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The Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok chassidus has launched a fundraising effort to support its yeshiva ketanah, announcing a rare raffle centered on a silver yarmulka worn by the Rebbe last Shabbos Chanukah.

Leaders of the chassidus say the initiative is aimed at strengthening the yeshiva for younger bochurim, which serves the entire kehilla. In recent weeks, significant efforts have been underway to stabilize and expand the institution so it can continue providing a strong Torah framework for the chassidus’ youth.

The institutions of Toldeos Aharon Yitzchok are overseen by R’ Mordechai Webberman and R’ Binyamin Monderer, who manage the talmud Torah, the yeshiva gedolah, and the girls’ educational framework. They have now also assumed responsibility for sustaining the yeshiva ketanah. According to an announcement made to the public, the administration committed to covering half of the yeshiva’s expenses, while the parents’ committee undertook responsibility for the remaining half.

As part of the fundraising campaign accompanying the establishment of the yeshiva ketanah, the chassidus will conduct a special raffle featuring a yarmulka made of pure silver that was worn by the Rebbe on Shabbos Chanukah.

Donors who contribute at least 200 shekels per month for 24 months will be entered into the raffle once, while those who pledge 500 shekels per month for the same period will receive five entries.

{Matzav.com}

A Mexican drug cartel member accused of faking his death to avoid capture was sentenced Thursday to more than 11 years in U.S. prison for his money laundering role in one of his home country’s largest and most violent narcotics trafficking organizations. Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa was living in California under a phony identity when he […]

A familiar sight from decades past — friends and family walking travelers all the way to the gate — is beginning to reappear at a handful of U.S. airports, as select facilities introduce programs allowing limited post-security access for non-travelers.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport in California announced this week that it is launching a guest pass initiative that permits “non-passengers” to enter secured areas of the terminal. The move marks a notable shift from strict post-9/11 security norms that have long restricted gate access to ticketed travelers only.

According to the airport, visitors who want to accompany departing passengers must apply online for security approval, which can be submitted up to seven days before the intended visit. Once the application is reviewed, the Transportation Security Administration will issue an OAK guest pass to approved applicants.

Those granted access will be required to present the guest pass along with a TSA-approved photo ID, such as a passport or Real ID, before proceeding through security. The airport notes on its website that approved guests may enter the post-security side of the terminal to spend time with loved ones prior to departure.

For many travelers, the change revives memories of a very different airport experience. Before 2001, airports across the United States generally allowed anyone — even without a boarding pass — to pass through security checkpoints and wait at the gate. That changed after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, which led to the creation of the TSA and the introduction of federal regulations limiting access to secured areas exclusively to ticketed passengers.

Oakland is not alone in revisiting that earlier model. Several other airports have already implemented similar programs, while additional facilities are considering doing so. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offers a “hangout pass,” San Antonio International Airport operates a “SAT Pass,” and Kansas City International Airport provides its own “guest pass.” Philadelphia International Airport has introduced a “wingmate pass,” while Detroit Metropolitan Airport issues a “destination pass.”

The return of limited gate access has stirred nostalgia among travelers online. In the “r/travel” forum on Reddit, one user asked, “How was airport security before 2001?” The question prompted a flood of recollections from users who remembered a more communal airport atmosphere.

“One of the biggest differences is that unticketed people could come with you, so family could accompany you to the gate,” wrote one commenter. Another responded, “One of my fondest memories is seeing my grandma as I exited the plane with my brother when my parents sent me out to see her.”

Others recalled airports as social spaces in their own right. “Going to the airport to watch planes was a big deal. Anytime one had to fly, or a friend or family member [was flying off], a whole group would accompany the traveler/s just to get there early and watch planes take off and land,” one user wrote. Another added, “You could go to the airport just to hang out, even if you had no travel plans.”

Some commenters contrasted those memories with the modern experience. One person reminisced about “being able to see people off at the gate (or vice versa). Now you have to say your goodbyes, then walk half a mile to your gate alone.” The same user noted that “being able to greet someone at the gate was nice.”

Oakland officials emphasized that the new access policy is not guaranteed to remain in place permanently. The airport stated on its website, “The OAK Guest Pass is not a permanent program.” The notice adds that, “In response to exigent circumstances or operational needs, the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel the program, cancel approved OAK Guest Passes or modify program rules at any time without prior notice.”

{Matzav.com}

Newly resurfaced social media posts reveal that one of NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s most senior appointees made repeated antisemitic remarks and inflammatory attacks on police. Catherine Almonte Da Costa, whom Mamdani announced this week as New York City’s next Director of Appointments, previously posted a series of comments on X that relied on crude antisemitic […]

A UPS-owned company that processes boxless returns is testing an AI fraud-detection tool this holiday season with a handful of clients including Everlane, Revolve, and Under Armour.

Attorneys for former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett have filed a police complaint against political social media activists, accusing them of spreading content taken from Bennett’s Telegram account that allegedly leaked following an illegal hacking incident.

According to the complaint, the materials were knowingly distributed after being obtained through criminal means, in violation of the law. Bennett’s lawyers argue that the dissemination of the messages is especially serious given the sensitivity of an election year and its potential impact on public opinion.

The complaint states that distributing materials obtained through unlawful wiretapping constitutes a serious criminal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison. Among those named are social media activist Ido Gavoni and an individual identified as Gor Ben Ze’ev, who allegedly shared screenshots of purported correspondence between Bennett and his former adviser, Shimrit Meir.

Investigative sources said the matter is being handled by the Shin Bet. Authorities believe the breach was limited to Bennett’s Telegram account and did not involve access to his personal phone. The complaint was also forwarded to the State Attorney and to the head of the police investigations and intelligence division, with Bennett’s legal team stressing that the incident represents an improper attempt to use a criminal hack to influence the democratic process.

{Matzav.com}

TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. business to three American investors — Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX — ensuring the popular social video platform can continue operating in the United States. The deal is expected to close on Jan. 22, according to an internal memo seen by The Associated Press. CEO Shou […]

An Algerian nanny was sentenced to 2½ years in prison in France for attempting to poison a Jewish family by pouring cleaning fluid into their drinks. The court ruled the act was not antisemitic, citing a financial dispute, and also convicted her of using forged documents.

Chabad at Michigan State Vandalized in Suspected Hate Crime This week, the Chabad building at Michigan State University was targeted in two separate incidents. A man threw rocks, shattering two windows, and spray-painted swastikas along with a threatening message reading, “he’s back.” Police are investigating the incidents as a potential hate crime.

Ben Shapiro used a prominent platform at the Heritage Foundation on Wednesday to issue a blunt warning to the conservative movement, denouncing Tucker Carlson by name and accusing a growing faction on the right of drifting toward conspiracy theories, antisemitism, and ideological decay. Speaking for nearly an hour, Shapiro — one of the most influential […]

It’s been called an “epidemic” of loneliness and isolation. The “bowling alone” phenomenon. By any name, it refers to Americans’ growing social disconnection by many measures. Americans are less likely to join civic groups, unions and religious groups than in recent generations. They have fewer friends, are less trusting of each other and less likely […]

Shocking footage shows former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle’s plane crash in Statesville, NC, killing seven, including his wife and children.

IDF and Border Police carried out counterterrorism operations in the Jenin area overnight, arresting two Islamic Jihad terrorists and confiscating weapons.

The Anti-Defamation League said that a senior hire announced by New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani had published antisemitic remarks on social media more than ten years ago.

On Tuesday, Mamdani selected Catherine Almonte Da Costa to serve as director of appointments in his incoming administration. Da Costa previously held a similar role during Mayor Bill de Blasio’s tenure.

According to the ADL, it uncovered posts from Da Costa’s X account written in 2011 and 2012 that contained antisemitic language.

Among the posts cited by the organization was the statement, “Money hungry Jews smh.” The abbreviation “smh” refers to “shaking my head.”

The ADL said Da Costa also wrote, “Promoted to upstairs office today! Working alongside these rich Jewish peeps,” as well as, “Far Rockaway train is the Jew train.”

Shortly after the ADL made the posts public, the X account was removed.

In response, the ADL said, “We appreciate Da Costa has relationships with members of the Jewish community, but her posts require immediate explanation — not just from Ms. Da Costa, but also from the Mayor-Elect.”

The controversy followed another incident involving Mamdani’s team, after a separate staff member issued an apology last month for past social media posts that portrayed Israel in a demonizing manner.

Mamdani’s transition operation has also drawn scrutiny for including Women’s March leader Tamika Mallory, who has been accused of engaging in antisemitic conduct.

{Matzav.com}

Video from the U.S. Coast Guard shows the moments when two boaters were rescued early Wednesday morning after their sailboat’s mast broke on the rough waters off Florida’s Coast.

Several mayors from across Miami-Dade County gathered on Thursday to stand together in condemning rising antisemitism.

Chuck Schumer on President Trump’s address to the nation – “The president last night tried to convince Americans the sky is green, that trees can walk.”