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Harvard wins temporary reprieve on student visa program

Federal court temporarily halts the Trump administration's attempt to cancel Harvard's student visa program, following a university lawsuit against the move.(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Germany: At least 12 injured in knife attack at Hamburg railway station

At least 12 people injured in knife attack in the central railway station in the German city of Hamburg. A suspect has been arrested, motive unclear at this time.(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Podcast: Proclaim liberty throughout the land

Gearing up for Jerusalem Day: The Land of Israel belongs to the G-d of Israel.(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Netanyahu on choosing Zini: He warned of a ground invasion half a year before the massacre

Prime Minister praises Major General David Zini in a newly released video: "A sharp, honest, and clear mind. I’ve been following him for years – and he will be an excellent Shin Bet chief."(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Sirens in Nir Am were a false alarm

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said, following the sirens that sounded at 7:11 p.m. in Nir Am, that it was determined to be a false identification.(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Sirens sounded in Nir Am, located near the border with Gaza

(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Shabbat Shalom from Israel!

Israel National News' Israel desk is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of Shabbat. Jerusalem candle lighting time is 18:55 on Friday. Our North American desk will keep you informed until the 19:56 EDT candle lighting time in New York.The updates from Israel will resume Saturday night, following the conclusion of Shabbat at 20:16 in Jerusalem.Shabbat Shalom!

Shocking: Influencer with millions of followers praises Washington attack

Guy Christensen, an influencer boasting nearly 3.5 million followers on various platforms, has released a video praising the murder of two Israeli embassy workers in Washington.

Rocket from Gaza intercepted

Sirens sounded a short while ago in the Gaza region. One rocket was identified and intercepted by the IDF.

Hamas official urges Palestinian Arabs to increase resistance

Abd al-Rahman Shadid, a senior official in Hamas, has called on Palestinians to resist what he described as 'increasing violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.'

Calendar

Candle Lighting Times

Shabbos Times for New York City, New York, USA

Candle lighting: 7:56pm on Friday, May 23
This week’s Torah portion is Parshas Behar-Bechukosai
Shabbos Mevorchim Chodesh Sivan: Saturday, May 24
Havdalah (72 min): 9:27pm on Saturday, May 24
Yom Yerushalayim: Monday, May 26
Rosh Chodesh Sivan: Wednesday, May 28

Shabbat Candle Lighting times for New York

Shabbos Times for Chicago, Illinois, USA

Candle lighting: 7:54pm on Friday, May 23
This week’s Torah portion is Parshas Behar-Bechukosai
Shabbos Mevorchim Chodesh Sivan: Saturday, May 24
Havdalah (72 min): 9:25pm on Saturday, May 24
Yom Yerushalayim: Monday, May 26
Rosh Chodesh Sivan: Wednesday, May 28

Shabbat Candle Lighting times for Chicago

Yeshiva World News

The Yeshiva World

OU Withdraws Certification from All Beech-Nut Baby Food

The Orthodox Union (OU), one of the most recognized kosher certifying agencies worldwide, has announced that it is no longer certifying any Beech-Nut brand baby food products. The change in certification status is effective immediately. In a kashrus advisory released Friday, the OU emphasized that while some Beech-Nut baby food items on store shelves still bear the OU symbol and remain certified kosher, products without the OU symbol are no longer under OU supervision. Due to overlapping inventory, both certified and non-certified Beech-Nut products may currently be found side by side in the marketplace. Consumers are urged to carefully check each package for the presence of the OU symbol before purchase or consumption. The advisory did not specify the reason for the discontinuation of certification. Beech-Nut has not yet issued a statement regarding the change. For more information or to verify specific product status, consumers can contact the Orthodox Union or visit their website at www.oukosher.org.

Misaskim of Central Jersey Responds to Tragic Lakewood Crash That Killed Two Bochurim, Two Others Critical

Misaskim of Central Jersey (Lakewood) members dropped everything this morning to perform their avodas hakodesh at the scene of this morning’s horrific accident in Lakewood that claimed the lives of two bochurim and left two others seriously injured. Click here for the full story on the YWN Homepage.

Urgent: Chaya Bas Tzipora Needs Us Life-Saving Treatment Can’t Wait

URGENT CAMPAIGN FOR 3 YEAR OLD CHILD: We did everything we can. We davened. We cried. And now we’ve found a chance—a special treatment in the United States. We cannot afford it. We turn to Am Yisrael— begging you to help us save our daughter’s life. Your kindness can give her not just a surgery, but the chance to smile, and live a normal life. Please open your heart and help us pay for the surgery and please daven for: Chaya bas Tzipora. DONATE HERE – CLICK HERE!

Senate Report: U.S. Officials Knew of Heart Inflammation Risk from Covid Vaccines, Withheld Info

A new Senate report released by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) alleges that U.S. health officials were aware of the risks of myocarditis, a form of heart inflammation, linked to COVID-19 vaccines but delayed informing the public, potentially jeopardizing the health of young Americans. According to the report, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was notified by the Israeli Ministry of Health in February 2021 of multiple reports of myocarditis, particularly in young people, following administration of the Pfizer vaccine. By April 2021, CDC officials were discussing “safety signals” for myocarditis linked to mRNA vaccines, based on data from the U.S. Defense Department and Israel. Despite this, the report claims, no immediate steps were taken to warn the public. It wasn’t until late June 2021 that the CDC and FDA announced changes to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine labels, acknowledging “suggested increased risks” of myocarditis and pericarditis, another heart-related condition. The report, based on 2,473 pages of records obtained through a subpoena from the Trump administration-led HHS, suggests that U.S. health agencies downplayed the risks of myocarditis associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Sen. Johnson, who has sent over 70 oversight letters since 2021—many of which he claims were ignored or inadequately addressed—argues that this delay in transparency put public health at risk, particularly for young males, who studies show are most susceptible to vaccine-related heart inflammation. Critics of the report, including Hawaii Governor Josh Green, a family physician, testified at a Senate hearing that U.S. vaccine safety monitoring systems functioned as intended, detecting rare myocarditis cases and leading to updated warnings and clinical guidance. Green argued that claims of widespread vaccine harm are misleading and based on unverified anecdotes. The FDA, which recently required expanded warning labels on Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to include more details about the rare risk of myocarditis, particularly in young males aged 16 to 25, is conducting ongoing studies to assess long-term effects. The CDC has noted that most cases of vaccine-related myocarditis resolve quickly with treatment, and no increased risk has been observed in recent vaccine doses. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Chicago Mayoral Appointee Resigns After Backlash Over Tearing Down Israeli Hostage Poster

An appointee to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Fiscal Sustainability Working Group, Ishan Daya, resigned just hours after his selection was announced, following criticism over a 2023 video showing him tearing down posters of Israeli hostages. Daya, a community organizer focused on public safety and mental health, was one of 20 appointees to the mayor’s advisory committee tasked with addressing Chicago’s fiscal challenges. However, his appointment sparked immediate outrage from Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Chicago Jewish Community Relations Council, as well as Alderman Debra Silverstein, the city’s only Jewish alderwoman. Silverstein called the appointment “a deliberate slap in the face to the Jewish community” and criticized Mayor Johnson for repeatedly aligning with antisemitic individuals. Silverstein pointed to a pattern of disregard, citing Johnson’s support for an early Gaza ceasefire resolution, his description of Israel’s war against Hamas as “genocidal,” and his appearance wearing a keffiyeh at an Arab Heritage Month event. She also referenced his delayed response to an October 2024 shooting of a Jewish man in West Rogers Park, where he initially failed to acknowledge the victim’s Jewish identity. “The mayor seems determined to surround himself with people who peddle hate and division,” Silverstein said. “We deserve better.” The controversy stemmed from a video that surfaced during Daya’s unsuccessful 2023 campaign for 32nd Ward Democratic committeeman, showing him removing a hostage poster in New York City. Daya’s accomplice referred to the hostages as “kalb” (dogs) while ripping down the posters. In a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Daya apologized, acknowledging that his actions “caused pain within some members of our Jewish community.” He explained that he objected to unspecified language on the poster that he found “racist and dehumanizing” toward Palestinians, but recognized that tearing it down was hurtful to families awaiting their loved ones’ return. “I’ve spent my career working across lines of difference, and anyone who has worked with me can attest to my deep opposition to antisemitism, hate, and bigotry in all its forms,” Daya added, announcing that a representative from the Institute for the Public Good, a policy center he co-directs, would replace him on the committee. Daya’s resignation marks the latest controversy for Johnson, who is already grappling with low approval ratings and a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into alleged race-based hiring practices, prompted by statements he made about the number of black officials in his administration. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Jewish Groups Call for $1 Billion in Federal Security Funding After Deadly DC Terror Attack

In the wake of the deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum that claimed the lives of two Israeli Embassy staffers, a coalition of over 40 Jewish organizations is urging the U.S. government to allocate $1 billion to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to bolster security at Jewish institutions nationwide. The coalition, including major groups like the Jewish Federations of North America, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, and the Orthodox Union, issued a joint statement describing the shooting as a “direct consequence of rising antisemitic incitement” on college campuses, at city council meetings, and across social media platforms. The groups say that this rhetoric has “normalized hate and emboldened those who wish to do harm,” necessitating a significant increase in federal funding to secure vulnerable religious and community institutions. The NSGP, administered by the Department of Homeland Security, provides grants to nonprofits, including synagogues, Jewish community centers, and schools, to fund security enhancements such as cameras, reinforced doors, and personnel training. In 2024, the program allocated a record $454.5 million, up from $305 million in 2023, following advocacy from Jewish groups amid a spike in antisemitic incidents since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. However, the coalition notes that the program’s current funding falls short of demand, with only 42% of grant applications approved in 2023 due to a shortfall of nearly $374 million. The shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum, where the suspect, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, killed Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim while shouting “Free Palestine,” has been labeled a hate crime and act of terrorism by federal prosecutors. The victims, a couple reportedly about to get engaged, were attending an American Jewish Committee event for young diplomats. The coalition’s statement also calls for increased FBI intelligence capabilities to counter domestic terrorism, aggressive prosecution of antisemitic hate crimes, and greater accountability for social media and online platforms that amplify hate speech and glorify extremism. “The demands on local and state law enforcement far outpace their capacity to meet the need, which disproportionately affects targeted communities like the American Jewish community,” the groups wrote. Jewish security experts, including Paul Goldenberg, former head of the Secure Community Network, highlighted lapses in the DC attack, noting that the suspect’s behavior—described as nervous and disheveled—should have triggered alerts. Recommendations include extending security perimeters around Jewish institutions and prioritizing funding for operational costs like security guards over capital improvements. The coalition also urged reforms to make the NSGP application process more flexible and transparent, citing its current complexity as a barrier for smaller organizations. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Fifth Round of US-Iran Nuclear Talks in Rome Unlikely to Yield Breakthrough, Sources Say

The fifth round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, which commenced Friday at the Omani Embassy in Rome, appears unlikely to produce a breakthrough agreement, according to a CNN report citing two Iranian sources. The Iranian sources told CNN that Tehran’s participation in this round is primarily to “gauge Washington’s latest stance rather than pursue a potential breakthrough.” They expressed growing doubts about U.S. sincerity, saying, “The media statements and negotiating behavior of the United States has widely disappointed policy-making circles in Tehran.” The sources pointed to the U.S. insistence on zero uranium enrichment as a major sticking point, arguing that Washington’s position—knowing Iran will not accept such terms—suggests the U.S. is “not seeking an agreement” and is instead using the talks to “intensify pressure” on Iran. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority, expressed skepticism about the negotiations last weekend, calling U.S. demands to halt uranium enrichment “excessive and outrageous.” Iran has been enriching uranium to 60% purity, a level close to the 90% required for weapons-grade material, in violation of the 2015 nuclear deal from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018 under President Donald Trump. The U.S. has hardened its stance in recent weeks, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterating that Iran will not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. However, some Iranian officials had hoped for a “win-win” compromise, only to conclude that the Trump administration is steering the discussions toward a deadlock, according to the CNN report. On Thursday, Araghchi warned that the U.S. would bear legal responsibility for any Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, following a CNN report suggesting Israel might be preparing strikes. Araghchi said that Iran remains “open to enhanced monitoring by international inspectors” but will not relinquish its right to pursue nuclear energy, including uranium enrichment, a position that clashes with Washington’s recent insistence on zero enrichment. Tehran no longer takes U.S. efforts to distance itself from Israel’s hardline stance seriously, with the sources alleging that U.S. proposals align with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s agenda. The CNN report indicates that neither side is willing to abandon the talks entirely, but the U.S. views the negotiations as increasingly unproductive, with formal meetings unlikely to continue much longer. The strained atmosphere is further evidenced by Iran’s reduced cooperation with international inspectors, who have reported limited access to Iranian facilities, and Tehran’s warnings of “special measures” to protect its nuclear sites if threats persist. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israeli Airstrike in Northern Gaza Leaves Massive Crater

*WATCH:* A recent Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza left a massive crater in its wake.

Trump Offers Condolences to Netanyahu for Embassy Staff Murders, Discusses Iran Talks

President Trump spoke with PM Netanyahu to give his condolences for the murder of two Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, while also discussing the Iran nuclear talks and Middle East developments.

Trump Announces Major Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Swap Completed

President Trump states that a “Major prisoner swap” was just completed between Russia and Ukraine.

IDF’s Operation Gideon’s Chariots Hits 75 Gaza Targets in 24 Hours, Destroys Terror Infrastructure

IDF Spokesperson: In Operation Gideon’s Chariots, the IDF struck over 75 targets in Gaza in the past 24 hours, eliminating terrorists, destroying sniper positions, rocket launchers, weapons depots, and military buildings.

Fort Cavazos Gears Up for Massive U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Parade in D.C. on June 14

Preparations for the massive military parade in Washington, D.C. for the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army on June 14th, are in full-swing this week at Fort Cavazos in Killeen, Texas.

President Trump Is Now Suggesting a 50% Tariff On The EU

Catskills Hatzalah Honored by Ulster County EMS Council [PHOTOS]

The Ulster County EMS Council awarded Catskills Hatzalah a citation for successfully saving a child’s life in Ulster County this past summer. Also awarded was Joel Gold, the law enforcement liaison for Catskills Hatzalah, who was honored with an award in recognition of building interagency partnerships and ensuring smooth coordination between Hatzalah, law enforcement, and other emergency services. These awards reflect the continued strong working relationships Catskills Hatzalah maintains across the region to ensure it is ready and prepared to help the community in any emergency. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

TRAGEDY STRIKES LAKEWOOD: Two Bochurim Killed, 2 Critical, In Early Friday Morning Crash On Hope Chapel

A horrific tragedy unfolded early Friday morning in Lakewood, when a vehicle carrying five bochurim crashed on Hope Chapel between Clearstream and New Central, tragically resulting in the petirah of two of the occupants. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, was traveling along Hope Chapel Road when it struck a deer, causing the driver to lose control. The minivan then veered off the roadway and crashed into a tree. A passerby who came upon the harrowing scene reportedly called 911 at 4:39 am. Emergency services were dispatched, with Hatzolah being called in for backup. Two of the bochurim were tragically niftar at the scene. The three others sustained various injuries, including two who remain in critical condition and one who is reportedly in stable condition. The niftarim have been identified as Dovid Yitzchok Handler z”l and Chaim Zelig Berl z”l. Levaya details will be published when it becomes available. Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash, and further information will be released as it becomes available. Please say Tehillim for Meir Moshe Aharon ben Devorah Naomi and Rafael ben Sarah, who are both in critical condition. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Harvard Sues The Trump Administration Over Ban On Enrolling Foreign Students

Harvard University is challenging the Trump administration’s decision to bar the Ivy League school from enrolling foreign students, calling it unconstitutional retaliation for defying the White House’s political demands. In a lawsuit filed Friday in federal court in Boston, Harvard said the government’s action violates the First Amendment and will have an “immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders.” “With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission,” Harvard said in its suit. “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.” The school said it plans to file for a temporary restraining order to block the Department of Homeland Security from carrying out the move. The move has thrown campus into disarray days before graduation, Harvard said in the suit. International students who run labs, teach courses, assist professors and participate in Harvard sports are now left deciding whether to transfer or risk losing legal status to stay in the country, according to the filing. The impact is heaviest at graduate schools such as the Harvard Kennedy School, where almost half the student body comes from abroad, and Harvard Business School, which is about one-third international. Along with its impact on current students, the move blocks thousands of students who were planning to come for summer and fall classes. Harvard said it immediately puts the school at a disadvantage as it competes for the world’s top students. Even if it regains the ability to host students, “future applicants may shy away from applying out of fear of further reprisals from the government,” the suit said. If the government’s action stands, Harvard said, the university would be unable to offer admission to new international students for at least the next two academic years. Schools that have that certification withdrawn by the federal government are ineligible to reapply until one year afterward, Harvard said. Harvard enrolls almost 6,800 foreign students at its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Most are graduate students and they come from more than 100 countries. The department announced the action Thursday, accusing Harvard of creating an unsafe campus environment by allowing “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault Jewish students on campus. It also accused Harvard of coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, contending the school had hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024. Harvard President Alan Garber earlier this month said the university has made changes to its governance over the past year and a half, including a broad strategy to combat antisemitism, He said Harvard would not budge on its “its core, legally-protected principles” over fears of retaliation. Harvard has said it will respond at a later time to allegations first raised by House Republicans about coordination with the Chinese Communist Party. The threat to Harvard’s international enrollment stems from an April 16 request from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who demanded that Harvard provide information about foreign students that might implicate them in violence or protests that could lead to their deportation. Noem said Harvard can regain its ability to host foreign students if it produces a trove of records on foreign students within 72 hours. Her updated request demands all records, including audio or video footage, […]

Norwegian Man Awakens To Find A Grounded Cargo Ship Had Narrowly Missed His Home

A Norwegian man awoke to find that a cargo ship had run aground and narrowly missed crashing into his home along the Trondheim Fjord’s coast. Johan Helberg told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that he’d slept through the whole thing and only woke up when a neighbor started ringing his doorbell. Images show the ship’s red and green bow just meters (yards) from Helberg’s house. He told NRK the only damage was to a heating pump’s wire. Authorities say they received reports that the NCL Salten had run aground shortly before 6 a.m. Thursday. No injuries or oil spills were reported. Efforts to refloat the ship at high tide were unsuccessful Thursday. Shipping company NCL said in a statement it was aware of police statements saying they had one suspect. The company said it was cooperating with the investigation. A police spokesperson could not immediately be reached Friday. (AP)

This Erev Shabbos Before Shekiyah – the 80th Yahrtzeit of the Holy Tzaddik Rebbe Shlomo of Zhvill Zy”a (gematria ‘Yesod’)

Renowned for bringing yeshuos, he declared: Kiddush on Friday night is the time to effect yeshuos – and it’s known that tzaddikim return after their passing to make Kiddush on leilei Shabbos. At this once-in-a-lifetime moment, during Kabbalas Shabbos and Kiddush on the Yesod yahrtzeit, the world-renowned mashpia HaGaon HaTzaddik Rabbi Yehuda Deitsch shlit”a will daven at the sacred tziyun on Har HaZeisim, facing the site of the Beis HaMikdash, mentioning each donor’s name individually for revealed yeshuos. To receive the “Zhvill During Kiddush Certificate” >>>

Russia And Ukraine Say A Major Prisoner Swap Has Begun

A major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine began Friday, the countries said, in one of the few signs of progress from their direct talks last week in Istanbul — part of a U.S.-led effort that so far has failed to produce a ceasefire in the 3-year-old war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the first phase of the exchange was bringing home 390 Ukrainians, with further releases expected over the weekend. “It’s very important to bring everyone home,” he wrote on Telegram, thanking all who worked to secure their return and pledging to continue diplomatic efforts to make more exchanges possible. Russia’s Ministry of Defense said each side had released 270 military personnel and 120 civilian detainees. The exchange is “planned to continue in coming days,” it said. In Turkey last week, Ukraine and Russia agreed to the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side in their first direct peace talks since the early weeks of Moscow’s 2022 invasion. That meeting lasted only two hours and brought no breakthrough in efforts to stop the fighting. The swap was taking place at the border with Belarus in northern Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. The released Russians were taken to Belarus for medical treatment, the Russian Defense Ministry said. The exchange, which also would be the biggest swap of Ukrainian civilians at one time, didn’t appear to herald any halt in fighting. Russia launched two ballistic missiles at infrastructure in the southern Ukrainian port of Odesa, killing one worker and injuring eight others – four critically, according to regional Gov. Oleh Kiper. It was the first recorded attack on the port since March 11. Fighting continues along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, where tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed, and neither country has relented in its deep strikes. News of the prisoner release emerged when U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine had carried out a large exchange. “A major prisoners swap was just completed between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump said on the Truth Social platform. He said it would “go into effect shortly.” He added in the post that “this could lead to something big???” — apparently referring to other diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting. After the May 16 talks, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the prisoner swap a “confidence-building measure” and said the parties had agreed in principle to meet again. But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that there has been no agreement yet on the venue for the next round of talks as diplomatic maneuvering continued. European leaders have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet in peace efforts while he tries to press his larger army’s battlefield initiative and capture more Ukrainian land. The Istanbul meeting revealed both sides clearly remained far apart on key conditions for ending the fighting. One such condition for Ukraine, backed by its Western allies, is a temporary ceasefire as a first step toward a peaceful settlement. The Kremlin has pushed back on a temporary halt to hostilities, and Putin has said any such truce must come with a freeze on Western arms supplies to Ukraine and an end to Ukraine’s mobilization drive. A senior Ukrainian official said in Istanbul […]

US Intel Says Russian Hackers Targeted Western Supply Chains For Ukraine Aid

Hackers working for Russian military intelligence targeted Western technology and logistics companies involved in shipping assistance to Ukraine, the U.S. National Security Agency said. The hackers were trying to obtain details about the type of assistance entering Ukraine and, as part of the effort, sought access to the feeds of internet-connected cameras near Ukrainian border crossings, according to the NSA’s report on the cyberattack, which was issued late Wednesday. The cyber campaign sought to penetrate defense, transportation and logistics companies in several Western countries, including the U.S., as well as ports, airports and rail systems. The report didn’t specify which types of aid Russia was surveilling, but Ukraine’s allies have contributed significant amounts of military and humanitarian assistance since the war began. More than 10,000 internet-connected cameras were targeted, including private devices and public traffic cameras near critical transportation points, such as ports, rail hubs or border crossings. Most were in Ukraine, though some were in Romania, Poland and other eastern or central European countries. Officials did not disclose details about the hackers’ success or how long they remained unnoticed. The activity detailed in the report began in 2022, the same year that Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is expected to continue its efforts to spy on aid shipments, and companies involved in aid logistics or shipments should be on guard, according to the report, which was issued jointly by the NSA, the FBI and security agencies in several allied nations. “To defend against and mitigate these threats, at-risk entities should anticipate targeting,” the NSA said. Authorities linked the activity to a Russian military intelligence unit dubbed “Fancy Bear” that is well known for its past campaigns targeting the U.S. and its allies. The hackers used a variety of tactics to gain access, including spearphishing, which involves sending authentic-looking messages to a potential victim that contain links to harmful software or requests for sensitive information. The Russian team also exploited security vulnerabilities in computer devices used at small and in-home offices, networks that often lack the security measures found in larger systems. The hackers didn’t use particularly innovative techniques, according to Grant Geyer, chief strategy officer at the cybersecurity company Claroty. Nevertheless, the sprawling yet carefully orchestrated effort gives the Russians a “granular understanding” of the aid sent to Ukraine, he said. “They have done detailed targeting across the entire supply chain to understand what equipment is moving, when and how — whether it’s by aircraft, ship or rail,” Geyer said. Russia could use the information it obtained to hone its war planning, Geyer said, or to plot further cyber or physical attacks on the supply chain to Ukraine. Last fall, U.S. intelligence officials issued a public bulletin directing American defense companies and suppliers to increase security precautions following several acts of sabotage in Europe that officials have blamed on Russia. The Russian Embassy in Washington didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment. (AP)

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