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Center for Jewish History Secures Future with $25 Million Matching Grant

Center for Jewish History Secures Future with $25 Million Matching Grant

The Center for Jewish History in New York City celebrated its 25th anniversary with a significant financial boost, thanks to a $25 million matching grant announced by CEO Rio Daniel. This grant, provided by hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and designer Neri Oxman, aims to secure the center's future and enhance its programming capabilities. The center, which houses the second largest Holocaust collection in the world, has seen a surge in visitors, partly due to the 'Anne Frank The Exhibition.' The gala event, which marked this milestone, also honored the center's founding chairman, Bruce Slovin, and other key contributors. The center's leadership is focused on expanding its public engagement and educational initiatives, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of Jewish history and culture.
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MoMA PS1 to Offer Free Admission Starting January 2026, Expanding Access to Art

MoMA PS1 to Offer Free Admission Starting January 2026, Expanding Access to Art

MoMA PS1, a contemporary art museum in Queens, New York, will eliminate admission fees for all visitors beginning January 1, 2026. This initiative, funded by philanthropist Sonya Yu, marks the museum's 50th anniversary and aims to make it the largest admission-free museum in New York City. The decision aligns with MoMA PS1's history as an alternative art space, emphasizing emerging and experimental artists. The museum has been enhancing accessibility through multilingual resources and free event tickets for local residents. Connie Butler, the museum's director, highlighted that the free-admission policy extends the museum's mission of making art accessible to a broader audience.
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Louvre Heist Sparks Security Concerns Amid New Paris Jewel Exhibition

Louvre Heist Sparks Security Concerns Amid New Paris Jewel Exhibition

In October 2025, a daring heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris resulted in the theft of over $100 million worth of crown jewels. The operation, which lasted only four minutes, targeted the Apollo Gallery and has since led to its closure. This incident has raised significant concerns about the security of cultural institutions in France. In response, the Louvre has announced plans to install approximately 100 new surveillance cameras and upgrade its anti-intrusion systems. Meanwhile, a new exhibition of royal jewels has opened at the Hôtel de la Marine, a site with its own history of jewel thefts dating back to 1792. This exhibition features over a hundred pieces, including notable loans from the Al Thani Collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
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MoMA PS1 to Offer Free Admission Starting 2026, Enhancing Accessibility

MoMA PS1 to Offer Free Admission Starting 2026, Enhancing Accessibility

MoMA PS1, a contemporary art museum in Queens, New York, will eliminate admission fees for all visitors beginning January 1, 2026. This initiative, funded by entrepreneur and collector Sonya Yu, marks the museum's 50th anniversary and aims to enhance accessibility. Yu's support reflects her belief in the role of cultural institutions in fostering community and visibility. The museum, known for its focus on emerging and experimental artists, will continue to expand its accessibility offerings, including multilingual resources and free event tickets for local residents. The free-admission policy aligns with MoMA PS1's mission to make art accessible to a broader audience.
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Gideon Sa'ar Dismisses New York Mayor-Elect's Threat Against Netanyahu

Gideon Sa'ar Dismisses New York Mayor-Elect's Threat Against Netanyahu

Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's Foreign Minister, has dismissed a threat made by New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York. In an interview with The New York Post, Sa'ar expressed skepticism about Mamdani's statement, suggesting it was not a serious consideration in Netanyahu's travel plans. Sa'ar also criticized Hamas for not disarming in line with a US-backed Gaza peace deal. The comments come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and various international actors over its policies and actions in Gaza.
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Tom Hanks Debuts Off-Broadway in Self-Written Play 'This World of Tomorrow'

Tom Hanks Debuts Off-Broadway in Self-Written Play 'This World of Tomorrow'

Tom Hanks Debuts Off-Broadway in Self-Written Play 'This World of Tomorrow'
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Viceroy Hotels Resorts Appoints New CEO to Lead Global Expansion

Viceroy Hotels Resorts Appoints New CEO to Lead Global Expansion

Viceroy Hotels Resorts Appoints New CEO to Lead Global Expansion
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UN recognizes compas, a Haitian music and dance genre that has marked generations and brought joy

UN recognizes compas, a Haitian music and dance genre that has marked generations and brought joy

Compas, a beloved Haitian music and dance genre inspired by merengue and infused with percussion, has made UNESCO’s cultural heritage list
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Diana Ross will headline 'Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' lineup

Diana Ross will headline 'Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' lineup

Diana Ross has been named the headliner for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
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National Library of Israel Unveils Rare 14th Century Mishneh Torah Manuscript

National Library of Israel Unveils Rare 14th Century Mishneh Torah Manuscript

The National Library of Israel has recently added a rare 14th-century Mishneh Torah manuscript to its exhibition. This manuscript is part of a broader display that includes medieval Jewish texts from various regions such as Europe, North Africa, and Persia. The exhibition aims to showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of Jewish communities across different eras and geographies. The Mishneh Torah, a significant work of Jewish law compiled by Maimonides, is a central piece in this collection, highlighting the enduring influence of Jewish scholarship. The exhibition also features other notable texts, such as the Or Yesha Meusharim from the Machzor Worms, dating back to the 13th century.
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Synagogue Hebrew Education Survey Reveals New Trends and Challenges

Synagogue Hebrew Education Survey Reveals New Trends and Challenges

A recent survey, the '2025 Hebrew Snapshot Survey,' commissioned by #OnwardHebrew, has highlighted significant developments in Hebrew education within synagogues and part-time educational settings. The survey involved 129 synagogue education programs, revealing that students are increasingly enjoying Hebrew learning, feeling confident in their language skills, and developing a stronger sense of belonging to the Jewish community. The study noted a shift from focusing solely on prayer decoding to a broader approach that includes hearing, speaking, and reading Hebrew. Innovative methods like Hebrew Through Movement and the infusion of Hebrew heritage words into English are gaining traction, with 76% of programs adopting these practices. However, challenges remain, particularly in staffing and professional development, with 44% of respondents facing difficulties in securing qualified Hebrew teachers.
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Bullets in Luigi Mangione’s bag convinced police that he was UnitedHealthcare CEO killing suspect

Bullets in Luigi Mangione’s bag convinced police that he was UnitedHealthcare CEO killing suspect

Moments after Luigi Mangione was put in handcuffs at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, a police officer searching his backpack found a loaded gun magazine wrapped in a pair of underwear