Yeshiva World News

Trump: Hostages Returning, Middle East Trip Possible

We’re thinking about going to the Middle East. The hostages are coming back. Some of them have been very damaged… If I weren’t here, they wouldn’t have come back ever… October 7th never should’ve happened.

What’s Next For EVs Under President Trump?

President Donald Trump signed an executive order promising to eliminate what he incorrectly labels “the electric vehicle mandate” imposed under former President Joe Biden. His order on Monday is consistent with pledges Trump made on the campaign trail to end what he calls a “preposterous” focus on EVs by Biden and other Democrats. The order, along with other steps expected in a second Trump administration, could slow U.S. efforts to address climate change, much of which is caused by burning gasoline and diesel fuel that emit carbon dioxide and other planet-warming greenhouse gases. Here is a look at Trump’s actions and what happens next. What does Trump’s executive order say about EVs? Trump’s order said he would “eliminate the electric vehicle (EV) mandate” and promote true consumer choice, which is essential for economic growth and innovation, by removing regulatory barriers to motor vehicle access; by ensuring a level regulatory playing field for consumer choice in vehicles.” While there is no Biden “mandate” to force the purchase of EVs, the Democratic president’s policies were aimed at encouraging Americans to buy them and car companies to shift from gas-powered vehicles to electric cars. Trump’s order, entitled “Unleashing American Energy,” also said his administration would terminate “where appropriate, state emissions waivers that function to limit sales of gasoline-powered automobiles; and by considering the elimination of unfair subsidies and other ill-conceived government-imposed market distortions that favor EVs over other technologies and effectively mandate their purchase by individuals, private businesses, and government entities alike by rendering other types of vehicles unaffordable.” Language in the order and others issued by Trump on Monday indicate he is likely to seek to repeal a $7,500 tax credit for new EV purchases approved by Congress as part of Biden’s landmark 2022 climate law, as well as roll back Biden-era Environmental Protection Agency rules to tighten limits on greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution from passenger and commercial vehicles. Trump has also promised to end a federal exemption that allows California to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035. The federal waiver is important not only to California but also to more than a dozen other states that follow its nation-leading standards on vehicle emissions. Trump’s order Monday was reminiscent of actions taken during his first term in the White House, when he rolled back tough vehicle emissions standards set under Democratic then-President Barack Obama. Leading up to the election, Trump became closer with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The company has the highest market cap of automakers around the globe and leads the EV market, even with increasing competition from other manufacturers. Notably, Trump seemed to temporarily soften his stance on EVs somewhat in recent months. Musk is now heading the president’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Did Trump address EV charging? In the executive order, Trump also put an immediate pause on billions of dollars in funding allocated for EV charging stations appropriated through the climate law, known as the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law approved in 2021. Biden had set a goal of creating 500,000 such chargers by 2030. As of late last year, there were 214 operational chargers in 12 states that have been funded through federal laws, with 24,800 projects underway across the country, according to the Federal Highway Administration. A total of more than 203,000 publicly available charging ports are operating across the U.S., with nearly […]

Making History A Great Project Is Underway: A Huge Boost for the Haredi Community in Netivot

Headed by Maran, Rosh HaYeshiva HaGaon Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, shlita and Members of the Council of Torah Sages, shlita A historic milestone will be celebrated on Thursday of this week with the founding of Kiryat Beit Halevi and the expansion of Netivot, the city of Torah in the Negev, transforming Netivot into the next Haredi city of the future. In attendance will be hundreds of families who have purchased apartments in Ramot Meir and Kiryat Beit Halevi. They will participate in laying the cornerstone of this new neighborhood, led by Maran, Rosh HaYeshiva HaGaon Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, shlita and Members of the Council of Torah Sages, shlita. News of housing in the southern cities is making waves, due to the significant expansion and establishment of new neighborhoods for families of exceptional avrechim, graduates of the holy yeshivas. Gedolai Yisrael have entrusted HaRav HaGaon Aharon Assayag shlit”a, who heads the kollel and Torah and charity institutions in Netivot, to turn this incredible idea into reality, transforming Netivot into a spiritual beacon of Torah.  Avrechim can purchase new, spacious apartments at deeply discounted prices, and live in a special place of Torah. They will be able to raise their children in a holy environment and send them to excellent educational institutions: yeshivas, kollels, talmud torahs and Beis Yaakovs. The project is well on its way, with 400 exceptional avrechim having already purchased apartments and allocations of another 6,000 apartments in the coming year for the Haredi community.

Trump To Announce Newly Formed Partnership Investing $500 Billion In AI

President Donald Trump on Tuesday is announcing investments worth up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out projects needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. Joining Trump for the announcement fresh off his inauguration will be Masayoshi Son of SoftBank, Sam Altman of OpenAI and Larry Ellison of Oracle. Son, a billionaire based in Japan, already committed in December to invest $100 billion in U.S. projects over the next four years. The head of SoftBank previously committed to $50 billion in new investments ahead of Trump’s first term, which included a large stake in the troubled office-sharing company WeWork. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout in data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI, which holds the promise of increasing productivity by automating work but also the risk of displacing jobs if poorly implemented. Last October, the financial company Blackstone estimated that the U.S. would see $1 trillion invested in data centers over five years, with another $1 trillion being committed internationally. Those estimates for investments suggest that much of the new capital will go through Stargate as OpenAI has established itself as a sector leader with the 2022 launch of its ChaptGPT, a chatbot that captivated the public imagination with its ability to answer complex questions and perform basic business tasks. The White House has put an emphasis on making it easier to build out new electricity generation in anticipation of AI’s expansion, knowing that the United States is in a competitive race against China to develop a technology increasingly being adopted by businesses. Still, the regulatory outlook for AI remains somewhat uncertain as Trump on Monday overturned the 2023 order signed by then-President Joe Biden to create safety standards and watermarking of AI-generated content, among other goals, in hopes of putting guardrails on the technology’s possible risks to national security and economic well-being. CBS News first reported that Trump would be announcing the AI investment. Trump supporter Elon Musk, worth more than $400 billion, was an early investor in OpenAI but has since challenged its move to for-profit status and has started his own AI company, xAI. Musk is also in charge of the “Department of Government Efficiency” created formally on Monday by Trump with the goal of reducing government spending. Trump previously in January announced a $20 billion investment by DAMAC Properties in the United Arab Emirates to build data centers tied to AI. (AP)

TERROR IN TEL AVIV: Multiple People Stabbed, Terrorist Shot Dead; Was Carrying US Green Card

A suspected stabbing attack in Tel Aviv’s bustling Nachalat Binyamin area on Monday night has left four people injured. According to Magen David Adom (MDA), the incident occurred at approximately 9:12 PM, with stabbings reported at two locations: Rechov Nachalat Binyamin and Rechov Kalisher. The victims include two men aged 24 and 28 in moderate condition, and two men aged 24 and 59 in good condition, MDA says. The suspected terrorist was neutralized by a bystander—a woman who used a gun to stop the attacker. Authorities have praised her decisive actions, which likely prevented further casualties. The attacker behind this evening’s stabbing in Tel Aviv has been identified as Abdelaziz Kaddi, 29, a Moroccan national who held a U.S. green card. According to an ID found on his body, he entered Israel on January 18 – THREE DAYS AGO – using a tourist visa. Kaddi stabbed and injured four people before being shot and killed. Security officials are working to confirm his identity and investigate the incident further. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

EGGS-ASPERATING: Egg Prices On The Rise – How Long Will This Crisis Last?

Egg prices have reached staggering levels in recent months, with some shoppers shocked to see a dozen eggs selling for more than $9 at select retailers. The price surge has been driven primarily by a widespread avian flu outbreak that has significantly reduced the supply of egg-laying hens. In December 2024, the wholesale price of eggs averaged $4.62 per dozen, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, retail prices vary widely depending on transportation costs, local demand, and market competition. As of January 10, 2025, the average cost per dozen eggs stood at $8.04 in California and $6.25 in New York. The ongoing avian flu outbreak, which began in early 2022, has been the largest factor behind the soaring prices. The disease has led to the culling of millions of chickens, drastically reducing the egg supply while demand remains steady. Since the outbreak started, over 100 million chickens have been lost, causing ripple effects throughout the egg market. Despite the high prices, relief may be on the horizon, albeit gradually. While the USDA does not release national wholesale price forecasts, New York’s wholesale average is widely considered an industry benchmark. In its most recent report, the USDA projected New York’s average price per dozen eggs to remain elevated at $4.80 in early 2025 before gradually declining to $2.35 by the end of the year. This revised estimate is slightly higher than an earlier forecast of $2.10, reflecting ongoing challenges in stabilizing supply. Although prices are expected to ease from late 2024 levels, they are likely to remain above pre-outbreak norms through 2025. Market experts caution that any additional supply disruptions or new avian flu outbreaks could trigger further price spikes, as the egg market is highly sensitive to changes in supply and demand. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

ROUNDUPS UNDERWAY: Homan Says ICE Agents Have Started

ROBERTS: “Round ups of criminal illegal aliens and the process of reporting them would begin…. When can we expect that to happen?” HOMAN: “It’s started. ICE teams are out there as of today.”

The Chassidish Bochur Who Davened For Emily Damari’s Release Every Day

A chassidish bochur  davened every day for the release of the hostages in Gaza but mentioned specifically the name of British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, who b’chasdei Hashem was released on Sunday together with Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher. The story, as reported by Kikar Shabbat, was told over by the son’s father. “Our son, a yeshiva bochur, returned from Israel to London after Sukkos. When he boarded the plane, he noticed that his seat was assigned next to a woman. My son politely asked her if it was okay for her to move to sit in a nearby seat next to another woman so that he could sit next to a man. But the woman reacted angrily, belittled him for even asking, and of course refused to move.” The bochur didn’t respond to her, but when he couldn’t find another seat, he remained standing, at a loss of what to do. Suddenly, a secular woman approached him and told him that his sincerity in keeping halacha had deeply moved her, and she was willing to exchange places with him – she would sit next to the woman, and he would sit next to a man. But it didn’t end there. The woman who agreed to swap places asked him for something else – “I have a daughter who was abducted to Gaza. Please I want you to daven for her every day that she’ll come out from there healthy and whole.” That woman was Mandy Damari, who was born and raised in the UK and made aliyah in her 20s, where she married and raised four children on Kibbutz Kfar Azza. Since then, the bochur has davened daily for Emily Tehilla bat Amanda Francis – Emily Damari – to be released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, until he was informed at the beginning of the week together with all of Am Yisrael that she was being released along with two other women. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

HOPE IN THE DARK: Four More Female Israeli Hostages To Be Freed From Hamas Captivity On Shabbos

Hamas announced Tuesday that it will release four Israeli female hostages on Saturday as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Israel, which also includes the release of Palestinian security prisoners. Taher al-Nunu, a senior Hamas official, confirmed the upcoming release but did not disclose the names of the hostages. The terms of the agreement require Hamas to provide the names at least 24 hours in advance, though the terrorist group missed this deadline for earlier releases. Seven female hostages remain from the original list of 33 slated for release in the first phase of the deal. This group includes two civilians and five female soldiers. Among them are Arbel Yehud, 29, and Shiri Silberman Bibas, 33, the latter of whom remains captive with her two young sons, Kfir and Ariel, who were 9 months and 4 years old, respectively, at the time of their abduction. There are also several young female IDF soldiers still in captivity: Liri Albag, 19, Karina Ariev, 20, Agam Berger, 21, Danielle Gilboa, 20, and Naama Levy, 20. For each soldier released, Israel will free 50 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom have been convicted of terrorism. The hostage release on Shabbos will follow Sunday’s exchange, where three Israeli civilian hostages – Romi Gonen, 24; Doron Steinbrecher, 31; and Emily Damari, 28 – were freed in return for 30 Palestinian prisoners per hostage. The deal is unfolding amid complex negotiations involving multiple parties, including Russian Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov, who announced that Russian-Israeli hostage Sasha Trufanov is expected to be freed within weeks. Trufanov, injured during his abduction, is reportedly in stable condition. The ceasefire, now in its third day, also includes measures to allow displaced Palestinians to gradually return to northern Gaza. By the seventh day, unarmed civilians will be permitted to cross specific roads without inspections, while the IDF maintains strategic positions. Meanwhile, Israeli intelligence officials are meeting with Egyptian counterparts in Cairo to discuss security arrangements, signaling cautious optimism that the ceasefire will hold long enough to facilitate further hostages’ release and humanitarian relief efforts. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

5 Steps Married Men Use to Transform From Living With a Roommate and Create Happiness and Excitement With Their Wives…

“Telling your wife your needs and wants” is a complete waste of time for married men who want happiness and I’ll tell you why. So many marriage experts claim they have the secret to a happy marriage and that it all comes down to communication, boundaries and bringing in more money. They tell you to help out more at home, talk about the past, go together to a marriage professional but never stop to take inventory of whether ANY of these methods are actually WORKING in creating happiness and joy! I am not saying those strategies don’t work at all, but they are the long… slow… painful way of having a happy home. And for the few that make it with these strategies, they’ve done it while he doesn’t get what he needs, and she doesn’t get what she needs.  Meanwhile, we’re helping our clients connect with their wives on the highest level, living lives full of happiness and excitement and it gets more and more joyful by the day where both husband and wife feel happiness and excitement… … all without needing their wife to meet them halfway! To check out how they do this, click below to watch my free presentation where I share all the details … you’re going to thank me for it! 5 Steps Married Men Use to Get Rid of Friction and Create Happiness and Excitement… Without Needing Their Wife to Meet Them Halfway!

Hatzalah Cleveland Has Officially Launched Their 24/7 Emergency Medical Services

Hatzalah Cleveland is thrilled to announce that we have officially launched our emergency medical services, proudly serving the communities of Beachwood, Cleveland Heights, and University Heights. Our highly trained volunteer responders are now on call 24/7 to provide rapid and compassionate care during emergencies. This milestone was achieved thanks to the exceptional support of University Hospitals, including the guidance of Dr. Dan Simon, Dan Ellenberger, EMS Director, and the outstanding team at the University Hospitals EMS Institute. Their expertise and collaboration have been invaluable in preparing our team to deliver top-tier pre-hospital care. We also extend our sincere thanks to all who have guided us and gave up of their time to help us reach this milestone. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency in our service area, please call 216-888-1818 for immediate assistance. Our mission is to ensure fast, reliable, and culturally sensitive care to all who need it, no matter the time of day. Hatzalah Cleveland is honored to join the network of Hatzalah chapters worldwide, united by our shared mission to save lives and support our communities. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

UN Ambassador-Designate Elise Stefanik Answers Question At Confirmation Hearing

UN Ambassador-designate Elise Stefanik: “We should NEVER tolerate any U.S. taxpayer funds going towards terrorism” like UNRWA Democrat Sen. Chris Murphy asks UN Ambassador-designate Elise Stefanik about Musk supposedly performing a Hitler salute. Stefanik slaps Murphy down. Stefanik says she strongly supports Trump’s attempt to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, noting that she has been a Russia hawk throughout her career.

Major European Airlines To Resume Flights To Israel, American Airlines Continue Boycott

Following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Air France has confirmed plans to resume flights to Tel Aviv this weekend. The airline was among many international carriers that suspended operations to Israel in September due to escalating violence in the region. Other European carriers, including Lufthansa Group, ITA Airways, British Airways, and EasyJet, are also planning to restart flights to Israel. However, their timelines vary. Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Eurowings, and others, will resume flights to Tel Aviv on February 1. Similarly, ITA Airways, formerly Alitalia, will restart its Rome-Tel Aviv route on February 1, initially operating one daily flight, increasing to two daily flights from February 16, subject to geopolitical conditions. Both flights will use Airbus A321neo aircraft. British Airways will resume its daily service between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv on April 5, with plans for a second daily flight starting April 20, also using A321neo aircraft. Meanwhile, EasyJet has delayed its return until June. Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has already resumed flights between London and Tel Aviv, while Ryanair has announced plans to restore its full Tel Aviv schedule by summer. While many European airlines are returning, U.S. carriers remain hesitant. American Airlines has suspended Tel Aviv flights until at least September, Delta Air Lines until March 31, and United Airlines indefinitely. The carriers cite security concerns and ongoing evaluations of the region’s stability. During the suspensions, EL AL, Israel’s national airline, has capitalized on increased demand, reporting record profits. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Police Officer Who Shot 2 Israelis Questioned Under Warning, Released To House Arrest

The police officer who shot and injured two Israelis in a severe incident in the Shomron on Monday night was questioned under warning by police investigators and released to house arrest. Channel 14 News reported that the incident began with a confrontation between Israeli security forces and Jewish “settler youths” who were rioting in a Palestinian village, including setting fires. Some of the youths fled the scene and a police officer and IDF soldier chased after them for several hundred meters. At that point, the youths confronted the officer and soldier, spraying pepper gas at them. The police officer reportedly lost his composure and fired his weapon indiscriminately, and the IDF soldier also opened fire in what witnesses described as a “chaotic series of shots.” Several youths were injured by gunfire, including a youth who was critically wounded after being shot in the head and another youth who was seriously wounded after being shot in the shoulder. Several others were lightly injured and were treated at the scene. According to the youths, the police officer became agitated and began to cry instead of calling for help or providing assistance to the wounded. He began muttering ‘What have I done?’ and ‘The Internal Affairs Division will take care of me.’ In contrast, the soldier assisted in treating the wounded and summoning emergency forces. It can be inferred from the statements that both the police officer and the soldier were aware that the individuals involved were Jews, as they chased after them for a considerable distance. A senior police official told Channel 14 that “this was a grave incident with a tragic outcome. We independently approached the Internal Affairs Division to appoint an external body to investigate the truth.” The police issued a statement overnight Monday, saying: “Following the incident in the Yehuda and Shomron district, in light of the involvement of a police officer and a soldier in the event, and at the request of the Israel Police— the Internal Affairs Division and the Military Police Investigative Division were summoned to the scene. The commander of the Yehuda and Shomron district, Commissioner Moshe Pintzi, is conducting a situational assessment in collaboration with IDF officials.” The background for the riots was the terror attack that occurred in the village of Funduq about two weeks ago, during which three Israelis were killed. The terrorists who committed the attack have not yet been caught. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

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