasefire.



The directive came shortly after IDF soldiers were attacked in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, marking yet another breach of the truce by Hamas terrorists. The escalation also follows mounting Israeli outrage over Hamas’s handling of murdered hostages&#8217; bodies under the ceasefire agreement.



Earlier in the day, IDF troops stationed in Rafah came under fire from terror operatives, according to The Times of Israel. Soldiers returned fire, and Palestinian media reported subsequent Israeli artillery strikes in the area. The IDF has not yet released an official statement on the incident, which is believed to be a clear violation of the truce by Hamas.



Just last week, two IDF soldiers were killed in the same area. The military blamed Hamas for the deadly attack, though the terror group denied responsibility for its operatives in IDF-controlled zones of Gaza.



Earlier, Hamas’s military wing announced it would return “the body of a hostage that was recovered a short time ago from one of the tunnels in the Gaza Strip.” The statement did not specify the identity of the hostage.



The announcement was met with anger in Israel, where officials have accused Hamas of deliberately stalling the return of abductees’ bodies. The frustration deepened after the terror group returned fragments from a murdered hostage that had already been recovered in December, to the horror of his family, instead of a new person, and following what Israel says was a staged “discovery” of those remains.



Shortly before the announcement, Hamas’ Shehab news agency released footage showing its members near a tunnel entrance in Khan Younis, allegedly searching for hostage bodies.



Later, the IDF published a 15-minute uncut drone video exposing Hamas operatives faking the recovery of a hostage’s remains in Gaza City. The footage showed terrorists preparing and burying remains before summoning Red Cross representatives to stage a false “discovery.”



The IDF identified the remains as belonging to Ofir Tzarfati Hy’d, who was kidnapped and murdered during Hamas’s October 2023 onslaught. His body had already been recovered by the IDF in December of that year.



“Contrary to Hamas’s claims of difficulties locating the bodies of the deceased hostages, yesterday Hamas operatives were documented removing body remains from a structure that had been prepared in advance and burying them nearby,” the IDF said.



“Shortly thereafter, the Hamas terror organization summoned representatives of the Red Cross and staged a false display of discovering a deceased hostage’s body,” it added.



According to the military, the footage “clearly shows that the Hamas terror organization is attempting to create a false impression of efforts to locate the bodies, while in fact holding deceased hostages whose remains it refuses to release as required by the agreement.”



The IDF further noted that Hamas’s excuses about lacking engineering equipment were “clearly unnecessary for the transfer of remains” and therefore did not justify the group’s delays in returning the bodies.

Netanyahu Orders Immediate, Powerful Strikes on Gaza After Hamas Violated Ceasefire, Faked Hostage Recovery

A Jewish Israeli educator was attacked in midtown Manhattan in what authorities believe was an antisemitic assault, according to police.



The victim, 58-year-old Rami Glickstein, said he was walking toward the kosher restaurant Mr. Broadway on 38th Street when a man confronted him, pointed to his kippa, and demanded, “Tell me about your religion.”



When Glickstein didn’t respond, the assailant allegedly snatched his kippa, threw it to the ground, and spat on it. As Glickstein bent down to retrieve it, the attacker reportedly punched him in the face.



Several Jewish bystanders rushed to call police and medical personnel. Glickstein managed to reach the restaurant before being taken to a hospital, from which he was later released.



Detectives from the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force are investigating and searching for the suspect, described as a man in his 30s wearing a dark hoodie.



According to NYPD statistics, Jews continue to be the most frequent targets of hate crimes in New York City.

Jewish Educator Assaulted in Manhattan Antisemitic Attack

Pro-Palestinian activists in Italy disrupted an event at Venice’s Ca’ Foscari University, preventing former Jewish lawmaker Emanuele Fiano from speaking, according to Italian media reports. Fiano, whose father survived Auschwitz, was scheduled to address prospects for peace in the Middle East.



Fiano, 62, a member of the center-left Democratic Party and current secretary of the organization Left for Israel, had been invited to discuss the two-state solution — a position his group supports.



According to Corriere della Sera, the event was abruptly halted when a group of activists began shouting anti-Israel slogans, effectively stopping the discussion.



Footage shared online by Left for Israel showed demonstrators holding signs declaring, “Zionists out of the university.”



“I tried everything I could to continue, but they kept on talking and telling lies about me,” Fiano told La Repubblica.



“I’m shocked by what happened,” he said. “The last time they expelled a Fiano from a place of study was my father in 1938. We were there to discuss peace between two peoples, injustice, pain, violence and peace. Anyone who doesn’t want to hear about these things doesn’t want peace.”



Fiano’s father, Nedo, was expelled from his school in Florence at age 13 under Italy’s 1938 anti-Jewish laws. He was later deported to Auschwitz in 1944, where both his parents were murdered. Nedo Fiano passed away in 2020.



Politicians from across Italy’s political spectrum condemned the disruption, describing it as an attack on academic freedom and a disturbing display of antisemitism.



Last month, Ca’ Foscari University’s administration voted to suspend all collaborations with Israeli academic institutions, citing the ongoing war in Gaza.

Italian Anti-Israel Activists Silence Jewish Ex-MP, Son of Holocaust Survivor, at Venice University

Mere days before New Jersey decides who its next governor will be, Belaaz spoke with Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli.



Ciattarelli is a former State Assemblyman and businessman who ran for the Republican nomination for governor in 2017 and was nominated in the 2021 race, before throwing his hat in this year&#8217;s election. He currently faces Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill.



He&#8217;s campaigning on a platform of relieving economic stress for Jersey residents, championing school choice initiatives, and has promised to create a special advisory board to tackle rising antisemitism.



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&#8212; First of all, can you tell our viewers why you&#8217;re running?



I want to fix New Jersey. It&#8217;s broken in so many ways. We have an affordability crisis because of property taxes and now because of electricity rates. Housing is too expensive. Childcare is too expensive. All the insurances are too expensive because we&#8217;re one of the worst places in the country in which to do business. So I have very specific plans on how to fix that. To make New Jersey more affordable.



We have a crisis in public education. We&#8217;ve watered down our public school curriculum. We need to get back on track, teaching critical life skills.



We have a public safety crisis in New Jersey. Nonviolent crime has spiked because of things like cashless bail. We need to reform that, make our community safe again.



And we have a housing crisis in New Jersey. In some areas we&#8217;re overdeveloped, and then other areas we don&#8217;t have enough housing. So those are all the issues that we need to address, and I have very specific plans on how to do that I think Jews realize very well that how extreme and far left the Democratic Party is going, especially when it comes to Israel. And today, people mix antisemitism with anti-Israel sentiment. If someone hates Israel, they&#8217;re pretty much, you know, aiming at the Jews as well. But here in New Jersey, the community has a pretty good relationship with the outgoing governor, Phil Murphy. So what&#8217;s so bad if someone decides to go vote Democrat this time around? Phil Murphy&#8217;s policies have failed New Jersey. It&#8217;s why we have a public education crisis, a public safety crisis, a housing crisis and an affordability crisis. And I&#8217;m not so sure that Phil Murphy has called out antisemitism for what it is, each time he has seen it.



I appoint the Attorney General. I appoint the 21 county prosecutors. I appoint the superintendent State Police. That&#8217;s the hierarchy of law enforcement here in New Jersey, and I&#8217;ll make sure they&#8217;re very sensitive to needs, concerns and worries of the Jewish community.



I&#8217;ll also establish an Advisory Council on Jewish relations.



I very much want to increase bilateral trade with Israel. New York does seven times the bilateral trade with Israel that New Jersey does. That presents an economic development opportunity that we would all benefit from.



But more than anything, I want to certainly attack the antisemitism that we see all throughout New Jersey. New Jersey leads the nation on a per capita basis of anti semitic acts. That needs to change, definitely. This question might be more sensitive, but we see now what it&#8217;s called, far right in the Republican Party, like, you know, Representative Marjorie Taylor green and Matt Gaetz, former representative you know, people that are aligned more with people like Tucker Carlson, who are saying are expressing a lot of anti-Israel views, and it&#8217;s triggering a lot of antisemitism, especially on social media. Do you have a comment on that? I&#8217;m a New Jersey Republican, and I concern myself with our 9.3 million citizens, of which 600,000 are Jews. They make the state more intellectually vibrant, more culturally vibrant, certainly more economically vibrant, and I want to work in partnership with them to make sure their community thrives here in New Jersey.



That&#8217;s exactly what I&#8217;ll do, but I&#8217;ll do that for all minority communities all throughout New Jersey. We need to strengthen our community all throughout New Jersey here, and that&#8217;s one of my goals as governor.



What&#8217;s your message to Jewish community, just days before the election? Come on out and vote. The Democrats have controlled our legislature for 25 years. They&#8217;ve had the executive branch for the last eight years. If you want change, you have to make a change. I know some of the things that are very important in the Jewish community are things like vouchers and certainly charter schools, educational choice. Those are none of the things that the Democrat is ever going to give you, because they&#8217;re owned by the teachers union. Teachers Union doesn&#8217;t support any of those things I do. Thank you so much for your time.



Thank you.

Belaaz Interview: Jack Ciattarelli, GOP Candidate for NJ Gov. Says Jews Make State More ‘Intellectually, Culturally, Economically’ Vibrant

A Florida caterer served non-kosher food at a private event, including to some frum attendees, while claiming he was certified by the Orthodox Rabbinical Board (ORB), witnesses reported.



The incident occurred at a members-only shooting range in Fort Lauderdale, prompting the ORB to issue a public alert against the caterer, Rachid Zitani.



Rabbi Schneur Cheruti, an ORB rabbinic coordinator, explained that suspicion arose when one guest questioned the caterer about kosher supervision.



&#8220;He asked him, &#8216;Where&#8217;s your mashgiach?'&#8221; Rabbi Cheruti told Belaaz. &#8220;[The mashgiach] is away for a while, the caterer told him. &#8216;This is under ORB? No mashgiach? Can&#8217;t be.&#8217; the guest knew our policies; our mashgichim never leave the area where food is present.&#8221;



Rabbi Cheruti said Zitani had applied for ORB certification in May but did not receive it. &#8220;He asked if he could get kashrus certification&#8230; [he] applied, but&#8230; he didn&#8217;t get it,&#8221; he noted, adding that the ORB maintains strict rules and some businesses are unwilling to comply.



The event’s organizer, a non-Jewish party planner, was unfamiliar with kosher supervision and reportedly accepted Zitani’s claim at face value. &#8220;She asked him, &#8216;Are you kosher?&#8217; He said, &#8216;Yes, I&#8217;m kosher,'&#8221; Rabbi Cheruti said.



A frum guest also contacted Zitani directly to verify certification. &#8220;He asked him, &#8216;Which hechsher do you have?&#8217; He said, &#8216;I&#8217;m under ORB,'&#8221; the Rabbi stated.



When confronted, Zitani offered a different explanation. &#8220;The guy, this chef, said to me&#8230; &#8216;I never said I&#8217;m under ORB. I said that I&#8217;m kosher style,'&#8221; Rabbi Cheruti recounted. &#8220;But,&#8221; he added, &#8220;a few people also in the event said that he told them that he is under [ORB].&#8221;



Rather than using a certified kosher kitchen, Zitani allegedly prepared the food in the club’s non-kosher kitchen.



&#8220;He came himself to a kitchen, to a treif kitchen in the club, and cooked there and did everything there&#8230; it was really treif food.&#8221;



The ORB issued a public warning to prevent further incidents. &#8220;What&#8217;s important for this, for the to&#8217;eles for the tzibbur, is that we want everybody to know about it right away,&#8221; Rabbi Cheruti said. &#8220;Not only not to book him, but also to learn&#8230; people need to learn to check the certificate every time.&#8221;



He encouraged consumers to verify a caterer’s kosher certification online. &#8220;You can go online in a second&#8230; you can click &#8216;View Kosher Certificate.&#8217;&#8230; Cholov Yisroel, Pas Yisroel&#8230; Everything is written on the certificate.&#8221;



The alert has already had an impact, Rabbi Cheruti said. &#8220;There was another event he was supposed to book with, and people canceled it.&#8221;



The rabbi also stressed the confusion caused by vague labels like &#8220;kosher style.&#8221; &#8220;‘Kosher style’&nbsp; is a huge problem,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Many people, they have no idea. They grow up traditional, not being very careful about kashrus; they see &#8216;kosher&#8217; on the door and they think it actually is.&#8221;

Caterer Deceives Frum Guests with False ORB Certification, Served Treif Food in Florida

Israel received, through the Red Cross, the coffin of a possible deceased hostage, which was handed over to IDF and Shin Bet forces within the Gaza area after being located by Hamas. The body will now go through an identification process at the Abu Kabir forensic Institute.



If the body recently received by Israel via the Red Cross is confirmed to be that of a hostage, there will now be 12 hostage bodies remaining in Hamas captivity.

Israel Receives Coffin of Deceased Hostage from Gaza via Red Cross

At a conference with senior IDF commanders, Chief Eyal Zamir stated that the war against Hamas will continue until all deceased hostages hy&#8221;d, held in Gaza are brought back home. &#8220;The war is not yet over; we must complete our sacred mission of bringing the fallen hostages home and continue the campaign against Hamas,&#8221; Zamir said.



 The meeting, held today with operational unit commanders ranked lieutenant colonel and above, marked the start of a &#8220;learning process&#8221; for the IDF as it prepares for 2026.



 Zamir further highlighted the importance of learning from past conflicts, stating, &#8220;Drawing lessons and learning constitute our moral and professional duty, and we will do so with courage and determination.&#8221; 



Zamir also stressed the need to strengthen military foundations, support soldiers and their families, and prepare for future challenges across all fronts. The conference included presentations of operational and intelligence data, remarks from Defense Minister Israel Katz, and a panel with released hostages and families of those killed, whose bodies were recently returned.

Shin Bet Prevents Bus Bombing in Jerusalem Planned by Terror Cell from Ramallah Area

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