In a bizarre development, Israeli law enforcement officials suspect that smugglers have been using heavy-duty drones to transport exotic animals—including monkeys and lion cubs—into Israel from Egypt and Jordan, a police spokesperson confirmed Sunday. The revelation comes as authorities intensify a weeks-long investigation into a sophisticated animal trafficking ring, which has already led to the rescue of 10 monkeys and four lion cubs across the country. The police probe began after a viral video surfaced showing individuals driving in the Negev with a monkey chained to a car dashboard and a lion cub casually seated in a passenger’s lap. The footage sparked widespread outrage and led authorities to track down the source of the illegally smuggled animals. Days later, law enforcement rescued the lion cub from the Bedouin town of Bir Hadaj, along with two monkeys from nearby Tel Sheva. A second lion cub was later discovered in central Israel. As police conducted raids in Bir Hadaj, they uncovered high-powered drones in nearly every home they searched, leading them to believe the smugglers are using aerial transport to fly exotic animals into Israel. According to a Channel 12 report, these sophisticated drones—each worth hundreds of thousands of shekels—are capable of carrying up to 70 kilograms (154 lbs.), making them powerful enough to transport young animals. Authorities suspect the same criminal networks smuggling drugs and contraband into Gaza have now turned to the illegal wildlife trade, exploiting Israel’s borders for high-profit trafficking operations. The investigation has led to a series of rescues across Israel, including the recovery of a lion cub found wandering near Kafr Qasim and another discovered in central Israel. On Sunday, police rescued two illegally held monkeys, one locked inside a Ramat Gan apartment and another found near a farm in Daburiyya. In Ramat Gan, officers discovered a monkey crammed into a tiny cage on a living room floor, leading to the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect, who was also in possession of marijuana. Meanwhile, a third lion cub was found abandoned in an open area near Kafr Qasim, with authorities believing the smugglers dumped the animal after it became too difficult to handle. Rescued animals have been transferred to wildlife shelters under the care of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, where they are undergoing medical examinations and rehabilitation. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
It’s lights out for the first private lunar lander to pull off a fully successful moon mission. Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander fell silent over the weekend, wrapping up two weeks of science experiments for NASA. The end came as the sun set at the moon, no longer providing energy for the lander’s solar panels. “Mission is completed,” Firefly CEO Jason Kim said via X late Sunday night. “But the Ghost still lives on in our hearts and minds for the journey it’s taken us on!” The lander operated five hours into the lunar night as planned before it died Sunday evening. Photos of the lunar sunset and glow will be released on Tuesday, Kim said. Blue Ghost launched from Cape Canaveral in January as part of NASA’s commercial lunar delivery program. It landed at the moon’s far northeastern edge on March 2. It carried a drill, vacuum and other science and tech instruments for NASA. Firefly confirmed Monday that all 10 experiments worked. Late last week, Blue Ghost observed a total solar eclipse from the moon — a total lunar eclipse as seen from Earth. The Texas-based Firefly became the first private company to land on the moon without falling or crashing after a string of failed missions by other companies over the past few years. Only five countries — the United States, Russia, China, India and Japan — have achieved a successful landing. A Japanese company’s lunar lander shared the SpaceX rocket ride, but took an even longer route to get to the moon. That lander from ispace is targeting an early June touchdown. Another Texas company, Intuitive Machines, ended up sideways in a crater near the moon’s south pole earlier this month, dooming the mission. It was the second incomplete mission for Intuitive Machines. Its first lander put the U.S. back on the moon last year for the first time since the Apollo era after a less-than-perfect landing that hampered communications. Firefly is already working on its next lunar lander and striving for one moon landing a year. (AP)
The joyous Yom Tov of Purim was marked with profound spirituality and devotion in the sacred halls of Yeshivas Rashbi, under the leadership of the revered Rosh Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Meir Tzvi Bergman. The day was filled with the fulfillment of Purim mitzvos, heartfelt interactions, and moments of inspiration that left an indelible mark on all who participated. On the night and day of Purim, Rav Bergman, read the Megillah in the Beis Midrash of the yeshiva, captivating the hearts of those present with his holy presence. Following Shacharis on Purim morning, hundreds of people lined up for over an hour to receive a personal Bracha from Rav Bergman. With boundless warmth, the Rosh Yeshiva extended his brachos to every individual who approached him, ensuring that no one left empty-handed. Afterward, Rav Bergman meticulously fulfilled the mitzvos of matanos l’evyonim and mishloach manos. He also conducted a special Tefillah for those who support Torah, uplifting the spirits of his students and followers. The day was further elevated by a meaningful exchange with the Belzer Rebbe. A Shliach arrived from the Belzer Rebbe with mishloach manos for Rav Bergman. In a reciprocal act of honor, Rav Bergman sent back mishloach manos, accompanied by a personal “kvittel” – a gesture of deep respect and spiritual connection between these towering Torah luminaries. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
President Trump attends his first meeting as Chair of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees: We’re going to spend a lot of effort fixing up Washington, D.C. — and the Kennedy Center is a big part of the fabric of our capital city.
As Oklahomans assessed the devastation from wildfires that whipped across the state, damaging or destroying hundreds of homes, officials in both Oklahoma and Texas warned Sunday of an increased risk of fire danger in the coming week. “We’re going to be back into a critical area,” Oklahoma Forestry Services spokesperson Keith Merckx said Sunday. Wildfires fueled by high winds swept across the state on Friday. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said Sunday evening that over 400 homes were damaged statewide Officials said Sunday that at least four people had died because of the severe weather in Oklahoma. Jeremy Cook was among the residents in Stillwater, a city of about 50,000 located about 65 miles (100 kilometers) northeast of Oklahoma City, who returned home Saturday morning to find that his house was gone. Cook told The Oklahoman that when his family fled Friday, they loaded up three cars with photographs, pets, books and paintings. After returning to find his home burned to the foundation, he said he was going back and forth “between laughing and crying.” At least 74 homes in and around Stillwater were destroyed by wildfires, Mayor Will Joyce said Sunday night on Facebook. Fire Chief Terry Essary said at a news conference Saturday that the fires spread rapidly and crews had difficulty containing each one because of the high winds and low humidity. He said they quickly became overwhelmed. “Nobody has enough resources to fight fires when the wind is blowing 70 mph,” Essary said. “It’s an insurmountable task.” The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said on Sunday evening that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner had confirmed four fatalities related to the fires or high winds across the state. There was one death each in Lincoln, Garfield, Haskell and Pawnee counties. Details were not given on the deaths in Haskell and Pawnee counties. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokesperson Keli Cain said the person in Garfield County was killed in a vehicle accident due to poor visibility due to dust or smoke and that a man died in Lincoln County. Deborah Ferguson told News 9 that her husband, Allen Ferguson, was killed in Lincoln County. She said that her husband and her 15-year-old son had been fighting a wildfire in a pasture on Friday and as they fled on a four-wheeler, it crashed into a tree amid heavy smoke. She said her son was badly burned and is hospitalized. Erin O’Connor, a spokesperson with the Texas A&M Forest Service, said the region on Friday had the “perfect recipe for wildfires” with high winds, dry conditions and above normal temperatures. She said that less wind on Sunday had helped crews get a handle on the fires but that more fire activity was expected this coming week. One of the largest fires in Texas currently had burned about 14 square miles (36 square kilometers) near Fredericksburg, west of Austin, but was 40% contained by Sunday, she said. The winds that swept across Texas and Oklahoma were so strong that they turned over several tractor-trailers. Authorities have said three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm caused by high winds in the Texas Panhandle on Friday. After touring the damage in Stillwater and Mannford, a city of about 3,000 located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) […]
Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell: “The Houthis could stop this tomorrow if they said we’re going to stop shooting at your people. But they clearly have chosen not to do that so this campaign will be relentless to degrade their capability and open up shipping lanes.”
Trump adviser Stephen Miller: “In the coming days, you will see the full suit of presidential authorities used to extricate this gang, this terrorist organization from our soil.”
The Justice Department on Monday announced the creation of a task force to investigate Hamas for its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel as well as potential civil rights violations and acts of antisemitism by anyone supporting the terrorist group. Agents and prosecutors participating in Joint Task Force October 7, or JTF 10-7, will investigate and look to bring charges against Hamas terrorists directly responsible for the rampage in southern Israel, the department said. “The barbaric Hamas terrorists will not win — and there will be consequences,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement announcing the task force. The attack killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and Hamas took 251 hostages. It touched off an Israeli counteroffensive that has destroyed vast areas of Gaza. The Biden administration’s Justice Department unsealed charges last September against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other senior terrorists in connection with the attack on Israel. The impact of the case is mostly symbolic given that Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces weeks later and several other defendants are believed now to be dead. The new task force will take over those pending charges, the department said. The announcement of the task force comes as President Donald Trump has issued what he has called a “last warning” to Hamas to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza. His administration has targeted universities over a perceived failure to squelch antisemitism on campus as well as foreigners who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The Justice Department announced this month that it was investigating whether Columbia University concealed “illegal aliens” on its campus, and federal immigration agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia graduate student. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he revoked Khalil’s permission to be in the U.S. because of his role in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia, saying they had riled up “anti-Jewish” sentiment and amounted to support for Hamas. Khalil’s lawyers have challenged his detention in court. Monday’s announcement said the task force, made up of prosecutors and FBI officials, also will investigate civil rights violations and potential acts of terrorism by anyone providing support or financing to Hamas. It did not define what sort of support would be illegal, though federal law makes it a crime to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations such as Hamas. The Justice Department said FBI agents will be embedded with Israel’s National Bureau of Counter Terror Finance. (AP)
The Vishnitzer Rebbe from Bnei Brak is battling a serious illness, and is undergoing a major surgery today (Monday). There is a Yom Tefillah in Vishnitz. The attached photos are from the reciting of Tehillim, and Limud Hatorah. Please say Tehillim for Yisroel ben Leah Esther. PHOTOS BELOW BY SHUKI LERER FOR YWN
Tonight, the Israeli Air Force conducted multiple airstrikes targeting Hezbollah locations in Southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, along with former Assad Regime bases in Southwestern Syria. The latest wave of attacks focused on the headquarters of the 132nd Mechanized Brigade, part of the now-dissolved Syrian Arab Army, located in the city of Daraa.
The videos roll through TikTok in 30-second flashes. Migrants trek in camouflage through dry desert terrain. Dune buggies roar up to the United States-Mexico border barrier. Families with young children pass through gaps in the wall. Helicopters, planes, yachts, tunnels and jet skis stand by for potential customers. Laced with emojis, the videos posted by smugglers offer a simple promise: If you don’t have a visa in the U.S., trust us. We’ll get you over safely. At a time when legal pathways to the U.S. have been slashed and criminal groups are raking in money from migrant smuggling, social media apps like TikTok have become an essential tool for smugglers and migrants alike. The videos — taken to cartoonish extremes — offer a rare look inside a long elusive industry and the narratives used by trafficking networks to fuel migration north. “With God’s help, we’re going to continue working to fulfill the dreams of foreigners. Safe travels without robbing our people,” wrote one enterprising smuggler. As President Donald Trump begins to ramp up a crackdown at the border and migration levels to the U.S. dip, smugglers say new technologies allow networks to be more agile in the face of challenges, and expand their reach to new customers — a far cry from the old days when each village had its trusted smuggler. “In this line of work, you have to switch tactics,” said a woman named Soary, part of a smuggling network bringing migrants from Ciudad Juarez to El Paso, Texas, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition that her last name would not be shared out of concern that authorities would track her down. “TikTok goes all over the world.” Soary, 24, began working in smuggling when she was 19, living in El Paso, where she was approached by a friend about a job. She would use her truck to pick up migrants who had recently jumped the border. Despite the risks involved with working with trafficking organizations, she said it earned her more as a single mother than her previous job putting in hair extensions. As she gained more contacts on both sides of the border, she began connecting people from across the Americas with a network of smugglers to sneak them across borders and eventually into the U.S. Like many smugglers, she would take videos of migrants speaking to the camera after crossing the border to send over WhatsApp as evidence to loved ones that her clients had gotten to their destination safely. Now she posts those clips to TikTok. TikTok says the platform strictly prohibits human smuggling and reports such content to law enforcement. The use of social media to facilitate migration took off around 2017 and 2018, when activists built massive WhatsApp groups to coordinate the first major migrant caravans traveling from Central America to the U.S., according to Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a professor at George Mason University focused on the migrant smuggling industry. Later, smugglers began to infiltrate those chats and use the choice social media app of the day, expanding to Facebook and Instagram. Migrants, too, began to document their often perilous voyages north, posting videos trekking through the jungles of the Darien Gap dividing Colombia and Panama, and after being released by extorting cartels. A 2023 study by the United Nations […]
NEWSNATION: “Immigration attorneys say that this level of self-deportation is higher than expected…… “I’m very surprised with the amount of self-deportations. I knew there would be self-deportations, but not at the level I’m seeing.”
Purim 2025 by HaGaon HaRav Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rosh Yeshivas Rashbi and Zakein Chevrei Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah. He is the son-in-law of Maran HaGaon HaRav Elazar Menachem Man Shach Zt”L.
The United States conducted a fresh wave of airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Monday, targeting the Iran-backed militia’s strongholds in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and the Al Jawf governorate north of the capital, Sanaa. The strikes, reported by the Houthis’ Al Masirah TV, mark an intensification of a U.S. military campaign aimed at curbing the group’s attacks on international shipping lanes, a vital artery for global trade that has been repeatedly disrupted since late 2023. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the operations, stating that the strikes were designed to degrade the Houthis’ ability to threaten maritime security and regional stability. The targets included missile storage sites and command facilities, part of a broader effort to neutralize the militia’s capacity to launch drones and ballistic missiles. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the campaign could extend for weeks, reflecting a resolute stance against the Houthis’ persistent aggression. The airstrikes come on the heels of a significant U.S. operation that began Saturday, which saw fighter jets from the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group hit dozens of Houthi positions across Yemen. That initial wave resulted in at least 53 deaths, including civilians, according to the Houthi-run health ministry, though U.S. officials have emphasized that the strikes are precision-guided to minimize collateral damage while maximizing impact on military infrastructure. The escalation follows a breakdown in a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has faced renewed pressure from Hamas after suspending humanitarian aid shipments earlier this month. The Houthis, aligning themselves with the Palestinian cause, had paused their maritime attacks during the ceasefire but resumed threats after Israel’s decision, prompting the U.S. to act decisively. President Donald Trump, who has prioritized securing shipping lanes since taking office in January, warned the Houthis on Saturday that “hell will rain down” if their attacks persisted, a message underscored by Monday’s strikes. Earlier on Monday, Trump said Iran is responsible for and “will suffer the consequences” of continued attacks by the Houthis. For Israel, a key U.S. ally, the Houthi threat extends beyond shipping disruptions. The militia has launched over 400 missiles and drones at Israeli territory since October 2023, most intercepted by Israeli defenses, in retaliation for Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The U.S. campaign against the Houthis thus serves a dual purpose: protecting international commerce and supporting Israel’s security by weakening a member of Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran, the Houthis’ primary backer, condemned the strikes, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei calling them a “gross violation” of international law. However, U.S. officials have dismissed Tehran’s protests, pointing to Iran’s role in arming and funding the militia. President Trump has repeatedly called on Iran to cease its support, warning of consequences if it fails to comply. The Houthis, undeterred, claimed early Monday to have launched a second attack on the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, though a U.S. official told Reuters that no such strike succeeded, with 11 Houthi drones shot down on Sunday alone. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi vowed to continue targeting U.S. assets as long as American attacks persist, signaling a potential cycle of retaliation. The conflict’s toll on Yemen remains stark. The Houthi-run health ministry reported that Monday’s strikes in Hodeidah and Al Jawf added […]
