Bike Lanes in Williamsburg Causing Massive Injuries to Jewish Children

 

An incident in South Williamsburg earlier this week has ignited a firestorm of concern within New York City’s Orthodox Jewish communities – and has become a major talking point in a New York City Council race. On Sunday evening, a 3-year-old Chasidic girl was struck by an e-bike while crossing the protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue, sustaining minor injuries. The event, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has intensified condemnation of the city’s bike lane policies.

The child had just exited a double-parked car near Park Avenue when she darted into the bike lane and was hit by a 22-year-old cyclist, who remained at the scene. She was treated at Bellevue Hospital for minor abdominal injuries. The incident is one among over 50 bike-related injuries reported on Bedford Avenue since 2024, according to public records.

Community leaders and residents have long voiced concerns about the safety of bike lanes in areas like Williamsburg and Crown Heights.

The controversy has become a focal point in the upcoming City Council Democratic primary. Challenger Sabrina Gates criticized incumbent Lincoln Restler for supporting the bike lane, saying, “Bedford Avenue was dangerous even before the bike lane. Lincoln Restler has been on the wrong side of this issue. It’s time to move the bike lane before another child is hurt.” Restler defended his position, citing the need for protected bike lanes to ensure safety for all road users, while also acknowledging the need for safety enhancements.

Mayor Eric Adams has also weighed in, saying, “When the people speak, we listen — with or without their councilman’s support.” The city is now considering modifications to existing bike lanes and evaluating plans for new ones in other Orthodox neighborhoods, including Flatbush and Crown Heights, where proposals have met significant opposition due to concerns over parking loss and pedestrian safety.

Syria’s New President Signals Openness to Israel Dialogue, Says They Face “Common Enemies”

 Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with Israel, while urging an immediate halt to Israeli airstrikes in Syrian territory. In a rare interview published Wednesday by the Jewish Journal, al-Sharaa struck a markedly different tone from his predecessors, suggesting the two nations share common enemies and hinting at the potential for future cooperation.

“The era of endless tit-for-tat bombings must end,” al-Sharaa said. “No nation prospers when its skies are filled with fear.”

While stopping short of endorsing normalization with Israel, al-Sharaa acknowledged the possibility of regional alignment. “We have common enemies — and we can play a major role in regional security,” he said, responding to questions about future relations.

His comments come amid renewed Israeli airstrikes in Syria over the weekend, part of a long-running campaign to prevent Iranian entrenchment near Israel’s northern border. Al-Sharaa called for a return to the spirit of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria, framing it not just as a ceasefire line but as a mechanism for “mutual restraint and protection of civilians,” particularly the Druze communities in southern Syria and the Golan Heights.

“Syria’s Druze are not pawns,” he said. “They are citizens — deeply rooted, historically loyal, and deserving of every protection under the law. Their safety is non-negotiable.”

The new Syrian leader also praised U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he met earlier this month at a summit in the Gulf. Calling Trump “a man of peace,” al-Sharaa said the two leaders had faced similar enemies and could find common ground.

“Trump understands leverage, strength, and outcomes,” he said. “If there is a possibility of alignment that helps bring stability to the region — and security to the U.S. and its allies — I am ready to have that conversation.”

Al-Sharaa echoed Trump’s campaign slogan, stating his own desire to “make Syria great again.” He described his vision for Syria as pluralistic and inclusive, pledging support for the return of all Syrians — including Jews, Druze, and Christians — whose properties were confiscated by the former regime.

“I did not seek this position to rule,” he said. “I accepted it because Syria must turn the page.”

Asked whether the public can trust a government emerging from years of civil war and authoritarian rule, al-Sharaa responded, “I don’t ask for trust. I ask for patience — and for scrutiny. Hold me accountable. Hold this process accountable.”

The interview comes amid reports of quiet, indirect contact between Israel and Syria aimed at reducing tensions along their shared border. However, officials in Israel and the West remain wary. Many caution that al-Sharaa, once linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, may be using moderate rhetoric to consolidate power before potentially returning Syria to a confrontational stance.

Right Plans Mass Protest at Supreme Court, Accuses Judiciary of Sabotaging Elected Government

 The right is returning to the streets under the banner “They won’t invalidate the people’s choice,” with plans to stage a mass protest outside the Supreme Court in Jerusalem. The demonstration is aimed at opposing what organizers describe as judicial interference in the functioning of the right-wing government — including delays in appointing a new head of the Shin Bet, intervention in the conduct of the war, and obstruction of efforts to advance Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria.

The rally will take place on Thursday, 9 Sivan (5.6) at 7:00 PM in front of the Supreme Court in Jerusalem.

Several right-wing organizations, led by families of hostages and bereaved relatives of fallen soldiers, are planning a mass demonstration outside the Supreme Court in Jerusalem next week. The protest will deliver a pointed message to the judiciary: “The people are sovereign — you have no authority to sabotage our victory or the right-wing government.”

The organizers are supported by several right-wing organizations, led by the Tekuma movement, which led the huge right-wing demonstrations demanding the judicial reform promoted by Justice Minister Yariv Levin. Tekuma held a series of huge demonstrations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with the participation of hundreds of thousands of participants.

Be’rale Crombie, chairman of the Tekuma movement and one of the giant rally’s organizers, said the demonstration is a response to what he described as systemic obstruction by the judiciary and bureaucratic establishment. “The legal system and legal activism, along with Israel’s entrenched bureaucracy, are preventing decision-makers from acting,” he said. “They are blocking the right-wing government and limiting its ability to implement policy. They undermine the war effort, delay settlement in Judea and Samaria, and obstruct the development of strategic farms and the founding of new communities.”

“And worst of all – Gali Baharav Miara and Judge Yitzhak Amit are working to harm the prime minister, there is a deliberate attempt here to declare the prime minister incapacitated. The answer to this must be unequivocal: the people are the sovereign! The people have the power to choose their representatives. They are the ones who should lead – not unelected officials. Our demand is clear: to remove the intervention of the High Court of Justice and the legal system in the conduct of the war and the promotion of settlement in Judea, Samaria, the Negev, and the Galilee,” explains Crombie.

Israel Fears Betrayal as Trump Inches Toward “Dangerous” Iran Deal

 Seven weeks into nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, Israel is voicing escalating concerns that President Donald Trump’s administration may accept a deal that fails to eliminate Tehran’s uranium enrichment capabilities, potentially leaving Israel vulnerable to a nuclear-armed adversary. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia has privately urged Iran to engage seriously with the U.S. proposal, warning that failure to do so could risk a military confrontation with Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly cautioned that a “bad deal is worse than no deal,” emphasizing that any agreement permitting Iran to retain enrichment capabilities would be unacceptable. Despite Netanyahu’s warnings, President Trump disclosed on Wednesday that he had advised Netanyahu against taking any actions, such as a military strike, that could disrupt the ongoing talks. “I told him this would be very inappropriate to do right now, because we’re very close to a solution,” Trump said during a White House press conference.

The negotiations, which commenced on April 12, have included five rounds of discussions between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The primary sticking point remains the U.S. demand that Iran cease all uranium enrichment activities—a condition Iran has consistently rejected, citing its right to peaceful nuclear energy.

Amid these tensions, Saudi Arabia has taken an unprecedented diplomatic step. In April, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Tehran, delivering a message to Iranian officials that emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement with the U.S. to avoid the risk of an Israeli military strike. This visit marked the first by a senior Saudi royal to Iran in over two decades and reflects a significant shift in regional diplomacy following the 2023 normalization of ties between the two nations.

During the closed-door meeting, Prince Khalid conveyed that President Trump’s patience for prolonged negotiations is limited and that the window for diplomacy is narrowing. He stressed that the region, already destabilized by conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, could not withstand further escalation. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by expressing Iran’s desire for a deal that would alleviate economic sanctions but maintained that Iran would not relinquish its enrichment program solely to accommodate U.S. demands.

Israel, meanwhile, has prepared for potential military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities but has held off at the request of the Trump administration to allow diplomatic efforts to proceed. Israeli officials have indicated that any military strike would be more effective with U.S. support, particularly in countering potential Iranian retaliation. However, there is growing concern within Israel that delaying action could result in a missed opportunity to address the nuclear threat more decisively.

Greta Thunberg to sail to Gaza on humanitarian ship as critics beg her to stay with Hamas:’ Let’s hope it’s a one-way voyage’

 Swedish activist Greta Thunberg will sail to Gaza this weekend aboard a humanitarian aid ship — a voyage critics are urging her to buy a one-way ticket for.

The 22-year-old climate advocate, along with several other high-profile activists, will embark on the “Madleen” from Catania, Sicily on Sunday to deliver vital supplies to the Palestinian people in Gaza and protest Israel’s months-long blockade there.

The World Health Organization has warned that Gaza is at risk of famine because of the blockade, with three-quarters of its population suffering “emergency” or “catastrophic” food deprivation.

“The world cannot be silent bystanders,” Thunberg said about the mission, run by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).

This silence and passivity that we are seeing from most of the world is deadly. We are seeing a systematic starvation of 2 million people. Every single one of us has a moral obligation to do everything we can to fight for a free Palestine.”

It will mark the second attempt in as many months by FCC activists — the “Conscience” was attacked by drones on May 2 in international waters off the coast of Malta.

The FFC alleged that Israel was responsible for the attack, which prevented the ship from making its journey, a claim the Jewish State has neither confirmed nor denied.

“Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham and European Member of Parliament Rima Hassan will also be aboard the “Madleen,” but critics zeroed in on Thunberg’s participation — with many suggesting the young activist stay put in the warzone.

Sky News Australia host Danica De Giorgio named Thunberg her “big loser of the week.”

“She’s sailing to Gaza like it’s some sort of idyllic holiday destination,” De Giorgio seethed. “She really is annoying at all times.”

“She’s such an urban terrorist herself, she’ll fit right in. But also I’m wondering if it’s a secret deal from the Israelis — all the Hamas terrorists will leave if she’s inflicted on them. Wouldn’t you?” added guest Prue MacSween of Verve Communications.

“This girl is not well, I believe, and let’s just hope she stays over there. I think that would be a good thing.”

Critics online shared the same sentiment.

“I hope she stay in Gaza,” one user wrote.

“Let’s hope it’s a one-way voyage,” said another.

Thunberg’s trip comes as Hamas is reportedly calling for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remain in discussions on a permanent cease-fire after an initial release of hostages is completed as part of a US-backed 60-day peace proposal handed over to the terror group.

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff received Hamas’ response Saturday that demanded the US make it more difficult for the Jewish State to resume fighting if a permanent ceasefire is not reached within the truce timeline, a source told The Times of Israel, indicating that more changes could delay the talks.

Zera Shimshon-Parshat Bamidbar

 

This is not a deal. It's a disaster in the making

 

I want the hostages home. You want the hostages home.

We all do.

We’ve carried their names in our mouths for over 600 days. Hung their faces on our walls, chanted their return in our streets, and prayed for their survival in synagogues and schools around the world.

Hungarians do it again! Wizz Air Announces Major Expansion in Israel

 In a potentially development for Israel’s aviation sector, Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air is set to establish an operational base at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s Channel 13 reports. The move follows an agreement between Israel’s Minister of Transport, Miri Regev, and Wizz Air’s CEO, aiming to enhance air connectivity and reduce travel costs for Israeli passengers.

The decision comes at a time when Irish budget carrier Ryanair has announced the suspension of all its flights to and from Israel until August, citing security concerns. Wizz Air views this as an opportunity to fill the void left by other carriers and plans to triple its passenger traffic from Israel.

The airline intends to expand its existing European routes from Tel Aviv and introduce new destinations, including potential flights to India and Morocco. Additionally, Wizz Air will employ Israeli staff, such as flight attendants and pilots, contributing to local job creation.

Minister Regev stipulated that Wizz Air must also operate domestic flights between Tel Aviv and Eilat as part of the agreement. The formal signing of the deal is anticipated in July.

Wizz Air’s fleet comprises 230 aircraft, and its entry into the Israeli market is expected to intensify competition and lead to significant fare reductions for travelers.

Satmar Rabbi Calls for His Followers to leave Williamsburg and move to "Uganda"

 DIN: Satmar's complaints against the great R' Binyomin Zev Herzl z"l were that R' Herzl initially supported a British initiative for Jews to have their own State in Uganda, Ethiopia! Satmar continues to mock and ridicule this proposal, which Herzl himself ultimately rejected and pushed for Jews to settle in Eretz Yisrael, a dream that came to fruition and is now the home for the majority of the Jewish people! 

The late Satmar Rebbe R' Yoel Teitelbaum z"l then stole this very "Uganda" idea that he mocked and established an Uganda in Monroe, New York! In the very country that he screamed for decades, was the "treifene medina" and discouraged his followers from emigrating there! 

But now it's kosher, and Herzl z"l is laughing in his grave in Yerushalayim Ir Ha'koidesh! Now Israel the land that Satmar mentions in every single tefilla, including Bentching and Al Hamechye is the  "treifene medina"  the very country that has the most Torah learned than anywhere in the entire world! 

Go figure! 

In a rare and pointed address, Satmar Rebbe Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum didn’t mince words: the days of Williamsburg as the heart of the chassidic community may be coming to a close.

Citing skyrocketing rent and what he described as a deteriorating spiritual atmosphere, the Rebbe urged families to begin thinking seriously about relocating to communities more suited to raising children in accordance with Torah values

“The prices are out of control, the influences from the street are creeping in, and it’s becoming harder and harder to live a Yiddishe life the way we want for our kinder.”

The comments were not offhand. Sources close to the Rebbe say he has been expressing concern for past year, but this was the first time he addressed the issue publicly and unequivocally.

“The gashmius (materialism) is choking the ruchnius (spiritual life),” he said. “When a young couple can’t even dream of affording a one-bedroom in the neighborhood they grew up in, and when the streets no longer reflect the kedushah (holiness) we expect — it’s time to consider alternatives.”

While he did not name specific communities, many in attendance took it as a tacit endorsement of established and growing chassidic enclaves like Kiryas Joel, Bloomingburg, and parts of Rockland and Orange counties, where housing remains more affordable and community infrastructure is built around Torah life.

Witkoff Offers Major Concessions to Hamas, Leaves Half the Hostages Behind

 

According to the latest revised Witkoff plan released Thursday morning, the terrorist group Hamas would release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, to be returned in two phases over the course of a week.

Currently, 58 hostages are believed to be held in Gaza: 20 are confirmed alive, 35 have been declared dead, and three are in critical condition with their status officially unconfirmed.

As you may recall, President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff announced Wednesday night: “We’re on the precipice of sending out a new term sheet that hopefully will be delivered later today. The president is going to review it. I have some very good feelings about getting to… a temporary ceasefire and a long-term, peaceful resolution of that conflict,”

Just before Witkoff’s remarks, Hamas issued a statement claiming it had agreed to his outline, which included the release of 10 live hostages in two stages. However, Israel swiftly rejected the claim, stating, “This is unacceptable—both to us and to the American administration.”

One has to ask: is anyone verifying these proposals before they’re leaked to the media?

It was also reported that, in exchange for the release of the hostages, Israel would agree to a 60-day ceasefire. During this period, negotiations would take place aimed at ending the war. If no agreement is reached by the end of the 60 days, Israel would have the option to resume military operations or continue negotiations in exchange for the release of more hostages.

Additionally, the distribution of humanitarian aid will revert to the control of the United Nations, rather than being managed by the American company currently operating the distribution centers. This means Hamas would be getting a new lease on life, being able to resume its raids on the UN humanitarian aid facilities, sell the stolen food and medicine on the black market, and fund its recruitment efforts with the profits.

The IDF will withdraw from all the areas captured during Operation Might and Sword, which began on March 17.

Oh, and the number of terrorists with Jewish blood on their hands to be released in the exchange has now been disclosed. Israel will in exchange release 125 terrorists serving life sentences, and an additional 1,111 Gazan terrorists captured after October 7th will be released. Furthermore, Israel will also release the bodies of 180 dead Gazans.

At the end of the deal, Hamas will release detailed medical records on the remaining hostages they are still holding.

This is an atrocious deal, reversing all of Israel’s gains over the past two and a half months of fighting and reviving the fast-declining Hamas.

An online survey in Hebrew by blogger Abu Ali Express indicate that 69% of the 28,500 votes oppose the deal (77% oppose it when you exclude those without an opinion).

At this stage, it remains unclear whether the new proposal has been formally presented to the involved parties.

In recent days, Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and Mossad Director Dedi Barnea held discussions with Steve Witkoff regarding the potential ceasefire deal in Gaza. One can only hope the plan will be buried deep beneath the ruins of Gaza where it belongs.

by David Israel JP