Fascinating photo of the Belzer Rebbe in תשמ”ז. Seen next to him is his only child, Rav Aharon Rokeach.

CROWN HEIGHTS: A record large parade of 60 “Mitzvah Tanks” and over 350 Car Menorahs drove around New York City Thursday, the second night of Chanukah, sharing the light and joy of the holiday with hundreds of thousands. Video via COL @MendiK.770 Instagram

The IDF announced the conclusion of its operation at northern Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital and nearby areas, detaining 240 suspected Hamas operatives. Among those arrested were the hospital’s director and 15 individuals involved in the October 7, 2023, attack. The IDF stated the hospital had been repurposed as a Hamas stronghold and a refuge for militants, despite repeated warnings to avoid exploiting medical facilities for military activities.

President Biden still regrets dropping out of the 2024 presidential race last summer after mounting pressure from Democrats to step aside, according to a report. The president recently told people that he still believes he could have beaten Trump in the November election, despite his rough debate performance in June and his low approval numbers that forced him to leave the race, according to the Washington Post, citing people familiar with the conversations.  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the “tragic incident” involving the December 25 crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 near Aktau International Airport in Kazakhstan. The apology follows reports suggesting the aircraft was accidentally shot down by Russian air defenses during a Ukrainian drone attack.

A woman in her 70s was fatally stabbed in Herzliya on Friday morning. Despite efforts by paramedics and doctors at Ichilov Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. Nearby security guards shot and neutralized the assailant, who was arrested after being wounded.

The second Chanukah candle was lit at the Kosel tonight under the theme “Jerusalem – Light of the World.” The ceremony was attended by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rov of the Kosel and Holy Sites; Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Jewish Tradition Rabbi Meir Porush; Heritage Minister Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu; Mordechai (Soli) Eliav, CEO of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation; and a large crowd.