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News from Israel

Jeremy Corbyn demands inquiry into UK-Israel ties amid Gaza war

Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn to introduce a parliamentary bill calling for an independent public inquiry into the UK’s involvement in Israel’s actions in Gaza since October 2023.

To the antisemite, Jew-ish is enough

We live in a time where unity is no longer a luxury — it’s a matter of survival. Opinion.

Austrian Eurovision winner backtracks on call to exclude Israel

Eurovision 2025 winner JJ walks back his controversial comments calling for Israel's suspension from the competition, claims his words were misunderstood.

Rage does not entitle you to murder

Hey, Elias, if you cared for children in Gaza, why didn't you fly to Ben Gurion airport, cut over to Gaza, and enlist at the local Hamas recruiting office? Opinion.

The fall of Zionism would mark the fall of Islam

If there is no Jewish state to hate, what happens to the rage? Opinion.

IDF prepares for possible demolition of homes of terrorists who assisted in murder of Tze'ela Gez

<p>IDF engineering forces and soldiers operated in the village of Bruqin to map the homes of terrorists Maher Samara and Jamil Samara, who assisted terrorist Naal Samara in carrying out the shooting attack on May 14, 2025, near Bruchin, in which Tze'ela Gez was murdered and another Israeli civilian was injured.</p><p>The mapping was conducted as part of an assessment of the possibility of demolishing the terrorists' homes.</p>

Blood on their hands

Horrifyingly, antisemitism has become a moral obligation for liberals. Opinion.

Madrid lawmakers call for Israel arms embargo

Spain's parliament narrowly passes a non-binding motion urging an arms embargo on Israel due to military operations in Gaza.

Report: IDF strike which eliminated Sinwar targeted top Hamas terrorist meeting

The Wall Street Journal reports that Israeli airstrike in which Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar was eliminated targeted a high-level Hamas meeting.

Hundreds remember DC shooting victims outside the White House

Hundreds gather outside the White House to mourn Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were murdered outside the Jewish Museum in the nation’s capital.

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

Shabbat Candle Lighting times for Chicago

Yeshiva World News

The Yeshiva World

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)

Pro-Terror Activists Sickeningly Celebrate Murder Of Israeli Embassy Staffers

The brutal murder of two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night has been met with a bloodcurdling response from pro-Hamas groups, who have hailed the killings as a “heroic attack.” The victims, a young couple on the cusp of engagement, were gunned down by 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez as they left an American Jewish Committee (AJC) event aimed at fostering dialogue on the Gaza crisis. Rodriguez, who shouted “Free Palestine” during his arrest, fired 21 shots at the couple, killing them in a targeted act of antisemitic terrorism. Yet, instead of universal condemnation, pro-Hamas groups have repulsively glorified the attack. Social media posts praised the murderer as a “hero” and a “brave man,” called Israel an “enemy of humanity,” and of course, implicitly praised the act by chiming in with “Free Palestine.” The groups many of these commenters belong to – identified by the Anti-Defamation League as including Students for Justice in Palestine and Within Our Lifetime – have a history of promoting antisemitic rhetoric and defending Hamas’s actions, including the October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

FDA Panel Split on COVID-19 Booster Update Amid Policy Confusion

Government advisers were split Thursday on whether drugmakers need to update their COVID-19 vaccines for next season, a decision overshadowed by confusion over a new Trump administration policy that may limit which Americans can get the shots. The Food and Drug Administration’s outside experts have met annually since the launch of the first COVID-19 vaccines to discuss tweaking their recipes to stay ahead of the virus. The challenge is trying to gauge how the virus might evolve before fall vaccinations begin. “We all want to make the perfect choice and that’s probably not possible,” FDA’s Jerry Weir told the panel of outside experts. Some of the panelists voiced support for a switch to a newer coronavirus subtype named LP.8.1. It’s currently the dominant version and part of the same family that circulated last year — known as the JN.1 branch of the virus family tree. “We cannot predict the future, but it seems like LP.8 would be more likely to provide us better coverage,” said Dr. Eric Rubin, a Harvard infectious disease expert and editor of the New England Journal of Medicine. Other panelists noted that subtype is such a close relative that last year’s shots seem to offer cross-protection, at least for now but with no guarantee there wouldn’t be a different version circulating by the time a vaccination campaign ramps up in the late summer or early fall. Several advisers noted that people who want to get ahead of a summer surge like the U.S. typically experiences could seek out the current vaccines. Hanging over the meeting was an FDA announcement earlier this week that upended the prior U.S. policy of recommending annual COVID-19 boosters for all Americans ages 6 months and older. Instead, the FDA said routine vaccine approvals will be limited to seniors and younger people with underlying medical risks, pending new research for healthy adults and children. While that change has big implications for a fall vaccination campaign, FDA leaders repeatedly sidestepped questions from advisers about whether recommending an updated formula would trigger restrictions outlined in the new policy. “I don’t have an answer today,” said Weir. “I think a lot of this is still under discussion.” FDA staffers also wouldn’t confirm whether the advisers would be given a chance to meet about the new standards later. FDA vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad said in opening the meeting that the agency wants “to give people a little more time to digest” the new policy and is open to feedback from its experts — although apparently not in Thursday’s public forum. Last fall’s recipe was tailored to the so-called JN.1 family of omicron descendants. The advisory panel voted unanimously that the family still is the right overall target, but left the FDA to decide which specific subtype to choose. Novavax brewed shots targeting the parent JN.1 variant and said Thursday it was a good choice for this fall as well. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines last year targeted a subtype called KP.2 and company representatives told the FDA meeting that it showed cross-protection, but that they favored an update. The debate reflected an international difference of opinion on the closely related virus strains. The World Health Organization recently issued guidance that last year’s version remained OK but that vaccine-makers could also choose an update, while the European […]

Y38 Draws Unprecedented Interest

Y38 is Yeruhsalayim’s newest landmark on the Yirmiyahu-Shamgar intersection There’s a new iconic intersection in Yerushalayim. It’s the vibrant crossroads of Yirmiyahu and Shamgar, where the pulse of the modern city beats strongest. Here Yerushalayim’s past meets its future. Just off this famous corner, Y38, a sophisticated residential building rises. Since its launch, Y38 has captured the imagination of discerning buyers, with over 60% of units already claimed in record time. This exceptional response validates what Ir Shalem Group envisioned: a profound hunger for luxury living that honors Jerusalem’s character while embracing contemporary needs. Designed by the renowned Feigin Architects, whose portfolio includes prestigious projects like the Waldorf Astoria, Y38 challenges conventional Jerusalem architecture while paying homage to the city’s timeless character. The striking 40-unit boutique building features a distinctive façade that harmoniously blends contemporary design with Jerusalem stone, creating an immediate visual impact. Beyond its prime location at the nexus of convenience – with dozens of shuls, bakeries, and trendy boutiques down the block – Y38 offers a living experience crafted for the discerning resident. Each of the 3-6 room apartments boasts thoughtfully designed spaces with high ceilings and full-height windows that frame Jerusalem’s famous blue skies. Large balconies, with space for a sukka, extend living spaces outdoors, while premium finishes and state-of-the-art systems elevate daily life. The building’s amenities rival those of luxury hotels, including a sophisticated business lounge, fully-equipped fitness center, relaxing spa, and a resident’s hall for celebrations. For added convenience a beautiful on-site shul and private mikvas are available all without leaving the building, while three levels of underground parking ensure seamless vehicle accommodation. Y38’s location perfectly serves the English-speaking community that has long favored this neighborhood. From Ganei Romema to Ganei Geula, Shefa and Tnvua the area has evolved into a comfortable enclave where residents connect through shared language and values, united by their love for Eretz Yisrael. The development’s innovative features include VRF air conditioning with individual room controls, smart home technology, electric underfloor heating, and charging stations for electric vehicles. Security and convenience are enhanced through motorized smart locks with multiple access options and a sophisticated intercom system. As a testament to Ir Shalem Group’s commitment to excellence, Y38 represents more than just an address – it’s a statement of arrival, a private retreat in the city’s center where modern luxury meets traditional Jerusalem living. With its perfect blend of location, design, and amenities, Y38 sets a new standard for sophisticated urban living in Jerusalem’s evolving landscape. For more information >>>

Trump Revokes Harvard’s Student Visa Program Over Refusal To Out Pro-Terror Students

The Trump administration has terminated Harvard University’s certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively barring the institution from enrolling international students for the 2025-2026 academic year. The decision, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday, requires current international students at Harvard to transfer to other institutions or face loss of their legal status in the United States. The move follows a series of disputes between the Trump administration and Harvard, centered on allegations of noncompliance with federal demands for records related to student protests and disciplinary actions. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said that Harvard failed to provide adequate information regarding visa-holding students allegedly involved in “pro-terrorist conduct” during campus protests. Noem’s letter to Harvard said that the revocation serves as a warning to universities that the administration will enforce compliance with its policies. Harvard, which hosts approximately 6,800 international students—about 27% of its student body—called the administration’s action “unlawful” and vowed to support its affected students and scholars. “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University – and this nation – immeasurably,” university spokesman Jason Newton said in a statement. The university is working to provide guidance to its international community amid the abrupt policy change. The SEVP, administered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allows institutions like Harvard to enroll noncitizen students on F-1 and J-1 visas. The program requires universities to report data on enrollment, academic progress, and disciplinary records through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to ensure visa compliance. DHS claims Harvard’s response to requests for records, including footage of protests and details of student disciplinary actions, was “insufficient, incomplete, and unacceptable.” This is just the latest escalation in the administration’s ongoing conflict with Harvard, which has included the termination of $2.65 billion in federal research grants and threats to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status. The administration has accused Harvard of fostering antisemitism and liberal bias, citing its handling of pro-Palestinian protests and its refusal to implement demanded reforms to admissions and hiring practices. However, a federal judge in California issued a nationwide injunction on Thursday, blocking the Trump administration from terminating the legal status of international students while a court case challenging earlier visa revocations is pending. The ruling may provide temporary relief to Harvard’s international students, though the long-term implications remain unclear. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Weight-Loss Drugs May Lower Cancer Risk In People With Diabetes, Study Suggests

Excess body weight can raise the risk of certain cancers, leading researchers to wonder whether blockbuster drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound could play a role in cancer prevention. Now, a study of 170,000 patient records suggests there’s a slightly lower risk of obesity-related cancers in U.S. adults with diabetes who took these popular medications compared to those who took another class of diabetes drug not associated with weight loss. This type of study can’t prove cause and effect, but the findings hint at a connection worth exploring. More than a dozen cancers are associated with obesity. “This is a call to scientists and clinical investigators to do more work in this area to really prove or disprove this,” said Dr. Ernest Hawk of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who was not involved in the study. The findings were released Thursday by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and will be discussed at its annual meeting in Chicago. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was led by Lucas Mavromatis, a medical student at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine. “Chronic disease and chronic disease prevention are some of my passions,” said Mavromatis, a former research fellow with an NIH training program. GLP-1 receptor agonists are injections used to treat diabetes, and some are also approved to treat obesity. They work by mimicking hormones in the gut and the brain to regulate appetite and feelings of fullness. They don’t work for everyone and can produce side effects that include nausea and stomach pain. In the study, researchers analyzed data from 43 U.S. health systems to compare two groups: people with obesity and diabetes who took GLP-1 drugs and other people with the same conditions who took diabetes drugs like sitagliptin. The two groups were equal in size and matched for other characteristics. After four years, those who took GLP-1 drugs had a 7% lower risk of developing an obesity-related cancer and an 8% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who took the other type of diabetes drug. There were 2,501 new cases of obesity-related cancer in the GLP-1 group compared to 2,671 cases in the other group. The effect was evident in women, but not statistically significant in men. The study couldn’t explain that difference, but Mavromatis noted that differences in blood drug concentration, weight loss, metabolism or hormones could be at play. (AP)

PHOTOS: The Bobover Rebbe On Lag BaOmer

WATCH: Oklahoma Iman In English: “Jews Have Always Attacked Women & Children

An inman in the heart of Oklahoma told his congregation that throughout history, “the cowardly Jews just want to attack women and children.” “This is how they were and this is how they will aways be,” he said during a Friday sermon in Norman, the third most populous city in the state. MEMRI, the Middle East Media Research Institute, which often translates similar videos from Arabic to English, published the video with subtitles—no translation needed in this case. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Refael Passed Away His Family Is Pleading for Help

The Gold family has suffered the unimaginable. After five years of fighting a brutal battle with cancer, their precious son Refael passed away this past Pesach.

WATCH: Yair Golan Pushes An Elderly Man In Kiryat Shmona

Democrats chairman Yair Golan was videoed on Thursday evening in a physical confrontation with a resident of Kiryat Shmona, during a conference in the city. In the footage, residents of the city are seen condemning Golan for the statements he made on Tuesday, implying that “IDF soldiers kill babies as a hobby.” Golan started yelling back at one of the protesters who called on him to remove his military ranks. Golan then approached the elderly man and pushed him. Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich stated: “Yair Golan’s true and violent face continues to be revealed. It starts with calling the pioneers of Homesh subhuman, continues with inciting against IDF soldiers that they are ‘baby killers,’ and ends with physical violence against an elderly man.” In the video below, another Kiryat Shmona resident yells at Golan to leave the city.”You’re not wanted here!” he yelled at him. “No one wants you here. Go home!” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Medicaid and SNAP Face New Work Rules Under Trump-Backed Budget Plan

The U.S. social safety net would be jolted if the budget bill backed by President Donald Trump and passed Thursday by the House of Representatives becomes law. It would impose work requirements for low-income adults to receive Medicaid health insurance and increase them for food assistance. Supporters of the bill say the moves will save money, root out waste and encourage personal responsibility. A preliminary estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by 8.6 million over a decade. The measure, which also includes tax cuts, passed the House by one vote and could have provisions reworked again as it heads to the Senate. Here’s a look at the potential impact. Work would be required for most people to get Medicaid health insurance Starting next year, many able-bodied Medicaid enrollees under 65 would be required to show that they work, volunteer or go to school in exchange for the health insurance coverage. Some people who receive Medicaid were worried Thursday that they could see their coverage end, even if it is not immediately clear whether they might be covered by an exception. Raquel Vasquez, a former cook who is battling two types of cancer and has diabetes, said she believes she could be affected because she has not been able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. “I cannot even afford this life now because of my disabilities,” said the 41-year-old Bakersfield, California, resident. “But my country won’t even help me.” About 92% of people enrolled in Medicaid are already working, caregiving, attending school or disabled. That leaves about 8% of 71 million adult enrollees who would need to meet the new requirement. An estimated 5 million people are likely to lose coverage altogether, according to previous estimates of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office. Only Arkansas has had a work requirement that kicks people off for noncompliance. More than 18,000 lost coverage after it kicked in 2018, and the program was later blocked by federal courts. “The people of Arkansas are generous and we want to help those who cannot help themselves, but we have no interest in helping those who are unwilling to help themselves,” said Arkansas Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, a Republican. “I’m glad the federal government is starting to align with our thinking.” Work requirement could hit harder in rural areas Increased eligibility checks and red tape related to work requirements may result in some people wrongly getting booted off, said Eduardo Conrado, the president of Ascension, a health care system that operates hospitals across 10 states. That could spell trouble for rural hospitals, in particular, who will see their small pool of patients go from paying for their emergency care with Medicaid coverage to not paying anything at all. Hospitals could have to eat their costs. “Adding work requirements is not just a policy change, it’s a shift away from the purpose of the program,” Conrado said of the rule. That is also a concern for Sandy Heller, of Marion, Massachusetts. Her 37-year-old son, Craig, has Down syndrome and other complicated medical needs. She worries the changes would make it harder for hospitals in out-of-the-way places like hers to stay afloat and offer the services he could need. If they don’t, he would have […]

Massive Medicare Audit Push Could Spell Trouble for Nursing Home Operators

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is launching a sweeping crackdown on billing practices across all Medicare Advantage (MA) plans—an aggressive move that could ripple through the nursing home industry and reshape how skilled nursing operators navigate federal reimbursement. In a major policy shift announced Wednesday, CMS revealed plans to dramatically scale up audits of all MA plans to recover billions in alleged overpayments. Nursing home operators that contract with these plans—and rely on timely, predictable reimbursements—could soon find themselves in the crosshairs of intensified federal scrutiny. Until now, CMS has been auditing only about 60 MA contracts a year. That number is about to explode: starting this year, the agency will expand its audit scope to all 550 eligible Medicare Advantage plans annually. The audits will cover a backlog stretching back to the 2018 payment year, and some cases could trigger sizable clawbacks. “While the administration values the work that [MA] plans do, it is time CMS faithfully executes its duty to audit these plans and ensure they are billing the government accurately,” said CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, M.D. For skilled nursing facility (SNF) owners, this could mean long-awaited audits being resurrected—dragging old claims back into dispute and creating headaches around documentation and compliance, particularly in cases where MA plans retroactively adjust payments or delay authorizations. CMS says the initiative is part of a broader push to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse. It’s backing the effort with serious muscle: a newly expanded army of 2,000 medical coders—up from just 40—tasked with verifying flagged diagnoses and reviewing patient records. And it’s not just CMS leading the charge. The Department of Justice is already criminally investigating UnitedHealth Group over MA billing practices, while the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General will be responsible for recovering any identified overpayments. But while the federal government aims to recoup potentially billions in inflated MA charges, some industry insiders fear legitimate providers may get caught in the dragnet—especially smaller operators who rely on MA reimbursements to stay afloat. At the heart of the issue are “risk scores”—a method by which MA plans receive increased payments for sicker patients. CMS says some plans are gaming the system through “upcoding,” or inflating diagnoses to receive higher payments. Nursing homes that partner with such plans—especially through managed care arrangements—could find themselves unwittingly entangled in audit findings. A March report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) estimated that MA plans may be overcharging CMS by as much as $43 billion annually. With the government eager to close that gap, industry experts say audits are likely to get much more aggressive—and less forgiving. The new audit approach won’t just affect insurers. Operators who provide clinical documentation, generate patient diagnoses, or submit data to MA plans may soon need to tighten internal review processes. Failing to do so could put them at odds with CMS or expose them to indirect financial losses if plan payments are reversed. Healthcare strategy firm Capstone said the move poses a particular risk to large carriers like Humana, UnitedHealth, CVS/Aetna, and Elevance Health—but also noted that downstream providers could suffer collateral damage if MA plans restructure contracts in response. For nursing home owners, the message is sobering: CMS is ramping up enforcement, and any facility that depends on Medicare Advantage reimbursements […]

Supreme Court Allows Trump to Fire Members of “Independent” Federal Agencies

The Supreme Court just granted permission to President Trump to allow him to fire members of so-called “independent” federal agencies.

💥AG SEC: We’re Removing Junk Food & Sugary Drinks From Food Stamp Eligibility

Massive Explosion at Houthi Weapons Depot Near Sana’a Kills 19

A massive explosion erupted in one of the Houthi’s main weapons depots northeast of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a. According to Saudi Al-Hadath, at least 19 people were killed.

Arkia’s New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner To Challeng El Al’s US-Israel Route Dominance

Israeli airline Arkia has debuted its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner plane, as it seeks to challenge El Al’s near-monopoly on direct US-Israel routes.

RFK Jr.: Trump, a Populist, Stands Up to Industry for Middle Class, Working Poor

RFK JR: “President Trump is a populist president. He is blamed for giving money to billionaires. We hear about that all the time, but he is on the side of the middle class, the working class, the poor in this country… “I’ve never seen a president Democrat or Republican that is willing to stand up to industry when it is the right thing to do…”

Fewer Organized Hate Groups, But Their Views Are Spreading, Says Watchdog

The number of white nationalist, hate and anti-government groups around the U.S. dropped slightly in 2024, not because of any shrinking influence but rather the opposite. Many feel their beliefs, which includes racist narratives and so-called Christian persecution, have become more normalized in government and mainstream discourse. In its annual Year in Hate and Extremism report, released Thursday, the Southern Poverty Law Center said it counted 1,371 hate and extremist groups, a 5% decline. The nonprofit group attributes this to a lesser sense of urgency to organize because their beliefs have infiltrated politics, education and society in general. Some of the ways they have done this are through pushing for bans on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, book bans and protests of drag story hours, the report says. Last year, there were 533 active hate groups. These include groups who express views that are anti-immigrant, antisemitic and anti-Muslim. This number has been steadily declining since reaching a historic high of 1,021 in 2018. “The trends have slightly sort of gone up and down but let’s just say generally, since our tracking, have increased. And that’s not just on a total numbers level but also on a per capita,” said Rachel Carroll Rivas, interim director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. The number of anti-government groups last year totaled 838, an increase from recent years, according to the law center based in Montgomery, Alabama, that tracks racism, xenophobia and far-right militias. These groups see the federal government as “tyrannical” and include militias and self-described sovereign citizens. Male supremacy also continues to emerge as an influential hate group. The SPLC documented seven new male supremacist hate groups, making the total 16. Their rhetoric espouses misogyny and strict gender roles. Their rising influence came during an election year when the country saw a woman of color be the first presidential nominee for a major political party. “I’m not sure it’s a direct result of the candidacy of Kamala Harris,” Rivas said. However, SPLC researchers went into chatrooms of white supremacist organizations during the election and found “intense vilification, the claiming of demonization of Harris as well as just the pushing of the idea falsely that women would not be qualified.” Some people on the far right have also pushed a belief that white Christian culture is being threatened by a “demographic crisis” including fewer births. “Politicians, pundits and provocateurs on the right have turned toward demonic language to tar those who disagree with them,” the report states. Last year’s report found “record numbers” of white nationalist groups in 2023. The analysis highlighted how far-right groups tried to waylay democracy through disinformation, false conspiracy theories and threats to election workers. It also examined how supporters of Christian supremacy used similar topics to organize a movement toward authoritarianism. The SPLC is a liberal advocacy organization that, besides monitoring hate groups, files lawsuits over justice issues and offers educational programs to counter prejudice. Frequently criticized by conservatives as biased, the nonprofit has faced lawsuits for its designation of some organizations as hate groups. The report’s release comes as a Los Angeles college professor made an appearance in front of media and supporters a few weeks after he was severely injured in a hit and run that he reported as a hate crime. He spoke at the Chinese […]

“Mommy Will I Live?” – A Heartbroken Mother’s Plea to Save Her Little Girl

B”hEvery parent dreams of watching their child grow up healthy and happy. For Racheli, that dream was shattered the moment her youngest daughter, Gitty, was born. Three years ago, Gitty came into the world with a rare combination of severe heart defects. From her very first breath, she was in danger. “She was so tiny,” recalls Racheli, her voice trembling. “We were told there was no option but to fly her to Boston immediately for surgery. She was just a month old.” Thanks to a complex operation overseas, Gitty survived. But survival came with a heavy price – emotionally, physically, and financially. A Life of Hospitals, Flights, and Fear Since that first surgery, the family has been living a life few could imagine. Every six months, Racheli and her husband must fly Gitty to Boston for vital medical evaluations and catheterizations. The child has spent more time in hospital rooms than in playgrounds. And now, Gitty faces her most critical challenge yet: a second, life-saving heart surgery. “This is the big one,” says Racheli. “The surgery she couldn’t have as a baby – the one that could give her a real future.” But the costs are staggering. Even without counting the surgery, the family is burdened with over $10,000 in medical expenses every single month – insurance, treatments, hospital stays, medications, and more. “My husband is a special-ed assistant, and I work part-time in a call center,” Racheli explains. “We barely manage to cover groceries and rent for our four children. We’re drowning in debt, and the bills keep coming.” The Loneliness of a Desperate Mother The Gitty parents are not asking for luxuries. They’re asking for the chance to save their daughter’s life. “It’s not easy to ask for help,” says Racheli, holding back tears. “But I can’t look at my daughter and not do everything possible to fight for her.” Their campaign on The Chesed Fund is their last hope. Every donation goes directly to the mounting medical costs and the upcoming surgery that Gitty urgently needs. A Call to Klal Yisrael As Am Yisrael faces so many national and personal challenges, the mitzvah of Pikuah Nefesh — saving a life — stands above all. The family struggle is not just theirs. It’s ours. Please open your hearts and help. A little girl is waiting — and time is running out. 👉 To donate click hereAll contributions are Tax-deductible 501C3

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