President Biden on Saturday bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honor – upon none other than Democratic megadonor and left-wing puppet master George Soros. The move sent shockwaves through critics who lambasted the selection as a “national disgrace” and an affront to the millions suffering from the very policies Soros has gleefully bankrolled. Soros, 94, was one of 19 recipients, joining a rogues’ gallery of establishment darlings like U2 frontman Bono, actor Denzel Washington, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – herself a magnet for controversy. Unsurprisingly, Clinton’s inclusion also drew criticism.

Sweden’s ambassador to Israel, Simon Geissbühler, visited Bnei Brak over Chanukah, engaging with the gedolei hador in Eretz Yisroel and immersing himself in the Charedi community’s minhagim and way of life, with his visit highlighting a keen interest in better understanding the values of Charedi Jewry in Eretz Yisroel. The ambassador met with HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch and HaRav Meir Tzvi Bergman at their homes – conversing with both in English (see video below). During his meeting with Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, Geissbühler gained insight into the values and principles that guide bnei Torah including their refusal to join the IDF. Later, he spent time with HaRav Meir Tzvi Bergman, witnessing the revered rosh yeshiva light the Chanukah menorah.

Red alert sirens sounded in several areas in central and southern Israel due to a missile launched from Yemen. Explosions heard all over Yerushalyim. The IDF in a short statement said: “Following the sirens that sounded in central and southern Israel, one missile was identified crossing from Yemen into Israeli territory. Interceptors were launched toward the target, the results are under review.” MDA Spokesperson: Update following the Red Alerts in central Israel: At this stage, no reports of rocket strikes or physical injuries have been received. MDA teams have been dispatched to treat 12 people who were injured on their way to shelter and 9 individuals suffering from anxiety.

A harrowing chapter in American history remains shrouded in mystery: Who planted pipe bombs outside offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees in Washington on the eve of the attack on the Capitol? Hoping to generate new tips from the public, the FBI is releasing more information about its pipe bomb investigation, including an estimate that the unidentified suspect is about 5 feet 7 inches tall. The bureau also is posting previously unreleased video of the suspect placing one of the bombs. A host of basic questions remains unanswered four years later. For starters, investigators haven’t determined if the suspect is a man or a woman. Nor have they established a clear link between the pipe bombs and the Jan.

On the 6th night of Chanukah, nearly 60 Menorah cars took to the streets and highways of South Florida to parade the light of Chanukah departing from Chabad of Inverrary making a 33 mile loop around Broward County before returning to Chabad of Inverrary. Parade coordinators Rabbi Chaim and Bassy Rosenstein felt that in light of the ongoing war in Israel and the hostages languishing in Gaza, the Parade this year needed to top last year’s statement of Jewish pride and resolve. With assistance from Chabad of Inverrary, donors, and Mr. Zalman Myer-smith, Director of Security at Chabad of South Florida, they coordinated that the Broward Sheriff’s Office should again escort the Parade. 8 Sheriffs were reserved for the parade.

On the 7th night of Chanukah, NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor lit the World’s Largest Menorah on 5th Avenue in Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan as hundreds of spectators cheered him on. Chief Taylor spoke about the miracle of Chanukah and the meaningfulness of coming together and bringing light into the world. This year’s Menorah lightings are dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman who first placed the Menorah on 5th Avenue in 1977. Through Rabbi Butman’s efforts, the Menorah became a symbol of Jewish pride and unity, gaining international recognition, including a feature on the front page of The New York Times. The menorah is organized by Rabbi Butman’s children, Rabbis Velvl Butman and Yossi Butman, who continue their father’s legacy.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Wednesday that if Hamas fails to release over 100 hostages held for 454 days and continues rocket attacks, Israel will strike Gaza with “a force not seen in a long time.” Speaking in Netivot, Katz declared, “The IDF will intensify its activities against terrorist nests in Gaza until the hostages are freed and Hamas is eliminated.” The warning follows Hamas firing two rockets at Netivot to mark the New Year, with no reported damage or injuries. Hamas released footage of the rocket attacks on Thursday. Katz urged Gaza’s residents to “rise up against Hamas” and pressure the group to release the hostages to avoid further suffering.

The IDF has released dramatic bodycam footage from a September 8th special forces raid on an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) arms facility in northwestern Syria, used by Hezbollah to manufacture missiles. “Tonight, we reveal a special operation that took place in the heart of Syria in early September, during which dozens of fighters raided an underground site for the production of Iranian precision missiles,” said IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. The IRGC had constructed the facility to enable Hezbollah to produce hundreds of rockets and missiles annually. According to Hagari, the site was set to become a key location for missile engine production along Israel’s northern front. “We prevented this,” he said.

Three people sustained minor injuries Thursday afternoon in Tel Aviv when a man driving a tractor struck them, according to Israel Police. Police stated the incident happened during a brawl, and the tractor driver has been detained for questioning.