In a massive overnight attack, Russia launched nearly 200 missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages. This attack underscores the critical need for continued support of Ukraine’s defense. The U.S. has prioritized air defense exports to Ukraine, delivering hundreds of missiles and other critical military aid, including artillery and armored vehicles. This aid is part of a broader international effort involving over 50 countries committed to supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom. The resilience of the Ukrainian people continues to defy Russian expectations.
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President Putin threatened to use the Oreshnik missile against Ukrainian military targets, claiming its kinetic impact is comparable to a nuclear strike if used repeatedly. He asserted that the missile, which is not currently nuclear-armed, is impervious to air defenses. This threat follows concerns about potential Russian nuclear escalation, with Ukrainian officials dismissing Russia’s claims about the missile’s capabilities and the UK Ministry of Defence noting its limited quantity and high cost. Moscow linked the threat to Western provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, while Putin also praised and expressed concern for President-elect Trump.
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Thousands gathered at Amsterdam’s Stopera to demonstrate solidarity with the Jewish community following a recent surge in antisemitic incidents across the Netherlands. The rally, organized by groups including Christians for Israel, directly responds to increased antisemitic attacks, hate speech, and public displays of antisemitism, particularly following the Israel-Hamas conflict. Attendees waved Israeli and Dutch flags, expressing defiance against the hatred and emphasizing support for Israel. The rally’s relocation from Dam Square, due to safety concerns, did not diminish the substantial turnout. The event served as a powerful display of unity and a call to combat rising antisemitism.
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Several European nations are bolstering civil preparedness in response to heightened security concerns stemming from the war in Ukraine. This includes Sweden distributing a preparedness pamphlet advising citizens on topics ranging from food storage to shelter locations, Finland offering an online crisis guide, and Norway providing similar guidance to its citizens. Germany is developing a bunker location app and implementing a national bunker plan to address its current shelter deficit. These actions reflect a growing awareness of the need for increased national resilience across the region.
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Antisemitic leaflets threatening violence against Zionists were distributed in Hendon, a Jewish neighborhood in North London, declaring the area a “Zionist Free Zone.” This incident follows a similar October attack at Hendon Golf Club, featuring swastikas and antisemitic graffiti, highlighting a concerning escalation of antisemitic hate crimes in the area. The threats have been reported to relevant charities, who emphasize the need for decisive action to combat this growing phenomenon and protect the Jewish community. Local residents are calling for those responsible to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
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Following a devastating 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has undergone a €700 million restoration. President Macron recently toured the rebuilt cathedral, showcasing its renewed interior, including a newly constructed roof replacing the medieval structure destroyed in the blaze. The extensive renovation also involved a thorough cleaning of the interior, revealing a “fresh face” after nearly two centuries of accumulated grime. The project, completed within five years, involved thousands of craftspeople and has revitalized French craftsmanship.
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On Thursday, two buses carrying Jewish Free School students were attacked by a group of ten teenagers who threw rocks and shouted antisemitic slurs, including “f*** Israel.” Four attackers boarded one bus, verbally abusing the children and filming the incident while numerous bystanders failed to intervene. The attack left young students terrified, prompting concerns from parents and the Community Security Trust (CST), which is working with the schools involved. The incident highlights a worrying escalation of antisemitic violence and the need for stronger community response and school intervention.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum refutes Donald Trump’s claim that she promised to close the Mexico-US border, clarifying that their conversation focused on Mexico’s comprehensive strategy to manage migration while respecting human rights. Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s commitment to maintaining open communication and cooperation, contrasting this with Trump’s assertion of a border closure agreement. Trump, however, maintains his previous stance, citing concerns about undocumented immigration and threatening import taxes on Mexican and Canadian goods unless stricter border control measures are implemented. Recent data indicates a significant decrease in unauthorized border crossings between October 2023 and the present.
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On Friday, eleven military aircraft from China and Russia, including bombers and fighter jets, entered South Korea’s KADIZ without prior notification. The planes, which entered consecutively over the East Sea and waters off the southern coast, conducted a joint flight over waters south of Dokdo before departing. South Korea’s Air Force responded by deploying fighter jets to monitor the situation. This joint flight, assessed as a combined military exercise, marks a continuation of similar, unannounced incursions by both nations into the KADIZ since 2019. Although entering the KADIZ, the aircraft did not violate South Korean airspace.
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A Belarusian Investigative Center report details a Russian-operated torture chamber in Naroulia, Belarus, active in spring 2022. Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians were held and tortured at this camp, located on Belarusian government-owned property near the Ukrainian border. Human rights activists and former prisoners corroborated the brutal treatment, citing severe beatings and constant screams. The camp’s operation potentially violates the Geneva Convention, given the commingling of prisoners of war and civilians.
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John Q. Hosedrinker