Mahdawi emerged as a prominent figure during pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia; his legal team claims arrest represents political retaliation by Trump administration.

The 140 flag bearers participating in the 77th ceremony will form the shape of a heart and replicate the wounded hand gesture displayed by hostage survivors Liri Albag and Emily Damari when they were released from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

The Justice Ministry’s announcement of the arrest of a Shin Bet officer on suspicion of "committing security offenses" came crashing down to earth this morning, as it emerged what had actually led to his being thrown into Shin Bet detention on the eve of a national holiday. Once for probing alleged Kahanist leanings within the police, without any supporting evidence, and once over our report on Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar’s Gaza strategy. Those tasked with safeguarding democracy appear to be invoking "security" to justify extreme measures.

The university claims the government's demands infringe on academic freedom, while facing criticism for failure to protect Jewish students.