INTERNACIONAL
Families mourn loved ones lost in Bondi Beach terror attack: ‘No words can describe the pain’
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The families of seven victims of Sunday’s fatal Bondi Beach shooting released heartbreaking statements about their loved ones on Thursday, expressing profound grief and sharing touching memories.
The deadly terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, left at least 15 dead. Authorities have identified the assailants as a father-son duo, and believe the attack was inspired by ISIS.
The father was killed on the scene, while the son was shot by police and taken for medical care. He has been slapped with dozens of charges, including 15 counts of murder.
Marika Pogany, 82, was a member of COA Sydney, a volunteer service for Jewish seniors, who was killed in the Bondi Beach attack on Dec. 14. (NSW Police)
POGANY FAMILY
Marika Pogany, 82, was a member of COA Sydney, a volunteer service for Jewish seniors.
«Marika, known lovingly to all as Omi, was a beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and steadfast friend, whose warmth and energy touched countless lives,» her family wrote. «Vibrant and full of life, she brought joy and energy into every room and found her greatest happiness surrounded by her adoring family. Her darling son Romy was her greatest achievement and her world.»
Pogany came to Australia in 1968 from Czechoslovakia with her son and brother, her family said, and she became a «proud» Australian citizen in 1972.
‘WE WARNED THEM’ JEWISH LEADER SAYS AFTER BONDI BEACH TERROR ATTACK THAT KILLS 15
«She had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people,» her family stated. «Her kindness, laughter, and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone she met, and her incredible network of friends was a true reflection of the love and loyalty she inspired.
«Deeply devoted to her community, she gave her time and heart in service to others, delivering meals and helping people in need, embodying love in action.»
Pogany’s family added, «Though she is gone, her light will continue to shine brightly through the family and friends who were so blessed to have her in their lives. Forever our gorgeous Darlink.»
Adam Smyth, 50, father of four children, was killed during the attack at Bondi Beach.
SMYTH FAMILY
Adam Smyth, 50, was a father of four children and husband to Katrina. His family said the couple was walking on Bondi Beach Sunday evening when they found themselves in the middle of the attack.
«No words can describe the pain of our loss,» Smyth’s family wrote. «Adam and Katrina were living their best lives together. Their shared love of family and friends, travel and sport — if not always the same team — made their time together truly special.»
Smyth loved many sports clubs, including the English Premier League football team Liverpool.
«We will forever cherish the time we have had with him. Adam was a generous and kind person who will be dearly missed and is forever irreplaceable,» his family wrote, adding, «You’ll never walk alone.»
Boris and Sofia Gurman were killed during the Bondi Beach shooting on Dec. 14. (NSW Police)
GURMAN FAMILY
Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, were a Russian-Jewish couple who confronted one of the gunmen before the attack began, momentarily disarming the assailant before he grabbed another rifle and killed them.
The couple was going to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in January and were going to mark Sophia’s birthday just days after the attack, «a moment that now feels incredibly hard to comprehend,» the Gurman family wrote.
«Boris and Sofia were deeply devoted to their family and were well known in their community for their kindness, warmth and willingness to help others,» they wrote. «Boris was a retired mechanic, and Sofia was working at Australia Post for the past five years. They lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone with care and respect.»
They added, «We are deeply grateful for the love and support shown to our family during this unimaginable time.»
ELKAYAM FAMILY
Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national, was playing football at Bondi Beach and celebrating the lighting of the Hannukah Candles.
«During a mass shooting, Dan was shot in the back while trying to run away,» Elkayam’s family wrote. «He was murdered because he was Jewish.»
Elkayam played football at the 2022 Maccabiah Games and for several teams in both France and Australia.
SURVIVING AUSTRALIA TERROR SUSPECT SLAPPED WITH CHARGES IN WAKE OF DEADLY ATTACK
Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national, was killed on Dec. 14 during the attack at Bondi Beach.
«Dan loved life – fully and intensely,» his family stated. «He traveled the world and was known for his gentle, kind, fun and loving nature, making friends wherever he went. Alongside football, he had a deep connection with nature. He was a certified scuba diver and an explorer at heart, always eager to discover new places, cultures, and experiences.»
Elkayam’s family said his smile «could light up any room» and was someone «who truly wanted to do good in the world.»
«It is now our responsibility to carry forward the light that Dan spread,» his family stated. «He was surrounded by loved ones from all walks of life and all communities, and in times as dark as these, we all have a duty to continue spreading kindness, compassion, and joy — in his name.»
Boris Tetleroyd, who was killed in the Bondi Beach shooting, was remembered by his family as a «gentle man.»
TETLEROYD FAMILY
Boris Tetleroyd «was loved by everyone he met,» his family said.
«He was profoundly loved and adored by his sons Yaakov and Roman and by his wife Svetlana,» they continued. «He is also deeply loved by his brother, aunt, nieces, nephews, cousins and all who had the privilege of knowing him.»
Tetleroyd’s family added that he was a «gentle man» and «gifted musician.»
Alex Kleytman, 87, was a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine killed in the Bondi Beach attack. (NSW Police)
KLEYTMAN FAMILY
Alex Kleytman, 87, was a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine. He was celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach with his wife of 57 years, Larisa Kleytman, who is also a Holocaust survivor, when the shooting began.
«He was a fascinating person of many talents and an unwavering spirit,» his family wrote, adding that he was also «very stubborn.»
Kleytman «survived the hardships of World War II in frozen Siberia, carrying with him a lifetime of extraordinary stories of resilience, survival, and unexpected luck» and worked as a civil engineer and estimator, first in the former Soviet Union and then in Australia.
His family said he died «doing what he loved most: protecting Larisa, standing proudly as a Jew, and celebrating the Festival of Lights.»
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«The two gunmen killed him, but his memories, his legacy, and his books will bring light for generations to come,» his family added.
Fox News Digital’s Alex Nitzberg and Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.
world,australia,mass shootings
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An explosive fire at a bar in the Swiss Alps killed multiple people and injured others during New Year’s celebrations, police said.
The blaze happened in the Alpine ski resort municipality of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, police said.
«The fire started around 1:30 a.m. this morning in a bar called ‘Le Constellation,’» police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion said. «More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead.»
EXPLOSION AT PENNSYLVANIA SENIOR HOME PROMPTS MASS CASUALTY RESPONSE
Rescuers and fire-fighters work at the site of an explosion that ripped through a bar in Crans-Montana on January 1, 2026. (MAXIME SCHMID / AFP via Getty Images)
Investigators were working to determine the cause of the fire, police said.
«We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renown ski resort with lots of tourists,» Lathion said.
A police officer walks near ambulances at the site of an explosion that ripped through a bar in Crans-Montana on January 1, 2026. (MAXIME SCHMID / AFP via Getty Images)
A reception center and helpline have been established for impacted families, Lathion said.
Rescuers are seen at the site of an explosion that ripped through a bar in Crans-Montana on January 1, 2026. (MAXIME SCHMID / AFP via Getty Images)
A news conference was scheduled by police for 10 a.m. The community is in the heart of the Swiss Alps, about 25 miles north of the Matterhorn.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
world,europe,disasters
INTERNACIONAL
Taiwán afirmó que defenderá “firmemente” la soberanía de la isla ante los ejercicios militares del régimen chino
El presidente de Taiwán, Lai Ching-te, advirtió este jueves sobre el aumento de la presión ejercida por el régimen chino sobre la isla y convocó a reforzar la defensa y la resiliencia democrática en su mensaje de Año Nuevo, donde apeló a la unidad interna frente a un entorno regional cada vez más tenso.
En su discurso, difundido por la Oficina Presidencial, el mandatario describió un contexto internacional marcado por turbulencias, cambios en el orden económico y comercial global, y un aumento de los conflictos.
A su vez, señaló especialmente el avance de las “ambiciones expansionistas” del líder chino Xi Jinping. Ching-te recordó los recientes ejercicios militares de gran escala que Beijing realizó en torno a Taiwán, territorio que China reclama como propio.
El presidente taiwanés subrayó que la comunidad internacional observa la determinación de la sociedad taiwanesa para defenderse y reiteró su compromiso de “defender firmemente la soberanía nacional” y fortalecer la capacidad de disuasión de la isla. Consideró que una defensa nacional sólida es fundamental y pidió a todos los partidos colaborar en la aprobación del presupuesto de defensa.
Ching-te mencionó la implementación de 17 estrategias de seguridad contra la infiltración, la reforma de leyes vinculadas a la seguridad nacional y el lanzamiento de un presupuesto especial de defensa de ocho años, equivalente a unos 39.829 millones de dólares, que comenzará a ejecutarse gradualmente a partir de este año.
En el plano económico, el político y médico taiwanés destacó el crecimiento más alto en quince años, con una tasa estimada del 7,37%, nuevos récords en el mercado bursátil, y una tasa media de desempleo del 3%, la más baja en 25 años.
También mencionó el aumento sostenido del salario mínimo y mejoras salariales para militares, funcionarios y docentes.
El mandatario repasó otros avances, como el lanzamiento del satélite Formosat-8, la apertura de nuevas infraestructuras en el aeropuerto internacional de Taoyuan, la entrega de patrulleras de guardacostas y el progreso del puente de Tamsui. En salud, resaltó la creación de un fondo para nuevos tratamientos oncológicos y el cumplimiento anticipado de la meta de la OMS para la eliminación de la hepatitis C.
De cara a 2026, Ching-te identificó como prioridades reforzar la seguridad, avanzar hacia una economía más inteligente, promover un desarrollo equilibrado y fortalecer la unidad democrática.
Por otra parte, criticó los bloqueos legislativos y defendió la importancia de respetar la Constitución y los derechos fundamentales, al tiempo que agradeció el respaldo internacional recibido por Taiwán, incluyendo apoyo de Estados Unidos, Japón, el Reino Unido, la Unión Europea y recientes ventas de armamento estadounidenses.
En el mensaje de fin de año, concluyó apelando a la unidad y al esfuerzo colectivo, asegurando que su gobierno seguirá trabajando para proteger el sistema democrático y el modo de vida en Taiwán.
En ese misma línea, el Ministerio de Defensa de Taiwán denunció que “las provocaciones agresivas y militaristas del Partido Comunista Chino ponen en peligro la seguridad y estabilidad regional, y han sido condenadas por aliados democráticos de la comunidad internacional”.
Por su parte, en su mensaje de Año Nuevo, el líder chino Xi Jinping reiteró el llamado a la reunificación nacional. “Los compatriotas a ambos lados del Estrecho de Taiwán están unidos por lazos de sangre más fuertes que el agua, y la tendencia histórica hacia la reunificación nacional es imparable”, afirmó Xi en declaraciones transmitidas por la cadena estatal CCTV.
La cartera informó que en las últimas 24 horas se detectaron 77 aeronaves militares y 25 embarcaciones de la marina y la guardia costera chinas operando en torno a la isla. De ese total, 35 aviones cruzaron la línea media del estrecho de Taiwán.
(Con información de EFE)
Defence,Asia / Pacific,Defense
INTERNACIONAL
Blue cities U-turn on distributing drug supplies to addicts after progressive policies fail to stem epidemic
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At least two major West Coast cities are rethinking their so-called harm reduction policies that have sought to address addiction, signaling that these areas are overhauling their strategy to combat the drug crisis as addiction challenges persist.
While cities including San Francisco and Seattle have previously adopted policies to distribute «safer» drug supplies like clean foil and pipes that could be used to smoke fentanyl or other substances, these cities are now implementing a new approach that imposes new limitations on the distribution of these supplies.
Seattle’s City Council passed its 2026 budget in November and included a provision that will «preclude any City support for the purchase or distribution of supplies for the consumption of illegal drugs, with the exception of needles.»
The provision was championed by City Council Member Sara Nelson, who said that while she supports needle exchange programs because they reduce the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C, she said she doesn’t see the benefit in using public resources to «help people get high» by distributing certain drug supplies.
Several packages containing drugs, possibly laced with fentanyl, displayed on a bed. (U.S. District Court of Rhode Island)
BLUE CITY DA SAYS REPEAT DRUG OFFENDERS ‘WILL NOT RESPECT THE LAW’ UNDER CURRENT SYSTEM
«I fail to see, however, the harm that’s being reduced by distributing supplies such as pipes and foil that are used to consume deadly drugs like meth and fentanyl,» Nelson said during a Nov. 16 budget committee meeting. «To me, it feels like it’s giving a loaded gun to somebody who is suicidal.»
Seattle isn’t the only city taking such steps to scale back how it distributes «safe» drug supplies to its community.
Earlier in 2025, San Francisco unveiled a new policy that would require individuals to receive treatment counseling — or be connected with such services to receive treatment options — before receiving any drug use supplies from the city or city-funded programs. Additionally, the new policy barred providing these supplies in public spaces.
San Francisco unveiled a new policy that would require individuals to receive treatment counseling before receiving any drug use supplies from the city or city-funded programs. (Jeff Chiu, File/The Associated Press )
TRUMP UNLEASHES ‘TOUGHEST FENTANYL CRACKDOWN IN HISTORY’ AS GOP VOWS ‘CONSEQUENCES’ FOR CHINESE PRODUCERS
The policy went into effect April 30, and applied to any city-funded public health program that provided drug use supplies like sterile syringes and smoking kits.
«We can no longer accept the reality of two people dying a day from overdose. The status quo has failed to ensure the health and safety of our entire community, as well as those in the throes of addiction. Fentanyl has changed the game, and we’ve been relying on strategies that preceded this new drug epidemic, which ends today,» San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said in a statement in April. «Our new policy will connect individuals to treatment quickly, and that is a big step toward reclaiming our public spaces.»
Seattle’s City Council elections and San Francisco’s mayoral races are officially nonpartisan. However, both cities have strongly backed Democrats in state and local elections.
TRUMP POSTPONES FEDERAL TROOP DEPLOYMENT TO SAN FRANCISCO
Meanwhile, these drug policy changes aren’t popular with proponents of «harm reduction» policies. For example, Laura Guzman, executive director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, said there may not be enough resources to comply with San Francisco’s new rule.
«It’s mandating or putting as a condition for people to receive life-saving supplies, to actually have long conversations about treatment that may not be available,» Guzman said in April, according to CBS News. «People who know in the field — researchers, doctors — are saying this is not good policy. We’re actually going against the grain because what we’re trying to do is have the perception that there is no drug use on the streets. But it’s not public health, it’s not science-based. It’s exactly the opposite of what we know works.»
The Seattle skyline is pictured from a Washington State Ferry in Seattle, Washington. (Jason Redmond/Reuters )
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Although both Washington’s King County, which includes Seattle, and San Francisco had fewer drug overdose deaths in 2024 than in 2023, the numbers for both cities are higher in comparison to 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, 635 people died due to accidental drug overdoses in 2024 in San Francisco — down from the 810 that died in 2023, but up from the 441 that died in 2019, according to the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Drug overdose deaths are also down nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in February a nearly 24% decline in drug overdose deaths in fiscal year 2024, in comparison to the previous fiscal year.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has taken an aggressive approach to combat the influx of drugs into the U.S. For example, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in December designating illicit fentanyl a «weapon of mass destruction.»
drug and substance abuse,addiction,white house,blue city crime,san francisco
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