Yeshiva World News

UPDATE: Torah Academy (TA) and Bais Yaakov have also been cancelled due to Police recommendation.

Here is the message from TA:

We have received credible intelligence  from law enforcement officials that there may be a threat in areas that could affect carpool routes.

The following text message was sent out from the administration at Cheder Chabad which is located right next to Northern Parkway. A rumor has been going viral on social media that there will be a ‘Purge’ or a another round of violent protests and one of the locations listed as a gathering point was Northern Parkway. Many Jewish institution are also in the vicinity and YWN is closely monetering the scene with on the ground reporters and live updates.

Here is the text that was sent out:

Cheder Chabad: Due to rumored uprising scheduled for this afternoon, Cheder will be closing at 2:00pm today for all classes.

CrownHeights.Info spoke with Cheder Chabad in Baltimore:

“This is being done as a precautionary move in light of rumors of unrest not far from the school,” said Rabbi Elchonon Lisbon, the Executive director of Cheder Chabad, “we just want to keep our kids safe.”

He added that “the situation is fluid, and we don’t know how this will affect school tomorrow. We are playing it by ear and parents will be notified by text and email.”

Stay with YWN as this is a developing story….

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday afternoon 9 Iyar, at his Jerusalem office, held a consultation on Israel’s rescue efforts in Nepal. Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, Interior Minister Gilad Erdan, Foreign Ministry Director General Nissim Ben-Sheetrit, IDF Homefront Commander Major-General Yoel Strick and MDA Director-General Eli Bein, as well as representatives from the Justice and Public Security ministries, were also in attendance.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “We are focusing on two efforts. Our first effort is to locate and rescue Israelis who are in distress in Nepal and enable their safe return home. To this end we are continuing operational and diplomatic activity with the Nepalese government and with other elements. At the same time, we are operating a field hospital in Nepal to help the Nepalese people in their hour of distress. We are operating under two principles: All Israel is responsible one for the other, and Israel extending a hand in humanitarian assistance in Nepal as it has done in many other places around the world.”

It was reported that eleven Israelis are currently defined as not being in contact; the whereabouts of dozens more are known, but it has not been possible to reach them. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered that, alongside the efforts to locate and rescue them, consideration be given to the possibilities of dropping them food and means to keep warm, and of reaching them escorted by local security forces.

It was also reported that 338 Israelis so far have returned to Israel, in addition to 25 infants who have already landed in Israel.

IDF Home Front Command briefed participants on progress in setting up a field hospital in Nepal that will be able to treat approximately 200 patients a day.

Prime Minister Netanyahu commended the work of the Foreign Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the IDF and MDA.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

The Bayit Yehudi party on Tuesday afternoon, 9 Iyar halted coalition negotiations with Likud until such time Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu responds to the party’s demand to control the Ministry of Education. Party officials are signaling that if Bayit Yehudi does not receive the Education Ministry, it will not continue negotiations to enter the coalition and will join the opposition parties.

Party leader Naftali Bennett has requested to be appointed Minister of Education and he now appears to have decided to pressure PM Netanyahu into responding earlier rather than later.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

National Guard troops fanned out through the city, shield-bearing police officers blocked the streets and firefighters doused still-simmering blazes early Tuesday as a growing area of Baltimore shuddered from riots following the funeral of a black man who died in police custody.

The violence that started in West Baltimore on Monday afternoon — within a mile of where Freddie Gray, 25, was arrested and placed into a police van earlier this month — had by midnight spread to East Baltimore and neighborhoods close to downtown and near the baseball stadium. The streets were calm Tuesday morning.

Monday’s rioting was one of the most volatile outbreaks of violence prompted by a police-involved death since the days of protests that followed the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed black man who was shot and killed during a confrontation with a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, last summer.

At least 15 officers were hurt, including six who were hospitalized, police said. There were 144 vehicle fires, 15 structure fires and nearly 200 arrests, according to numbers provided Tuesday morning by Howard Libit, a spokesman for the mayor’s office.

Aerial footage Tuesday morning from Baltimore station WJZ-TV showed a firefighter spraying the burnt out shell of a large building as an American flag fluttered nearby on an untouched building.

State and local authorities pledged to restore order and calm to Baltimore, but quickly found themselves responding to questions about whether their initial responses had been adequate.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was asked why she waited hours to ask the governor to declare a state of emergency, while the governor himself hinted she should have come to him earlier.

“We were all in the command center in the second floor of the State House in constant communication, and we were trying to get in touch with the mayor for quite some time,” Gov. Larry Hogan told a Monday evening news conference. “She finally made that call, and we immediately took action.”

Asked if the mayor should have called for help sooner, however, Hogan replied that he didn’t want to question what Baltimore officials were doing: “They’re all under tremendous stress. We’re all on one team.”

Rawlings-Blake said officials believed they had gotten the unrest that had erupted over the weekend under control “and I think it would have been inappropriate to bring in the National Guard when we had it under control.”

But later on, Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts made it clear events had become unmanageable. “They just outnumbered us and outflanked us,” Batts said. “We needed to have more resources out there.”

Batts said authorities had had a “very trying and disappointing day.”

Police certainly had their work cut out for them: The rioters set police cars and buildings on fire in several neighborhoods, looted a mall and liquor stores and threw rocks at police with riot gear who responded occasionally with pepper spray.

“I understand anger, but what we’re seeing isn’t anger,” Rawlings-Blake said. “It’s disruption of a community. The same community they say they care about, they’re destroying. You can’t have it both ways.”

Gov. Hogan was temporarily moving his office to Baltimore on Tuesday. A spokeswoman for the governor said Hogan would be visiting sites around the city and planned to work out of state offices in downtown Baltimore with cabinet members and senior staffers.

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, in her first day on the job, said she would send Justice Department officials to the city in coming days. A weeklong, daily curfew was imposed beginning Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the mayor said, and Baltimore public schools announced they would be closed Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, adjutant general of the Maryland National Guard, said up to 5,000 troops would be available for Baltimore’s streets.

“We are going to be out in massive force, and that just means basically that we are going to be patrolling the streets and out to ensure that we are protecting property,” Singh said at a news conference Monday night.

Singh said they will be acting at the direction of Baltimore police.

Col. William Pallozzi, the superintendent of the state police, said a request for up to 500 additional law enforcement personnel in Maryland had been sent. Pallozzi added that the state is putting out a request for up to 5,000 more law enforcement personnel from around the mid-Atlantic region.

Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings and about 200 others, including ministers, tried unsuccessfully to quell the violence at one point Monday night, marching arm-in-arm through a neighborhood littered with broken glass, flattened aluminum cans and other debris. As they got close to a line of police officers, the marchers went down on their knees. They then rose to their feet and walked until they were face-to-face with the police officers in a tight formation and wearing riot gear.

But the violence continued, with looters later setting a liquor store on fire and throwing cinder blocks at fire trucks as firefighters labored to put out the blazes.

Monday’s riot was the latest flare-up over the death of Gray and came amid a national debate over police use of force following the high-profile deaths of several black men in encounters with police — from the Brown death in Ferguson to the deaths of Eric Garner in New York and Walter Scott in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Gray was black. Police have declined to specify the races of the six officers involved in his arrest, all of whom have been suspended with pay while they are under investigation.

While they are angry about what happened to Gray, his family said riots are not the answer.

“I think the violence is wrong,” Gray’s twin sister, Fredericka Gray, said late Monday. “I don’t like it at all.”

The attorney for Gray’s family, Billy Murphy, said the family had hoped to organize a peace march later in the week.

Gray was arrested on April 12 after making eye contact with officers and then running away, police said. He was held down, handcuffed and loaded into a van without a seat belt. Leg cuffs were put on him when he became irate inside.

He asked for medical help several times even before being put in the van, but paramedics were not called until after a 30-minute ride. Police have acknowledged he should have received medical attention on the spot where he was arrested, but they have not said how he suffered a serious spine injury. He died April 19.

(AP)

An Auschwitz survivor who lost 49 family members in the Holocaust says the fact that a 93-year-old former guard at the death camp is on trial is more important than any punishment.

Eva Pusztai-Fahidi, who lost relatives including her parents and sister, told the Lueneburg state court Tuesday that seeing former SS Sgt. Oskar Groening in court is “a kind of satisfaction,” the dpa news agency reported.

The 89-year-old says she could never have imagined she would be testifying before a German court and that “for me it’s not about the punishment.”

Groening is being tried on 300,000 counts of accessory to murder and faces a possible three to 15 years if convicted.

Prosecutors argue his role sorting prisoners’ stolen valuables, to which he admits, helped the death camp function.

(AP)

The Senate begins debate Tuesday over legislation empowering Congress to review and possibly reject any nuclear pact the Obama administration develops with Iran.

The bill approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has gained the tacit approval of Obama, and proponents are trying to discourage any changes. They recognize that politically driven amendments could undermine Democratic support and sink the carefully crafted measure.

The legislation would block Obama from waiving congressional sanctions for at least 30 days while lawmakers weigh in. And it would stipulate that if senators disapprove the deal, Obama would lose authority to waive certain economic penalties — an event that would certainly prompt a presidential veto.

Among proposed additions to the bill are demands that Iran release any U.S. citizens it is holding and refrain from any cooperation with nuclear-armed North Korea. Another insists that any agreement be treated as an international treaty, requiring two-thirds ratification by the Senate.

Another set of amendments would block any sanctions relief for Iran until it meets goals the U.S. set years ago as negotiating stances and has long since abandoned.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met Monday in New York for the first time since April 2, when world powers and Iran sealed a framework agreement. They now have little more than two months to meet their own June 30 deadline for a comprehensive accord.

Neither man spoke to reporters as the meeting got underway, but earlier Kerry told a U.N. conference on nuclear non-proliferation that a deal would make the world a safer place. “I want you to know the hard work is far from over and some key issues remain unresolved,” he said. “But we are, in fact, closer than ever to the good comprehensive deal that we have been seeking. And if we can get there, the entire world will be safer.”

Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidates are lining up to oppose any deal with a government the U.S. considers the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and to show their support for Israel.

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida wants to require Iran’s leaders to publicly accept Israel’s right to exist, a nearly impossible mandate. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas hopes to put the onus on advocates to win congressional approval of a deal, and not on opponents to gather enough votes for rejection.

(AP)

The following was released to YWN by Baltimore Shomrim:

Last night was blessedly quiet in our area, despite a great deal of action on our perimeter.

The sole event we know of concerns a beauty store on Reisterstown Road. The windows were smashed at midnight, and at about 2 AM, looters came through. Shomrim units watched them go in, and then scared them away. In their haste to get away, the looters abandoned the goods they were trying to steal.

Today we ask the community to remain highly vigilant, and to keep us informed of any movements of suspicious people. There are rumors on social media of more riots scheduled for 3:30 this afternoon on “Northern Parkway” and “Owings Mills.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

13:36 IL: It is now being reported that Yaakov Litzman, Moshe Gafne and Meir Porush have returned to negotiations with Likud.

Coalition talks between Likud and Yahadut Hatorah exploded on Tuesday morning 9 Iyar, leading to Yahadut Hatorah representatives walking out of the session. While it appeared a deal was imminent, it now appears the issue that led to the explosions is the monthly child allowance payments and no signing is going to take place in the immediate future. The issue of monthly child allowance payments has been at the core of machlokes between the chareidi parties and the prime minister for some time. During his tenure as finance minister, Mr. Netanyahu all but eliminated the monthly payments, a move that placed a stranglehold on many chareidi families.

At the start of Tuesday’s negotiating session Likud negotiators explained they have a problem with Yahadut Hatorah’s formula for monthly child allowance payments. When asked to elaborate as to the problem, Likud officials explained they cannot accept Yahadut Hatorah’s demands for the payments to become retroactive to the beginning of 2015, adding at best, they will be able to increase the monthly sum in the coming months after the state budget is passed.

After Yahadut Hatorah officials realized their objections and negotiating tactics were not going to change this reality, they got up and left.

Ladaat News explains that Yahadut Hatorah officials stated in their view, the government must be returning “the money stolen from families during the past two years and not just in the future”. It is not known when the sides will resume negotiations.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Translated by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for Five Towns Jewish Times

Translator’s note:  In the past week or so, many people have erroneously suggested that the Gedolim and Rabbonim who forbade the Kosher Switch did so out of “political reasons” – but not halachic reasons.  This is not the case, however.  Below is a translation of a responsa written on the subject by HaGaon haRav Shlomo Miller Shlita.  It clearly demonstrates that there are serious halachic animadversions to this device.  Some re-paragraphing was done and headings and explanatory notes were added to facilitate greater readability.  Permission was not obtained and any errors in understanding are my own.

RAV MILLER BEGINS..

In my opinion, one absolutely cannot permit the light switch called “The Kosher Switch.”  I do not have the opportunity to elaborate, however there is a great need to make two points in which, I believe, many people make an error.

TIKKUN MANEH

It is my opinion that any ultimate resulting action done willfully on Shabbos involves the malacha of Tikkun Maneh – because he allows for its operation.  In regard to setting up of a watch /clock [YH - 16th century watch/clocks had to be wound every 12 hours and would announce the hour] , the Mishna Brurah writes (338:15) that while it is permitted to set it up from before Shabbos, on Shabbos itself it is forbidden.  This is true not only if the watch had stopped  that it is forbidden to cause it to function even just by moving the iron spring -and there is a Torah prohibition in this according to many Poskim because it is included in Tikkun Maneh, but even when the watch is still working it is forbidden to wind up the weights or the spring that moves the gears to keep it going.

[See the Shaarei Teshuvah subparagraph 18 whether this is biblically forbidden or Rabbinic.  It is obvious that even when it is not operative that there is a Torah prohibition according to many Poskim - this is even if it will begin to function after some time - where there is some blockage and he is merely removing the blockage afterward, nonetheless a tikkun maneh occurs now - when he is setting the watch.]

EXTENSION TO ALL AUTOMATED DEVICES

The same is true with any act that he transfers to an automated device on Shabbos, and through that action the automated device will put it into action afterward –  this would now be considered tikkun maneh.

PROHIBITION OF NEGATING A VESSEL FROM SHABBOS USE

The Mishna Brurah writes extensively on the heter of Grama and the like:

See what he wrote in Siman 265 in the Mishna Brurah (SK 6) regarding the prohibition of “negating a vessel from Shabbos use” (YH – the sages forbade causing the vessel to become unusable on Shabbos because it appears or is similar to breaking the vessel). He cites the Maharil’s suggestion to place a vessel under the table [on Friday].  The Mogen Avrohom agreed to this, while it is still daylight on Friday to place a vessel under the table, and on Shabbos after the meal to remove the table and the vessel will remain by itself under the oil lamp.  And even though he is causing on Shabbos to negate a vessel from its Shabbos use through removing the table, nonetheless it is permitted – because he is not negating it directly with his hands on Shabbos.  And further, we are not careful in placing a vessel on Shabbos on a table under an oil lamp, even though oil falls in it because his intention is not for that.  Therefore, here too, they do not intend for that when he removes the table, but rather to save the table so that the oil lamp does not spill onto it.”

FORBIDDEN EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO GRAMA

Now it is brought down in the Mishna Brurah that it is forbidden to place the vessel under the table on Shabbos [itself] and to afterward remove the table and the vessel will remain under the oil lamp.  Even though each individual action in and of itself is permitted, because it is certainly permitted to place a vessel under a table on Shabbos.  There is not even a hint of something forbidden in it.  And when the vessel is already under the table, it would certainly be permitted to remove the table.

But to perform both actions together on Shabbos -

1.            placing the vessel under the table and

2.            removing the table afterward

this  would be forbidden.  Even though there is not even a Grama here, it is nonetheless forbidden.  And this is true even though his intention is just to save the table when taking it away.  And if his intention is that the oil fall into the vessel according to the Mishna Brurah’s second reason it would be forbidden even if he placed the vessel under the table on Friday.

And certainly to place a vessel under the table, and he knows that afterward someone will come and remove the table there is a prohibition of “negating a vessel from Shabbos use – Mevatel Kli m’haichano” when he places the vessel under the table.

Even though the negation from Shabbos use will not come until after the table has been removed and after the oil has fallen into the vessel, nonetheless, it is subsumed within the prohibition of the sages of negating a vessel from Shabbos use.  And even though one would have thought to permit it through the concept of Grama and through the concept of “merely removing an obstacle” it is nonetheless forbidden.

SAGES FORBADE IT DUE TO PERMANENCE

And the reason that the sages forbade this is that the sages of blessed memory knew that if he would do this, it would be something that happens always.  They understood that over the course of time the prohibition of “negating a vessel from Shabbos use” could become undone.  They permitted Grama only in chance instances such as a fire where the matter is not permanent each Shabbos, and he will not, through this, come to violate extinguishing.  Whereas this is not the case regarding a permanent thing.  For it is forbidden to place a vessel under the table on Shabbos and afterward remove the table (or if the table would be removed through an automatic device afterward) even though each individual action by itself is permitted.  If so, in every situation of Grama where it is set up permanently, it would not be permitted – just as we do not permit a Grama of causing a vessel to be pulled out of Shabbos use [Bitul Kli m'haichanu].

[According to the second reason cited by the Mishna Brurah, that he does not intend that the oil fall into the vessel it is possible that it would also be permitted to place the vessel under the table on Shabbos and subsequently remove the table with the intent to save only the table - and that which the Mishna Brurah only permited it on Friday could be because he only permits it when there is a combination of both of the reasons.]

CERTAINLY TRUE FOR A KOSHER SWITCH

Whatever the case may be, if it is forbidden to place a vessel under the table and afterward remove the table, it is certainly true that the Kosher Switch would be forbidden.

DEBATE ON CERTAIN GRAMAS

In general, the issue of Grama is a very complex subject.  For even though it is permitted to place pottery containers filled with water in front of a fire as explained in Siman 334:22, doing so with a “wall of snow” in front of the fire is a debate among the Rishonim.  See Tosfos (Shabbos 47b) that it is the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam and Rabbeinu Chananel that only doing so with  pottery containers filled with water is considered a Grama and would be permitted.  But this would not be the case with a “wall of snow” for there would be no hefsek (block) between the water and the flames.

The Baalei Tosfos there suggest that perhaps according to our version of the Talmud it might be permitted with a “wall of snow.”  See the Ritvah who explains that the Tosfos question Rabbeinu Chananel’s and Rabbeinu Tam’s opinion from the case of a garment that caught fire.  In that case it is permitted to place water on the other side [of the garment].   The Ritvah explains that wherever there is a space between the water and the fire it is considered a blockage – since it is possible for the fire to go out before it arrives there.

GRAMA IS WHEN YOU DON’T NECCESARILY WANT IT TO HAPPEN

And even though there is to further examine the exact meaning of his [the Ritvah's] answer, nonetheless, it is clear in his words that according to Rabbeinu Chananel the leniency of Grama is only because it is possible that the fire can extinguish beforehand.  See the words of the Rashba (Shabbos 120a) that only a wall of containers is permitted, because it is possible that they will not crack.  However, a wall of water would not be permitted.  This is also the opinion of the Raavad and the Ramban in explanation of the Rif’s opinion.  See the responsa of the (Avnei Naizer Siman 230) what he writes regarding the leniency of containers filled with water – that it is considered like Ko’ach kocho [the derivative power of his power] see there.  That even though when a person has intent one does incur a violation – here his desire is that the fire not pass at all and it is his desire that the containers not crack and that the waters come out and extinguish the fire – On the contrary, he would like that the containers not crack at all and that the fire go out even before it reaches the containers – see what he writes there in his pilpul.

GRAMA WHEN ONE INTENDS FOR IT TO HAPPEN

The truth is that in all situations of Grama when a person has the intent to make it happen – the Meforshim have already explained that it is possible that there is no exemption of Grama.  Indeed, the opposite is true, since it is explained in Bava Kamma 60a that even though if one throws it to the wind and the wind assists him in regard to the laws of torts (damages) it is considered a Grama, nonetheless in regard to Shabbos one incurs a violation, as the Torah forbade knowing actions.  See the Yeshuos Yaakov at the end of 334 what his grandson Moreinu HaRav tzvi Hirsch that there are many Poskim who forbid Grama if he intended for it (see Divrei haMaschil “V’Adayin.”)

NO GRAMA WHEN ITEM ITSELF IS BEING TOUCHED

The opinion of the Rosh is also known that one who removes oil from an eggshell [with a small hole at its bottom] that lays above a [lamp] vessel – it is considered true “extinguishing” and one incurs a Shabbos violation – even though the extinguishing only happens after some time has elapsed.  See what the Avnei Naizer Siman 232 has written regarding the Rosh’s opinion.

Whatever the matter is, the Rosh’s opinion is that the leniency of Grama is only when the person does not touch the item that is actually lit, but rather did something completely extraneous that will cause it to extinguish when it reaches there.  But here, both the oil and the wick are actual [internal] causes of the fire and one who diminishes either one of them in order to hasten the extinguishing – incurs a Shabbos violation.  That is – even on an act of extinguishing that comes after time has elapsed this is not considered a [mere] Grama [but rather a direct action] since the person did an act to the item that will light [albeit] after some time – even though at this point no malacha was done to it.

CONCLUSION

It comes out from our words that Heaven forbid that one should permit the switch called the Kosher Switch.  Boruch Hashem many choshuva Rabbis have written to forbid it.  It is [further] obvious that there is Zilzul Shabbos here in that they wish to make Shabbos like a weekday.  Shabbos to us is a blessing not a “problem” that needs to be resolved in order to be like a weekday and that there be opportunity to do on Shabbos what can be done during the week, Heaven forbid.  And with Hashem’s help we should merit to understand that the observance of Shabbos is a blessing to us.

The translator can be reached at yairhoffman2@gmail.com

Original Hebrew can be found at http://5tjt.com/translation-of-rav-shlomo-millers-responsa-on-kosher-switch/

12:44: There are conflicting reports but it appears the IDF is regarding the mortar shell fire into the Golan Heights as stray fire in the ongoing battle between rebels and Syrian government forces.

12:29: The IDF is no firing back at the source of the rocket fire. It is reported there may have been a third rocket. One of the rockets landed in an apple orchard. B”H, once again no fatalities or injuries reported at this time.

12:23: It is now reported that two mortar shells landed in the Golan Heights, near Quneitra and Ein Zivan. B’chasdei Hashem there is no loss of life, injuries or property damage as the mortars landed in an open area.

12:14: It appears at least one mortar rocket landed in an open area in the Golan Heights in the area of Ein Zivan. The IDF is responding and combing the area. There are no immediate reports of anyone reporting injuries or property damage.

12:07 IL: Sirens signaling an incoming rocket attack are sounding at this time in the Golan Heights. More to follow.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Three IDF soldiers have been indicted for allegedly stealing from a Gaza home in Shajaia during Operation Protective Edge during the summer of 2014. The soldiers are members of the Golani Brigade and they face charges of stealing money from a Gaza home.

According to the prosecution, two soldiers made off with 2,420 NIS while the third assisted them in taking the money out of Gaza. The third is a driver for an armored personnel carrier. The military prosecutor reports the incident occurred on July 20th when a metallic box fell out of a closet they were inspecting inside a home.

The two are charged with stealing the money and the driver with lesser charges of assisting them. The three were turned in by their commander. The military has made efforts to locate the owner of the Gaza home, albeit without success.

The three are the first to be indicted among the 19 cases under investigation dealing with alleged law-breaking by military personnel during the anti-Hamas military offensive in Gaza.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

A proposal to let cities in New York state set their own minimum wages has been shelved – and likely for the foreseeable future.

The state Senate’s Labor Committee voted to send the measure to the Finance Committee, a move that supporters dismissed as a delaying tactic intended to prevent a vote.

The bill, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, would allow local governments including New York City to set a minimum wage that is higher than the state’s minimum, which is now $8.75 and will increase to $9 at year’s end.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has pushed for local authority to raise the wage higher in his city.

Members of the Senate’s Republican majority, however, say statewide minimums are less disruptive to the economy.

(AP)

On Monday afternoon 8 Iyar a gag order was lifted permitting the publication of the arrests of a terror cell by the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet), the Israel Police and the IDF. They apprehended terrorists that targeted the Elisha Mechina Yeshiva in N’vei Tzuf in the Binyamin Council region of Shomron with pipe bombs and firebombs in the past months. According to the report, five attacks were carried out during January and February 2015.

Six members of the cell are in custody including Mahmud Naif Satuf, Basal Haled Rauf Rimu, Vasim Osama Halabi, Mahmud Emil Rimu, Mahmud Namar Muhmad Satuf, and Mahmud Dar Ta’ah. They are all 19023-years-old and residents of Kfar Rima near Ramallah.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

10:25 p.m.

A massive fire has broken out in a building that was under construction and the Baltimore mayor’s spokesman says it’s related to the riots.

Firefighters are spraying water on neighboring commercial and residential buildings around what’s left of the Mary Harvin Transformation Center that was engulfed by flames earlier in the evening.

Their aim: to prevent any flames from spreading, given the number of abandoned rowhouses nearby.

All that’s left of the brick building that was engulfed by flames appears to be the smoky debris of a structure a few stories tall. Some flames are still visible and heavy smoke is dying down.

Spokesman Kevin Harris confirmed that the fire is related to the riots and that it’s burning the Mary Harvin Transformation Center, described online as a community-based organization that supports youth and families.

A CVS pharmacy was also set on fire earlier in the day. Businesses have been looted and at least 15 officers were injured in the chaos.

The riots started after the funeral for Freddie Gray, who died of a mysterious injury after being arrested.

___

The fire in east baltimore pic.twitter.com/IMvM2v7pSh @yvonnewenger @MaFireEMS. #BaltimoreRiots

— Worldwide Actions (@AlwaysActions) April 28, 2015

9:20 p.m. Attorney General Loretta Lynch is condemning the rioting in Baltimore that followed the funeral of Freddie Gray, who died from a spinal injury he suffered while in police custody. In a statement Monday, her first day on the job, Lynch said those who have destroyed property have done a disservice to Gray’s family. She said she would send Justice Department officials to the city in coming days, including Vanita Gupta, the agency’s top civil rights lawyer. Rioters set police cars ablaze, leading the Maryland governor to declare a state of emergency and call in the National Guard. The FBI and Justice Department are investigating Gray’s death for potential criminal civil rights violations. The six officers who were involved in Gray’s arrest have been suspended. ___ 8:55 p.m. Maryland’s governor says activating the National Guard to help police with riots in Baltimore was a last resort. Gov. Larry Hogan said Monday night that he did not make the decision lightly. He earlier declared a state of emergency, activating the Guard. Hogan took office in January. The call for the Guard comes after people set cars on fire, looted businesses and threw bricks at police officers, hours after the funeral for Freddie Gray. Gray died after suffering injuries in police custody. ___

VIDEO: Suspects Cut Fire Hose as Firefighters Battle Blaze -@TulsaNation http://t.co/16DEeUxSqD #BaltimoreRiots pic.twitter.com/14VK4kdmKs — Breaking News (@Breaking911) April 27, 2015

  8:30 p.m. About 200 mostly men are marching arm-in-arm through a neighborhood that is littered with broken glass, flattened aluminum cans and other debris after riots in Baltimore. Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings is among them. As the group approached Fulton Avenue, getting close to a line of police officers, the marchers went down on their knees. After the ministers got back on their feet, they walked until they were face-to-face with the police officers in a tight formation and wearing riot gear. Neighborhood residents were standing on their stoops, taking pictures. Some clapped their hands. The marches were protesting the police-custody death of Freddie Gray. ___ 8:15 p.m. Police say 15 officers have been injured in the Baltimore riots and two are still in the hospital. More than two dozen people have been arrested after people looted stores, set cars on fire and threw bricks at police. The riot started just hours after the funeral for Freddie Gray, who died following injuries he suffered while in police custody. ___

Baltimore in flames. http://t.co/K8wCYMF86c #BaltimoreRiots — Anonymous (@LatestAnonNews) April 27, 2015

8 p.m.

The mayor of Baltimore says she will impose a weeklong curfew after people looted stores, set fire to cars and threw bricks and other objects at police officers.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says a curfew will be imposed beginning Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The mayor, a lifelong Baltimore resident, says too many people have spent generations building up the city for it to be destroyed by “thugs.”

The riot began hours after the funeral for Freddie Gray, who died after suffering an injury in police custody.

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7:55 p.m.

Police are firing beanbags and rubber bullets at looters at a mall where the Baltimore riots began.

As three dozen police entered the mall, looters began running and driving away. The mall was one of several businesses to be looted as rioters set cars and a business on fire.

The riot happened after the funeral for Freddie Gray, who died after being injured in police custody.

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7:40 p.m.

People are looting stores at a mall where the riots in Baltimore started.

As police moved away from the mall into a nearby neighborhood, the mall became unprotected and people started carrying clothes and other items away.

Cars have been burned, other stores have been looted and a pharmacy caught fire during the mayhem. The riot started hours after Freddie Gray was buried.

Gray died after suffering an injury in police custody.

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7:05 p.m.

The governor of Maryland has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard to help with the violence and rioting in Baltimore.

Gov. Larry Hogan signed the order Monday night at the request of the city. Cars and at least one store have been set on fire during a riot. Businesses are being looted in part of the city.

The riot started just hours after the funeral for Freddie Gray, who died after being injured while in police custody.

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7 p.m.

Maryland’s two senators are faulting a few in Baltimore for the violent protests, looting and clashes with police.

“This is terrible,” Democratic Sen. Barbara Mikulski told reporters in the U.S. Capitol Monday night. The five-term senator and Baltimore resident said about 300 students primarily from one high school acted out and showed “disrespect toward Freddie Gray.” Mikulski said some 85,000 school children went home and were not involved.

Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin said their “immediate concern is to restore the peace in Baltimore.”

The two lawmakers said they are awaiting the independent, civil rights investigation by the Justice Department into Gray’s death.

Gray died of an unexplained spinal injury while in police custody.

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6:45 p.m.

A pharmacy that has been looted in the Baltimore riots is on fire and police are trying to keep people back as firefighters battle the blaze.

Smoke is pouring out of the CVS pharmacy, which is about 1.5 miles from downtown Baltimore. Some people cut holes in a hose that firefighters were using.

Nearby, liquor stores were busted open and being looted. People were in the streets drinking while police stood still nearby.

The riot started just hours after Freddie Gray’s funeral. Gray died after suffering injuries in police custody.

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6:35

President Barack Obama is pledging the federal government’s help to respond to riots that have broken out in Baltimore following the funeral of Freddie Gray.

The White House says the Baltimore mayor updated Obama on the situation and that Obama told her his administration would provide assistance as needed.

The White House says Obama also discussed the rioting with Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who was sworn in hours earlier.

Obama and Lynch met in the Oval Office while violent scenes of rioting in Baltimore played out on television. Gray died April 19 after suffering a mysterious spinal injury while in police custody. The Justice Department and local authorities are investigating.

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6:05 p.m.

An attorney for the family of Freddie Gray says they are in shock watching the violence in Baltimore.

Hours after Gray’s funeral, a large group of youths had a standoff with police, throwing bricks, bottles and other items at officers. Several stores have been looted and cars have been set on fire.

Gray family attorney Billy Murphy said the family is urging for calm.

“They don’t want this movement nationally to be marred by violence,” he said. “It makes no sense.”

Murphy said Gray’s family is lying low Monday night. Gray died after suffering critical injuries in police custody.

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5:55 p.m.

Protesters are looting a check-cashing business and other stores in Baltimore, busting through the windows and climbing inside to take items.

Cars have been lit on fire and a large group of youths threw rocks, bricks and other items at police. As people arrived home from work, some yelled at the youths to stop causing trouble.

Ted Bushrod, 32, who’s lived in the area all his life, said his father died in an officer-involved shooting involving the Baltimore Police Department. He criticized the violence.

“It’s disappointing. I understand the kids’ frustration. We go through this every day,” he added, referring to black people being targeted for their race in Baltimore.

Freddie Gray, who is black, died after he suffered injuries while in police custody.

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5:35 p.m.

Police are urging parents to locate their children and bring them home after youths clashed violently with police in Baltimore.

Baltimore police made the announcement on its Twitter feed. A group of youths threw bricks, rocks and other items at police during a violent clash hours after the funeral of Freddie Gray. At least seven police officers were injured.

A lot of the youths clashing with police had backpacks and were wearing khaki pants, which are a part of many Baltimore public school uniforms.

The activity broke out just as high school let out, and at a key city bus depot for student commuters.

Gray died April 19. He suffered injuries in police custody. Authorities are investigating.

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5 p.m.

A drug store is being looted in Baltimore as police and a large group of people violently clash.

Television images show a CVS being overrun and people running out with items. Police have not responded yet.

The rioters have been throwing rocks, bricks and other items at police, injuring at least seven of them. A police car was set on fire.

The clash began just hours after the funeral of Freddie Gray, who died while in police custody.

4:45 p.m.

Police say at least seven officers have been injured in a violent clash with a large group of youths.

Capt. Eric Kowalczyk (koh-wall-check) said one officer is unresponsive and others have broken bones after people threw bricks, rocks and other items at police.

The riot occurred just hours after a funeral for Freddie Gray, who died of a mysterious spinal injury while he was in police custody.

The clash started near the Mondawmin Mall and spread out over a wide area as a line of police officers pushed them back.

In a series of Tweets, police said they are hearing reports of groups setting fires around the area. Earlier, a photographer was shoved and kicked in the back.

At one point, a police car was surrounded and destroyed by people jumping on it. As officers arrived, one person was taken into custody.

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4:15 p.m.

Hundreds of youths outside a mall in northwest Baltimore are clashing violently with police in riot gear, throwing rocks, bricks and bottles at the officers.

Baltimore police say on Twitter that several officers have been injured. Officers are using pepper-spray to keep the protesters back.

A flier circulated on social media called for a period of violence Monday afternoon to begin at the Mondawmin Mall and move downtown toward City Hall.

Earlier in the day, thousands gathered for Freddie Gray’s funeral. Gray died of an unexplained spinal injury while in police custody.

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4 p.m.

People are throwing rocks and bricks at police in riot gear near a Baltimore mall.

Dozens of people were throwing objects at police, just hours after the funeral for Freddie Gray.

Gray died of a mysterious spinal injury while in police custody. Baltimore police say on Twitter that a few officers have been hurt in the chaos.

Officers are advancing on the crowd, and at times retreating when the objects are thrown.

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3:30 p.m.

Numerous police officers in riot gear have responded to a mall in northwest Baltimore and the mall is closed.

Images broadcast by WJZ-TV show a line of officers with helmets and face shields blocking off the mall’s parking lot. Some people were throwing objects at officers and a police armored vehicle.

It’s not immediately clear if the response was related to a Freddie Gray protest. One man held his arms up as the police moved toward him, an action that has been repeated throughout the Gray rallies.

Gray died of an unexplained spinal injury he suffered in police custody.

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2 p.m.

The University of Maryland campus in downtown Baltimore shut down its campus at 2 p.m., saying it has been warned by the Baltimore Police Department that “activities” in the area may turn violent.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the activities had anything to do with Freddie Gray, who died of a spinal injury while in police custody. Demonstrators angry over Gray’s death have become violent at times.

In an alert to students and staff, the university says “the safety of our students and employees is of paramount importance. Please vacate the campus as soon as possible.”

School spokesman Alex Likowski said he didn’t know what type of activity might be passing through campus or what prompted the warning from police.

The university’s main campus is in College Park, about 30 miles south of Baltimore.

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1:45 p.m.

The funeral for Freddie Gray has ended after a service of nearly two hours.

The dignitaries attending included long-time activist Dick Gregory, former Maryland representative and NAACP leader Kweisi Mfume and current Maryland Rep. John Sarbanes.

The casket was rolled out of the church with the family following behind. Within minutes, the entire church was empty, leaving the musicians to play a rousing processional.

As people left, there was an image of Gray projected on the screens flanking the altar. It showed him wearing a striped polo shirt, baseball cap, pants and sneakers. The front of the program read, “Loving Memory, Freddie Carlos Gray Jr.”

Gray died of a mysterious spinal injury he suffered while in police custody.

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The NAACP says it’s opening a satellite office in Freddie Gray’s Baltimore neighborhood, known as Sandtown.

In a statement on the organization’s Facebook page, the NAACP said its police reform action in Baltimore dates back to the 1980s, and has involved targeting racial profiling cases. The NAACP said it also filed legal action involving traffic stops targeting black people and another one involving a high rate of incarceration of black people in the city.

Gray, who is black, died of an unexplained injury he suffered in police custody.

The satellite office in Gray’s neighborhood will include legal support from the national office, the NAACP said.

It’s unclear when the office will open.

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12:10 p.m.

Baltimore police say the department believes three notoriously violent gangs are now working together to “take out” law enforcement officers.

In a statement Monday, the department called it a “credible threat” and said members of the Black Guerilla Family, the Bloods and the Crips have formed a partnership against the police.

The department warned other law enforcement agencies to “take appropriate precautions.”

The police statement came as mourners gathered for the funeral of Freddie Gray, who died of a mysterious spinal injury while in police custody.

Police spokesman Capt. Eric Kowalczyk would not say whether the threat is related to the death of Gray. Kowalczyk said the threat announcement has been circulated to law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Earlier this year, Baltimore police said the Black Guerilla Family sent a man into the Northeastern District station house with marijuana, cocaine and a loaded gun to test the station’s security.

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12 p.m.

The daughter of Eric Garner, who died of a chokehold in the custody of New York City police, is at the funeral of Freddie Gray.

Gray suffered critical spinal injuries while he was in Baltimore police custody.

Erica Garner, 24, says she came Monday because watching the video of Gray crying out when he was arrested reminded her of the crying and agony that her father went through.

“My father was yelling out, ‘I can’t breathe and (Gray) was yelling out — he didn’t have any words but he was just hurt,” she said.

She says she hasn’t met Gray’s family, but would tell them: “I feel your pain. I know what you’re going through. Stay strong and continue to fight.”

Garner died last July after police placed him in a chokehold on a Staten Island street.