World News

Far-right activists march in Bulgaria to honor pro-Nazi general
Hundreds of extremists from across Europe take part in a procession, honoring Hristo Lukov, a pro-Nazi Bulgarian minister from 1930s who pushed to strip Jews of their civic rights; march went ahead after a court overturned the Sofia municipality’s ban.Reuters 10:02 , 17.02.19

Pelosi demands freshman Democrat apologize for ‘anti-Semitic trope’
House Speaker hits back at Ilhan Omar for ‘prejudicial accusations about Israel's supporters (that are) deeply offensive’ in letter co-signed by other Democratic leaders; Minnesota congresswoman had tweeted that GOP support for Israel was fuelled by Jewish money.Associated Press 21:03 , 11.02.19

Pittsburgh synagogue shooting suspect pleads not guilty to new charges
Robert Bowers accused of murdering 11 people at a Shabbat service at Tree of Life synagogue in October 2018; his new lawyer also represented Unabomber, 9/11 conspirator; prosecutors still mulling whether to pursue the death penalty.Associated Press 20:09 , 11.02.19

El Salvador's new president - young, independent and of Palestinian descent
Nayib Bukele was an outsider rejected by his own party, but the 37-year-old businessman swept to victory thanks to social media and his pledge to modernize the nation and fight widespread corruption.Reuters, Ynet 12:07 , 05.02.19

Europe to bypass US sanctions on Iran with new trade mechanism
The European Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will focus primarily on food, medicine and humanitarian deals, with transactions small. It will not be used for oil-related transactions; 'it's an important political message to the United States to show we defend our interests despite their extraterritorial sanctions.'Reuters 13:18 , 31.01.19

US Senate advances bill to combat anti-Israel BDS movement
Middle East legislation, which also includes fresh sanctions on Syria, seeks to reassure American allies in the region in light of Trump's announcement to withdraw troops from war-battered country; Democrats say the BDS provision is an impingement of free speech.Reuters 08:36 , 29.01.19

Fearing for Jewish community, Israel silent on Venezuela unrest
Some 6,000 Jews still living in the Latin American country might find themselves in uncharted waters after President Maduro, accused of fostering anti-Semitism due to Iran ties, breaks off diplomatic relations with US.Itamar Eichner 11:44 , 24.01.19

Showdown in Venezuela as US backs Maduro rival's power claim
Juan Guaido, the new leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declares himself interim president, gaining support from US, Canada and a dozen mostly Latin American countries; in response, President Maduro cuts diplomatic ties with US; at least 7 protesters killed in the escalating confrontation with Maduro.Associated Press 08:18 , 24.01.19

US tells Saudis to hold Khashoggi's murderers accountable
US Secretary of State meets with senior Saudi officials to discuss Mideast crises and threats from Iran; says Saudi Arabia needs to hold accountable 'every single person' responsible for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.Associated Press 10:14 , 15.01.19

Tsunami set off by volcano sweeps Indonesia beach; at least 168 dead
More than 700 people have been reported injured since the tsunami hit on Saturday; at least 30 others are unaccounted for; disaster apparently caused by undersea landslides from volcanic island Anak Krakatau's eruption.Associated Press 09:44 , 23.12.18

US defense chief quits after Trump pulls out of Syria
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigns over disagreements with Trump, his resignation letter stated: 'My core belief is that American strength is inextricably linked with alliances with other countries, a position seemingly at odds with the America First policy of the president.Associated Press 09:24 , 21.12.18

Iran hackers target US officials, nuclear experts
State actors suspected of involvement as UK cybersecurity group tracks how 'Charming Kitten' tried to break into private emails of many Treasury officials and high-profile defenders, detractors and enforcers of 2015 atomic deal.Associated Press 21:41 , 17.12.18

US sanctions ex-IDF general over activities in South Sudan’s civil war
US Treasury targets Israel Ziv, a retired IDF major general, saying he supplied arms and ammunition to both sides in the civil war, using an agricultural company as a front to sell 'approximately $150 million worth of weapons'; two other South Sudan nationals also sanctioned.Associated Press 13:42 , 16.12.18

Australia recognizes west Jerusalem as Israel's capital
According to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Australia won't move its embassy out of Tel Aviv until there's a peace settlement between Israel and Palestinians; Morrison: 'we will recognize east Jerusalem as Palestine's capital only after a settlement has been reached on a two-state solution.'Reuters, AP 08:30 , 15.12.18

Special report: How Iran spreads disinformation around the world
Tehran-based agency operates more than 70 websites pushing Iranian propaganda to 15 countries, as found by Reuters; sites support Islamic republic’s government and amplify antagonism to countries opposed to Tehran—particularly Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United States.Reuters 20:12 , 02.12.18

US slams Iranian medium range ballistic missile test
Secretary of State Pompeo says missile tested by Tehran is capable of carrying multiple warheads; Defense Secretary Mattis says test 'shows our best efforts to try to talk them out of their aggressive support of terrorism is probably going to be as unsuccessful as the UN's effort to stop them from launching missiles.'Reuters 09:02 , 02.12.18

Iran navy launches stealth warship in the Gulf
Sahand destroyer apparently has advanced warfare capabilities including anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles; 'This vessel is the result of daring and creative design relying on the local technical knowledge of the Iranian Navy,' says head of the navy shipyards that built the warship.Reuters 19:15 , 01.12.18

India marks 10 years since Mumbai attacks
It's been a decade since the terror attacks that nearly brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war, and cost the lives of 166 people, among whom six Israeli causalities; the US offers a reward for the capture of the terrorists who planned the attacks, and have not yet been caught.AP 19:34 , 26.11.18
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Romanian president rejects appointment of Israeli to minister
Ilan Laufer, former Romanian minister of economy, commerce and business environment, accuses President Klaus Iohannis of 'anti-Semitism' after the latter refused to approve his appointment to regional development minister.Andy Breed 16:12 , 26.11.18

Israeli company uncovers assassination plot in Georgian election
Georgia's ruling party hired Israeli-based CGI Group to find 'dirt' on political opponents; the intelligence firm discovered a recording implicating former president Saakashvili in plan to kill chairman of the ruling party.Eli Senyor 22:32 , 25.11.18

95-year-old alleged SS camp guard faces charges in Germany
Hans Werner H. is believed to have contributed to the murder of more than 14,000 Jews at the Mauthausen concentration camp in northern Austria; ‘With his service he aided or at least made easier the killing of many thousands of inmates,’ prosecutors argue.Associated Press 09:53 , 25.11.18

US missionary killed by tribesmen on remote Indian island
John Allen Chau, enthusiast hiker and traveler who visited Israel in 2015, was shot with arrows while illegally attempting to reach out to a native tribe in North Sentinel located on India's Andaman—popular with Israeli backpacking crowds.AP, Ynet 18:02 , 22.11.18

Nazi sword gifted by Himmler to Jerusalem mufti auctioned online
German auction house Hermann Historica is selling a present given by SS commander Heinrich Himmler to the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Husseini during his visit to Nazi Germany in 1943; personal inscription 'My honor is loyalty' is engraved on the sword.Itamar Eichner 23:12 , 20.11.18

Democrats push to allow hijabs, kippahs In Congress
The move would enable legislators to don Jewish skullcaps, Islamic headscarves inside the House; however, international law experts contend that government functionaries should not be allowed to outwardly express religiosity.The Media Line 19:34 , 20.11.18

Photographer: Nazi salute image not meant to be offensive
Parent who took the photo of 60 high-school boys giving a Nazi salute outside the Sauk County Courthouse in Wisconsin agrees 'the optics aren't good,' but insists the students were merely waving goodbye to their parents ahead of a school dance.Associated Press 10:08 , 14.11.18

Jury convicts UK far-right couple who named son after Hitler
Adam Thomas and Claudia Patatas, who took pictures dressed in Ku Klux Klan attire while holding their baby—named Adolf—are found guilty by Birmingham Crown Court of being members of far-right National Action group.Associated Press 11:29 , 13.11.18

Wisconsin district investigates boys' apparent Nazi salute
Photo of more than 60 male students with their right arm extended upward posted on social media; Democratic Senator Erpenbach, whose district includes Baraboo, suggests teenagers are taking their cues from President Trump.Associated Press 10:56 , 13.11.18

Report: Far-right German commandos planned to kill politicians, immigrants
Covert network of some 200 neo-Nazi and far-right soldiers and veterans planned to abduct and execute Green Party leader Claudia Roth, Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and former president Joachim Gauck, as well as leaders of asylum group, on 'Day X,' when law and order collapses, German magazine Focus reports.Daniel Bettini 12:23 , 12.11.18

Report: Saudi Arabia sought to assassinate Iranian officials
New York Times reports that close associates of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with group of businessmen, including an Israeli living in the US, asking them to examine possibility of assassinating senior Iranian officials, including Quds Force commander Soleiman, in effort to stop Tehran's nuclear program.Ynet 11:00 , 12.11.18

Topless protesters disrupt Trump's motorcade at WW1 event
As dozens of world leaders gather in Paris to commemorate 100 years to the end of World War I, activists from feminist group FEMEN run toward US president's convoy with political slogans written on their bare chests.Associated Press 14:43 , 11.11.18

Far-right group protests during Kristallnacht anniversary in Berlin
Germany's Wir für Deutschland party organize a march on the day the country commemorates 80 years since the start of the 1938 pogroms. There were no overtly anti-Semitic slogans or symbols but the timing of the demonstration conveys the real message.Einav Schiff 12:40 , 11.11.18

Macron stirs anger with WW1 tribute to Nazi collaborator Petain
French president Macron claims it was 'legitimate' to pay tribute to a general who helped win WWI but decades later collaborated with Nazi Germany in WWII; his comments trigger outrage among French Jews: 'he was a traitor and an anti-Semite...Macron, this time, you've gone too far.'Associated Press 10:10 , 08.11.18

Former Nazi SS camp guard goes on trial
94-year-old Johann Rehbogen faces hundreds of counts of accessory to murder for alleged crimes committed during the years he served as a guard at the Nazis’ Stutthof concentration camp; since he was under 21 at the time, he is tried in juvenile court and faces a maximum 10 years in prison if convicted.Associated Press 15:57 , 07.11.18

Tunisia's new Jewish tourism minister
Roni Trabelsi, a successful businessman, appointed by Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed as tourism minister; he is the second Jew to serve as minister in the predominantly Muslim country, Nessim Samama served as the finance minister of the king of Tunis in 1860.Daniel Salami 14:53 , 06.11.18

Jewish nurse treats Pittsburgh shooting suspect 'out of love'
Ari Mahler, a Jewish nurse who treated the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting suspect says that he saw 'clear lack of depth, intelligence, and confusion' in killer's eyes; Mahler, who experienced anti-Semitism as a child, says he acted out of love.Associated Press 23:00 , 05.11.18
More World News

US sanctions on Iran take force; major oil importers spared
Washington's tough new sanctions on Iran take effect Monday while 8 major importers of Iranian oil are spared from immediate penalties; Pompeo: 'Iran will never get close to obtaining a nuclear weapon under Trump's watch.'Associated Press 17:54 , 05.11.18

Iran president warns of 'war situation' as sanctions resume
As US sanctions snap back, Revolutionary Guard and the Islamic Republic's national army launch two-day military maneuvers in the country's north; 'We are in the economic war situation. We are confronting a bullying enemy. We have to stand to win,' says President Rouhani.Associated Press 12:06 , 05.11.18

US ratchets up pressure on Iran with resumption of sanctions
Sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal will be restored, with 300 new designations in Iran's oil, shipping, insurance and banking sectors added; 8 countries, including China, India, South Korea, Japan and Turkey, to get temporary exemptions from the sanctions.Reuters 08:00 , 05.11.18

The Daily Mail reveals identity of Eichmann's 4 sons
One of the Nazi war criminal's sons lives in Argentina, next to where his father was taken by the Mossad; according to the British newspaper, Eichmann's two other sons set up a Nazi cell; 'when (their father) was executed, Klaus and Horst became very angry and started attacking Jews,' says Horst's former girlfriend.Ynet 23:38 , 04.11.18

Trumps pay tribute at synagogue where 11 were fatally shot
President Trump visits the scene of the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in US history in Pittsburgh, where he lights candles for each victim, amid demonstrations against his visit; Ivanka Trump along with husband Jared Kushner, who are both Jewish, accompanied the American leader.Associated Press 08:49 , 31.10.18

Denmark alleges Iran plotted to kill activist on Danish soil
Denmark suspects Iranian government intelligence service tried to carry out a plot to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition activist on Danish soil; the suspect has been arrested and denies wrongdoing; Iranian spokesman: 'This is a part of enemies’ plots to damage Iranian relations with Europe at this critical time.'Associated Press 21:59 , 30.10.18

Jewish refugee agency in spotlight after synagogue shooting
HIAS, which assists State Department with resettling refugees, is reportedly what triggered Robert Bowers to commit the deadly attack in the Pittsburgh synagogue; 'HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people ... I can't sit by and watch my people get slaughtered.'Associated Press 15:23 , 30.10.18

Trump visits amid divide: 'It's sacred what happened here'
Residents of Squirrel Hill, where shooter Robert Bowers killed 11 Jewish worshipers in an attack on the Tree of Life synagogue, are torn about the president's visit; massacre survivor Barry Werber says he hopes Trump wouldn't visit, while rabbi says 'He is my president. He is certainly welcome.'Associated Press 11:37 , 30.10.18

Brazil's new president says he'll move country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
Jair Messias Bolsonaro, an avid admirer of President Trump, says US and Israel are the first two countries he intends to visit once in power after the far-right congressman scored a resounding victory at the polls, winning 55 percent of the votes.Reuters 20:28 , 29.10.18

Muslims raise $111,000 for Pittsburgh Jews
Mass-funding campaign launched by two American-Muslim organizations, following the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, is gaining momentum: 'We will respond to evil by doing good, as Muhammad teaches us'; US VP Mike Pence: 'Trump's style has nothing to do with violence.'Ynet 15:35 , 29.10.18

Shooting victims remembered: 'The loss is incalculable'
Friends and family described the 11 victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre: 'Cecil's laugh was infectious. David was so kind and had such a gentle spirit'; Melvin Wax, a 'very learned person' who was the first to arrive and first to leave the synagogue; Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz initially escaped but killed when he returned to help victims.Associated Press 10:22 , 29.10.18

Survivor of synagogue massacre recounts moments of terror
Barry Werber was hiding with others in a large supply closet when Robert Bowers opened fire at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. When the shots subsided, a fellow congregation member opened the door, only to be shot dead. The gunman walked in, but 'he didn't see us, thank God.'Associated Press 09:23 , 29.10.18

Police: Synagogue gunman said he wanted all Jews to die
Among the victims of the shooting attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh were two brothers, and a husband and wife. The oldest among them was 97 years old; attacker Robert Bowers 'wanted all Jews to die,' telling officers 'Jews were committing genocide to his people.'Associated Press 16:17 , 28.10.18

11 dead in shooting at Pittsburgh synagogue
Armed assailant yelled 'all Jews must die' before opening fire at Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, killing 11 people and wounding 6 others, including 4 police officers; the attacker, Robert Bowers, surrendered to police after being wounded in firefight with SWAT teams.Reuters, AP 00:01 , 28.10.18

Sources: France expels Iranian diplomat over failed bomb plot
After a bomb terror attack at a rally near Paris organized by an exiled Iranian opposition group was thwarted in June, 5 security sources say an intelligence operative under diplomatic cover was expelled from France a month ago; Iran denies the expulsion.Reuters 16:18 , 26.10.18

Authorities probing suspicious packages sent to Hillary Clinton, Obama
Suspicious packages sent to former US President Barack Obama and former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton found on routine mail screenings; the device sent to Clinton was similar to the one found on Monday at George Soros' home.Reuters 17:49 , 24.10.18

Conservative causes uproar in EU Parliament for Nazi comment
British MP Syed Kamall tells socialist lawmakers 'you have to remember that Nazis were National Socialists, a strain of socialism, so let's not pretend. It's a left-wing ideology'; in response to uproar, he adds, 'you don't like the truth, do you?'; he later apologizes.Associated Press 15:53 , 24.10.18

Suspected bomb found at George Soros' New York home
Employee opens package at the billionaire's Katonah, New York home, revealing what appeared to be an explosive device; bomb squad technicians detonated the package in a nearby wooded area; FBI launches investigation; Soros was not at home.Reuters 12:22 , 23.10.18

Kremlin: We'll respond in kind if US develops intermediate missiles
Following US withdrawal from the intermediate-range nuclear weapons agreement, the Kremlin says it would respond in the same fashion if US begins developing new missiles, adding that Washington's move would make the world more dangerous; in light of strain in relations, US National Security Adviser is set to meet with Putin in Moscow.Reuters 14:57 , 22.10.18

Trump: US to exit nuclear treaty, citing Russian violations
American president says country will pull out of Cold-War era INF treaty, designed to eliminate short- and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles, due to Moscow's deployment of ground-launched system in breach of 1988 agreementReuters 09:35 , 21.10.18

Australian govt's majority at stake in by-election amid Jerusalem controversy
Prime Minister Morrison hopes to hold on to crucial Wentworth constituency where 13 percent of voters are Jewish, proposing to move embassy to Israel’s capital; Although proposal was welcomed by some members of Jewish community, neighboring states warned that Australia is risking its business relationship with entire Islamic world.Reuters 09:04 , 20.10.18

Russian report: Syria received S-300 PM-2 system
Moscow provides Damascus with 3 S-300 PM-2 anti-aircraft missile systems, Russian newspaper Izvestia cited a Russian Defense Ministry official as saying; new system has advanced radars and high ability to identify targets as well as defeating electronic warfare systems.Itamar Eichner 12:46 , 19.10.18

German nationalists pictured with Hitler wine
Extreme right-wing party 'Alternative for Germany' seeks to expel its member, MP Jessica Biessmann, for posing next to wine bottles featuring pictures of Hitler; 'These are decade-old pictures,' she says; additional party member resigns after being photographed with a swastika.Associated Press, Reuters 14:53 , 18.10.18

Report: US to lead a new plan to push Iran out of Syria
According to an NBC report, President Trump is expected to introduce a strategy which will include imposing economic sanction on Iran, its allies and proxies as well as stopping aid to areas in Syria with Iranian or Russian presence; US official adds Syrian President Assad will remain in power according to the plan.Ynet 22:51 , 16.10.18

US envoy: Market can cope with push for zero Iranian oil sales
Brian Hook believes that a balanced market can handle full ban on Iranian oil if there will be a coordination with other major importers; Iranian reformist newspapers: US sanctions violate human rights due to their incompatibility with the Charter of the United Nations.Reuters, Associated Press 20:22 , 15.10.18

Rouhani: US wants 'regime change' in Iran
Iranian president claims current US administration is the most hostile the country has encountered over the past 40 years, saying Trump's final goal is 'to reduce the legitimacy of the system' by using psychological and economic warfare.Reuters 17:05 , 14.10.18

Three girls pose doing Nazi salute at Auschwitz
Polish authorities are searching for three teenage girls who posed for a picture at the entrance of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp while doing a Nazi salute; 'youths are absorbing hate unconsciously,' says the Facebook group that exposed the incident.Ynet 18:14 , 13.10.18

US Amb. To UN Nikki Haley resigns
US President Donald Trump accepts Nikki Haley's resignation, as reported by the Axios news site; 'Hopefully, you'll be coming back at some point. Maybe in a different capacity,' Trump says to Haley, a known supporter of Israel at the UN.Reuters, and Ynet 17:33 , 09.10.18

US Senate confirms Kavanaugh for Supreme Court
A divided US Senate confirms the appointment of the conservative judge, following weeks of debate over sexual assault accusation made against him; Trump, standing by his nominee, says Kavanaugh would do 'great, great' job there; Democrats say the judge's partisan defense of himself should be enough to disqualify him.Reuters 23:56 , 06.10.18

White House outlines counterterrorism strategy, slams Iran
Strategy is broader than before, targeting not just Sunni ideologies espoused by ISIS, but also Iran-sponsored terrorist groups, such as Hezbollah, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic jihad, says US national security advisor.Associated Press 08:59 , 05.10.18

UK, Netherlands accuse Russia of hacking
Dutch authorities say they disrupted attempt to hack into the Hague-based UN chemical weapons watchdog in April, while Britain says Russia's GRU military intelligence agency uses network of hackers to sow worldwide discord; Russian Foreign Ministry denies 'diabolical perfume cocktail' of allegations.Reuters 18:10 , 04.10.18

US terminates 1955 treaty with Iran after UN court ruling
Trump administration withdraws from Treaty of Amity after International Court of Justice challenges State Department sanctions on basis that they violate friendship pact between America and Iran by affecting imports of humanitarian goods and products and services linked to safety of civil aviation.Associated Press 09:30 , 04.10.18

US NATO envoy warns Russia to halt new missile development
American ambassador calls on Moscow to 'come to the table and stop violations' of INF, says US looking into 'taking out' Russian missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads and reaching Europe and America if they become operational.Associated Press 21:36 , 03.10.18

Via arms and trade, Russia plots long-term Syrian future
The same day that Russian diplomats struck a deal with Turkey over a demilitarized zone in Syria's last rebel-run region, dozens of Russian businessmen were flying home from Damascus, contracts in hand for trade with a postwar Syria.Associated Press 22:53 , 27.09.18

Bolton: US will be aggressive, unwavering on Iran sanctions
After world powers agree to keep working to maintain trade with Tehran in wake of US sanctions on Iranian oil, Trump’s national security advisor pressures SWIFT global payments system to reconsider doing business with Tehran.Reuters 11:57 , 26.09.18

Trump criticizes Iran as 'corrupt dictatorship' in UN speech
Addressing UN General Assembly in New York, US president accuses leaders in Tehran of sowing 'chaos, death and destruction'; while inistsing that Iran has 'acted very badly', Trump says he still looks forward 'to having a great relationship with Iran, but it won't happen now.'Reuters 18:26 , 25.09.18

Trump rejects any meeting with Iran's Rouhani at UN gathering
Before US president addresses nations at the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump writes on Twitter that 'despite requests, I have no plans to meet' with Iranian president, but leaves door open to meeting in the future with Rouhani, who he is 'sure' is a 'lovely man.'Reuters 17:20 , 25.09.18

Rouhani: Tehran won't abandon missiles that 'make America angry'
Iran's president issues warning to US following Mike Pompeo's threats against Islamic republic, vowing to preserve its long-range missiles arsenal capable of reaching United States; Rouhani's speech came shortly before 25 people were killed during military parade he was attending.Ynet and Reuters 17:14 , 23.09.18

Brazil arrests man linked to Hezbollah in Paraguay
Assad Ahmad Barakat who is suspected of involvement in terror attacks on Israeli Embassy in 1992, and Jewish community center in 1994 in Buenos Aires, is sought by the police on allegations of false nationality presentation.Associated Press 12:50 , 22.09.18

Iran dismisses talks with US
After special envoy Brian Hook says US wants to negotiate treaty including Tehran's ballistic missile program, regional behavior, Iran's FM Iranian Zarif rejects his characterization of 2015 deal as 'personal agreement'; Islamic Republic denies requesting meeting with Trump.Reuters 08:29 , 22.09.18

Iran says US pullout from nuclear deal threatens regional peace
Islamic republic's atomic chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, tells UN nuclear watchdog that Trump's May withdrawal from landmark Iran nuclear deal 'is doomed to have serious repercussions for the international and regional peace and security.'Reuters 15:14 , 17.09.18