Director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center (NJAC) Mark Goldfeder claimed that the very deletion of the tweets, which constitute an official record of municipal activity, raises legal questions and could constitute a breach of public trust, especially against the backdrop of the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in the city since October 7. In a scathing letter sent to the mayor's office, it was claimed that "it is hard to overstate how disturbing it is that one of the first acts of the new administration was to delete official statements about the safety of New York Jews."

The post Mamdani's first act: Scraps antisemitism measures appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

RhoneFM, a local station, indicated that pyrotechnic devices potentially triggered the catastrophe, according to Blick. Multiple individuals reportedly corroborated this assessment to the broadcaster. Casualty projections appear severe, with RhoneFM suggesting possibly dozens of deaths, while one unidentified source mentioned could reach up to 40 victims.

The tragedy occurred at Le Constellation Bar, where patrons marked the new year, Blick reported. Officials stated an explosion of unexplained origin detonated at the site, igniting flames. Emergency services received alerts around 1:30 a.m., spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion confirmed. Responders had contained the fire by morning.

Operations continue, Kapo Wallis stated in a press bulletin, according to Blick. Authorities completely sealed the surrounding territory. Officials also established flight restrictions above Crans-Montana. Authorities initially declined to release casualty statistics, including fatalities, wounded, and severely injured individuals, Blick reported. Inquiries into the explosion's origin remain active.

The venue held more than 100 guests when the detonation erupted, the police representative informed Blick. RTS indicated the blast originated in the establishment's lower level. The bar accommodated 400 people at capacity.

Law enforcement, fire units, and multiple helicopters deployed to the disaster zone, according to Blick. Officials established a dedicated hotline for relatives. A Blick correspondent traveling to the scene observed multiple medical vehicles rushing toward Crans-Montana, including units from adjacent cantons.

Flight monitoring systems showed a Rega helicopter arriving at the incident site, Blick reported. Social platforms reference an explosion during a performance, according to Blick. Unverified reports suggest pyrotechnic materials might have contributed. Authorities have not confirmed these accounts, Blick reported

The post Dozens feared dead after Alps New Year's party ends in blast appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Diverse national flags were cast onto the London Eye during the annual festivities, according to the outlet. Roughly 100,000 observers on the Thames banks witnessed the spectacle, which seemingly featured a noticeable error, per GBN.

BBC video displayed the flag of Israel as merely white with dual blue stripes. The Star of David was absent from the projection, although it did appear later in a barely visible display. Officials at City Hall firmly rejected claims of censorship, arguing that the animated nature of the display obscured details, GBN stated. While a void appeared where the emblem belonged, other nations with blue and white designs – including Argentina, Guatemala, and Honduras – faced identical visual distortions.

As the sequence concluded, the star appeared faintly but remained obscure. A representative for the city announced: "A range of flags were displayed on the London Eye to represent the wide variety of countries of origin of people who live in and contribute to the success of London."

It's barely visible in the YouTube footage, but I'm told the Star of David was not intentionally omitted, it eventually come up, and the same technical problem affected a number of blue and white flags, including Guatemala, Argentina and Honduras. https://t.co/zcLmvrtnyz pic.twitter.com/adwYjsojWn

— Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) January 1, 2026

"These animated flags were small and moving so were not all entirely clear at every point as they gradually formed into the Union Flag." Eylon Levy, who formerly served as an Israeli government spokesman, who initially went on the offensive to demand explanations for the supposed deliberate omission, ultimately told his followers on X that upon checking with relevant people, he concluded that there was no foul play. He posted on X: "I thought this was a hoax, so I checked myself," he wrote when the news first broke, adding that "The Star of David was removed from the Israeli flag during last night's fireworks display at the London Eye. Just a white flag, with two blue stripes – and the Jewish symbol gone. Mayor Sadiq Khan has a lot of explaining to do."

But Levy later then reposed his tweet with a correction: "It's barely visible in the YouTube footage, but I'm told the Star of David was not intentionally omitted, it eventually come up, and the same technical problem affected a number of blue and white flags, including Guatemala, Argentina and Honduras."

The post Mystery surrounds glitch affecting Israel's flag on London Eye appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The low-key ceremony was held without an audience and attended only by Mamdani's family and a small group of invited guests. The oath of office was administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. During the ceremony, Mamdani placed his hand on the Quran, becoming the first Muslim mayor in New York City's history. In brief remarks afterward, he described the moment as "a once-in-a-lifetime honor and privilege."

According to a statement from his office, the decision to hold the private swearing-in at the underground site was meant to underscore the importance of public transportation to the city. The station, which opened in 1904 as the flagship stop of New York's first subway line, is considered a site of major historical and architectural significance, known for its vaulted ceilings, ornate arches and original design. Today, it can only be visited as part of limited guided tours or glimpsed briefly by riders on the No. 6 train.

Shortly after the ceremony, Mamdani announced the appointment of Mike Flynn as commissioner of the city's Department of Transportation. Flynn previously served in senior roles within the department, and the move marked the new mayor's first official appointment since taking office.

The first day on the job

Later in the day, Mamdani is set to undergo a second, public and official swearing-in ceremony at 1 p.m. US time on the steps of New York City Hall. Thousands are expected to attend. The event will feature opening remarks by progressive elected officials, with Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slated to deliver the introductory address. The public oath of office will be administered by Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Following the formal ceremony, an open public celebration is planned along Broadway in the area known as the "Canyon of Heroes," traditionally used for large-scale civic events. The incoming mayor's office said the event will be open to the public and will include music and performances.

Mamdani, 34, was elected mayor after winning the general election held in November, emerging as one of the most notable surprises of the Democratic primaries in June.

During the campaign, Mamdani expressed clear anti-Israel positions, some of which were viewed by segments of the Jewish community as outright antisemitic. Among other statements, he refused to condemn the phrase "globalizing the intifada," accused Israel of "genocide" in Gaza, and said he would arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he set foot in the city. These remarks drew condemnation from Jewish organizations and elected officials.

He now assumes office as the youngest mayor New York City has had in generations, succeeding Eric Adams, who served a single term and was known for maintaining close ties with the Jewish community and with Israel.

The post Mamdani takes office as New York City mayor appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The clock simultaneously struck midnight in Ottawa, Canada. By midday GMT, the entire world will have officially entered 2026, though several regions have yet to reach midnight.

The East Coast of the US is next in line to celebrate the new year, leaving a decreasing number of locations on the countdown list.

05:00 GMT – New York City, Havana, and Washington.

06:00 GMT – Chicago and Mexico City.

08:00 GMT – Los Angeles.

10:00 GMT – Honolulu, Hawaii, the report concluded.

As the final hours of the year ticked away, vast multitudes converged on Times Square in New York City. Projections from CBS News indicated that the crowd size would likely swell to one million revelers. While the ball drop remained the centerpiece, the waiting throngs were entertained by acts including Tones and I, Ciara, and Robyn, according to reports. At his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Donald Trump expressed his wish for "peace on Earth" while preparing to welcome the New Year with his wife, Melania, the New York Post reported.

The president, donning a tuxedo, spoke momentarily to journalists outside the ballroom while standing alongside Melania, who wore a silver dress, the outlet noted. Responding to inquiries about his resolutions for 2026, Trump simply stated, "Peace on Earth," before proceeding to the festivities, according to the New York Post. Inside the crowded hall, the former president assured guests that the United States is "doing great," the publication reported. "We're back. We're strong," he added, per the New York Post. He then pledged to "get to the bottom" of accusations concerning rampant welfare fraud in Minnesota before turning the program over to a live painter, the report stated. Among the distinguished guests was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had met with Trump days earlier to review the Gaza ceasefire, according to the New York Post.

WATCH: Fireworks show at Mar-a-Lago: PM Netanyahu and President Trump celebrate the New Year together pic.twitter.com/yT4yr4bNzy

— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) January 1, 2026

Lara Trump joined the president's sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr., at the event, the outlet noted. The New York Post listed numerous allies in attendance, including Sergio Gor, Dan Scavino, Rudy Giuliani, Tom Emmer, Jeanine Pirro, and Kristi Noem. Hussain Sajwani, an Emirati billionaire who recently pledged a massive investment in US data centers, was also present, according to the report. Surveying the room, Trump remarked, "We have a lot of leaders," the New York Post reported.

The exclusive gathering featured Vanessa Horabuena, a Christian artist who created a rapid painting of Jesus for charity, the outlet stated. "These people are loaded with cash," Trump quipped during the auction, according to the New York Post. The winning bid of $2.5 million was designated for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and local law enforcement, the report noted. Across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom ushered in 2026 with spectacular fireworks along the Thames, while Edinburgh hosted its traditional Hogmanay street party, media reports said.

Celebrations also unfolded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a major gathering on Copacabana Beach, according to reports. In New York, anticipation built as crowds approached the one-million mark ahead of the midnight event, reports stated. Earlier in the evening, fireworks lit up European skies from Berlin to Paris and Barcelona, media outlets noted. Other regions marked the transition with bell-ringing, drumming, and a light show at Dubai's Burj Khalifa, reports concluded.

The post Times Square erupts as America enters 2026 appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Australia ushered in the new year beneath the shadow of a terrorist strike that unfolded mid-month at Bondi Beach in Sydney. In his televised New Year's message, Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese declared, "In these moments, the happiness we typically experience as a new year dawns fades against the grief of the year behind us. In the wake of terror inflicted upon Jews in Australia at Bondi Beach, our hearts break for every life stolen and every life transformed forever."

Video: Celebrations in Sydney / Credit: Reuters

The assault took place during a "Hanukkah (the Jewish Festival of Lights) by the Sea" gathering hosted by the Chabad (a Hasidic Jewish organization) community in Sydney, as two armed operatives fired upon celebrants marking Hanukkah's opening night. Fifteen individuals perished and scores sustained injuries.

Australia held a minute of silence honoring those slain and harmed in the terror assault. Thousands clutched candles or flashlights in a poignant show of solidarity with the Jewish community and the struggle against antisemitism. The famous Sydney Harbour Bridge was also lit with a

Here's to 2026. pic.twitter.com/cvjnBWY6Tl

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 31, 2025

Menorah and illuminated in white in memory of the victims.

The Pacific island state of Kiribati claimed the distinction of first nation worldwide to greet the new year. Its principal island, Kiritimati, crossed into 2026 at 12:00 Israel time. New Zealand followed as the next nation to leave 2025 behind, with breathtaking fireworks illuminating Auckland's renowned Sky Tower at 13:00 Israel time. The nation entered the new year in tandem with Samoa and Tonga. Hong Kong called off its New Year firework display in the wake of the a fatal housing estate fire that claimed scores of lives.

Asian countries will launch New Year festivities with South Korea, North Korea and Japan leading the procession. Subsequently, Hong Kong and China will commemorate the milestone, joined by Taiwan, which marks the new year against mounting friction with Beijing and apprehension over potential annexation of the democratic territory. These celebrations will commence at 18:00 Israel time.

Video: Celebrations in New Zealand/ Credit: Reuters

European states, among them France, Germany and Britain, will embrace 2026 within one to two hours following Israel's countdown completion. The United States will observe the new year as final preparations wrapped up tonight in New York for the iconic ball descent ritual at Times Square.

When 2026 begins

The 2026 Ball Test was a SUCCESS! The Ball WILL drop tomorrow at midnight in #TimesSquare thanks to @CarnivalCruise #NewYearsEve #NewYearsEveBall #BallDrop #TimesSquareBall pic.twitter.com/cGWjAUz0n6

— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) December 30, 2025

Customs and traditions spanning the globe

Certain New Year practices aim to summon good fortune and banish malevolent forces. Prevalent techniques encompass consuming grapes, welcoming a dark-haired guest into one's dwelling, generating noise and chiming bells.

Shattering plates – Denmark

In Denmark, the ritual of smashing plates against friends' and neighbors' doors signals auspicious tidings. Should you awaken on New Year's Day discovering shattered crockery at your threshold – rejoice, fortune smiles upon you!

Consuming 12 grapes – Spain

In Spain, revelers mark the year's conclusion by swallowing one grape with each midnight chime, totaling 12 grapes representing the 12 months ahead. Contemporary youth have modernized the age-old custom, with unattached individuals potentially finding themselves eating grapes beneath kitchen tables – aspiring to discover romance in the approaching year.

"First footing" – Scotland

In Scotland, residents maintain the inaugural individual crossing a threshold past midnight will dictate household fortune throughout the new year. A dark-haired visitor portends prosperity, optimally bearing whiskey (naturally), coal fragments, bread and currency. The practice traces to Viking heritage, when fair-haired strangers might signal danger.

Consuming lentils – Italy

In Italy, consuming lentils constitutes traditional New Year fare. Greater lentil consumption supposedly attracts enhanced prosperity in the forthcoming year.

Donning dancing bears – Romania

In Romania, performers costumed as dancing bears visit residences on New Year's Eve, bestowing good fortune upon inhabitants.

Bell striking – Japan

In Japan, striking temple bells 108 times during the "Joya no Kane" (a Buddhist New Year ceremony) ritual on New Year's Eve symbolizes concluding the departed year and embracing the arriving year.

The post From Kiribati to Times Square: World ringing in 2026 appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The harbor span was illuminated in special white colors to honor the 15 individuals murdered on December 14, following an earlier pyrotechnic display designed for families.

Projections on the bridge's pylons featured a menorah, a dove, and the text peace and unity, serving as a poignant memorial. Attendees at the primary midnight gathering, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, were invited to observe a minute of silence. 9News reported that the internationally renowned fireworks show on the harbor attracts in excess of 1 million spectators annually.

Planners previously disclosed that the event would deviate slightly from tradition to pay respects to the casualties of the Bondi Beach tragedy. Law enforcement anticipated their most extensive New Year's Eve mobilization to date, with a force exceeding 2,500 personnel assigned to the operation, 9News stated. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns indicated that while the strategy involved deploying heavily armed officers within the gatherings, the public should not interpret this as an indication of an active threat.

"They'll be operational and highly visible," Minns said, as cited by the outlet. "It means that they're there in preparation for any eventuality." Minns had previously encouraged citizens to "thumb their noses" at terrorists by participating in the metropolis's most significant celebration. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore noted that the occasion allowed the populace to engage in contemplation. "Given that we're still reeling from the recent tragic events in Bondi, New Year's Eve provides an opportunity to gather as a community to pause and a reflect and hope for a safer and more peaceful 2026," Moore stated, according to 9News.

Access to the city center was restricted for vehicles as immense multitudes flooded the harbor foreshore. Barriers were erected on thoroughfares in Circular Quay to the north of Bridge Street. Closures in Barangaroo and The Rocks affected portions of Hickson Road, as well as Argyle, Essex, and Harrington streets. Officials recommended that attendees utilize mass transit to reach the festivities.

According to Transport Minister John Graham, 1,000 additional services would operate continuously throughout the evening. Travelers were advised to anticipate significant congestion following both the 9 p.m. and midnight displays, with suggestions to walk toward Town Hall or Martin Place along George Street to facilitate easier boarding if possible.

Operating hours for the Barangaroo metro station were extended for the event. 9News noted that visitors were encouraged to check the official website for real-time updates on capacity at free viewing areas before attempting to set up.

One committed spectator mentioned to the publisher that he had been on site since 10 a.m. the previous day without sleep. A mother who arrived in the central business district at 11:30 a.m. expressed that she was "really excited" to secure a prime location with her two children.

"We can't wait, we got here early to get this spot so we can see the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge," she said. "We were here in the year 2000 so we brought these guys back for their first time this year."

"The crowd has been very, very hospitable and the organisation has been perfect." Her son expressed delight at the prospect of witnessing the pyrotechnics in person. "We've seen it on TV a few times before, we can't wait to see it, it looks really cool on TV," he said.

The post Sydney marks NYE with tribute to Bondi victims appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The following day will feature an "Inauguration for a New Era Block Party," with the incoming mayor securing multiple prominent figures from the entertainment industry for his inaugural committee. The committee roster encompasses numerous politicians, community organizers, and municipal dignitaries, while simultaneously featuring several entertainment industry members who backed the mayor-elect throughout his campaign, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

The post Mamdani plans celebrity-packed inauguration party appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Festivities have taken place at the location for 122 years, "ever since the owners of One Times Square began in 1904 to conduct rooftop celebrations to greet the New Year," the venue's website states. USA TODAY reported that the Dec. 31 program begins at 6 p.m. ET featuring artists like Diana Ross, Robyn, Xavi, Tones and I, and B.o.B, culminating in the midnight drop of the sphere and wish-filled confetti.

Weighing 12,350 pounds, the current Constellation Ball is the largest yet, containing nearly double the crystals of previous models, per USA TODAY. To mark the US semiquincentennial, America250 announced a "surprise second post-midnight moment", where the object will rise above illuminated "2026" numerals around 12:04 a.m. ET.

While networks like ABC, CBS, and CNN will air the celebrations, USA TODAY indicated that the official website offers a stream starting at 6 p.m. ET. The site encourages audiences to "Enjoy commercial-free, webcast coverage of the festivities leading up to the Ball Drop at midnight, including backstage access, behind-the-scenes stories and interviews with performers and other celebrities," and a YouTube stream with American Sign Language interpretation and open captions will also be available.

The post Times Square preps for 2026; 'surprise' moment expected appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The meeting, the sixth between the two leaders in less than a year, came as Trump said he would seek to advance a move to the second phase of a plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu, for his part, was expected to focus on Iran's efforts to rebuild its missile capabilities and on the threat posed by Hezbollah, the Lebanese terrorist organization. Ahead of the meeting with Trump, Netanyahu also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Speaking to reporters with Netanyahu at his side, Trump said one of the key issues on the agenda was the disarmament of Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization that controls Gaza.

"There has to be a disarmament of Hamas," Trump said. "One of the things we will be talking about is that there must be disarmament."

Trump also referred to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying, "I have a good relationship with Erdogan. We will talk about it. If it is good, it will be good. A lot depends on Bibi. Turkey is great. I don't know about you, Bibi."

Praising Netanyahu's leadership during the war, Trump said the Israeli prime minister had guided Israel through an exceptionally difficult period.

"He is a wartime prime minister. He did a good job. He went through a traumatic period with Israel," Trump said. "If you had the wrong prime minister, Israel would not have survived, because you were facing a force that not many would have survived."

Turning to Iran, Trump warned that the Islamic Republic was attempting to rebuild its military strength.

"Now I hear that Iran is trying to build its power again, and we will knock them down again," he said. "If they want to make a deal, it would be smarter. They could have made a deal before the war."

Asked whether he supported the overthrow of the Iranian regime, Trump said he was not seeking to address that issue directly.

"I'm not going to talk about regime change. They have a lot of problems. Their economy is finished," he said. "I know people are unhappy there, but the moment there are protests, they start shooting people."

Trump was then asked directly whether he would support an attack on Iran if it refused to reach an agreement and continued developing ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.

"If they continue with missiles, yes, quickly," Trump replied. "If they continue with nuclear, immediately."

Trump also addressed the possibility of a pardon for Netanyahu in Israel, claiming that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had raised the issue with him.

"President Herzog told me that a pardon for Netanyahu is on the way," Trump said.

The post Trump will back Israeli strike on Iran if it continues missile program appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.