BROOKLYN: NYPD Brooklyn North Chief Scott Henderson held a pre-Pesach meeting with Williamsburg community leaders and organizations, including Hatzolah, Shomrim, and Chaveirim, at the NYPD Boro office. The meeting focuses on ongoing preparations for Pesach and the days leading up to it, with representatives from various city agencies in attendance.
The U.S. cities most vulnerable to a trade war with Canada turn out to largely be in the states that helped return Donald Trump to the White House — a sign of the possible political risk he’s taking with his tariff plans. A new analysis released Thursday by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce detailed the areas most dependent on exports to Canada, with San Antonio and Detroit topping the list of 41 U.S. metro areas. The findings show that the United States’ 25% tariffs on Canada and Canada’s retaliations could inflict meaningful damage in key states for U.S. politics. The analysis was conducted before the Republican president announced Wednesday that he was placing additional 25% tariffs on imported autos and parts starting on April 3. “The consequences of today’s escalation in this destructive tariff war will not be contained to Canada, as much as the U.S. administration would like to pretend,” said Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “Throwing away tens of thousands of jobs on both sides of the border will mean giving up North America’s auto leadership role, instead encouraging companies to build and hire anywhere else but here. This tax hike puts plants and workers at risk for generations, if not forever.” Nearly half of what San Antonio exports, with its aerospace, auto and energy sectors, goes to Canada. About 40% of what the auto-driven Detroit area exports also goes to Canada. Trump’s wins in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin were crucial for his overall victory in November’s presidential election — and Milwaukee and Pittsburgh also rank in the top 10 for exposure to a trade war with Canada. Other cities most dependent on exports to Canada include Kansas City, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; Columbus, Ohio; Chicago; and Cleveland. All of those states aside from Illinois backed Trump in the last election. Trump has placed 25% tariffs on many goods from Mexico and Canada, with a lower 10% tax on energy products from Canada. Some of those tariffs have been suspended or delayed, though they’re set to fully hit in April. Canadian leaders have warned that the United States would suffer in the form of higher prices, fewer jobs and slower growth because of the trade war. But an analysis by the Brookings Institution found that the economic pain would be more severe in Mexico and Canada because those countries are more reliant on the United States in terms of trade. Trump’s stated reason for the tariffs is to stop illegal immigration and drug smuggling, though he’s also said that he dislikes the trade deficit with both countries and has taunted Canada by suggesting that it could become the 51st U.S. state. (AP)
Putin: “Trump’s plan to seize Greenland is serious, has deep historical roots, and it is evident that the U.S. will pursue it systematically. Adds that it’s a bilateral issue between the U.S. and Denmark and has no bearing on Russia.”
SECRETARY RUBIO: “We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree — not to become a social activist that tears up our university campuses….. If we’ve given you a visa and then you decide to do that, we’re gonna take it away.”
A peaceful Asifa led by Sefardi Gedolim and rabbonim against Chareidi conscription into the IDF spiraled into chaos on Shmuel Hanavi Street today, as demonstrators clashed with police and Border Police forces. What began as a peaceful rally, turned violent when dozens of participants blocked roads, damaged buses, and hurled stones and objects at law enforcement. In one alarming incident, a Border Policewoman’s helmet visor was shattered by a stone. Police attempted to restore order with loudspeaker warnings, but as the rioting persisted, officers moved to disperse the crowd using force. Insults like “Shiksa” and “Nazis” were shouted at the officers, drawing sharp condemnation from authorities. One rioter was arrested for attacking police, and efforts to reopen the road continue. Israel Police vowed to crack down on such violent acts, stating, “The behavior of these lawbreakers is worthy of all condemnation. We will not tolerate disruptions to public order.” Video and photo evidence of the unrest has been released, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
ELIMINATED: Abd al-Latif Rajab Jumaa Qanou, a long-serving key spokesman for Hamas, has been eliminated after years of spreading lies, inciting terrorism, and systematically using media platforms to propagate psychological terror and false information.
WATCH: Amid terrible pain and in an ambulance on the way to the hospital, the Mekubal Hagaon HaRav Dov Kook from Teveriya, begs people to please keep Shabbos. (He speaks at the end of the video.) Please say tehillim for Dov HaKohen ben Shoshana.
Six people died and nine others were injured after a tourist submarine sank in the popular Egyptian Red Sea destination of Hurghada, two municipal officials said Thursday. They were speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Emergency crews were able to rescue 29 people, according to a statement released by the Red Sea governorate. The submarine, which was sailing off one of the beaches in the tourist promenade area, had carried 45 tourists of various nationalities. It was not immediately clear what caused the submarine to sink. In November, a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea after warnings of rough waters, Egyptian officials said. At least four people drowned, while 33 were rescued. Tourism is an important sector of Egypt’s economy but many tourist companies have stopped or limited traveling on the Red Sea due to the dangers from conflicts in the region. (AP)
As Pesach approaches and Jewish homes worldwide prepare for Yom Tov, it’s important to remember that in Eretz Yisrael, over 500 orphans have no one to bring them joy or provide for them during Yom Tov.
Hamas responded Thursday to escalating public protests in Gaza by insisting that the demonstrations are directed against Israel and the ongoing war, rather than the terrorist group’s rule over the territory. The response came amid rare, large-scale protests this week, with thousands of Gazans taking to the streets, openly chanting for an end to Hamas’s nearly two-decade control. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim downplayed reports that the protests were aimed at the group, telling Qatari news channel Al-Araby that demonstrators were primarily expressing frustration over “war and destruction.” He claimed that outside forces were attempting to manipulate the unrest to serve Israel’s interests. “People are calling to stop the aggression, but the enemy and other parties with political agendas are diverting the spontaneous protests to serve the occupation’s agenda,” Naim said, referring to Israel. He also insisted that Hamas allows political dissent, stating, “We protect both opinions and opposing views.” However, multiple media reports, images, and videos from Gaza contradict Hamas’s claims, showing protestors directly condemning the group. Demonstrators have openly called for Hamas’s removal, blaming its leadership for the war’s devastation. On Wednesday, thousands of people rallied throughout Gaza, with many chanting “Hamas out” and demanding the release of hostages in an effort to expedite an end to the war. Protesters carried banners reading, “Hamas does not represent us,” as demonstrations spread to major cities, including Gaza City and Beit Lahiya. “In Beit Lahiya, around 3,000 people gathered, calling for Hamas’s downfall,” one witness reported. In Gaza City’s Shejaiyeh neighborhood, dozens of men were heard chanting, “Out, out, out! Hamas, get out!” Some demonstrators spoke to media outlets, openly blaming Hamas for their suffering. “Residents have no water or electricity. Hamas is destroying Gaza and making us into stones. They must be removed from power,” one protester, identified as Sami Ubayed, told Israel’s Ynet news outlet. While Hamas has violently suppressed previous protests, there was no immediate crackdown this time—leading some analysts to speculate that the group’s power may be waning. However, Hamas security forces have reportedly kept a low profile since the resumption of Israeli strikes earlier this month, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
IDF troops operating in southern Gaza’s Rafah located a multiple rocket launcher with 25 barrels, the military says. The launchers were located by troops of the 14th Reserve Armored Brigade in the Tel Sultan neighbourhood.
United Auto Workers union President Shawn Fain: “We are ecstatic to see an administration FINALLY address the unfair trade laws in this country. These laws have destroyed the American working class.”
