Tag:

Israel

Man Admits To Vandalizing Rutgers Islamic Center On Muslim Holiday, Feds Say Man Admits To Vandalizing Rutgers Islamic Center On Muslim Holiday, Feds Say
Man Admits To Vandalizing Rutgers Islamic Center On Muslim Holiday, Feds Say A North Plainfield man admitted to trashing an Islamic center at Rutgers University-New Brunswick during an important Muslim holiday, authorities said. Jacob Beacher, 24, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Oct. 9 to damage to religious property, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release. According to court documents and statements, Beacher broke into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) at around 2:41 a.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 10. That day was Eid-al-Fitr, a holy celebration for Muslims at the end of Ramadan. Prosecutors said Beacher caused m…
TikTok Ban Explained: What's The Fate Of Popular Video Sharing App? TikTok Ban Explained: What's The Fate Of Popular Video Sharing App?
TikTok Ban Explained: What's The Fate Of Popular Video Sharing App? Another sell-or-be-banned TikTok legislation is working its way up to the Senate. The House passed the sell-or-be-banned bill for the app (360-58) on Saturday, April 20 as part of a larger foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, giving Chinese TikTok owner ByteDance up to a year to sell the app. Otherwise, TikTok will be subject to a nationwide ban. According to Politico, the bill is expected to pass the Senate as it's considered "priority legislation" for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. A previous, standalone bill was passed by the House in March over national security co…
Occupied West Bank Real Estate Fair At Teaneck Synagogue Can’t Be Stopped, Officials Say Occupied West Bank Real Estate Fair At Teaneck Synagogue Can’t Be Stopped, Officials Say
Occupied West Bank Real Estate Fair At Teaneck Synagogue Can’t Be Stopped, Officials Say 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Officials in Teaneck promised Thursday that they'll maintain order at a controversial Israeli real estate event scheduled for this weekend that's expected to draw a huge police presence.  What they can’t do, they said, is prevent it from happening. ****** 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Two out-of-towners were arrested after they threw liquid on protestors near the end of a controversial Israeli real estate showcase at a Teaneck synagogue, authorities said. SEE: Only Two Arrests Made At Trouble-Free Israeli Real Estate Protest In Teaneck, Police Chief Says ****** Palestinian, Muslim, and Jewi…
Anti-Israel Stickers Were Posted At Starbucks Before Red-Paint Attack, Glen Rock Chief Says Anti-Israel Stickers Were Posted At Starbucks Before Red-Paint Attack, Glen Rock Chief Says
Anti-Israel Stickers Were Posted At Starbucks Before Red-Paint Attack, Glen Rock Chief Says UPDATE: Whoever defaced a sign with red paint at a Starbucks in Glen Rock was apparently mimicking similar attacks that have occurred throughout the U.S. and Canada since the Israel-Hamas war began last October, Police Chief Dean Ackermann said. Ackermann also said that stickers bearing hateful messages against Israel that were found with the overnight vandalism on Feb. 19 apparently had been attached sometime before then. "A closer examination of these stickers shows scratches and marks that may indicate they had been on the poles for a few days," the chief said. In an effort to narrow do…
'AI Moonshoot' Among Murphy's Ideas To Make Life More Affordable For NJ Residents 'AI Moonshoot' Among Murphy's Ideas To Make Life More Affordable For NJ Residents
'AI Moonshoot' Among Murphy's Ideas To Make Life More Affordable For NJ Residents Gov. Phil Murphy sees New Jersey as a future global leader in artificial intelligence, while balancing the urgent financial needs of families during his 2024 State of the State Address. In his speech on Tuesday, Jan. 9, Gov. Murphy spoke about "an era of unease and uncertainty" defined by economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with wars in Israel and Ukraine.  He also talked about how higher costs of living are the biggest challenges for many families. "Making life more affordable for more families is our highest priority," said Gov. Murphy. "We need to recognize t…
CHI LO HA VISTO? FBI Hopes Someone Has Seen NJ Man Who Went Missing In Italy CHI LO HA VISTO? FBI Hopes Someone Has Seen NJ Man Who Went Missing In Italy
CHI LO HA Visto? FBI Hopes Someone Has Seen NJ Man Who Went Missing In Italy SEEN HIM? The FBI this weekend released age-progressed drawings of a missing Jersey Shore man who was last known to be hiking through a remote section of Italy nearly five years ago. Liam Biran, a wine steward from Marlboro, NJ, who aspired to be a sommelier, was 32 when he headed to Israel to visit his grandparents the second week of April 2019. In his last LinkedIn post, Biran wrote that he was "tracking vineyards in Israel. From golan Heights to desert shores. Networked, photographed, and discussed options for export." Biran -- who had duel American and Israeli passports -- had planned …
FBI: New Jersey Man Seized Overseas After Threatening American Jihad FBI: New Jersey Man Seized Overseas After Threatening American Jihad
FBI: New Jersey Man Seized Overseas After Threatening American Jihad A New Jersey man motivated by the Hamas attack on Israel was captured in Kenya after he aspired to be "a martyr for the jihadist cause" and dedicated himself to joining a terrorist group tied to al-Qaida, federal authorities charged. Karrem Nasr, 23, moved from the Trenton suburb of Lawrenceville to Egypt in July hoping to connect with the Somali-based al-Shabab, they said. He intended to "receive military training and engage in jihad" against the United States and its allies and was "prepared to kill and be killed" for the cause, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in Brooklyn on Friday, De…
Rutgers Pro-Palestinian Group Stages Protest Amid Suspension Rutgers Pro-Palestinian Group Stages Protest Amid Suspension
Rutgers Pro-Palestinian Group Stages Protest Amid Suspension A pro-Palestinian group at Rutgers University staged a protest after being suspended from the school earlier this week. Students for Justice in Palestine took to the steps of a building on campus, chanting "Free, free Palestine," and, "Israel is a racist state," on Thursday, Dec. 14. Officials cited complaints of violating university policy, including disruption of classes, meals, and studying students; improper behavior by campus guests, and inappropriate use of space, in announcing SJP's suspension. There were also allegations of vandalism to the Rutgers Business School, the le…
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, …
Eagles Clarify Reason For NJ Power Broker Norcross' Removal From Game Eagles Clarify Reason For NJ Power Broker Norcross' Removal From Game
Eagles Clarify Reason For NJ Power Broker Norcross' Removal From Game New Jersey power broker and political party boss George Norcross was removed from the Philadelphia Eagles game over an Israeli flag — but not necessarily because of his support for Israel, team officials said. Video shows the Camden native and Democratic Party organizer being removed from the Sunday, Nov. 5 game against Dallas, after hanging American and Israeli flags outside of his suite. Security removed George Norcross from the Eagles game today because he hung an American and Israeli flag outside his box. Then they tore down the flag. pic.twitter.com/3agNgr3X0E — Julie Roginsky (@ju…
Five Arrests Made At Dueling Protests Over Israel-Hamas War (w/VIDEO) Five Arrests Made At Dueling Protests Over Israel-Hamas War (w/VIDEO)
Five Arrests Made At Dueling Protests Over Israel-Hamas War (w/Video) UPDATE: Dueling protests involving more than 600 demonstrators divided over the war between Israel and Hamas outside an Englewood City Council meeting led to the arrests of five of them – all of whom are from outside the city, authorities said. Englewood Police Chief Thomas Greeley had backup from several local police departments, as well as the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, at the gathering on Tuesday night, Oct. 24, which ended without any major incidents after he convinced the council to cut its meeting short. Both sides were at odds over a resolution approved by the City Council earl…
Survivor Of Hamas Attack In Israel Recounts Nightmare At Washington DC Synagogue (VIDEO) Survivor Of Hamas Attack In Israel Recounts Nightmare At Washington DC Synagogue (VIDEO)
Survivor Of Hamas Attack In Israel Recounts Nightmare At Washington DC Synagogue (Video) Noa Ben Artzi, a 25-year-old industrial engineering student who survived the Hamas attack on Saturday, Oct. 7 at a music and nature festival in Israel, shared her story this week in Washington D.C. Government officials were among the audience members at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, where Ben Artzi spoke on Tuesday, Oct. 17, of the horrors that she saw. In a video posted by AIPAC, Ben Artzi said she heard what people thought were fireworks but later learned with missiles flying over Re'im. She first tried escaping in a car but ended up taking shelter in small cement enclos…
Anti-Hamas Message On Electronic Billboard Over Route 80 Prompts Hundreds Of Calls To Police Anti-Hamas Message On Electronic Billboard Over Route 80 Prompts Hundreds Of Calls To Police
Anti-Hamas Message On Electronic Billboard Over Route 80 Prompts Hundreds Of Calls To Police An anti-Hamas message on a billboard overlooking Route 80 triggered hundreds of phone calls to a local police department due to a social media suggestion. "Oh, don't be naive," the electronic message on a hot pink background read. "Hamas would chop your head off too." It was signed "jewbelong." Bogota police fielded more than 100 complaints from callers, Bogota Police Sgt. Geoffrey Cole said late Tuesday, Oct. 17. Some were from people who felt threatened by the message, while others expressed fears over possible violence -- not to mention general outrage from those who felt targeted, t…
DJ, 20, Named 2nd New Jersey Resident Killed In Israel By Hamas DJ, 20, Named 2nd New Jersey Resident Killed In Israel By Hamas
DJ, 20, Named 2nd New Jersey Resident Killed In Israel By Hamas A second New Jersey native has been identified as a victim of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. Hopewell native Lior Abramov, 20, had moved to Israel to follow in his father's footsteps and become a successful DJ, according to Gov. Phil Murphy. "Our prayers are with his family as they grieve this unimaginable loss," Murphy said on Twitter. His father, David Abramov, posted a photo of his son on Facebook and shared his sadness, getting thousands of reactions. Abramov's mother, Michal Halev, also took to Facebook and said in part, "the world has come to a standstill." Itay Glisko, a n…
'Frightened Faces': Sen. Cory Booker In Israel Describes Horror During Surprise Hamas Attacks 'Frightened Faces': Sen. Cory Booker In Israel Describes Horror During Surprise Hamas Attacks
'Frightened Faces': Sen. Cory Booker In Israel Describes Horror During Surprise Hamas Attacks US Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey is safe, but he'll never be able to shake the horror he saw this weekend. The Harrington Park, New Jersey native posted a YouTube video, his backdrop the Old City in Jerusalem, on Sunday, Oct. 8.  Booker said he was jogging in Jerusalem on Saturday, Oct. 7, when he got an urgent call from his chief of staff, telling him to get back to the hotel immediately: Israel was under attack. Hamas, which controls Gaza, launched a surprise attack on Israel, wounding thousands and killing hundreds in the longtime conflict. “Citizens of Israel," Israeli P…
COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Five States COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Five States
Covid-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Five States The most likely symptoms of a new COVID-19 variant with around 30 mutations are expected to be similar to the highly contagious Omicron strain based on reports so far. COVID-related hospitalizations have increased in the US for six straight weeks, with a 19-percent increase reported in the most recent week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, has now been identified in five states: New York, Texas, Michigan, Virginia, and Ohio. The strain was first detected in Israel around Sunday, Aug. 20, and cases have also been identif…
Israeli Helicopter Pilot Killed In NJ Crash (UPDATE) Israeli Helicopter Pilot Killed In NJ Crash (UPDATE)
Israeli Helicopter Pilot Killed In NJ Crash (Update) Authorities have identified the 44-year-old pilot killed in a helicopter crash on Thursday, Aug. 31. Josef Yitzhak of Israel died in the crash, South Brunswick police said.  "We worked with Israeli Consul and Israeli police overnight to notify his family," police said on Twitter. Police Chief Raymond Hayducka extends his deepest sympathy to the pilot's family.  The pilot's Robinson R22 copter went down in a South Brunswick canal near Princeton at 3:15 p.m., the FAA said.  Tragedy - At 3:27pm a single-engine Robinson R22 crashed in woods and a stream off Lakeview Avenue. The pilot was…
COVID-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed COVID-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed
Covid-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed The first case of the newly identified COVID-19 variant with 30 mutations has been identified in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded BA.2.86 to a “variant under monitoring," citing the "large number of mutations it carries." BA.2.86, which has now been nicknamed "Pirola," was first detected in Israel, and cases have also been identified in the United Kingdom and Denmark. The initial case in the US has been detected in Michigan. The patient, an older person with mild symptoms, is from Washtenaw County, the Michigan Department of Health and Hu…
Princeton Doctoral Student Held Hostage In Iraq, Israeli Officials Say Princeton Doctoral Student Held Hostage In Iraq, Israeli Officials Say
Princeton Doctoral Student Held Hostage In Iraq, Israeli Officials Say A Princeton doctoral student missing for several months is being held hostage in Iraq, Israeli officials said. Elizabeth Tsurkov, a citizen of both Russia and Israel, was abducted in March while doing work for the Ivy League school, according to a statement from Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The 36-year-old was abducted by members of the Shiite group Kataeb Hezbollah, a radical Iran-backed militia group, Netanyahu's office said. Tsurkov had just walked out of a cafe in Iraqi capital Baghdad when she was abducted, the New York Times says citing the researcher's family.  Also a fellow at Wa…
Five From NJ Admit Pocketing $1.3M In Aircraft Equipment Scam Five From NJ Admit Pocketing $1.3M In Aircraft Equipment Scam
Five From NJ Admit Pocketing $1.3M In Aircraft Equipment Scam A crew of con artists from New Jersey admitted swindling more than $1.3 million from hundreds of businesses nationwide and abroad that thought they were buying specialized aviation equipment. The head of the operation, Antonio P. Signo, 36, of Somerset – aka "Tony Demetro" – had been the first to take a deal from prosecutors rather than face the potential consequences of a trial. The onetime fugitive pleaded guilty last August -- with no public notice from authorities – to a single count of theft by deception, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin revealed on Thursday, May 25. The…
Your Dating Preferences Don't Scare Philly Matchmaker Starring On Netflix's New Hit Show Your Dating Preferences Don't Scare Philly Matchmaker Starring On Netflix's New Hit Show
Your Dating Preferences Don't Scare Philly Matchmaker Starring On Netflix's New Hit Show Philadelphia-area native Aleeza Ben Shalom's warmth and knowledge is showcased on Netflix's new hit dating show "Jewish Matchmaking." The show is from the same team who produced "Indian Matchmaking," and debuted on Netflix Wednesday, May 3.  On "Jewish Matchmaking," Ben Shalom — a dating coach who grew up in Brynn Mawr — works to pair Jewish singles of all ages from across the U.S. and in Israel with their potential soulmates.  The show follows the singles as they date and, hopefully, end up under the chuppah. View this post on Instagram A …
UPDATE: More Similac Baby Formula Recalled After Infant Dies, FDA Says UPDATE: More Similac Baby Formula Recalled After Infant Dies, FDA Says
Update: More Similac Baby Formula Recalled After Infant Dies, FDA Says Abbott Laboratories voluntarily expanded its recall of certain Similac PM 60/40 cans and cases after a second infant who was given the powdered baby formula died, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. Abbott had already recalled certain Alimentum, Similac and EleCare baby formulas made at the same company facility in Michigan after four infants were sickened by bacterial infections and one of them died. That baby's death, as well as the second one discovered on Monday, Feb. 28, could have been caused by Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria found in the formulas, which were distributed thro…
NYC Health Chief Reinstates Indoor Public Mask Advisory As Omicron Concerns Grow NYC Health Chief Reinstates Indoor Public Mask Advisory As Omicron Concerns Grow
NYC Health Chief Reinstates Indoor Public Mask Advisory As Omicron Concerns Grow New York City's health chief "strongly" recommended Monday that everyone wear masks in indoor public settings at all times -- regardless of their vax status -- as concerns grows over the newest mutated strain of COVID. "Like at your grocery or in building lobbies, offices and retail stores,” Dr. David Chokshi, commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, told reporters. “When you’re indoors, regardless of whether you’re fully vaccinated or not, everyone should be wearing a mask." It's not a mandate -- just an advisory at this point. Theaters, restaurants, clu…
NJ Kosher Markets Bounce Ben & Jerry's For Boycott Of 'Occupied Palestinian Territory' NJ Kosher Markets Bounce Ben & Jerry's For Boycott Of 'Occupied Palestinian Territory'
NJ Kosher Markets Bounce Ben & Jerry's For Boycott Of 'Occupied Palestinian Territory' Kosher markets across New Jersey have discontinued sales of Ben & Jerry's ice cream after the company announced it will stop selling in "occupied Palestinian territory." Ben & Jerry's fans have said that conducting sales in Israel flies in the face of its liberal image.  The Vermont-based ice cream giant agreed, announcing Monday that it's not renewing its license with the Israeli manufacturer after it expires at the end of 2022. "We believe it is inconsistent with our values for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to be sold in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)," Ben & Jerry's…
'Share Your Spare': NJ Mom's Kidney Donation Saves Life Of 37-Year-Old Patient 'Share Your Spare': NJ Mom's Kidney Donation Saves Life Of 37-Year-Old Patient
'Share Your Spare': NJ Mom's Kidney Donation Saves Life Of 37-Year-Old Patient Linden's Naava Hess is part of loving family devoted to helping others in need.  She and her husband, Rabbi Joshua Hess, have encouraged their children -- Daniel, Akiva, Esti and Dalia -- to always look for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. That opportunity for Naava would ultimately come through living organ donation. “I have a few friends and acquaintances that have been living donors, and it was always something that intrigued me,” said Hess said.  “When there was a member of our synagogue who was in need of a kidney, I signed up for a drive to test t…
NJ 'Rabbi' Accused Of Living Double Life In Israel As Secret Christian Missionary NJ 'Rabbi' Accused Of Living Double Life In Israel As Secret Christian Missionary
NJ 'Rabbi' Accused Of Living Double Life In Israel As Secret Christian Missionary A New Jersey man living in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel has been accused of faking his religion to hide the fact that he is really a Christian missionary. Rabbi Michael Elkohen dressed in strictly-Orthodox clothes and had been living in French Hill with his five children and wife, Amanda, who recently died after a cancer battle, the Times of Israel says. Elkohen's family had reportedly been under surveillance for at least seven years, but it all came crumbling down last week, when his teen daughter told a classmate that Jesus  "accepts everyone, even if they are wr…
COVID-19: Here's Number Of Americans Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says COVID-19: Here's Number Of Americans Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says
Covid-19: Here's Number Of Americans Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has released the first data on so-called "breakthrough" COVID-19 cases, meaning individuals who have become infected -- despite being fully vaccinated. So far, there have been about 5,800 such cases, the CDC told CNN.  At the time that data was collected, 77 million American adults had been fully vaccinated, meaning 99.992 percent had dodged the disease. The efficacy rates of the double-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both around 95 percent. "To date, no unexpected patterns have been identified in case demographics or v…
'Firefighting Royalty': NJ Legend Larry Rauch Dies 'Firefighting Royalty': NJ Legend Larry Rauch Dies
'Firefighting Royalty': NJ Legend Larry Rauch Dies He was the very definition of “class act,” a father figure and mentor to a multitude who made protecting others their mission. You couldn't help but love him. “Firefighting royalty” one colleague said Monday after learning that retired veteran fire chief and academy instructor Larry Rauch had died a week and a half shy of his 79th birthday. Rauch, the Bergen County Fire Academy’s head instructor for several decades, fought fires for nearly 50 years in Upper Saddle River. He lived there most of his life before moving to Manchester in 2019 with his beloved wife of 58 years, Sherry, who died…
Feds Charge Jersey Shore Pain Management Doc With Massive $24.6M Billing Fraud Feds Charge Jersey Shore Pain Management Doc With Massive $24.6M Billing Fraud
Feds Charge Jersey Shore Pain Management Doc With Massive $24.6M Billing Fraud A Jersey Shore pain management doctor accused of running a $24.6 million fraud scheme billed insurance plans for more than 24 hours worth of services in a single day no fewer than 900 times, federal authorities said Monday. Morris Antebi, 68, of Long Branch, also billed Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies frequently on dates when travel records show he was overseas -- including trips to China, Israel, Turkey, the Dominican Republic and across Europe – and at other times when he was otherwise out of state, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. Antebi, who specializes in pain ma…
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Lakewood Man In $8 Million Credit Card Reward Points Scheme Federal Grand Jury Indicts Lakewood Man In $8 Million Credit Card Reward Points Scheme
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Lakewood Man In $8 Million Credit Card Reward Points Scheme A Lakewood man who's currently believed to be in Israel orchestrated a rewards points resale scheme that cost credit card companies more than $8 million, an indictment returned Friday by a federal grand jury in Newark alleges. Aharon Lev, 33, had help from co-defendant Timothy Gibson, 43, of Lehi, Utah, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said after both were named in an indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Lev also is charged with separate wire fraud and aggravated identity theft counts. Lev used a string of aliases – among them, “Aaron Lev,” “David Gold” and “David Mo…
Israel’s Largest Bank Pays $900 Million In Offshore Tax Evasion Scheme, Soccer Payoffs Israel’s Largest Bank Pays $900 Million In Offshore Tax Evasion Scheme, Soccer Payoffs
Israel’s Largest Bank Pays $900 Million In Offshore Tax Evasion Scheme, Soccer Payoffs Israel’s largest bank and a Swiss subsidiary agreed in federal court in Manhattan on Thursday to pay $874.27 million to the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and the New York State Department of Financial Services to settle offshore tax-evasion charges. At the same time, Bank Hapoalim B.M. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Hapoalim (Switzerland) Ltd., agreed to pay more than $30 million to the United States to resolve a federal investigation into their roles in laundering bribes and kickbacks to the world governing body for soccer. As part of the tax-evasion settlement, Bank Hapoalim B.M.&…