Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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(JTA) — WASHINGTON — The Pittsburgh synagogue shooter’s federal death sentence remains intact, after President Joe Biden commuted 37 of the 40 sentences of prisoners on federal death row. All of the three men still sentenced to death committed crimes that were motivated by hate or terrorism. Biden’s announcement early Monday morning is among a number of measures he is taking to protect his policies and vision ahead of Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. Biden froze the use of the death penalty while in office and Trump has said he plans to...
(JNS) — The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous has announced its largest one-time seasonal award to rescuers of Jews during the years of World War II and the Holocaust. “During history’s darkest hour, these brave men and women risked their lives and the lives of their families to save Jews from Nazi persecution,” Stanlee Stahl, JFR executive vice president, told JNS, referring to Righteous Gentiles. “As they grow older, many face increasing hardship and isolation. We hope this special award allows them to experience joy this holiday season, cr...
(Israel Hayom via JNS) — Talks toward a hostage release deal have gained significant traction, an Israeli government official said on Monday evening. Recent negotiations have focused on bridging gaps, particularly regarding the deployment of Israeli forces along the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors during a ceasefire. Reuters reported that an Israeli delegation has traveled to Doha to continue the dialogue. “The Philadelphi and Netzarim routes are no longer an obstacle; Hamas has shown flexibility on these matters,” Defense Minister Israe...
(Israel Hayom via JNS) - Beginning on Jan. 20, 2025, "it will be possible to take additional actions in Gaza," senior Israeli officials say. The prevailing impression in Israel is that President-elect Donald Trump does not particularly care what measures Israel employs in the Gaza Strip. He has two clear objectives: the release of the hostages, and an Israeli victory to conclude the war. The methods to achieve these aims appear irrelevant to him. In Jerusalem, as well as in the Kirya military...
(Israel Hayom via JNS) — Externally, the Iranian regime appears preoccupied with managing its proxies, future investments in Syria, and rehabilitating Hezbollah—but behind the scenes, Iranian society is approaching collapse. Air pollution, shortages of oil and gas, frequent power outages, unpaid salaries, and brain drain are just some of the problems that Iranian citizens face. These issues are worsening daily with cumulative damage. In conversations with researchers studying Iranian society, issues of corruption and sanctions emerge. Will all...
(JNS) — The 37th anniversary of the Hamas terrorist organization’s founding on Dec. 10 came during a period of decline due to defeats in Gaza and the broader region, a senior Hamas official based in Turkey told Saudi media. “Hamas is suffering from a genuine leadership crisis,” the official said. “The Al-Aqsa Flood [Oct. 7, 2023], attack backfired on us, submerging us in a sea of blood and crises. The most recent blow was the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria, with which Hamas had been attempting to rebuild relations.” The Syrian govern...
By Mike Wagenheim (JNS) — Some 150 people gathered on Dec. 18 at the Cannon House Office Building to discuss ongoing efforts to convince the U.S. government to mint a commemorative Gold Meir commemorative coin. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) introduced H.R. 987, the Prime Minister Golda Meir Commemorative Coin Act, on Feb. 10, 2023. The bill, which has drawn another 221 cosponsors, calls on the U.S. Mint to create up to 50,000 gold $5 coins, up to 400,000 silver $1 coins and up to 750,000 half-dollar c...
(JNS) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations, which has a 30-year history of ties to Hamas, has used open-meeting laws across the United States to influence city councils, school boards and other public forums. But when it comes to the ethnic-studies curriculum adopted in secret in Santa Ana, Calif., CAIR has made it clear that it is not interested in governmental transparency or community participation. CAIR and its affiliate organizations selectively champion free speech and transparency only when it serves their agenda. On Dec. 6, t...
(JNS) — The Israeli Ministry of Tourism will allocate approximately $64 million (230 million NIS) to 55 tourism projects across the country. This will include $6 million in Judea and Samaria, the highest budget for the region in the last five years, and $18 million in Israel’s north. “On assuming my role as Tourism minister, I decided to increase investment in the Judea and Samaria region, the biblical heartland of Israel, with its rich history, stunning landscapes and natural beauty,” Israeli Minister of Tourism Haim Katz told JNS. “Judea...
Israel investigating suspected settler attack on West Bank mosque By Ben Sales (JTA) — Israeli authorities are investigating after a mosque in the northern West Bank town of Marda was torched and graffitied with Hebrew slogans. No one was injured in the incident. Footage from the scene appeared to show burn marks and Hebrew graffiti featuring a Star of David and reading “revenge” and “burn the mosque, build the temple.” Israel’s police and Shin Bet security service have opened an investigation and have not yet made any arrests. Palestinian...
When Sarah Levitin first visited her now-husband’s Catholic family for Christmas, she was not expecting to see a menorah in their home. It was 2016, and the first night of Chanukah fell on Christmas Eve. Levitin, who grew up attending Jewish day school and traveled to Israel on a Birthright trip, had not planned to light Chanukah candles when she joined her boyfriend’s Sicilian and Polish family for Christmas. But because his family made an effort to include her traditions, she did. “I was s...
Instaglatt, a new kosher meat and poultry company, officially launched in Central Florida on December 18 and is now taking orders for delivery to the greater Orlando area. The company is the brainchild of founder William Branca, who explains his motivation on the website, instaglatt.com: "InstaGlatt was born out of a personal journey and a recognized need in the Orlando Jewish community." Branca shares that he returned to his Jewish roots in 2024 and became more observant. During this time, he r...
(JNS) - Using his "one of a kind" personal menorah, which is made from "shrapnel of rockets that were shot down by the IDF and then smelted together by an Israeli artisan" reminds House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) of the "true meaning of Chanukah." "In the face of darkness, light bursts forth. In the presence of fear, miracles emerge," Johnson said during the second annual Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday. "And in moments of despair, hope springs eternal." Johnson's menorah, which R... Full story
A beautiful example of unity and collaboration brought the Southwest Jewish community together, showcasing its spirit of support for one another at the Rosen JCC Community Chanukah Fest. This celebration was the result of a successful collaboration among numerous Jewish nonprofits, offering unique activities for both children and adults. The event drew several hundred participants, creating a memorable community gathering. Highlights of the activities and their hosts included Chanukah Silly Putty and Instant Snow by Rosen JCC, Candle Making by...
Full or part-time Disney employees can log their volunteer hours and Disney will make a financial contribution to the Jack and Lee Rosen Jewish Community Center, no matter where you volunteered your time. Disney rewards all volunteerism by turning company-sponsored and personal volunteer hours into charitable donations. Cast members can convert their time into a grant for an eligible charity of their choice, and can do so throughout the calendar year, up to a total of $2,000 per employee. Hours may be logged up to Jan. 15 of the following year...
Chabad of South Orlando will host the annual Grand Car Menorah Parade on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. The parade will start at the Chabad Center of Jewish Life, 7347 W. Sand Lake Rd. with a police escort and finish at the Menorah lighting celebration, 5135 International Drive. To participate in the parade, arrive at the Chabad Center by 5:30 p.m....
(JNS) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to and delivered a message of hope to the Iranian people. “People of Iran: As we see history unfold before our very eyes, I can only imagine what you’re feeling right now. Your oppressors spent over 30 billion dollars supporting Assad in Syria. Today, after only 11 days of fighting, his regime collapsed into dust. Your oppressors spent billions supporting Hamas in Gaza. Today their regime lies in ruins. Your oppressors spent over 20 billion dollars supporting Hezbollah in Leban...
(JNS) — Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, formerly of Fox News, provides the “leading platform” for Jew-hatred, according to Amichai Chikli, the Israeli diaspora affairs minister. “Congratulations to Tucker Carlson for becoming the leading platform for fringe Holocaust deniers, conspiracy theorists and blood libel enthusiasts who oppose the State of Israel,” Chikli wrote on Tuesday. Carlson, with whom Fox News “agreed to part ways” on April 24, 2023, hosts an eponymous show on social media, where he has 15 million followers. Chikli’s cri...
(JNS) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Tuesday that any entity threatening Israel’s security would face dire consequences. Speaking at a naval base in Haifa, Katz revealed that Israeli forces had destroyed Syria’s navy, as part of a broader campaign to neutralize strategic threats that could later pose a danger to Israel. “The IDF has acted in recent days to attack and destroy strategic capabilities that threaten the State of Israel,” Katz stated, cautioning rebels that “whoever follows [ousted president Bashar] al-Assad’s...
(JNS) — U.S. President Joe Biden on Dec. 16 reiterated his commitment to bring the remaining 100 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza home, as he enters the final month of his presidency. “I will not stop until I get every single one of them out,” said Biden at his final White House Chanukah party. The remarks come amid reports of an imminent deal with Hamas for the release of hostages before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office on Jan. 20. President Biden added that he was inspired by the power of the Jewish people’s hope and optimis...
Remarkably, in a city in East Africa that is home to two million people, as of 2018 there were no streetlights. In 2019, we installed solar-powered streetlights at the city's 'bus station'-a name that doesn't quite fit, as it was essentially a dirt field in the center of town. When I visited after the lights were installed, the impact was immediately visible. Nearby stores stayed open later, crime in the area decreased, and, most unexpectedly, young children gathered under the lights to do...
On Sunday, Dec. 15, Temple Israel Sisterhood sponsored a Chanukah Market. The event, which featured a variety of local vendors, had something for everyone to enjoy. Among the most popular offerings were delicious treats from Sage Catering which served up fresh sandwiches and donuts. The market was a haven for those looking for unique, handmade items. Local artisans showcased a variety of crafts including pottery and Judaica jewelry. Other tables included fair-trade chocolate, dog-related items,...
(JNS) - Former hostage Judith Raanan met with President-elect Donald Trump in Florida on Monday at his golf course in West Palm Beach. She was the first female hostage to be released from Hamas in the Gaza Strip after being kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahel Oz in the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Raanan, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen based in the Chicago area, gave Trump a drawing she had made and described the trauma of her captivity. She expressed her trust in the...
(JNS) — The Biden administration has privately asked Israel to approve an urgent request for U.S. military aid to Palestinian Authority forces, Palestinian, American and Israeli officials told Axios. The request comes after the P.A. launched a rare counter-terror raid in Jenin, where Ramallah for years refused to act against Iranian-backed terrorist groups, in violation of its commitments under the Oslo Accords. Ramallah launched its operation, dubbed “Defense of the Homeland,” following the Dec. 5 seizure by Hamas and Islamic Jihad of a P.A....
(JTA) — A ballistic missile fired from Yemen severely damaged a Tel Aviv-area school early Thursday morning, in some of the most significant damage yet in an ongoing barrage from Houthi rebels based there. No children were present at the school in the suburb of Ramat Gan, which officials said would be rebuilt, and would reopen in another already constructed building within weeks. The rocket, which Israel partially intercepted, was fired as Israeli fighter jets were on their way to Yemen to target Houthi positions there. Dozens of jets t...
