The global Jewish community gathered in solemn tribute today as hundreds of mourners filled Chabad of Bondi for the funeral service of Rabbi Schlanger, whose passing has created what attendees described as an irreplaceable void in religious leadership. The emotional service, attended by both local congregants and international representatives from Jewish communities worldwide, highlighted the rabbi’s decades of spiritual guidance and community building efforts. Eulogies delivered by prominent religious figures emphasized his extraordinary dedication to interfaith dialogue and educational initiatives that transcended traditional synagogue activities. The BBC’s external broadcast coverage captured poignant moments as mourners shared personal testimonies of how Rabbi Schlanger’s mentorship transformed their spiritual lives. Community leaders acknowledged the particular significance of his work in strengthening Australian Jewish identity while maintaining strong connections with Israeli religious institutions. The funeral procession demonstrated the rare unity across different Jewish movements, with Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform representatives all participating in the memorial ceremonies. Many speakers noted the rabbi’s instrumental role in establishing Bondi as a significant center for Jewish learning in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Miss Finland’s viral ‘slanted-eyes’ photo stirs racism firestorm
A diplomatic and public relations crisis has engulfed Finland following a racially insensitive social media post by its recently dethroned Miss Universe delegate. Sarah Dzafce, 22, ignited international outrage after a photograph depicting her pulling the corners of her eyes to mimic slanted eyes went viral. The image was originally captioned ‘eating with a Chinese,’ a gesture widely condemned as a derogatory stereotype against East Asian communities.
The controversy rapidly transcended borders, sparking significant backlash across Japan, South Korea, and China. The fallout extended beyond Dzafce to impact Finland’s national image, even triggering calls for a boycott of the country’s flag carrier, Finnair.
In response to the escalating situation, the Miss Finland Organisation announced Dzafce’s dethronement, stating the move was ‘difficult but necessary.’ The organization emphasized that the titleholder’s role-model status demands respect for all people regardless of origin or appearance.
Dzafce offered an apology on Instagram, claiming the gesture was an innocent reaction to a headache during dinner and that the offensive caption was added by a friend without her consent. She expressed regret for causing ‘ill will’ and affirmed her commitment to respecting diverse backgrounds. However, the apology, written primarily in Finnish, was criticized by many international observers as insufficient and insincere.
The scandal took a further political turn when two right-wing Finnish MPs, Juho Eerola and Kaisa Garedew, posted photos mimicking Dzafce’s gesture in a show of support. Both posts were subsequently deleted following widespread condemnation. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo condemned the lawmakers’ actions as ‘childish’ and stated that elected officials should exemplify proper conduct. The Finns Party is now considering potential sanctions against the MPs.
Finnair issued a formal statement on its Japanese social media account, distancing itself from the politicians’ actions and reaffirming its commitment to welcoming everyone with respect. The airline acknowledged that its diverse workforce and global customer base make inclusivity a core value.
The incident has prompted serious discussions about racism in Finnish society. The Finnish embassy in Japan acknowledged receiving numerous inquiries and stated that ‘racism remains a challenge’ requiring continuous effort to resolve. Meanwhile, a Japanese resident in Finland launched a petition calling for an investigation into anti-Asian discrimination, which gathered over 7,000 signatures within days.
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Kenyans unite around the country’s growing bullfighting tradition
In western Kenya’s Kakamega County, an ancient tradition has transformed into a modern spectacle that captivates thousands. The bullfighting derby, deeply rooted in Luhya community heritage, now serves as both cultural preservation and contemporary social outlet for Kenya’s youth.
The recent rematch between veteran bull Promise and rising contender Shakahola—named after the forest where over 400 cult-related deaths occurred in 2023—demonstrated how this centuries-old practice has adapted to modern times. What began as post-harvest entertainment has evolved into organized sport complete with social media betting, merchandise sales, and viral TikTok content creation.
University of Nairobi sociologist Kathleen Anangwe identifies multiple factors driving this resurgence: “The youth are seeking identity and authenticity,” she explains, noting that bullfighting provides social solidarity amid Kenya’s challenging unemployment landscape. Official statistics place national unemployment at 9%, though youth rates are significantly higher according to workers’ rights groups.
The economic impact extends beyond the arena. Young entrepreneurs capitalize on events by selling snacks, traditional bull-chasing sticks, and refreshments to spectators. The matches foster community bonding while creating informal economic opportunities.
Preparation for fights involves meticulous traditional rituals. Bulls receive special diets of napier grass and herbal concoctions believed to enhance strength. Owners perform pre-match encouragement rituals, and transportation to the arena becomes a procession with hundreds of motorcycle-riding fans waving sticks and ululating.
The spectacle draws diverse audiences, from local devotees to first-time visitors like David Gitau from central Kenya, who expressed amazement at the tradition. The matches themselves are brief but intense—lasting under five minutes as bulls lock horns until one retreats. Organizers emphasize that the animals are not deliberately injured during these encounters.
Twenty-year-old Brenda Milimo, niece of Shakahola’s owner, represents the new generation of enthusiasts. Despite being unemployed, she travels 4.5 hours by bus from Nairobi to attend major matches and participates in casual social media betting. “Bullfighting is in my blood,” she declares, having wagered up to 1,500 Kenyan shillings ($11) on previous matches.
The recent victory by Shakahola—avenging a loss from two years prior—sparked celebratory eruptions of song, dance, and traditional drumming. Owner Josphat Milimo expressed triumphant satisfaction, claiming redemption after previously feeling “cheated of victory.” As the tradition gains popularity among digital-native youth, participants anticipate further formalization through dedicated betting platforms and expanded media coverage.
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Fifa launches $60 ticket tier amid criticism of 2026 World Cup pricing
In response to mounting criticism over ticket affordability, FIFA has unveiled a new budget-friendly pricing tier for the 2026 World Cup. The global football governing body announced on Tuesday the creation of “Supporter Entry Tier” tickets priced at $60, designed to enhance accessibility for fans of qualified teams across all 104 matches—including the final showdown.
The discounted tickets will constitute 10% of the allocation reserved for Participating Member Associations (PMAs), which represent competing national teams and administer dedicated fan ticket programs. These associations will establish specific criteria to prioritize “loyal fans” with demonstrated connections to their national teams.
FIFA’s revised allocation structure now designates half of each PMA’s ticket inventory to affordable categories: 40% under the existing Supporter Value Tier and 10% under the new Entry Tier. The remaining tickets will be equally divided between Standard and Premier tiers.
In a significant consumer-friendly move, FIFA will waive administrative fees for refund requests from fans who purchase through PMA programs if their national team fails to advance to the knockout stage.
This initiative emerges amid intensified scrutiny of FIFA’s pricing strategy for the 2026 tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The announcement follows recent accusations from Football Supporters Europe (FSE) characterizing FIFA’s initial pricing as “extortionate” and potentially exclusionary for average supporters.
Despite the controversy, FIFA reports robust interest in the current third-phase ticket sales window, which opened December 11 and continues through January 13, buoyed by the recent release of match schedules, venues, and kick-off times.
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Trump orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers in and out of Venezuela
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump has announced a comprehensive naval blockade targeting all sanctioned oil tankers entering or departing Venezuelan waters. The declaration came via Trump’s Truth Social platform, where he formally designated Nicolás Maduro’s government as a foreign terrorist organization while leveling serious allegations of asset theft, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.
This provocative move follows last week’s seizure of the oil tanker ‘Skipper’ by US forces off Venezuela’s coast, which Caracas condemned as an act of ‘kidnapping and theft.’ Trump asserted that Venezuela is now ‘completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the South American region,’ promising the military presence would ‘only get bigger’ and exceed anything previously witnessed.
The Trump administration has maintained consistent pressure against Maduro’s government, with the US military reporting approximately 90 casualties in recent anti-narcotics operations targeting vessels allegedly transporting fentanyl. Additional sanctions have been imposed on six more ships carrying Venezuelan oil, alongside measures targeting Maduro’s relatives and businesses associated with his administration.
Venezuela, possessing among the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has repeatedly accused Washington of attempting to plunder its natural resources. The escalating situation has drawn serious concern from US lawmakers, with Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) characterizing the naval blockade as ‘unquestionably an act of war.’ The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a resolution directing the president to cease hostilities with Venezuela, highlighting domestic political divisions over the aggressive foreign policy approach.
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IPL auction: How Cameron Green struck gold in Abu Dhabi
The Indian Premier League auction in Abu Dhabi witnessed historic bidding wars on Tuesday, with Australian all-rounder Cameron Green emerging as the standout acquisition. The 26-year-old cricket sensation sparked an intense competition among franchises, ultimately securing a record-breaking $2.8 million contract with Kolkata Knight Riders. This monumental deal establishes Green as the most expensive overseas player in IPL history, underscoring the premium value placed on versatile athletes capable of contributing across multiple disciplines.
Green’s exceptional dual capabilities as a powerful top-order batsman and skilled seam bowler made him the most sought-after talent of the auction. His acquisition reflects a strategic shift among IPL franchises toward prioritizing multi-dimensional players who provide tactical flexibility throughout the demanding tournament season.
Beyond the headline-making Green signing, Chennai Super Kings demonstrated calculated aggression by securing both Prashanth Veer and Kartik Sharma for identical $1.58 million contracts. This dual investment strategy highlighted CSK’s focused approach to building immediate competitiveness while planning for future transitions as veteran players approach retirement.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru strengthened their squad balance with the strategic addition of Venkatesh Iyer for $780,000. The experienced all-rounder brings proven IPL performance credentials and pressure-handling capabilities to a team historically reliant on specialist batsmen.
The auction proceedings saw 77 players successfully secured, including 29 international cricketers, with particular demand for bowlers possessing specialized death-over or spin techniques. While some established names initially went unsold, teams returned during accelerated bidding rounds to address specific roster requirements.
With the 2026 IPL season commencing March 26, franchises now shift focus to finalizing team combinations and strategic preparations. The Abu Dhabi auction has once again demonstrated how strategic acquisitions during this single-day event can fundamentally reshape team prospects and championship expectations in the world’s premier T20 cricket competition.
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Calls to expel Muslims spark backlash as US officials invoke Bondi Beach attack
A firestorm of controversy has engulfed American politics following calls from multiple Republican officials for the mass expulsion of Muslims from the United States. The inflammatory rhetoric emerged in response to a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, with lawmakers attempting to link the overseas incident to Muslim communities in America.
Leading the charge, Florida Congressman Randy Fine declared on social media platform X that ‘mainstream Muslims have declared war on us’ and advocated for ‘radical deportations of all mainstream Muslim legal and illegal immigrants, and citizenship revocations wherever possible.’ His statements were echoed by Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, who controversially asserted that ‘Islam is not a religion’ but rather ‘a cult,’ adding that Muslims ‘aren’t here to assimilate. They’re here to conquer.’
Texas Congressman Keith Self meanwhile claimed that Republican lawmakers possessed ‘critical pieces of legislation’ to protect the United States from what he described as the threat of Sharia law, which he alleged had ‘already taken over France and the UK.’ New York City Councilmember Vicki Paladino similarly called for Muslim expulsion in a since-deleted post, despite approximately one million Muslim residents constituting nearly a quarter of America’s Muslim population residing in her city.
The remarks triggered immediate condemnation from officials across government levels. New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim, directly addressed Paladino, stating: ‘We belong here, as does every other New Yorker. This is vile Islamophobia from the Councilwoman and it has no place in our city.’ Senator Chuck Schumer and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez both emphasized that the antisemitic attack in Australia should not be weaponized to fuel Islamophobia.
Legal experts and civil rights advocates sounded alarms about the normalization of such rhetoric. Jenin Younes, National Legal Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, drew historical parallels, warning that the language echoes early Nazi rhetoric that preceded mass violence. Academic Yousef Munayyer noted that Muslim hatred enjoys unique normalization ‘at the highest levels of American government.’
Critics highlighted the disparity in institutional response compared to previous disciplinary actions against Muslim lawmakers, accusing Congress of maintaining a ‘hierarchy’ in how speech is policed that leaves Muslim communities vulnerable to dehumanization without substantive protection.
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Grief, tears and anger as funerals for people slain in Australian antisemitic mass shooting begin
SYDNEY — A somber atmosphere enveloped Sydney on Wednesday as hundreds gathered to mourn victims of Australia’s deadliest antisemitic attack in modern history. The funerals commenced for those killed in Sunday’s targeted shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, where assailants slaughtered 15 Jewish attendees and left more than 20 others hospitalized.
The first service honored Eli Schlanger, 41, the assistant rabbi at Chabad-Lubavitch of Bondi who had organized the annual ‘Chanukah by the Sea’ event. A father of five and prison chaplain, Schlanger was remembered by his tearful father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, who expressed profound regret for not more frequently voicing his love and appreciation.
Heavy police presence surrounded the funerals as Australia confronts difficult questions about security failures, rising antisemitism, and gun control. Among the victims were Boris and Sofia Gurman, a couple in their 60s who attempted to disarm one gunman, and Reuven Morrison, also in his 60s, who threw bricks at the attackers. The youngest victim, 10-year-old Matilda, was remembered at a vigil where her mother urged attendees to keep her memory alive.
Authorials identified the perpetrators as a father-son duo—50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son—who carried out what federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett described as ‘a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State.’ The elder Akram was killed during the attack, while his Australian-born son awoke from a coma and faces imminent charges.
The investigation has expanded to examine the suspects’ November trip to the Philippines, where they listed Davao City as their destination—a region historically associated with Muslim separatist groups that once expressed support for IS.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged decisive action to combat antisemitism and tighten Australia’s already strict gun laws, particularly after revelations that the older suspect had legally amassed six weapons. Proposed reforms include restricting gun ownership to citizens and limiting the number of firearms an individual can possess.
Amid the tragedy, Australians have responded with solidarity. Long queues formed at blood donation centers, floral tributes multiplied at the attack site, and hundreds of swimmers held a minute’s silence at dawn before entering the ocean near the still-cordoned crime scene.
Rabbi Ulman vowed that the Hanukkah celebration—a 31-year Bondi tradition that Schlanger had helped organize for 18 years—would continue despite the attack. ‘We’re going to show the world that the Jewish people are unbeatable,’ he declared, emphasizing resilience in the face of hatred.
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Nickolay Mladenov: The Balkan diplomat who could be UAE’s man in Gaza
While Bulgaria grappled with anti-government protests over corruption and economic hardship in November, former Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov was simultaneously facilitating high-level economic negotiations between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. This contrast highlights Mladenov’s remarkable transition from European politics to becoming a central figure in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Mladenov has now emerged as a leading candidate to oversee Gaza’s postwar reconstruction efforts on behalf of former President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace.’ His nomination represents a significant shift from earlier considerations of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose potential appointment faced substantial opposition.
The Bulgarian diplomat’s journey from his communist-era family background to Middle East peacemaker reflects an unconventional career path. Born in 1972 to a family with ties to Bulgaria’s communist regime—his father served in the country’s KGB equivalent—Mladenov initially advocated for EU integration before serving as Bulgaria’s defense minister (2009-2010) and foreign minister (2010-2013).
His diplomatic credentials were solidified during his nearly six-year tenure as UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, where he earned rare praise from all conflicting parties, including both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya notably expressed pride in having known him, while Palestinian politicians described him as ‘a hell of a lot better than the alternative.’
Mladenov’s effectiveness stems partly from his Balkan background. As he explained in a 2021 New York Times interview: ‘I come from the Balkans. We’ve changed borders. We’ve fought over holy places, languages, churches. When you carry that baggage, it does help you see things a bit differently.’
The diplomat’s current considerations for the Gaza role follow his successful collaboration with Jared Kushner on the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. Kushner confirmed that the Trump administration ‘confided in’ Mladenov during negotiations and valued his ‘constructive feedback.’
However, Mladenov’s potential appointment comes amid complex regional dynamics. The UAE has emerged as Gaza’s largest donor among Gulf states, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar have expressed reservations about funding reconstruction without political solutions. The UN Security Council’s mandate for an international stabilization force faces challenges as Arab nations hesitate to deploy between Hamas and Israeli forces.
Critics note that Mladenov’s strong ties to the UAE and Israel could influence his approach, with one Western official noting that ‘whoever is picked is going to get it on the neck, but Mladenov is very influenced by the UAE, and by extension Israel.’
The postwar planning itself, currently managed from Tel Aviv by Kushner associates, proposes dividing Gaza into halves with screened Palestinians in Israeli-occupied zones—a controversial framework that would require delicate diplomatic navigation from any appointed envoy.
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Warner Bros to reject $108bn Paramount bid, reports say
Warner Bros Discovery is preparing to formally recommend that its shareholders reject a monumental $108.4 billion acquisition proposal from Paramount Skydance, with an official announcement anticipated as early as Wednesday. This development follows Paramount’s assertion that its bid is financially superior to a separate $72 billion agreement Warner Bros recently finalized with Netflix for its film and streaming divisions.
The acquisition landscape has grown increasingly complex with the reported withdrawal of a key financial supporter, Affinity Partners, from the Paramount-led bid. Founded by prominent US businessman Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, Affinity cited the emergence of ‘two strong competitors’ as the reason for its exit, though specifics were not disclosed.
According to insights from the Financial Times, Warner Bros’ opposition to the Paramount offer is multifaceted, centering primarily on concerns regarding the feasibility and structure of the proposed financing. This corporate maneuvering began in October when Warner Bros Discovery initiated a formal sale process after attracting numerous expressions of interest from potential acquirers.
The current situation presents a tale of two competing transactions. On December 5th, Warner Bros Discovery announced its agreement to transfer film and streaming assets to Netflix. Shortly thereafter, Paramount Skydance—backed by the billionaire Ellison family, which maintains close presidential connections—countered with a comprehensive bid for the entire company, including valuable television networks.
Should any acquisition proceed, regulatory hurdles await. Both U.S. and European competition authorities are expected to subject a Warner Bros takeover to intense scrutiny. The successful acquirer would obtain a commanding position in the streaming marketplace, gaining control over an extensive content library featuring iconic franchises including Harry Potter, Friends, and the HBO Max streaming platform.
The potential consolidation has drawn criticism from industry representatives. The Writers Guild of America East and West branches have jointly called for regulators to block the merger, warning that such market concentration would inevitably lead to reduced wages, significant job cuts, and diminished content variety for viewers.
All involved parties—Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Skydance, and Affinity Partners—have declined to comment publicly on these recent developments when contacted by news organizations.