U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for a “Golden Dome” to protect the United States from long-range missiles was at least partly inspired by Israel’s multitiered missile defenses. Trump announced the $175 billion concept in the Oval Office on Tuesday, saying it would put U.S. weapons in space for the first time and be would be “fully operational” by the end of his term in early 2029, though a U.S. official familiar with the program said it could take longer. Israel’s multilayered defenses, often collectively referred to as the “Iron Dome,” have played a key role in defending it from rocket and missile fire from Iran and allied terror groups in the conflict unleashed by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack. The sophisticated system, developed over decades with considerable U.S.

A former New York state trooper pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges that he shot himself then falsely claimed he was wounded by an unknown gunman on a Long Island highway, prompting a regionwide search. Thomas Mascia agreed to serve six months in jail, followed by five years probation and continued mental health treatment as he formally changed his not guilty plea during a court appearance in Nassau County court in Mineola. He also agreed, as part of his plea deal, to pay $289,000 in restitution for the overtime costs for officers during the three-day search for a nonexistent suspect. The 27-year-old West Hempstead resident had been charged with official misconduct, tampering with evidence and falsifying documents.

Israeli military officials have confirmed that the terrorist responsible for the deadly shooting near Bruchin, which claimed the life of Tze’ela Gez, has been killed. Additionally, two other individuals were taken into custody by the Shin Bet for questioning.
The targeted operation unfolded last Shabbos when soldiers from the IDF’s Ephraim Brigade, working on intelligence provided by the Shin Bet, carried out a sweep in the village of Burqin, not far from the site of the attack. During the search, a man approached the troops, shouting in Arabic and carrying a suspicious bag. Believing their lives were in danger, the soldiers responded with lethal force. None of the soldiers were harmed.

The Army on Wednesday started loading up some of the tanks that will take to the streets of the nation’s capital during the 250th anniversary celebration of the service next month, which will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. The event has grown extensively in scope and size since Army planners started working on a festival two years ago to mark the day and have now added a military parade — which President Donald Trump had unsuccessfully tried to do during his first term. The Army’s anniversary celebration is set for June 14, which also happens to be Trump’s birthday. It will include concerts, fireworks, NFL players, fitness competitions and displays all over the National Mall for daylong festivities.

Former New York State Trooper Thomas Mascia admitted Wednesday to shooting himself and falsely claiming he was attacked on a Long Island highway in October. He’ll serve six months in jail, five years of probation, and continue mental health treatment.

The Lakewood Vaad has released a public endorsement urging Orthodox Jewish voters to participate in the upcoming June 10 primary elections — and to do so decisively. While the Vaad typically refrains from engaging in primary contests, a newly released letter declares that this year is “different,” calling the outcome of the governor’s race “CRUCIAL” to the future of the kehilla. Read the full story on Lakewood Alerts.

Hamas leader Mohamed Sinwar, whose elimination was confirmed by the IDF on Wednesday, was considered a top target by the Shin Bet and IDF due to his involvement in planning dozens of attacks against Israel and the IDF, his senior role in planning and executing the October 7 massacre, his hawkish stance in the war against Israel, and his staunch refusal to advance hostage release deals, Maariv reported on Wednesday. Sinwar, like other senior Hamas figures, resided in compounds where hostages were being held, using them as human shields. More and more released hostages have testified that they were held near senior Hamas officials, primarily the brothers, Mohamed and Yahya Sinwar.

R’ Emanuel Yechiya Meshulam, z”l, a beloved mohel and tzaddik known throughout Israel for his decades of mesirus nefesh in performing brissim purely l’shem Shamayim was tragically niftar as he prepared to perform another one. He was 88. The niftar collapsed suddenly in the middle of a bris milah on Wednesday afternoon at a simcha held in Bilu Junction, central Israel. Shocked onlookers watched as the joyous moment turned tragic in an instant. Emergency medical personnel were immediately called to the scene. The call was received by his very own grandson, Kfir Meshulam — a volunteer with Magen David Adom. Kfir rushed over, only to discover that the patient was his beloved grandfather.

Rachel Hanan, the 2025 valedictorian of Touro University’s Lander College for Women (LCW) in Manhattan, has always been drawn to science and medicine. Growing up in Great Neck, Long Island, she was fascinated by anatomy diagrams in medical textbooks, and how the human body works in synchrony. Her early passion evolved into a clear sense of purpose during her years at LCW, where she majored in biology as part of the Medical Honors Pathway program, and emerged as a leader inside and out of the classroom. Rachel chose LCW because of its distinctive blend of rigorous academics, personal support, and values-based education. “I wanted a school where I could pursue my passion for science while staying connected to my Jewish values and traditions,” she said.