The Democratic Party is facing a deepening internal divide as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer comes under fire from within his own ranks for backing a Republican-led government funding bill. The decision, framed by critics as a capitulation to Donald Trump and the GOP, has sparked open rebellion among Democratic pundits, lawmakers, and party loyalists. Schumer’s support for the continuing resolution to fund the government drew immediate backlash. MSNBC host Symone Sanders-Townsend ripped into the New York senator over the weekend, accusing him of folding “like a paper napkin” to Republican demands.

A high-stakes diplomatic mission turned into a heated television showdown on Sunday, as CNN’s Jake Tapper confronted Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, over his three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. Appearing on State of the Union, Witkoff defended his visit to Moscow on Friday, a meeting that reportedly came after Putin left him waiting for eight hours—a power move reminiscent of the Russian leader’s past diplomatic tactics.

Israeli forces uncovered a significant weapons cache during an anti-terrorism operation in the Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarem, the IDF announced. Among the recovered items were several bags of weapons, with one particularly alarming discovery—a vest labeled “UNRWA”, the United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees. The find comes amid longstanding Israeli accusations that terrorist groups exploit UNRWA as cover for their activities. Following the discovery, the confiscated weapons were transferred to Israeli security forces for further analysis. The IDF did not specify the types of weapons found or which terror group they are believed to belong to.

Rav Avrohom Gurwicz, Rosh Yeshiva of Gateshead, has thrown his full weight behind the Eretz HaKodesh movement, urging Shomrei Torah u’Mitzvos to sign up and take an active role in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) – countering baseless rumors that he is not supporting voting. This latest endorsement comes after Gedolei Yisroel—HaGaon Rav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, and HaGaon R. Shmuel Kaminetsky, shlita—paskened that Torah’dige Yidden can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines while decisions affecting Yidden in Eretz Yisroel are being made by others. Rabbi Gurwicz had originally issued this call in 5782, but in his latest letter, dated Parshas Ki Sisa 5785, he’s making it clear that he holds voting in the WZO election is a chiyuv.

Thousands of Vishnitzer Chassidim celebrated the days of Purim in the main Bais Hamedrash in Bnei Brak, despite the Rebbe not leading the Tish. As YWN has been reporting, the Rebbe who is battling a serious illness, is currently in Los Angeles, where he is scheduled to undergo a major surgery opn Monday. Before leaving to Los Angeles, the Rebbe instructed his Chassidim to continue Purim as usual, and appointed his oldest son, HaRav Chaim Meyer Hager to lead the Tish. On Monday, there will be a Yom Tefillah in Vishnitz. Numerous announcements have bene hung in Vishnitzer Bateri Midrashim around the world, calling on everyone to join in Tefillah and Limud Hatorah. Please say Tehillim for Yisroel ben Leah Esther.

The US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, responded to a proposal from Hamas, stating that the terrorist organization’s offer was a “non-starter,” adding, “I spent close to seven and a half hours at the Arab Summit, we had really positive conversations there, I would have described it as a ‘game-changer’. We spent a good deal of time speaking about a bridge proposal that would see the release of five live hostages that would have included Eden Alexander. And also see the release of a substantial amount of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, which would be a wonderful thing for these Palestinian families.” “I thought the proposal was compelling, the Israelis were informed about it and advised about it beforehand.

The IDF has taken disciplinary action against several soldiers and commanders involved in an incident in the Gaza Strip on Friday, when reservists fired shots into the air during a Megillah reading on Purim upon hearing the name Haman. Following an investigation, the IDF’s brigade commander issued punishments to those responsible. The company commander received a formal reprimand that will go on his record, while the platoon commander was removed from his position. Additionally, nine reservists were dismissed from combat service and sentenced to remain on base for 28 days as punishment.

The IDF has removed a group of reservists from their duties in the Gaza Strip following the emergence of a video. The footage, which surfaced online, shows the soldiers firing their weapons into the air during a Megillah reading on Purim, when hearing the name Haman. The incident reportedly took place amidst the festive atmosphere of the holiday, but the IDF deemed the behavior a violation of military protocol and safety standards. An investigation is underway, and the reservists involved have been withdrawn from operational activity pending further review.

Rabbi Yehuda Gerami, the Chief Rabbi of Iran Davened Mincha and Maariv and read Megillas Esther this evening at the site believed to be the kever of Mordechai and Esther in Hamadan, Iran. Young Iranian yeshiva students travelled with with Rabbi Gerami to the Kever. Attached video footage taken for YWN shows the Rabbi and his students, some of whom are training to become rabbinical judges and rabbis, danceing outside the Kever before Mincha. After Mincha, they Davened maariv, followed by Kreiyas Megillah in a nearby Shul next to the Kever. They then broke their fast, and began the journey back to Tehran. Despite geopolitical tensions, the Iranian regime continues to preserve the kever due to its historical significance.

It was supposed to be a brief and relaxing getaway, a short escape to the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean. But for two young avreichem from New York, their tropical vacation turned into a terrifying ordeal, as they vanished without a trace, setting off a frantic international rescue effort that ended in nothing short of a neis. The two men had traveled to Aruba with a third avreich, eager to enjoy a few days of rest before returning to their daily routines. While one remained at the hotel, the others ventured out for an afternoon excursion, their spirits high as they embarked on their adventure. Hours passed and the third avreich reached out to see where they were, but his calls and messages went unanswered. Concern gave way to panic.