British Business and Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds faced a heated disruption at a think tank event in London as pro-Palestinian activists stormed the stage, demanding an end to UK arms sales to Israel. The incident occurred at Chatham House, where Reynolds was set to speak on trade policy before being interrupted by protesters accusing the British government of complicity in war crimes.
ELON MUSK: “The sheer amount of waste and fraud in the government, it is astonishing.. it’s mind boggling. We routinely encounter wastes of $1 billion or more… casually.”
Steve Davis of DOGE: “There are over 15 million people that are over the age of 120 that are marked as alive in the Social Security system… This is something that has been identified as a problem since 2008, at least… So 15-20 million Social Security numbers that are clearly fraudulent were floating around that can be used only for bad intentions..”
Canada’s PM Carney: “The old relationship we had with the United States based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation, is over.”
Rabbi Shaya Boas, the Rav of the Ohel Avraham shul in Vienna, published a sharply worded post on Wednesday on his Facebook account against the IDF, after he published a statement on Wednesday: “Yeah, right – they want to recruit Charedim. They want to destroy [לשמד] Charedim!” In the post, he described the IDF’s conduct towards his son: “My son enlisted through the IDF’s Charedi Administration. After a year of civilian training within the army, he was sent to a cyber course at the IDF School of Computer Science on behalf of the Administration – and this after he refused a prestigious course – only because they demanded that he give up his Chareidi status.” “He asked again and again and was promised: the course will be separated by gender and the food will be Badatz. He did not demand a mikveh nor Chassidish shechita. Just that they meet the minimum.” The father added: “But in practice? There was no gender separation. There was no Badatz food. The sleeping arrangements? Ten meters between the males and females. My son, who stood by his principles, is now stuck in limbo. Waiting for an undefined assignment.” “And his friends from the Charedi track? They caved in. They joined the mixed course. They’re also compromising on kashrus. And you can’t even claim that these are new departments that are ‘still learning the field.’ The Chareidi Administration and the Bina B’Yarok track have been around for more than a decade, with budgets, experience, and structure.” “If, after all this, they don’t meet their commitments, this is not a malfunction; this is policy.” “And one more thing: before marketing a new track, make sure the existing participants are satisfied. What is the point of the whole campaign to recruit Charedim if my son comes home and tells all his friends that the ‘Charedi-adapted’ tracks are a big bluff?’ “So enough with the stories about ‘sharing the burden’ and all the other nonsense. This is not about contribution. It’s about a melting pot. About erasure.” It should be noted that the above story is not an isolated one, with many Chareidi and Dati Leumi soldiers telling similar stories, especially regarding gender separation, including sleeping arrangements. The IDF is one of the only armies in the world that has a mandatory draft law for women, making gender separation extremely difficult as women serve in so many roles in the army. Earlier this week, Kol B’Ramah revealed the story of Yisrael, a Chabad Chasid from the north who has been serving in the reserves for 15 years in a Home Front Command battalion, including about 200 days in the war. According to the report, he had requested for months to be transferred to another combat battalion after his battalion became mixed, leading to situations that violated his rights as a Chareidi. Even his commander tried to address the issue but the mixed battalion refused to release him. In the meantime, he didn’t enlist for another reserve duty order and is considered AWOL. He said: “I am interested in continuing to serve and several non-mixed battalions wanted to take me, but the army won’t allow it. My commander also approached the officer who deals with gender issues, and she also refuses to allow it – and this is against […]
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that President Donald Trump’s push for control over Greenland wasn’t surprising given longtime U.S. interest in the mineral-rich territory. Speaking at a policy forum in the Artic port of Murmansk, Putin noted that the United States first considered plans to win control over Greenland in the 19th century, and then offered to buy it from Denmark after World War II. “It can look surprising only at first glance and it would be wrong to believe that this is some sort of extravagant talk by the current U.S. administration,” Putin said. “It’s obvious that the United States will continue to systematically advance its geostrategic, military-political and economic interests in the Arctic.” Trump irked much of Europe by suggesting that the United States should in some form control the self-governing, mineral-rich territory of Denmark, a U.S. ally and NATO member. As the nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland has broader strategic value as both China and Russia seek access to its waterways and natural resources. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife are due to visit an American military base in Greenland on Friday on a trip that was scaled back after an uproar by Greenlanders and Danes. Speaking on Thursday, Putin noted that Russia is worried about NATO’s activities in the Arctic and will respond by strengthening its military capability in the polar region. “We are certainly concerned about NATO members describing the Far North as the region of possible conflicts,” he said, noting that Russia’s neighbors Finland and Sweden have joined the alliance. “Russia has never threatened anyone in the Arctic, but we will closely follow the developments and mount an appropriate response by increasing our military capability and modernizing military infrastructure.” Russia has sought to assert its influence over wide areas of the Arctic in competition with the United States, Canada, Denmark and Norway as shrinking polar ice from the warming planet offers new opportunities for resources and shipping routes. China also has shown an increasing interest in the region, believed to hold up to one-fourth of the Earth’s undiscovered oil and gas. “We won’t allow any infringement on our country’s sovereignty, reliably safeguard our national interests while supporting peace and stability in the polar region,” Putin said. While pledging to strengthen Russia’s military foothold in the Arctic, Putin said that Moscow was holding the door open to broader international cooperation in the region. “The stronger our positions will be, the more significant the results will be and the broader opportunities we will have to launch international projects in the Arctic involving the countries that are friendly to us, and, possibly, Western countries if they show interest in joint work. I’m sure the time will come to launch such projects.” Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Putin’s envoy for international investment who took part in talks with U.S. officials, told reporters last month that Russia and the U.S. should develop joint energy ventures. “We need joint projects, including in the Arctic and other regions,” he said. (AP)
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he was pulling Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, a stunning turnaround for his Cabinet pick after her confirmation had been stalled for months over concerns about Republicans’ tight margins in the House. Trump confirmed he was withdrawing the New York Republican’s nomination in a Truth Social post, saying that it was “essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress.” “We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning. I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress,” the president said. He did not say whom he would nominate to replace her and fill his last remaining Cabinet seat. The abrupt withdrawal reflects growing concern among House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, that their historically slim majority could be at risk, particularly ahead of two special elections in Florida next week. The loss of a mere handful of seats could swing the House majority to Democrats and derail their efforts to enact Trump’s sweeping agenda in the months ahead. Johnson praised Stefanik, the former No. 4 House leader, as “selfless” and “patriotic” after Trump announced the move. “It is well known Republicans have a razor-thin House majority, and Elise’s agreement to withdraw her nomination will allow us to keep one of the toughest, most resolute members of our Conference in place to help drive forward President Trump’s America First policies,” Johnson said in a post on X. He added that he “will invite her to return to the leadership table immediately,” although its unclear what position she would take since there are no vacancies. Stefanik’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump had tapped Stefanik to represent the U.S. at the international body shortly after winning reelection in November. She was seen as among the least controversial Cabinet picks, and her nomination advanced out of committee in late January, but House Republicans’ razor-thin majority kept her ultimate confirmation in a state of purgatory for the last several months. In recent weeks, it had seemed as if Stefanik’s nomination would advance to the Senate floor, given two U.S. House special elections in Florida in districts that Trump easily won in 2024. Filling those vacant GOP seats would have allowed Stefanik to finally resign from the House and given Republicans, who currently hold 218 seats, a little more breathing room on passing legislation in a growingly divided Congress. Democrats hold 213 seats. Both districts have long been Republican strongholds, and a win by either Democratic candidate would be a major surprise, but House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders are looking to at least narrow the margin from November, when Trump carried both districts in the presidential election by more than 30 points. That, coupled with Democrats’ upset in a Tuesday special election for a Pennsylvania state Senate seat in Republican-leaning suburbs and farming communities, has given Republicans pause and pushed some members into full panic mode, according to one congressional aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal concerns. Trump’s statement Thursday also seemed to indicate an anxiety about the party’s ability to hold on to Stefanik’s seat if […]
In a powerful video statement published on Wednesday by YWN on WhatsApp, HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, unequivocally opposed participation in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections. The video, now available with English subtitles, captures the revered Gadol HaDor urging Klal Yisrael to refrain from voting, emphasizing the spiritual dangers he associates with Zionist institutions. Rav Landau’s words come amid ongoing debate within the Chareidi world about involvement in the WZO, with some advocating participation to influence funding and policy. However, the Rosh Yeshiva’s firm stance reinforces the traditional Litvish position against such engagement. “There is no heter whatsoever,” he declared, calling on those who may have registered to cancel their votes.
I would like to address something that had been keeping me up in the last few nights, which really shook me to my core. I am generally someone who keeps away from politics, especially in the frum world where we are really playing with fire. In that path, I made sure to keep away from the ongoing back and forth about voting in the WZO. I asked my Rav what to do and will following his psak. I avoid coffee clutches or groups in which they are talking about the controversy, as not to involve myself in Lashon Hora or even worse, Bizui Talmidei Chachamim. With that in mind, last night in shul, I couldn’t help but bump into a group of people talking about the merits of yes or not voting. Someone pulled out a video of Rav Chaim Kanievsky, where he allowed voting in the WZO. Being curious, especially because I heard people denying that Rav Chaim has allowed voting, I went over to watch. Unfortunately, what I saw really shocked me, and put a lot of uncertainty in my trust of frum people. Since the video was in Hebrew, there were included subtitles in English, which I will quote. Grandson: A year ago, they were here, You (Saba) said that they should go in to the WZO, Chareidim like us. To be able to minimize the reform’s power as much as possible. The question now is regarding the UK, should Chareidim like him go in, to be able to minimize the Reform? What does Saba say? Should they go in? Rav Chaim Kanievsky: “Yes” Grandson: “Yes. They then go on to ask for a Bracha, as well as permission to say it over to Rav Avraham Gurwitz in Rav Chaims name, which Rav Chaim allows. However, as someone who had lived in Eretz Yisroel for over 10 years, (even though I now live in the US), my command of Hebrew is pretty good. What I heard Rav Chaim answer was “לאן” which translates as “to where”? If I heard correctly, then the exchange was very different then portrayed, and would go like this: Grandson: “A year ago, they were here, You (Saba) said that they should go in to the WZO, Chareidim like us. To be able to minimize the reform’s power as much as possible. The question now is regarding the UK, should Chareidim like him go in, to be able to minimize the Reform? What does Saba say? Should they go in?” Rav Chaim: “To Where?” Grandson: “Yes” Unclear if that’s what I heard, I asked them to play it again, and still heard the same thing. I then asked the others standing around, which included people who had voted for the WZO, if they heard what I heard, and they agreed. Please don’t rely on me, but please watch the video for yourself. Now I don’t want to draw conclusions about Rav Chaim’s positions, but what really bothers me is this question: are we being taken for a ride on other things Rav Chaim had supposedly said?! Are people doing this for other gedolim too?! Signed, Shalom Katz The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to […]
British Business and Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds faced a heated disruption at a think tank event in London as pro-Palestinian activists stormed the stage, demanding an end to UK arms sales to Israel. The incident occurred at Chatham House, where Reynolds was set to speak on trade policy before being interrupted by protesters accusing the British government of complicity in war crimes. London for a Free Palestine, one of the groups organizing a demonstration outside the event, claimed responsibility for the on-stage protest, stating it was part of ongoing efforts to pressure the UK government into halting all arms exports to Israel, particularly components for F-35 fighter jets. “They have not stopped the trade in F-35s,” one protester shouted, while another accused the government of aiding genocide. Reynolds, remaining composed in his seat, responded by stating that Britain has suspended arms exports to Israel. He cited a decision made in September, when the government froze 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel. However, he acknowledged that parts for F-35 jets were largely exempt from the suspension, as restricting those exports would disrupt the aircraft’s global supply chain. “We haven’t suspended F-35s because they’re integral to our national security and particularly the defense of Ukraine,” Reynolds told the protesters. Following the protest, Reynolds reiterated to the audience that the exemption had been publicly disclosed in Parliament. He defended the government’s stance, saying, “Specifically on arms exports, we have a very stringent regime which we have applied as a government, and that has led to restrictions, particularly in relation to arms exports to Israel.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The Justice Department has dismantled a sophisticated financial network funneling money to Hamas, seizing approximately $201,400 in cryptocurrency in the process. This seizure is part of a larger effort to choke off the financial lifelines sustaining the terrorist organization, which has laundered over $1.5 million in virtual currency since October 2024. The crackdown targeted Hamas’ cryptocurrency fundraising apparatus, which relied on an encrypted messaging platform to solicit global donations. According to court documents, supporters were directed to contribute funds to at least 17 cryptocurrency addresses. These funds were then funneled into operational wallets and laundered through a complex web of digital transactions, exploiting financial intermediaries and over-the-counter brokers to disguise their origins. “This office will search high and low for every cent of money going to fund Hamas, wherever it is found, and in whatever form of currency,” stated U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia. “Hamas is responsible for the deaths of many U.S. and Israeli nationals, and we will stop at nothing to disrupt their campaign of terror.” The FBI played a pivotal role in tracking and seizing the illicit funds. “Hamas raised and laundered more than a million dollars to support its terrorist operations, but through our investigation, we traced and seized these funds,” said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI Counterterrorism Division. “Disrupting their financial networks is one of the many tools we use in the fight against terrorism.” Among the assets confiscated were cryptocurrency addresses valued at approximately $89,900, along with three additional accounts holding digital currency worth $111,500. These accounts, registered under the names of Palestinian individuals residing in Turkey and other locations, highlight the international scope of Hamas’ fundraising operations. “Countering terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority. By successfully disrupting access to funds, we weaken their ability to function,” emphasized Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “This success demonstrates that financial warfare is a critical component of the fight against terrorism. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the American people and deprive terrorist organizations of the resources they need to continue their illicit activity.” The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation, working in tandem with the FBI Counterterrorism and Cyber Divisions. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the outgoing spokesperson for the IDF, emphasized the critical importance of public trust in the military while making a pointed call for all segments of Israeli society—including Charedim—to enlist. Hagari, who is stepping down after being passed over for promotion by the new IDF chief of staff, delivered his remarks as he officially handed over his role. “Our mission over the past year and a half was rehabilitating public trust in the IDF,” Hagari said, referencing the military’s efforts to restore credibility following the October 7 attacks. He warned against politicization of the army, saying, “We must keep the army above any argument, dispute, or any other attempt that poses a true danger to trust in the military and its ability to fulfill its mission.” However, his speech took a sharp turn as he addressed Israel’s growing manpower concerns, making an implicit jab at Charedim, who largely avoid military service under existing draft exemptions. “We already need more soldiers in the IDF, not just in a few more years; the war is going on now,” he said, in a clear push for broader enlistment. While the Charedi draft issue has long been a point of contention in Israeli politics, the ongoing war has intensified calls for them to shoulder a greater share of the national defense burden. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem landed in Colombia on Thursday as part of a tour of three Latin American nations to discuss immigration, crime and deportation. Her trip comes amid a souring in relations between the Trump administration and the Colombian government – long the United States’ closest ally in the region. Tensions between the two countries rose in January over accepting flights of immigrants deported from the U.S. Noem sat down with the country’s foreign minister Thursday morning, and is set to meet with Colombia’s leftist leader and police to discuss efforts to fight organized crime later. Following the morning meeting, Noem said she had a “frank discussion and a candid discussion” with Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, about deportations, crime and immigration. “We’re committed to working hand-in-hand with our Colombian partners to enhance not only border security but also that we will support the enforcement of our criminal laws,” Noem said. Sarabia also emphasized the importance of recognizing the “human rights and dignity of migrants are actually respected.” The two leaders also signed an agreement that would expand the sharing of biometric data for law enforcement. Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump, both populists, share diametrically opposed views over key issues like combatting crime and the American government’s role in Latin America. The visit marks a contrast to Noem’s Wednesday visit to El Salvador, where she met with President Nayib Bukele, a populist who has gained right-wing admiration in the U.S. due to his crackdown on gangs. Noem also visited the country’s massive prison complex for alleged gang members, where hundreds of Venezuelans deported by the U.S. government are being held under allegations that they were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, despite little evidence presented by the Trump administration. These deportations are being challenged in court. On Friday, Noem is set to visit Mexico and meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum as her government has worked tirelessly to negotiate with the Trump administration to offset the Trump’s tariff threats. Despite efforts by Sheinbaum, Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports on Wednesday. (AP)
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and ranking member Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) have formally requested that the Department of Defense investigate a high-profile security breach involving a Signal group chat where top U.S. officials allegedly discussed airstrikes in Yemen. The request follows the bombshell report by The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, who revealed that he was inadvertently added to the chat by Trump National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. According to Goldberg, the group included members of the principals committee—leaders of the nation’s top national security agencies—openly discussing plans to strike Houthi rebels in Yemen. In a letter released Thursday, Wicker and Reed expressed deep concerns over the disclosure of “sensitive and classified information” in a chat where a journalist was unknowingly included. The senators called for a full Pentagon inquiry into how such a lapse occurred and what measures need to be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Trump officials, caught in the controversy, have offered conflicting explanations. In both congressional testimony and televised interviews, they have insisted that no classified information was shared, sought to reframe the discussion as “attack plans” rather than “war plans,” and launched attacks on Goldberg’s credibility. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
On Tuesday evening, Luis Har, a 72-year-old Israeli grandfather and one of over 250 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack on Israel, spoke before a crowd of hundreds at the Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Staten Island in Sea View. Har, originally from Argentina and now a grandfather of ten, recounted his 129-day ordeal in captivity after being abducted from a kibbutz near the Gaza border, where he had been living with his girlfriend Clara and her family. The emotional gathering included Borough President Vito Fossella, members of Staten Island’s Jewish community, and local leaders who came to show their support. Har vividly recalled the morning of October 7, when he awoke to the sound of shattering windows. Armed militants stormed the home and abducted the family. He was transported in the back of a pickup truck to Gaza, where he was confined in a second-story apartment under the constant guard of five armed captors. During his captivity, Har was forced to cook for the terrorists, preparing meals like shakshuka and omelets with initially sufficient ingredients. But as the war dragged on, food became scarce, and he and his fellow hostages were reduced to sharing a single pita and minimal water daily. Har said he lost 35 pounds and endured extreme psychological stress under the threat of execution. “We had no access to news, no way to know what was happening,” Har said. “We were completely isolated and relied on our captors to tell us anything.” Hygiene conditions were dire—prisoners were allowed to bathe only once every two weeks with a single bucket of cold water and a sliver of soap. There was no dental care, and medical attention was nonexistent. After 53 days, Clara, her sister, her niece, and their dog Bella were released as part of a temporary cease-fire deal in November. Har, however, remained in captivity until February 12, 2024, when the Israeli Defense Forces bombed the building during a daring rescue operation. The strike, part of a broader mission in Rafah, was reportedly used to divert attention and create cover for the extraction team. According to Gaza health officials, more than 70 Palestinians were killed during those airstrikes, and the war has since claimed over 50,000 Palestinian lives. “Staten Island stands with Israel,” Borough President Fossella said at the event. “We are grateful to the JCC for standing by these families for the past 535 days.” Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC of Staten Island, was deeply moved by Har’s visit. “From the moment we heard Luis had been taken, our hearts sank,” she said. Lender spent summers at the kibbutz from which Har was kidnapped. “Having him here and safe means the world.” Har concluded his remarks with a poignant message for the audience: “Our home is still standing. Don’t give up your hope.” He continues to tour the United States, determined to share his story and ensure the world remembers the 59 hostages who remain in captivity. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said this week it will retest 4,000 DNA samples and open an internal investigation after learning that it used potentially flawed test kits for eight months. Sheriff’s officials said Wednesday that a test kit manufacturer sent a letter in August warning the department to stop using certain kits that were prone to giving incomplete results. However, the letter was received by a civilian employee who didn’t discard the kits or send them back, according to a department statement. The department used the flawed kits from July through February, testing thousands of samples from criminal investigations. The problem was discovered Monday when a supervisor at the department’s Scientific Services Bureau found the manufacturer’s letter. The department said it has opened an internal investigation to assess how much the faulty kits have affected criminal cases, and will retest some 4,000 DNA samples. “We take the integrity of our criminal investigations and the reliability of our forensic testing very seriously,” Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement. “The Sheriff’s Department is working diligently to assess the impact and to prevent such situations from occurring again.” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office had begun working with the sheriff’s department to determine the extent of the problem. Sheriff’s officials said the bad tests might have led to incomplete results, but they are “not likely to have falsely identified any individual.” The department declined to name the manufacturer. (AP)
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Israeli Ambassador to the US, Dr. Yechiel Leiter, revealed this week that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s unusual flight path during his visit to Washington last month stemmed from fears of delay or arrest following the international arrest warrant issued against him by The Hague. Leiter explained that Netanyahu had to avoid flying over Europe, which significantly lengthened the flight time. “When Netanyahu came here last month, he flew 13 and a half hours – instead of 12,” Leiter said in an interview published on Ynet. “The public is not aware of this, but the reason is that he could not land in any country in Europe.” Leiter explained further that Netanyahu underwent surgery shortly before the flight and was accompanied by two doctors in case emergency medical treatment was required. “If he had to make an emergency landing in Europe, he would risk being arrested as a war criminal,” Leiter explained. Later in his remarks, Leiter also addressed the fight against anti-Semitism in Europe and said that it was a difficult contradiction: “You cannot fight anti-Semitism when the person most identified with the Jewish people – the Prime Minister of Israel – is marked as a criminal. I told members of the Senate: If you are really fighting anti-Semitism, first remove the mark of Cain from the Prime Minister’s forehead. If he is defined as a child murderer, then we are all like that – and from here the way to hatred is open.” Leiter also referred to the partial arms embargo imposed on Israel by the Biden administration, saying that not only heavy bombs were delayed but billions of dollars worth of weapons that had already been paid for as well. He noted that upon taking office, one of his main goals was to arrange for the release of the weapons – a goal that was eventually achieved, he said, after the intervention of former US President Donald Trump. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
The Interior Ministry in Jerusalem has announced a significant change in the student visa application process, moving almost all applications to be handled via email. Until now, family applications for student visas with four or more members were processed through email, while others could be submitted in person at the Interior Ministry. Under the new policy, the vast majority of student visa applications and renewals will now be accepted exclusively by email, eliminating the need for applicants to visit the office in person. In-person applications will only be accepted in urgent cases, and applicants must provide proof of the urgency. To accommodate the increased volume of email applications, the Interior Ministry is adding more staff to ensure efficient processing. Officials have informed Chaim V’Chessed that their target is to issue all visas within three weeks of submission. For more information about visa applications and renewals in Israel, see here. Chaim V’Chessed officials expressed optimism that this change will streamline the process and ease the burden for applicants.
