New York News
President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced by New York Judge Juan Merchan in the historic hush money case.
Trump received an “unconditional discharge,” meaning he would not face prison time, fines, or probation, but his felony conviction would remain on his record. This sentence was handed down just days before his scheduled inauguration for a second term in office. Judge Merchan’s decision was influenced by the legal protections afforded to the office of the presidency and the need to balance these with the outcome of the jury’s verdict. Trump’s legal team has vowed to appeal the conviction, continuing their defense against what they describe as politically motivated charges.
Mosdos Satmar, in conjunction with Bobov, Chabad, and Tzelim, have jointly filed a federal civil rights complaint against the New York State Education Department (SED) and the New York City Department of Education (DOE). The complaint alleges discrimination in the enforcement of educational regulations against their yeshivas, claiming that the state and city authorities target Jewish studies, mandate objectionable texts, and interfere with the religious character of their schools. They argue that these actions infringe on their rights to religious freedom and equal treatment under the law. This legal action was prompted by what these institutions perceive as an attack on their ability to provide education in line with their religious beliefs and practices. The complaint seeks to ensure that these yeshivas can operate without undue governmental interference, preserving their unique educational mission.
The migrant shelter at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn officially closed its doors. This closure marks the end of a facility that had been operational for over a year, housing up to 2,000 asylum-seeking families in a tented complex on federal land. The decision to shut down the site comes amidst a reported reduction in migrant numbers and as part of Mayor Eric Adams’ strategy to close 25 emergency shelters by March 2025. The dismantling of the tent encampment began immediately, with the city planning to relocate remaining residents to alternative shelters or permanent housing solutions. This move has been met with both relief and concern, as advocates for migrants question the adequacy of the transition support for those who called Floyd Bennett Field home.
The implementation of congestion pricing in New York City has had a significant financial impact on Hatzalah, the volunteer ambulance service. Hatzalah volunteers, who use their personal vehicles as emergency medical service vehicles (EASVs), are now facing daily toll fees of $250 due to the new pricing model. This is because, under the congestion pricing rules set by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), only company-owned EASVs qualify for exemptions, whereas Hatzalah’s vehicles are personally owned. The organization has been actively working with various government bodies to seek an exemption or financial relief from these charges, acknowledging the potential strain on their operations and volunteers.
Pina Frassineti Wax, a 100-year-old Holocaust survivor from Baldwin, Long Island, was recently honored by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and local officials ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Born in Italy, she survived Auschwitz and has dedicated her life to educating others about the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and love over hate. Her story gained significant attention when she was honored with a U.S. Capitol flag and special recognition on the Senate floor. Pina’s resilience and commitment to sharing her experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the enduring spirit of survivors.
Rabbi Ari Berman, the President of Yeshiva University, has been selected to deliver the benediction at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. This role places him among a select group of faith leaders to offer prayers and blessings during this significant national event. His inclusion in the ceremony highlights the diversity of religious representation and underscores the university’s commitment to public service and moral leadership in the American political landscape.
PATH train fares saw their first increase in over a decade, rising from $2.75 to $3 for a one-way trip. This adjustment reflects efforts by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to address inflation and support ongoing improvements in service, reliability, and infrastructure. Commuters will now need to adjust their budgets for the new rate, which applies across all PATH stations connecting New Jersey with Lower and Midtown Manhattan.
US NEWS
In the wake of the devastating wildfires that have engulfed parts of Los Angeles, the Jewish communities have been significantly impacted, with numerous synagogues, community centers, and homes destroyed or damaged. The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, a historic institution, was completely gutted by the Eaton Fire, though its Torah scrolls were heroically rescued by community members before the structure was consumed. Rabbi Noah Farkas from the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles has been coordinating with local authorities to support the evacuees, with seven staff members from the federation alone having been forced to evacuate. The Jewish community has mobilized an extensive relief effort, with synagogues opening their doors to displaced residents, Jewish eateries providing free meals to firefighters and those in need, and the Jewish Free Loan Association offering no-interest loans for immediate necessities.
Los Angeles is still grappling with multiple wildfires. The Palisades Fire, one of the largest, has consumed over 23,000 acres and is only 14% contained, threatening residential areas like Brentwood and Encino. The Eaton Fire, which has devastated parts of Altadena and Pasadena, has burned over 14,000 acres with 33% containment. The Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley is nearly under control at 97% containment, having scorched 800 acres. A new fire, named the Auto Fire, has emerged in Ventura County with 0% containment, although forward progress has been stopped with no structures currently threatened. Santa Ana winds are expected to exacerbate the situation, with red flag warnings issued due to the critical fire weather conditions, increasing the risk of new fires or the spread of existing ones. Evacuation orders are still in effect for 92,000 residents, and warnings for another 89,000, with the death toll rising to 25 due to these fires.
B’nai B’rith International announced the launch of a disaster and emergency relief fund aimed at supporting the victims of the devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles. These fires, exacerbated by Santa Ana winds, have forced at least 179,000 people to evacuate their homes, destroyed thousands of structures, and claimed five lives so far. B’nai B’rith, with its longstanding tradition of aiding communities in distress since 1865, is responding by providing critical aid to help with immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts for those affected by the fires
A man named Mel J. Horne was detained by U.S. Capitol Police after attempting to bring a machete and three knives into the Capitol Visitor Center. The incident occurred just after 2:00 p.m. during a security screening at the north doors, where officers spotted the machete in Horne’s bag via an x-ray machine. Security screening was temporarily halted on the north side of the visitor center while the police investigated, but the checkpoint was reopened approximately an hour later. Horne was arrested on multiple charges of carrying a dangerous weapon. This event unfolded while the public was visiting to pay respects to former President Jimmy Carter lying in state and ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s visit to the Capitol.
The Laken Riley Act, officially H.R. 29, has successfully passed both chambers of Congress. It received a vote of 264 to 159 in the House, with all voting Republicans and 48 Democrats in support. Subsequently, in the Senate, the bill garnered significant bipartisan backing, passing with an 84-9 vote. Named after Laken Riley, this legislation mandates the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants charged or convicted of theft, burglary, or shoplifting. The Act now awaits the President’s signature to become law, marking a notable development in immigration policy and enforcement.
Joe Biden became a great-grandfather when his granddaughter Naomi Biden Neal gave birth to a baby boy named William Brannon Neal IV in Los Angeles. This event marks Biden as the first sitting U.S. president to become a great-grandfather while in office. The announcement was made by Biden himself during a press briefing on wildfires in California, showcasing a personal highlight amidst official duties.
Macy’s, Inc. has announced plans to close 66 store locations in 2025 as part of its ongoing “Bold New Chapter” strategy aimed at revitalizing the brand and focusing on profitable growth. These closures target underperforming stores across 22 states, including locations in Arizona, California, and New York, among others. The decision is part of a broader initiative to shutter around 150 stores by the end of 2026, with the company also planning to invest in its remaining 350 locations and expand its luxury brands, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. Macy’s has confirmed that the majority of these closures will occur in the first quarter of 2025, with liquidation sales beginning in January for full-line and small-format stores, and in February for furniture galleries and standalone Backstage outlets. This move reflects Macy’s response to evolving retail trends, focusing resources on more productive stores and adapting to consumer preferences in an increasingly digital shopping environment.
Israel NEWS
Recent developments indicate that Israel and Hamas are nearing an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release deal in the Gaza Strip. According to reports, this potential agreement is seen as the closest the two sides have been to a resolution since the conflict’s escalation. The deal is expected to include a phased approach, starting with a temporary ceasefire for several weeks, during which hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Key issues like the extent of Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and the terms of the ceasefire’s permanence are still under negotiation. This development comes amidst international pressure for peace, with mediators from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt playing significant roles in the discussions.
The bodies of Israeli hostages Youssef and Hamza Al-Ziadna were discovered in the Gaza Strip, according to recent reports. Youssef, a 53-year-old Bedouin father of 19, and his son Hamza, 22, were abducted by Hamas during the attack on October 7, 2023. Their remains were located in an underground tunnel in the southern city of Rafah, alongside those of their armed guards. The Israeli military expressed grave concerns for Hamza’s life after finding related evidence during the operation, but initially only confirmed Youssef’s death. This tragic event underscores the ongoing conflict’s impact on civilians, with Youssef’s other children, Bilal and Aisha, having been released earlier in a ceasefire deal. The discovery has renewed calls for further negotiations to secure the release of remaining hostages and to address the broader humanitarian crisis in the region.
338 Israeli ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, soldiers enlisted in military frameworks specifically tailored to accommodate their religious practices and lifestyle. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that 211 of these recruits joined combat roles, with the remainder assigned to combat support roles. This recruitment drive reflects ongoing efforts to integrate Haredi Jews into the military service, addressing the historically contentious issue of Haredi exemptions from mandatory military service. The IDF continues to adapt its recruitment strategies and frameworks to encourage Haredi enlistment, aiming to meet their annual goal of 4,800 recruits by June 2025.
Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz has officially announced the launch of direct flights between Tel Aviv and New York, marking a significant expansion for the Israeli airline. The service is set to commence on February 8, 2025, offering three weekly flights operated in partnership with TechAir. Round-trip tickets will start at $1,199, including luggage, two full meals, and beverages, providing a new, competitive option for travelers between these two major cities. This move is seen as an attempt to break El Al’s monopoly on the route, especially in light of recent international carriers suspending services to Israel due to security concerns.
WORLD NEWS
Protesters in Bologna, Italy, spray-painted “Justice Free Gaza” along with the name of Ramy Elgaml on the walls of a local synagogue. This incident occurred during protests sparked by the death of Ramy Elgaml, a 19-year-old Italian-Egyptian, who died in a police chase in November 2024. The vandalism has been widely condemned as an antisemitic attack, unrelated to the synagogue’s role in the local community. Israeli Ambassador to Italy, Jonathan Peled, labeled it a “serious antisemitic attack,” while local officials and the Jewish community expressed outrage over the targeting of a place of worship amid demonstrations. This act has reignited discussions about the intersection of local grievances with international conflicts and the importance of protecting religious sites from hate crimes.
A masked activist vandalized a wax statue of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Wax Museum in Mexico City. The individual defaced the statue by covering it with red paint, symbolizing blood, and then struck it with a hammer before toppling it to the ground. This act was captured in a video that circulated widely on social media, where the protester also placed a Palestinian flag at the base of the statue and shouted slogans in support of Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, and Puerto Rico. The incident drew condemnation from Israel’s embassy in Mexico, which described it as an “odious act” sending a message of “violence, intolerance, and hate.” The event has sparked a debate about freedom of expression versus respect for cultural institutions and the implications of political protests in public spaces.
The office of La Briut, a Jewish-owned establishment in Toronto, was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti, reflecting a rise in hate-motivated crimes in the city. Concurrently, La Briut’s restaurant location was broken into, with thieves making off with cash. These events have sparked outrage and concern within the local Jewish community, especially given the backdrop of increasing antisemitic incidents following the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Toronto Police Service’s Hate Crime Unit is actively investigating both the vandalism and the break-in, as the community and local leaders call for heightened security measures and a swift response to combat hate crimes. These acts have been widely condemned by city officials and community organizations, highlighting the need for solidarity and protection against such targeted attacks.