New York News
Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, delivered a benediction at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. His speech was centered around calling for national unity and invoking foundational American values, emphasizing faith and trust in G-d.
Rabbi Berman was the first Israeli-American to speak at a U.S. presidential inauguration, highlighting his role in representing both the Jewish community and the broader interfaith dialogue at the ceremony. His benediction came at a time of significant national division, aiming to inspire hope and a collective vision for a compassionate and prosperous future. Rabbi Berman also prayed for peace in Israel and the Middle East, reflecting on recent events including campus unrest and the release of hostages. His participation was part of a diverse lineup of religious leaders, showcasing an interfaith approach to the inauguration.
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has been ordered to pay a $475,000 fine for misusing public funds to cover the costs of a police security detail during his failed presidential campaign in 2020. The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board levied the fine, which is the largest in the board’s history, after determining that de Blasio improperly used taxpayer dollars for his security detail’s travel expenses during campaign events across multiple states. Despite de Blasio’s legal challenge arguing that the board’s guidance was unclear and that the fine violated his First Amendment rights, a judge dismissed these claims as “perplexing” and “entirely baseless.”
New York City has seen an increase in NYPD officers on its subway system as part of a broader effort to enhance security and public safety. This move follows a series of high-profile incidents, including violent attacks and fare evasion, which have heightened safety concerns among riders. Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have both supported the surge, with plans to deploy hundreds more officers for patrols, particularly during peak times and overnight. The strategy includes not only increasing visibility through uniformed officers on platforms and trains but also implementing bag checks to deter crime. Critics argue that this approach might not address underlying issues like mental health and homelessness, which are often cited as root causes of subway disturbances. However, supporters believe that the increased police presence will deter potential criminal activities and reassure commuters, with some data indicating a decrease in subway crime following these deployments.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have dropped the corruption case against former New York Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin following the death of a key witness, real estate developer Gerald Migdol. Benjamin had been accused of funneling state money to a nonprofit in exchange for campaign contributions. The decision to drop the case came after a review of evidence suggested that without Migdol, who had been cooperating with the government, they could no longer prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Benjamin’s legal team celebrated the outcome, describing it as a vindication and echoing sentiments of justice prevailing. This action effectively ends Benjamin’s legal troubles related to this specific case, although it leaves room for public and political scrutiny regarding his brief tenure as lieutenant governor.
US NEWS
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic moment due to his non-consecutive terms and his status as the first convicted felon to hold the office. His inauguration was moved indoors due to cold weather, taking place in the Capitol rotunda, a departure from the traditional outdoor ceremony. Trump’s swearing-in was attended by both supporters and critics, with some Democrats notably boycotting the event, reflecting the polarized political climate surrounding his presidency.
Marco Rubio was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Secretary of State with a 99-0 vote, showcasing a rare moment of bipartisan agreement. His confirmation came just hours after Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term as President. Rubio, previously a Florida senator known for his foreign policy experience, became the first Latino to hold the position of Secretary of State. His immediate swearing-in underscored the urgency of filling key national security roles, with Rubio poised to tackle pressing international issues from day one.
President Joe Biden, in the final days of his term, issued several significant pardons and commutations. He pardoned five members of his immediate family, including his brothers James and Francis Biden, and his sister Valerie Biden Owens, citing fears of politically motivated prosecutions by the incoming Trump administration. Additionally, Biden granted preemptive pardons to several high-profile figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and members of the January 6 Committee, aiming to shield them from potential legal actions under Trump’s second term. He also commuted the sentences of nearly all federal death row inmates, excluding those convicted of terrorism or hate-motivated mass murders, and issued pardons and sentence commutations for hundreds convicted of non-violent crimes, marking one of the largest single-day acts of clemency in modern U.S. history.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy launched a $20 million initiative named NJ RISE (New Jersey Re-assigning In State Employees) as a countermeasure to New York’s new $9 congestion toll. The program aims to incentivize businesses, particularly those in Manhattan’s central business district, to allow their New Jersey-based employees to work from home or from satellite offices within New Jersey. This move was part of a broader strategy to mitigate the financial burden on New Jersey commuters who would otherwise have to pay the new toll to enter Manhattan, and it also serves as an economic development push to keep jobs and tax revenue within the state. Critics argue that this could lead to a loss of face-to-face interaction and collaboration, potentially impacting productivity, while supporters see it as a smart adaptation to modern work environments and a way to bolster the local economy.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Ashley Moody, the state’s Attorney General, to replace Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate. Rubio had vacated the seat to take up the role of Secretary of State under President-elect Donald Trump. Moody, who has been Florida’s AG since 2019, is known for her conservative legal perspectives and her active role in state and national issues. She will serve in Rubio’s place until a special election in 2026, when the remainder of Rubio’s term will be up for election. This appointment ensures continuity in Florida’s representation in the Senate while highlighting the state’s political dynamics. Moody’s tenure as AG included notable legal battles, particularly around election laws and public health mandates, setting the stage for her new role in national politics.
Former CIA analyst Asif W. Rahman, aged 34, has pleaded guilty to leaking classified documents that detailed Israeli military preparations for a retaliatory strike on Iran. These documents, which contained sensitive information about aviation exercises and munitions movements, were shared on social media, leading officials to delay the planned attack. Rahman’s actions were traced back to his workstation in the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he was employed. He faces up to 20 years in prison for violations of the Espionage Act, although sentencing guidelines suggest a term of about 5 to 6.5 years, with the possibility of a reduced sentence if he continues to cooperate with U.S. officials.
The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (OJCC) signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. This agreement marks the first time Jewish businesses are officially recognized as minority enterprises, opening up access to federal resources, including capital, contracts, and global markets. The MOU is intended to boost economic opportunities for Jewish-owned businesses, addressing historical oversights in minority business support and fostering new avenues for growth and collaboration.
Georgia State Senator Colton Moore was arrested after he attempted to enter the House chamber during Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State Address. Moore had been previously banned from the chamber due to comments he made about the late House Speaker David Ralston. His arrest followed a confrontation with the House doorkeeper and Georgia State Patrol officers, highlighting ongoing tensions within the state’s political landscape.
Israel NEWS
Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement, which has led to the release of some Israeli hostages held since the October 7 attacks. The first group released included three women: Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, who were handed over to the Red Cross and subsequently returned to Israel. This is part of a larger deal where Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages over a six-week period, in exchange for Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire also aims to pause ongoing military actions and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, though the exact number of hostages still in captivity remains unclear, with some believed to be deceased.
Israel’s top general, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, resigned over the security and intelligence failures linked to Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7. His resignation marks him as the most senior Israeli figure to step down in connection with the incident, which was the deadliest in Israel’s history, leading to significant loss of life and the abduction of numerous individuals. This event has sparked a broader discussion on accountability within Israel’s military and intelligence communities, with calls for further resignations and a comprehensive inquiry into the failures that allowed the attack to occur.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in protest over the cabinet’s approval of a hostage release and ceasefire deal with Hamas. Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, had previously threatened to leave the coalition if the agreement was enacted, arguing that it represented a “capitulation” to Hamas. His resignation does not dismantle Netanyahu’s coalition, as the government maintains a parliamentary majority even without Ben-Gvir’s party. However, his departure is seen as destabilizing, potentially encouraging other far-right members to follow suit, which could undermine the government’s stability in the long term. Ben-Gvir has stated that he and his party would consider rejoining the coalition if hostilities resume after the first phase of the agreement.
Israel has initiated “Operation Iron Walls” in Jenin, employing drones, special forces, and the Shin Bet intelligence agency to dismantle terror infrastructure and address immediate threats. The operation targets the Jenin refugee camp, known as a stronghold for various Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Israeli forces aim to disrupt terror activities, prevent attacks, and restore security in the region, which has seen increased violence and acts of terrorism from the area. The operation involves a significant military presence, with the IDF, Shin Bet, and Border Police working in coordination to neutralize threats and capture suspects. This strategic move is part of Israel’s broader efforts to maintain security in the West Bank amidst ongoing regional tensions.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has entered into its first contract utilizing U.S. aid specifically for expanding the production of Iron Dome interceptors with Rafael Defense Systems. This deal aims to increase the supply of interceptors for the Iron Dome, Israel’s primary defense system against short-range rockets and artillery shells, enhancing its capacity to protect civilian areas from attacks. The funding from the U.S., part of the military aid package, underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations in bolstering Israel’s defense capabilities against ongoing regional threats.
WORLD NEWS
Dover Heights, a suburb in Sydney’s East known for its significant Jewish population, was the site of a targeted anti-Semitic attack. Multiple cars were set on fire and vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti, while a house was also splashed with red paint. This incident is part of a disturbing trend of rising anti-Semitism in Australia, with the targeted home once belonging to a high-profile Jewish leader, Alex Ryvchin, the co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, although he had since sold the property. The attack has been widely condemned by political leaders and community members, with the Prime Minister calling it an “outrage” against shared Australian values. Police have launched an investigation, treating the incident as a hate crime, with Operation Avalite, a special task force, actively working on over 100 similar cases since its inception. The event has sparked discussions on community safety, hate speech laws, and the need for societal unity against racism and bigotry.
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s assertion that the United States would “take back” the Panama Canal. Mulino emphasized that the canal’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, stating that every square meter of the canal and its surrounding areas belongs to Panama. This response came after Trump’s comments during his inaugural address where he claimed the canal was a “foolish gift” to Panama and that the spirit of the treaty that handed over control in 1999 had been violated, particularly in light of accusations of Chinese interference and high transit fees for American ships. Mulino’s stance reflects Panama’s strong national sentiment and commitment to maintaining control over one of the world’s most crucial waterways.
