New York News
In recognition of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz and International Holocaust Remembrance Day, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced that City Hall and other municipal buildings will be illuminated in yellow.
This symbolic gesture is meant to honor the memory of the six million Jews and millions of others who perished during the Holocaust, as well as to educate and remind the public of the atrocities committed. The lighting serves as a poignant tribute to the survivors and victims, reinforcing New York City’s commitment to fighting antisemitism and promoting remembrance and education about the Holocaust.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, aged 64, has decided to scale back his public appearances this week due to recent health issues. His office has acknowledged that the mayor hasn’t been feeling his best, leading to a series of doctors’ appointments and routine medical tests. This announcement comes amid a busy political season with Adams facing both re-election challenges and legal scrutiny. His chief spokesperson, Fabien Levy, stated that Adams will maintain communication with his staff to ensure city operations continue unhindered. Despite his health concerns, the mayor’s office has reassured the public that city business will proceed as normal, emphasizing Adams’ commitment to his duties even while focusing on his health.
Israeli-owned and Jewish-operated restaurant “Miriam” in Park Slope, Brooklyn, was subjected to a vicious act of vandalism. The restaurant’s windows were splattered with red paint, and anti-Israel slogans such as “genocide cuisine” and “Israel steals culture” were spray-painted on the exterior. This incident has been widely condemned by local leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams, who described it as a “despicable act of antisemitism.” The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is currently investigating the vandalism, which occurred despite a recent ceasefire agreement in the region. Community members and politicians have rallied in support of the restaurant, emphasizing its role as an inclusive space that brings people together through shared love for Mediterranean cuisine.
Governor Kathy Hochul has put forward a proposal for a statewide ban on cellphone use in New York schools starting next fall, aiming to enhance student focus and bolster mental health. The initiative would require students to disconnect from their personal devices during school hours, including in classrooms, at lunch, and during study periods. However, exceptions would be made for medical reasons, educational purposes, or for students needing translation services. Hochul’s plan includes $13.5 million in state funding to help schools implement storage solutions for phones. This proposal has sparked a debate, with some educators and parents supporting the move to reduce distractions, while others express concerns about emergency communications and student autonomy.
Michael Shelonchik, a 53-year-old Uber passenger from Brooklyn, tragically died following an assault by two men who stole his chain. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening around 6 p.m. when the perpetrators opened the back door of the Uber in Coney Island. After beating Shelonchik, the assailants fled the scene on foot, leaving him in need of medical attention. The driver attempted to flee the area but soon realized Shelonchik had lost consciousness. Shelonchik was taken to Maimonides Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead; the exact cause of death remains under investigation by the medical examiner. The NYPD has initiated a search for the two suspects involved, described as men in their 20s with one wearing a black hooded coat, blue sweatpants, and white sneakers, the other in similar attire but with black pants.
Matthew Mahrer, a 24-year-old, confessed in court to assisting a neo-Nazi in acquiring an illegal firearm in 2022, intended for an attack on synagogues in New York City. This admission highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and hate crimes motivated by antisemitism. The case has likely intensified law enforcement’s focus on preventing such plots, increasing community security measures. It also underscores the need for vigilance against extremism and the illegal arms trade. Legal consequences for Mahrer could be severe, reflecting the gravity of conspiring in a hate-motivated terrorist plot.
President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog arrived in New York and made a visit to the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Queens. Their visit was to pray for the swift return of all the hostages held by Hamas, as well as for the success of the security forces, the healing of the wounded, and in memory of the fallen. This gesture is part of their diplomatic activities, showcasing solidarity with the hostages and support for Israel’s ongoing challenges.
US NEWS
Pete Hegseth was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense, in a vote that ended 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. This confirmation came despite various allegations against Hegseth, including misconduct, excessive drinking, and financial mismanagement, which he has denied. His confirmation underscores a significant moment for Trump’s administration, aiming to bring a “warrior” ethos to the Pentagon amidst criticisms from Democrats about his qualifications and past conduct.
President Donald Trump faced legal challenges over his executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship. 22 Democratic-led states, along with the District of Columbia and the city of San Francisco, filed lawsuits in federal courts in Massachusetts and Seattle to block the order, arguing it violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuits claim that Trump’s initiative to end automatic citizenship for children born to unauthorized immigrants or those on temporary visas is unconstitutional, citing that the Supreme Court has previously affirmed birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. A federal judge in Seattle, John Coughenour, issued a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of Trump’s order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.”
Egg prices in the United States have seen significant increases due to the ongoing avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak, which has notably reduced the supply of eggs. The bird flu, specifically the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has led to the death or culling of millions of egg-laying hens, with over 20 million chickens affected in the last quarter alone. This reduction in the egg-laying population has caused egg prices to soar, with some reports indicating an average price increase of about 38% over the past year. The USDA and other experts predict that egg prices could continue to rise by as much as 20% in 2025, if the avian flu outbreaks persist. High demand, especially around holiday seasons, combined with the supply shortages, has further driven up prices. Factors like the cost of feed, labor, and fuel also contribute to the elevated egg prices, although bird flu remains the primary driver.
ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has reportedly set a new single-day record for the Trump administration by making 1,179 arrests in one day. This action reflects a significant escalation in immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s second term, aiming to fulfill his campaign promises regarding immigration policy. The arrests were part of an intensified effort to meet new quotas set by the administration, with indications that the number of arrests could continue to increase.
President Donald Trump announced a private-sector investment of up to $500 billion for AI infrastructure across the United States. This investment involves a joint venture named “Stargate,” formed by OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, aimed at building data centers to support AI development. Trump described Stargate as “the largest AI infrastructure project in history,” emphasizing its role in creating over 100,000 American jobs and positioning the U.S. to maintain its technological edge against competitors like China. The announcement was made at the White House with key executives from the involved companies present. This initiative is expected to unfold over the next four years, with an initial commitment of $100 billion.
Harvard University settled two significant lawsuits concerning antisemitism on campus. The settlement included Harvard’s agreement to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which provides a framework for understanding and addressing antisemitic behaviors. Additionally, Harvard committed to establishing a partnership with an Israeli university, aiming to foster academic collaboration and cultural exchange. The university also agreed to enhance its oversight of antisemitism complaints, ensuring more robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing such issues. Furthermore, Harvard clarified its anti-discrimination policies specifically regarding Jewish and Israeli students, making it clear that discrimination against these groups would not be tolerated. The settlement also involved an undisclosed financial agreement, likely aimed at compensating or addressing the grievances of the plaintiffs. This move was seen as a significant step towards combating antisemitism at one of the nation’s leading academic institutions.
The Super Bowl matchup for this year is set between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. This game will be a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, which took place two years ago, where the Chiefs emerged victorious with a 38-35 win over the Eagles. The Chiefs are favored to win again, aiming for their third consecutive Super Bowl title, while the Eagles are looking to claim their second Super Bowl championship in franchise history. The game is scheduled to occur at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Israel NEWS
Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers who had been held hostage in Gaza since October 7, 2023. The hostages, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, were part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel that also saw the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners. This was the second exchange of hostages for prisoners since the ceasefire began, aimed at de-escalating the conflict. The release was met with celebrations in Israel, but it also sparked controversy as Israel accused Hamas of breaching the ceasefire terms by not releasing a female civilian hostage as expected.
According to recent reports, 8 out of the remaining 24 hostages scheduled for release by Hamas in the first phase of a ceasefire agreement are dead. This information was confirmed by an Israeli government spokesperson, David Mencer, who stated that these individuals were killed by Hamas. The remaining hostages expected to be freed during this phase are still alive, but this development has added a layer of tragedy to the ongoing hostage situation. Families of both the living and deceased hostages have been informed, and this news comes amidst efforts to secure the release of all hostages as part of a broader peace initiative.
MGen. Yaron Finkelman, the head of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Southern Command, announced his intention to resign, citing responsibility for the IDF’s failures leading up to the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. His resignation was made public after IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi also announced his resignation for similar reasons, indicating a significant shakeup in the IDF leadership. Finkelman did not specify a date for his departure, stating he would continue his mission “as long as needed.” This decision comes in the context of a broader review and accountability process within the IDF following the security breaches that allowed the attacks to happen.
Dr. Yechiel Leiter has officially begun his tenure as Israel’s ambassador to the United States. He started his role on January 24, 2025, after being unanimously approved by the Israeli Cabinet. Leiter replaced Michael Herzog, who concluded his three-year term. Leiter’s appointment is seen as a significant move by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially in light of the incoming Trump administration, with whom Leiter is expected to foster a strong relationship based on his deep understanding of American culture and politics.
Under an executive order by President Donald Trump, the U.S. Treasury has removed several figures and organizations linked to Judea and Samaria from the SDN sanctions list. This includes activist Bentzi Gopstein and his organization Lehava, as well as the Hebron Fund and Tzav 9. The decision effectively reverses sanctions imposed by former President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14115 on February 1, 2024. As a result, all assets previously frozen due to these sanctions have been released. The move is seen as part of Trump’s policy to undo what he described as “harmful” actions by the previous administration regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It has been welcomed by those in the Jewish communities of Judea and Samaria who were directly affected by the sanctions.
The Knesset has passed a new law that criminalizes the denial, praise, or support of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks that occurred on October 7, 2023. Proposed by Oded Forer, a member of the Knesset, this legislation carries potential penalties of up to five years in prison for violations. The law includes exemptions for statements made in good faith, ensuring that academic discourse or legitimate criticism does not fall under its purview. To proceed with any charges, the approval of the Israeli Attorney General is required, adding a layer of oversight. This new measure is modeled after a 1986 Israeli law which criminalizes Holocaust denial, aiming to similarly safeguard national memory and prevent the glorification of terrorism.
WORLD NEWS
The world commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where around 1.1 million people, primarily Jews, were murdered during the Holocaust. The ceremonies held at the former concentration camp in Poland featured testimonies from some of the last surviving Holocaust survivors, who recounted their experiences to an international audience. World leaders and representatives from various countries attended to pay their respects, with many emphasizing the need for Holocaust education to combat antisemitism. Events around the globe, from memorial services to educational programs, were designed to remember the millions of Jews and others who perished at Auschwitz and to teach younger generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust. The anniversary served as a poignant reminder of the horrors of genocide, urging vigilance against hatred and discrimination. Through these commemorations, the message of “never again” was reiterated, focusing on the prevention of such human rights abuses in the future. Digital platforms were also utilized to reach a broader audience, ensuring the memory and lessons of Auschwitz remain alive in the global consciousness.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened a National Cabinet meeting on Tuesday to address the escalating incidents of antisemitism in the country. Following this meeting, he announced the establishment of a national database to track antisemitic crimes and other related incidents and behaviors. This decision was made in response to a recent surge in antisemitic attacks, including an arson attack on a kindergarten in a Sydney suburb, which was also defaced with antisemitic graffiti. The meeting and the subsequent announcement came after significant pressure from Jewish groups and political figures who had been calling for a coordinated national response to the issue. The database aims to better inform and coordinate responses to antisemitism across different levels of government in Australia.
Belgium’s National Railway Company (SNCB) has decided against providing compensation for its role in the deportation of Jews and Roma to Nazi death camps during World War II, a decision which has drawn significant criticism from the World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO). The SNCB was involved in transporting over 25,000 Jews and 353 Roma from Mechelen to Auschwitz and other concentration camps between 1942 and 1944. Despite this historical involvement, a government panel concluded that the railway company should only offer an official apology and engage in Holocaust education and commemoration initiatives, rather than direct financial reparations to survivors or their heirs. The WJRO expressed strong disappointment, arguing that rejecting compensation denies the moral obligation of SNCB to those it wronged and emphasized the urgent need for compensation given the dwindling number of Holocaust survivors. This stance by SNCB contrasts with actions taken by railway companies in France and the Netherlands, where compensation has been agreed upon for similar historical roles. The Belgian decision has been criticized for evading responsibility and for not consulting sufficiently with survivor representatives.