A Chinese spacecraft landed on the far side of the moon Sunday to collect soil and rock samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side. The landing module touched down at 6:23 a.m. Beijing time in a huge crater known as the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the China National Space Administration said. The mission is the sixth in the Chang’e moon exploration program, which is named after a Chinese moon goddess. It is the second designed to bring back samples, following the Chang’e 5, which did so from the near side in 2020. The moon program is part of a growing rivalry with the U.S. — still the leader in space exploration — and others, including Japan and India.

Self-loathing Jewish Senator Bernie Sanders has announced he will boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to a joint meeting of Congress, labeling him a “war criminal” who should not be given a platform. Netanyahu was invited Friday by leaders from both parties, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “It is a very sad day for our country that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited… to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress,” Sanders said. “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. He should not be invited to address a joint meeting of Congress.

The Maldives has announced a ban on Israeli passport holders entering the country, amid rising public anger over the ongoing war in Gaza. The Foreign Ministry has recommended Israeli citizens, including those with dual citizenship, to avoid traveling to the Maldives and consider leaving the archipelago if they are already there, as assistance may be difficult in case of distress. The Maldives government’s decision comes after increased anti-Israel sentiment, with public comments from officials contributing to a heightened atmosphere. Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, accounting for 0.6% of total tourist arrivals. Israel had previously issued a travel warning in December, citing the tense atmosphere.

Last week Agudath Israel’s Yahalom Division convened a special advocacy trip to Albany on behalf of the special needs community. The group comprised more than 25 parents, professionals, and advocates who spent the day in the Capitol meeting with lawmakers and government officials. Throughout the day parents shared their personal experiences with lawmakers who were clearly moved by the challenges faced by the special needs community.

For retirees Tom and Beverly McAdam, the good news is the value of their two-bedroom home in suburban Denver has risen 45% since they purchased it more than six years ago. That’s also the bad news, costing them thousands more in real estate taxes and leaving less for discretionary spending. “To pay the higher property taxes, it just means we’ve got to take more money out of our investments when it comes time to hit those big bills,” Beverly McAdam said. She backs a Colorado ballot proposal that could cap the growth of property tax revenue. It’s one of several measures in states this year to limit, cut or offset escalating property taxes in response to complaints. Over the past five years, single-family home prices have risen about 54% nationally, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices.

Chabad’s Rabbi Mendy Carlebach on Sunday attended the Israel Day Parade in New York City, not so much to march in the annual procession, but to share the mitzvos with Jews in attendance who may not have the chance to do them otherwise. At least two of the Jews approached by Rabbi Carlebach were New Jersey State Troopers. Fully clad in the NJSP uniform, Rabbi Carlebach put yarmulkas on their heads, wrapped tefillin on them, and made the brachos – a beautiful example of public kiddush sheim shamayim.

Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners of war on Friday, each sending back 75 POWs in the first such swap in the past three months, officials said. A few hours earlier and at the same location, the two sides also handed over bodies of their fallen soldiers. The Ukrainian POWs, including four civilians, were returned on several buses that drove into the northern Sumy region. As they disembarked, they shouted joyfully and called their families to tell them they were home. Some knelt and kissed the ground while many wrapped themselves in yellow-blue flags and hugged one another, breaking into tears. Many appeared emaciated and poorly dressed. The exchange of the 150 POWs in all was the fourth swap this year and the 52nd since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Saudi Arabia and allied oil producing countries on Sunday extended output cuts through next year, a move aimed at supporting slack prices that haven’t risen even amid turmoil in the Middle East and the start of the summer travel season. The OPEC+ alliance, made up of members of the producers cartel and allied countries including Russia, extended three different sets of cuts totaling 5.8 million barrels a day. International benchmark Brent has loitered in the $81-$83 per barrel range for the past month. Even the war in Gaza and attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels in Yemen have not pushed prices up toward the $100 per barrel level last seen in September 2022.

Veteran Hollywood actor Michael Douglas met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on Wednesday, following a visit to the Gaza border region, where he witnessed the devastating impact of the October 7 attacks. Douglas, whose father Kirk Douglas was Jewish, expressed his solidarity with Israel, saying, “We’re just happy to be here in support of Israel, and to share with you the fact that America is definitely your ally as our president has shared with you.” He also expressed hope for the successful outcome of negotiations and the safe return of hostages. During his visit to Kibbutz Be’er and the Supernova massacre site, Douglas was deeply moved by the atrocities committed by Hamas.

In a historic election over the weekend, the ruling African National Congress (ANC), once led by Nelson Mandela, lost its absolute majority for the first time since apartheid ended 30 years ago. The blow to the ANC follows its outrageous claims against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that it is committing genocide in Gaza and its threats to arrest its citizens who serve in the IDF. In February 2024, MP Kenneth Meshoe attacked the ANC and predicted that the party will be cursed for cursing Israel. “I want to remind the ANC today that Isaiah 54:17 says that no weapon that is formed against Israel shall prosper and every tongue that rises against it in judgment will be condemned,” he said. “ANC, you have gone too far and your judgment is imminent.