New York News
The Guardian Angels, a volunteer safety patrol group founded by Curtis Sliwa in 1979, have announced they will resume patrolling New York City subway cars in response to recent violent incidents. This decision follows the tragic murder of a sleeping passenger who was burned to death on an F train in Brooklyn, highlighting safety concerns in the subway system.
The group plans to conduct wellness checks on homeless and emotionally disturbed individuals, provide water, and report issues to the NYPD. With about 150 members in the city, the Guardian Angels aim to increase their presence, training, and numbers to levels reminiscent of their early days, responding to what they describe as a return to the crime-ridden atmosphere of the 1970s. This move has garnered varied reactions, with some seeing it as a necessary community response to crime, while others, including city officials, view it as a critique of the current public safety measures.
A fire erupted at the Bryant Park holiday market in Manhattan, damaging several booths. According to FDNY fire marshals, the blaze was accidental, originating from cooking oil coming into contact with combustibles. The fire was reported around 9:20 a.m. and was contained by 10 a.m., with no injuries reported. The incident affected a 40-foot-long kiosk that housed four separate businesses, causing slight damage to an adjacent kiosk and some heat damage to the roof of the nearby ice skating rink. Most of the holiday shops not affected by the fire reopened later that day.
Swastikas and other antisemitic graffiti were discovered in Shadmoor State Park in Montauk, New York, marking a disturbing incident in the community. The vandalism, which included Nazi-era references like “SS” and “der Jude,” was found just days before Hanukkah, intensifying concerns about rising antisemitism. This was the second instance of such hateful acts in the area since the October 7 attacks, emphasizing a troubling pattern. Local officials and community leaders have condemned the vandalism and are supporting the ongoing investigation by New York State Police, which was directed by Governor Kathy Hochul. Community responses have included rallies and efforts to paint over the graffiti with messages of peace and unity.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has urged the federal government to pursue additional charges against Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, the suspect in a horrific subway murder where he allegedly set a woman on fire. Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen who re-entered the U.S. illegally after a prior deportation in 2018, is already facing state charges of murder and arson. Adams’ call for federal charges under the arson statute reflects his administration’s stance on addressing violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, even in a city known for its sanctuary policies. This move has sparked debate about immigration, crime, and jurisdiction over public safety issues in NYC, highlighting the tension between local and federal law enforcement approaches.
New York City’s congestion pricing plan includes provisions for “gridlock alert days,” which are designated by the Department of Transportation as times when traffic congestion is expected to be at its peak. Originally, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had the authority to increase the congestion toll by 25% on these days, potentially raising the base toll from $9 to $11.25. However, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she would not permit this surcharge, effectively eliminating the “surge pricing” on gridlock alert days.
US NEWS
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has passed away at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, left a complicated legacy. His administration was marred with high levels of inflation and foreign conflicts, culminating in the 1979 Iranian Revolution where 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days. He was also known for his humanitarian efforts after leaving office and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work in promoting peace, democracy, and human rights. His death was confirmed by the Carter Center, where he spent much of his post-presidency working on global issues. President Joe Biden has ordered a national day of mourning to honor Carter’s legacy, with plans for a state funeral in Washington, D.C., followed by interment in Plains next to his beloved wife, Rosalynn, who passed away in November 2023.
In 2024, the United States experienced a significant increase in homelessness, with an 18.1% rise reported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This surge brought the total number of people experiencing homelessness to more than 770,000 on a single night in January 2024. Factors contributing to this dramatic increase include a severe shortage of affordable housing, soaring rents, and the expiration of many COVID-19 relief programs. Additionally, natural disasters and an influx of migrants in some areas have exacerbated the situation. This increase marks a continuing trend of worsening homelessness in the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for effective policy interventions and increased housing assistance.
The bald eagle was officially recognized as the national bird of the United States, a symbolic honor that came more than 240 years after it first became an emblem of the nation’s power and strength. This formal acknowledgment by the U.S. Congress was somewhat of a belated recognition, as the bald eagle had already been featured on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782. The bird, known for its majestic appearance and sharp vision, has long been admired for embodying the ideals of freedom and independence. This legislative action not only cements the bald eagle’s place in American culture but also underscores ongoing conservation efforts that have helped recover the species from the brink of extinction due to DDT pesticide use and habitat loss.
During the annual Menorah Lighting in Little Rock, Arkansas, a peaceful Chanukah celebration was marred by disruptions from anti-Israel protesters. The event, which was attended by former Arkansas Governor and U.S. ambassador to Israel-designate Mike Huckabee, saw activists from groups like Taste of Olam Haba and Little Rock Peace for Palestine shouting at families and disrupting the ceremony. Protesters carried poles with candles and wore sweaters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, focusing their chants on Huckabee’s nomination and his support for Israel. The traditional Chanukah tune “Maoz Tzur” was sung by attendees in an attempt to drown out the protesters’ noises. This incident has sparked discussions on antisemitism and the right to peaceful assembly, with many condemning the harassment of families during a religious celebration.
Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel, who represents House District 101 in Broward County, announced her decision to leave the Democratic Party and join the Republicans. Cassel, who is Jewish, cited her growing concerns over the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel and its tolerance of “extreme progressive voices” that she believes justify or condone acts of terrorism. Her switch marks the second such move by a Florida Democrat in the month, following Rep. Susan Valdés’s change earlier in December. This political shift further bolsters the Republican supermajority in the Florida House to 87 seats.
A judge has ruled that the Georgia state Senate has the authority to subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis as part of an inquiry into potential misconduct during her prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump. This decision, handed down by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram, gives Willis until January 13, 2025, to submit objections regarding the breadth or confidentiality of the information lawmakers demand. The ruling stems from allegations of misuse of state funds and conflicts of interest, particularly related to Willis’s relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis’s legal team, led by former Democratic Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, has indicated plans to appeal, arguing the subpoenas are overly broad and not related to legitimate legislative needs. This development marks another chapter in the contentious legal battles surrounding Willis’s handling of the high-profile election interference case.
A massive 40-foot by 40-foot sinkhole has led to the closure of Interstate 80 eastbound near Exit 34 in Wharton, New Jersey. The sinkhole was caused by the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft, a not-uncommon occurrence in Morris County due to its mining history. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has been working around the clock to repair the damage, employing wire mesh, stone aggregate, concrete, and asphalt to stabilize and refill the area. Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes, with detours in place, including Route 46 and a combination of Route 15 and other local roads. The highway was reopened by 8 a.m. on December 30, after diligent efforts by NJDOT crews and contractors to address this significant disruption, especially challenging during the holiday season.
In a surprising development, a study published in the Journal of JAMA Health Forum has revealed that obesity rates in the United States have decreased for the first time in more than a decade. The research, which tracked more than 16.7 million adults over ten years, showed a decline from 46% in 2022 to 45.6% in 2023. This shift has been attributed, in part, to the increased use of weight loss medications like Ozempic, particularly noted in the Southern states where the decline was most pronounced. While this news is encouraging, experts caution that obesity remains a significant public health challenge, with rates still far above the national health goals.
Israel NEWS
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they have concluded a “limited operation” targeting Hamas at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. According to the IDF, this operation resulted in the killing of at least five terrorists and the capture of several others, including someone involved in the October 7 attacks. The military coordinated the secure evacuation of patients, medical personnel, and civilians prior to and during the operation. This action was part of ongoing efforts by the IDF to dismantle Hamas’s use of civilian infrastructure, like hospitals, for military purposes. The operation was carried out to mitigate harm to non-combatants while addressing security threats in the area.
Israel’s Defense Ministry has finalized a significant contract with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to bolster the production of Arrow 3 interceptor missiles, with the deal valued at billions of shekels. This move comes in response to escalated ballistic missile threats from the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, who have recently intensified their attacks on Israel. The Arrow 3 system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere, has proven effective in defending against these threats, including during Iran’s direct attacks in April and October 2024. The agreement aims to replenish and expand Israel’s interceptor stockpile, ensuring the country’s defense capabilities against long-range missile threats remain robust. This expansion of production will also inject significant economic benefits into Israel’s defense sector.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful surgery to remove his prostate due to a benign enlargement that had caused a urinary tract infection. The procedure, which required full anesthesia, was performed at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. Justice Minister Yariv Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days for observation, reinforcing security measures around his recovery ward due to ongoing regional tensions. This surgery follows previous health interventions for Netanyahu, including hernia surgery earlier in the year and pacemaker installation in 2023.
EL AL, Israel’s national airline, has suspended all flights to Moscow citing “developments in Russia’s airspace.” This decision comes in the wake of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, which some officials attributed to Russian air defenses mistakenly targeting the aircraft. The cancellation affects the Tel Aviv-Moscow route, with EL AL promising a reassessment of the situation to decide on resuming operations. This move reflects heightened concerns over the safety of flying in Russian airspace amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and military activities.
Since the events of October 7, 2023, approximately 35,000 Jews have made Aliyah, or immigrated to Israel, according to by the Jewish Agency for Israel. This surge in immigration has been influenced by several factors, including rising antisemitism worldwide following the outbreak of conflict, which has motivated many to seek a safer environment in Israel. The influx includes Jews from approximately 100 different countries, with around 31,000 individuals making Aliyah in 2024 alone. A significant portion of these new immigrants are young adults, aged 18-35, suggesting not only a response to immediate threats but also a long-term commitment to life in Israel. This movement underscores a complex interplay of identity, security, and solidarity with Israel among the global Jewish community.
WORLD NEWS
A landmark study published in both the United States and Israel has revealed that the value of property confiscated from Syria’s Jewish community now exceeds $10 billion when adjusted to contemporary terms. This research, conducted by Justice for Jews from Arab Countries (JJAC), underscores the significant economic loss suffered by the Jewish population due to state-sponsored discrimination and persecution. The study highlights that from a once thriving community, only four Jews are known to remain in Syria today. This investigation is part of a larger initiative by JJAC to document similar losses across ten additional Arab countries and Iran in the coming months. The report not only quantifies the financial impact but also sheds light on the historical and cultural erasure of the Jewish community in Syria.
An Amsterdam District Court handed down sentences of up to six months to five men implicated in violent clashes surrounding a UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The riots, which sparked international condemnation, resulted in five people being hospitalized and twenty others sustaining minor injuries, with more than 60 individuals detained. The court’s sentences ranged from six months in prison for one man, two and a half months for another, one month for two more, and 100 hours of community service for the fifth. The violence was described as having antisemitic undertones, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even offering to evacuate Maccabi supporters.
An Azerbaijan Airlines flight carrying 67 passengers and crew crashed near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau. The Embraer 190 was en route from Baku to Grozny when it was forced to make an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers from Aktau due to what preliminary reports suggest was a bird strike. Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of 38 individuals, with 29 survivors, including two children, being hospitalized. The crash has prompted an immediate investigation involving Azerbaijani, Kazakhstani, and Russian officials to determine the exact cause. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev declared a national day of mourning in response to the catastrophe.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris was evacuated after a fire broke out in one of its elevator shafts between the first and second floors. The incident, caused by an overheating cable, led to the evacuation of approximately 1,200 tourists. Firefighters managed to control and extinguish the blaze by midday, ensuring no injuries occurred. Access to the tower was temporarily restricted during the operation. The management confirmed that the fire was contained within the elevator and did not spread to other parts of the structure.
