Tag:

Syria

Levantine Restaurant ‘ala’ Sets Opening Date For New Maryland Location Levantine Restaurant ‘ala’ Sets Opening Date For New Maryland Location
Levantine Restaurant ‘ala’ Sets Opening Date For New Maryland Location Levantine-inspired restaurant ‘ala’ has set an opening date for its new Maryland location. ala-Bethesda is opening its doors Friday, March 1 at the former Positano restaurant space at 4948 Fairmont Avenue. Similar to its Washington DC location, the new spot’s cuisine couples Levantine-inspired creations with others from the Levant region of Turkey, Syria, and Israel. The eatery sits 90 indoors and 30 more on the patio and is owned by Deniz Gulluoglu, who lives in the Cabin John area of Bethesda. “We have always wanted to open a second restaurant closer to our home, in our community,” …
CT Man Tries To Join ISIS, Fly To Syria: Here's His Sentence CT Man Tries To Join ISIS, Fly To Syria: Here's His Sentence
CT Man Tries To Join ISIS, Fly To Syria: Here's His Sentence A 30-year-old Connecticut man will spend more than a decade in prison for trying to travel to Syria to fight for ISIS, federal officials announced.  New Haven County resident Kevin McCormick of Hamden was sentenced on Thursday, Dec. 21 to 12 years in prison for trying to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced.  Earlier Report - 'I Gotta Fight Bro': Hamden Man Tried To Join ISIS, Fly To Syria, He Admits According to …
Heartbreaking Video Of Iraqi Shiite Hostage, Princeton Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Surfaces Heartbreaking Video Of Iraqi Shiite Hostage, Princeton Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Surfaces
Heartbreaking Video Of Iraqi Shiite Hostage, Princeton Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Surfaces A newly posted video suggests that a Princeton University doctoral student kidnapped in Iraq last March is alive. Elizabeth Tsurkov, a citizen of both Russia and Israel, was abducted while doing work for the Ivy League school, according to a July statement from Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The Iran Observer posted the unauthenticated video clip on X on Monday, Nov. 13 claiming Tsurkov is an operative with Mossad — the national intelligence agency of Israel. "I worked for the Mossad and CIA," a translation of the video reads. Israeli Elizabeth Tsurkov, kidnapped in Iraq 7 months ago, …
Ex-Stockbroker Who Left Wife, Child To Become ISIS Sniper Sentenced To Life Plus 70 Years Ex-Stockbroker Who Left Wife, Child To Become ISIS Sniper Sentenced To Life Plus 70 Years
Ex-Stockbroker Who Left Wife, Child To Become ISIS Sniper Sentenced To Life Plus 70 Years UPDATE: A former stockbroker who abandoned Wall Street and his loved ones to become a sniper and instructor for ISIS was sentenced to life plus 70 years in federal prison on Tuesday, the government announced. Ruslan Maratovich Asainov, 47, reportedly grinned, stroked what is now a thick beard and flashed a thumbs-up sign during the sentencing in U.S. Court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn on Oct. 17. There was no surprise there: To the end, Asainov proclaimed his pride in fighting with ISIS and teaching young student militants in Syria to kill for their beliefs. “He chose t…
Saddle Brook Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake Saddle Brook Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake
Saddle Brook Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake Rayen Bekri, a 13-year-old girl, was trapped in the rubble for six days following an earthquake in her native Turkey in February. Now living with family in Bergen County, the community has come together to help her. While trapped under six floors of a collapsed building, Bekri held onto her brother, though he did not survive. Bekri's mother also died in the earthquake, which killed nearly 60,000 people in Turkey and Syria.  Bekri was finally discovered, though her leg had to be amputated. Bekri's father had previously died in a war in Syria.  Rasha Kattan, Bekri's aunt, flew to T…
Turkey Earthquake: LI Restaurant Donating Valentine's Day Proceeds To Relief Efforts Turkey Earthquake: LI Restaurant Donating Valentine's Day Proceeds To Relief Efforts
Turkey Earthquake: LI Restaurant Donating Valentine's Day Proceeds To Relief Efforts A Long Island restaurant will spend this Valentine’s Day serving up fried chicken with a side of goodwill. Hicksville eatery Slappin’ Chick will donate 100 percent of its proceeds from Tuesday, Feb. 14, to the people affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, co-owner Zafar Ahmad announced on Instagram.  “Assalamu Alaikum (peace be upon you), everyone! In an attempt to assist those in need in Turkey and Syria, Slappin' Chick has decided to donate 100% of our daily earnings to support those affected by the recent disaster,” reads the post. “We hope to see you all there!” …
These Massachusetts Fundraisers Support Victims Of Deadly Earthquake In Turkey These Massachusetts Fundraisers Support Victims Of Deadly Earthquake In Turkey
These Massachusetts Fundraisers Support Victims Of Deadly Earthquake In Turkey The extent of the devastation of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that shook parts of Turkey and Syria is still being uncovered, sparking donations and support from Boston-area organizations.  The quake occurred on Monday, Feb. 7, killing almost 8,000 people, as of AP News's current death tolls. The natural disaster only adds to current dangers in Syria, which is suffering from a decade-long civil war and refugee crisis.  Drone footage shows the sheer scale of destruction in Turkey’s Hatay province, a day after a huge earthquake hit the country and neighboring Syria, killing more than 5,00…
NJ Army Vet Who Supported Syrian Terrorist Lover Gets 3 Plea-Bargained Years In Federal Prison NJ Army Vet Who Supported Syrian Terrorist Lover Gets 3 Plea-Bargained Years In Federal Prison
NJ Army Vet Who Supported Syrian Terrorist Lover Gets 3 Plea-Bargained Years In Federal Prison A U.S. Army veteran from Sussex County must spend more than three years in federal prison for deliberately concealing money and guidance she gave to a Syrian terrorist she'd fallen in love with. Because there's no parole in the federal prison system, Maria Bell, 55, must serve out just about all of the plea-bargained 36-month sentence approved by a federal judge in Newark on Tuesday, Jan. 24, Bell, of Hopatcong, offered not only money and military intelligence but the benefit of her experience in specialized weapons training to Syria-based factions fighting the Assad regime, a complaint on…
'I Gotta Fight Bro': Hamden Man Tried To Join ISIS, Fly To Syria, He Admits 'I Gotta Fight Bro': Hamden Man Tried To Join ISIS, Fly To Syria, He Admits
'I Gotta Fight Bro': Hamden Man Tried To Join ISIS, Fly To Syria, He Admits A Connecticut man is facing prison time after admitting to trying to fly to Syria in order to fight for ISIS.  New Haven County resident Kevin McCormick, age 29, of Hamden, admitted to trying to join the terrorist organization in Bridgeport Federal Court on Thursday, Jan. 12, according to the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut.  Between August and October 2019, McCormick repeatedly told others of his desire to travel to Syria to lend support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).  In one of these conversations, he said, "I gotta fight br…
CT Man Admits Attempting To Travel To Syria To Fight For ISIS CT Man Admits Attempting To Travel To Syria To Fight For ISIS
CT Man Admits Attempting To Travel To Syria To Fight For ISIS A 25-year-old Connecticut man has admitted he tried to travel to Syria to fight on behalf of ISIS. New Haven County resident Ahmad Khalil Elshazly, of West Haven, pleaded guilty Wednesday, Nov. 30, to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery announced. In September 2018, Elshazly expressed a desire to travel to Syria and the surrounding area and fight on behalf of ISIS, the US Attorney's Office said. In conversions both online and in person, he pledged allegia…
Long Island Man Sentenced For Attempting To Join ISIS Long Island Man Sentenced For Attempting To Join ISIS
Long Island Man Sentenced For Attempting To Join ISIS A Long Island man has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for attempting to provide support and resources in an effort to join the terrorist organization ISIS. Elvis Redzepagic, age 30, of Commack, was sentenced on Friday, Nov. 19, after pleading guilty in April, said Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York,  “With the imposition of today’s lengthy sentence, Redzepagic pays a steep price for his misguided embrace of terrorism and his attempts to join ISIS and the al-Nusrah Front in order to wage violent jihad,” stated Peace.  In early 2015, R…
NYC Man Gets 38 Years Without Parole For Assisting ISIS, Stabbing Jail Guard NYC Man Gets 38 Years Without Parole For Assisting ISIS, Stabbing Jail Guard
NYC Man Gets 38 Years Without Parole For Assisting ISIS, Stabbing Jail Guard A Queens man was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years without parole in federal prison for trying to support ISIS, followed by another eight years for assaulting a federal correctional officer. Ali Saleh, 28, will have to serve out just about all of the consecutive sentences because there’s no parole in the federal prison system. Saleh “swore an oath of allegiance to ISIS” and embraced the terrorist organization’s directive to either travel to the Middle East or take action at home, a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn says. “I’m ready to die for the Caliphate, prison is nothing…
Last US Solider To Leave Afghanistan Is Pennsylvania Native Last US Solider To Leave Afghanistan Is Pennsylvania Native
Last US Solider To Leave Afghanistan Is Pennsylvania Native A distinguished US Army major general who graduated from Harvard University, was deployed 18 times and worked in the Pentagon is the last US solder to leave Afghanistan after a 20-year occupation. Oh yeah, Maj. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue hails from Franklin County, PA. The last American soldier to leave Afghanistan: Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue, commanding general of the @82ndABNDiv, @18airbornecorps boards an @usairforce C-17 on August 30th, 2021, ending the U.S. mission in Kabul. pic.twitter.com/j5fPx4iv6a — Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) August 30, 2021 The commanding general…
SURPRISE! NJ Town Gives Soldier 'Welcome Home' Celebration To Remember SURPRISE! NJ Town Gives Soldier 'Welcome Home' Celebration To Remember
Surprise! NJ Town Gives Soldier 'Welcome Home' Celebration To Remember A soldier returning from his first deployment got an unforgettable welcome home surprise, thanks to dozens of residents in one New Jersey town. Crowds gathered outside of Van Zant Elementary School in Evesham Township to greet U.S. Army Specialist Cody Wallace Friday morning. U.S. Army Specialist Cody Wallace was greeted but dozens of Evesham residents in a welcome home surprise he'll never forget.Evesham Township Wallace received the U.S. Army Achievement Medal during this deployment for his exceptional service during a mission in Syria. The soldier serves with the 628th Aviation Supp…
Long Island Man Admits To Attempting To Provide Material Support To Terrorists Long Island Man Admits To Attempting To Provide Material Support To Terrorists
Long Island Man Admits To Attempting To Provide Material Support To Terrorists A Long Island man who tried to travel to Syria to wage a "violent jihad," has pleaded guilty to a terrorism count. Suffolk County resident Elvis Redzepagic, age 30, of Commack, pleaded guilty on Friday, April 23, to attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and ISIS and the al-Nusrah Front, said Mark J. Lesko, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, in early 2015, Redzepagic began communicating with an individual he believed to be both the commander of a battalion in Syria and a member of ISI…
CT Man Sentenced For Conspiring To Provide Material Support To ISIS CT Man Sentenced For Conspiring To Provide Material Support To ISIS
CT Man Sentenced For Conspiring To Provide Material Support To ISIS A Connecticut man was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison for providing material supporting to ISIS, a foreign terrorist organization. Azizjon Rakhmatov, a New Haven resident and also a citizen of Uzbekistan, was sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 14, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. In addition to the sentence, governmental officials said they also intend to seek Rakhmatov's removal to Uzbekistan upon completion of his sentence of imprisonment. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that there are significant consequences for those who support terror…
FBI Nabs Ex-Soldier From Sussex County Charged With Supporting Syrian Terrorists FBI Nabs Ex-Soldier From Sussex County Charged With Supporting Syrian Terrorists
FBI Nabs Ex-Soldier From Sussex County Charged With Supporting Syrian Terrorists FBI agents arrested a Sussex County woman Wednesday and charged her with supporting a Syrian terrorist group. Maria Bell, a 53-year-old former U.S. Army solider and member of the National Guard, provided money and advice to “fighters based in Syria who were members of various factions fighting the Assad regime,” U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. Bell cited her professional experience in specialized weapons training, offering to provide guidance on operational security issues, weapons purchases and military intelligence, a complaint on file in U.S. District Court in Newark charges. Accord…
ISIS Wannabe From Connecticut Not Mentally Fit For Trial ISIS Wannabe From Connecticut Not Mentally Fit For Trial
ISIS Wannabe From Connecticut Not Mentally Fit For Trial A Hamden man who allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and attempted to fight for the terrorist organization is not mentally fit to stand trial.  Kevin Iman McCormick, 27, was charged with a felony for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) in October 2019, according to the office of United States Attorney of Connecticut John H. Grisham.  Based on a medical assessment given by Dr. Hassan M. Minhas, on Wednesday, Oct. 14, U.S. District Court, Connecticut, Judge Kari A. Dooley said McCormick is not mentally prepared to be tried. Dooley …
Long Island Woman Sentenced For Providing Material Support To ISIS Long Island Woman Sentenced For Providing Material Support To ISIS
Long Island Woman Sentenced For Providing Material Support To ISIS A 30-year-old woman on Long Island will spend more than a decade behind bars for offering material support to ISIS. Brentwood resident Zoobia Shahnaz has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue announced. Specifically, Donoghue said Shahnaz provided more than $150,000 to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), and attempted to travel to Syria to join ISIS.  According to court papers, between March 2017 and July 2017, Shahnaz defrauded numerous financial institutions to obtain money f…
Through Her Lens, Westport Native Lynsey Addario Tells The Stories We Need To Know Through Her Lens, Westport Native Lynsey Addario Tells The Stories We Need To Know
Through Her Lens, Westport Native Lynsey Addario Tells The Stories We Need To Know Perhaps it’s because Lynsey Addario grew up the youngest of four sisters. Perhaps it’s because she was raised to be nonjudgmental and encouraged to be open and accepting by her hairdresser parents. Or, perhaps, it’s because she cares about capturing entire stories through her photographs, bearing witness to things that others may turn away from. Actually, it’s all this and more that has made Addario an Emmy Award -- and Pulitzer Prize -- winning photojournalist as well as MacArthur Grant recipient who’s work regularly appears in the New York Times, National Geographic, Time magazine and oth…
DV Plus - Fairfield, CT
CT Congressmen Rip Trump's Turkey Ceasefire CT Congressmen Rip Trump's Turkey Ceasefire
CT Congressmen Rip Trump's Turkey Ceasefire President Trump declared Thursday's ceasefire at the Turkish-Syrian border was "an incredible outcome." But the Republican's assessment was immediately shot down by congressional Democrats from Connecticut. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal tweeted: "The President got rolled, & so did our national integrity. It is yet another betrayal to our Kurdish partners & a boon to our adversaries, Russia & Iran. "This illusory solution is a catastrophic, roundabout way for President Trump to give President Erdogan exactly what he wanted: a Kurdish withdrawal, & free reign over northern Syr…
DV Plus - Westchester, NY
VIDEO: 'We Want Nothing To Do With This Disastrous Policy,' Westchester Congressman Engel Says VIDEO: 'We Want Nothing To Do With This Disastrous Policy,' Westchester Congressman Engel Says
Video: 'We Want Nothing To Do With This Disastrous Policy,' Westchester Congressman Engel Says By an overwhelming 354 to 60 bipartisan vote, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, Oct. 16 delivered a condemnation of President Trump’s decision to withdraw American forces from northern Syria. The resolution, introduced by New York Congressman Eliot Engel, said Trump's "disastrous policy" has thrown the region into bloody chaos and unraveled Middle East diplomacy. "What kind of message does this send to the world.  .  . when we betray one of our close partners -- just throw them out like an old shoe,?' Engel asked during his speech on the House floor. "Congress must s…
Former NYC Resident Accused Of Being High-Ranking ISIS Member Former NYC Resident Accused Of Being High-Ranking ISIS Member
Former NYC Resident Accused Of Being High-Ranking ISIS Member A naturalized American citizen who lived in New York City allegedly traveled to Syria and became a sniper and weapons instructor for ISIS is facing federal charges for supporting the terrorist organization. Ruslan Maratovich Asainov, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Kazakhstan was charged in Brooklyn federal court for allegedly providing and attempting to provide material support, including training, services, and personnel, to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham. Asainov, 42, who resided in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, traveled to Istanbul, Turkey in December 2013, which is a common transit po…
Exhibition Earns Fairfield Museum National Award Exhibition Earns Fairfield Museum National Award
Exhibition Earns Fairfield Museum National Award An exhibition on refugees and immigrants at the Fairfield Museum & History Center won a national award. The museum received an Award of Excellence for the exhibition An American Story: Finding Home in Fairfield County from the American Association for State and Local History—AASLH.  The recognition is for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. A series of photographic portraits and biographical narratives, An American Story honored the centennial of the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.  The exhibit…
Syrian National Faces Stalking Charge In CT Syrian National Faces Stalking Charge In CT
Syrian National Faces Stalking Charge In CT A Syrian national who allegedly threatened and bullied his wife while in federal custody is facing prison time after being charged by a federal grand jury in Connecticut. Alaa Hasan Qalb Allouz, 34, a resident of Syria living in New Haven has been indicted on a charge of stalking in violation of a protective order after allegedly abusing his former wife. In July 2016, Allouz, his wife and their children emigrated from Syria and settled in New Haven, U.S. Attorney John Durham said. In April the following year, Allouz’s wife filed a petition for a dissolution of marriage following several dom…
Memorial Wall Service Held For Navy Technician From Area Killed Syria In ISIS Attack Memorial Wall Service Held For Navy Technician From Area Killed Syria In ISIS Attack
Memorial Wall Service Held For Navy Technician From Area Killed Syria In ISIS Attack A special tribute was paid to Shannon Kent, a Hudson Valley woman killed in a suicide bombing in Syria on Wednesday, Jan. 16, during a recent memorial service. The sailor from Pine Plains in Dutchess County, one of four Americans to die during an ISIS suicide bombing, is the 177th person to have their name engraved on the National Security Agency's National Cryptologic Memorial at Fort Meade in Maryland, according to the National Security Agency. Her name is engraved on the memorial wall.CTICS “Senior Chief Kent and all those honored on this wall remind us of the seriousness of our miss…
Hackensack Born ISIS Bride Suing Trump Administration, Report Says Hackensack Born ISIS Bride Suing Trump Administration, Report Says
Hackensack Born ISIS Bride Suing Trump Administration, Report Says The Trump administration is facing a lawsuit from a Hackensack-born ISIS bride who feels she and her toddler son are wrongfully being kept out of the U.S. Hoda Muthana, 24, has since renounced the terrorist group that she left for in 2014, her lawyer Hassan Shibly said, adding she had a valid passport at the time. Shibly said Muthana was "brainwashed" by the Islamic State when she fled her family in Alabama -- "just a stupid, naive young dumb woman, he said. After her third marriage to an IS fighter, Muthana wanted to get out. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Muthana does not have any …
Woman From Hudson Valley ID'd As One Of Four Americans Killed In Syria Suicide Bombing Woman From Hudson Valley ID'd As One Of Four Americans Killed In Syria Suicide Bombing
Woman From Hudson Valley ID'd As One Of Four Americans Killed In Syria Suicide Bombing This story has been updated. A Hudson Valley woman has been identified as one of the four Americans killed in a suicide bombing in Syria on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon M. Kent, 35, who grew up in Pine Plains in Dutchess County, was a sailor assigned to Cryptologic Warfare Activity 66, based at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.  Other victims identified were Department of Defense civilian Scott A. Wirtz of St. Louis, Missouri and Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan R. Farmer, 37, of Boynton Beach, Florida. The initial United States assessmen…
New Milford Salon Rallies For 'Mother Hen' Cosmetologist Critical After Brain Hemorrhage New Milford Salon Rallies For 'Mother Hen' Cosmetologist Critical After Brain Hemorrhage
New Milford Salon Rallies For 'Mother Hen' Cosmetologist Critical After Brain Hemorrhage Louris Wanissian of New Milford is usually the one caring for others. But after suffering a  brain hemorrhage Tuesday that left her critical, the single mom's colleagues at Danielle's Place are taking care of her. More than $2,100 had been raised as of Thursday afternoon on a GoFundMe for Wanissian, 54, launched by salon owner Danielle Yodice. "We call her the mother hen here," said Yodice, who has worked with Wanissian for nearly 20 years. "She's the one that takes care of everybody." Wanissian moved to the U.S. from Syria nearly three decades ago. With most of her fa…
Cuomo Plans Security, Solidarity Trip As Attacks Escalate In Israel, Syria Cuomo Plans Security, Solidarity Trip As Attacks Escalate In Israel, Syria
Cuomo Plans Security, Solidarity Trip As Attacks Escalate In Israel, Syria Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New Castle announced an upcoming "security and solidarity trip" to Israel as violence escalates along its northern border with Syria, as reported by multiple news outlets.  Cuomo made his announcement on Wednesday night, May 9 during a gala dinner sponsored by the Jewish Community Council of New York. "I believe true friendship is shown not in the easy times, but in the hard times," Cuomo said in his speech. "In 2002, when suicide bombers were attacking Israeli buses and everybody left, there was no tourism, there were no visitors, I led a New Y…
Ex-Fort Lee Alt-Rocker Dimed Out By Mom Gets 8 Years For Supporting ISIS Ex-Fort Lee Alt-Rocker Dimed Out By Mom Gets 8 Years For Supporting ISIS
Ex-Fort Lee Alt-Rocker Dimed Out By Mom Gets 8 Years For Supporting ISIS FORT LEE, N.J. -- A 24-year-old former alt-rock singer from Fort Lee who was turned in by his mother for conspiring to support foreign terrorism in Iraq was sentenced to eight years in federal prison. Federal agents seized Samuel Rahamin Topaz at his home in June 2015 and quickly followed with the arrests of three co-conspirators who they said planned to travel to Syria to join the foreign terrorist organization. All three took deals from the government in exchange for leniency.Nader Saadeh, a Jordanian national who previously lived in Rutherford, got 10 years in federal prison on Monday. …