U.S. Drops to Lowest-Ever Position In Global Happiness Rankings; Israel In 8th Place Despite War

 

Finland is named the happiest country in the world for the eighth year in a row, according to the World Happiness Report 2025 published Thursday.

Other Nordic countries are also once again at the top of the happiness rankings in the annual report published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford. Besides Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden remain the top four and in the same order.

Country rankings were based on answers people give when asked to rate their own lives. The study was done in partnership with the analytics firm Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

“Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back,” said Jon Clifton, the CEO of Gallup. “If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”

Researchers say that beyond health and wealth, some factors that influence happiness sound deceptively simple: sharing meals with others, having somebody to count on for social support, and household size. In Mexico and Europe, for example, a household size of four to five people predicts the highest levels of happiness, the study said.

Believing in the kindness of others is also much more closely tied to happiness than previously thought, according to the latest findings.

As an example, the report suggests that people who believe that others are willing to return their lost wallet is a strong predictor of the overall happiness of a population.

Nordic nations rank among the top places for expected and actual return of lost wallets, the study found.

Overall, researchers said global evidence on the perceived and actual return of lost wallets shows that people are much too pessimistic about the kindness of their communities compared to reality — actual rates of wallet return are around twice as high as people expect.

While European countries dominate the top 20 in the ranking, there were some exceptions. Despite the war with Hamas, Israel came in at 8th. Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking at 6th and 10th respectively.

When it comes to decreasing happiness — or growing unhappiness —the United States has dropped to its lowest-ever position at 24, having previously peaked at 11th place in 2012. The report states that the number of people dining alone in the United States has increased 53% over the past two decades.

The United Kingdom, at position 23, is reporting its lowest average life evaluation since the 2017 report.

Afghanistan is again ranked as the unhappiest country in the world, with Afghan women saying their lives are especially difficult.

Sierra Leone in western Africa is the second unhappiest, followed by Lebanon, ranking the 3rd from the bottom.

In a concerning development, the study said 19% of young adults across the world reported in 2023 that they have no one they could count on for social support. That is a 39% increase compared to 2006.

All countries are ranked according to their self-assessed life evaluations averaged over 2022 to 2024.

Experts in economics, psychology, sociology and beyond then seek to explain the variations across countries and over time using factors such as GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, a sense of freedom, generosity and perceptions of corruption.

Eli Sharabi's Arrival at the UN

 Eli Sharabi Arrives at the UN

Emotional Moment Former Hostage Eli Sharabi Serenaded with Hatikva at the UN

Former hostage Eli Sharabi visited UN Ambassador Danny Danon at the United Nations, where a large crowd gathered to see him. Touched by the overwhelming support, Sharabi stepped outside as the crowd serenaded him with “Hatikva,” Israel’s national anthem—a powerful moment of resilience and unity.

Just six weeks ago, Sharabi was trapped in a dark terror tunnel, starved, malnourished, and tortured daily by Hamas. His suffering didn’t end with his release—Hamas murdered his wife, two children, and his brother Yossi during their brutal captivity.

Yet, instead of taking time to recover, Sharabi is traveling the world, fighting for the release of other hostages still held by Hamas. His strength and determination are an inspiration to all.

Eli Sharabi is not just a survivor—he’s a hero.

Chareidie Mob Turns Over the Car of the Mayor of Beit Shemesh and not a sound from any Rabbi!

Watching the clip you see hundreds if not thousands of Charedim cheering on!  Police had to put a helmet on Greenberg! The entire wedding was ruined! 

This reminds me of the Gazan residents cheering on as the hostages were being paraded in Gaza! 

What is more disappointing, is that so far, not one Rav or Gadoil has said one word on this disgusting incident! It may still come, but so far not a peep! 

One cannot say after watching this clip and hundreds of others that it is a "few inciters" .... nope!  all the residents of Beit Shemesh "bet" are equally guilty! 

 

*Widespread Condemnation Following the Attack on the Mayor*

Following the violent attack on Mayor Shmuel Greenberg and his family last night, widespread condemnation has come from the President, ministers, Knesset members, party leaders, and city officials. They expressed shock over the brutal assault and called for strong enforcement against the attackers, emphasizing that violence has no place in our city or society. Deputy Mayor Moti Leitner has ordered increased municipal security patrols around the mayor.

Mayor Greenberg's son, who was injured, is in good condition and thanks everyone for their concern.

Following the violent attack on Mayor Shmulik Greenberg, senior city figures have issued sharp condemnations:

*Deputy Mayor Yitzchak Elmaliach*:

"I was shocked and appalled by this serious incident in which my friend, Mayor Shmulik Greenberg, was brutally attacked while leaving a family celebration. The fact that a mayor in Israel needs to be evacuated under heavy security, wearing a helmet out of fear for his life, is inconceivable. Harming his family crosses a red line. I trust the Israel Police to bring the perpetrators to justice."

*Deputy Mayor Yisrael Silverstein*:

"I strongly condemn the serious incident in which extremists attacked the mayor's car while he participated in a family celebration. The entire city and the municipal representatives are obligated to uphold the law and human dignity. We must all unite to reject this dangerous violence."

*Deputy Mayor Motti Leitner*:

"This shocking attack, where extremists vandalized the mayor's vehicle and nearly caused loss of life, must be treated as an attempted murder. I call on the Israel Police to act decisively and arrest those responsible. The dangerous deterioration we are witnessing cannot be allowed to continue. Silence is tacit approval, and we must all speak out loudly against violence and lawlessness."

A serious and unprecedented violent incident occurred yesterday evening during the wedding of the brother of Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuelik Greenberg at the Farhend Hall in RBS B. Extremists attacked the mayor and his family, throwing stones, eggs, and garbage at them, causing injuries and ruining the celebration. The mayor’s son was injured and required medical attention. His daughters were also targeted.

The extremists blocked the mayor's vehicle, smashed its windows, punctured the tires, and even flipped the car onto its roof. For nearly 50 minutes, police forces attempted to manage the chaos and awaited reinforcements to safely extract the mayor and his family.

In dramatic footage, Mayor Greenberg can be seen being evacuated from the scene with a helmet on his head, under heavy police escort while objects and stones were being thrown at him and his family. Eventually, a tractor arrived to return the overturned vehicle to its wheels for removal. The mayor and his family were brought home safely under police protection.

The incident has left the city in shock, with widespread expressions of outrage over the violent actions of a fringe group that disrupted public order and caused harm to the mayor and his family.

 Exclusive: Mayor Greenberg's Message Following the Unprecedented Attack* 

Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmulik Greenberg shares an exclusive message with Beit Shemesh News after the unprecedented attack against him last night:

"They tried to attack me personally. We will maintain public order in the city and will not fear anyone. Violence will not get anything out of us. I am grateful that we arrived home safely. Cars come and go — but we are safe, both physically and mentally." 

Trump is fighting a cartel of vile, corrupt and far-left lunatic judges

 If you ever doubted that Washington’s corrupt cartel of Democrat law firms, judges, NGOs, and deep state bureaucrats is a machine designed to thwart the Trump administration, just watch as judge after judge blocks the president’s ability to keep his campaign promises. 

It may not be brown paper bags changing hands, but this lawfare that defies the people’s will is every bit as corrupt. 

It will be up to the Supreme Court to define the limits of presidential authority, but Chief Justice John Roberts’ preemptive scolding of Trump for musing about judicial impeachment doesn’t bode well for the president. 

Trump won a thumping mandate in the November election, winning every swing state, the popular vote and both houses of Congress.

Democrats are rudderless, fighting each other and incapable of mounting an effective opposition. 

So they are depending on the federal courts to be the “Last Bulwark Against Trump” as The New York Times puts it, celebrating the fact that almost 600 federal judges in courtrooms from Rhode Island to Seattle can issue emergency rulings to “stop the White House in its tracks.

Politico has dubbed it the “court case presidency,” noting approvingly that “the courts have provided the only real opposition to Trump 2.0 so far.” 

And so they have.

Mass Riots Against Erdoğan – Calls for Regime Change

 

🔹 Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Istanbul on Wednesday, with demonstrations spreading to Ankara and continuing into Thursday morning. Protesters took control of several main streets in Istanbul.

🔹 Turkish security forces clashed with demonstrators, using riot control measures, including tear gas, in response to protests against the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu Arrested on trumped-up $7 Billion Theft Allegations

Turkish authorities have arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu over allegations of embezzling $7 billion. Many in Turkey view this as political persecution, as İmamoğlu is a key rival of President Erdoğan.

The arrest comes just days before İmamoğlu was expected to be announced as the Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential candidate.

Beit Shemesh Chareidim Turn Over Mayor's Car with him and his son in it!

 

This is what happens when you cater to extremists! They are never satisfied, appeasement doesn't work! 

Radical ultra-Orthodox activists overturned Mayor Shmuel Greenberg’s car during a family event. He was evacuated under police protection; his son required medical care.

Fat Nadler Slams Israel while reportedly having an accident in his pants!

Rumor has it that the Fatso was defecating in his suit pants while slamming Israel. According to reliable sources, his statement was much longer but he cut it short when he suddenly took a vicious crap in his pants. He was immediately led away leaving a nauseating stench in his wake, and brought to his office to change! 

“I am deeply disturbed by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to abandon the ceasefire agreement, return to war, and welcome Itamar Ben Gvir back into the government as Minister of National Security. This choice puts the safety of the remaining hostages, including American citizens, at grave risk, and will make an already desperate situation for Gazan civilians substantially worse.

The return to war will not bring Israel greater security, nor is it likely to achieve Netanyahu’s stated goal of fully eradicating Hamas. It will bring a greater level of stability to Netanyahu’s government and allows him to continue to attempt to defer the day he faces final judgment in court. There are simply too many lives at stake. The United States must impress clearly to all parties the need for the immediate return of the hostages, a lasting ceasefire agreement, and a constant and consistent flow of humanitarian aid.

Today’s actions are a step backward for all who seek an enduring peace in the region. I urge all parties and the international community to do everything in their power to bring calm and stability to the region as quickly as possible. These are necessary steps on the path to pursuing a better future for the region and, in the long-term, achieving a viable and negotiated two-state solution.”

cRc Kosher Launches Revolutionary Hechsher Logo Scanner

 

Before building their new app, cRc Kosher asked many consumers what the most helpful tool would be to enrich their shopping experience. The number one request was a tool to allow users to scan unfamiliar Kashrus logos while shopping and instantly receive detailed information about the certification agency.

The cRc went to work and has now launched this amazing tool as part of its completely redesigned mobile app (now available for download on the App Store and Google Play). This enhanced version retains all the familiar features users have come to appreciate like the Food & beverage product lists (including the popular Slurpees and Starbucks lists), recommended Hechsherim from around the world, guides for fruits & vegetable checking, Tevilas Keilim, and Kashering, information on kosher medicine and non-food products, and A Berachos guide for blessings on various foods.

Aside for the Hechsher Logo Scanner, some other new features include Global Search, Share Feature, Kashrus Alert, Audio Library, FAQ Section, Policies of cRc Kashrus policies, Ask the Rabbi –where one can submit questions directly to a Kashrus Rabbi for expert guidance, and of course timely Pesach Information with seasonal updates and resources.

Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, Kashrus Administrator of the cRc is thrilled with the tremendous feedback of the app and is particularly happy with the outcome of the Hechsher Logo Scanner. “With over 1,500 hashgachos in the world, it is almost impossible for the average kosher consumer to know who stands behind the symbol in question,” said Rabbi Fishbane. “We are very pleased that we are able to provide consumers with this groundbreaking innovation and access essential Kosher resources”.

Schumer’s Moral Cowardice Has Enabled Antisemitism

 

 Alan Dershowitz may have written a book titled Chutzpah, but if anyone’s picture deserves to be in the dictionary alongside that idiomatic Yiddish word, it’s that of Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). There is fierce competition for such a dubious honor among politicians. But when it comes to the most shameless opportunist, most disingenuous and most willing to betray the principles he never stops telling us he is dedicated to defending, the Senate Minority Leader wins the argument hands down.

Any doubt about that was erased when it was announced that he was writing a book about antisemitism, due to be released this week. But his office just canceled the senator’s book tour, which would have taken him to stops at prestigious Jewish venues in Atlanta, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, as well as a few scheduled appearances in California. The reason cited was “security concerns.”

That really seals the deal. At a time when Jews are facing an unprecedented surge in hate directed against them, that a Jewish leader who is protected around the clock by Capitol Police—and who claims to be a leader of his community, as well as the self-styled shomer or “guardian” of Israel—would choose to hide rather than face his critics says all there is to know about him, his book and exactly why we don’t need to hear a word from him on the subject.

Palestinian Man in Philadelphia Served Kosher Bagels for Decades. Then Customers Found His Facebook Profile.

The tale sounded almost too heartwarming to be true: A kosher bagel store, just down the road from a few synagogues, was owned by an Arab American who had grown to be beloved by the local Jewish community.

For decades, that was the story of Nick Sammoudi and the Jews of Philadelphia’s Main Line. As a longtime employee-turned-proprietor of New York Bagel Bakery, Sammoudi, a Jordanian of Palestinian descent, was a familiar face to the Jewish denizens of the suburb of Lower Merion and its surroundings. He was the go-to caterer for Yom Kippur break-fast, Saturday afternoon luncheons and, of course, many a bris. Jewish teens from the community would work in his store.

As relations ruptured between Jews and cultural establishments nationwide after Oct. 7, 2023, the friendship between Sammoudi and his Jewish neighbors remained intact — until it all came crashing down.

Now, a group of local Jews are calling to cancel the bagel store’s kosher certification — accusing Sammoudi of celebrating the murder of Israelis and leading a “double life.” A petition to that end has garnered more than 2,000 signatures in a little over a week. Some locals are already boycotting the store they patronized for years.