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Introducing Sparks of a Nation: Shabbos Edition – Now at Your Doorstep!
NYC: Curtis Sliwa Apologizes for Past Antisemitic Remarks, Pledges Outreach to Jewish Voters in Mayoral Bid
NYC Deliveryman Who Lost Five Toes In Subway Accident Wins Over $4.5 Million Per Toe From ‘Bully’ MTA
That’s one pricey set of toes.
A Bronx jury has ordered the MTA to pay $22.75 million to a bike delivery worker who lost all five toes on his left foot after falling from a deteriorated subway platform, deciding the agency should be held accountable for the life-altering injury, the NY Post reports.
The incident occurred in June 2017, when 24-year-old Maruf Hossain tripped over a damaged section of the Parkchester station platform and tumbled onto the tracks just as a train approached.
The Bangladesh-born courier suffered a catastrophic injury in the fall, losing every toe on his left foot. The impact from the train also caused his hip to become dislocated, broke his pelvis, and left him with injuries to his spine and head, according to the lawsuit he filed.
Hossain testified that he now requires round-the-clock medical attention and assistance at home to manage daily activities.
Although Hossain had initially sought $20 million in damages, the MTA reportedly attempted to resolve the case for a mere $100,000, his attorney told The NY Post.
In the end, the jury awarded him even more than he had requested—$2.75 million above the original amount.
“After years of the Transit Authority trying to bully me into an unfair settlement, the jury saw through their lies and gave me a second chance at living a normal life,” Hossain said in a statement to The Post.
His lawyer, Nick Liakas, said the trial exposed how far the Transit Authority would go to avoid accepting responsibility for a hazardous condition that endangered commuters.
“The client had tripped on a defect on the yellow portion of a very narrow train platform,” Liakas explained.
“The transit authority maintained that the plaintiff tried to commit suicide and jumped and that there was no defect at the area where he claimed to fall.
“They had a teenage witness who testified that she saw him jump in front of the train … along with a transit authority cleaner who testified he heard, ‘Don’t jump, don’t jump,’ ” the lawyer said.
“We showed that the transit authority likely authored the witness statement themselves and passed it off as an independent statement. The jury agreed.”
Three days after the incident, Hossain underwent a psychiatric evaluation at Jacobi Hospital. Early reports by EMS had suggested he may have either slipped or jumped onto the tracks.
“I did not try to kill myself, no, never,” Hossain told the examining psychiatrist, according to the assessment filed in court.
The report stated Hossain recalled it being a busy morning during Ramadan, and that the platform was packed with commuters as he made his way to his job in Lower Manhattan.
“I don’t know how I fell down. I know I did not jump or tried [sic] to kill myself, no, no way,” he said.
According to court records, doctors found no evidence of any psychiatric disorders or substance abuse in Hossain’s history.
He also denied suffering from depression, stating that he had emigrated from Bangladesh five years earlier and had aspirations of becoming an American citizen.
“I am making $1,000 a week. I am happy. Planning to get married next year,” he said in the exam, adding that he had no children.
Psychiatrist Nabil Karroum, who evaluated him, noted that Hossain “seems well adjusted” and displayed no signs of suicidal behavior.
His attorney confirmed to The Post that Hossain is now a U.S. citizen, though he remains unmarried.
Six months after the incident, Hossain filed a negligence lawsuit against the MTA, alleging that the faulty platform caused him to fall onto the tracks.
Emergency responders arriving at the scene found his toes had already been severed, with a medical expert later describing the condition of his foot as “truly mangled,” according to testimony.
Tom Stebbins, head of the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York, pointed to the case as another example of the state’s tendency toward large jury awards.
“While I can’t comment on a specific case without knowing all the facts, we know New York’s civil justice system is ranked as one of the most costly in the nation and is a magnet for nuclear verdicts — runaway verdicts of over $10 million — that drain public budgets and divert funds from government services and infrastructure improvements,” Stebbins said in a statement.
“The City pays out more in settlements and verdicts than the next largest cities combined.”
The jury’s decision may still be appealed or challenged in post-trial motions.
“The MTA is reviewing the verdict while assessing all legal options,” MTA spokesperson Meghan Keegan told The Post.
Though the $22.75 million verdict is significant, it doesn’t top the list of jury awards against the MTA.
In a separate case last year, a man struck by a train received a $90 million jury verdict—though that amount was later reduced to under $40 million through post-trial motions.
Also in 2024, jurors awarded $72.5 million to a cancer patient who had been hit by an MTA bus.
And in 2019, a young man paralyzed by a falling railroad tie secured a jaw-dropping $110 million judgment.
It remains unclear whether the full awards in those two latter cases were ultimately upheld.
{Matzav.com}
Netanyahu Visits and Praises Home Front Command for Protecting Israel, Saving Lives
Pro-Hamas Agitator Arrested for Pepper-Spraying NYPD, Attempting to Grab Guns
“Netanyahu: Hamas Will Be Eliminated, Hostages Freed; Gas Revenues to Hit NIS 300B”
SC Troopers Rescue Pig from Busy Interstate, Restore Traffic
“Israeli FM Saar: Hamas Must Release Hostages, Disarm to End War”
New Yorkers ‘Accelerating’ Florida Move Plans After Mamdani Victory
Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected win in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary has sent shockwaves through the city’s elite real estate circles, with many affluent buyers already taking concrete steps toward relocating—particularly to Florida, Newsweek reports.
“Within a day of the primary results, we had serious inquiries from buyers in Manhattan and Connecticut,” Isaac Toledano, CEO & Co-founder of BH Group, told Newsweek. “One asked about the Ritz-Carlton Residences in West Palm Beach, the other about the West Pompano Beach Hotel & Residences,” he said.
For these high-net-worth individuals, the idea of moving out of New York isn’t just a backup plan in case Mamdani becomes mayor—it’s an investment move already underway.
“A few weeks ago, we sold two penthouses at the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Hammock Dunes near St. Augustine for a combined $20 million, which set records for Palm Coast and all of Flagler County,” Toledano noted.
“One of those buyers was from New Jersey. He already had a part-time home in Florida but decided he wanted to be here full-time. I can’t say if that particular transaction was because of everything leading up to the election, but it’s another clear sign that people across the country are choosing to plant roots here,” he continued. “When conversations start moving that fast, it tells you people aren’t just paying attention. They’re preparing to make real decisions.”
The political upheaval has quickened the pace of interest from out-of-state buyers, according to Peggy Olin, CEO of OneWorld Properties, which oversees sales and marketing for many of South Florida’s top-tier developments.
“Mamdani’s victory seems to have accelerated those conversations. People are asking more questions about timing, taxes, and long-term lifestyle changes. It’s less about panic and more about planning. They’re being proactive,” Olin told Newsweek.
Jay Batra, head of Batra Real Estate with offices in both New York and Miami, has also noticed the shift, saying buyers are now hesitating in NYC and redirecting their focus toward Florida.
“We’re seeing a noticeable pause among luxury buyers in New York City, many of whom are redirecting their search to more tax-friendly, lifestyle-driven markets like Miami and South Florida,” Batra said. “With political and economic uncertainty in NYC, high-end clients are increasingly turning to South Florida for both primary and investment properties.”
Batra attributed much of the anxiety among wealthy clients to Mamdani’s proposals on rent regulations, especially the idea of a citywide freeze.
“Our clients who own buildings across NYC are deeply concerned about the rent freeze tied to Mayor Mamdani’s agenda. Landlords are facing mounting pressure—with high taxes and operating costs, it’s becoming unsustainable to hold properties without the ability to adjust rents,” he said. “Many are now evaluating out-of-state investments as a safer, more profitable alternative.”
Mamdani has also raised eyebrows with his pitch to overhaul the city’s tax policies, suggesting wealthier, whiter neighborhoods should bear a heavier tax burden—an idea that’s sparking concern among the investor class.
“High-end buyers value stability above all else,” said Toledano. “The moment politics feel unpredictable, they start exploring other options,” he added.
The results of the primary have made many well-off investors reevaluate their outlook on New York’s future. “Whether it’s taxes, safety, or the overall business climate, uncertainty makes people uneasy. No one wants to wake up one morning and feel their investment or their family’s security is at risk,” said Toledano. “They want peace of mind, and they’re ready to make a change to find it.”
Olin echoed that concern, saying political rhetoric can quickly influence the decision-making process of the affluent. “When political narratives shift, especially around taxes, wealthy buyers take notice. These are people who’ve spent their lives building something, and they want to protect it,” she said. “Mamdani represents a vision for the city that some high-end buyers feel may no longer align with their values or financial goals. It’s not a reaction out of fear but out of wanting more control over their future.”
Florida continues to draw wealthy investors not only for its tax-friendly climate but because of its booming luxury property market and strong lifestyle offerings.
“They’re looking for the best of the best. Buyers at this level don’t want to compromise on location, design, or quality of life. Branded residences are part of the appeal because they offer strong amenities and a lifestyle people can rely on,” Toledano said.
“If you’re spending several million dollars on a home, you expect security, service, and long-term value. That’s why we’re seeing interest not only across South Florida but also in places like Hammock Dunes and on the West Coast in Naples. People feel confident they’re making a solid investment in a place they’ll enjoy living.”
Another big selling point: Florida’s tax code. With no personal income tax and potential reductions in property taxes on the horizon, many are drawn to the state’s financial advantages.
“Florida checks all the boxes. No state income tax, a strong pro-growth economy, top-tier schools and infrastructure, and a lifestyle that’s hard to match. You can live near the beach, raise a family, and still feel like your investment is protected. For many buyers, that combination is powerful,” Toledano said.
He believes what’s happening now is just the beginning of a larger trend—one that could accelerate in the coming months.
“People don’t wait until after an election to make decisions about their families, their finances, or their future. A few calls today can turn into dozens or hundreds of buyers in the months ahead,” he said. “If the uncertainty grows, the migration will only pick up speed.”
And Florida, particularly South Florida, is poised to benefit from that shift.
“It offers a sense of security they’re not feeling in New York right now. That’s why I believe this summer and the rest of the year could be busier than anyone expects,” Toledano said. “The demand is there, and the interest we’re seeing—from Manhattan to New Jersey to Connecticut—is proof that people are ready to move their lives and their capital here.”
If Mamdani is elected and the policies he’s championed come to fruition, Olin believes the current wave of interest could turn into an even larger outflow.
“Should Mamdani be elected mayor of New York City and the policy concerns feared by wealthy buyers materialize, it could push more people to act,” Olin said.
“But again, this isn’t just about leaving, it’s about choosing a place that feels like the right fit for the next chapter. And for many, Florida checks a lot of those boxes.”
{Matzav.com}
“Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Chairman Urges Congress to Probe Fed Chair Jerome Powell”
U.S. Plans to Dump Billions of Flies from Planes Over Mexico in Bizarre but Brilliant Scheme
President Trump Releases Trade Deal Details With Vietnam
“Iran State TV Covers Times Square Rally Celebrating Iran’s ‘Operation True Promise III’ Victory”
Iran’s President Orders Country To Suspend Cooperation With UN Nuclear Watchdog After US, Israeli Strikes
AGAIN: Trump: I Won’t Let Communist Lunatic Zohran Mandani Destroy New York
President Donald Trump again pledged to stop Zohran Mamdani—whom he labeled a “communist lunatic”—from ruining New York City, reacting to the Democratic Socialist’s surprise win in last week’s mayoral primary.
Taking to Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump declared, “As President of the United States, I’m not going to let this Communist Lunatic destroy New York. Rest assured, I hold all the levers, and have all the cards. I’ll save New York City, and make it ‘Hot’ and ‘Great’ again, just like I did with the Good Ol’ USA!”
Trump has taken repeated aim at Mamdani in recent days. During a press gaggle outside the White House on Tuesday, he said, “I think he’s terrible. He’s a communist. The last thing we need is a communist.” He then added, “I think I’m going to have a lot of fun watching him because he has to come right through this building to get his money.”
He didn’t stop there, continuing, “Frankly, I heard he’s a total nutjob. I think the people of New York are crazy, if they go this route, I think they’re crazy.”
The President also warned about Mamdani’s far-left platform, saying, “We will have a communist, for the first time, a pure, true communist. He wants to operate the grocery stores. What about the people who are there? I think it’s crazy.”
Mayor Eric Adams has also entered the fray, positioning himself as a counterforce to Mamdani. In response to a New York Post headline that read, “NYC SOS: Who will save city after radical socialist batters Cuomo in Dem mayoral primary?”, Adams said: “I’m going to take this SOS. Who will save city … ‘Eric.’”
Mamdani’s win has sparked growing concern among New York’s Jewish residents, particularly in light of his outspoken opposition to Israel. Just 48 hours after the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas, Mamdani issued statements condemning Israel, even before the Jewish state had launched any counteroffensive. He has also refused to back measures denouncing the Holocaust and has spoken in defense of the slogan “globalize the Intifada,” a phrase widely interpreted as inciting violence against Jews worldwide.
{Matzav.com}Have You Always Wanted to Get Smicha? This Is The Program For You
Hamas: We’re Studying Mediators’ Latest Ceasefire Proposal
The Hamas terrorist group has announced that it is giving serious consideration to the latest ceasefire plan presented by international mediators and is currently conducting internal discussions on the matter.
This statement from Hamas comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s declaration on Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the conditions necessary to move forward with a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and a corresponding arrangement for the release of hostages.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump called on Hamas to accept the proposed deal, cautioning that the alternative would only lead to more suffering. “My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War,” wrote the President.
Trump credited Qatar and Egypt for their efforts in advancing peace and delivering the proposal to Hamas, expressing hope that the group would make the right decision. “The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.
Earlier Tuesday, reports indicated that Qatar had formally offered a new plan to Israel that included a 60-day pause in fighting. As part of the proposal, eight living hostages would be released immediately, with another two to be freed on the 50th day of the ceasefire.
{Matzav.com Israel}
HY’D: IDF Soldier Sgt. Yaniv Michalovitch, 19, Killed in Gaza
Iranian Hackers Threaten to Leak 100GB of Stolen Trump Team Emails
A hacker collective with ties to Iran is asserting that it has obtained a large cache of private emails from individuals close to President Donald Trump and is threatening to release the data, in what U.S. authorities are labeling an orchestrated political attack.
Using the pseudonym “Robert,” the group claims to have gathered over 100 gigabytes of email communications belonging to several prominent Trump associates, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Roger Stone, attorney Lindsey Halligan, and adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Reuters reported the development on Tuesday after engaging directly with the group, which floated the possibility of monetizing the stolen content but declined to elaborate on how or when such a sale might happen.
The timing of the threat coincides with Trump’s recent decision to abandon a tentative plan to soften sanctions against Iran. That reversal came in the wake of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s dismissive remarks about American and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear assets. A senior Iranian cleric subsequently declared a religious decree—fatwa—against Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, calling them “enemies of God.”
“This so-called cyber ‘attack’ is nothing more than digital propaganda,” said Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) spokesperson Marci McCarthy. She described the effort as a “calculated smear campaign” designed to “damage President Trump and discredit honorable public servants.”
The hackers assert that their actions were triggered by the U.S.’s recent role in the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. Trump, who has taken credit for brokering a ceasefire that ended the hostilities, is now being blamed by the group for what they describe as renewed provocation.
Federal officials have already tied the group to Iran. As reported by Axios, an indictment filed in 2024 charged three Iranian operatives associated with the “Robert” hackers in connection with a previous breach involving Trump-related systems. Prosecutors linked their activity directly to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
{Matzav.com}
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