Shas chairman Aryeh Deri traveled to Bnei Brak on Thursday afternoon to be menachem avel the Rosh Yeshivah, HaGaon HaRav Meir Tzvi Bergman, on the loss of his wife, HaTzadeikis Rebbetzin Devorah Bergman, a’h. The Rosh Yeshivah and Deri spoke for over a half hour, including discussing memories from the days of HaGaon HaRav Shach, zt’l. During the conversation, the Rosh Yeshivah brought up the topic that leaves him no rest even as he mourns his wife –  the threat of IDF recruitment hanging over the heads of Bnei Torah. “I want to speak about something regarding the IDF,” the Rosh Yeshivah said in a pained voice. “We need to see to the salvation of Bnei Torah. What do they – it’s only rishus! Where will they put the yeshivah bochurim? Where?

Early Sunday morning, Chaverim of Rockland’s highly trained Search & Rescue teams sprang into action after receiving an urgent call about an injured hiker at Harriman State Park. The hiker had slipped on icy terrain, fracturing an ankle and enduring significant pain while stranded on a sheet of ice for an extended period. NYS Forest Rangers and NYS Park Police were promptly notified and joined the operation. Upon arrival, the Chaverim teams demonstrated their expertise, quickly stabilizing the hiker’s injury and providing necessary warmth to counter the freezing conditions. Using a specialized hiking stretcher, they carefully secured the hiker for transport out of the rugged terrain.

Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for “border czar,” is signaling a tough stance on immigration as he prepares to take office, expressing hopes for a new deportation agreement with Venezuela. Homan suggested that Trump will pursue negotiations similar to past arrangements with El Salvador and Mexico, ensuring that Venezuelan nationals who face deportation are returned directly to their country of origin. “We’ve got to put the safety of the American people first,” he said, underscoring the administration’s intent to enforce immigration laws more aggressively. If Venezuela refuses to cooperate, Homan indicated that deportations would continue regardless.

The IDF announced the elimination of Sa’ed Saeed Zaki Dahnoun, a senior Islamic Jihad commander, during an operation in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza. Dahnoun, who infiltrated Israel and took part in the October 7 massacre, was killed in close-quarters combat by Givati Brigade troops operating under the 162nd Division. Dahnoun, a company commander and deputy head of the Islamic Jihad’s rocket array in northern Gaza, was also responsible for planning and leading ambushes against Israeli forces near Beit Lahia. According to IDF footage, Dahnoun and another terrorist advanced toward Israeli troops under cover of rain and darkness, concealed by blankets. The soldiers quickly engaged, killing Dahnoun while his accomplice surrendered.

The FBI has released new video clips providing further insight into Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s January 1st terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The footage includes five clips, highlighting Jabbar’s activities leading up to and during the attack. The first clip, recorded on October 31, 2024, shows Jabbar cycling through the French Quarter using “Meta glasses”. Another October clip captures him testing the glasses by filming himself in a mirror at his rented home. Key footage from January 1, 2025, shows Jabbar placing two improvised explosive devices (IEDs). At 1:53 a.m., he leaves the first IED inside a blue cooler at Bourbon and St. Peters Streets, which was later moved by pedestrians.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer found himself in the hot seat during a Sunday interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, where he faced pointed questions about his previous assurances regarding President Joe Biden’s mental fitness. Despite mounting public skepticism, Schumer grew visibly defensive when pressed on whether top Democrats misled Americans about Biden’s cognitive state. Moderator Kristen Welker directly confronted Schumer by airing a February clip in which he enthusiastically vouched for Biden’s mental sharpness, dismissing concerns as “Right-wing propaganda.” When asked if Democrats misled the public, Schumer’s response was an evasive cascade of praise for Biden’s legislative achievements, sidestepping the core issue.

The timeless music of Reb Shlomo Carlebach Z”L resonates in shuls, homes, and yeshivas worldwide. But fans were treated to something extraordinary last Thursday—a previously unreleased “Carlebach song” composed over 30 years ago. Titled “Niggun Vayigash,” the song was discovered on an old cassette and sent to Yehuda Solomon and Shlomo Katz, who unveiled it for the first time. Watch, listen, and enjoy this rare treasure! (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

President Biden on Saturday bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honor – upon none other than Democratic megadonor and left-wing puppet master George Soros. The move sent shockwaves through critics who lambasted the selection as a “national disgrace” and an affront to the millions suffering from the very policies Soros has gleefully bankrolled. Soros, 94, was one of 19 recipients, joining a rogues’ gallery of establishment darlings like U2 frontman Bono, actor Denzel Washington, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – herself a magnet for controversy. Unsurprisingly, Clinton’s inclusion also drew criticism.

Sweden’s ambassador to Israel, Simon Geissbühler, visited Bnei Brak over Chanukah, engaging with the gedolei hador in Eretz Yisroel and immersing himself in the Charedi community’s minhagim and way of life, with his visit highlighting a keen interest in better understanding the values of Charedi Jewry in Eretz Yisroel. The ambassador met with HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch and HaRav Meir Tzvi Bergman at their homes – conversing with both in English (see video below). During his meeting with Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, Geissbühler gained insight into the values and principles that guide bnei Torah including their refusal to join the IDF. Later, he spent time with HaRav Meir Tzvi Bergman, witnessing the revered rosh yeshiva light the Chanukah menorah.

Red alert sirens sounded in several areas in central and southern Israel due to a missile launched from Yemen. Explosions heard all over Yerushalyim. The IDF in a short statement said: “Following the sirens that sounded in central and southern Israel, one missile was identified crossing from Yemen into Israeli territory. Interceptors were launched toward the target, the results are under review.” MDA Spokesperson: Update following the Red Alerts in central Israel: At this stage, no reports of rocket strikes or physical injuries have been received. MDA teams have been dispatched to treat 12 people who were injured on their way to shelter and 9 individuals suffering from anxiety.