Russian President Vladimir Putin has made striking claims, asserting that Western actors deliberately appointed an ethnic Jewish individual as the leader of Ukraine in a bid to mask what he described as the country’s “anti-human essence.” In a recent statement, Putin directed criticism towards Ukraine’s leadership, particularly focusing on President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Jewish heritage. The president’s remarks highlighted the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, shedding light on the divisive narratives that have become intertwined with the conflict. Putin’s comments, though provocative, did not offer specific details about the supposed statements made by Israelis on the internet regarding the situation.

Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, Ishay Ribo’s historic concert united Jews of all backgrounds for an emotional evening of unity, togetherness, and heartfelt song featuring Avraham Fried, Amir Dadon, and Akiva. Ishay Ribo became the first Israeli artist and the first orthodox Jew to headline a concert at New York’s renowned Madison Square Garden arena on Sunday, September 3, in what became a historic evening of heartfelt songs that united thousands. A packed Madison Square Garden arena waited with bated breath as Israeli singer Ishay Ribo ascended the colossal stage at New York City’s premier entertainment venue on Sunday evening.

More than 50 Eritrean asylum seekers suspected of participating in the violent clashes that occurred in Tel Aviv over the weekend have been placed under administrative detention on Monday and Tuesday. The decision for their detention reportedly came from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Following questioning by the Population, Immigration and Border Authority (PIBA), 53 individuals believed to be involved in the clashes were transferred to Givon Prison in Ramle, where they will be held for a minimum of four days. The clashes, which transpired in south Tel Aviv on Saturday, resulted in over 170 people sustaining injuries, including both civilians and police officers.

In a highly unusual protest, Israeli-Bedouin students in the Neve Midbar Regional Council were sent by their parents to school on camels and donkeys on Tuesday morning. The protest took place on the background of a strike by the transportation company, which is refusing to provide busing for the students as it claims the government owes it funds.

Anarchists rioted outside a Likud event at a hotel in Ra’anana on Monday evening and clashed with the police. The protesters crowded outside the hotel’s doors in a frenzied attempt to enter and disrupt the event. Some of them succeeded in making their way inside the hotel and attacked police officers who tried to stop them, damaging hotel property in the process. Other protesters made deafening noise with bicycle horns. Likud Minister Galit Distal-Atbaryan had to be evacuated from the area by police officers. Distel-Atbarayn posted a video of her evacuation from the area by the police, writing: “See what eight months of disseminating hate and panic can do. Watch the video and tell me if it seems sane to you.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

President Joe Biden addressed concerns regarding his age during a campaign event in Philadelphia, assuring voters that he intends to lead the presidential ticket for the 2024 election. Speaking before the Sheet Metal Workers union on Monday, Biden acknowledged the murmurs about his age and remarked, “I tell you what, someone said, ‘You know what? That Biden, he’s getting old, man. I tell you what.'” He added, “Well, guess what? Guess what? You know, the only thing that comes with age is a little bit of wisdom. I’ve been doing this longer than anybody, and guess what?

An attempted stabbing attack was swiftly thwarted by an alert Israeli police officer near the Lions Gate in Yerushalayim on Monday, The assailant, identified as a 44-year-old Palestinian woman hailing from Jenin, sought to stab the police officer, but failed miserably. The assailant rushed the police officer with a knife during the attempted assault, but the cop was having none of it. His protective gear protected him from the stabbing attempt, and he then delivered a brutal kick that sent the terrorist crashing to the ground. He then wound up and delivered a devastating blow to her skull, which appeared to knock the woe-begotten terrorist unconscious. Remarkably, the officer managed to subdue the attacker without resorting to lethal force. No shots were fired during the incident.

Aryeh Gottleib, who was seriously injured in the Chevron terror attack, was released on Monday from Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva. Gottlieb was transferred to Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer for rehabilitation. Gottlieb told Arutz Sheva last week that “the road between Beit Chagai and Kiryat Arba is one of the most dangerous in Yehudah and Shomron because many checkpoints have been opened under IDF orders after they were closed due to terror attacks. Within about a seven-minute drive, there are seven places from which a terrorist can carry out a terror attack and disappear within ten seconds into Area A.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

IDF soldiers operated in Jenin on Monday and arrested three Hamas terrorists in the first counterterrorism operation in the city since Operation Bayit V’Gan in July. A statement from the IDF said: “The Hamas terrorist operatives have been wanted for taking part in shooting attacks, IED attacks, rocket launches, and the planning and advancement of additional terrorist attacks. An M-16 rifle belonging to one of the wanted operatives was also confiscated.” A gun battle ensued when the soldiers entered the city and at one point, the soldiers launched a Kamikaze drone at five terrorists who were firing at them, injuring them, one severely. The gun battle lasted throughout the operation and some terrorists were hit, including suspects who fled the building that the forces surrounded.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the scientist largely responsible for much of the United States’ anti-Covid policies, said he wants Americans to be wearing masks – despite admitting that they didn’t do anything to stop the pandemic. “I am concerned that people will not abide by recommendations,” Fauci said on CNN in a segment focused on the recent national rise in Covid cases. As the top official in the federal government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Fauci said that “universal wearing of masks is the most practical way to go,” a policy he still holds to be true. CNN host Michael Smerconich asked Fauci about a wide-ranging study released in February which showed that masks had no effect on the spread of Covid.