As 2024 draws to a close, it seems impossible to remember all that occurred within it. Wars, assassination, and elections are the most obvious, but there were also forgotten stories, both big and small, that should be remembered as well. Upon reflection, this year was a transitional one for not only the nation, but for the world.
January
The “How Many Stops Act” passes the New York City Council and overcame a veto by Mayor Eric Adams. The act mandates NYPD officers document demographic information during all public interactions, including minor “level 1” stops, to combat biased policing and build trust. Critics argue the bill will lengthen officers’ shifts, increase overtime costs, and produce unreliable data due to its subjective nature, undermining its purpose. Supporters see it as a step toward transparency, while experts question its practicality and impact on public safety.
A bomb threat targeting the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County in West Hempstead is deemed a hoax after a thorough police search, including nearby places of worship, yielded no explosives. The incident disrupts synagogue services and events, leaving many shaken, with one local resident expressing concern over rising threats to the Jewish community.
Nine countries, including the United States, Germany, the UK, and Japan, pause additional funding to UNRWA amid allegations that some of its staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The UNRWA, responsible for humanitarian aid in Gaza, terminates 9 of the 12 employees implicated, with investigations ongoing. Israel has long accused the agency of ties to Hamas, which UNRWA strongly denies, while the funding cuts come during a critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
February
Former Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi wins a key special House election in New York, flipping a suburban district and narrowing the Republican majority in Congress. His victory in Queens and Long Island, a region trending Republican since 2021, marks a political rebound following George Santos’ tenure. Suozzi, a centrist, campaigned on stricter border policies and bipartisan immigration reform, cutting into Republican Mazi Pilip’s lead on the issue, while Democrats targeted her anti-abortion stance through heavy ad campaigns.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, 47, dies in a penal colony after reportedly collapsing during a walk, though Western leaders strongly blame President Vladimir Putin for his death. Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, had been imprisoned since his return to Russia following a near-fatal nerve agent poisoning widely seen as an assassination attempt. US and European officials condemn the incident as further evidence of Putin’s brutality, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling Navalny’s death an act of murder and urging accountability for the Russian regime.
Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old US Air Force member and self-described anarchist, dies after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, in protest against what he described as the “genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza. His act of self-immolation draws mixed reactions, with some leftist figures like Cornel West and Jill Stein praising his sacrifice.
March
Tensions between the US and Israel escalate after the Biden administration abstains from vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire during Ramadan, prompting Israel to cancel a planned delegation to Washington. The US voices humanitarian concerns over Israel’s military plans to target Rafah, Hamas’ last stronghold, while Israel asserts these operations are essential to defeating Hamas.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign and dissolve his government, citing concerns about Netanyahu’s leadership during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Schumer criticizes Netanyahu for tolerating civilian casualties in Gaza and undermining Israel’s standing in the international community. He suggests that a new election in Israel could lead to a change in policy and restore confidence in the government.
A massive container ship, the Dali, collides with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore after losing propulsion, causing the bridge to collapse and plunging multiple vehicles into the Patapsco River. Quick-thinking authorities halt traffic before the impact, preventing further casualties, but six construction workers remain missing, and rescue efforts are ongoing. The crash is declared a mass casualty event.
April
A total solar eclipse captivates viewers across parts of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, offering a rare opportunity to witness the celestial phenomenon. The path of totality stretches from Mexico to the northeastern US, with significant public interest leading to event cancellations due to severe weather concerns. Schools in various states close, allowing students to safely enjoy the event, while thousands gathered in open spaces, rooftops, and even at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. The last total solar eclipse in North America was in 2017, and the next will occur in 2044 and 2045.
Iran launches an attack on Israel, marking its first direct assault on Israeli territory. This includes explosive drones and missiles, which cause some damage to an Israeli military facility and leaves a 7-year-old Bedouin girl critically injured. The US strongly supports Israel, with President Biden pledging “ironclad” backing and vowing to coordinate a diplomatic response with the Group of Seven economies.
New York City and its surrounding area experience a significant earthquake followed by multiple aftershocks. The initial quake measures 4.8 on the Richter scale, striking near Gladstone, New Jersey, and is followed by a 3.8 magnitude aftershock. Despite widespread reports of shaking and rattling, there are no immediate reports of significant damage.
At Columbia University, a group of students engage in anti-Israel protests, targeting Jewish students with hateful chants and actions, including attempts to block their access to campus areas. Similar incidents occur at other universities like Yale and Northwestern, where protests escalate into anti-Semitic activity, leading to widespread condemnation from both university leaders and the White House. These protests drag on for months, eventually canceling commencement ceremonies.
May
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carries out precision strikes against Hamas in the Gazan city of Rafah. This operation, backed by Israel’s War Cabinet, aims to apply military pressure on Hamas to advance the release of hostages and achieve other war objectives. The operation follows Hamas’ acceptance of terms for a ceasefire agreement that Israel had not agreed to. Reports from the region indicate a temporary quiet in Rafah, with Israeli forces possibly nearing control of the Rafah Border Checkpoint between Gaza and Egypt.
The House of Representatives passes the bipartisan Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, aimed at addressing anti-Semitism, particularly on college campuses. The bill mandates that the Department of Education use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism when enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws. While supporters argue that it is necessary to combat hate, critics, including the ACLU and some lawmakers, contend that the bill could infringe on free speech, particularly on college campuses. The bill passes with a vote of 320 to 91, but it is never brought up for a vote in the Democratic-led Senate.
President Biden halts a large shipment of bombs to Israel, including 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, as a political move to pressure Israel over its military actions in Gaza, specifically its plans to eliminate Hamas terrorists in Rafah. This decision comes amid growing anti-Israel protests on US college campuses and criticism from far-left factions within the Democratic Party, which leads to Biden seeking to balance support for Israel with addressing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.
The US military’s $320 million temporary pier, built to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, breaks apart due to heavy seas just a week after becoming operational. The pier, which consists of a narrow causeway and a parking area for supplies, sustains damage that will require repairs in Israel, delaying aid deliveries further. Initially expected to transport up to 150 truckloads of aid daily, the system faces repeated setbacks, including rough weather, and the ongoing Israeli offensive. Prior to the damage, around 1,000 metric tons of aid had been delivered, none of which was given to civilians in Gaza, according to the Pentagon.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian are killed in a helicopter crash, but their deaths are unlikely to change the regime’s power structure, as Iran’s leadership remains controlled by the Ayatollahs. Raisi, known for his role in the 1988 execution of thousands of prisoners, and Amir-Abdollahian, an ally of Qassem Soleimani, were both responsible for significant human rights abuses and terrorism. The EU’s condolences to these leaders spark criticism, with some Western figures condemning the response as morally misguided.
Donald Trump is found guilty in his hush-money trial in New York, making him the first US president to be convicted of a crime. He is convicted on all 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records to conceal payments made during the 2016 election, with prosecutors accusing him of a “catch-and-kill” scheme.
June
Two NASA-trained astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, are forced to remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after technical difficulties with Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. Originally scheduled to return on June 13, the Starliner faces multiple issues, including helium leaks, a malfunctioning thruster, and docking delays after its launch on June 5. These problems follow a previous launch attempt on June 1, which was scrapped due to a ground control computer issue.
Four Israeli hostages who were abducted by Hamas terrorists from the Supernova music festival on October 7 are rescued by the IDF. The hostages – Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv – are freed from two separate locations in central Gaza after a special operation involving IDF, the Israel Security Agency (ISA), and Israeli Police forces. The IDF faces fire from Hamas during the operation but successfully rescues the hostages, all of whom are found to be in good condition. This marks one of the most successful rescue operations since Hamas captured at least 250 hostages in October, and the IDF continues its efforts to rescue the remaining hostages in Gaza.
A mob of protesters chanting “intifada revolution” gathers outside a New York City exhibit memorializing the victims of Hamas’ October 7 attacks. The demonstration, organized by the anti-Israel group Within Our Lifetime, features Palestinian flags and one associated with Hezbollah, a Lebanese terrorist group backed by Iran. The protesters, who began in Union Square, carry a banner referring to the Hamas massacre that killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Music mogul Scooter Braun, one of the exhibit’s organizers, condemns the protest, emphasizing the importance of remembering the victims of the attack.
A violent protest outside an Orthodox synagogue in Los Angeles sees pro-Hamas extremists blocking access to the Adas Torah synagogue, leading to criticism of Mayor Karen Bass and the LAPD for not protecting the Jewish community. Critics claim that the LAPD allowed the protesters to harass Jews and blocked their entry to the synagogue, accusing authorities of enabling the attack. While Bass condemns the violence and calls for increased police presence, her statement was criticized for not specifically addressing the targeting of Jews, with some calling the incident a “pogrom.”
July
Former President Donald Trump is shot ing a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He confirms that a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear, causing bleeding, but quickly recovers after being shielded by Secret Service agents and is escorted off stage. Trump expresses gratitude to law enforcement for their rapid response and extended condolences to the families of those killed or injured in the attack, while his campaign assures the public that he was being checked at a local medical facility.
Donald Trump announces that Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio will be his running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Vance, a former combat correspondent and the author of the memoir Hillbilly Elegy, rose to prominence for his defense of working-class Americans and his support for Trump’s agenda. A staunch critic of illegal immigration, US aid to Ukraine, and diversity programs, Vance has become a key ally of Trump, and his selection as VP is seen as an attempt to strengthen Trump’s appeal in the Midwest.
President Joe Biden announces that he will not seek reelection in November, citing the best interests of the country and the Democratic Party. The decision follows growing pressure within his party, particularly after a poor debate performance, concerns about his health, and questions about his ability to handle the demands of office. Biden, 81, has been scrutinized over his mental and physical fitness, with some medical experts speculating that he may have Parkinson’s disease, further fueling doubts about his ability to serve another term.
In a speech to a joint session of Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposes an “Abraham Alliance” to strengthen cooperation with Arab states against Iran, while highlighting Israel’s shared values and military ties with the US. He honors the victims of the October 7 Hamas attack and condemned protesters supporting Hamas, urging bipartisan support for Israel. Netanyahu also calls for expedited weapons shipments to help end the war in Gaza and secure a “total victory” over Hamas. Over 70 Democratic lawmakers, including high-profile figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin boycott the address, with Harris opting to attend an event at a sorority house.
August
The Nassau County Legislature passes the “Mask Transparency Act” after a six-hour hearing, making it a misdemeanor to wear a mask in public spaces with the intent of hiding one’s identity. Supporters argue it is necessary to prevent violence and hate speech at protests, while opponents raise concerns about racial profiling and potential constitutional issues. The bill passes along party lines with all Republicans voting in favor, while all Democrats abstained. County Executive Bruce Blakeman signs the bill shortly thereafter.
Kamala Harris officially announces Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the November election, a decision that puts the relatively unknown politician in the spotlight with less than 100 days until Election Day. Known for his progressive agenda, Walz has implemented policies like legalizing recreational marijuana and granting voting rights to former felons, though he also faces criticism for his handling of the George Floyd riots and Covid-19 restrictions.
September
Federal authorities launch a broad investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, raiding the homes of several top officials, including his first deputy mayor, Sheena Wright, and schools Chancellor David Banks, as well as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks. The investigation also targets NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and senior adviser Tim Pearson, subpoenaing their cell phones, along with several other members of the NYPD. While the scope of the investigation remains unclear, Adams’ office has distanced itself from any wrongdoing, emphasizing cooperation with law enforcement.
Former President Donald Trump describes a frightening incident while he was playing golf, where an apparent assassination attempt was thwarted. Gunshots were fired in the air, and Secret Service quickly reacted, evacuating Trump and his group from the golf course. It was later revealed that a Secret Service agent had fired at a suspicious figure with an AK-47, leading to a high-speed chase where the suspect was eventually apprehended, thanks to a civilian who took photos of the suspect’s vehicle and provided them to authorities.
Hurricane Helene makes landfall and strikes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. At least 230 people – across six southeastern US states – are killed as a direct result of the hurricane. Hundreds are missing, particularly in North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, where flooding and destroyed infrastructure complicate rescue efforts. More than a million people go without power, and officials expect extensive rebuilding costs and months of repairs.
The Town of Hempstead forms an Anti-Semitism Task Force to proactively combat rising hate crimes and promote tolerance through education, outreach, and security enhancement. Local leaders and faith representatives strongly support the initiative, highlighting the growing threat of anti-Semitism and Hempstead’s commitment to safeguarding the Jewish community.
Israel’s military conducts a covert operation against Hezbollah, years ago rigging thousands of pagers with explosives, which detonate remotely when the terrorists received a message from their leadership. The attack results in the injury of around 4,000 Hezbollah members, with at least 11 fatalities, and is prompted by concerns that the pagers had been compromised.
Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, is confirmed dead following an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. His death significantly impacts Hezbollah, leaving the organization vulnerable and facing challenges in replacing him. The airstrike targets Nasrallah as part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s operations and eliminate threats to its security. Experts believe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may assist Hezbollah in maintaining its operations, although the group faces internal instability.
October
Jimmy Carter turns 100, becoming the first former president to reach the milestone.
President Donald Trump visits the Ohel in Queens for an October 7 commemoration. Trump’s visit marks a significant moment of personal reflection, as he prays at the resting place of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. The Ohel, a revered Jewish holy site, attracts individuals from all walks of life seeking inspiration and solace, and Trump’s visit continued a family tradition of honoring the Rebbe.
Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, is killed by the IDF in southern Gaza. He was the mastermind behind the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the injury of thousands more. Sinwar’s death is confirmed by the IDF after DNA evidence verified his identity, following an airstrike on the building where he was hiding.
SpaceX achieves a historic milestone by successfully launching its Starship spacecraft and then returning the Super Heavy booster back to the launch site. The 232-foot Super Heavy booster is caught mid-air by two massive metal arms, dubbed “chopsticks,” on its first-ever attempt, marking a major advancement in space travel and reusability. This achievement has the potential to revolutionize the economics of space travel by enabling the reuse of rocket parts, furthering Elon Musk’s vision of making space more accessible.
November
Former President Donald Trump wins the 2024 election, completing a remarkable political comeback. Despite a fiercely contested race, Trump wins key swing states, including Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, securing 270 Electoral College votes. Trump is set to return to the White House after a four-year absence, following the Biden administration. Trump campaigned on promises to address immigration, inflation, energy production, and military modernization, and has vowed to protect American freedoms and secure elections. His platform also includes promises to unite the country and restore American greatness.
In Amsterdam, violent clashes erupt following a pro-Palestinian protest tied to a soccer match between Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, resulting in disturbing scenes of Arab individuals chasing Jews through the streets. The protest, initially banned by the city’s mayor due to fears of violence, escalate as groups chanting pro-Palestinian slogans confronted Israeli fans. Videos depict acts of aggression, including one where a man is thrown into a river and forced to chant “free Palestine.”
A bombshell report by The Daily Wire reveals that a FEMA supervisor instructed disaster relief workers to bypass homes displaying Trump signs while surveying damage from Hurricane Milton in Florida. At least 20 homes with visible Trump support were skipped, denying these residents the opportunity to receive federal aid. FEMA has since removed the supervisor from her position and launched an investigation into the discriminatory guidance, assuring that it does not reflect the agency’s mission to assist all disaster survivors.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issues arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024. These charges include war crimes related to starvation and crimes against humanity such as murder, persecution, and inhumane acts. The ICC’s actions have been controversial, as Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute and the court has no jurisdiction over the country, leading to accusations of political motives behind the warrants.
The body of Chabad-Lubavitch emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who went missing in the UAE on November 21, is found by local authorities, confirming his murder. Israeli officials condemn the act as anti-Semitic terrorism and vow to bring the perpetrators to justice, with the Mossad investigating the incident. Kogan, who ran a kosher supermarket in Abu Dhabi, is believed to have been kidnapped and murdered by an Uzbek cell linked to Iran, and Israeli security agencies coordinate with Turkish officials to uncover the truth.
December
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, is shot and killed outside the New York Hilton in Midtown Manhattan, where he was attending an investor meeting. The attack is believed to be targeted, with evidence suggesting that the killer, identified as Luigi Mangione, used a 3D-printed gun and wrote phrases like “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” on the bullet casings, hinting at a motive related to dissatisfaction with insurance practices.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law in a move to counter opposition control over parliament, but it is lifted within six hours following intense backlash, including from his own party. Subsequently, the National Assembly votes to impeach Yoon due to this controversial martial law attempt, suspending him from office pending a Constitutional Court decision.
Daniel Penny is acquitted of criminally negligent homicide, for the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway. This follows a jury deadlock on the manslaughter charge, which is then dismissed by the judge, leaving only the negligent homicide charge for consideration.
The Assad government in Syria collapses after opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) capture Damascus, marking the end of over 50 years of rule by the Assad family. President Bashar al-Assad flees to Russia, where he was granted asylum, while Syrian state media announced the establishment of a transitional governing body by the rebels.
Israel announces the closure of its embassy in Dublin, Ireland, due to what it described as the “extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government,” including Ireland’s recognition of a Palestinian state and its support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris describes the decision as “deeply regrettable,” rejecting accusations that Ireland is anti-Israel and emphasizing that Ireland supports peace, human rights, and international law.
