At least 23 people were injured last night in an exceptionally intense Russian attack on the city of Kyiv, which began shortly after the telephone conversation between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. The attack, which included hundreds of drones and 11 cruise and ballistic missiles, caused severe damage in several areas of the Ukrainian capital.

Some of the missiles and drones struck multiple locations in Kyiv, causing severe damage to dozens of residential buildings and hundreds of vehicles. The strikes shattered windows in several areas throughout the city, and for many hours, black smoke columns rose over Kyiv's skies, visible from afar.

Ukrainian forces managed to intercept most of the drones launched toward the city, but only two out of the 11 missiles fired were neutralized by defense systems. The low interception rate of the missiles added to the severity of the heavy damage caused throughout the city.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba responded to the night attack with a sharp post on social media, writing: "A terrible and sleepless night in Kyiv. One of the worst so far. Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on Ukraine's capital. Right after Putin spoke with President Trump. And he does this deliberately. Stop waiting! Putin clearly demonstrates his complete contempt for the US and everyone who called for an end to the war".

Kuleba called for imposing the harshest sanctions on Moscow and providing Ukraine with all necessary means for self-defense. His words come against the backdrop of reports that the US is freezing weapons shipments to Ukraine that had already been agreed upon during the previous administration.

"Wrong decisions can only push the aggressor to escalate the terror", added the Ukrainian Foreign Minister. "All criminal regimes in the world are now closely watching Putin's actions and the response to them. If he gets away with this, they will all receive a very clear message. Stop waiting for peace. Act to achieve peace. Peace through strength".

The timing of the attack raises questions about the connection between it and the conversation that took place shortly before between Presidents Trump and Putin. This is a familiar pattern of the Russian president, who has already demonstrated defiant behavior and message-sending at critical times on several occasions.

The night attack joins a long series of Russian attacks on Kyiv since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. However, the intensity and timing of this attack highlight the message that Moscow seeks to convey at this sensitive time, when diplomatic attempts to end the conflict are underway.

The heavy strikes on the Ukrainian capital underscore the continuation of violence and destruction in the war, despite diplomatic discussions being held at the highest levels. The night attack serves as a stark reminder that according to the reality on the ground, the war continues to rage against the civilian population in Ukraine.

The use of images is in accordance with the provisions of Section 27a of the Copyright Law.

הפוסט Putin Dismisses Trump: Kyiv Bombing After the Call הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

President Donald Trump announced a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a post on his social media platform but deleted the publication shortly after. The conversation, which lasted about an hour and a quarter, took place against the backdrop of dramatic escalation between Russia and Ukraine following a daring Ukrainian operation that struck dozens of Russian fighter jets deep inside Russian territory.

The conversation between the leaders comes after retired General Keith Kellogg, Trump's envoy for promoting negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, claimed that the Ukrainian operation against military targets in Russia could lead to escalation. This position raises questions, as Russia conducts massive air strikes against Ukraine using the same bombers that were hit in the operation.

According to Trump's deleted post, the conversation was characterized as "good", and during it, Ukrainian deep strikes and "various other attacks that occurred from both sides" were discussed. Trump noted that Putin said "firmly that he would have to respond to the latest attack on Russian air bases". The American president's attitude toward Putin appears similar to that toward any other leader he speaks with by phone, though he seems careful not to irritate the Russian leader.

From the Russian side, Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign affairs advisor who was also present during the call, reported on the conversation. Ushakov maintained the familiar Russian approach aimed at presenting a picture of continuous ties between Moscow and Washington and attempting to prove that Russia is interested in advancing the diplomatic track.

According to Ushakov, the conversation began with a discussion of the situation around Ukraine, with Putin providing "detailed information about the results of the second round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul." He claimed that "Ukraine tried to disrupt these talks by carrying out targeted attacks on completely civilian targets and civilians on orders from the Kyiv regime".

In a dramatic statement, Ushakov said that "these attacks unequivocally constitute terrorist acts under international law, and in our opinion, the Kyiv regime has actually degraded into a terrorist organization". However, he noted that "the Russian side did not fall into the trap of provocations" and that the second round of talks took place in Istanbul. Ushakov claimed the talks were "productive" and that "the relevant memoranda changed hands and will be analyzed in the capitals – Moscow and Kyiv".

Regarding the Ukrainian attack on air bases in Russia, Ushakov noted that Trump again emphasized that the United States did not know about them in advance. This statement underscores American sensitivity to association with military operations deep inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented stunning data on the scope of Russian attacks. According to him, since the beginning of 2025, Russia has launched against Ukraine nearly 27,700 aerial bombs, 11,200 "Shahed" drones, 9,000 other attack drones, and over 700 missiles, including ballistic ones.

Zelensky added that "talks with Russia have not even led to a ceasefire, let alone reliable peace. This means that with every new attack, every new rejection of diplomacy, Russia shows the middle finger to the entire world." He emphasized that "Russia is the one that needs to seek peace. It's precisely them there in Moscow who need to feel that war has a price – a big price, and the highest for the aggressor".

The conversation between Trump and Putin took place three days after the dramatic operation dubbed "Spider Web". In this operation, the Ukrainian security service managed to strike dozens of Russian fighter jets and strategic bombers using 117 drones hidden in Russian trucks. These aircraft are used by Moscow to launch long-range missiles at targets inside Ukraine.

The operation was reportedly planned with great care over a year and a half and is apparently the boldest of Kyiv's surprise sabotage operations throughout the war. The action was executed by exploiting unsuspecting Russian truck drivers who thought they were going out on transport missions and were asked to stop near four Russian bases.

One of the bases hit was "Belaya" in Siberia, about 4,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, and another "Olenya" in the Arctic Circle, about 2,000 kilometers from the front. When the trucks stopped, their roofs opened, and from them, drones took off and continued to their targets. According to Kyiv, more than 40 fighter jets and bombers were hit, with damage estimated at $7 billion. Some of the bombers are Tu-22 and Tu-95 models whose production was stopped years ago and therefore cannot be replaced.

The drone operation came several hours after an explosion operation that caused the collapse of two bridges in western Russian regions bordering Ukraine. In the Bryansk region, debris fell on a railway, and a train that was just passing through collided with it. According to Russia, seven people were killed in the collision, and in the evening, Moscow updated that there were also 113 injured in the incident, including children. In the second collapse, of a bridge in the Kursk region, no fatalities were reported. Russia determined these were "terrorist acts" and attributes them to Kyiv.

Putin said the explosion operation proves that Ukraine does not want peace at all, and according to him, it was intended to disrupt the round of talks held between Kyiv and Moscow in Istanbul on Monday, the day after the explosions. "Who actually negotiates with people who put their trust in terror?", Putin asked.

Alongside discussions about Ukraine, the conversation between Trump and Putin also touched on the Iran issue. Trump warned Iran that "time is running out, we will need an absolute answer from it in a very short time!". He noted that Putin offered to help in talks between Washington and Tehran.

Trump's words come against the backdrop of pessimistic signals from Tehran regarding the chance of reaching a nuclear agreement. According to a Reuters report, Iran is preparing to respond negatively to the American proposal, and an Iranian diplomat said the proposal is a "non-starter". According to him, Washington did not compromise on the demand to stop uranium enrichment – the central point of contention in nuclear talks.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei sharply criticized the American proposal, even if he did not explicitly reject it. Khamenei said the American proposal focuses on the issue of Iran's right to enrich uranium and that it contradicts Iranian interests: "Who are you to tell Tehran whether we should have a nuclear program or not?". He declared that Tehran will not give up its uranium enrichment capability and that without it, the nuclear program would be worthless.

The conversation between Trump and Putin and the decision to delete the post about it attest to the complexity of relations between the two superpowers during this sensitive period. While Trump tries to navigate between the need to maintain diplomatic ties and domestic and international pressure, Putin continues to present a firm position aimed at transferring responsibility for the crisis to Ukraine and the West. The deletion of the post perhaps indicates the sensitivity of the subject and the desire to avoid unwanted interpretations at a time when diplomacy is trying to find its way between attacks and revenge.

Photos: Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump (Photo: Mandel Ngan, Maxim Shemetov / various sources / AFP)

הפוסט Trump Deletes Post About Call with Putin הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

The war in Ukraine stands on the brink of dramatic transformation with the approach of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's crucial visit to Berlin on Wednesday. The visit, during which Zelensky will meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is expected to lead to a dramatic German announcement that will alter the balance of power in the war.

After months of deliberation and diplomatic tension, the assessment is crystallizing in the West that Germany is preparing to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles of the "Taurus" model—a step that President Zelensky has long advocated but which former Chancellor Olaf Scholz refused to implement. The long-awaited decision comes following the clear escalation in Russian attacks and Moscow's refusal to agree to a ceasefire.

In a surprising statement at a media panel held ahead of the visit, Chancellor Merz clarified that Ukraine's main Western allies have removed restrictions on the range of Western weapons supplied to Kyiv. "There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine—not by Britain, France, or by us. There are also no restrictions from the United States. This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example by attacking military positions within Russia. Until recently it could not do this, and apart from very few exceptions, it did not do so", Merz explained.

This decision does not come out of the blue. Already on April 13, even before his appointment was approved by the Bundestag, Merz announced the possibility of transferring the missiles to Kyiv in coordination with European partners. The issue was extensively discussed during the visit of leaders from Germany, Britain, France, and Poland to Kyiv on May 9, and since then the new European strategy has been taking shape.

The shift in German position gains additional weight when examining the fundamental difference between current policy and that of the previous administration. Britain and France have already supplied Ukrainians with long-range cruise missiles of the "Storm Shadow" model, which have been used lethally against Russian targets, while Germany under Scholz insisted on not supplying German missiles to Ukraine.

If Berlin indeed supplies the "Taurus" missiles to the Ukrainian army, along with lifting the ban on attacking targets with them within Russian territory, this would be a significant development in the course of the war. The missile has a range of 500 kilometers, far beyond the British cruise missiles and US-made ATACMS, and it would give Ukraine the capability to strike strategic targets even in Moscow and other central Russian cities.

This European move reflects a clear trend of increasing military support for Ukraine, but it comes at a complex time of great uncertainty regarding continued US military support. Since Donald Trump's return to the White House, the American president has not approved new military aid packages for Ukraine and has not specified whether he intends to release the $3.85 billion already allocated by Congress to Kyiv.

The current situation shows that Ukrainians are being supplied with the last weapons packages promised by the Biden administration, but no new shipments are expected for the time being. It is unclear whether the White House will allow Ukraine to continue purchasing American weapons, and meanwhile this uncertainty itself encourages Russian President Vladimir Putin and instills confidence in him to continue attacks against Ukraine and intensify them.

Surprisingly, on June 26, 2025, President Trump presented an extremely sharp position against Putin through the Truth Social social network. In a message rare in its severity, Trump wrote: "I always had very good relations with Vladimir Putin from Russia, but something happened to him. He just went completely crazy! He is killing many people unnecessarily—and it's not just about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being fired at cities in Ukraine for no reason at all".

Trump continued and added: "I always said he wants all of Ukraine, not just part of it, and maybe this is proving true—but if he acts this way, it will lead to Russia's downfall!". This statement marks a significant change in the American president's tone toward the Russian leader and may affect the geopolitical dynamics of the conflict.

However, Trump also directed criticism toward the Ukrainian president: "President Zelensky is not helping his country when he speaks the way he speaks. Everything that comes out of his mouth creates problems. I don't like it, and it must stop". Despite the criticism, Trump clarified his position on the war itself: "This is a war that would never have started if I had been president. This is Zelensky's, Putin's, and Biden's war—not Trump's. I'm just trying to extinguish the big and ugly flames that were ignited due to serious incompetence and hatred".

These statements come as Russia continues to escalate its attacks against Ukraine, including strikes on civilian and innocent targets. The harsh reality on the ground is generating growing international pressure to respond forcefully against Russian policy, while simultaneously placing the European Union before the challenge of filling the void created by uncertainty regarding continued American support.

Zelensky's visit to Berlin thus comes at a critical moment, when Germany may lead a coordinated European move that could change the course of the war. The supply of long-range "Taurus" missiles, together with lifting restrictions on their use against targets in Russia, could create a new reality in the conflict and allow Ukraine to adopt a more offensive approach.

The new security reality in which Russia finds itself testifies to a dramatic transformation in the strategic balance of power. Ukrainian drone attacks, penetrating deep into Russian territory and reaching the heart of Moscow, create an unprecedented situation of uncertainty for the Kremlin leadership.

If already at this stage, when Ukraine operates mainly through drones, Russia exposes such noticeable vulnerability, what will happen when more sophisticated missiles reach the capital city? This question troubles not only the Russian population but also the close circles of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Reports from various sources indicate that Putin is considering leaving Moscow and moving to his fortified compound in the Valdai region—a step that would attest to recognition of the severity of the security situation.

The Russian capital is no longer a safe stronghold for the country's leadership.

Russia, which initiated the war as the attacking nation, now finds itself in a defensive position not only in the Ukrainian arena but also within its own borders. This situation could lead to the end of this destructive war.

Photo: AP

הפוסט Germany to Supply Ukraine with Missiles Capable of Reaching Moscow, Putin Under Pressure הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

On Monday evening, after 584 days in Hamas captivity, IDF soldier Idan Alexander finally returned to his family's embrace. A moment so moving it brings tears to eyes, symbolizing a small victory within a harsh and complex reality. But while images of his meeting with his family flood screens and hearts, another story unfolds behind the scenes – a story that reveals who was truly responsible for his release, and who is trying to take credit where it isn't due.

The true story, as emerges from the details of the case, is that the blessed release of Idan Alexander has nothing to do with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr. Ron Dermer, or any other minister in the Israeli government. In fact, the release was made possible despite the Israeli government, not because of it.

Idan Alexander, who holds American citizenship, was released thanks to direct and significant involvement by the President of the United States, Donald Trump. It turns out that the Trump administration conducted direct negotiations with Hamas behind Israel's back, negotiations that ultimately led to Alexander's release.

In the first published images, Idan is seen wearing an Adidas shirt, standing on his feet alongside a Red Cross representative and militants. Unlike hostages released in previous deals, Alexander was not wearing a uniform during his release. His father, who watched these emotional moments from the plane that brought him to Israel, reacted emotionally: "I saw the picture, handsome. The excitement is enormous. He's a bit thin and pale, but he'll be fine".

Alexander was transferred to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, without any special ceremony, and was then transferred to the IDF. From there, he was taken to the reception point in Reim, where he met with his family, and was later flown to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv for a series of medical examinations.

But while everyone celebrates Idan's release, there are disturbing facts that cannot be ignored. Prime Minister Netanyahu, as is his habit, rushed to Ichilov Hospital to exploit this sensitive occasion for photos and political propaganda. But in reality, he deserves no credit for this release.

While Netanyahu tries to claim the achievement for himself, the gap between words and actions is glaring. In fact, one can clearly see the results of Netanyahu's government's decisions – disorder, injustice, and failures that led to an IDF soldier remaining in Hamas captivity for a full 584 days.

There is another troubling detail in this complex puzzle – the connections between Hamas and Russia. While Hamas, Putin's friends, still hold Maxim Harkin captive, Putin himself has done nothing to release him. Meanwhile, Netanyahu continues to "kowtow" to Putin, as can be seen in his decision to send Israel's ambassador to participate in the Victory Parade in Moscow, where she sat alongside dictator Putin and Abu Mazen, a Hamas supporter. Putin, it should be noted, does not define Hamas as a terrorist organization but as a political organization fighting for freedom.

After Alexander's release, Netanyahu posted on X: "I met today with the US President's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Whitcoff, and the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. I then spoke with US President Donald Trump. I thanked President Trump for his assistance in releasing IDF soldier Idan Alexander. President Trump, for his part, reiterated his commitment to Israel and his desire to continue close cooperation with me".

Netanyahu continued: "In my meeting with Envoy Whitcoff and Ambassador Huckabee, we discussed the latest effort to implement the framework for releasing hostages presented by Whitcoff, before expanding the fighting. For this purpose, I instructed a negotiation delegation to be sent to Doha tomorrow. I clarified that negotiations will only take place under fire".

What's important to understand is that Netanyahu's entire discourse comes only after the release, when credit has already been given to Trump. It seems that Netanyahu is trying to attach himself to a successful move led by someone else.

Meanwhile, Hamas issued an official statement addressing President Trump: "Continue your efforts to end this cruel war, we are ready to enter immediate negotiations for a comprehensive deal". The statement also read: "The release came after contacts with the American administration, as part of mediators' efforts to achieve a ceasefire, open crossings, and allow aid to reach our people in the Gaza Strip. This step comes after important contacts in which Hamas demonstrated positivity and high flexibility. Serious and responsible negotiations will achieve results in the release of prisoners. However, continued aggression will prolong their suffering and may even kill them".

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier from Arab sources that contacts are taking place between Hamas and Israel also regarding a cessation of fighting in the Gaza Strip, which would include the release of additional hostages and renewal of humanitarian aid into the Strip. The report in the Journal complements a statement by an American official familiar with the details of the direct talks between the US and Hamas, who told CNN that immediately after Idan's release "we will immediately enter negotiations on a comprehensive agreement".

While the joy of Alexander's family moves us all, it's important to remember that 58 more hostages still remain in Hamas captivity, most of them Israeli citizens, whose time is growing shorter and whose condition worsens day by day. Are the Israeli government and its leader willing to sacrifice all these hostages on the altar of the government's political survival and the Prime Minister's personal survival?

Netanyahu, who is neck-deep in a host of serious scandals and substantial conflicts of interest, is conducting a policy that harms the public interest, Israel's future, and its security. While the families of other hostages continue to live in an endless nightmare, it seems the government is not doing enough to bring back their loved ones.

What happened with Idan Alexander proves that when there is genuine will and readiness to make all necessary efforts, results can be achieved. The problem is that this will came from Washington, not Jerusalem.

While Netanyahu continues to play political games and try to survive politically, 58 families continue to desperately wait for the return of their loved ones. It's time to stop the show, stop claiming achievements, and start doing what really matters – bringing all the hostages home.

The release of Idan Alexander is a joyous event, but it is also a painful reminder of the Israeli government's failures and the fact that sometimes external intervention is needed to do what the government is unable or unwilling to do. It's time for Israeli leadership to stop focusing on photos and propaganda and start working genuinely for its citizens.

584 days in captivity is too long. How much longer will the remaining 58 hostages have to wait until someone intervenes on their behalf? And how many of them will survive until then?

Could it be that the solution to the issue of all hostages involves a political price that Netanyahu is not willing to pay? Is this a Prime Minister who prefers his personal and political benefit over the welfare of the citizens of the country he is supposed to protect?

While Netanyahu is busy coordinating meetings with world leaders and posting on social media, the families of the hostages continue to live in ongoing uncertainty. Perhaps it's time for a government that places the hostages at the top of its priorities, not political survival.

The latest development in the hostage affair raises fundamental questions regarding the government's conduct and the national priorities it establishes. While we rejoice in Idan Alexander's return to his family's embrace, we have a civic duty to firmly demand that the political leadership increase its efforts. We must insistently demand that it use all means at its disposal to return all hostages to their homeland, even if the price involves significant political sacrifice. The lives of hostages are immeasurably more important than the governmental position of any political figure, including the Prime Minister himself.

Now that Idan Alexander has finally returned to the embrace of his family and his people, it would be appropriate to direct most of the public attention to the other fifty-eight human tragedies that are crying out for a beneficial end. The time has come for the government to fulfill the essential purpose for which it was entrusted with power – to provide protection to its citizens and ensure their well-being in an uncompromising manner.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson and social networks, in accordance with Article 27 a' of the Copyright Law

הפוסט Idan Alexander's Release: Thanks to Trump, Not Netanyahu הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

How can a father who supported Nazis and antisemites have a son who "loves" Jews?

In fact, Donald Trump's father, Fred Trump, was known for his hatred toward Jews and Blacks, and his views paralleled those of Adolf Hitler. The family business did not employ Jews or Blacks. Furthermore, Fred Trump was an active member of the racist Ku Klux Klan movement, a group considered distinctly Nazi-aligned.

Many believe that Donald Trump identifies with Jews and Blacks, but the essential question is whether the apple has truly fallen far from the tree or rather close to it? It is reasonable to assume that the apple has not fallen far from the tree. Several years ago, Trump was documented making racist remarks about Barack Obama, even claiming that a Black person is not worthy of being president of the United States.

Family Legacy and Early Business Career

Donald Trump's family background has been thoroughly investigated in the American media. Fred Trump, Donald's father, established a real estate empire in New York in the 1940s and 1950s. The E. Trump & Son company focused on building housing in neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn. The company's employment practices and rental policies were the subject of criticism and accusations of discrimination.

In 1973, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Trump's company alleging discrimination against African Americans in rental housing. The lawsuit, filed under the Fair Housing Act, claimed that the company refused to rent apartments to Black people and discriminated in rental terms based on race. The parties eventually reached a settlement agreement, without an admission of guilt by Trump's company, which included a commitment to change rental policies.

The allegations regarding connections to racist organizations are based on various media reports. In 1927, the New York Times reported on the arrest of a man named Fred Trump following confrontations at a Ku Klux Klan event in Queens. However, it has not been conclusively proven that this was Donald Trump's father or to what extent he was involved in the organization itself.

Donald Trump's family heritage also includes his grandfather, Friedrich Trump, who immigrated from Germany to the U.S. in the late 19th century. In his book "The Art of the Deal," Trump emphasized his pride in his German family heritage but avoided addressing allegations of racial discrimination by his father. We will return to this issue in greater detail later and delve into the particulars.

Racism against the African-American population continued into the 21st century

A Black president? In the eyes of supporters of the racist "Birther" movement (whose supporters believe Obama was born outside the U.S. and therefore was not eligible to serve as president), this was inconceivable. Donald Trump was for a long time an enthusiastic supporter of this conspiracy theory: Obama was not born in the U.S., but in Kenya, and he is Muslim.

Trump's involvement in the "Birther" movement began in 2011, when he started publicly raising doubts about Barack Obama's birthplace. In an interview with ABC that year, Trump asked, "Why doesn't he show us his birth certificate?" This question marked the beginning of his public involvement in the issue, which continued for years.

In August 2012, at the height of the presidential race between Obama and Mitt Romney, Trump wrote on his Twitter account: "A highly reliable source called my office and reported that Barack Obama's birth certificate is a forgery." He continued to spread the claim even after the White House released Obama's original birth certificate.

Many saw this campaign as an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the first Black president in the U.S. The focus on the question of Obama's birthplace was perceived as a disguise for racism, especially given that similar questions were not raised about previous white presidents.

In September 2016, in the midst of the presidential race, Trump suddenly changed his position and declared: "President Obama was born in the United States. Period." He did not apologize for his previous claims, and even tried to blame Hillary Clinton for starting the rumors.

Statements on Immigrants, Muslims, and Ethnic Groups

The 2016 presidential campaign was characterized by a series of controversial statements by Trump toward various minority groups. In June 2015, in his candidacy announcement speech, he referred to immigrants from Mexico as follows: "Mexico is not sending their best. They're sending people that have lots of problems. They're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime, they're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people".

This statement caused a public uproar and even led many companies to sever their business ties with Trump. But instead of apologizing, he continued to promote the idea of building a wall on the border with Mexico, which became a central symbol in his campaign.

Trump also made harsh statements toward Muslims. In December 2015, he issued a statement calling for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what the hell is going on". Shortly thereafter, in March 2016, he said in an interview with CNN: "I think Islam hates us".

Referring to the September 11, 2001 attacks, Trump claimed in 2015: "I was told that large parts of the Arab community in New Jersey celebrated when the Twin Towers collapsed". This claim was later refuted by law enforcement and the media.

A public controversy was also sparked by his response to a speech given by Khizr Khan, the father of a Muslim American soldier killed in combat in Iraq. Khan, a lawyer of Pakistani origin, strongly criticized Trump's immigration policy at the Democratic Party convention, while his wife Ghazala stood silently by his side. Trump responded: "You had to see his wife! She didn't say a word. Maybe, as a Muslim, she's not even allowed to speak!"

Trump's appointments indicate antisemitism (whether openly or in a disguised way)

Throughout his tenure as president, and after the 2024 elections, Trump made appointments that sparked public controversy over issues of racism and antisemitism.

One of the first and most controversial appointments was that of Steve Bannon as chief strategist in the White House. Bannon, a former U.S. Navy officer, had previously managed the Breitbart News website, which he himself defined as a "platform for the alt-right" – a group that many critics link to white nationalist movements. The appointment was seen by Trump's critics as a sign of his willingness to legitimize extreme views.

Toward the end of his first term, Trump made several controversial appointments, and an additional series of appointments after his victory in the 2024 elections. Among the appointments that drew criticism was that of filmmaker Mel Gibson to the position of "special envoy" to Hollywood. Gibson is known for his past antisemitic statements, including the claim that "Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world" – a statement he made when arrested in 2006 for drunk driving.

In an event that caused an uproar in December 2022, Trump hosted rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) and Nick Fuentes, an avowed Holocaust denier, at Mar-a-Lago, his home in Florida. The dinner took place shortly after West lost many contracts due to antisemitic statements, including praise for Adolf Hitler. In a conversation with journalists after the event, Trump described West as "really a good guy" with a "good heart," and claimed he did not know about Fuentes' presence.

In December 2024, after his election victory, Trump announced the appointment of former Congressman Matt Gaetz to the position of Attorney General. Gaetz is known for his opposition to legislation aimed at combating antisemitism, and has previously expressed views perceived as antisemitic, including repeating the false claim that "Jews killed Jesus". The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) attacked the appointment and recalled that Gaetz had even invited Holocaust denier Charles Carlyle Johnson to the State of the Union address in 2018.

In January 2025, the invitation of Imam Husham al-Husseini to participate in the presidential inauguration ceremony sparked additional criticism. Al-Husseini, a representative of the Iraqi community in Dearborn, Michigan, is known for anti-Israel statements. In the past, he claimed that Hezbollah is not a terrorist organization, and participated in a support rally for the organization in Dearborn, where he took the stage with a picture of Nasrallah.

We must not ignore the figure of Elon Musk, a man who shows an excessive fondness for Nazi ideology (from his connections with neo-Nazi circles to his unfair behavior in computer games). Elon Musk is a dangerous and pitiful personality.

The hand gesture that raises questions – a Nazi symbol in every sense, without any doubt "unrestrained excessive enthusiasm that should not be interpreted as you think" – performed by Musk caused many echoes in early 2025, but in this case the technology entrepreneur and Trump associate enjoyed the presumption of innocence. Such is the inner circle of Trump in 2025.

Positions on Israel and Jews

Against the backdrop of allegations of antisemitism, it is also important to examine Trump's positions toward Israel and his relationships with the Jewish community in the U.S.

Trump presented himself as "the most pro-Israel president in history". Among the significant initiatives he promoted: recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moving the U.S. embassy there, recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and the formulation of the "Deal of the Century" for peace in the Middle East – a plan that was perceived as favoring Israel.

In addition, he led the signing of the "Abraham Accords" – normalization agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These moves earned him significant support from the Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu.

However, his relationships with the American Jewish community were more complex. While he received support from Orthodox and right-wing groups, the majority of American Jews, who tend toward liberalism, voted against him in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

On several occasions, Trump expressed himself in ways that sparked controversy within the Jewish community. In August 2019, referring to American Jews who vote for Democrats, he said: "I think any Jewish people that vote for a Democrat, I think it shows either a total lack of knowledge or great disloyalty." The claim about "disloyalty" echoed an old antisemitic trope about Jews' "dual loyalty".

At a meeting with Jewish donors in April 2019, Trump referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "your prime minister", a statement perceived as implying that American Jews are more loyal to Israel than to the U.S.

The complexity of relations with the Jewish community was also reflected in his response to the events of October 2018, when an antisemitic attacker killed 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh – the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. Trump condemned the event but was criticized by some members of the local community when he visited the site.

Fred Trump's racism over the years

According to an article published in the New York Times on June 1, 1927, a person bearing the name and address of Donald Trump's father was brought to trial following an incident in which members of the Ku Klux Klan attacked police officers at a rally held on Memorial Day in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens.

In the article published in the New York Times, it is stated that Fred Trump, residing at 175-24 Devonshire Road, was among seven people arrested at the rally for assaulting police officers during the parade. However, his case was closed during the legal proceedings.

Following the arrests, the Klan distributed flyers throughout Queens, protesting against the New York Police under the heading: "Americans beaten by New York's Catholic police!".

The flyers condemned what they called "American Protestants suffering from tuberculosis", who were injured and beaten with clubs while trying to stand up for their rights in their country.

In 1973, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Fred Trump and Donald Trump for refusing to rent apartments to African Americans in properties under their management, in their capacities as CEO and president of Trump Management, respectively. A later investigation by the New York Times revealed "a long history of racial discrimination" in the Trump family company's properties. Long before that, folk singer Woody Guthrie had condemned Fred Trump through his songs, and even dedicated a song to the issue of discrimination against African Americans in a property in Coney Island where Guthrie himself lived.

As for Fred Trump's presence at the Klan parade on Memorial Day, it is a historical fact, and in 1927, when Trump was a millionaire, he refrained from suing the New York Times, since everyone knew that he supported Nazi ideology and it was no secret, and he also did not know that Donald would be the president of the U.S. in the 21st century, and that in the modern era being racist is shameful.

Racist supporters of Nazism from Germany: The Trump family

Fred Trump was born on October 11, 1905, in the Bronx, to a family of German immigrants from the Kingdom of Bavaria, Friedrich Trump and his wife Elizabeth. His parents spoke German. He grew up alongside his brother John and sister Elizabeth.

In September 1908, the family moved to New York. From the age of 10, he served as a messenger in a meat market.

Between 1918 and 1923, Fred received his education at Richmond Hill High School in the neighborhood of the same name in Queens. During his studies, he worked in deliveries and shipping. His mother was involved in real estate, continuing his father's business. Fred aspired to be a contractor, and took evening classes in carpentry and blueprint reading. He also expanded his knowledge independently in plumbing, construction, and electricity.

Upon completing his studies in January 1923, Fred found full-time employment and specialized in transporting building materials to construction sites. Later, he was accepted as a carpenter's assistant and continued his studies at the Pratt Institute.

Fred's mother lent him $800 to build his first house, which was completed in 1924. Elizabeth Trump managed the business under her name since Fred had not yet reached the legal age. The company "E. Trump & Son" was founded in 1925 and began operations in 1926. That year, Fred built 20 houses in Queens, selling some before completion to finance the remaining properties. The company was officially registered in 1927.

Later, Fred became a partner in his mother's construction company, "E. Trump & Son".

In the late 1920s, Fred began building single-family homes in Queens, New York. During that period, he avoided building houses for Black people (as was later discovered, this went against his principles).

In 1922, Fred Trump joined the neo-Nazi movement of the Ku Klux Klan, which called for the murder of Jews and Blacks.

In 1927, more than a thousand Ku Klux Klan members marched in a parade in Queens. Fred and six other men were arrested. Fred was arrested "for refusing to disperse as ordered." Many newspaper articles mentioning the incident noted Trump's residential address (Jamaica, New York), which he shared with his mother according to the 1930 census.

In 1934, Fred, along with two partners, purchased a mortgage loan service company through the federal court. The company quickly went bankrupt and was dissolved due to fraud allegations. Subsequently, Fred obtained information about many properties facing acquisition, which he purchased at reduced prices and sold for significant profit. This business strategy made him one of the most successful entrepreneurs in New York.

By 1936, Fred employed 400 workers, all white but from different countries of origin (he did not employ Blacks or Jews). They laid foundations for houses priced between $3,000 and $6,250. Property prices stood at $3,999.99.

With the outbreak of World War II, Fred moved his family to Virginia. During the war and until the 1980s, Fred denied speaking German and claimed his origin was Swedish. According to his nephew, John Walter, "he had many Jewish tenants, and in those days being German was not to his advantage." Donald Trump, in his book "The Art of the Deal" (1987), claims that Fred was the son of an immigrant from Sweden and was born in New Jersey, but in fact, he was of German descent from both his mother's and father's sides, as is Donald Trump himself.

Regarding his religious belief, Fred was Lutheran.

Ku Klux Klan: Antisemitism and racist sentiments in the American state

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is one of the most well-known and documented organizations in American history as an organization of hatred and racism. With a focus on white supremacy, the organization advocated against the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, especially against African Americans, Jews, Catholics, Muslims, and other peoples. This movement not only fostered racism on an ethnic basis but also included prominent antisemitic components, expressed both in hatred toward Jews and in conducting actions against populations from Eastern Europe.

The Ku Klux Klan – Its Roots and Connection to Antisemitism

The Ku Klux Klan was first established in 1865 in the southern United States after the American Civil War. The organization was intended to preserve white supremacy and prevent civil and voting rights for African Americans. However, over time, the organization's purpose changed, and it began to adopt additional racist ideologies that had an antisemitic, anti-Catholic, and anti-immigrant character.

The second incarnation of the organization, in the 1920s, was related to a period of racial and religious tensions in the United States. The film "The Birth of a Nation" (1915), which marked the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in its new version, reflected the organization's worldview, which included anti-Jewish sentiments. Antisemitic images were present in the Klan's campaigns, focusing on spreading hatred toward Jews and Jewish business owners. The organization claimed that Jews were a threatening factor to the "American order" and saw them as responsible for many of the social and political problems of the time.

The Klan's Actions Against Jews

During the period between World War I and the 1930s, the Ku Klux Klan described Jews as "worse" than African Americans, because they were an immigrant stream that came from countries with different religions and other traditions. The organization saw Jews not only as a racial minority group but also as enemies of the Christian faith, thus finding itself fighting a dual battle – both against Jewish immigrants and against what appeared to be "religious anarchy." Jews, for their part, were targets of intense hatred.

In 1920, a large-scale demonstration by Klan members took place in New York City, during which antisemitic posters were distributed. The call was to support the halt of Eastern European immigration, including Jews. This struggle, which was also expressed in hatred toward anyone who was not American in spirit, created severe hostile feelings toward Jews.

In 1924, when the organization influenced United States immigration policy, its supporters tried to persuade the government to impose more severe restrictions on Jewish immigration from Eastern Europe. These efforts were also perceived as an attempt to cleanse the country of foreign populations, which were already considered dangerous to American society by Klan members.

The Connection with Worldwide Antisemitism

Although the Ku Klux Klan operated within the United States, the antisemitism it spread was part of a broader global trend. The racial and religious tension in the United States in the 1920s was directly influenced by the spread of antisemitism in Europe, especially by the spread of anti-Jewish ideas propagated by totalitarian regimes like that of Nazi Germany.

The antisemitic press distributed by the Klan included calls for harsh treatment of Jews. Klan members shared these feelings, and the dissemination of "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" – an antisemitic document that invented the idea of a Jewish world conspiracy – served as a prime example of the influence of external influences of Jews on the world of politics and society.

The Klan and Antisemitic Violence

The Ku Klux Klan did not content itself with spreading hatred and feelings of fear toward Jews but also carried out violent actions against them. Over the years, there were cases where Klan members physically attacked Jews, also on the ideological basis of "defending" America from foreign influences. The violent acts against Jews, along with other actions taken against minorities, were part of the organization's broader plan to deny the rights of all who were perceived as other.

Between 1915 and 1930, several violent events took place involving Klan members, including lynchings that beat people of Jewish origin, especially in cases related to crimes committed by Jews. There were also cases where Klan members used intimidation and violence to maintain their positions against the spread of foreign influences, including Jewish influences.

The Antisemitic Legacy of the Klan

The Ku Klux Klan not only stood at the forefront of racist violence in the country but was also party to antisemitic struggles from which many Jews suffered throughout history. The antisemitism that was not only part of the hatred toward minorities but also an aspect of preserving the "purity of American blood," continued to shape the roles of the organization and still continued in various ways. Even today, in a reduced form, the racism and antisemitism of the Klan remain part of the dubious legacy of the organization.

Photos: Social networks, Wikipedia, REUTERS, Mike Segar, pursuant to Section 27A

הפוסט From Racist Father to the President's Son: The Apple and the Tree הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

It is evident that President Trump showed blatant disrespect toward his Ukrainian counterpart, expressing his positions in a harsh and disrespectful style, and ignoring historical commitments anchored in the Budapest Memorandum.

The Broken Promises of the Budapest Memorandum

At the heart of the current crisis is the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, signed in 1994. Under this agreement, Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal – the third-largest in the world at that time – in favor of Russia. In return, both the United States and Russia committed to serve as guarantors of Ukraine's security and territorial integrity.

The memorandum represented a decisive moment in post-Cold War disarmament efforts. Ukraine, which inherited a significant nuclear arsenal after the collapse of the Soviet Union, agreed to transfer these weapons to Russia under significant diplomatic pressure from both Washington and Moscow. The monetary value of this nuclear transfer was estimated in billions of dollars, leaving Ukraine militarily vulnerable while strengthening Russia's nuclear capabilities.

However, the security guarantees promised to Ukraine began to crumble in 2014, when Russia, one of the guarantors of the agreement, annexed Crimea and supported separatist movements in eastern Ukraine in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. The United States, the second security guarantor, responded with limited sanctions that proved insufficient to deter Russian aggression.

By 2025, the situation had deteriorated further, with the United States now appearing to abandon its commitment as a security guarantor, leaving Ukraine in an increasingly dangerous position. The evident collapse of the Budapest Memorandum's security guarantees raises disturbing questions about the credibility of international agreements and the implications of nuclear disarmament for smaller states caught between world powers.

Details of the Budapest Memorandum:

The Budapest Memorandum signed in 1994. In this document, Russia, the United States, and Britain committed to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in exchange for Ukraine's relinquishment of its nuclear arsenal, which was the third-largest in the world after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The document was signed on December 5, 1994, by Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and Britain, and contains the commitments mentioned earlier.

The commitments included:

Respecting Ukraine's independence and sovereignty.

Refraining from threatening or using force against Ukraine.

Refraining from economic pressure aimed at influencing Ukraine's politics.

Requesting immediate UN intervention in case of a nuclear weapon threat against Ukraine.

The document lacked binding enforcement mechanisms, and therefore strategic means were transferred in gradual stages; the last batch was transferred in early January 2014, and by February of the same year, Russia had already imposed its authority over southern regions of Ukraine and the Black Sea areas.

Because the document lacked binding enforcement mechanisms, which led to extensive controversy regarding its validity following Russia's takeover of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

Read the full text of the Budapest Memorandum — click here

Confrontation at the White House

The February 28 meeting between President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and President Zelensky was supposedly organized to discuss a minerals agreement between the two countries. Instead, it deteriorated into a sharp confrontation full of mutual accusations and stormy exchanges.

During the meeting, Trump accused Zelensky of "gambling on World War Three" and showing disrespect toward the United States. "You are playing with the lives of millions of people," Trump told Zelensky according to reports from the meeting. "The cards are not in your hands. What you're doing is disrespectful to the United States".

Following the turbulent meeting, Trump published an official statement on his X account: "We had a meaningful meeting at the White House. I identified that Zelensky is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he thinks our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don't want advantage, I want peace. He showed disrespect to the United States in the Oval Office. He can return when he's ready for peace".

Later, Trump told reporters that the meeting with Zelensky "didn't go well" and continued to attack the Ukrainian president: "He went too far. The US is not looking to play games, and we're not interested in a war that will take 10 years." Trump claimed that the US wants to achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia, while Zelensky "wants to fight fight fight".

When asked if he was considering stopping military aid to Ukraine, Trump responded vaguely: "It doesn't matter what I'm considering".

Zelensky's Response and Diplomatic Implications

A few hours after leaving or being removed from the American presidential residence (according to different versions), President Zelensky gave a comprehensive interview to the conservative news network "Fox News". In the interview, he expressed regret about the meeting's outcome, saying, "This is not good for both sides". When asked if he thought he should apologize to Trump, Zelensky replied: "We need to be very open and honest. I'm not sure we did something wrong".

Zelensky emphasized that he "respects Trump and the American people" and expressed belief in his ability to salvage the relationship with Trump. He acknowledged that his country lacks sufficient weapons and ammunition to repel the Russian army and admitted that victory in the war would be difficult without American support.

"We don't want to lose our wonderful friends in America", Zelensky emphasized. "We are ready for peace, but we also must be in a position of strength. Trump can be more on our side". Zelensky also denied Trump's claim that he has no intention of signing a ceasefire agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, a senior White House official told Reuters that President Trump is not interested in reviving the precious minerals deal with Ukraine. The source claimed that the Ukrainian delegation began "begging" for the deal to be signed immediately after Zelensky was expelled from the White House.

Additionally, a senior American official told CNN that relations between Zelensky and Trump "appear beyond repair" and raised the possibility that the Ukrainian president might resign. The source described the situation as "disastrous" and added: "It's unclear how mutual relations will progress as long as Zelensky is in power, unless he finds a way to fix the situation".

International Reactions and Russian Exploitation

Following the public confrontation, several European countries quickly sided with Zelensky, including France, Poland, Norway, and Germany.

Russia, for its part, exploited Zelensky's expulsion to mock and verbally attack him. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson cynically remarked after the confrontation: "The fact that Trump and Vance didn't hit Zelensky is a miracle of restraint". Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who currently serves as the head of the Russian Security Council, expressed himself in particularly provocative terms: "For the first time, Trump told the cocaine clown the truth to his face. The regime in Kyiv is gambling on World War Three. The ungrateful pig received a strong slap by hand from the owners of the pigsty. This is important, but not enough. Military support for the Nazi machine must be stopped".

Worsening Military Situation

In the midst of this diplomatic crisis, Russia continues to exploit the situation militarily. On the night following the White House incident, a Ukrainian hospital in Kharkiv in the eastern part of the country, Ukraine's second-largest city, was hit by a Russian drone attack. A child was injured in the attack on the hospital, and the mayor reported that additional targets were hit.

Historical Context: The Budapest Memorandum and Its Implications

The current crisis cannot be fully understood without examining the historical context of the Budapest Memorandum. The memorandum, signed in 1994, was a cornerstone in the security architecture and nuclear non-proliferation efforts after the Cold War. Ukraine's decision to give up its nuclear weapons was based on solid security guarantees from both the United States and Russia.

However, these guarantees began to collapse in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea shortly after receiving nuclear weapons from Ukraine. Russia also supported separatist movements in eastern Ukraine in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. The United States, as the second security guarantor, responded with limited sanctions that proved insufficient to deter continued Russian aggression.

The clear abandonment of these security commitments by both guarantors – Russia through direct aggression and the United States through diplomatic withdrawal – raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of international security agreements and the wisdom of nuclear disarmament for countries in vulnerable geopolitical positions.

The Human Cost

Amid diplomatic tensions and political maneuvering, the ongoing human tragedy in Ukraine is sometimes forgotten. The conflict has led to the destruction of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian lives since 2014, with civilian infrastructure under routine attack. The recent attack on a hospital in Kharkiv is just the latest example of the war's impact on civilian populations.

As tensions between the United States and Ukraine continue to escalate, and as Russia exploits these disagreements, the future remains highly uncertain. Ukraine finds itself in an increasingly dangerous position – abandoned by one security guarantor and under attack from the other, with its president now apparently considered persona non grata in the White House.

The collapse of the Budapest Memorandum's security guarantees raises troubling questions about international agreements and the implications of nuclear disarmament. As President Zelensky acknowledged in his Fox News interview, the path to victory becomes significantly more challenging without continued American support.

For now, Ukraine continues to confront Russian aggression while navigating an increasingly complex diplomatic landscape. The harsh reality is that the Budapest Memorandum, once considered a victory of post-Cold War cooperation, now stands as a cautionary tale about the fragility of international security guarantees when geopolitical interests change.

In the shadow of this diplomatic crisis, ordinary Ukrainians continue to endure the daily reality of a conflict now entering its eleventh year, with no clear end in sight.

Photo: DW

הפוסט Superpower Betrayal: US Tramples Agreements, Ukraine Bleeds הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a personal congratulatory letter today to former President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, even before the official results of the United States presidential election were announced.

"Congratulations on the greatest comeback in history!". Netanyahu wrote in the letter, signed by him and his wife Sarah. "Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a renewed and strengthened commitment to the great alliance between Israel and America," the Prime Minister added.

In closing the personal letter, Netanyahu noted "This is a huge victory!" and signed "In true friendship, yours, Benjamin and Sarah Netanyahu".

However, at the time of this report's publication, the official results of the United States election have not yet been announced.

הפוסט Netanyahu Crowns Trump Before Vote Count Complete הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Dim Amor

While the FBI claims the incident is not staged, senior officials in Washington are raising doubts about the possibility of a more complex scenario.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania, was identified as the shooter who attempted to assassinate Trump during a campaign rally. Crooks, who was shot dead by Secret Service agents, was allegedly a devoted Republican. This fact raises many questions about his motives and who might have been behind his actions.

Senior sources in the American administration, who asked to remain anonymous, raised the possibility that this was a staged event that got out of control. "There are elements interested in exploiting the current political tension to their advantage," said one source. "Someone may have tried to create a provocation, but did not anticipate the fatal consequences."

On the other hand, the FBI insists that this was a real, non-staged event. An official statement said that "all evidence indicates that Crooks acted alone, out of personal motives that are still being investigated." The agency even appealed to the public for assistance by submitting photos and videos from the event.

House Speaker Mike Johnson promised a comprehensive investigation of the incident. "We will summon all relevant parties to testify before the committee," Johnson said. "The American public deserves to know the full truth about what transpired."

Eyewitnesses recount the moments of terror at the rally. "I saw someone with a weapon on the roof," said John Smith, one of those present. "I yelled to the police, but within seconds the shooting began." Fortunately, Secret Service personnel responded quickly and eliminated the shooter, but not before casualties occurred in the crowd.

As the investigation continues, questions only multiply. Did Crooks indeed act alone? Were there other parties involved? And what were his true motives? The answers to these questions may shed light on one of the most dramatic events in American politics in recent years.

Meanwhile, the U.S. political system continues to shake from the implications of the event. Trump supporters claim this is an attempt to silence their candidate, while his opponents warn of further escalation in political violence. As the investigation progresses, we may get answers to some of the burning questions, but it's likely that the public debate surrounding this event will continue for a long time to come.

הפוסט The Trump Assassination Attempt: Mysterious Investigation Raises Questions About the Shooter's Motives הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.