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A terrorist released in the deal to free hostages from Gaza on October 7 was featured on a panel at the Detroit People’s Conference for Palestine last Sunday, according to a report from The Jerusalem Post, which reviewed social media activity from those who attended.

Hossam Shaheen, a member of Tanzim freed on February 1 in the swap with Hamas, appeared virtually during a session titled “The Palestinian Struggle Behind Bars.” He was joined on screen by Arab Barghouti, the son of convicted terrorist leader Marwan Barghouti, and journalist Lama Ghosheh.

Although most of the conference, which ran from August 29 to 31, was streamed live by BreakThrough News and archived on its platforms, Shaheen’s appearance was conspicuously absent. The two videos related to the Sunday session were removed from the broadcaster’s YouTube playlist, and aside from a brief Instagram notice on August 18 mentioning Shaheen, organizers avoided highlighting the panel in their online promotions.

Nevertheless, posts from attendees on TikTok confirmed that Shaheen, Ghosheh, and Barghouti all took part by video call. The Palestinian Youth Movement, one of the conference hosts, even posted an illustrated sketch of the session in a Thursday photo album on Instagram.

Shaheen was previously known for establishing an al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade cell operating in the Jerusalem region. He was responsible for recruiting operatives and providing them with arms for planned attacks. Israeli forces arrested him in Ramallah in 2004.

The announcement of Shaheen’s participation sparked sharp criticism after it was revealed he had been serving a 27-year sentence for attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder before being freed.

In the wake of those revelations, the U.S. State Department issued warnings regarding international invitees who might seek visas to attend. Journalist Abubaker Abed, who was denied entry, told the gathering remotely that the United States was a “fascist and sadistic country.”

One of the participating groups, Writers Against the War on Gaza (WAWOG), listed Barghouti and Ghosheh in an online thread about the panels but omitted any reference to Shaheen.

During the discussion, Barghouti highlighted the role of the “prisoners’ movement” in the Palestinian cause. He told attendees, “My father told me that hopelessness is a privilege that we Palestinians don’t have. He promised my mother when he proposed to her over 40 years ago: ‘We will live a normal life.’”

His father, Marwan Barghouti, helped establish Fatah’s armed faction and in 2004 was sentenced to five life terms for orchestrating terror attacks that left five people dead.

Ghosheh, for her part, accused Israeli prison authorities of mistreating and degrading Palestinian female security detainees. A clip of her comments was circulated by a conference participant on TikTok.

Last year, Ghosheh was sentenced to community service and probation and fined NIS 4,500 after being found guilty of expressing support for a terror group and for incitement. In a series of Facebook posts from 2022 and 2023, she lauded multiple terrorists, among them Ibrahim al-Nabulsi, describing the slain Lions’ Den commander as a “hero” whose gunfire laid “the foundations for a clear operating model.”

In another post from May 2022, she uploaded a photo of Palestinian Islamic Jihad members, writing that their battalion model would spread across the West Bank and lead to further confrontations. She tagged the entry with the phrase: “Resistance is a continued gift.”

Earlier this August, Ghosheh interviewed Shaheen for her program Freedom Breakers, during which he called himself a “freedom fighter” and spoke of jailed PFLP cell leader Walid Daqqah as being like a “brother.”

Shaheen was not the only controversial figure featured at the Detroit event. That same Sunday, Omar Assaf, a veteran of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, joined to condemn the Palestinian Authority as a “barrier” holding back Palestinians from fighting Israel.

The gathering also included a message from Mumia Abu-Jamal, convicted of murdering a Philadelphia police officer, who addressed participants in a pre-recorded statement.

Among those in attendance were Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and Green Party presidential hopeful Dr. Jill Stein. Although organizers toned down some of the rhetoric compared to the prior year, there were still repeated instances of speakers glorifying terrorists and attacking the United States. Martinez at one point said, “If Palestine were a schoolyard playground, I would be a Palestinian. And that part of me, that part of me that couldn’t endure the abuse anymore, would be Hamas.”

At last year’s event, the atmosphere was even more extreme, with nearly every panel praising terrorism. The main auditorium was named in honor of Walid Daqqah, whose wife gave the keynote speech. PFLP operative Wisam Rafeedie also appeared remotely after being denied a U.S. visa.

{Matzav.com}

Mail deliveries into the United States dropped by more than four-fifths after the Trump administration removed tariff-free status for inexpensive imports, the United Nations postal authority reported on Saturday.

According to the Universal Postal Union (UPU), it has begun introducing new systems to help postal organizations worldwide determine and collect customs duties and taxes, following Washington’s decision to end the “de minimis exemption” that previously applied to low-value packages.

Eighty-eight postal providers have informed the UPU that they have either fully or partially suspended service to the United States until there is a workable arrangement regarding parcels worth $800 or less, which had been the threshold under which foreign packages avoided customs charges.

“The global network saw postal traffic to the US come to a near-halt after the implementation of the new rules on Aug 29, 2025, which for the first time placed the burden of customs duty collection and remittance on transportation carriers or US Customs and Border Protection agency-approved qualified parties,” the UPU stated.

Data exchanged among members of the UPU’s electronic system indicated that mail flows from its 192 member nations—essentially covering nearly the whole globe—declined by 81% on August 29 compared to the prior week.

Headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, the agency explained that these “major operational disruptions” occurred because airlines and freight handlers said they were either unwilling or unable to process the duties, and foreign postal services had not set up connections with CBP-authorized intermediaries.

In the weeks before the regulation was enforced, the postal union had written to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning of the consequences it could trigger.

The de minimis exemption, which dates back to 1938, was described by the administration as a loophole that overseas companies used to dodge tariffs and that traffickers exploited to move narcotics into America.

Items that once bypassed customs checks now have to be processed and taxed at the tariff rate of their country of origin, which can fall anywhere between 10% and 50%.

Although the rules are being applied to all trading partners, Americans will still be exempt from paying duties on gifts worth up to $100 and on personal souvenirs up to $200 brought back from international travel, the White House confirmed.

The UPU added that its member organizations were not given adequate time or clear instruction to prepare for the protocols laid out in the executive order Donald Trump signed on July 30 that revoked duty-free treatment for lower-cost imports.

{Matzav.com}

Crowds gathered at the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia on Sunday to greet Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who arrived aboard a convoy of ships carrying aid bound for Gaza, according to the BBC.

Thunberg was joined by about 350 activists critical of Israel, all sailing as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Organizers of the effort said its purpose was to “break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.”

Addressing supporters at the port, the 22-year-old declared: “We all know why we are here. Just across the water there’s a genocide going on, a mass starvation by Israel’s murder machine.”

The group had departed Barcelona the previous Monday with a fleet of roughly 20 boats. Several vessels have now reached Tunisia, where they will coordinate with local teams and stock up on further supplies before continuing toward Gaza.

Although they were originally scheduled to leave Tunis on Sunday, organizers announced a delay until Wednesday, citing “technical and logistical reasons beyond management’s control” as the cause of the postponement.

In addition to Thunberg, the flotilla also features former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, who during her term cut the city’s official ties with Israel. The effort has attracted backing from Hollywood actors including Susan Sarandon and Liam Cunningham of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”

Thunberg was deported from Israel earlier this year, in June, after participating in another flotilla, the Madleen, which was stopped by the Israeli navy.

Following that interception, the activists were supplied with food and water, even though many of them had recorded messages in advance alleging that they were “kidnapped” by the IDF.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated at the time that the cargo aboard the Madleen amounted to less than one truckload of aid and would instead be directed into Gaza through proper humanitarian channels.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he expects progress soon toward both a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

“I think we’re going to have a deal on Gaza very soon. It’s a hell of a problem. It’s a problem we want to solve for the Middle East, for Israel, for everybody. But it’s a problem we’re going to get done,” the President said.

Speaking specifically about the hostages, Trump noted, “It could be a little bit less than 20 because some, you know, they tend to die. Even though they’re young people, largely, they’re dying. Young people don’t die. Young people stay alive. But with this whole thing, they tend to die.”

“But we have, let’s say, 20 people and we have about 38 bodies. I think we’re going to get them all,” he continued.

These remarks followed Trump’s confirmation that he had recently submitted a new plan to Hamas for a sweeping hostage arrangement that differs substantially from past proposals.

Under this initiative, all 48 hostages—both those still alive and those killed—would be released on the first day, while Israel would free hundreds of terrorists and thousands of Palestinian Arab prisoners.

The plan also calls for Israel to suspend its advance into Gaza City and open immediate negotiations to end the conflict, with the talks managed personally by President Trump. Fighting would remain paused so long as those negotiations continued.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Everyone wants the hostages home. Everyone wants this war to end! The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning; there will not be another one! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Officials close to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu commented that “Israel is seriously considering President Trump’s proposal; Hamas will likely continue its refusal.”

Later on Sunday, Hamas issued a response, again attaching conditions to any deal for a ceasefire and hostage release.

“We have received several ideas from the American side through mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement. In this context, the Hamas movement welcomes any effort that supports stopping the aggression against our people and emphasizes its immediate readiness to sit at the negotiating table,” the group declared.

“It is our aim to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration of an end to the war and the complete withdrawal of forces from the Gaza Strip. Additionally, we seek the establishment of a committee to manage Gaza, composed of independent Palestinians, which would begin operations immediately. This would include an explicit and binding commitment from the enemy to uphold the agreements, preventing a recurrence of past instances where agreements were made but later rejected or canceled,” Hamas added.

{Matzav.com}

A Hamas internal security official announced that the group’s security forces in Gaza carried out the execution of six alleged “agents” accused of passing intelligence to Israel.

“The sword of resistance will not spare anyone who dares to be a dagger in the back of the resistance and its heroic men,” he declared.

According to his statement, the individuals were put to death “after it had been proven that the agents were involved in providing information that helped Israel attack homes, civilians and fighters during the war in the Gaza Strip.”

He further stated, “The verdict was carried out after the completion of the security and religious procedures, and Hamas is taking a firm approach against agents and any element that poses a direct danger to the internal front and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Just weeks before Rosh Hashanah, Israeli officials are pointing fingers at the Moldovan government, accusing it of sabotaging the agreement that was meant to enable tens of thousands of Breslover chassidim to travel to the kever of Rav Nachman of Breslov in Uman. According to the Israeli team overseeing the arrangements, the Moldovan authorities “did everything possible to prevent the deal from being finalized.”

A decisive meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to determine whether Romania will now serve as the transit country for the thousands of Israelis preparing to make the annual journey to the tziyun in Uman, Ukraine.

For weeks, Israel had been negotiating with Moldova and had even allocated significant funds toward a travel framework that would facilitate passage through the country. But those talks have collapsed. Israeli representatives involved in the discussions claim that despite financial concessions and extensive flexibility, the Moldovan side remained uncooperative. “It felt like there was no one to talk to,” one official said.

According to information obtained by Matzav.com, Moldova’s government insisted that Israel leave behind all the equipment and upgrades paid for in preparing the Chisinau airport for the Uman flights, even after Rosh Hashanah. The demand, which would allow Moldova permanent use of infrastructure funded by Israeli money, was described as the final straw that led to the breakdown of talks.

As a result, Israeli officials shifted their focus to Romania and have already opened discussions with its government about using Romanian airports as the main gateway for the thousands of travelers heading to Uman.

Tomorrow at midday, a high-level Israeli delegation—consisting of the Foreign Ministry director-general, the Prime Minister’s Office director-general, a senior Interior Ministry representative, and the director-general of the Yerushalayim Affairs Ministry—is scheduled to meet with counterparts in Romania. That meeting is expected to determine whether a workable solution can be secured in time for Yom Tov.

{Matzav.com}

I would like to raise an important topic—one that perhaps Klal Yisrael as a whole can consider returning to, for the sake of bringing yeshuos to so many who are still waiting. For generations, it was a minhag in Klal Yisrael to wish one another mazel tov at simchas. These words are not just a polite formality—they are true brachos. And when the recipient answers amen, it draws bracha and mazel into their life. At a wedding, when people would wish mazel tov to the chassan or kallah, the proper response was for the chassan or kallah to give a bracha back in return. Someone making a simcha has a unique koach at that time, and their heartfelt brachos can bring yeshuos to others. Chazal teach us that when we give someone a bracha, the words themselves rise to shamayim, and when answered with a sincere amen, they have the power to bring bracha down to this world. About twenty years ago, when the “shidduch crisis” became more pronounced, some older singles felt hurt by certain phrases that were being said—comments that didn’t always come across as sincere, or words like “IY”H by you” said without enough sensitivity. Out of respect for their pain, many in Klal Yisrael pulled back from this beautiful minhag, not wanting to cause discomfort. But as an older single myself, I want to give voice to what many of us who are still waiting feel but rarely say: we want your brachos. We need your tefillos. When they are offered with sincerity and energy, they mean more to us than you can imagine. Please don’t hold back from davening for us, from telling us you are davening, from giving us brachos, and from allowing us the privilege of answering amen. Let us bring back this old minhag—with sincerity, with warmth, and with the knowledge that every bracha, every amen, has the power to open gates of yeshuos. Signed, S.J. The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review. 

Israel’s High Court of Justice ruled on Sunday that the Israel Prison Service (IPS) is obligated to provide security prisoners with “basic living conditions,” including food in sufficient quantity and composition to safeguard their health.

The decision followed a petition alleging that security inmates were suffering from hunger and malnutrition, particularly after their ability to purchase food at the prison canteen was revoked due to the ongoing war in Gaza, along with other benefits that had been removed.

Justices Daphne Barak-Erez and Ofer Grosskopf wrote in their ruling that the state must ensure that every prisoner actually receives food adequate to maintain his health. Justice Noam Sohlberg Minz, however, dissented, stating that the state already fulfills this obligation under current conditions.

Justice Barak-Erez added in her reasoning that the plight of Israeli hostages in Gaza should not justify mistreating prisoners in Israel, noting: “We will not align ourselves with the worst of our enemies. We will not follow in the ways of terror organizations. Moreover, painful testimonies from freed captives have shown that a harsher food regime for prisoners in Israel does not improve the situation of our brothers still held hostage, and may even worsen it.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir blasted the ruling, declaring: “Judges of the High Court—are you on Israel’s side? Our hostages in Gaza have no High Court to protect them. But the Nukhba murderers and vile rapists have, shamefully, a High Court standing up for them. We will continue to provide these terrorists only the bare minimum conditions required by law.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin also denounced the decision: “We have become accustomed to High Court judges exceeding their judicial role and taking over the running of the state. Apparently, that wasn’t enough. Now they’ve crowned themselves judges in ‘Master Chef.’ The High Court judges, or in their new title—the Supreme Dieticians—have found a recipe unmatched in the world for distorted morality. While our hostages starve in tunnels, two judges demand that we improve the meals served to the worst of terrorists. This ruling is yet another clear example of the damage the Supreme Court inflicts on Israel’s security. That is why I have insisted on changing the Judicial Appointments Committee, and I will continue to demand that future appointments produce judges focused on the security of Israeli citizens and true justice—not on currying favor in progressive legal circles abroad.”

The “Choosing Life” Forum, representing bereaved families and victims of terror, also issued a sharp response: “Once again, the High Court chooses to side with terrorists instead of standing with our bereaved families and terror victims. The judges’ preoccupation with the meals of despicable murderers is a slap in the face to those who paid the highest price—families whose loved ones were slaughtered in cold blood. As bereaved families and victims of terror, we expect the High Court to focus on protecting Israel’s citizens, not on the culinary preferences of terrorist killers and the policies of the Prison Service.”

{Matzav.com}

Shmuel Meidad, the head of the Honenu legal aid organization, revealed that he was warned by a senior official that the Shin Bet collected personal information about him after a senior official in the agency decided to “take Honenu down.” Meidad founded Honenu in 2001 to provide legal assistance to Israeli soldiers and civilians embroiled in legal trouble after defending themselves against Arabs due to Israel’s left-wing Israeli judicial system and foreign-funded radical left “human rights” groups. The Shin Bet’s Jewish Department collected information on the organization’s activities, including personal information about Meidad. Meidad said that this is “the crossing of a red line and the first case of the Shin Bet acting against a civilian and legal aid organization.” Meidad elaborated that after “a very senior figure from the system called me and said he had something urgent to tell me,” he came to the meeting accompanied by his attorney, Yossi Ben-Baruch. The senior official told him, “Listen, I know, and I confirmed it with an authorized source that the Shin Bet has made a decision to take Honenu down.” When Meidad asked if the intention was towards him personally or the organization, the senior official clarified: “No, no. You personally too.” When he asked how the Shin Bet planned on “taking him down,” he received a disturbing answer: “In any way.” “I was in shock,” Meidad said. “I remembered what happened 25 years ago when I founded Honenu. Many friends warned me, ‘Aren’t you afraid that the Shin Bet will harass you?’ and I would always answer that my wife told me not to be afraid. And I’m much more afraid of her.” Meidad said that after the decision was made to target him, Shin Bet investigators questioned suspects represented by Honenu lawyers about the organization and its lawyers. “This is an improper and forbidden practice, as investigative bodies should not act against legal representation in a case,” Meidad said. “Threats will not deter us,” Meidad asserted. “We will continue to do everything in our power to assist soldiers and civilians who find themselves in legal distress due to the security situation.” No response to the report has been received from the Shin Bet so far. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Trump on Gaza: “I think we’re going to have a deal on Gaza very soon. It’s a hell of a problem… I think we’re going to get [all the hostages].”

In the framework of the extensive and meticulous supervision system operated by Badatz Chug Chasam Sofer Petach Tikvah, Rav Pinchos Leibush Padwa, Rav of Antwerp and Gaavad of Kehillas Shomrei Hadas, carried out a wide-ranging inspection tour of food factories under the hechsher.

Rav Padwa, an internationally renowned authority on kashrus with decades of experience certifying plants in Eretz Yisroel and abroad, heads the kashrus division of Badatz Chug Chasam Sofer Petach Tikvah. He was accompanied on the visits by the director of the kashrus organization, Rabbi Shai Tennenbaum, along with senior kashrus inspectors, to personally review the deployment of mashgichim and ensure that the highest standards of mehadrin min hamehadrin are upheld.

During the tour, the delegation visited numerous facilities and was introduced to a new plant that has recently joined the Badatz system: the Mishk Mizrachi greenhouses, which specialize in producing squash blossoms. These delicate yellow flowers, harvested before the squash matures, are a sought-after delicacy in high-end Mediterranean cuisine, typically stuffed and then fried or baked. Under the strict supervision of the Badatz, this unique product has now reached the highest level of kashrus.

The delegation also visited the Shuggart factory, which produces specialty sugar packets for hotels and restaurants. Rav Padwa carefully observed the manufacturing and packaging processes, insisting on the highest precision in every stage of production to guarantee the integrity of the kashrus certification.

Rabbi Tennenbaum explained the rigorous process by which factories are granted certification. In each plant, Rav Padwa personally reviews the full scope of operations—from raw materials through production methods to final output—before rendering a decision on whether the products can bear the Badatz Chug Chasam Sofer seal. “We provide kashrus to those who want the service of kashrus,” Rabbi Tennenbaum noted. “When there is sincerity and cooperation from the owners, we examine every detail thoroughly, conduct sampling, give clear lists of requirements for production and mashgiach presence, and only then does Rav Padwa and the team determine if certification can be granted.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

NANUET NEAR MONSEY: An MVA occurred next to Exit 14 southbound on the NYS Thruway when a vehicle lost control and rolled over multiple times, knocking down an electric pole and exit sign; two occupants were trapped and extricated by the Nanuet Fire Department. Hatzoloh EMS, Nanuet EMS, Rockland Paramedics, and NYSP are all on scene. The accident is causing heavy traffic on the NYS Thruway and the closure of the southbound entrance ramp at Exit 14.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, delivered a surprising message on Sunday, urging the population to stock up on essential goods, in remarks that fueled speculation both within Iran and across the Arab world.

Speaking at a government meeting, Khamenei stated, “We recommend the accumulation and storage of vital supplies and basic products.” He explained, “There are dangers that cannot be foreseen.”

The call comes against the backdrop of growing rumors in both Iran and Israel about the likelihood of another escalation between the two countries. Khamenei’s choice of words and tone have sparked intense curiosity, as such public recommendations are rare from Iran’s top authority.

In the aftermath of the recent war with Israel, Iranian society is grappling with heightened fear and an unparalleled sense of vulnerability. Israeli strikes during the conflict left deep scars, not only on infrastructure and defense systems, but also on the confidence of ordinary citizens.

Reports from inside Iran describe a population living in daily anxiety, with diminishing trust in the government’s ability to protect them. Many interpret Israel’s military actions as designed not only to inflict physical damage but also to project a message of intelligence and technological superiority—one that was clearly received in Tehran.

Beyond security concerns, Iranians are also facing severe economic hardship. Infrastructure damage, fresh international sanctions, and a growing lack of global confidence have compounded the financial instability, leaving the country in a state of deep uncertainty.

{Matzav.com}

Mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani (D) came under fire Friday night on CNN as anchor Abby Phillip pressed him on his controversial plan to open five government-run grocery stores in New York City — one in each borough — a taxpayer-funded experiment critics say is doomed to repeat the failures seen in other U.S. cities. Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, insisted the program could work. “There have been studies that show the applicability of taxpayer-funded grocery stores in major cities like Chicago,” he told Phillip. “This is something I believe will work. We will bring the best and the brightest to deliver it.” But Phillip quickly shot back. “Another example is in Kansas City, where they had a government-run grocery store. It opened in 2018, received nearly $18 million in taxpayer funding, and it’s already on the verge of closing,” Phillip said. “They’ve been riddled with crime, they’ve dealt with a lack of inventory. Frankly, the government is not that good at being in the business of grocery stores.” Mamdani brushed off the Kansas City example, calling it a reason to “prove excellence, not abandon the idea.” “For every one example that you can point to,” Mamdani argued, “there’s another municipality today considering opening a city-run grocery store. The most important thing is the outcome.” He pegged the cost of the proposal at $60 million, which he described as “less than half the city’s already spending on subsidized corporate supermarkets.” But critics warned that Mamdani was ignoring the very real failures elsewhere. “Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to bankroll an experiment that’s already failed in Kansas City,” one New York business leader told CNN after the segment. “If Mamdani wants to prove socialism works, he can do it with his own money — not ours.” Even Phillip, who pressed him throughout, wasn’t convinced. “You’re proposing something that’s already failed in practice,” she said. “Why should New Yorkers believe your plan won’t collapse the same way?” Mamdani held his ground. “I’m optimistic our government-run stores will not suffer the same fate,” he replied. “This is about feeding New Yorkers and proving a better system is possible.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Media critics are blasting the lack of outrage from liberal politicians and news outlets after the horrific killing of a young Ukrainian refugee in North Carolina, allegedly at the hands of a repeat offender with a staggering 14 prior arrests.

The victim, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, was stabbed to death while riding a Charlotte light rail train. Disturbing surveillance footage shows the shocking moment the unsuspecting woman was attacked without warning.

Authorities say the assailant, identified as 35-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., can be seen in the video rising from his seat behind Zarutska, pulling a pocketknife, and unfolding the blade just before the clip cuts off.

In the recording, Zarutska appears completely unaware of the threat behind her, focused on her phone while Brown allegedly prepares to strike.

After the stabbing, the suspect strolls through the Lynx Blue Line car, leaving streaks of blood on the floor as he carries the knife.

Other riders appear oblivious to what has just occurred, with few reacting to the brutal slaying that unfolded only feet away.

The attacker then strips off his bloody sweatshirt and waits calmly until the train arrives at the next station, where he steps off.

The crime, which happened on August 22, has prompted frustration that major news outlets and political figures have kept largely silent.

Charlotte’s Democratic mayor even went as far as to commend reporters who chose not to show the surveillance footage.

“The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public. I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Iryna’s family,” Mayor Vi Lyles posted on X.

Her message sparked fury, including from Republican lawmakers in North Carolina.

“The Mayor’s refusal to condemn senseless, horrific, and preventable violence is as telling as it is despicable. Violent criminals, regardless of who they are or what they look like, need to be in jail,” wrote Rep. Brad Knott (R-NC).

Lyles’ team has yet to respond to inquiries seeking comment.

Others argued the case reflects a wider crisis created by lenient policies on repeat offenders.

“The violence in Charlotte is a microcosm of a national epidemic. Americans deserve better than Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies,” wrote Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC).

Edwin B. Peacock, a candidate for Charlotte City Council, highlighted the issue by posting a nighttime video of his own ride on the city’s light rail, calling for serious reform.

“A week ago, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was brutally killed on Charlotte’s light rail. Her death is a tragedy we cannot ignore. Who’s riding without paying? Are they the ones causing problems? We need answers,” Peacock wrote on X.

Jim Taylor, the former mayor of nearby Matthews, added his concerns, noting the decline in safety on public transit.

“I’m deeply disappointed in what’s been happening & the loss of focus on making the light rail welcoming & safe to travelers. It’s only going to get worse until the current MTC (Metropolitan Transit Commission) & quite frankly, the City of Charlotte get serious addressing the root cause,” Taylor said in response.

Elon Musk also weighed in, pointing out what he described as a glaring lack of media attention. He reshared a post tallying the number of articles from major outlets about the murder, with the blunt remark: “Zero.”

The case has also drawn commentary from far-right voices, pointing to the racial dynamics of a black suspect accused of murdering a white woman.

Meanwhile, those who knew Iryna are mourning a young life cut short, noting she had fled Ukraine in 2022 seeking safety, only to be killed in such a brutal way in America.

At the time of the attack, she was still dressed in her work attire from Zepeddie’s Pizza, a Charlotte eatery. The restaurant honored her memory with an emotional message.

“Recently our Zepeddie’s family suffered a tremendous loss. We lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend. Our dear Iryna left this world far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief,” the pizzeria posted on Instagram.

“Since her passing, we have kept a candle burning in her memory—a small reminder of the warmth, kindness, and light she brought into our lives every single day.”

Court records reveal Brown, who is homeless, has a long history of convictions dating back more than a decade.

He previously served five years in prison for armed robbery in 2014, was released in 2020, and within months was arrested again for attacking his sister.

Despite this extensive record, Brown was still on the streets when he allegedly carried out Zarutska’s murder.

{Matzav.com}

CNN’s Jake Tapper confronted Trump administration border czar Tom Homan on Sunday over a Truth Social meme posted by President Donald Trump that depicted Chicago as a burning battlefield. The meme, styled after the film Apocalypse Now, showed Trump’s face superimposed on the body of fictional character Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, with the caption: “I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker blasted the post, writing on X: “The president of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is normal. Donald Trump isn’t a strong man. He’s a scared man. Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator.” “Is President Trump planning to go to war in Chicago?” Tapper asked on State of the Union. Homan defended the post, saying Trump’s words were being twisted. “We’re going to war with the criminal cartels. We’re going to war with illegal aliens — public-safety threats that rape children, that commit armed robberies, that distribute narcotics that kill Americans,” Homan said. “And Governor Pritzker protects criminal, illegal alien, public-safety threats every day in that state.” Tapper shot back: “So maybe it should say criminal aliens in Chicago are about to find out why it’s called the Department of War, not Chicago itself.” Tapper pressed further on whether Trump is planning to send National Guard or federal troops into Chicago. “Is the president talking about sending National Guard troops and other federal troops into Chicago to handle deportations, or to handle violent criminals, or both?” Tapper asked. Homan responded: “Look, National Guard are always on the table. We used them in Los Angeles, and we used them in Washington, D.C. They’re a force multiplier. Do they arrest illegal aliens? No. ICE officers and Border Patrol agents with Title 8 authority arrest illegal criminal aliens. But the National Guard provides protection, infrastructure, transportation, processing capability — which allows those with badges and guns to stay on the street arresting the bad guy. So yeah, they’re on the table.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

President Donald Trump is slated to be in attendance at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, when the New York Yankees face off against the Detroit Tigers. The game coincides with the 24th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City, according to several news outlets.

This will be Trump’s first time at a Major League Baseball matchup since beginning his second term, and only the second game he has attended as president. His previous appearance came at Game 5 of the 2019 World Series in Washington, D.C. At that time, he chose not to participate in the ceremonial first pitch, and reports indicate he won’t be taking the mound for the opening toss this week either.

The connection between American presidents and baseball stretches back over a century. President William Howard Taft is credited as the first to attend a big-league game in the early 1900s, and he would go on to watch more than a dozen contests during his time in office.

Trump’s visit this week marks the first appearance at a major-league game by a sitting president since his own attendance in 2019. Records from Baseball Almanac show that President Joe Biden never went to an MLB game during his tenure. Before Taft, Theodore Roosevelt was the last president who never attended a professional baseball game.

The Yankees and Tigers are scheduled for a three-game series in the Bronx, running Tuesday through Thursday. Each matchup is set to begin at 7:05 p.m., and with both teams in contention, it could serve as an early glimpse of a potential playoff showdown.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Friday raised doubts over how many of the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza remain alive, warning that recent intelligence suggests some of the 20 captives believed to be living may have “recently died.” “You’ve got 20, plus you’ve got about 38 dead people. Young, beautiful, dead people,” Trump said. “The parents want them every bit as much—almost more—than if their son or daughter were alive.” The president said that current talks involve at least 30 confirmed bodies in addition to those still presumed alive. “Of the 20, there could be some that have recently died is what I’m hearing. I hope that’s wrong,” he added. Trump repeated his demand that Hamas release all the hostages at once, rather than dragging out negotiations with piecemeal exchanges. “I always said, when you get down to the final 10 or 20, you’re not going to get them out unless you do a lot. And doing a lot means capitulation. That’s no good either,” Trump said. “But I put out the other day, let them all out. Every single one. No more twos and ones.” He warned Hamas that failure to release all the captives could provoke severe consequences. “If you don’t let them all out, it’s going to be a tough situation. It’s going to be nasty. That’s my opinion. Israel’s choice, but that’s my opinion,” Trump said. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel responded with gratitude for Trump’s pressure campaign. “The families thank President Trump and his envoy, Steve Witkoff, for their determination, courage and compassion in advancing the negotiations,” the group said in a statement. “He proves that true leadership is measured by brave decisions.” The forum also released a still image of 24-year-old hostage Alon Ohel from a Hamas propaganda video published Friday, showing him alongside fellow captive Guy Gilboa-Dalal in Gaza City. The families asked the public not to circulate the full video, which they said was designed to manipulate Israeli public opinion as the IDF intensifies its Gaza City offensive. Trump’s comments came as his envoy, real estate magnate Steve Witkoff, traveled to Paris for mediation talks with Qatari officials aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Israel’s military campaign — dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots — has pushed deeper into Gaza City in an effort to break Hamas’s hold and pressure the group into releasing captives. Trump, positioning himself at the center of the negotiations, made clear that while diplomacy continues, the clock is running out. “We’re in very deep negotiation with Hamas,” he said. “We said, ‘Let ’em all out, right now, let ’em all out, and much better things will happen for them.’” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)