Nine months have passed since Thomas Matthew Crooks, a seemingly ordinary 20-year-old, fired eight shots at then-presidential candidate Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. And yet, despite federal investigations, private probes, and endless speculation, one glaring question remains unanswered: Why? Those searching for clarity have been met with silence—or worse, obstruction. The FBI, according to sources, has blocked efforts to uncover the shooter’s motives, leaving local authorities, former classmates, and the broader public frustrated. Crooks left no manifesto, no clear warning signs, no explanation for why he climbed onto a rooftop and attempted to assassinate a former—and now current—president. Even Crooks’ family has sealed itself off from the world.

There was great excitement in Yeshivas Mir of Yerushalayim in recent days following the birth of a granddaughter to HaMashgiach HaTzaddik Rav Binyanim Finkel, the first child born to his son HaRav Yosef Finkel after 10 years of marriage. There’s a special story behind the birth. Last Pesach, HaRav Binyamin and his son Rav Yosef went to visit the Rosh Yeshivah, HaGaon HaRav Baruch Dov Povarsky. The Rosh Yeshivah promised Rav Yosef that he would have a baby within a year. Watch a video of the encounter below: (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Chaverim Kol Yisroel, How powerful it is to witness the Jewish nation united in challenging times. We are eternally one family, bound by an unbreakable connection, regardless of origin, appearance, or observance. This feeling of unity, friendship, and deep connection to our Jewish identity that we share NOW is something precious, something we must never forget. May this song, “Chaverim Kol Yisroel,” echo through time and serve as a lasting testament to our brotherhood. It’s a joy to share it with you, enriched by the invaluable musical input from my talented son, Yeedle, in honor of the wedding of the son of our dear friends, Moga and TT Kahan, whose friendship embodies Chaverim Kol Yisroel.

Hassan Nasrallah’s son Jawad and daughter Zaynab discussed their father’s final days in an appearance on Al-Manar TV (Hizbullah-Lebanon) on February 28, 2025, describing him as depressed after the September 2024 pager attack. Jawad said that he became a changed man following the killing of Hizbullah military leader Fuad Shukr and the pager attack, feeling spiritless and sad, seeking encouragement. Zaynab shared that her mother told her that Nasrallah was crying after the attack. Jawad Nasrallah: “After the killing of Hajj Mohsen [Fuad Shukr], then the pager attack, and until his final days, he was spiritless and sad. You could feel that he was depressed. He was not desperate, but you could see that he was hurt, you could see that he was slaughtered from his neck to his heart.

Freed hostage Yarden Bibas last week completed the last letters in a Sefer Torah written in memory of his wife Shiri, H’yd, and his two children Ariel and Kfir, H’yd. The Sefer Torah was donated by members of the Palm Tree shul in Florida, who also donated a Sefer Torah in memory of Ori Danino, H’yd. Yarden decided to place the Sefer Torah in the shul at Kibbutz Nir Oz, where the Bris Milah of both Ariel and Kfir took place.   (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

7,000 Jewish teens from 60 countries filled Times Square on Motzei Shabbos, singing, dancing, and declaring their Jewish pride in the most public square on earth. After a year of challenges, they didn’t gather to explain who they are. They came to live it—out loud and together. They came from across the globe—some from communities shaken by war, others from countries grappling with rising antisemitism, and still others from regions recovering from natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes. Together, they came to live their Judaism—proudly, unapologetically, and in full view of the world. “Shavuah Tov, CTeen!” The words rang out from the stage, declared by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CTeen International, cutting through the neon glow and weekend crowds.

Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi revealed in an interview with journalist Ahmed Mansour that Hamas deliberately rejected a historic opportunity for peace and prosperity for Palestinians—choosing instead to continue its war against Israel. According to Mardawi, Trump’s Middle East team, led by Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, had offered Hamas a path to statehood in Gaza during Trump’s first administration.

House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may need to step down if he does not approach peace talks with a more conciliatory stance. However, when asked directly, Johnson did not call for Russian President Vladimir Putin to do the same. During an interview on Meet the Press, NBC’s Kristen Welker questioned Johnson about the perception that former President Donald Trump and some Republicans are aligning with Russia in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Johnson rejected that notion, saying, “It’s pretty absurd for anyone in the media or Democrats to somehow proclaim that President Trump, the White House, or Republicans in Congress are on Putin’s side. It’s a joke.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a statement today expressing gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his steadfast support of Israel, hailing him as the country’s greatest ally ever to occupy the White House. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has accepted a temporary ceasefire proposal brokered by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, while Hamas has so far rejected it. In his statement, Netanyahu highlighted Trump’s contributions to Israel’s security and regional strategy. “President Trump shows that friendship each and every day,” Netanyahu said, pointing to Trump’s “visionary plan for Gaza,” which Israel has fully endorsed. He also credited the U.S.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly refused during a Fox News interview to apologize for his stunning Oval Office clash with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. But Zelenskyy said in a Fox News interview, “This kind of spat is not good for both sides.” The Ukrainian leader told Fox News’ Bret Baier that “it will be difficult for us” to defend his country from Russian military forces if Trump discontinues aid. Zelenskyy asked if he owes Trump an apology for Oval Office spectacle “No. I respect the President, & I respect American people….Some things we have to discuss out of the media.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)