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The Knesset moved forward with a disputed piece of legislation dealing with Jewish religious expression in public life, approving it in a 49–35 vote and sending it onward in the legislative process.

Opponents quickly charged that the proposal crosses into religious coercion, while its backers said it is meant to safeguard Jewish identity in the public sphere.

The bill, titled “Realization of Jewish Identity in the Public Sphere,” was introduced by Likud MK Galit Distel Atbaryan together with Otzma Yehudit MK Yitzchak Kroizer. Its stated aim is to guarantee that Jewish citizens can openly express their national and religious character without obstruction. Supporters argue that it formalizes protections for traditional Jewish observance in public settings.

Among its provisions are requirements that mezuzahs be affixed in public institutions and that public observance of Orthodox Jewish practices be shielded from interference. Actions that hinder such practices — including administrative or bureaucratic obstacles — could be treated as criminal offenses under the proposal. Public acts such as prayer and the donning of tefillin would receive explicit legal protection.

The bill also includes a highly contentious section that would require judges serving in civil courts to demonstrate proficiency in halacha as a condition for appointment. In addition, it assigns exclusive authority over disputes arising from the legislation to the Grand Rabbinical Court. If implemented, this clause would effectively block the appointment of any judge who failed to pass such an exam.

That aspect of the bill has drawn particularly sharp opposition. The Ministerial Committee for Legislation objected to the judicial provisions, and Distel Atbaryan indicated during a stormy Knesset debate that these elements are likely to be revised or removed during committee discussions.

Following its approval in a preliminary reading, the legislation is now slated to move to committee, where it will be prepared for the first of three required votes before it can become law.

The proposal has reignited long-standing tensions over religion and state in Israel. Similar disputes surfaced in September 2023, when mechitzos were erected during large Yom Kippur tefillah gatherings in Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Square, defying a municipal ruling and triggering confrontations with secular activists.

Criticism of the bill has come from opposition lawmakers, civil rights and religious freedom groups, and, according to Hebrew media reports, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. While rabbinical courts already function within Israel’s judicial system — handling matters such as marriage, divorce, conversion, and inheritance — they do not currently hold authority over the secular court system.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump White House is convening its Gaza power brokers on U.S. soil, and signaling that its patience is wearing thin. Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s chief envoy for high-stakes diplomacy, will meet Friday in Miami with senior officials from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey to hammer out next steps in the stalled Gaza ceasefire and […]

Authorities said Thursday that they’re looking into a connection between last weekend’s mass shooting at Brown University and an attack two days later near Boston that killed a professor at another elite school, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. That is according to three people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to discuss an ongoing […]

As the nation looks ahead to marking America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, a renewed debate is surfacing on Staten Island over whether the borough should once again pursue breaking away from New York City.

The discussion has gained momentum following the recent election of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Although Mamdani secured more than half of the vote across the city, his support on Staten Island was far more limited, drawing just 23% there, while former Gov. Andrew Cuomo won 55% of the borough’s vote, underscoring the political divide.

Borough President Vito Fossella said the election results have prompted some residents to push for revisiting the idea of secession. “This is a number of people on Staten Island who want to pursue the secession question and determine the future of Staten Island in very short order,” Fossella said in an interview with 1010 WINS on Thursday.

The idea is hardly new. Staten Islanders previously voted on the issue in a 1993 referendum, when 65% supported seceding from New York City. Despite that result, the proposal stalled and was never advanced by lawmakers in Albany.

According to Fossella, dissatisfaction with citywide policies continues to drive interest in separation. “We talk about different things that happen across New York City. We don’t want them,” he said. “We get things we don’t want, and we don’t get things that we do want.”

He added that longstanding worries remain central to the debate. “There are concerns about public safety and what will happen,” Fossella said. “There’s always a concern about taxes and the services we get in return. So there’s a real palpable sense that secession might be the long-term solution for the people of Staten Island, and I think they deserve to have that conversation.”

Fossella also said he expects the incoming mayor to ensure that Staten Island receives equal treatment. “I’m a big believer that actions speak louder than words and the choices that are made really are more important than the rhetoric that’s on the table,” he said. “I will take the incoming mayor on his word that he wants to help. I hope he does.”

At the same time, Fossella acknowledged that any move toward secession would face significant hurdles. “I put more faith in the people of Staten Island than I do in leaders of other parts of the city to determine Staten Island’s fate,” he said. “But it’s not as easy as that. You can’t just wave a wand. There’s a legislative political process that needs to be addressed and followed, and I hope it doesn’t take years. We hope to get to it sooner rather than later.”

{Matzav.com}

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged lower this week, staying relatively close to its low for the year. The decline brings the average long-term mortgage rate to 6.21% from 6.22% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.72%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular […]

Discussion on ABC’s “The View” on Thursday centered on President Donald Trump’s proposal to issue bonus payments to active-duty military personnel, with co-hosts offering sharply different reactions to the plan.

During the broadcast, Whoopi Goldberg voiced skepticism about the intent behind the proposal, suggesting it was designed to secure loyalty. She later said, “And what he’s doing now is he’s thinking, if I make sure the soldiers have what they need they’ll back me and what I want.”

The comments followed remarks Trump made Wednesday night announcing the initiative. He said, “Tonight, I am also proud to announce that more than 1,450,000 — think of this —1,450,000 military service members will receive a special, we call ‘warrior dividend,’ before Christmas, a warrior dividend in honor of our nation’s founding in 1776. We are sending every soldier $1,776. Think of that, and the checks are already on the way. Nobody understood that one until about 30 minutes ago.”

Goldberg questioned whether the payments would actually materialize, telling viewers, “Let’s see if they get the check. I want to see if they get it first.”

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin acknowledged the benefit to service members, saying, “The one thing I’ll give him credit is bonus to troops and giving them $1700.”

Griffin went on to argue that while the money could provide short-term relief, it did not address broader economic concerns. “Listen, coming off the government shutdown and the delay that they all had — they got back pay — but people need help. But all Americans need help right now and just a handout isn’t the answer. Smart policies are the answer,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

Jewish leaders in Belgium are warning of a security crisis after learning that authorities plan to withdraw federal police protection from Antwerp’s Jewish district beginning in January, despite a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in the country and abroad. The plan would remove 16 federal police officers currently assigned to the neighborhood and reassign them […]

The Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok chassidus has launched a fundraising effort to support its yeshiva ketanah, announcing a rare raffle centered on a silver yarmulka worn by the Rebbe last Shabbos Chanukah.

Leaders of the chassidus say the initiative is aimed at strengthening the yeshiva for younger bochurim, which serves the entire kehilla. In recent weeks, significant efforts have been underway to stabilize and expand the institution so it can continue providing a strong Torah framework for the chassidus’ youth.

The institutions of Toldeos Aharon Yitzchok are overseen by R’ Mordechai Webberman and R’ Binyamin Monderer, who manage the talmud Torah, the yeshiva gedolah, and the girls’ educational framework. They have now also assumed responsibility for sustaining the yeshiva ketanah. According to an announcement made to the public, the administration committed to covering half of the yeshiva’s expenses, while the parents’ committee undertook responsibility for the remaining half.

As part of the fundraising campaign accompanying the establishment of the yeshiva ketanah, the chassidus will conduct a special raffle featuring a yarmulka made of pure silver that was worn by the Rebbe on Shabbos Chanukah.

Donors who contribute at least 200 shekels per month for 24 months will be entered into the raffle once, while those who pledge 500 shekels per month for the same period will receive five entries.

{Matzav.com}

A Mexican drug cartel member accused of faking his death to avoid capture was sentenced Thursday to more than 11 years in U.S. prison for his money laundering role in one of his home country’s largest and most violent narcotics trafficking organizations. Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa was living in California under a phony identity when he […]

A familiar sight from decades past — friends and family walking travelers all the way to the gate — is beginning to reappear at a handful of U.S. airports, as select facilities introduce programs allowing limited post-security access for non-travelers.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport in California announced this week that it is launching a guest pass initiative that permits “non-passengers” to enter secured areas of the terminal. The move marks a notable shift from strict post-9/11 security norms that have long restricted gate access to ticketed travelers only.

According to the airport, visitors who want to accompany departing passengers must apply online for security approval, which can be submitted up to seven days before the intended visit. Once the application is reviewed, the Transportation Security Administration will issue an OAK guest pass to approved applicants.

Those granted access will be required to present the guest pass along with a TSA-approved photo ID, such as a passport or Real ID, before proceeding through security. The airport notes on its website that approved guests may enter the post-security side of the terminal to spend time with loved ones prior to departure.

For many travelers, the change revives memories of a very different airport experience. Before 2001, airports across the United States generally allowed anyone — even without a boarding pass — to pass through security checkpoints and wait at the gate. That changed after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, which led to the creation of the TSA and the introduction of federal regulations limiting access to secured areas exclusively to ticketed passengers.

Oakland is not alone in revisiting that earlier model. Several other airports have already implemented similar programs, while additional facilities are considering doing so. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offers a “hangout pass,” San Antonio International Airport operates a “SAT Pass,” and Kansas City International Airport provides its own “guest pass.” Philadelphia International Airport has introduced a “wingmate pass,” while Detroit Metropolitan Airport issues a “destination pass.”

The return of limited gate access has stirred nostalgia among travelers online. In the “r/travel” forum on Reddit, one user asked, “How was airport security before 2001?” The question prompted a flood of recollections from users who remembered a more communal airport atmosphere.

“One of the biggest differences is that unticketed people could come with you, so family could accompany you to the gate,” wrote one commenter. Another responded, “One of my fondest memories is seeing my grandma as I exited the plane with my brother when my parents sent me out to see her.”

Others recalled airports as social spaces in their own right. “Going to the airport to watch planes was a big deal. Anytime one had to fly, or a friend or family member [was flying off], a whole group would accompany the traveler/s just to get there early and watch planes take off and land,” one user wrote. Another added, “You could go to the airport just to hang out, even if you had no travel plans.”

Some commenters contrasted those memories with the modern experience. One person reminisced about “being able to see people off at the gate (or vice versa). Now you have to say your goodbyes, then walk half a mile to your gate alone.” The same user noted that “being able to greet someone at the gate was nice.”

Oakland officials emphasized that the new access policy is not guaranteed to remain in place permanently. The airport stated on its website, “The OAK Guest Pass is not a permanent program.” The notice adds that, “In response to exigent circumstances or operational needs, the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel the program, cancel approved OAK Guest Passes or modify program rules at any time without prior notice.”

{Matzav.com}

Newly resurfaced social media posts reveal that one of NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s most senior appointees made repeated antisemitic remarks and inflammatory attacks on police. Catherine Almonte Da Costa, whom Mamdani announced this week as New York City’s next Director of Appointments, previously posted a series of comments on X that relied on crude antisemitic […]

A UPS-owned company that processes boxless returns is testing an AI fraud-detection tool this holiday season with a handful of clients including Everlane, Revolve, and Under Armour.

Attorneys for former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett have filed a police complaint against political social media activists, accusing them of spreading content taken from Bennett’s Telegram account that allegedly leaked following an illegal hacking incident.

According to the complaint, the materials were knowingly distributed after being obtained through criminal means, in violation of the law. Bennett’s lawyers argue that the dissemination of the messages is especially serious given the sensitivity of an election year and its potential impact on public opinion.

The complaint states that distributing materials obtained through unlawful wiretapping constitutes a serious criminal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison. Among those named are social media activist Ido Gavoni and an individual identified as Gor Ben Ze’ev, who allegedly shared screenshots of purported correspondence between Bennett and his former adviser, Shimrit Meir.

Investigative sources said the matter is being handled by the Shin Bet. Authorities believe the breach was limited to Bennett’s Telegram account and did not involve access to his personal phone. The complaint was also forwarded to the State Attorney and to the head of the police investigations and intelligence division, with Bennett’s legal team stressing that the incident represents an improper attempt to use a criminal hack to influence the democratic process.

{Matzav.com}

TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. business to three American investors — Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX — ensuring the popular social video platform can continue operating in the United States. The deal is expected to close on Jan. 22, according to an internal memo seen by The Associated Press. CEO Shou […]

An Algerian nanny was sentenced to 2½ years in prison in France for attempting to poison a Jewish family by pouring cleaning fluid into their drinks. The court ruled the act was not antisemitic, citing a financial dispute, and also convicted her of using forged documents.

Chabad at Michigan State Vandalized in Suspected Hate Crime This week, the Chabad building at Michigan State University was targeted in two separate incidents. A man threw rocks, shattering two windows, and spray-painted swastikas along with a threatening message reading, “he’s back.” Police are investigating the incidents as a potential hate crime.

Ben Shapiro used a prominent platform at the Heritage Foundation on Wednesday to issue a blunt warning to the conservative movement, denouncing Tucker Carlson by name and accusing a growing faction on the right of drifting toward conspiracy theories, antisemitism, and ideological decay. Speaking for nearly an hour, Shapiro — one of the most influential […]