In the wake of a groundbreaking summit between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a high-ranking official in Damascus has indicated that Syria may be open to joining the Abraham Accords. The development marks a notable shift in tone from the Assad-era stance and signals the possibility of a significant realignment in the region.
Speaking with Kan News, Ali al-Rifa’ai, who heads the spokesperson division at Syria’s Ministry of Information, shared that the newly formed government in Syria is seriously considering peace initiatives, even extending to relations with Israel.
Al-Rifa’ai stated clearly, “Syria does not want war. We want peace with everyone, we want the region to be stable, and we do not want war with anyone.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to restore climate change-related webpages to its websites after it was sued over the deletions in February. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Working Group, argued that the deletions violated rules around citizens’ access to government information. The USDA’s reversal comes ahead of a scheduled May 21 hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction against the agency’s actions in federal court in New York.

For the first time in history, the small college town of Geneseo, N.Y.—tucked into the Finger Lakes region and best known for its natural beauty and tight-knit campus community—is getting permanent Jewish infrastructure. Rabbi Laivy and Goldy Mochkin, along with their four young children, have arrived in Geneseo to establish a Chabad presence that will serve both the local community and the 250+ Jewish students at SUNY Geneseo, one of the state’s highest-ranked public colleges. The Mochkins’ arrival marks a turning point for Jewish life in the area. Until now, there has been no synagogue, no community center, no consistent Jewish presence.

President Donald Trump once again referred to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as “a Palestinian,” repeating the label in response to questions about a $400 million aircraft offered by Qatar.
On Tuesday, Trump justified his decision to accept the Qatar-funded Boeing 747 as a temporary replacement for Air Force One, describing it as a financially responsible move that benefits the country. He also criticized those opposing the idea, calling them “fools.”
In contrast, Schumer announced he will block all Department of Justice appointments from proceeding in the Senate until he receives further clarification on the matter. According to him, the arrangement “is not just naked corruption, it is also a grave national security threat.”

ברוך רופא חולים : After extended periods in Los Angeles and Switzerland for medical treatment and rest, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe touched down in Israel, and was greeted by an outpouring of emotion from hundreds of devoted Chasidim at the airport, who erupted into exuberant song. Tomorrow evening, the Rebbe is expected to lead thousands of Chassidim at the Hakdlaka in honor of Lag BaOmer.

President Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani signed a series of major agreements on Wednesday, which the White House said will create “an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion,” according to a fact sheet released alongside the event.
The White House hailed the occasion as a pivotal step forward. “The landmark deals celebrated today will drive innovation and prosperity for generations, bolster American manufacturing and technological leadership, and put America on the path to a new Golden Age,” the statement declared.

In 1946, entry permits to the United States began arriving for the students of the Mir Yeshiva, who had been in exile in Shanghai throughout the years of the Second World War.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the agency intends to get rid of the engine start/stop system used in many modern vehicles, describing the feature as widely unpopular.
Zeldin took to X to criticize the technology, writing, “Start/stop technology: where your car dies at every red light so companies get a climate participation trophy.” His post quickly gained traction, amassing over 8 million views, according to a Wednesday report in the New York Post.
“EPA approved it, and everyone hates it, so we’re fixing it,” Zeldin said in a follow-up statement, making it clear the agency is acting in response to public dissatisfaction.