In a closely divided ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has effectively halted the launch of what would have been the country’s first religious charter school, handing a setback to advocates seeking a broader role for faith-based institutions within the public education system.
The high court reached a 4-4 stalemate on the case involving St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School, leaving intact a prior ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. That ruling had determined that establishing a religious charter school would run afoul of constitutional protections that separate religion and government.

Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier who endured nearly two years as a hostage of Hamas, had a meeting with Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, according to a report aired Thursday by Channel 12 News.
In a candid exchange during their meeting, Bar expressed deep regret to Alexander for the circumstances that led to his capture and the failure of Israeli security forces to prevent it. Bar told him, “I want to apologize to you for falling into captivity partly because of us, and for being freed thanks to [Steve] Witkoff and not us.”
Alexander recounted to Bar the terrifying experience of October 7, the trauma he suffered during his abduction, and his continued anxiety for the well-being of those who are still being held hostage.

The Prime Minister’s Office highlighted Friday morning that David Zini’s appointment to lead the Israel Security Agency was primarily driven by his early and prescient warnings about the nation’s unpreparedness for a large-scale assault like the one that took place on October 7.
In a formal statement, officials noted that Zini had been tasked back in March 2022—six months before the deadly incursion—with conducting a review of the Gaza Division’s operational capabilities, particularly in the event of an unexpected attack. The request came directly from the division’s commanding officer. Zini’s findings pointed to significant gaps in defensive strategy and made clear recommendations to bolster readiness.

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By Shaul Berlowitz
Over the past week, a series of meaningful meetings took place at the home of Rav Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, rosh yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah. These gatherings brought together rabbonim from kehillos across Lakewood in preparation for the upcoming fourth Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah. The meetings reflected the community’s unified commitment to supporting Torah learning, with participation from rabbonim representing all segments of Lakewood’s Torah world.

More than two years after a horrific incident that left a chareidi mother of 11 critically injured, police in Yerushalayim have finally apprehended one of the central suspects, who had evaded arrest for nearly two and a half years. The arrest was reported Thursday afternoon by journalist Liran Tamari.
According to police suspicions, the man played a key role in an attack during riots on Rechov Yechezkel in Yerushalayim in 2022, when a burning garbage bin was pushed down a slope and struck the woman with great force, leaving her severely wounded.

France and Saudi Arabia are reportedly drafting a joint initiative aimed at stripping Hamas of its weapons, a move seen as the first step toward dismantling the group’s military capabilities, according to Bloomberg, which cited individuals with direct knowledge of the matter.
As part of this initiative, Saudi representatives are said to have established a channel of communication with Hamas leaders. While it remains uncertain whether France has also engaged directly with Hamas—given the European Union’s official designation of the group as a terrorist organization—Saudi involvement has been confirmed by the sources.

President Donald Trump held up a printed screenshot of a Reuters video during a tense meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, claiming it showed the funerals of white farmers in South Africa—when in reality, the footage was filmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“These are all white farmers that are being buried,” Trump declared, referring to the image, which was actually taken from a February 3 Reuters video that captured the aftermath of violence in the Congolese city of Goma. That video, authenticated by Reuters’ fact-checking team, depicted humanitarian workers handling body bags following clashes with M23 rebels backed by Rwanda.

Elias Rodriguez, accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, reportedly confessed to officers shortly after the attack, saying, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” according to federal court filings.
As law enforcement led him out of the museum where the shooting occurred, Rodriguez shouted, “Free Palestine,” according to an affidavit submitted by FBI agents.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators revealed that Rodriguez initially walked past the victims outside the Capital Jewish Museum. He then turned back, drew a handgun from his waistband, and opened fire, shooting both victims in the back, the affidavit states.

Following the deadly shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, New York City officials took swift action to bolster protection at sites associated with the Jewish community.
The NYPD released a statement announcing stepped-up safety efforts in response to the attack. “While there is no known nexus to NYC, in response to last night’s horrific attack in DC targeting Jews and Israelis, the NYPD is increasing its presence at religious sites and cultural institutions with high visibility patrols, heavy weapons teams, and counterterrorism officers.”