New York News
Harav Refoel Yehoshua Halevi Kalish zt”l, a revered talmid chochom and dedicated rav of Harborview Bais Medrash in Lawrence, has passed away at the age of around 80. A musmach of Bais Medrash Govoha, he was renowned for his unparalleled dedication to Torah learning, completing Shas annually and carrying a gemara at all times, inspiring countless individuals through his example. As a longtime R”M at Yeshiva Derech Ayson in Far Rockaway, he profoundly influenced others to enhance their limud hatorah and value every moment. Rav Kalish also delivered numerous weekly shiurim, including daf yomi at Shaarei Tefillah of Lawrence.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s handling of New York City’s congestion pricing plan has been criticized as both politically inept and potentially deliberate sabotage. After pausing the plan in June, Hochul has now announced its January implementation with adjustments, including reduced tolls that phase in over six years. However, the revised plan has failed to satisfy critics, who argue it unfairly targets New Jersey drivers already paying tolls, imposes unnecessary overnight fees despite minimal congestion, and prioritizes revenue generation over effective congestion management. Critics suggest Hochul’s lack of substantial reforms during the pause indicates either poor governance or a strategy to let external forces, such as lawsuits or federal intervention, derail the plan while she avoids political blame.
A Manhattan judge has granted a stay on all deadlines in President-elect Donald Trump’s felony conviction case, delaying proceedings, including the Nov. 26 sentencing, to assess the implications of his election. Trump, convicted in May of falsifying business records related to payments to a woman, faces up to four years in prison. Prosecutors and Trump’s attorneys supported the pause, citing the unprecedented nature of the situation and the need to evaluate presidential immunity. While the Supreme Court recently affirmed broad immunity for sitting presidents, its application to state-level convictions remains untested. This stay likely ensures Trump will not face prison time before taking office.
Shomrim volunteers responded to reports of property damage and assault in Boro Park. A suspect was found actively vandalizing properties, including breaking windows at a local shul, and assaulting an individual, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated by Hatzolah. Shomrim tracked the suspect’s movements and coordinated with the NYPD, who promptly arrested the individual believed responsible for the assault and widespread vandalism affecting the shul and nearby properties.
The New York City Council has passed the Fairness in Apartment Rentals Act (FARE) by a veto-proof majority of 42-8, shifting broker fees from tenants to landlords when brokers exclusively represent the landlord’s interests. Supporters, including Councilmember Chi Ossé, argue the law, which takes effect in 180 days, aligns NYC with national norms and alleviates housing costs for renters. Critics, including REBNY and dissenting council members, warn landlords will offset broker fees by raising rents, potentially exacerbating housing affordability issues. Mayor Eric Adams expressed skepticism, though his administration participated in drafting the bill. The legislation reflects efforts to address NYC’s ongoing housing crisis but has sparked debate over its economic consequences.
The Jennings Creek wildfire in Warwick, NY, has prompted voluntary evacuations for 165 homes as strong winds breached containment lines, expanding the fire to over 5,000 acres. Residents in affected areas, including Greenwood Lake and Wah-ta-Wah Park, have sought shelter, with some staying at Greenwood Lake Middle School. Efforts to contain the blaze included aerial water drops totaling 22,000 gallons, while emergency personnel continue to battle the flames, which remain active in Sterling Forest State Park. Dry conditions across the region have fueled numerous brush fires, though rain expected midweek may provide some relief. The fire has highlighted the broader drought affecting nearly half the U.S., with officials urging water conservation and enacting burn bans to prevent further fires.
US NEWS
John Thune’s election as the next leader of the Senate Republicans marks a significant shift in the party’s leadership after nearly two decades under Mitch McConnell, who stepped down due to health concerns. In a closely-watched race, Thune, the current Senate Republican Whip, defeated Texas Senator John Cornyn by a vote of 29-24, with Florida Senator Rick Scott, a more populist candidate favored by figures like Elon Musk, being eliminated in the first round. Thune, 63, is seen as a pragmatic and unifying figure within the GOP, bringing stability and experience to the leadership role, while Cornyn, 72, a former Whip, was a longtime institutional presence. Thune’s victory marks a generational shift, as McConnell, who served as Senate Republican leader for 18 years and is the longest-serving conference leader in Senate history, steps aside. Thune’s leadership will take on additional significance as the GOP faces the challenge of navigating a Republican-controlled Senate alongside President Donald Trump in the White House and a GOP majority in the House of Representatives. Thune’s immediate task will be to work closely with the White House on staffing the incoming Trump administration and pushing through legislative priorities, including key judicial nominations and budget issues. While Trump did not directly intervene in the leadership race, he did stress the importance of securing support for recess appointments, a tool he used during his previous term to bypass Senate delays in confirming nominees. Thune’s approach is expected to be more measured compared to McConnell’s, but with a focus on maintaining party unity and advancing the GOP’s agenda amid a more polarized political climate.
House Republicans selected Mike Johnson (R-LA) as their nominee for speaker in the upcoming Congress, with unanimous support in a voice vote. Johnson’s confirmation will come in January’s full House vote. President-elect Donald Trump met with House Republicans earlier, expressing his full support for Johnson. The conservative Freedom Caucus, which had considered challenging Johnson, ultimately did not contest the voice vote. Alongside Johnson’s nomination, other GOP leadership positions were decided, with Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Tom Emmer (R-MN) securing another term as Majority Leader and Majority Whip, respectively. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) won the race to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as House GOP Conference Chair. McClain, who previously served as Conference secretary, expressed excitement about leading the GOP team alongside Johnson and Trump. Republicans are projected to hold a slim majority in the House after the 2024 elections, but Trump’s picks for his administration could impact the balance.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) resigned from Congress immediately after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him to serve as U.S. Attorney General. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) confirmed Gaetz’s resignation at a press conference, noting that it had caught Republican leadership by surprise. Gaetz, citing the need to avoid absences under Florida state law, prompted Speaker Johnson to contact Governor Ron DeSantis to begin the process of filling Gaetz’s vacant seat. Johnson anticipated the seat could be filled by January 3, 2025. Gaetz’s resignation also brings an end to a House investigation into serious allegations against him, which he has strongly denied. The House Ethics Committee was scheduled to vote on releasing a damaging report about Gaetz just days after his resignation. Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally, was officially nominated by Trump on Wednesday, with the former president praising Gaetz’s legal expertise and his work in exposing government corruption. Trump emphasized that Gaetz would focus on reforming the Department of Justice and prosecuting drug cartels. Gaetz expressed his honor and excitement about serving as Attorney General, calling it a privilege to work alongside President Trump.
Authorities have arrested and charged Asif William Rahman, a U.S. government employee, with leaking classified documents that detailed Israel’s preparations for a potential strike against Iran, according to a report by the New York Times. Rahman, who worked for the CIA, was indicted last week in federal court in Virginia on two counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information. He was apprehended by FBI agents on Tuesday in Cambodia and transported to Guam to face charges. The leaked documents, reportedly from the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency, outlined Israel’s ongoing military preparations in response to a ballistic missile attack by Iran on October 1. The information was part of a shared intelligence pool among the “Five Eyes” nations: the U.S., Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
U.S. inflation increased in October, accelerating slightly from the previous month, raising questions about whether the Federal Reserve will continue to cut interest rates. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.6% compared to October 2023, slightly above the 2.4% increase seen in September. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.2%, matching economists’ expectations and holding steady from the previous month. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, climbed 3.3% year-over-year, while it increased 0.3% from September. Despite inflation staying higher than the Fed’s 2% target, the report comes amid speculation that the Fed may implement a third rate cut in December, though Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has expressed caution. Inflation pressures have largely been driven by rising shelter costs, which accounted for more than half of the total increase, with shelter inflation rising 0.4% in October. While inflation has significantly eased from the peak of 9% in 2022, it remains a challenge for the Fed to bring it down to its target. This inflation report, along with weaker-than-expected job growth in October—adding only 12,000 jobs—has led to mixed expectations for the Fed’s future moves. Some analysts predict that the likelihood of further rate cuts may increase, while others warn that high inflation and employment pressures could make the Fed’s goal of 2% inflation difficult to achieve. The slow job growth, coupled with the inflation data, could also impact the Fed’s assessment of whether the economy is achieving a so-called “soft landing.”
Anas Said, a 28-year-old man from Houston, Texas, was arrested by the FBI after allegedly attempting to support ISIS and planning a terrorist attack. Authorities say Said researched ways to carry out violent acts on behalf of the terrorist group and planned an attack on local military recruiting centers. He also reportedly offered his apartment as a safe house for ISIS operatives and expressed intentions to carry out a “9/11-style” attack. Said was charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS and has admitted to attempting to produce ISIS propaganda.
Spirit Airlines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it faces financial struggles, including a loss of over $2.5 billion since 2020 and more than $1 billion in looming debt payments. The airline, the largest budget carrier in the U.S., said it would continue normal operations during the bankruptcy process, with no impact on employee wages or benefits. Spirit has struggled with rising labor costs, competition from other budget airlines, and a decline in revenue per mile. Despite an increase in passengers, lower ticket prices and additional expenses have contributed to its financial troubles. The airline is also grappling with required engine repairs that have grounded some of its planes. Spirit attempted to merge with Frontier Airlines in 2022 but was outbid by JetBlue, only for the deal to be blocked by the Justice Department. As part of its restructuring, Spirit plans to cut its workforce and has sold 23 aircraft for $519 million.
Israel NEWS
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly prepared to offer captors of hostages in Gaza “several million dollars” for the release of each hostage. In addition to this monetary incentive, Israel would guarantee “safe passage” for captors and their families out of Gaza in exchange for releasing the hostages. This offer was discussed during a recent meeting with Gal Hirsch, the government’s point person on the hostage situation, and some of the families of captives. However, Hamas rejected a proposal for a short-term ceasefire and hostage release deal that would have included a temporary halt in fighting in exchange for the release of four hostages. The ongoing conflict, which began with the October 7 Hamas attack, has seen continued Israeli military operations in northern Gaza, where humanitarian efforts are also underway, including aid deliveries and medical evacuations.
Israeli airstrikes on October 26 destroyed a secret nuclear weapons research facility at Iran’s Parchin military complex, 19 miles southeast of Tehran, which had been used for testing explosives necessary for detonating nuclear devices. The attack, confirmed by high-resolution satellite imagery from the Institute for Science and International Security, completely wiped out the facility, which had been inactive since 2003 but resumed covert activity in early 2024, potentially paving the way for the development of nuclear weapons. The strike was strategically aimed at a site not officially part of Iran’s declared nuclear program, making it a top-secret operation that could expose Iran’s efforts to resume activities prohibited under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, sending a message about Israel’s advanced intelligence capabilities even concerning highly classified Iranian operations. This attack came amidst broader tensions, including two earlier strikes against Iran’s air defense systems, which left the country more vulnerable to future assaults by Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz underscored that Iran’s nuclear facilities remain a prime target, given the persistent existential threat Iran poses to Israel, as the international community, led by the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), continues to scrutinize Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with the IAEA set to vote on a resolution to censure Tehran for its lack of cooperation.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced a 12-million-shekel ($3.2 million) allocation for improvements at the Rachel’s Tomb complex near Bethlehem, aiming to enhance accessibility, especially for people with disabilities. The announcement, made on the anniversary of the biblical Jewish matriarch Rachel’s death (the 11th of Cheshvan, from the evening of Nov. 11 to the evening of Nov. 12), details a comprehensive renovation plan. This includes expanding the access road, adding a new bus station, implementing safety measures for pedestrians and vehicles, and increasing parking spaces. The goal is to alleviate traffic congestion, improve the visitor experience, and enhance safety. Smotrich emphasized the importance of investing in access roads and developing holy sites, while Regev highlighted Rachel’s Tomb’s significance as one of Judaism’s most sacred sites, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. This initiative aligns with a broader trend in Israel to improve accessibility at key religious sites. Earlier this year, Hebron’s Tomb of the Patriarchs unveiled a $1.6 million elevator project that made the site accessible to those with mobility challenges, including a sloped path and enclosed footbridge. A similar project is underway at Jerusalem’s Western Wall, which will eliminate a 142-step descent and improve access to the most visited site in Israel after years of archaeological work.
WORLD NEWS
Israeli authorities issued a warning urging nationals in Thailand to remain vigilant and avoid public Jewish gatherings or events due to intelligence about potential attacks, specifically citing plans targeting Israelis at a Nov. 15 full-moon party on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, a popular destination for Israeli travelers. Thai and Israeli security officials have already foiled several attack attempts, according to a joint statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Mossad, and the National Security Council (NSC). The NSC recommended avoiding Israeli or Jewish events, concealing identifiable signs of being Israeli or Jewish, refraining from sharing travel plans on social media, and reporting suspicious activities to local security authorities. While the travel advisory level for Thailand remains unchanged, the warning comes shortly after Israelis were advised to leave Sri Lanka due to similar threats.
Senior members of Hamas’ overseas leadership have reportedly relocated from Qatar to Turkey, though this movement is consistent with their history of residing in Turkey when not attending meetings in Doha, according to an Arab diplomat cited by The Times of Israel. The move follows a U.S. request for Qatar to expel Hamas officials due to the group’s rejection of hostage exchange proposals and the execution of captives, including an American citizen. Qatar has denied expelling Hamas leaders but has paused its mediation role in the conflict. Despite this, the U.S. continues to push for a Gaza ceasefire deal. Turkey, which has historically supported Hamas, remains a host for its leadership and previously facilitated meetings, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s discussions with Hamas leaders, underlining Turkey’s ongoing support for the group.
Hard-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders sparked controversy on Wednesday by blaming “Moroccans” for last week’s violent attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, asserting in a parliamentary debate that they “want to destroy Jews” and advocating for the deportation of those convicted. The attacks occurred before and after a soccer match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, where masked assailants reportedly hunted and assaulted Jewish fans, shouting pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel slogans. Israeli officials reported 10 injuries, and hundreds of Israelis fled the Netherlands via special flights after enduring hours of confinement in their hotels due to inadequate police protection. Amsterdam police confirmed that five people were hospitalized, while reports described attackers on scooters conducting “hit-and-run” assaults. Lawmakers denounced antisemitism and called for harsh penalties for perpetrators, but opposition members criticized Wilders’ remarks as inflammatory and unhelpful for societal cohesion.
Anti-Israel demonstrators in Paris protested on Wednesday against a gala organized by the pro-Israel group “Israel is Forever,” raising funds for the Israel Defense Forces. The event, held at a secret location, initially included Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as a guest, but he canceled his attendance following backlash from unions, local associations, and left-wing political groups. Demonstrations, organized by BDS groups and the far-left France Unbowed Party, criticized the gala and coincided with heightened tensions surrounding an upcoming soccer match between France and Israel at Stade de France. French authorities deployed 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium staff, limiting stadium attendance to 20,000 to ensure security, citing antisemitic attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam as a precedent. Despite a travel warning from Israel’s National Security Council, many French Jews, including CRIF President Yonathan Arfi, emphasized the symbolic importance of attending the game to reject antisemitism. In a separate protest on Nov. 4, activists broke into the French Football Federation offices, demanding the game’s cancellation. Enhanced security measures are also in place for other European sporting events featuring Israeli teams.
