BREAKING NEWS Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigns

 

Justin Trudeau resigned as the Canadian Prime Minister on Monday to cap off a spectacular fall from grace just days before Donald Trump enters office. 

The move came after weeks of pressure from his colleagues in Canada's Liberal Party amid a significant, and growing, rift over how to handle relations with Trump in his second term. 

Trump announced on social media after his reelection a plan to introduce a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada, which led Trudeau into a frenzy to try and clean-up his relationship with the U.S. president-elect before he is sworn into office later this month.

The day after unveiling the idea, Trudeau, 53, immediately flew down to Mar-a-Lago to do damage control.

During that meeting, reports emerged detailing how Trudeau pleaded with Trump not to impose the tariffs and claimed it would kill Canada's economy.

To this, Trump suggested that the northern neighbors could become America's 51st state, and in following weeks mocked the Canadian leader by calling him Governor Trudeau.

The reason Trump wants to impose tariffs on Canada is to pressure Ottawa to do more to secure the border and stop leaking illegal immigrants into the U.S.

Trudeau's resignation comes the same day that Congress will move to certify the 2024 U.S. presidential election results as a victory for Trump and cement his forward movement to retaking office.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party in Canada set an emergency meeting for Wednesday to discuss how to handle the growing rift within the party, but Trudeau stepped aside before the gathering could take place.  

During remarks at the Rideau Cottage residence in Ottawa, Canada on Monday morning, Trudeau made the announcement that he will step aside. 

'I intend to resign as Party Leader, as Prime Minister, after the Party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process,' Trudeau announced in remarks delivered in English and then in French. 

Trudeau will remain in power until his party selects a new leader, which they will need to do before general elections in the fall, which polls indicate conservatives will win with Pierre Poilievre as their leader. 

The father-of-three served as Prime Minister since November 2015 and resided at Rideau Cottage with his family. He and wife Sophie announced in August 2023 their separation.

His tenure now ends at just over eight years in the PM's office.

While Trudeau was preparing to make his historic announcement on Monday, his ex-wife was posting to Instagram about a skiing trip in Canada's Gatineau Park. 

Amid reports of Trudeau's impending resignation this week, the Canadian Dollar began surging after a massive, record-breaking dip last month.

Trudeau's resignation came after Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland stepped down in mid-December. On her way out the door, Freeland cited her differences with Trudeau on how to approach Trump's presidency and his proposal for tariffs.

Canada is preparing for general elections at the end of October this year.

Once a highly popular political leader, Trudeau has fallen from grace in recent years – especially amid Trump's rise to prominence. Only one if five Canadians now feel their country is heading in the right direction with Trudeau at the helm.

And even Trudeau couldn't downplay the importance of secure borders after he announced in October that Canada would sharply cut the number of new immigrants allowed into the country.

He admitted that the influx of permanent citizens over the last four years – a period where President Joe Biden was also leading the U.S. in record-breaking illegal immigration – was applying too much pressure on the housing market.

This comes after Trudeau often bragged about how Canada was better at welcoming immigrants and newcomers than other western countries.

'Even Justin Trudeau wants to close Canada's borders,' President-elect Trump noted.

In December, just a month after winning a second term, Trump announced his new idea for tariffs.

He unveiled the plan to impose a 25 percent tax on goods from Mexico and Canada in retribution for declining to help more with the fentanyl and migration crisis.

And for China, he wants an additional 10 percent tariff on top of other tariffs.

Biden scolds reporters saying he 'knows more world leaders' than they do in their whole 'goddamn' lives

 

President Biden gave some parting attacks to the press during a public White House event Sunday night.

 Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson reported that after signing the Social Security Fairness Act, Biden took a few questions from the crowd which led the president to target President-elect Donald Trump. 

 "Do you still believe he’s a threat to democracy?" a reporter asked. "I think what he did was a genuine threat to democracy," Biden responded.

 After responding to the allegation that Trump plans to end birthright citizenship, Biden switched the topic to attacking the reporters.

 "I might be the oldest president, but I know more world leaders than any one of you have ever met in your whole goddamn life!" Biden said.

 Some X users quickly blasted the comment. "He’s fine guys," journalist Salena Zito joked. Conservative communicator Steve Guest commented, "What a bitter person." "This is Washington credentialism in a nutshell. Politicians become ‘qualified’ by simply existing. It doesn't matter that Biden is an abject failure and the worst foreign policy figure in American history. You see, he knows a lot of people, and that's all that matters," RedState writer Bonchie wrote.

 CNN conservative commentator Scott Jennings quipped, "The most civil, decent, and devoutly Catholic president we’ve ever had."

Smotrich Schools Lapid after the attack in the PA Arab village of Al Funduq near Kedumim

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) tweeted less than an hour after the attack that killed three Israelis and wounded eight: 

“You are the government. You are responsible. The conceptzia is yours. It was yours on October 7. It has been yours for the past 20 years. You are the ones leading Israel from disaster to disaster. And then you whine as if you had nothing to do with it.”

Smotrich responded: 

“You are right, Yair. We are the government and the responsibility is ours. A responsibility to fix what you and your friends on the left have done in the decades in which you promoted surrender and retreats and Oslo and escape from terror. We are fixing the escape from Gaza and the expulsion from Gush Katif, fixing the escape from Lebanon, and with God’s help we will also fix the damage of the Oslo disaster.”

He continued:

“It’s not easy to remove a stone that a bunch of irresponsible blind people threw into a well. It’s complex and takes time and requires determination and perseverance. But believe me, we’re on our way there with determination and without giving up.

“We dismantled Gaza and Lebanon like no one else has done, and we will continue until Hamas is completely destroyed. We dismantled most of Hezbollah’s capabilities, and we are continuing there as well, and we will do it in Judea and Samaria too. We will abolish Oslo, dismantle the PA, take back responsibility, and eradicate terrorism. I have been doing this for the past two years in the civilian sphere, which is my responsibility in the Ministry of Defense (where he is an adjunct minister in charge of the IDF civil government), and I am determined to lead this in the military and political aspects in the government and the cabinet.

“It is difficult and complex and challenging, both politically and security-wise, but this term of ours will go down in Israeli history as a dramatic turning point in the perception of security and, therefore, in Israel’s security reality in all sectors, and by the end of it, Judea and Samaria will also look completely different, God willing. You can take this as a commitment.”

 “Funnduq, Shechem, and Jenin need to look like Jabaliya so that Kfar Saba does not become a Kfar Aaza, God forbid.”

 

So Much Grace! So much Class!

 Dear Mrs .Preisler.Thank you ❤️,Thank you for your courage, thank you for standing alone but bigger than an army in front of this wave of terror lovers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Naz Hashem (@naz_hashem)

How Britain covered up Rape of Thousands of Children by Muslims Because they were afraid of being laneled "racist"

 

How the rape of Britain was covered up https://t.co/2vT1XOt20r

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 4, 2025

 

“A 12year old had sex with 5 adult males - they were released as in every incident the Police claims she had consented”

“In 2008 an 11 year old girl came to the attention of The Police”

“Yet SHE was arrested for being drunk & disorderly”

The UK Child Grooming Scandal needs a… pic.twitter.com/9j0g6azq8W

— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) January 4, 2025

Meet Zoe Kaegi PHD Student Who in Her Spare Time Spreads Jew-hate

 

University of Miami has proven to be a safe haven for Jewish students over the past year as antisemitism spread like cancer.

BUT it is not immune - meet Zoe Kaegi, PhD student at U Miami's Miller School of Medicine who in her spare time spreads antisemitic and anti-American… pic.twitter.com/irYG0tgEAX

— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) January 5, 2025

Police Searching For a guy Arrested 87 Times for stabbing multiple subway passengers

 

87 arrests … https://t.co/YeDm83zhGl

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 5, 2025

50 haredim enlist in the ‘Hahashmonaim’ Brigade

Below see Zecharye Liebowitz of Beit Shemesh who just enlisted get a bracha from the Holy Barditcher Rebbe Shlitah  and the Mayor from Beit Shemesh Greenberg

 

Approximately 50 recruits enlisted on Sunday to the Charedi ‘Hahashmonaim’ Brigade and will form the core of its first company.

Additionally, by the end of the day, approximately 100 additional haredim will be enlisted for reserve service from the haredi sector. They will begin six months of infantry training at Rifleman 07 level, after which they will become part of the brigade's first reserves company.

During the month, several supplementary enlistment rounds will take place, and recruits from these rounds will join the ongoing basic training process.

The two companies enlisted today mark the initial step in establishing the haredi brigade, a significant milestone in expanding the service of the haredi sector in the IDF, particularly in light of the operational needs arising from the demands of the war.

In preparation for the brigade's establishment, an extensive preparation process was undertaken, which included identifying and training personnel, adapting policies, renovating the training base, and adjusting it to accommodate the ultra-orthodox way of life.

Throughout the day, additional enlistments of haredi pre-recruits are taking place for various other tracks that have been established to facilitate their integration into the IDF.

ECHOES OF OBAMA: Joe Biden Poised To Severely Undermine Israel With Secret “January Surprise” At U.N.

 

The Biden administration is reportedly crafting a “January surprise” that could severely undermine Israel at the United Nations, echoing the actions of the Obama administration in 2016. According to Michael Doran, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and a former senior director in the U.S. National Security Council, Biden’s team is preparing a move modeled directly on U.N. Resolution 2334, which labeled Israeli settlements beyond the 1967 Green Line as illegal.

Speaking on his podcast on Dec. 31, Doran detailed how the administration is poised to declare Israel in violation of U.S. law by allegedly blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza. This finding, rooted in Section 620(i) of the Foreign Assistance Act, could lead to U.N. action against Israel, even if Biden personally waives immediate penalties. The resulting diplomatic fallout, Doran warned, would deliver a severe blow to Israel’s international standing, with the administration effectively signaling its disapproval while publicly maintaining plausible deniability.

“Obama delivered a parting kick to Netanyahu in 2016 by allowing U.N. Resolution 2334 to pass without a veto,” Doran said. “It painted large swathes of Israel, including the Western Wall, as occupied territory. Biden’s team is preparing to do the same.”

According to Doran, the Biden administration’s approach mirrors Obama’s tactic of letting other nations spearhead the resolution, while the U.S. abstains, enabling hostile international actors to take the lead. Algeria or Slovenia are expected to introduce a new resolution condemning Israel, which the Biden administration may either quietly support or abstain from vetoing at the Security Council.

“The administration wants to have it both ways,” Doran explained. “They will find Israel guilty of obstructing aid to Gaza but will waive the consequences, signaling to the U.N. and other international bodies that the U.S. stands aside as Israel faces censure.”

The fallout, Doran warned, could cascade into the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the European Union, all of which could leverage the U.S. finding to justify further action against Israel.

Key figures in the administration, including USAID chief Samantha Power, deputy secretary Kurt Campbell, and U.N. envoy deputy Ned Price, are reportedly driving the effort. Others, such as National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, are described as undecided, while a minority within the administration, including Middle East advisers Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein, are pushing back.

“There are two camps fighting over this inside the administration,” Doran said. “The question is whether Biden and Blinken will sign off on it.”

Doran further noted that the incoming Republican-controlled Congress and Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House could disrupt or reverse the administration’s plans. Trump previously stood by Israel against U.N. resolutions and brokered several historic peace agreements in the region.

The reported scheme underscores deepening divisions within the Biden administration over Middle East policy, with some officials pushing for harsher measures against Israel while others urge caution.

Critics argue that such a move risks alienating Israel, one of America’s closest allies, while emboldening hostile actors in the region. “This isn’t just about Israel,” Doran cautioned. “It’s about projecting weakness to Iran, Hezbollah, and others who see U.S. equivocation as a green light.”

Chucky " the liar" Schumer Confronted Over Biden’s Mental Acuity: Deflects

 

In a recent interview with NBC’s Meet the Press host Kristen Welker, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was confronted about President Biden’s declining mental acuity during his time in office. Welker aired a clip showing Schumer blasting Republicans for pushing what he called “right-wing propaganda” regarding Biden’s cognitive state. When pressed on this point, Schumer deflected, insisting that Joe Biden had “stepped down on his own” and that his decision was not influenced by party leadership or concerns over his mental health.

Schumer’s response sparked outrage among critics, who argue that Biden’s resignation was not as voluntary as it seemed. According to sources close to the Democratic Party, Biden was pushed out by key members of his own leadership team, including Schumer himself, due to mounting concerns about his ability to effectively lead the country.

Video Playe

When Welker pressed Schumer for clarity on the situation, he doubled down, shifting the narrative and suggesting that Americans should “salute” Joe Biden for his service. “We need to honor his time in office and the sacrifices he made for this country,” Schumer said. “Biden has done great things, and we should acknowledge that, rather than focus on unfounded narratives.”

Critics argue that the Democratic Party, rather than fully acknowledging Biden’s cognitive struggles, chose to cover up these concerns throughout his presidency. Many on the right have long questioned Biden’s mental acuity, pointing to his frequent gaffes, memory lapses, and what they see as signs of confusion in public appearances.

Welker, who has often faced criticism for not holding Biden’s administration accountable during his presidency, appeared more pointed in this interview, a shift that surprised many viewers. Some are questioning where this level of scrutiny was during Biden’s time in office, arguing that the mainstream media downplayed legitimate concerns over his ability to serve as president.

The full truth of Biden’s departure remains a point of contention. However, the interview has ignited a broader debate over the transparency and accountability of both the Democratic Party and the mainstream media during Biden’s presidency.

Trump Administration Plans Crippling Sanctions on ICC

 

 Trump plans to implement devastating sanctions against the International Criminal Court in The Hague immediately after taking office, sources close to the matter disclosed to Israel Hayom. These executive orders could be unveiled as soon as Jan. 21.

The sanctions package will target both individual ICC personnel, including judges and prosecutors, and the institution as a whole. The administration intends to classify the ICC as an organization threatening U.S. interests, employing designation procedures similar to those used by the State Department for terrorist organizations globally. This designation will trigger severe restrictions on anyone involved with the court’s operations.

Financial institutions worldwide will be required to terminate relationships with ICC personnel or face U.S. sanctions themselves. Mirroring actions taken against sanctioned Israeli citizens by the outgoing administration, ICC staff will find themselves unable to perform routine banking operations or use credit cards. Their financial activities will be effectively frozen, with exceptions only for essential needs such as food purchases. Furthermore, all U.S.-based assets belonging to ICC employees and the institution will be frozen.

The incoming administration’s strategy extends beyond unilateral actions, as it plans to secure commitments from U.S. allies to reject cooperation with arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials.

These measures aim to create conditions allowing the court to independently withdraw its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Officials hope that during appeal proceedings, either Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan or the judges will identify legal grounds to rescind these warrants.

Video shows a drone handing a Chosson the Kiddushin ring at a Chupah.

 

Lionel Messi Tells Biden Where to Shove His "Medal of Freedom"

 Lionel Messi SNUBBED Joe Biden, and skipped the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, where he was supposed to receive the award. 

Messi didn’t even send anyone to accept it on his behalf.

Brian Kilmeade Fooled into Thinking Bob Good "Who was Defeated" Would oppose Mike Johnson

 

Brian Kilmeade was fooled into thinking former congressman Bob Good who was defeated in the GOP primary would oppose Mike Johnson in today’s speaker’s vote.

Listen to Scott Jennings give the reason Why the Judge Want to Sentence Trump Before Inauguration

 

SCOTT JENNINGS:

 Of course Trump won't be punished in his NY hush money case. The only reason they did this was to call him a convicted felon, but the people rejected it.

Violent Clashes bet. Syrian Rebels and Hezbollah Terrorists

 

Violent clashes erupted over the weekend between forces of the Syrian Ministry of Defense, which is controlled by the rebels, and Hezbollah terrorists. The clashes took place in the countryside west of Damascus, near the Syrian-Lebanese border, Channel 14 reported Sunday morning.

According to the report, Hezbollah terrorists, with the help of drug traffickers with whom they have been cooperating, attempted to establish new positions in Syria. In response, the Syrian Ministry of Defense sent military reinforcements to thwart their attempts.

It should be noted that until recently, Hezbollah operated unhindered inside Syria, but now the situation is changing. The rebels are trying to demonstrate control and governance in the field. However, developments remain unpredictable.

Arab affairs analyst Dr. Mordechai Keder suggested the Syrian government may take steps against Hezbollah within Syrian territory. According to him, the Syrian rebels who have been persecuted by Hezbollah thugs for a decade and a half are likely to quickly send forces into Lebanon to undermine the structure of the terrorist organization and damage the connection between its leaders and the troops on the ground.

Kedar noted that the Syrians possess detailed information about Hezbollah’s operations in Syrian villages such as Fua, Mada, and Sar, including the starvation of the local population in 2018–2019 and the clashes with ISIS. According to him, “Hezbollah has honestly earned the hatred of the Syrians.” However, he added that due to the severe economic crisis, there are those in Syria who are willing to cooperate with Hezbollah and assist in smuggling contraband goods.

Meanwhile, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the countryside of Manbij, a city in the northeast of Aleppo Governorate in northern Syria, 30 kilometers west of the Euphrates, is witnessing a major Turkish military escalation, during the past two days, as the Turkish forces intensified their land and air attacks using drones, targeting both military and civilian targets.

This escalation is part of a Turkish attempt to control the strategic Tishreen Dam and the Qara Kozak Bridge, amidst fears of the expansion of the scope of the operations and their impact on the humanitarian and security situation in the region. The number of fatalities in the ranks of the opposing fighting forces during the past two days has reached 101 soldiers.

The fighting has been ongoing since December when the pro-Turkish factions seized Manbij and Tal Rifaat. Since then, neither side has managed to claim any major victory against the other or capture any territory.

According to SOHR, 686 people were killed on January 4 across Syria.

by David Israel JP 

Biden Awards Jose Andres "Presidential Medal of Freedom" Andres Posed with the guy who wanted to Assassinate Trump!

 

Joe Biden awards Jose Andres the "Presidential Medal of Freedom."

Jose Andres was previously pictured with the man who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump.

Blinkin Now retracts and Says that Netanyahu Did Not Block any Deal with Hamas for Hostages!

 

Blinken: 

Netanyahu did not block a deal. Even if Israel carried out actions that delayed a deal but had a rationale, such as the elimination of Sinwar.

(For the record, according to the facts department: Israel did not carry out a specific operation to eliminate Sinwar; he was killed in a random encounter with soldiers).

23,000 "Innocent" Gazans Join Hamas!

 

Hamas Recruitment Booms Despite Heavy Losses

Despite significant losses, Hamas has reportedly recruited an additional 12,000 to 23,000 militants, bringing the combined strength of terrorist groups in Gaza to an estimated 20,000 to 23,000 fighters. 

The IDF continues operations against Hamas, recently destroying a command hub in northern Gaza.

Biden is using every trick in the book to wipe away the Big Stink from his tenure — but nothing is working

 

Breaking News Alert: Joe Biden to resign so Kamala Harris can become first female president.

OK, it hasn’t happened yet, but don’t be shocked if the president makes the dramatic move to improve his awful legacy.

He’s already using every trick in the book to try to wipe away the Big Stink from his tenure, but nothing is working.

Following the election, Biden has spent two months trying to get people to forget the last four years.

The effort hit a cringe-inducing low this week when he awarded prestigious civilian medals to the undeserving likes of Liz Cheney, Hillary Clinton, George Soros and a list of left-leaning celebrities.

The one consistency is that they all supported him. Instead of medals, they ought to get free psychiatric care.

In the real world, Biden leaves office in utter disgrace.

Beyond his disastrous policies on the economy and the border, he corrupted the Justice Department to go after Donald Trump and was able to keep his job for four years only because the White House, aided and abetted by a partisan press corps, engaged in a massive coverup of his frightening cognitive decline.

IDF worried desperate Iran will make "extreme" move against Israel

 Israeli security officials have warned that a change in the regional strategic situation could push Iran to take "extreme" steps against Israel in the near-future. IDF Chief of Staff Herzli Halevi has consequently ordered the military to be on high alert and to be ready for a variety of possible scenarios, Wall News reported.

The concern is that the deteriorating situation Iran finds itself in may push it to desperate measures. Iran's rial currency is in freefall and lost 10% of its value in the first month after US President-Elect Donald Trump's reelection in November. Iran is also facing a severe energy crisis that has led it to ration electricity and to blackouts in much of the country. The regime is facing growing internal criticism and protests among its citizenry.

In addition, Iran's foreign policy is collapsing with the destruction of the military capabilities and leadership of its terrorist proxies Hamas and Hezbollah, the fall of its ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria, and the destruction of its air defense systems following Iran's massive ballistic missile attacks on Israel.

With Trump set to take a harder line against the Iranian regime when he takes office in a little over two weeks, Iran has few options to recover from these setbacks. Israeli officials believe that Trump's policy will constitute a large shift that may change the strategic balance in the Middle East, whether through military moves or economic sanctions.

At the same time, Iran's efforts to maintain its influence in the region continue. Walla reported that members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps are attempting to transfer funds to Hezbollah in Lebanon using civilian aircraft to help the terror group rebuild following its losses in the war with Israel, including Israel's destruction of banks and vaults full of money reserves belonging to Hezbollah.

Iranian involvement in the fighting in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, along with the economic and political implications within Iran itself, creates concern that Iran's response to pressure will focus specifically on Israel. The IDF is preparing for every scenario, with the understanding that extreme steps by Iran, even with a low probability, require maximum vigilance.

There is also concern that Iran may seek to rush toward nuclear breakout and the development of nuclear weapons if the regime feels that this is its only option for survival or to deter its enemies.

Ben-Gvir: 'I ask forgiveness of the PM and MK Bismuth'

 

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, discussed the recent budget vote in which his party opposed the coalition's proposed bill.

He stated, "We will continue to vote according to our principles until a solution is found to prevent the closure of police stations, disbanding of civilian emergency squads, and the reduction in salaries of police officers, prison guards, and all of Israel's national security forces."

Ben Gvir expressed regret over his conduct: "After significant soul-searching on Shabbat, I see that I was wrong when I saw the Prime Minister and MK Boaz Bismuth (Likud) in the plenary and we did not offset them. I apologize to the Prime Minister and my friend Boaz Bismuth. From now on, we will offset the PM until his full recovery, God willing."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Ben-Gvir after the vote that passed by a narrow margin. "Today, despite the difficulties, we passed important budgetary legislation for Israel's security and economy. Israel is at war against existential challenges; there is no greater irresponsible folly than shaking the coalition at this time or risking the fall of a right-wing government."

DemonRats Trying To Humiliate Trump Days Before Inauguration... Trump to be sentenced in hush money case one week before taking office

 

In an extraordinary decision, a judge set US President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush money criminal case for January 10, just over a week before his scheduled return to the White House but made clear that Trump would not face jail time, The Associated Press reported.

The decision which was handed down on Friday, positions Trump to become the first president to assume office while holding a felony conviction.

Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan, who oversaw Trump’s trial, announced in a written ruling that the former and future president would receive an unconditional discharge. This outcome leaves the conviction intact but closes the case without imposing jail time, fines, or probation. Trump has the option to appear virtually for the sentencing.

Merchan rejected Trump’s motion to dismiss the verdict on the grounds of presidential immunity and his upcoming second term. He emphasized that resolving the case was essential to serving the interests of justice.

Trump criticized Merchan on his Truth Social platform, claiming that allowing the ruling to stand would mean “the end of the Presidency as we know it.” He also reiterated his stance that the case was an “illegitimate political attack” and “nothing but a Rigged Charade” orchestrated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office declined to comment on the ruling.

Trump was convicted in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records tied to an alleged scheme to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of his 2016 campaign.

Initially, Trump’s sentencing was scheduled for July 11 but was postponed twice at his defense’s request. Following Trump’s victory in the November 5 election, the judge delayed the sentencing once more to allow both sides to address the implications of Trump’s presidency on the case.

Trump’s lawyers urged Merchan to dismiss the conviction, arguing that it would otherwise disrupt the president-elect’s ability to govern effectively. Prosecutors conceded that accommodations should be made for Trump’s upcoming term but insisted the conviction remain. They proposed several options, including pausing the case during his presidency or finalizing it with a no-jail sentence.

Ultimately, Merchan determined that Trump’s status as president-elect does not grant him immunity equivalent to that of a sitting president. Setting aside the verdict, he argued, would be a “drastic” measure that would “undermine the Rule of Law in immeasurable ways.”

This case is the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to go to trial.

Special counsel Jack Smith has since dismissed two federal cases against Trump: one concerning his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and another alleging he mishandled classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

New Orleans attack: Israelis injured were veterans of Gaza and Lebanon

 

The two young Israelis injured in the attack in New Orleans reportedly fought in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

Yediot Aharonot reports that they were on a vacation after extended military reserve service when they were injured in the attack. The critically injured young man underwent two surgeries and remains in critical condition. His friend, suffering severe limb injuries, is not in danger.

The Israeli Consul in the Southwestern US, Elad Shoham, told the New York Post: "It's tragic irony. They left terrorism in one country and were hurt by terrorism in another. They came here to relax but experienced the unexpected in the harshest way. The fight is against the same ideology, the same enemy."

He shared his conversation with the severely injured man before surgery. "He shook my hand, suffering intense pain in all parts of his body. When people in the US shout 'Intifada,' it means importing violence from one region to another, and that's exactly what's happening. They want to bring violence and terrorism to America. Israel and the US are fighting the same ideology, the same enemy as on October 7. Hamas acted like ISIS, which was the inspiration – exactly like this terrorist did."

With the help of the Foreign Ministry, the victims' families were flown to Louisiana to be with their loved ones. The two will be flown to Israel for further medical treatment only when their condition stabilizes.

Alhatorah.org – a Real Game Changer

by Rabbi Yair Hoffman

Now teachers of Torah have a new tool that redefines the teaching field for Torah teachers.  It is a resource which can be projected, copied, pasted, and utilized in many different ways.  Best of all, it was created by observant people – which takes away 

AlHaTorah.org is a site that offers the Torah texts that we all need in a readily available format.

Their mission is:

Revitalizing the Torah Learning Experience
Panoramic and 3D View of Torah – AlHaTorah.org’s wide array of lenses and modes of analysis helps the learner appreciate the breadth and depth of the Biblical text and its commentaries. By employing everything from Ancient Near Eastern documents to medieval commentaries to modern art and literature, the text of Torah is brought to life.

Empowering – AlHaTorah.org provides the resources, tools, and replicable methodology for active learning, allowing the user to act, react, and interact.

Harnessing Modern Technology – The dawning of the new age of the electronic book has enabled the reimagining of how knowledge can be organized, personalized, interconnected, and continuously expanded. With its tree structured, customizable, ever editable and expandable, hyperlinked, and audio-visually integrated commentary, AlHaTorah.org begins to capture and realize some of this incredible potential.1
Bonding with our Heritage – The reader explores a vast spectrum of commentaries, ranging from the Second Temple period to modern times, all presented in their historical and exegetical contexts. Biblical study becomes a way of reconnecting with the plurality of cultural riches of the thousands of years of our history.

Addressing Fundamental Issues – AlHaTorah.org confronts the challenges posed by classical questions such as the relationship between peshat and derash, and modern issues such as textual criticism and source criticism.
Contract Connecting People through a Social Torah Network
Communal Participation – AlHaTorah.org provides a platform which allows ongoing worldwide collaboration and input from people on all levels and with various types of expertise, in creating the Torah equivalent of Wikipedia and beyond. As the editorial team builds the underlying foundation and structure of the comprehensive Torah commentary, the wider public of all ages will contribute additional sources, insights, translations, and novel interpretations. Vigorous debate and discussion via the Forum will stimulate and foster close bonds and contacts.
Reaching Every Individual from Beginners to Scholars – With the range and richness of its approaches and the customizability of its levels, AlHaTorah.org is becoming a central Torah clearinghouse, offering a product from which every person can gain, and an online learning community in which every person can contribute, discuss, and find meaning.
Contract Impacting Jewish Education Worldwide
Providing Resources for Professional Educators – A good teacher never has nearly enough time to prepare for their classes. The wealth of distilled information, sources, and visual aids on this site will be invaluable in saving countless hours of time, in making material available which otherwise would be inaccessible, and in helping to sculpt better structured classes.

Learning as a Family – Animating the Shabbat Table – Through Shabbat table discussion topics and puzzles for both children and adults, AlHaTorah.org piques one’s curiosity and leads one step by step down the path to deeper exploration of the Torah topics. The family Shabbat table experience will be greatly enhanced.

 

Lev Tahor Leader Arrested In El Salvador

 Jonathan Emanuel Cardona Castillo, a 23-year-old Lev Tahor leader, was arrested last week in El Salvador following the issue of an international arrest warrant against him.

Law enforcement authorities in Guatemala have begun extradition proceedings.

“We received official confirmation from the authorities in El Salvador regarding the start of the extradition process,” said Juan Francisco Reyes, an assistant prosecutor in the Guatemalan combatting human trafficking department.

Castillo, 23, is suspected of having brutally abused women and children as part of the cult’s activities, engaged in human trafficking, and forced minors to marry.

In a statement to local media, a former member of the Lev Tahor cult, who spoke anonymously, said that Castillo’s behavior had changed drastically since he joined the cult. He noted that he had become violent and threatened to kill children.

Uriel Goldman, one of the cult leaders, claimed that Castillo was expelled from the cult due to his behavior and presented documents supporting this claim. Local media reported that he claimed other people had tried to join the cult but were “rejected due to alleged connections to drug trafficking.”

Meanwhile, another member of the cult was arrested while attempting to flee to Mexico.

Congestion Pricing To Launch in NYC – Here’s What Drivers Should Know

 

New York City’s congestion pricing program will officially take effect on Sunday, January 5, targeting Manhattan’s busiest streets in a bid to reduce traffic and fund public transit. Governor Kathy Hochul’s revived plan will toll vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone, covering streets and avenues at or below 60th Street.

The program aims to cut congestion by at least 80,000 vehicles per day, easing pressure in what the MTA calls the most crowded district in the U.S. Currently, average travel speeds in the zone hover at just 7.1 mph, down 23% since 2010. The MTA reports that drivers waste 117 hours annually sitting in gridlock, contributing to $20 billion in lost productivity.

New York City’s congestion pricing program will officially take effect on Sunday, January 5, targeting Manhattan’s busiest streets in a bid to reduce traffic and fund public transit. Governor Kathy Hochul’s revived plan will toll vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone, covering streets and avenues at or below 60th Street.

The program aims to cut congestion by at least 80,000 vehicles per day, easing pressure in what the MTA calls the most crowded district in the U.S. Currently, average travel speeds in the zone hover at just 7.1 mph, down 23% since 2010. The MTA reports that drivers waste 117 hours annually sitting in gridlock, contributing to $20 billion in lost productivity.

Details Of Daring Ground Operation At Underground Syrian Missile Site While Assad Was Still in Power ..Revealed

 According to a report by Doron Kadosh on Galei Tzahal, the “SARS” Syrian Industries site was the only site in Syria for the production of ground-to-ground missiles. It was supposed to produce 100-300 missiles each year. The site is located deep underground, about 70-130 meters dug into the side of a mountain.

In recent years, Israel has attacked the site four times, attacks that delayed and disrupted the construction work. The site was meant to produce advanced ballistic missiles with ranges of 70 to 300 km, all of which were intended to be sent to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Due to its depth inside the mountain, the site was defined by Israel as a “secure site.”

IDF spokesperson: The intelligence agencies in Israel understood that the site was close to becoming operational and would soon begin producing advanced missiles. The understanding was that once the site became an active manufacturing facility, it would become a much more protected and secured site—where the number of guards and security posted by the Syrians and Iranians would increase significantly. Operation “Many Ways” was an opportunity to reach the site on the ground while security was still relatively light—only a few dozen guards—before the industrial production process began.

The preparations for the operation began two months earlier, in July 2024. A month later, production of engines had already begun at the site. The IDF says: “If we had waited any longer to carry out the operation, it might have already been too late, or the entire operation might have needed to look completely different.”

The objective of the operation was to destroy as many production machines as possible within the underground site, with the highest priority being the destruction of the planetary mixers, the most critical component in the production process of advanced missiles.