New York News
A section of Manhattan at East 67th Street and Third Avenue was officially co-named “Yad Vashem Way” in honor of the renowned Jerusalem-based Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem.
This ceremonial renaming took place during a poignant event attended by local officials, Holocaust survivors, and members of the Jewish community. The initiative was led by New York City Council Member Julie Menin, who highlighted the importance of remembering the Holocaust and fighting against anti-Semitism. The street sign serves as a permanent reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the need for education and remembrance. This gesture also strengthens the cultural and historical ties between New York City and Israel, symbolizing New York’s commitment to never forget the lessons of the past. The event included speeches, prayers, and reflections, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of Holocaust education in contemporary society.
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stern warning to hospitals across the state, stating that compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order, which aims to curtail federal funding for transgender medical procedures, would breach New York’s anti-discrimination laws. The executive order, signed last week by Trump, directs federal agencies to ensure that hospitals receiving federal grants must “end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children,” using provocative language like “maiming,” “sterilizing,” and “mutilation.” James’ letter to healthcare facilities emphasizes that, regardless of federal funding implications, hospitals have an obligation to adhere to New York State laws that protect against discrimination, including on the basis of gender identity. This statement comes in the context of some hospitals in other states, like Colorado, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., already pausing transgender medical treatments for minors to review the implications of the order. The tension between federal and state policies highlights the ongoing national debate over transgender medical procedures, particularly for youth.
United Airlines has officially announced that it will recommence its flight services between New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) starting March 18. This decision comes after a suspension of the route due to ongoing regional conflicts which had disrupted air travel to Israel. The airline will initially operate this route three times a week, with plans to potentially increase frequency based on demand and the stabilization of regional security. This move not only signifies a step towards normalcy for travelers but also reflects an optimistic outlook on the security situation in the Middle East. United Airlines has emphasized that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain their top priority, ensuring all necessary precautions are in place. This development has been welcomed by the travel industry and those with connections between the U.S. and Israel, signaling hope for a return to regular travel patterns.
As of February 1, 2025, new gym membership laws in New York State have gone into effect, significantly altering how consumers can cancel their gym memberships. Under these new regulations, gyms and health clubs are now required to process cancellations within 10 business days of receiving a notice, with no penalty if cancellation is requested within the first three days of signing the contract. This law also mandates that members be allowed to cancel their memberships through various straightforward methods including online, by email, phone, or in person. The legislation aims to eliminate predatory practices that previously made it difficult for members to exit gym contracts, such as hidden fees or complex cancellation procedures.
Rockland County, under the leadership of Sheriff Lou Falco, has recently secured an additional $116,179 to fund the acquisition of license plate readers (LPRs). These devices are set to be strategically placed at key locations throughout the county, including major entry and exit points, as well as in high-traffic areas within the towns and villages. This initiative aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities by providing real-time data on vehicle movements, aiding in crime prevention, and assisting in the quick resolution of criminal investigations. The decision to expand the use of LPRs follows a broader trend of leveraging technology to improve public safety, with similar systems already in use across various parts of the United States. The funding was approved by the county executive and will contribute to the ongoing efforts to make Rockland County a safer place for its residents.
US NEWS
An American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed in a tragic midair collision at Reagan National Airport. Recovery operations are ongoing, with salvage crews successfully retrieving an engine and significant portions of the fuselage from the Potomac River. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, focusing on several key aspects including air traffic control staffing, which was reportedly under normal levels at the time of the accident, and the potential factors like the helicopter’s altitude and use of night vision goggles. The crash has resulted in the deaths of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft, with 55 victims now positively identified. Two Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority employees have been arrested for allegedly leaking surveillance video of the crash to CNN. The investigation is expected to continue, with further details on the cause and circumstances of the collision to be released as they become available.
A tragic event unfolded when a Learjet 55 medical transport plane crashed near Roosevelt Mall in Northeast Philadelphia, shortly after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The crash resulted in the death of all six individuals on board, which included a pediatric patient who had been receiving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital and her mother, along with the four crew members. The impact was catastrophic, leading to an explosion and fires that spread to nearby homes and vehicles. One person on the ground was also killed, and the incident injured 19 others, with several requiring hospital treatment. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the NTSB.
In a significant development this past week, border crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have reportedly dropped by 93%, according to statements from Border Czar Tom Homan. This dramatic decrease follows the first week of Donald Trump’s second term, where new border security measures were put into effect. Trump’s administration has taken credit for the sharp decline, attributing it to a series of executive actions aimed at strengthening border control. The drop is being touted as even more substantial than the reductions seen during Trump’s first term in office. However, the effectiveness and sustainability of these measures are subjects of ongoing debate and scrutiny, especially considering historical patterns where initial policy changes lead to temporary dips in border activity.
Democrats in the U.S. Senate blocked a Republican-led bill that sought to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC). The legislation was a direct response to the ICC’s pursuit of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes. In the Senate, the bill was unable to secure the necessary 60 votes to proceed, with a final tally of 54-45. Senator John Fetterman was the sole Democrat to support the measure, standing out from his party. Democrats criticized the bill as overly broad, expressing concerns that it could adversely affect American companies and allies that work with the ICC. Despite having passed the House with bipartisan support, the Senate’s decision reflects deep divisions over how the U.S. should respond to the ICC’s actions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as the acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), signaling a significant shift in the agency’s direction under the Trump administration. Rubio is taking over from the previous leadership amid discussions about restructuring or potentially abolishing USAID. Rubio has expressed intentions to review and align USAID’s activities with U.S. national interests, accusing the agency of being “a completely unresponsive agency” that sometimes acts contrary to American foreign policy. He has delegated some responsibilities to Peter Marocco, a former USAID official during Trump’s first term, to oversee a review of the agency’s programs. This has caused uncertainty among USAID staff and international aid organizations, with fears of significant cuts and reorganization. The decision has sparked a variety of reactions across social media and political circles, with some seeing it as part of a broader effort to refocus U.S. foreign aid, while others criticize it as a move undermining global humanitarian efforts.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) elected Ken Martin as its new chair on February 1, following a vote by the committee’s 448 members at the DNC’s Winter Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland. Martin, who has been the Chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party since 2011, won decisively, receiving 246.5 votes out of 428 in the first round of voting. His victory comes at a pivotal time as the party aims to regroup and strategize after significant losses in the 2024 elections, including the presidency to Donald Trump. Other key officers elected include Reyna Walters-Morgan as Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation and Chris Korge continuing as National Finance Chair. Martin’s agenda includes a focus on year-round organizing, grassroots empowerment, and rebuilding the Democratic Party’s infrastructure to prepare for future electoral challenges.
Florida State Sen. Randy Fine, known for his outspoken conservative views, secured a victory in the Republican primary for the special election to replace former U.S. Representative Mike Waltz in Florida’s 6th Congressional District. Fine, who has labeled himself a “conservative firebrand,” outmaneuvered his competitors, Aaron Baker and Ehsan Joarder, in the primary held last week. His campaign was notably bolstered by an endorsement from President Donald Trump, which likely played a significant role in his win. Fine is recognized for his staunch support of Israel among other conservative policies. He now advances to the general election on April 1, where he will face Democrat Josh Weil, a public school teacher from Orlando.
The U.S. Justice Department officially dropped all criminal charges against Walt Nauta, President Donald Trump’s valet, and Carlos De Oliveira, the property manager at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Both individuals were previously indicted alongside Trump in a case involving the alleged mishandling of classified documents. The decision to drop the charges came after U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case, citing the unconstitutional appointment of special counsel Jack Smith. Following Trump’s November 2024 election win, the Justice Department had initially appealed the dismissal but later chose to withdraw the appeal against Nauta and De Oliveira. This move effectively ends any legal peril for the two co-defendants, aligning with the Justice Department’s policy against prosecuting sitting presidents and their associates in such capacities. The withdrawal of the appeal also signifies a closure to this chapter of the investigation into Trump’s handling of sensitive documents post-presidency.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has openly stated that he is housing an immigrant at his personal residence, directly challenging the Trump administration’s policies on immigration enforcement. This revelation came during an interview with the progressive group Blue Wave New Jersey, where Murphy mentioned that there’s an individual staying above his garage whose immigration status is “not yet at the point they are trying to get it to.” In response, Tom Homan, described as Trump’s border czar, expressed that this could be considered a violation of federal law, specifically Title 8 of the U.S. Code, which deals with “harboring” undocumented immigrants. Homan threatened that legal action might be pursued against Murphy, emphasizing that such an act of “harboring and concealing” could lead to prosecution
Israel NEWS
In a significant development last week, eight hostages, consisting of three Israelis and five Thai nationals, were released from captivity in Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The release was marked by chaotic scenes as the hostages were handed over amidst dangerous crowds in Khan Younis, with Israel subsequently releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. This exchange was the third under the six-week truce that began on January 19, aiming to facilitate the release of all hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners. The Israeli hostages included Agam Berger, Arbel Yehud, and Gadi Moses, while the Thai nationals were agricultural workers taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Celebrations ensued in Ramallah for the released Palestinian prisoners, but the event also highlighted the precarious nature of the ceasefire, with Israel expressing concerns over the treatment of hostages during their handover. This release brings the total number of hostages freed since the ceasefire to 15, with 82 still believed to be held by Hamas.
Caroline Glick, a prominent conservative journalist and author, has been appointed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an International Affairs Adviser within his office. This move comes amidst a critical time for Israel’s international relations, especially following the recent war with Hamas and negotiations for peace and hostage releases. Glick, who previously worked in Netanyahu’s office during his first term in the late 1990s, is known for her strong advocacy for Israeli policies and her critiques of international bodies like the UN. Her appointment was announced as Netanyahu was preparing for a significant visit to the United States to meet with President Donald Trump, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss Israel’s security and diplomatic strategies. The selection of Glick has been met with both praise from right-wing circles in Israel for her staunch support of the country’s right to defend itself and criticism from those who see her views as too hardline for effective diplomacy.
Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is currently the subject of a criminal investigation launched by Israel’s Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The investigation stems from allegations that Sara Netanyahu engaged in witness intimidation and obstruction of justice related to her husband’s ongoing corruption trial. Key details emerged from an investigative report by Channel 12’s “Uvda” program, which indicated that she had instructed Hanni Bleiweiss, a former aide to the Prime Minister, to organize protests and an online campaign against Hadas Klein, a pivotal witness in one of the corruption cases against Benjamin Netanyahu. This case has stirred significant political controversy, with Netanyahu’s allies decrying what they perceive as selective enforcement, while critics and some legal experts argue that the allegations are serious enough to warrant a thorough investigation. The probe is being handled by the police’s serious crimes unit, Lahav 433, with potential charges including harassment of a witness and obstruction of justice, both of which carry severe penalties under Israeli law.
WORLD NEWS
In Australia, there has been a disturbing surge of anti-Semitic graffiti attacks in recent weeks, particularly noted in Sydney and Melbourne. These incidents have included the defacement of synagogues, homes, and vehicles with hateful slogans and symbols like swastikas. One notable event was an arson attack on a Jewish childcare center in Sydney’s Maroubra, where offensive graffiti was also found. The Australian government has responded by setting up special task forces to investigate these hate crimes, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemning the acts as “evil hate crimes.” The community has expressed outrage, with leaders like Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry highlighting the severity of these acts and the fear they instill among Jewish Australians. There are also speculations of foreign influences possibly fueling these attacks, as suggested by some authorities.
Panama has officially announced that it will not renew its agreement with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, marking a significant shift in its international relations. This decision was made public by Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino following a high-profile visit from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had urged Panama to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area. The agreement, which was signed in 2017, was due for renewal in one to two years, but Mulino has expressed interest in possibly terminating it even earlier. This move has been interpreted as a response to U.S. pressure, particularly concerning the strategic importance of the Panama Canal. The announcement has sparked discussions on social media and among international observers, with some viewing it as a diplomatic victory for the U.S., while others see it as Panama asserting its sovereignty in choosing its economic partners. This development could influence other nations’ participation in China’s global infrastructure project.
Mexico has agreed to send 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border with the United States following a conversation between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump. This deployment is part of a deal where Mexico would see a one-month pause on U.S. tariffs that were set to impact Mexican goods. The troops are specifically tasked with stopping the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigration into the U.S. This agreement was reached after Trump had warned of severe economic repercussions for both countries due to the tariffs.
In a recent diplomatic response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, Canada has decided to deploy 10,000 troops to its border with the United States. This action follows a similar move by Mexico, which also sent troops to its northern border after negotiations with Trump. The Canadian deployment, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, includes not only personnel but also a commitment of $1.3 billion for border security enhancements, including drones and helicopters. This move is part of a broader strategy to address border security, manage the flow of illicit substances like fentanyl, and improve overall border management. This deployment comes amidst a temporary suspension of tariffs, which were set to impact Canadian goods, giving both countries a 30-day window to negotiate further.
El Salvador has reached an unprecedented agreement with the United States, under which it will accept deported immigrants from the U.S., including violent criminals and gang members, regardless of their nationality. This deal was announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. El Salvador has committed to housing these individuals in its massive Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), in exchange for a fee from the U.S., which Bukele described as “relatively low” but significant for El Salvador’s prison system sustainability. The agreement includes the deportation of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members, along with other convicted criminals, even if they are U.S. citizens or legal residents. The deal is seen as a part of broader U.S. efforts under President Donald Trump to manage illegal immigration and criminal activity through international partnerships.
