The Israel Premier League delivered drama as Ironi Tiberias secured a last-minute equalizer against Maccabi Tel Aviv, while Bnei Reineh stunned Beitar Jerusalem with a 4-1 victory. Other matches saw Maccabi Haifa dominate Ironi Kiryat Shmona in a 4-1 rout, Hapoel Beersheba narrowly edge Hapoel Haifa 1-0, and Maccabi Netanya overwhelm Bnei Sakhnin 4-0.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says a hostage deal is closer than ever, based on the framework put forward by President Biden in May.

Hamas allegedly seeks the return of Yahya Sinwar's body in exchange for prisoners.

President Biden is hopeful that a hostage deal will be concluded soon, as negotiations continue in Doha. He highlighted the progress made and emphasized the importance of various aspects of the deal. Biden also discussed the weakening of Iran and its air defenses, attributing it to the actions of a US-led coalition.

The American Historical Association accuses Israel of deliberately destroying Gaza's education system, calling for a permanent ceasefire and assistance in rebuilding.

The NYPD participated in a training session to recognize and combat antisemitism, as the rate of anti-Jewish incidents continues to rise in New York City and across the US.

The election of General Joseph Aoun as president of Lebanon marks a significant political shift in Israel's neighborhood dynamics. Israel must now adjust its policies to navigate relations with the new Lebanese president and the changing power dynamics in the region. The end of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah also adds complexity to the situation.

Germany has approved a reform for the Advisory Commission for Nazi-looted art, establishing an arbitration court and allowing one side to unilaterally appeal the commission.

Five soldiers were killed and eight others wounded in an incident in northern Gaza, according to the IDF.

France commemorated ten years since the 2015 Île-de-France region jihadist attacks last week, holding tributes and ceremonies to those murdered and wounded in the Charlie Hebdo satire magazine office shooting, the Montrouge shooting, and the Hypercacher kosher supermarket massacre.

Bedouin teachers in the Negev region of Israel are participating in a program to enhance their professional skills in science and technology, in partnership with MIT.

Three men in Israel have been indicted for impersonating women, police officers, and the father of a minor to blackmail men on dating sites.

Blockchain firm Chainalysis has acquired Israeli fraud prevention company Alterya, which specialises in detecting social engineering scams. Alterya has raised $9.8m in seed investment and has helped major financial institutions protect their customers from fraud, detecting over $10bn in crypto fraud in 2024 alone. Chainalysis plans to use Alterya's technology to enhance its fraud protection and detection services.

Mediators have presented a final draft of a hostage release and Gaza ceasefire deal to Israel and Hamas. Ninety-eight hostages, including Israelis and foreigners, remain in Gaza.

The IDF has struggled to contain Jewish extremist attacks on Palestinian villages following the January 6 attack.

Restorers at St. Andrew's Church in Germany have revealed a hoard of 17th-century coins hidden within a statue during restoration work. The treasure, consisting of 2,584 coins, includes gold and silver coins from the 17th century, along with approximately 800 pennies. The discovery is considered a large fortune for that period and will be presented in a museum.

Ninety-eight hostages remain in Gaza, with progress made in ceasefire negotiations but no deal reached yet.

Most US 11- and 12-year-olds are using TikTok and other social media platforms, despite age restrictions, according to a study from UCSF. Researchers found signs of addiction among young users, raising concerns about mental well-being. The study emphasizes the need for measures to protect children online and prioritize their health and safety.

Arkia and TechAir are launching affordable return flights between Tel Aviv and New York, costing $1,199 for a round-trip flight, including luggage, two meals, and drinks. The flights will operate three times per week from February to May.

A baby gorilla seized at Istanbul Airport has been named Zeytin (Olive) after a public poll. The gorilla, recognized as an endangered species, has been undergoing rehabilitation at a zoo in Istanbul.

NVIDIA denounces the Biden Administration's new 'AI Diffusion' rule, claiming it threatens global innovation and US technological leadership. The company argues that the regulation would impose bureaucratic control over American technology and weaken America's competitive position in the global market.

The family of fallen IDF soldier Ido Zano is raising funds to establish a community hall in Yehud in his memory.

The KKL-JNF Agamon Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Israel is seeking support to continue its mission of rehabilitating and returning injured wildlife to their natural habitats. The center provides essential care to animals and is working on critical projects for growth and sustainability. Support from individuals who share the commitment to preserving Israel's wildlife is crucial for the center's success.

Rabbi Yosef Paryzer pleads guilty to defrauding women by maintaining simultaneous relationships under false pretenses.

A snow avalanche in the mountains of Verbano, Italy, resulted in three deaths and two injuries. Search and rescue operations are underway to recover the bodies and determine the cause of the incident.

Israel is awaiting Hamas' response after proposing final deal terms for the release of hostages.

The UAE is set to reopen its embassy in Lebanon after more than three years, following discussions between UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

The Vatican has relaxed its guidelines on admitting gay men to Italian seminaries, allowing them to train as long as they remain celibate.

Australia is facing a rising problem of antisemitism, with a series of incidents including vandalism and attempted arson at synagogues. Anti-Jewish incidents in the country have risen by 316% compared to the previous year.

A new digital campaign will share the memories of Holocaust survivors to ensure that the horrors of Auschwitz are not forgotten.

Docaviv Galilee Ma'alot Tarshiha, the Tel Aviv International Documentary Film Festival, will showcase about 20 movies by leading filmmakers from Israel and around the world, including premieres and a selection of the best documentary cinema from the past year.

United States CENTCOM chief visits aircraft carrier in Red Sea to strengthen commitment to maritime security and regional stability.

Israeli founders are preparing for start-up success in 2025 by focusing on targeting the right market, raising the appropriate amount of capital, building the right team, understanding the competition, and solving a real problem.

The proposed outline for changing the method of selecting court judges and justices in Israel has sparked controversy and debate.

Pro-Israel student leaders from top universities in North America visit Israel to deepen their understanding of the country and gain advocacy skills to combat misinformation and antisemitism on their campuses.

Iran is engulfed in despair as its citizens face multiple crises, including air pollution, inflation, and authoritarian rule. The regime's oppressive actions have led to growing internal dissatisfaction and a desire for change. The future of Iran seems destined for collapse, but there is hope that the regime's propaganda will fail to gain legitimacy.

The outsourcing of social services must include a mandate for measuring social value. Israel has struggled with poverty for 76 years, with poverty rates increasing each year. The lack of measurable goals and inadequate oversight in government procurement for social services has led to concerns about ineffectiveness and poor service quality. The allocated budget for programs targeting at-risk children and youth is often slashed, hindering efforts to break the intergenerational poverty cycle. The absence of reliable data and measurement further complicates poverty alleviation efforts.

Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani faces immense challenges as he attempts to consolidate power and address key issues to resurrect Syria from the ashes left behind by the Assad regime.

New research using AI shows that cats mimic each other's facial expressions during friendly interactions, indicating they are more social than previously believed.

The international community's lack of response to the Arab genocide in Sudan is a moral outrage.

Critics discuss Biden's aging, Jimmy Carter's legacy, democracy in Israel, and a mob attack on IDF Maj.-Gen. David Zini.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may see an autonomous Kurdish region recognized within a new Syrian constitution, despite his opposition to Kurdish forces. The Kurds, Syria's largest minority, gained de facto autonomy in northeast Syria during the civil war and have been a key player in the region's politics. Erdogan has viewed the dominant Kurdish force, the People's Protection Units (YPG), as an extension of a designated terrorist organization. However, the leader of the rebel movement that overthrew the Assad regime, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, has expressed intentions to be inclusive and just towards the Kurds.

Jewish families in the Los Angeles area have lost precious Judaica heirlooms in the recent fires, including menorahs, candlesticks, and tefillin. The community is now considering ways to support those who have lost their homes and help them rebuild with meaningful Jewish objects.

Peregrine Ventures is the most active investor in Israel's health technology sector, making 15 healthcare investments in 2024. The company specializes in life-changing medical technology investments in Israel and around the world.

Israel is hopeful about the possibilities of reshaping the Middle East under the upcoming Trump administration, but Trump's unpredictability makes it difficult to make any predictions.

Contemporary Humanistic Judaism: Beliefs, Values, Practices is a new anthology that explores the beliefs and practices of Humanistic Judaism. The movement, founded by Rabbi Sherwin Wine, aims to provide a secular and humanistic approach to Jewish life for non-Orthodox Jews who no longer believe in God. The book delves into topics such as ethics, identity, cultural Jewish life, and education, offering a comprehensive look at this small contemporary movement in the Jewish world. While the movement has faced challenges in growth and development, it has established institutions such as the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism and Temura in Israel.

Police have arrested a lawyer suspected of tax offenses, including fraud and money laundering, after he allegedly defrauded over ten individuals who used his services when buying and selling properties.

The Israel Museum is currently hosting two exhibitions, 'Lucid Dreams' and 'Alma Mater,' which explore the theme of dreams and their influence on art. 'Lucid Dreams' features a wide range of artworks that use dreams as a source of inspiration, while 'Alma Mater' combines traditional chants and stories from different cultures to create a unique audiovisual experience. Both exhibitions will run until June 7th.

The Be A Mensch (BAM) Foundation has been working for the past 11 years to promote tolerance among Jews with extremely different values and lifestyles.

Israel Police arrest over 30 illegal migrants and six car thieves in raids across the country.

Many Israelis are hungry for leaders free from the straitjacket of ideology, untainted by the cynicism of cutthroat politics, and driven by integrity and love of country. The involvement of two bereaved fathers -- one from the center-right and one from the center-left -- in a new judicial reform proposal brings a refreshing new dimension to the compromise.

Minister May Golan avoids police questions over hitting motorcyclist.

Indonesian Rabbi Yaakov Baruch's son celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel in Jerusalem, fulfilling a dream. Baruch has faced challenges in establishing and educating the Jewish community in Indonesia, but has received support from Jewish communities worldwide. He hopes for normalization and better diplomatic relations between Israel and Indonesia.

The IDF has arrested over 25 terrorists in multiple West Bank raids following a terror attack that killed three Israelis and injured seven others. Jewish extremists also burned cars and ransacked a village. The joint counterterrorism operation by the IDF, Border Police, and the Shin Bet resulted in the arrest of eight wanted individuals and the deaths of two terrorists.

A hostage deal between Hamas and Israel is uncertain despite pressure from Donald Trump.

Police have confiscated cell phones belonging to Hani Bliveis's family as part of an investigation into witness tampering. The investigation has been postponed while options for continuing are discussed.

Defense Minister Israel Katz visited IDF and Border Police units in the West Bank to discuss recent operations and the thwarting of terrorist cells.

Malala Yousafzai calls on Muslim leaders to back efforts to make gender apartheid a crime under international law and to denounce the Taliban's oppressive laws.

USCENTCOM Commander visits Saudi Arabia and meets with military officials from Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Foreign ministers and top diplomats from Western and Arab countries will meet Syria's new foreign minister in Riyadh on Sunday at the first regional conference on Syria since President Bashar al-Assad was ousted.

A review of the El Gaucho restaurant in Netanya, known for its Argentinian meat, where the reviewer enjoyed a business lunch with various delicious dishes.

US policy expert Dr. Shay Har-Zvi discusses the potential shifts in US economic and foreign policy under President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House.

Israel's Education Ministry and the IDF have launched a program allowing soldiers to pursue academic studies towards a bachelor's degree in education and a teaching certificate during their military service.

Israel has named 2025 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence in education, aiming to enhance teaching and learning through AI knowledge and tools. The initiative includes specialized teacher training programs, partnerships with tech giants, and a hands-on event with Google.

Hotel toiletries have become key components of guest satisfaction and brand representation, with the hospitality industry offering well-known international personal care brands. However, some guests have expressed frustration with the packaging of these toiletries, which often feature small, difficult-to-read labels. While new regulations in Europe and the US aim to reduce unnecessary plastic packaging, some hotels in Israel have yet to adopt these changes.

Hiking in Israel provides opportunities to learn about sheep, goats, and the history of shepherding in the Holy Land.

The 2nd Jewish Media Awards celebrated the accomplishments of Jews in Hollywood and was attended by actors, influencers, and activists. Winners included writer Jeff Astrof, rocket scientist Ari Sacher, founder of Athletes for Israel Daniel Posner, actress Patricia Heaton, and dating coach Aleeza Ben Shalom.

Progressive movements that claim to fight injustice are increasingly fostering hostility toward Jews and Israel, from college campuses to social media.

A new three-part documentary series, 'A Jew in America - Torn Identity,' explores the complex relationship between American Jews and Israel, focusing on Jewish identity and the connection to Zionism and Israel.

Jack Smith, the prosecutor in the cases against Donald Trump, has resigned from the Justice Department.

A wave of antisemitic vandalism in Australia, including an attempted synagogue arson, has alarmed the Jewish community.

Netanyahu instructed officials to continue advancing a hostage deal after a situational assessment on the issue of hostages.

The Galilee region in Israel is famous for its winemaking scene, stunning landscapes, and cultural significance. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, scenic hikes, and gourmet dining experiences.

The IDF has identified three mosques in Jenin and Tulkarm that terrorists were using while operating in the West Bank. The terrorists were found to be using civilian infrastructure, including mosques, hospitals, and educational institutions.

Four Islamic State terrorists, including two senior leaders, were killed in an Iraqi airstrike in the Hamrin Mountains.

A rabbi and physician reflects on a ten-day journey across Israel with his grandson, exploring Jewish identity and heritage.

Sheila Patz, a 100-year-old woman, reveals her secret to a long life: understanding life as a challenge and embracing it. She emphasizes the importance of structure, curiosity, learning, Jewish values, and facing challenges.

Hamas accused the Palestinian Authority of attempting to assassinate resistance fighters in the West Bank.

Lebanese army deploys to south-west Lebanon as IDF withdraws

The IDF announced that it targeted a Hamas command center within a school in Jabaliya, stating that it will continue to act against terrorist organizations.

Ukrainian President Zelensky confirms capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region.

Lebanon's new president, Joseph Aoun, will make his first official visit to Saudi Arabia after receiving an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

David Perlmutter, former executive vice president of Intel Israel, shares his experiences and lessons learned from failure, emphasizing the importance of embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Real Estate - Love Story directed by Anat Malz wins the Israeli Best Film Award at the 40th Haifa International Film Festival.

A new book by Lee Yaron, '10/7: 100 Human Stories,' provides a detailed account of the Hamas mega-atrocity of Oct. 7 and the individuals affected by it.

Over 100 surfers and kayakers formed a circle of hope at Palmahim Beach to call for the release of hostages held in Gaza.

The Givati Brigade soldiers killed three terrorists in an operation in Jabalya, Gaza Strip. Rocket sirens sounded near Gaza border communities, but one was a false alarm and the other was successfully intercepted by the IAF. The Givati Brigade has been conducting extended operations in Gaza, recently eliminating a high-ranking member of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization.

Israel's Schubertiade Festival celebrates the music of Franz Schubert with 10 concerts featuring renowned instrumentalists and vocalists from Israel and abroad. The festival aims to showcase the variety, beauty, and originality of Schubert's works, including his string quintet and Brahms' string quintet. The festival will also include master classes, recitals, and innovative pairings of songs composed by Schubert and Brahms. The month-long festival will conclude with a concert by the winners of the Lieder Competition.

Russia launched 74 drones at Ukraine overnight, with 47 downed and no casualties reported.

Strengthening local communities is crucial for national resilience, especially in times of war and uncertainty. Building and nurturing a sense of community can provide stability, comfort, and economic profitability. Everyone, regardless of age or ability, can contribute to a community, and the outcomes are beneficial for all.

A transgender Iranian refugee is on trial in Berlin for arson attacks on police and embassies in solidarity with Gaza.

Israel should annex all of Mount Hermon after Assad's fall in Syria for strategic and historical reasons.

Iran has unveiled its new Razvan drone, resembling Israel's Hero series, showcasing Tehran's reverse engineering capabilities.

Western powers have warned Syria's new Islamist rulers about their appointment of foreign jihadists to senior military posts, citing security concerns and damage to their image.

Elon Musk, the world's richest man, expresses concern over conflict in Israel and becomes involved in US politics, aiming to slash federal spending and pause regulations.

Ozzy Wiesblatt, born to deaf parents, recently made his NHL debut, becoming the first in his family to reach the pinnacle of the sport.