Yeshiva World News

Three States Send 650 National Guard Troops to D.C., Joining 800 Already Deployed

Three states are sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. under JTF-DC and President Trump’s D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force: West Virginia 300–400, South Carolina 200, and Ohio 150, joining 800 already deployed by the D.C. National Guard at the Department of Defense’s request.

Family of 12 Leaves Lev Tahor Cult in Guatemala, Arrives Safely in Israel

A family of 12—parents and 10 children—has left the Lev Tahor cult in Guatemala and arrived in Israel, Ynet reported Thursday. They received support from social services and government agencies, were first housed in Guatemalan welfare facilities, and, upon arriving in Israel, were transferred to an absorption center.

How Much Can One Man Suffer? Yet He Still Encourages Others

The Hirschman family is facing a moment of both great joy and overwhelming challenge. Their daughter’s wedding is fast approaching, yet the weight of years of severe medical hardship has left them emotionally and financially drained. 

“Globalize The Intifada” Chants Flood Midtown Midtown Manhattan As Protestors Call For Open Season On Jews

Thousands of anti-Israel demonstrators surged through midtown Manhattan on Saturday, banging cowbells and waving placards that demanded an end to U.S. aid to Israel while chanting “Free, free Palestine” and “Palestine will live forever.” Organizers branded the rally “Stand with Gaza.” What echoed loudest—and sparked the fiercest backlash—was the call for a “global intifada,” a slogan that is nothing less than a call to violence against Jews worldwide. Since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 massacre in southern Israel, the phrase “globalize the intifada” has drawn sharp condemnation from security experts and community advocates who link it to the suicide bombings, shootings, and stabbings that marked previous intifadas. “The intifada refers to a horrific wave of terror attacks that killed thousands of Jews. Globalizing it is a direct call for violence against Jews,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who demanded unequivocal denunciations. “It must be condemned. I’m against hate speech targeting anyone—and everyone should be. It’s insane and unacceptable that this antisemitic rhetoric is spreading across our country.” The political crossfire widened to New York City’s mayoral race after candidate Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist, faced criticism for not explicitly rejecting the chant. Pressed on his position, Mamdani responded that it’s not “language” he uses, adding: “I understand there are concerns about it, and what I will do is showcase my vision for the city through my words and my actions.” His careful phrasing did little to calm opponents who argue that prominent figures must draw clear red lines when crowds traffic in rallying cries associated with bloodshed. Lawmakers are now seeking a formal rebuke. A resolution moving in the House would label the “global intifada” mantra as a call for violence against Israelis and Jews, warning that its normalization endangers Jewish communities at home and abroad. The measure cites a string of violent incidents targeting Jews in the United States—including a fatal attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, and a shooting in Washington, DC, that killed two Israeli diplomatic staff—and urges public officials to reject the rhetoric. Saturday’s march unfolded against that backdrop of rising anxiety. New York remains home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, and local shuls and schools have tightened security amid a documented spike in antisemitic incidents. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

IDF: Skylark 3 Recon Drone Crashes in Gaza, No Info Leak Risk

A small Israeli Skylark 3 surveillance drone crashed in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood this morning due to a technical malfunction during a reconnaissance mission, the IDF said, adding there is no risk of information leakage; the Elbit-made UAV, operated by the Artillery Corps, has a history of crashes in hostile areas.

The Chesed Fund Unveils ‘Scratch 4 Chesed’: A Game-Changing Fundraising Campaign

The Chesed Fund is proud to announce the launch of Scratch 4 Chesed, an innovative new fundraising campaign model that combines donor excitement with powerful results. By introducing an element of surprise into the donation process, this campaign format captures attention, drives participation, and maximizes fundraising potential. Scratch 4 Chesed reimagines the traditional sweepstakes by allowing participants to purchase a “mystery ticket” for a chance to win a large cash prize. The twist? Each ticket has a hidden, increasing value—and donors only find out how much their ticket costs after they commit to buying it. This unique approach not only adds a layer of suspense, but also encourages higher giving by leveraging curiosity and a desire to support a meaningful cause. For inquiries or to learn how Scratch 4 Chesed can work for your organization, CLICK HERE How It Works 1. Define Ticket AmountsCampaign organizers select a fixed number of tickets, each with a hidden value that increases incrementally. For example, the first ticket costs $1, the second $2, and so on, up to a predetermined maximum (e.g., $360). 2. Sell Randomized TicketsDonors agree to purchase a ticket without knowing its value upfront. After they commit, they “scratch” a digital or physical card to reveal how much they owe. 3. Select a WinnerOne participant is selected to win a large cash prize. The rest walk away knowing they’ve contributed meaningfully to a cause they care about. This format appeals to donors by offering a fun and memorable experience while maintaining a strong incentive to give. Shown above: a digital scratch card featured in Scratch 4 Chesed. Real-World Success: A Case Study with Physical Scratch Cards Yeshivas Derech HaTorah launched a physical Scratch 4 Chesed campaign, offering 360 tickets in a $10,000 sweepstakes. Each ticket had a hidden, unique price ranging from $1 to $360. Donors committed to purchasing a ticket and then scratched it to reveal how much they owed. The campaign was run during a live event, with a representative walking around the tables selling scratch cards in real-time. This not only added an engaging and interactive element to the event, but also created an additional revenue stream on top of the existing program. Click here for pictures and more info about that event.  The campaign raised a total of $64,800. After awarding the prize, the yeshiva retained nearly $54,000—a powerful example of how this model can drive significant revenue in a short period of time. Shown above: a physical scratch card featured in Scratch 4 Chesed. A Win-Win Fundraising Model Scratch 4 Chesed offers organizations a fresh, effective way to engage their donor base while creating buzz and enthusiasm around their campaign. With minimal setup and high potential returns, it’s an ideal solution for schools, nonprofits, and community initiatives looking to energize their fundraising efforts. To see a sample digital scratch card CLICK HERE For inquiries or to learn how Scratch 4 Chesed can work for your organization, CLICK HERE

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