President-elect Donald Trump announced plans on Monday evening to impose a 25% tariff on all products entering the United States from Canada and Mexico, along with an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports. The measures, Trump said, are aimed at addressing illegal immigration and the flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the country. “As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Citing an “unstoppable” caravan crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, he pledged immediate action: “On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States,” Trump said. “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long-simmering problem.” In another post, Trump directed criticism at China, accusing it of failing to crack down on drug traffickers despite prior discussions about imposing the death penalty for such crimes. “I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail,” he stated. “Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States of America.” CNBC’s Washington correspondent Megan Cassella noted that implementing such tariffs on day one would require Trump to declare an economic emergency, a move that would likely face significant legal challenges. Additionally, the proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico would disrupt the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade pact renegotiated during Trump’s first term, which would likely provoke retaliatory measures from trading partners and strain diplomatic relations. Trump’s focus on tariffs as a tool to combat immigration and drug trafficking reflects a continuation of his hardline stance on trade and border security. Critics argue that such measures could harm American consumers and businesses by raising the cost of imported goods and destabilizing established trade agreements. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
As discussions of a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a major Israeli airstrike just took place in Beirut. The strike occurred outside Hezbollah’s stronghold in the city’s southern suburbs. The lack of an evacuation warning suggests the attack may have been an assassination attempt rather than a strike on Hezbollah infrastructure. Simultaneously, the IDF has issued evacuation notices to residents of around 20 buildings in Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut, ahead of planned airstrikes targeting the group’s assets.
A 14-year-old Jewish girl sustained serious head and facial injuries in a violent antisemitic attack on Monday night in Stamford Hill, North London. The incident occurred as a group of young Jewish girls were walking to a rehearsal, when a man reportedly threw glass bottles at them from a balcony at the Woodberry Down Estate. One of the girls was severely injured in the attack and was rushed to the Royal London Hospital by Hatzolah EMTs for treatment. The Metropolitan Police’s Hackney division and Shomrim have launched an investigation into the incident, and are appealing for witnesses and information as they work to identify the perpetrator. The attack has sparked widespread concern and calls for heightened security measures in the area. Community leaders have urged authorities to take robust action to combat the rising tide of antisemitism, while encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. The Stamford Hill area, home to a large Orthodox Jewish community, has seen a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years, prompting renewed calls for stronger protection measures. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Russia launched 188 drones against most regions of Ukraine in a nighttime blitz, the Ukrainian air force said Tuesday, describing it as a record number of drones deployed in a single attack. Most of the drones were intercepted, according to the air force, but apartment buildings and critical infrastructure such as the national power grid were damaged. No casualties were immediately reported in the 17 targeted regions. Russia has been hammering civilian areas of Ukraine with increasingly heavy drone, missile and glide bomb attacks since the middle of the year. At the same time, Russia’s army has largely held the battlefield initiative for the past year and has been pushing hard in the eastern Donetsk region where it is making significant tactical advances, according to Western military analysts. Ukraine faces a difficult winter, with worries about the reliability of the electricity supply amid Russia’s attacks and how much U.S. support it can count on next year after President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. The air raid alert in the Kyiv region overnight lasted more than seven hours. Russia is trying to unnerve civilians and wear down their will to resist in the almost 3-year-old war. The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday its forces destroyed 39 Ukrainian drones overnight over Russian regions near the border with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s General Staff said Tuesday that over the past 24 hours roughly half of the clashes along the about 1,000-kilometer (600 mile) front line occurred near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove in the Donetsk region. Ukraine has a critical manpower problem on the front line, and though the Russian army’s gains have been incremental its momentum is adding up as the Ukrainians yield ground. The Russian advance is threatening important supply routes in Donetsk, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said late Monday. Ukrainian defenses in Donetsk are not in danger of being overrun, however, the think tank said. It also noted that Russia would need to capture more than 8,000 square kilometers (3,000 square miles) of territory to achieve the Kremlin’s goal of seizing the whole of Donetsk. In other developments, a court in Russia’s Kursk region has ordered a British national fighting with Ukraine to be held in detention pending an investigation and trial. The ruling on the Briton, identified by state news agency Tass and other media as James Scott Rhys Anderson, was announced Tuesday by court officials, who said in an online statement that it was handed down the previous day. The hearing took place behind closed doors in the Leninsky District Court in the city of Kursk. It wasn’t clear from the statement what charges Anderson is facing and whether he is considered a prisoner of war by the Russian authorities. The Briton reportedly was captured in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have seized territory following a lightning offensive in August. (AP)
Jessica Tisch officially assumed her role as the 48th Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Monday, becoming only the second female commissioner in the department’s 179-year history. Her swearing-in follows her appointment last week, a decision made by Mayor Eric Adams, as reported by YWN. Tisch’s appointment comes at a turbulent time for both the department and Mayor Adams, who is currently under federal indictment. The NYPD has faced recent leadership upheaval, with her predecessors, Tom Donlon and Edward Caban, stepping down under separate FBI investigations that included raids on their homes. During her inaugural speech, Tisch pledged to rebuild public trust and confidence in the NYPD, a department that has been marred by scandals and persistent challenges such as understaffing and officer attrition. She emphasized her commitment to restoring faith in the city’s police force, saying, “New Yorkers deserve a department they can trust and rely on, and I am here to make that a reality.” While crime statistics show progress—with shootings declining 30% over the past two years—concerns about random acts of violence remain prevalent among city residents. Tisch inherits a department grappling with operational and reputational issues, despite the drop in overall crime since Mayor Adams took office. Tisch succeeds Interim Commissioner Tom Donlon, who led the department after Edward Caban resigned in September. Caban’s resignation came amid a federal probe that included the seizure of his phones. Investigators have reportedly seized devices from multiple NYPD officials and members of Mayor Adams’ inner circle, including Caban’s twin brother, James. The NYPD is also addressing a staffing crisis, with high rates of attrition and recruitment challenges. In response, Mayor Adams has announced plans to hire 1,600 new officers starting in January to bolster the department’s ranks. The Police Benevolent Association has expressed concerns that these efforts may not fully resolve deeper systemic issues. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
As Israel prepares to sign a ceasefire deal with Lebanon, the IDF spokesperson announced on Tuesday that Golani forces have reached the Litani River, the first time IDF forces have operated in the area since it withdrew its forces from southern Lebanon in 2000. Following intelligence information, reserve forces of the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion carried out a special operation on the slopes of the Litani and the river itself. Channel 12 News reported that soldiers used rappelling ropes to descend some of the slopes of the mountain. Gun battles took place with Hezbollah terrorists in the Litani River area. Soldiers also operated in the Wadi Saluki area. In both areas, soldiers found hundreds of weapons, bunkers, dozens of short and long-range rocket launchers, and many ammunition stockpiles, some hidden within the mountainside. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Renowned Harvard Law professor emeritus and leading US attorney Alan Dershowitz announced he is forming a “legal dream team” to defend Israel at the Hague against the ICC’s false charges as well as “in the court of public opinion.” In an article published in the Wall Street Journal, Dershowitz wrote: “The International Criminal Court, of which neither Israel nor the U.S. is a member, has issued arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister and former defense minister as well as a Hamas terrorist commander who is probably dead. Although Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant can’t be arrested in the U.S. or Israel, several European countries have already indicated they would arrest them, if they are found within their territory. “This case will be tried in a courtroom in The Hague. It will also be tried in the court of public opinion, both in the U.S. and throughout the world. For that reason, I am assembling a team of world-class lawyers from around the globe to help defend Israeli leaders against the false charges. “Among the distinguished lawyers are Kendall Coffey (former U.S. attorney in Southern Florida), Floyd Abrams, Susan Estrich, Nathan Lewin, Benjamin Brafman, Arthur Aidala, Ron Sullivan and other former prosecutors. Nadine Strossen, the former president of the American Civil Liberties Union, has agreed to join our group, as has Mark Levin who served as chief of staff for Attorney General Ed Meese and now has a widely watched TV show. “Interestingly, David Boies—one of America’s most famous litigators—has agreed to work with us. He and I have been involved in antagonistic litigation against each other for years, but we agree on this issue, and he is enthusiastic about joining me in this effort. “We will argue that the ICC has no jurisdiction against Israel, not only because it isn’t a member, but also because the treaty that established that court precludes it from considering cases against any country with a valid judicial system that is willing and able to investigate the alleged crimes. This concept is called “complementarity.” Israel has one of the best and most independent legal systems in the world, one that is both willing and able to investigate its own leaders. The Israeli courts have convicted and imprisoned a former prime minister, a former president and several ministers. Hamas has no such judicial system. “We will also demonstrate that Israel’s actions in Gaza don’t violate any international law or laws of war over which the ICC has jurisdiction. Even if the inflated numbers of casualties provided by the Hamas Health Services were accurate, the proportion of civilians to combatants killed by the Israel Defense Forces would be lower than in any comparable war anywhere in the world. This certainly doesn’t qualify as genocide or any other war crime. In addition, the efforts by Israel and the international community to send food and other provisions into Gaza have been stymied by Hamas and by gangs who have stolen the shipments. “By issuing arrest warrants for Israeli leaders and one Hamas terrorist, the court is seeking to equate the terrorism of Hamas, which murdered, raped and kidnapped approximately 1,450 Israelis, mostly civilians, with the self-defense efforts of Israel to prevent a promised recurrence of Oct. 7. Without making comparisons to the Holocaust, the ICC—which along with the International […]
Millions of Americans with obesity would be eligible to have popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic covered by Medicare or Medicaid under a new rule the Biden administration proposed Tuesday morning. The costly proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services immediately sets the stage for a showdown between the powerful pharmaceutical industry and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an outspoken opponent of the weight-loss drugs who, as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the agency, could block the measure. While the rule would give millions of people access to weekly injectables that have helped people shed pounds so quickly that some have labeled them miracle drugs, it would cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade. “It’s a good day for anyone who suffers from obesity,” U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told The Associated Press in an interview. “It’s a game changer for Americans who can’t afford these drugs otherwise.” The rule would not be finalized until January, days after Trump takes office. A bipartisan coalition of congressional members has lobbied for the drugs to be covered by Medicare, saying it could save the government from spending billions of dollars on treating chronic ailments that stem from obesity. While it’s unclear where Trump himself stands on coverage of the weight-loss drugs, his allies and Cabinet picks who have vowed to cut government spending could balk at the upfront price tag. Under the proposal, only those who are considered obese — someone who has a body mass index of 30 or higher — would qualify for coverage. Some people may already get coverage of the drugs through Medicare or Medicaid, if they have diabetes or are at risk for stroke or heart disease. Becerra estimated that an additional 3.5 million people on Medicare and 4 million on Medicaid could qualify for coverage of the drugs. But research suggests far more people might qualify, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimating roughly 28 million people on Medicaid are considered obese. Medicare has been barred from offering the drugs under a decades-old law that prohibits the government-backed insurance program from covering weight-loss products. The rule proposed by the Biden administration, however, would recognize obesity as a disease that can be treated with the help of the drugs. The anti-obesity drug market has expanded significantly in recent years, with the Food and Drug Administration approving a new class of weekly injectables like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound to treat obesity. People can lose as much as 15% to 25% of their body weight on the drugs, which imitate the hormones that regulate appetites by communicating fullness between the gut and brain when people eat. The cost of the drugs has largely limited them to the wealthy, including celebrities who boast of their benefits. A monthly supply of Wegovy rings up at $1,300 and Zepbound will put you out $1,000. Shortages of the drugs have also limited the supplies. Kennedy, who as Trump’s nominee for HHS secretary is subject to Senate confirmation, has railed against the drugs’ popularity. In speeches and on social media, he’s said the U.S. should not cover the drugs through Medicaid or Medicare. Instead, he supports a broad expansion of coverage for healthier foods and gym memberships. “For […]
Supporters seeking the release of imprisoned Pakistani former Prime Minister Imran Khan broke through a ring of shipping containers blocking off the capital on Tuesday, and battled security forces despite a government threat to respond with gunfire. Six people have died in the violence. Thousands of security forces have poured into central Islamabad in an attempt to quell protests in support of Khan that have gripped the capital and its surrounding areas since Sunday. The popular politician has been in jail for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Authorities say only courts can order the release of Khan, who was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. He has been imprisoned since his first conviction in a graft case, in August 2023. On Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in downtown Islamabad’s Red Zone, which houses key government buildings and is where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Paramilitary rangers and police were also out in force and some fired warning shots into the air. Still, Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who is leading the protests, made slow progress toward the square in a heavily guarded convoy, surrounded by well-wishers. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi threatened that security forces would respond with live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now allowed police to take any decision according to the situation,” Naqvi said later while visiting the square. Protester Shahzor Ali said people were on the streets because Khan had called for them to be there. “We will stay here until Khan is among us. He will decide what to do next,” Ali said. “If they again fire bullets, the bullet will be responded with the bullet,” he said. Police so far have used tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds. The dead include four members of the security services and one civilian who were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the attack, saying an “anarchist group” was deliberately targeting law enforcement personnel. There was no claim of responsibility for the ramming. A police officer died separately. Scores of people have also been injured, including journalists who were attacked by demonstrators. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for The Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in a hospital. Pakistani media have mostly stopped filming and photographing the rally, instead focusing on the security measures and the city’s deserted streets. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Most demonstrators had the flag of Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, around their shoulders or wore its tricolors on accessories. Naqvi said Khan’s party rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. In a bid to foil the protest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country and messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media to demand Khan’s release and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. […]
The IDF on Tuesday announced that an IDF soldier who was critically wounded battling terrorists on October 7, 2023, died of his wounds early Tuesday morning. He was named as Sgt. First Class Yona Betzalel Brief, H’Yd, 23. He served as a combat medic in the Duvdevan commando unit. Brief, z’l, was seriously injured during a counterterrorism operation in Tulkarm in May 2023. Although he was still undergoing rehabilitation when the Hamas assault began, he and his fellow soldiers arrived at Kfar Azza, saving numerous lives and eliminating dozens of terrorists. He was critically injured in a gun battle on the kibbutz and was evacuated to Sheba Hospital, where doctors have been fighting for his life ever since. Over the past day, his condition deteriorated and his family and friends planned an Atzeret Tefilah at the Kosel to daven for his refuah. He leaves behind his parents and five siblings. The Mechinas Beis Dovid issued a statement saying: “Rabbanim and talmidim of the Bnei Dovid mosdot mourn the loss of the hero Yonah Betzalel Brief, H’yd…who passed away last night after a year of fighting for his life after being critically injured in the battle for Kibbutz Kfar Azza on Simchat Torah, 7.10.23. The Atzeret Tefilla planned for this evening will not take place. We send condolences to the family.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Pope Francis clarified that the remarks attributed to him in excerpts from an upcoming book that “Israel should be investigated for genocide in Gaza” were taken out of context. Speaking at a meeting with an interfaith delegation at the Vatican on Monday, he said: “I did not claim that Israel committed genocide. I was shown materials from the war, and I said that if this is true, then it needs to be investigated. I understand what is happening in Gaza. I think Hamas should no longer exist in the world, but the war should also not be prolonged.” The meeting included Rabbi Yosef Garmon, formerly the Chief Rabbi of Guatemala and currently head of “The Humanitarian Coalition,” which promotes humanitarian programs in Latin America. Rabbi Garmon, a tank commander in the 9026 Battalion who participated in fighting in Gaza and the north, addressed the Pope, who was born and raised in Argentina before becoming the leader of the Catholic world: “You cannot say that Israel must be investigated for genocide.
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman In the intricate design of creation, we find extraordinary evidence of Divine wisdom in even the smallest details of nature. The squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium) demonstrates remarkable engineering that has only recently been fully understood by modern science. This Mediterranean plant, known since the time of Pliny the Elder two millennia ago, reveals sophisticated mechanisms that could only have been crafted by the Borei Olam – an intelligent designer. A paper was published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in which Dr. Thorogood and colleagues unfold the entire process of how the squirting cucumber goes ballistic. They discovered it through high speed cameras. Previous Understanding: Before this recent research, scientists knew that this remarkable plant could project its seeds up to 40 feet away through some type of pressure system. The toxic fruits were known to build up internal pressure, but the precise mechanisms remained a mystery until now. The Divine Blueprint – A Step-by-Step Process: Preparation Phase The Creator designed an intricate preparation sequence where the fruit transitions from a downward-hanging position to precisely 45 degrees. This isn’t random movement – it’s a carefully orchestrated process where fluid moves from the fruit to the stem, causing the stem to become wider, straighter, and stronger. This mechanical preparation demonstrates foresight in design, as each aspect serves a crucial purpose in the upcoming launch. Launch Mechanism The precision of the launch system reveals incredible engineering. When the moment is perfect, the fruit detaches from its stalk, creating an opening at its base. This isn’t simply a hole – it’s a precisely designed aperture that enables the optimal release of seeds. The seeds emerge at exactly 66 feet per second, a speed that has been calibrated to achieve maximum dispersal. Time Management The entire process occurs in just 30 milliseconds – a timeframe so precise it suggests intentional design rather than random development. This split-second timing coordinates multiple systems working in perfect harmony: the fruit’s detachment, stem recoil, fruit rotation, and seed projection. Angular Precision The 45-degree launch angle represents perfect mathematical optimization. If the angle were higher or lower, the seeds wouldn’t achieve maximum distance. This angle wasn’t arrived at by chance – it’s the exact same angle that human engineers use to achieve maximum projectile distance, showing the hand of a Master Engineer. Pressure System The internal pressure system mirrors modern engineering principles, matching the pressure of a mountain bike tire. This precise pressure level provides enough force for optimal seed dispersal without causing structural failure – a delicate balance that speaks to intentional design. New Scientific Understanding: Modern research has revealed that this system isn’t just complex – it’s optimized. Scientists attempted to model variations with different stem stiffness levels and pressure systems, but none performed as well as the original design. This suggests that rather than evolving through random mutations, the system was purposefully crafted for maximum efficiency. Practical Applications: The wisdom embedded in this design has inspired human engineers to develop new drug delivery systems, demonstrating how the Creator’s patterns in nature can guide human innovation. This fulfills the divine mandate for humans to learn from and build upon the wisdom embedded in creation. Conclusion: The squirting cucumber represents a masterpiece of engineering that showcases the Creator’s attention […]
The Supreme Court won’t hear a challenge to a federal requirement that cigarette packages and advertising include graphic images demonstrating the effects of smoking. The high court declined to hear the case in a brief written order handed down Monday. Tobacco company R.J. Reynolds appealed to the high court after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the warnings do not violate the First Amendment. They include pictures of smoke-damaged lungs, feet blackened by diminished blood flow and a picture of a woman with a large growth on her neck and the caption “WARNING: Smoking causes head and neck cancer.” The company argued the final image, for example, was misleading because a patient would likely go to the doctor before a growth reached that size. The Food and Drug Administration countered that all the pictures reflect undisputed risks of smoking. Nearly 120 countries around the world have adopted larger, graphic warning labels. Studies from those countries suggest the image-based labels are more effective than text warnings at publicizing smoking risks and encouraging smokers to quit. The U.S. has not updated its labels since 1984. It’s not clear when new labels might appear. Some legal claims remain and the FDA has said it doesn’t plan to enforce any new requirements until at least December 2025. (AP)
Amazon has introduced a handful of robots in its warehouses that the e-commerce giant says will improve efficiency and reduce employee injuries. Two robotic arms named Robin and Cardinal can lift packages that weigh up to 50 pounds. A third, called Sparrow, picks up items from bins and puts them in other containers. Proteus, an autonomous mobile robot that operates on the floor, can move carts around a warehouse. The bipedal, humanoid robot Digit is being tested to help move empty totes with its hands. And there’s also Sequoia, a containerized storage system that can present totes to employees in a way that allows them to avoid stretching or squatting to grab inventory. Amazon says Robin is currently being used in dozens of warehouses. The others are in a testing stage or haven’t been rolled out widely. But the company says it’s already seeing benefits, such as reducing the time it takes to fulfill orders and helping employees avoid repetitive tasks. However, automation also carries drawbacks for workers, who would have to be retrained for new positions if the robots made their roles obsolete. In October, Amazon held an event at a Nashville, Tennessee, warehouse where the company had integrated some of the robots. The Associated Press spoke with Julie Mitchell, the director of Amazon’s robotic sortation technologies, about where the company hopes to go from here. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Q: When you’re working on robotics, how long does it typically take to roll out new technology? A: This journey that we’ve been on has taken a couple of years. Luckily for us, we’ve been at this for over a decade. So we have a lot of core technology that we can build on top of. We started these particular robots – Cardinal and Proteus – in this building in November 2022. We came in and began playing around with what it would look like to pack and move a production order. Less than two years later, we are at scale and shipping 70% of the items in this building through that robotics system. Q: So, two years? A: We talk about “build, test and scale” and that’s about a two-year cycle for us right now. Q: It’s challenging to build robots that can physically grab products. How does Amazon work through that? A: As you can probably imagine, we have so many items, so it’s an exceptional challenge. We rely on data and putting our first prototype in a real building, where we expose it to all the things we need it to do. Then we drive down all the reasons that it fails. We give it a lot of sample sizes in a very short period of time. For example, a couple of years ago, we launched our Robin robotics arm – a package manipulation robot – and we’re at 3 billion picks. So the ability to launch into our network, rapidly collect data, scale and iterate has enabled us to go fast. The challenge itself can be boiled down to three simple things: you need to perceive the scene, plan your motion and then execute. Today, those are three different parts of our system. Artificial intelligence is going to help us change all of that, and it’s going to be more […]
Donald Trump’s personnel choices for his new Cabinet and White House reflect his signature positions on immigration and trade but also a range of viewpoints and backgrounds that raise questions about what ideological anchors might guide his Oval Office encore. With a rapid assembly of his second administration — faster than his effort eight years ago — the former and incoming president has combined television personalities, former Democrats, a wrestling executive and traditional elected Republicans into a mix that makes clear his intentions to impose tariffs on imported goods and crack down on illegal immigration but leaves open a range of possibilities on other policy pursuits. “The president has his two big priorities and doesn’t feel as strongly about anything else — so it’s going to be a real jump ball and zigzag,” predicted Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence during Trump’s 2017-21 term. “In the first administration, he surrounded himself with more conservative thinkers, and the results showed we were mostly rowing in the same direction. This is more eclectic.” Indeed, Secretary of State-designee Marco Rubio, the Florida senator who has pilloried authoritarian regimes around the world, is in line to serve as top diplomat to a president who praises autocratic leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon has been tapped to sit at the Cabinet table as a pro-union labor secretary alongside multiple billionaires, former governors and others who oppose making it easier for workers to organize themselves. The prospective treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, wants to cut deficits for a president who promised more tax cuts, better veterans services and no rollbacks of the largest federal outlays: Social Security, Medicare and national defense. Abortion-rights supporter Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Trump’s choice to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which Trump’s conservative Christian base has long targeted as an agency where the anti-abortion movement must wield more influence. Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich allowed that members of Trump’s slate will not always agree with the president and certainly not with one another. But he minimized the potential for irreconcilable differences: “A strong Cabinet, by definition, means you’re going to have people with different opinions and different skills.” That kind of unpredictability is at the core of Trump’s political identity. He is the erstwhile reality TV star who already upended Washington once and is returning to power with sweeping, sometimes contradictory promises that convinced voters, especially those in the working class, that he will do it all again. “What Donald Trump has done is reorient political leadership and activism to a more entrepreneurial spirit,” Gingrich said. There’s also plenty of room for conflict, given the breadth of Trump’s 2024 campaign promises and his pattern of cycling through Cabinet members and national security personnel during his first term. This time, Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on foreign goods, end illegal immigration and launch a mass deportation force, goose U.S. energy production and exact retribution on people who opposed — and prosecuted — him. He’s added promises to cut taxes, raise wages, end wars in Israel and Ukraine, streamline government, protect Social Security and Medicare, help veterans and squelch cultural progressivism. Trump alluded to some of those promises in recent weeks as he completed his proposed […]
An exciting delivery took place on Sunday at Mayanei HaYeshua Hospital in Bnei Brak, when a resident of the city gave birth to quadruplets, three girls and a boy, all healthy and in good condition, b’chasdei Hashem. The background story to the birth was published on Sunday on Siach Yitzchak, which publishes the Torah and maisim of HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein. At the beginning of the pregnancy, the doctors recommended that the couple reduce the number of embryos due to severe fetal distress. The couple initially consulted with a Rav who advised them to follow the doctors’ recommendations. The couple then decided to talk to HaRav Zilberstein, who is not only a renowned posek but is known for his expertise on medical issues and halacha. The Rav is the head of the Va’ad Halacha at Mayanei HaYeshuah Hospital and has delivered a weekly shiur to the doctors at the hospital for decades. HaRav Zilberstein spoke to the couple and delved into the details of the case. He then paskened that there was no significant danger in continuing the pregnancy as is and instructed them to maintain the status quo. He also gave them a warm bracha that all four babies will be born healthy and sound. When HaRav Zilberstein arrived at the hospital this past Thursday for his weekly shiur, the couple was waiting for him along with the Rav of Mayanei HaYeshuah, HaRav Yosef Hofner, to consult with him about whether to proceed with labor induction or not. The doctors were very uncertain about the matter, expressing that “only a Navi could make the decision here.” HaRav Zilberstein listened to all the details of the shaila and ultimately paskened that it was better to refrain from action, and that they shouldn’t induce labor. Three days later, the woman gave birth to four healthy babies – to the joy of the hospital staff as the rare birth of quadruplets was the first of its kind to take place at Mayanei HaYeshuah Hospital. The team of doctors who attended the birth expressed their amazement at the joyous outcome of the Rav’s expert advise. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
I am deeply concerned about President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. While the broader economic implications of such a move are staggering, the specific impact on Jewish households, schools, and businesses could be crippling. This is not just a political issue; it’s one that strikes at the heart of how our communities function on a daily basis. For many Jewish families, particularly large ones, undocumented workers are essential. These workers are not a luxury—they are the backbone of our homes. Managing large households and paying even for the basics, often with both parents working or one parent in kollel, is already a financial juggling act. Affordable help allows families to keep things running, ensuring homes are clean and children are cared for. Take away this affordable labor, and the burden on families, particularly on mothers, will become overwhelming. Who will step in to fill this void? Certainly not the local workforce, which isn’t eager to take on these roles—and even if they were, the costs would skyrocket, pushing many families into financial hardship. Our schools and shuls face an equally dire situation. Yeshivos and shuls often rely on undocumented workers for maintenance, cleaning, and kitchen services. These roles are critical to keeping operations running smoothly and within budget. If these workers are deported, the financial strain on schools will ripple down to parents, who are already stretched thin by tuition costs. Losing these workers doesn’t just mean scrambling to fill their roles; it could mean cutting programs, reducing staff, and/or increasing tuition, which is already at unaffordable levels. It’s a no-win scenario for schools, students, and families. Small businesses in our community, from kosher food manufacturers to construction companies to retail shops, also depend on undocumented labor. These are not jobs that American citizens or legal residents are clamoring for—they are often physically demanding and low-paying, roles that undocumented workers fill with reliability and dedication. Without these workers, many businesses will face hard choices: scale back operations, increase prices, or close altogether. This isn’t just bad for the businesses—it’s bad for the community as a whole, which relies on these businesses for jobs, services, and products. The idea that deportations will free up jobs for American workers is simply unrealistic. In reality, most of the jobs these workers fill are not ones that locals are willing to take. And even if they were, the disruption caused by suddenly losing such a large portion of the workforce would have devastating consequences—not just for the Jewish community, but for the entire economy. Economists have pointed out that industries like construction and caregiving would be crippled by mass deportations. Our Jewish communities may not be building skyscrapers, but we rely on these same workers for the infrastructure of our daily lives. Deporting them doesn’t solve a problem; it creates new, much larger ones. What frustrates me most is the lack of recognition of the symbiotic relationship between undocumented workers and the communities they serve. These individuals are not just workers; they are integral to the fabric of our society – whether you are willing to admit it or not. They provide services that make our lives possible while supporting their own families. Deporting them disrupts lives on both sides of the equation. If Trump’s administration truly wants to fix […]
Workers who clean airplanes, remove trash and help with wheelchairs at Charlotte’s airport, one of the nation’s busiest, went on strike Monday during a busy week of Thanksgiving travel to demand higher wages. The Service Employees International Union announced the strike in a statement early Monday, saying the workers would demand “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job during the holiday travel season.” The strike was expected to last 24 hours, said union spokesperson Sean Keady. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services cast ballots Friday to authorize the work stoppage at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub for American Airlines. The two companies contract with American, one of the world’s biggest carriers, to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. Workers say they previously complained that they can’t afford basic necessities, including food, housing or car repairs. They described living paycheck to paycheck while performing jobs that keep planes running on schedule. Most of them earn $12.50 to $19 an hour, union officials said. Those workers should make $22 to $25 an hour, said the Rev. Glencie Rhedrick, of Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice, at an SEIU Workers United rally across from the airport. She was joined by striking employees and advocates, many raising signs that read, “Respect Black and Brown workers” and “Respect, Protect, Pay Us.” “We cannot live on the wages that we are being paid,” ABM cabin cleaner Priscilla Hoyle said at the rally. “I can honestly say it’s hard every single day with my children, working a full-time job but having to look my kids in the eyes and sit there and say, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to have a home today.’” ABM said in a statement Monday that it would take steps to minimize the strike’s impact on travelers. There are avenues for employees to communicate issues, the company said, including a national hotline and a “general open door policy for managers at our worksite.” “We keep employee safety and job satisfaction at the forefront of everything we do, and we are committed to addressing concerns swiftly,” ABM said. Prospect Airport Services said last week that the company recognized the seriousness of the potential for a strike during the busy holiday travel season. It did not respond to a request for comment Monday. American Airlines also did not immediately return a message seeking comment Monday. Several hundred workers participated in the work stoppage. About 800 workers were affected by the union’s push for higher wages, but an exact number who walked off was unclear, said union spokesperson Ana Tinsly. Timothy Lowe II, a wheelchair attendant, said at the rally that he has heard of co-workers having to sleep in their cars or in U-Hauls because they can’t afford rent. At the end of his shifts, Lowe said, he has to figure out where to spend the night because he doesn’t make enough for a deposit on a home. “We just want to be able to have everything that’s a necessity paid for by the job that hired us to do a great job so they can make billions,” he said. Charlotte airport officials have said this holiday travel season is expected to be the busiest on record, with an estimated 1.02 million […]
Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family’s foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. He didn’t identify the successors, but said his kids all know them and agree they would be good choices. “Father time always wins. But he can be fickle – indeed unfair and even cruel – sometimes ending life at birth or soon thereafter while, at other times, waiting a century or so before paying a visit,” the 94-year-old Buffett said in a letter to his fellow shareholders. “To date, I’ve been very lucky, but, before long, he will get around to me. There is, however, a downside to my good fortune in avoiding his notice. The expected life span of my children has materially diminished since the 2006 pledge. They are now 71, 69 and 66.” Buffett said he still has no interest in creating dynastic wealth in his family — a view shared by his first and current wives. He acknowledged giving Howard, Peter and Susie millions over the years, but he has long said he believes “hugely wealthy parents should leave their children enough so they can do anything but not enough that they can do nothing.” The secret to building up such massive wealth over time has been the power of compounding interest and the steady growth of the Berkshire conglomerate Buffett leads through acquisitions and smart investments like buying billions of dollars of Apple shares as iPhone sales continued to drive growth in that company. Buffett never sold any of his Berkshire stock over the years and also resisted the trappings of wealth and never indulged in much — preferring instead to continue living in the same Omaha home he’d bought decades earlier and drive sensible luxury sedans about 20 blocks to work each day. “As a family, we have had everything we needed or simply liked, but we have not sought enjoyment from the fact that others craved what we had,” he said. If Buffett and his first wife had never given away any of their Berkshire shares, the family’s fortune would be worth nearly $364 billion — easily making him the world’s richest man — but Buffett said he had no regrets about his giving over the years. The family’s giving began in earnest with the distribution of Susan Buffett’s $3 billion estate after her death in 2004, but really took off when Warren Buffett announced plans in 2006 to make annual gifts to the foundations run by his kids along with the one he and his wife started, as well as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Warren Buffett’s giving to date has favored the Gates Foundation with $55 billion in stock because his friend Bill Gates already had his foundation set up and could handle huge gifts when Buffett started giving away his fortune. But Buffett has said his kids […]
The murder of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, H’yd has left the Jewish kehilla in the Emirates shaken. UK’s Guardian reported that Rimon Market, the small kosher supermarket managed by Rabbi Kogan, H’yd, in Dubai was closed on Sunday. The store had suffered online harassment from Palestinians over the past year. An Associated Press journalist who visited the site on Sunday said that the mezuzahs on the front and back doors of the supermarket appeared to have been ripped off. The Israeli and Jewish community in the United Arab Emirates began operating openly in 2020, when the UAE became the first Arab country in 30 years to establish official relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, brokered by the US during the Trump administration. The UAE has maintained stable diplomatic ties with Israel during the 13 months of the war in Gaza. However, Israelis and Jews in the UAE lowered their public profile in the wake of the worldwide antisemitic and anti-Israel protests that erupted following the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel. Community members told Reuters that unofficial shuls in Dubai were closed after October 7 due to security concerns, with Jews davening at home instead. There are no official shuls in Dubai, the largest city and commercial center of the UAE, with the only official shul in the country in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. There are no official statistics on the number of Jews or Israelis living in the UAE. However, according to Reuters, Jewish groups estimate there are several thousand Jews in the country. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
