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Adelynn Campbell’s last plane trip ended with a panic attack that she got through largely with the help of a kind flight attendant. That was last year — before 67 people died in January when an American Airlines jet collided with a helicopter over Washington, D.C., in the deadliest U.S. air disaster in almost a quarter century. Now, Campbell is even more hesitant to book a flight. “It’s definitely spiked my concern about getting on a plane and it’s making the whole situation a little more stressful than it used to be,” said Campbell, 30, who manages a coffee shop in San Diego. Being at least a little nervous about flying is understandable. As Mel Brooks once said: “If God wanted us to fly, He would have given us tickets.” But for some people it causes deep anxiety that could require professional help. Here’s a look at air travel anxiety and ways to cope with it. More people seem to be nervous about flying The evidence is anecdotal, but psychologists and flight attendants say they’ve seen and heard increased worries — and not only in people who already had anxieties about flying. “Even people who didn’t have a fear of flying are talking about it, given recent events,” said Jennifer Dragonette, a California-based psychologist who treats people with air travel anxieties. U.S. air travel was down in March and early April compared with last year, according to TSA statistics. Airlines have attributed the decline to economic uncertainty, a decline in government and corporate travel and — yes — concern about recent aviation incidents. FAA officials recently acknowledged they weren’t doing enough to ensure air safety. Recent polling by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that fewer Americans report feeling safe about flying this year. Flight attendants who work planes out of the Washington, D.C., airport were particularly rattled by the January collision, said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants union. Some asked for time off to process their emotions, and at least one flight attendant left the job, she said. What is fear of flying? Fear of flying — sometimes called aerophobia — goes beyond just being nervous about a flight. It is an intense form of anxiety that centers on certain aspects of air travel. Many aerophobes get most rattled during take-off and landing, or when they think about being locked in a plane. Some research has suggested it affects about 25 million U.S. adults. Psychologists say it often surfaces in adulthood, developing in people who didn’t mind flying as kids but grew more rattled as they aged. In many cases, it starts when people are in their 20s or 30s, at a time they are experiencing big life changes and new responsibilities — like getting married or becoming a parent — and they start to think that “everything counts,” said David Carbonell, a Chicago-based psychologist who authored a workbook to help people cope with flying fears. A bad flight with heavy turbulence or some other problem may trigger an anxiety that persists, he said. Campbell, who has other forms of anxiety, developed a fear of flying a few years ago. She is transgender, and said travel can be stressful because of concerns about how she’ll be treated by airport security or in other interactions. Aerophobia can be complicated, Carbonell […]

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a fiery speech during the PA Central Council meeting on Wednesday, unleashing harsh criticism at Hamas and demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza. “Sons of dogs, hand over the hostages,” he declared in a televised address.

He emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict, citing the relentless loss of life. “The war must end,” Abbas said, explaining that “[Hamas] doesn’t want to hand over the American hostages. Sons of dogs – hand over the hostages and end the matter.”

Outlining key objectives, Abbas listed the return of hostages, the removal of Israel’s blockade on Gaza, coordination with Arab states to halt the displacement of Palestinians, and the preservation of what he called the “Palestinian cause.” “Returning the hostages; lifting the Israeli blockade of Gaza; stopping the displacement of our people in coordination with Arab countries; defending the ‘Palestinian cause.’”

Abbas demanded that Hamas relinquish power in Gaza and surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. “Hamas must end its control of the Gaza Strip and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority,” he stated.

He also urged Hamas to abandon its militant posture and transition into a political entity. “Talk to us instead of the Americans,” he said, calling for dialogue and internal Palestinian unity.

Turning his focus to the war’s broader devastation, Abbas placed blame on Hamas’s 2007 takeover of Gaza, which he claimed served as justification for Israel’s military operations. “The coup carried out by Hamas in 2007 gave Israel a pretext to destroy the Gaza Strip. 2,165 families were completely wiped out, and 6,664 were partially wiped out. More than two-thirds of the homes were destroyed in the war.”

He warned of the looming threat of widespread displacement. “We are facing serious dangers that could lead to a ‘new Nakba,’” he cautioned.

Abbas concluded by reaffirming his stance on the path to peace, which he said hinges on bringing an end to Israeli occupation and creating a Palestinian state. “Our vision for achieving peace in the Middle East is based on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing a state.”

{Matzav.com}

The White House confirmed that discussions toward a trade pact with China are moving forward, and noted a surge of interest globally, with 18 official trade offers submitted by foreign governments and over 100 countries expressing interest in forming economic partnerships with the United States.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump temporarily suspended retaliatory tariffs on goods from most foreign countries for 90 days — with China notably excluded from this moratorium. This pause is intended to provide a window for international partners to engage in talks and potentially finalize trade deals. Vice President JD Vance revealed Monday that the U.S. has outlined a trade strategy with India and is nearing an agreement with Japan as well.

Speaking to reporters, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared that she had earlier spoken with top members of the administration’s economic team, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and senior trade advisor Peter Navarro.

“There is a lot of progress being made,” Leavitt stated during her press conference, which was broadcast live via Newsmax and its streaming platform, Newsmax2. “We now have 18 proposals on paper that have been brought to the trade team. Again, these are proposals on paper that countries have proposed to the Trump administration and to our government.

“You have Secretary Bessent, Secretary Lutnick, Ambassador Greer, NEC Director Hassett and Peter Navarro, the entire trade team meeting with 34 countries this week alone. We are moving at Trump speed to ensure these deals are made on behalf of the American worker and the American people.”

Although she didn’t name the 18 countries that submitted proposals, Leavitt provided an update on where negotiations with China stand. China remains subject to Trump-imposed tariffs as high as 145%, while Beijing countered with 125% duties on American products.

“I asked the president about this before coming out here, and he wanted me to share with all of you that we’re doing very well in respect to a potential trade deal with China,” said Leavitt, noting that no direct communication has yet occurred between Trump and President Xi Jinping. “As I mentioned, there have now been 18 proposals and more than 100 countries around the world who are wanting to make a deal with the United States of America, and the president and the administration are setting the stage for a deal with China.

“So, we feel everyone involved wants to see a trade deal happen, and the ball is moving in the right direction.”

Leavitt voiced frustration that the milestone reached between the U.S. and India had been largely overlooked by the media following Vance’s diplomatic visit to New Delhi and his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“And just yesterday, it seemed to get a little bit lost in the news, and I think it’s a disservice to the American public that it did,” Leavitt said. “The vice president announced terms of reference for a trade deal with India. That is a big deal. We know when we look at the numbers, the monetary trade barriers and the nonmonetary trade barriers from India, they have been ripping off the United States and American workers for a very long time.

“So, the fact that the vice president, with Prime Minister Modi on that trip in India, announced these terms of reference, which is essentially a framework to move the ball forward to sign a good trade deal between our two nations, is great progress, and it speaks to the work ethic and the real labor that’s being put into this effort by the president’s trade team.”

{Matzav.com}

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 shook Istanbul and other areas Wednesday, prompting widespread panic and scores of injuries in the Turkish city of 16 million people, though there were no immediate reports of serious damage. More than 150 people were hospitalized with injuries sustained while trying to jump from buildings, said the governor’s office in Istanbul, where residents are on tenterhooks because the city is considered at high risk for a major quake. The earthquake had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (about 6 miles), according to the United States Geological Survey, with its epicenter about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Istanbul, in the Sea of Marmara. It was felt in the neighboring provinces of Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa and Balikesir and in the city of Izmir, some 550 kilometers (340 miles) south of Istanbul. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the earthquake lasted 13 seconds and was followed by more than 50 aftershocks – the strongest measuring 5.9. The quake started at 12:49 p.m. during a public holiday when many children were out of school and celebrating in the streets of Istanbul. Panicked residents rushed from their homes and buildings into the streets. The disaster and emergency management agency urged people to stay away from buildings. More than 150 injured “Due to panic, 151 of our citizens were injured from jumping from heights,” the Istanbul governor’s office said in a statement. “Their treatments are ongoing in hospitals, and they are not in life-threatening condition.” Many residents flocked to parks, school yards and other open areas to avoid being near buildings in case of collapse or subsequent earthquakes. Some people pitched tents in parks. “Thank God, there does not seem to be any problems for now,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at an event marking the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day holiday. “May God protect our country and our people from all kinds of calamities, disasters, accidents and troubles.” Leyla Ucar, a personal trainer, said she was exercising with her student on the 20th floor of a building when they felt intense shaking. “We shook incredibly. It threw us around, we couldn’t understand what was happening, we didn’t think of an earthquake at first because of the shock of the event,” she said. “It was very scary.” Senol Sari, 51, told The Associated Press he was with his children in the living room of their third floor apartment when he heard a loud noise and the building started shaking. They fled to a nearby park. “We immediately protected ourselves from the earthquake and waited for it to pass,” Sari said. “Of course, we were scared.” They later were able to return home calmly, Sari said, but they remain worried that a bigger quake will some day strike the city. It’s “an expected earthquake, our concerns continue,” he said. ‘My children were a little scared’ Cihan Boztepe, 40, was one of many who hurriedly fled to the streets with his family in order to avoid a potential collapse. Boztepe, standing next to his sobbing child, told AP that in 2023 he was living in Batman province, an area close to the southern part of Turkey where major quakes struck at the time, and that Wednesday’s tremor felt weaker and that he wasn’t as scared. “At first we were shaken, then it stopped, then […]

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday slammed the Hamas terror organization for providing Israel with an “excuse” to destroy Gaza by holding on to the hostages. Speaking at a meeting of the PLO Central Council, Abbas called Hamas “sons of female dogs.” “The war must end,” he said. “There are hundreds killed every day. Why? They don’t want to release the American hostages. Sons of dogs, give the hostages back and end this story. Eliminate its [Israel’s] excuses.” It was unclear whether Abbas was referring to all the hostages or just the American hostages, of whom only one, Eden Alexander, is believed to be still alive. Abbas  started out by saying that “the coup carried out by Hamas in 2007 gave Israel an excuse to destroy the Gaza Strip.” He then claimed: “Israel wants to eliminate the Palestinian issue in its actions in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem. Displacing Palestinians from Gaza would be a new Nakba,” he said. “Hamas must remove itself from ruling over Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority,” Abbas said, adding that Hamas must hold talks with the PA rather than the US and others. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

For the past 21 years, YWN’s team of seasoned reporters has delivered breaking news and reliable updates, building two decades of trust with over half a million readers each day. On this live blog, YWN will be providing continuous, around-the-clock coverage, bringing you the latest developments as they unfold. You can also join over 100,000 subscribers on YWN WhatsApp and stay connected for real time updates: YWN’s WhatsApp Community YWN’s WhatsApp status

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rabbi Yonah Feinstein z”l, who served Klal Yisroel for many years with dedication and distinction as the Director of Special Projects at Agudath Israel of America.

A man of quiet strength, profound humility, and unwavering commitment to the needs of the tzibbur, Rabbi Feinstein was a trusted and beloved figure whose contributions touched numerous lives.

The levayah will taking place this morning at 11 a.m. at Shomrei Hadas Chapels, located at 3803 14th Avenue in Brooklyn. The aron will then be flown to Eretz Yisroel for kevurah at the Eretz Hachaim Cemetery in Beit Shemesh.

Rabbi Feinstein is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Shoshana Feinstein, and their children: Mrs. Ilana David, Mrs. Aviva Paneth, Mrs. Airela David, and Yaakov Feinstein, along with many grandchildren.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

PSYCHOLOGICAL TERROR: Hamas released a video of hostage Omri Miran (47) on Wednesday, who was kidnapped from his home in Nahal Oz on October 7. The most recent sign of life of Miran was received through an Israeli who was returned from captivity in February.

Sec. Scott Bessent: “I wish to be clear: America first does not mean America alone. To the contrary, it is a call for deeper collaboration and mutual respect among trade partners.”

Hamas is preparing to present a new ceasefire initiative for Gaza, according to a report by the Saudi-owned outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, as its delegation arrives in Cairo for renewed discussions.

The report outlines a proposed deal under which all remaining hostages in Gaza would be released at once in return for a negotiated number of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, the plan reportedly includes a complete halt to military actions, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions previously held under the last ceasefire, and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid.

The report indicates that Hamas intends to push for a five-year cessation of hostilities, backed by international assurances.

Another key element of the proposal is the formation of a technocratic governing body to oversee civilian affairs in Gaza. This concept is said to draw on an Egyptian plan circulated in recent months. Hamas is also reportedly open to the idea of advancing reconciliation with the Fatah movement.

These developments align with other recent reports. Earlier this week, sources familiar with the talks told the Times of Israel that Hamas had conveyed to Arab intermediaries its readiness to accept a long-term truce with Israel. During this period, Hamas would agree to halt all military operations, including weapons production and tunnel excavation.

{Matzav.com Israel}

WILD FIRE UPDATE: PM Netanyahu and Police Commissioner Danny Levy are currently holding a special situation assessment at the unified command post established in Eshtaol, with other senior officials from emergency and rescue organizations.  

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with religious leaders in Kyiv on Tuesday, to discuss unity and support for the nation amid ongoing challenges. Avrohom Bleich, son of Chief Rabbi Yaakov Dov Bleich, represented the Jewish community.

VP VANCE: “We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians — and it’s time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process … I feel pretty optimistic about it.”

The IDF says it is taking part in firefighting efforts as the major blaze spreads in the Judean foothills and Jerusalem area. Fire engines belonging to the Israeli Air Force and Technological and Logistics Directorate will be operating alongside the Fire and Rescue Service and Israel Police. The IAF is also assisting with building an “aerial picture” of the fire.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi holds talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

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At least five members of Iraq’s PMF were injured today in Anbar while attempting to neutralize an unidentified explosive-laden drone.

U.S. troops have withdrawn from al-Shaddadi Base in western Syria, relocating to Iraq with a convoy of around 300 trucks.

Police are evacuating Eshtaol and Mesilat Zion, moshavim near Beit Shemesh, as quick-spreading brush fires continue to blaze on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Law enforcement has closed Route 38 to traffic from Beit Shemesh to Jerusalem