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Growing uncertainty surrounds the upcoming Lag BaOmer events in Meron, as authorities signal that the traditional celebration will not proceed as usual due to the security situation, while tensions on the ground continue to escalate.

Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Miller, one of the organizers of Lag BaOmer events currently in Meron, delivered a sharp critique in an interview, warning that attempts to tightly control attendance could backfire. “Those who want to come with a sense of ‘mesirus nefesh’ will find a way, even through the forests,” he said. “Instead of creating a limited framework that draws fire, the state should completely shut down transportation and withdraw forces from the mountain.”

In a typical year, Meron would already be bustling with activity and final preparations at this stage. This year, however, uncertainty hangs heavily over the hilula of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai. While police have announced that the event will not take place in its regular format due to security concerns, the atmosphere on the ground is increasingly tense.

Speaking from Meron, Rabbi Miller described what he called an unprecedented situation. “We are seeing something we have never seen before — infrastructure is constantly being assembled and dismantled,” he said. Although the current plan allows for bonfires with up to 200 participants — an increase from just 30 attendees last year — Miller argued that trying to “manage” the event in a limited format is a strategic mistake that could carry serious consequences.

“Don’t drag us into a disaster,” he warned, explaining that enforcing a reduced-capacity plan within the village itself is likely to create unnecessary friction and endanger lives. “The location is dangerous, there is no argument about that. But one must understand that for a large segment of the public, going up to Meron is not a ‘festival’ — it is a religious event rooted in the teachings of the Arizal. There are people who will come at any cost, by any means, even under fire.”

Miller placed responsibility on decision-makers, questioning the current approach. “Why endanger thousands of police officers? They are stationed at exposed routes, without protective barriers, just to try to stop a handful of people. If the state truly fears a disaster, it should completely shut down public transportation and the distant access roads, and turn off the lights on the mountain. The moment any official framework exists, it draws people to come.”

Asked whether violent confrontations between police and those attempting to reach the site could erupt again, Miller expressed concern. “Right now, that’s how it looks. Those who came with mesirus nefesh over the past three years will try again this year. If the police continue with the current approach of confrontations in the village, we may return to the difficult scenes we have witnessed in the past.”

He called on police and the Minister of National Security to take responsibility. “Do not place 19-year-old Border Police soldiers in an impossible situation מול a believing ציבור. The mountain should be cleared of heavy police presence within the crowded areas, and access should be prevented at earlier stages along the intercity roads.”

Despite his criticism, Rabbi Miller concluded with an appeal to the public to follow Home Front Command instructions that are meant to save lives.

{Matzav.com}

Security forces in Yerushalayim disrupted an effort last Friday by a group attempting to carry out a Korban Pesach on Har Habayis, stopping suspects who allegedly tried to bring a young goat into the area.

According to authorities, Yerushalayim District police together with Border Police spotted several youths approaching one of the entrances. Members of the group were said to be holding a goat intended for the offering, along with a knife used for slaughter.

The group reportedly moved past a police checkpoint and reached a nearby area, where they attempted to push their way onto Har Habayis. Officers intervened before they could enter, blocked their advance, and detained or arrested 21 individuals for questioning.

Those taken into custody were later brought before the Magistrate’s Court, which ruled that they be released. The decision stood even after police filed an appeal with the District Court.

Police said they “will continue to act decisively to preserve public order, security, and the fabric of life in the Old City and especially at the holy sites, while firmly enforcing the law against any attempt to disrupt order.”

The “Lama Nigara” (“Why Should We Be Excluded”) movement, whose members took part in the incident, issued a statement saying: “This day symbolizes the call of our ancestors who were impure during the first Pesach and longed to offer the Second Korban Pesach. In these days, the call of ‘Why should we be excluded’ is renewed – we too want to offer the Passover sacrifice and sacrifices in general. We strengthen the detainees; the time has come to return to the Har Habayis in its entirety and rebuild the Bais Hamikdosh.”

The activists were represented by attorneys Nati Rom and Daniel Shimshilashvili of the Honenu legal aid group. Shimshilashvili said: “Absurdly, the investigative unit chose to request an extension of our clients’ detention by no fewer than five days, using arguments that, after the Simchas Torah massacre, have no place in our society. The court accepted our arguments, and the claim that the entire Middle East would burn because Jews seek to exercise freedom of worship in our country did not impress the court, which ordered our clients’ release and even unusually rejected the police request to delay implementation of the decision.”

Rom added: “Regarding Har Habayis activists, I find it puzzling that the police consistently come to court with exaggerated requests while knowing that the court will completely dismiss them.”

{Matzav.com}

OU Kosher CEO Rabbi Menachem Genack delivers a shiur at the OU Kashrus Conference

For many kashrus agency professionals, the annual OU Kashrus Conference is more than a collegial gathering; it is a rare opportunity to learn about the latest industry developments, and to connect with colleagues who understand the unique experiences and challenges of kashrus certification. This year, that connection carried added meaning, as attendees paid tribute to a leader who built and grew that community and expanded access to kosher food worldwide. After 45 years of transformative leadership at the helm of OU Kosher, Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Menachem Genack will celebrate his retirement this summer.

“The conference was especially meaningful as we celebrated Rabbi Genack’s remarkable career and achievements,” says OU Kosher Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Moshe Elefant, who will succeed him. “The legacy he leaves is that of the largest kashrus certification agency in the world, built from the ground up with uncompromising standards. He also assembled an exceptional staff — a group of rabbanim, all talmidei chachamim, representing every corner of the Jewish world.”

Now in its 32nd year, the two-day conference at New Jersey’s Hilton Parsippany drew 200 participants, including OU Kosher Rabbinic Coordinators (RCs) and Rabbinic Field Representatives (RFRs) from North and South America, Israel, and Europe, as well as representatives of over 20 international kashrus agencies.

An additional 100 friends and relatives of Rabbi Genack, along with Orthodox Union lay and professional leaders, attended a special tribute banquet that included a video retrospective and the presentation of two books published in his honor. OU President Mitchel Aeder, OU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, Rabbi Moshe Elefant, and Rabbi Genack’s daughter, Shira Schiowitz, shared reflections, and Rabbi Genack offered words of gratitude and bracha.

“The friendships that have developed over the decades mean a great deal,” says Rabbi Genack. “OU Kosher has been the foundation for the growth of the OU and its many important programs — educationally, in kiruv, supporting people in need, and across so many areas. That mission has been central from the very beginning.”

Under his visionary leadership, OU Kosher became the world’s largest and most widely recognized kashrus certification agency, certifying 1.5 million products manufactured in 15,000 plants across 108 countries.

In the 1980s, Rabbi Genack laid the foundation for OU Kosher’s modern infrastructure by assembling a professional team of RCs to oversee kashrus operations from its New York headquarters. In the 1990s, he launched the annual OU Kashrus Conference, creating a forum for RCs and RFRs to share expertise, exchange ideas, and address challenges together in a structured setting.

“As our staff expanded, both at OU Kosher headquarters and internationally, the conference gave, and continues to give us, the opportunity to interact in person — to put faces to names and to brainstorm collectively about how to advance the OU Kosher program,” he says. “It also helps mashgichim understand the halachic basis of kashrus issues and stay current with developments. The conference is essential to OU Kosher’s continued growth, both in maintaining standards and in strengthening our cohesiveness.”

Rabbi Michael Morris, OU Kosher’s director of field operations, logistics ombudsman, and manpower and routing director, helps organize the annual conference in partnership with colleagues. He notes that it provides rare in-person interaction for professionals who typically work independently.

“Many of our RFRs work in relative isolation in remote areas of the world,” he says. “This is a once-a-year opportunity to gather with colleagues in person, whom they interact with daily.”

Rabbi Elefant adds, “Despite working closely together, RCs and RFRs rarely have the opportunity to connect in a relaxed setting. When we get together, there is achdus and a shared mission to serve Klal Yisroel and uphold the highest standards of kashrus.”

Kosher SA (South Africa) Managing Director Rabbi Dovi Goldstein and OU Kosher RC Rabbi Mordechai Starashefsky at an OU Kashrus Conference chevrusa/networking session.

OU Kosher RFR Rabbi Shoshan Ghoori oversees OU Kosher certification and business development across Latin America — specifically Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and to a lesser extent, Colombia and Mexico. His role includes visiting companies, certifying new companies and plants, and managing client relationships throughout the region. He also helps oversee the mashgiach teams in Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, together with Rabbi Yitzchok Gutterman, the RC for Latin America. This is Rabbi Ghoori’s 15th year attending the conference, and he appreciates the sense of connection and achdus that prevails each year.

“Meeting colleagues face-to-face refreshes and strengthens the relationship in a way that remote communication cannot,” he says. “Being together reignites the connection and reinforces a shared sense of purpose. It strengthens the feeling that we are part of one coordinated effort.”

This year’s sessions centered on the future, with a focus on technology, food industry innovation, developments in food science, and AI’s kashrus applications. Topics included Boilers without Borders: Remote Starters in Halacha; Behind the Scenes in Engineered Milk and Engineered Meat; How Kashrus Agencies Are Evaluated; and What’s Brewing: The Latest in Beer and Alcohol, among others.

Additional conference highlights included a dedicated chavrusa/networking session with OU and OU Kosher lay leaders, senior administrators, and colleagues; a shiur by Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) Rosh Yeshiva and OU Posek Rav Hershel Schachter on Stam Keilim Aino Ben Yomo; Daf Yomi; and the recognition of Rabbi Binyomin Kaplan and Rabbi Yitzchok Friedman for their 25 years of dedicated service to OU Kosher.

Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) Rosh Yeshiva and OU Posek Rav Hershel Schachter at the OU Kashrus Conference

A key theme throughout the conference reflecting a principle long championed by Rabbi Genack was collaboration among kashrus agencies.That initiative was on full display at the conference, where the second day was opened to kashrus professionals from outside the OU, who also led sessions.

“We work very closely with other agencies that uphold high standards, and it’s important to collaborate and build together,” reflects Rabbi Genack. “I truly appreciate their participation in the conference.”

OU Kosher Managing Director of Marketing Rabbi Ei Eleff notes, “Kashrus is a communal effort, and the only way for it to thrive is through collaboration with other agencies. One of the nicest aspects of the conference is that it enables people from the same industry to network, meet one another, and share best practices. There is something to learn from everyone. When there is diverse knowledge-sharing, everyone wins.”

Rabbi Ghoori echoes this sentiment, valuing the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other kashrus agencies who are all working toward the same objective.

“There is mutual respect and an understanding that, while each agency serves its own clients, we are all ultimately providing a service to the broader kosher world,” he says. “That includes both the Jewish community and the wider kosher-consuming public, which today extends well beyond Jewish consumers.”

OU Kosher RFR Rabbi Abish Rand and OU Kosher CEO Rabbi Menachem Genack at an OU Kashrus Conference chevrusa/networking session

OU Kosher RFR Rabbi Saadya Kaufmann has attended the OU Kashrus Conference for the past 16 years, and enjoyed this latest one the most.

“The conference was probably one of the best that I have attended,” reflects Rabbi Kaufmann, who oversees plants manufacturing everything from candy and salsa, to aluminum foil and chemicals, throughout Texas, Mississippi, Northern Mexico and El Salvador. “The sessions were all very relevant and interesting.”

However, celebrating Rabbi Genack and his pioneering achievements at OU Kosher was particularly memorable.

“The highlight was being able to pay tribute to Rabbi Genack,” he says. “It was especially meaningful and inspiring in light of Rabbi Elefant’s observation that everyone present was hired to work for OU Kosher by Rabbi Genack. It reflected a shared sense of hakaras hatov for all he has accomplished for Klal Yisroel.”

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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu outlined a new national defense strategy on Sunday, describing a plan focused on strengthening Israel’s military capabilities while ensuring long-term independence in its security posture.

Opening his remarks, Netanyahu stressed Israel’s current strength and the need to maintain a decisive advantage over its adversaries. He said: “Israel is stronger than ever, and Israel must always be much stronger than our enemies. Therefore, I believe in two principles: military buildup and independence.”

As part of the initiative, Netanyahu revealed that Israel will acquire two new squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets to bolster the capabilities of the Israeli Air Force.

Highlighting the importance of the procurement, Netanyahu stated that “these aircraft strengthen Israel’s overwhelming air superiority – superiority that was demonstrated both in ‘Rising Lion’ and now in ‘Roaring Lion.’ Our pilots can reach anywhere in Iranian airspace, and they are prepared to do so if required. We have tremendous aircraft, and we have tremendous pilots.”

{Matzav.com}

With just two days remaining until the Lag BaOmer gathering at Meron, police have begun closing off access routes to the area, even as uncertainty continues over how — or if — the annual event will take place this year in any way, shape or form.

Despite recent changes in Home Front Command guidelines, the site has not been officially declared a closed military zone. However, authorities have not issued entry permits to the mountain, and no public transportation is operating to the location.

Even with those restrictions in place, an estimated 20,000 people were present in Meron over Shabbos. Since the area has not been formally designated as a military zone, officials currently lack the legal authority to evacuate those already there.

Security officials are now preparing to block additional arrivals by shutting down surrounding roads and preventing buses from reaching the site. At the same time, there are concerns that many people will attempt to access Meron on foot through nearby forests — a scenario that has previously led to clashes and unrest. It remains unclear how police intend to handle such developments.

According to a notice circulated to drivers on Motzoei Shabbos, “National traffic police have set up checkpoints on all roads leading to Meron — including Ein Zeitim, Gush Chalav, and the area between Parod. Passage is permitted only to Meron residents or those with special authorization. Pedestrian entry into Meron and to the kever of Rashbi is still allowed without restriction.”

Meanwhile, residents of a nearby moshav have expressed anger over what they say is a new police policy preventing even approved guests from entering. According to residents who spoke with local media, individuals who had rented vacation units in the area were turned away at roadblocks despite the moshav having submitted an organized list of approved guests to authorities. Locals say the decision is causing significant financial losses.

{Matzav.com}

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett renewed his warning against the politicization of public service after senior Israel Police officers attended a birthday celebration for National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Saturday night.

The event, marking Ben Gvir’s 50th birthday, drew attention both for the list of attendees and for its controversial imagery, including themed cakes featuring nooses and firearms.

Ben Gvir, who oversees the police, hosted the gathering at a venue in Moshav Emunim near Ashdod. Among those present were high-ranking politicians, far-right activists, and members of the Israel Police’s General Command Staff.

The minister has already faced scrutiny over alleged attempts to exert influence over law enforcement, including legal challenges filed with the High Court of Justice seeking his removal. The decision by Police Commissioner Danny Levy to permit senior officers to attend the event intensified criticism, with opponents arguing it could compromise the independence of the police.

Bennett, who is campaigning in the upcoming election against the current government, addressed the issue in a post on X, sharing what appeared to be a copy of the invitation and sharply criticizing the approval granted to police leadership. He reiterated his position that public officials must not use their roles for political purposes.

“Tens of thousands of dedicated and good Israeli police officers deserve honest, efficient and statesmanlike command that sets a personal example,” Bennett posted. “Any public servant, in any role and in any government agency, who breaches his fiduciary duty to the country and exploits his role in a political and non-statesmanlike manner, will be immediately dismissed.”

Ben Gvir responded briefly on social media, writing, “Naftali has no friends, and also no work relationships — send him a cake from the party.”

Yesh Atid lawmaker Yoav Segalovitz, a former senior police investigator, also criticized the decision to allow officers to attend, describing it as a “grave incident in the moral and ethical sense.”

Soon after, senior police officials and prominent political figures were seen arriving at the celebration. Among the attendees were far-right personalities, including Yoav Eliasi, known as “The Shadow,” Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, and Bentzi Gopstein, a follower of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane who leads an organization opposing intermarriage.

Reports also indicated that Foreign Minister Yisroel Katz, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Education Minister Yoav Kisch, and Energy Minister Eli Cohen were in attendance.

Senior police leadership was also represented, including Deputy Commissioner Avshalom Peled, Jerusalem District Commander, Southern District Chief Haim Bublil, Israel Prison Service Central District Commander Sagi Shlomi, Southern District Commander Yuval Erlich, and Northern District Commander Shmuel Lavi.

An internal directive from Levy, reported by Hebrew media, clarified that attendance was limited strictly to senior command staff.

“Police officers who are not members of the senior command and have been invited to the event are not permitted to attend,” the memo read.

The controversy extended beyond attendance, with images circulating from the event showing a large three-tier birthday cake presented to Ben Gvir, topped with a golden noose—widely interpreted as a reference to legislation mandating the death penalty for Palestinian terrorists, a policy long championed by Ben Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party and approved by the Knesset in March.

The cake’s lower tier featured two firearms pointed toward a map of Israel, including Gaza and the West Bank, reflecting the minister’s controversial approach to firearm policy, which has been significantly expanded during his tenure.

Additional footage from the event showed Ben Gvir’s wife, Ayala, presenting him with a smaller cake also decorated with an image of a noose.

The inscription on the cake read: “Congratulations to Minister Ben Gvir. Sometimes dreams come true.”

Bennett had first outlined his position earlier in the week during a series of television interviews, following his political alliance with Yair Lapid of the Yesh Atid party as part of efforts to challenge the current government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking to Channel 12, Bennett said public officials would be judged “not on the intentions [of their appointment] but on their performance, what they are doing” in office.

Without naming specific individuals, he added that he had observed troubling developments within the police force.

“They’re becoming political,” he said. “I suggest now and say to all the police leadership and every government employee, you are now under my scrutiny.”

WATCH:

Podcaster Joe Rogan pushed back Friday against criticism aimed at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, dismissing the outrage over a recent joke as overblown and only fueled by the attempted attack on President Donald Trump.

The controversy stems from a segment aired on Kimmel’s show days before a gunman allegedly tried to target Trump and other officials at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. During a mock roast, Kimmel joked that first lady Melania Trump had the “glow” of “an expectant widow.” Rogan argued that the remark drew little attention until after the shooting attempt later that same weekend.

“No one cared on Saturday until Saturday night when the assassination attempt, and then all the sudden, everyone’s blaming Kimmel,” he said during a episode of the “Joe Rogan Experience.”

First Lady Melania Trump responded on Monday, accusing Kimmel of promoting “hateful and violent rhetoric” intended to “divide our country,” and urged ABC to “take a stand” by removing him from the air. The president also renewed calls for Kimmel to be dismissed, describing the joke as “very shocking” and suggesting it could incite violence.

“He was there for a very obvious and sinister reason,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to the suspected gunman, identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen, who has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president.

“I appreciate that so many people are incensed by Kimmel’s despicable call to violence, and normally would not be responsive to anything that he said but, this is something far beyond the pale,” he added.

Kimmel addressed the controversy multiple times on his program this week. On Monday, he explained that the remark was intended as a “very light” reference to the age gap between the president, 79, and the first lady, 56.

He revisited the issue on Tuesday after airing footage of the Trumps meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House. In the clip, the president joked with his wife of 21 years that they would not match his parents’ 63-year marriage, prompting Kimmel to respond:

“My god, he should be fired for that,” Kimmel reacted on Tuesday. “Only Donald Trump would demand I be fired for making a joke about his old age, and then a day later, go out and make a joke about his own old age.”

The dispute has also drawn attention from federal regulators. The Federal Communications Commission announced an expedited review of broadcast licenses for several Disney-owned local television stations. Disney is the parent company of ABC, which airs Kimmel’s show.

The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, has faced criticism over what some view as efforts to pressure media outlets seen as critical of Trump. Carr said the latest review was not influenced by the White House.

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, a Democrat, strongly criticized the move, calling it “the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date.”

“As part of its ongoing campaign of censorship and control, the White House called publicly for the silencing of a vocal critic, and this FCC has now answered that call,” Gomez said in a statement. “This is an unprecedented and politically motivated attempt to interfere with how broadcasters operate, and this unlawful overreach will fail.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said last night that he plans to examine a newly submitted proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, though he expressed doubt that the terms would meet U.S. expectations.

“I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can’t imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

.@POTUS on restarting military strikes against Iran: "I can't tell that to a reporter. If they misbehave, if they do something bad — but right now, we'll see. It's a possibility that could happen, certainly." pic.twitter.com/bf9Jmgf7M8

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 2, 2026

The statement came shortly after Trump was asked by reporters whether the United States might resume military action against Iran.

The President replied, “I can’t tell that to a reporter. If they misbehave, if they do something bad – but right now, we’ll see. It’s a possibility that could happen, certainly.”

Reports from Iranian outlets Tasnim and Fars indicated that Tehran submitted a 14-point proposal through Pakistan, responding to an earlier nine-point plan presented by the United States.

According to those reports, the Iranian framework calls for a comprehensive resolution of the conflict within 30 days, rather than the two-month ceasefire previously proposed by Washington. Additional elements reportedly include demands for assurances against future military strikes, a withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran, lifting of the naval blockade, release of frozen Iranian funds, financial compensation, removal of sanctions, cessation of fighting in Lebanon, and the establishment of a new system governing the Strait of Hormuz.

On Friday, Trump had already dismissed an earlier version of Iran’s proposal, telling reporters he was not satisfied with it and casting doubt on the prospects for a final agreement.

“They want to make a deal,” Trump said, adding, “I’m not satisfied with it.”

He did not specify which aspects of the proposal were unacceptable, but suggested internal divisions within Iran’s leadership could hinder progress.

“They’ve made strides, but I’m not sure if they ever get there,” Trump said, describing “tremendous discord” among Iran’s leaders.

A report in The Wall Street Journal indicated that Iran had shown some willingness to adjust its position in the version rejected on Friday.

Sources familiar with the discussions said Tehran proposed that negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz could take place simultaneously with U.S. commitments to halt military operations and ease its blockade of Iranian ports.

That approach marked a shift from Iran’s earlier stance, in which it had insisted the United States first end its blockade and reach terms to conclude the conflict before addressing broader issues.

{Matzav.com}

Apple Inc. has agreed to pay a total of NIS 10 million to customers in Israel as part of a court-approved settlement in a class-action lawsuit over allegations that older iPhone models were intentionally slowed down. Eligible users may receive compensation of up to NIS 1,890 per device through a dedicated website that is expected to launch soon.

The Tel Aviv District Court approved the settlement, bringing an end to legal proceedings stemming from the “Batterygate” controversy. The lawsuit alleged that Apple deliberately reduced the performance of certain older iPhones through software updates without adequately informing users.

The issue first surfaced in 2017, when Apple acknowledged that software updates had slowed down devices such as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7. The company said at the time that the changes were implemented for engineering reasons, specifically to prevent unexpected shutdowns caused by aging batteries. However, the lack of transparency drew widespread criticism, with many users claiming the move was intended to push customers to upgrade to newer models. These allegations led to lawsuits in multiple countries, including the case now resolved in Israel.

Under the terms of the settlement, compensation will be available to users who owned the relevant devices prior to December 2017 and were registered with Apple services in Israel. Eligible models include the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, iPhone 7, 7 Plus, and the first-generation iPhone SE. Customers who experienced performance slowdowns may be entitled to payments of up to NIS 1,890 per device, depending on the circumstances, regardless of where the phone was originally purchased. Claims will be submitted through a designated website expected to go live soon.

In response, Apple said: “We have never—and would never—do anything intended to deliberately shorten the lifespan of Apple products or degrade the user experience in order to encourage customers to upgrade. Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and ensuring the longest possible lifespan for the iPhone is a central part of that. While we strongly disagree with the claims that were made, we agreed to reach a settlement to avoid continued legal proceedings.”

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

LISTEN:

Airlines across the country are moving quickly to assist travelers left without flights after Spirit Airlines ceased operations overnight, collapsing after failing to secure a federal bailout.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlined a series of steps aimed at helping affected passengers rebook travel on other carriers at reduced or capped fares.

“We’ve activated our airline partners to ensure passengers are not stranded, communities maintain route access, fares do not skyrocket, and Spirit’s workforce is connected to new job opportunities,” Duffy said.

Passengers holding Spirit tickets can present proof of purchase to access discounted fares on several major airlines, including JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, and United, though each carrier is offering the relief for a limited window.

JetBlue’s discounted fares will be available for 72 hours. Southwest is offering a similar 72-hour option, but bookings must be made in person at airport counters. Delta’s program will run for five days, while United is extending its offer for up to two weeks.

Allegiant Air, which serves many smaller markets, said it will hold prices steady on overlapping routes and is offering 50 percent off base fares through May 10.

Airlines are also helping displaced crew members, offering “spare jump seats” to Spirit pilots and flight attendants who are stranded away from home.

Duffy also pointed to earlier federal decisions as a contributing factor in Spirit’s collapse, criticizing the Biden administration for blocking a merger between Spirit and JetBlue in 2024. He noted that President Donald Trump had recently suggested the possibility of the government stepping in to purchase the struggling airline. However, Duffy pushed back on the idea of a bailout.

“What we don’t want to do is put good money after bad,” he said.

Spirit’s president and CEO, Dave Davis, pointed to rising fuel costs as the key factor behind the shutdown.

“Everybody burning cash—we just had a smaller pile to start with,” he told the Wall Street Journal. “They’re not that far behind us in the race.”

In a statement posted to X early Saturday morning, the airline informed customers that while it could not assist with rebooking, refunds would be issued automatically for credit card purchases.

“while we are not able to help rebook your flight on another airline, we will automatically process refunds” the company said. “We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry for the last 33 years and had hoped to serve our Guests for many years to come.”

The airline confirmed that its final flight, number 1833, traveled from Detroit to Dallas, landing shortly after midnight on Saturday.

Spirit, which operated for 34 years, becomes the first U.S. airline to collapse due to financial pressures in a quarter century.

The company had been struggling for some time, filing for bankruptcy protection twice, most recently in August, following an earlier Chapter 11 filing in November of the previous year.

As part of the wind-down process, the airline is expected to sell off its remaining aircraft, parts, and other assets in the months ahead. Its 11-acre headquarters campus near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, along with additional real estate holdings, will also be sold to repay creditors.

{Matzav.com}

An Orthodox Jewish mother from Brooklyn has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Department of Motor Vehicles employees of forcing her to remove her religious head covering for a license photo, an experience she says left her deeply shaken and humiliated, Matzav.com has learned.

Sara Fellig claims she felt compelled to comply with what she described as a violation of her religious practice, and says the incident has continued to affect her emotionally. In her complaint filed in Brooklyn Federal Court, she details the distress she experienced during and after the encounter.

“Forcing Ms. Fellig — or any married, ultra-Orthodox Jewish woman who wears a head covering — to remove [their] head covering in public is akin to forcing a secular person to strip naked in front of strangers, carrying all the same shame, humiliation, and abasement,” she said in the court papers filed against the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

According to the filing, Fellig arrived at the Atlantic Avenue DMV office in downtown Brooklyn for a scheduled appointment in November while caring for her young children. Two of her three daughters were unwell at the time, and she brought one of them with her to the office.

As is her regular practice in public, Fellig was wearing a partial shaitel along with a small hat.

When she was called for her photograph, a DMV employee instructed her to remove her head covering. Although state regulations prohibit images that obscure facial features or interfere with identification, Fellig maintains that her hat and wig did not cover her face.

She objected to the request, leading the employee to ask whether the head covering was worn for religious reasons. After she confirmed that it was, the worker allegedly responded, “Well you still can’t wear your hat,” according to the lawsuit.

A second DMV employee did not step in to address the situation, despite provisions in state law allowing exemptions for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs.

“Ms. Fellig was so disturbed by the prospect of removing her head covering in public that she contemplated calling her rabbi to discuss the unlawful circumstances she was facing,” she said in the legal claim.

The lawsuit notes that Fellig hesitated to seek help at the time due to prior incidents of harassment. In 2020, she was verbally attacked on Empire Boulevard, and in 2023 she encountered another antisemitic outburst in the same area.

With nearly 100 people present at the DMV office, and “mindful of shifting sentiments against the Jewish community due to the war in Gaza . . . Ms. Fellig decided not to call her rabbi, worried that onlookers would believe her to be an angry Jewish person seeking to make trouble.”

She ultimately removed her head covering and posed for the photo, an action she says left her emotionally overwhelmed and filled with regret. In her lawsuit, she is seeking damages, the destruction of the existing license image, and a replacement license at no cost.

“Each time someone views the photograph, Ms. Fellig experiences a renewed desecration of her religious beliefs,” according to the lawsuit.

“Ms. Fellig’s emotional damages will continue and multiply until a new photograph is taken and a new license issued,” she said in the court papers, adding, “she fears condemnation from her Chabad community — and her rabbi — if they discover that her official New York State ID depicts her without appropriate headgear.”

Her attorney, Emma Freeman, argued that the issue stems from a failure to apply existing policy.

“The DMV has the right rule in place — but, for no reason at all, it wasn’t followed in Ms. Fellig’s case,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

During a nichum aveilim visit to the Karadi family following the killing of young Nesia Hy”d in a missile strike, powerful words of emunah and hisorerus were shared first by the grieving father and then by the Yenukah.

The father spoke about the profound spiritual impact his daughter had in the short time since her passing. “I sit and think about what I’ve gained in these three and a half weeks… what merits she brought into the world,” he said. He added that even those distant from Yiddishkeit were moved to change: “Three people who heard her story took upon themselves to keep Shabbos.”

He described how, amid the immense pain, a wave of teshuvah and strengthening had emerged, with Nesia’s story touching hearts across many circles.

The Yenukah then addressed the family with deeply emotional words. “I don’t even know how to begin… how do you begin to thank for what you’ve received,” he said. He described the girl as a “holy soul,” adding: “A holy child. She died sanctifying Hashem’s Name. She brought sanctification of His Name throughout the world.” He also expressed awe at the father’s faith, saying, “I sit with him and tremble from his words—how he praises Hashem.”

At one point, the Yenukah addressed a painful question troubling many: how such a tragedy could happen davka in Bnei Brak, a city of Torah. “Missiles never fell here. The Chazon Ish, Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, all the holy ones here gave their lives for Torah—and suddenly we see what happened,” he said.

He stressed that such events are not random. “This is meant to shake us—where have we come to,” he said. He explained that even places of kedusha are not immune when there is a breakdown in achdus: “If there is lashon hara, it breaks down all the walls.” Citing Chazal, he noted that even when Klal Yisroel struggled spiritually, unity protected them, but division brought harm. He added with pain: “Missiles don’t fall for nothing… swords come down into the world, and no one knows who they will strike.”

The Yenukah called on the ציבור to strengthen in ahavas Yisroel. “We need to stop all the disputes… to love one another, to support one another,” he said, emphasizing that the responsibility extends beyond the immediate family. “This is pain for all of us,” he added, urging continued support even after shivah: “Not just now—also afterward, to come, to help, to strengthen the mother and the father.”

He concluded with words of comfort, speaking about the elevated place of pure souls: “Such souls are in the highest places… with tzaddikim and with angels.” He ended with a tefillah: “May Hashem give strength and comfort, and may we merit the complete redemption, the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash, and the resurrection of the dead במהרה.”

A major Shabbos gathering for hundreds of leading supporters of Belz took place at the David Citadel Hotel in Yerushalayim, drawing widespread excitement among chassidim in Eretz Yisroel and abroad after the event had been postponed from the previous week.

The Belzer Rebbe arrived at the hotel already on Thursday night and took part in a special program marking Pesach Sheini, after which the assembled donors were received for personal greetings and brachos.

During the preparations, the Rebbe also offered warm words of appreciation to the Bobover askan, Reb Dovid Aryeh Roth, recognizing his role in helping organize the large-scale Shabbos.

Throughout the Shabbos, the Rebbe devoted exceptional attention to the many guests, elevating the atmosphere of the gathering. For Mincha on Erev Shabbos, the Rebbe entered a specially prepared shul at the hotel shortly after candle-lighting time. His eldest grandson, Rav Sholom Rokeach, served as shliach tzibbur for Mincha, while the Rebbe himself led Kabolas Shabbos. During “Lo Sevoshi,” the niggun “Hatov Ki Lo Cholu Rachamecha” was sung, and during “Bo’achem L’Sholom,” the Rebbe encouraged extended singing, with the melody repeated for several minutes. Following the tefillah, the Pinsk-Karliner Rebbe, who was staying nearby, came to wish him a Gut Shabbos, after which the assembled tzibbur exchanged greetings.

The Friday night tish began at 11:00 p.m. in a large hall prepared for the occasion. The honor of lifting the kos for Kiddush was given to Reb Moshe Koenig. During the meal, the renowned chazzan Reb Yitzchok Meir Helfgot performed a moving piece of chazzanus with the composition “Ezras Avoseinu,” originally composed by Reb Moshe Stern in honor of Pesach Sheini. The niggun “Vehi She’amda” was then sung for several minutes by the participants.

For Birchas Hamazon, the Rebbe instructed that Reb Pinchos Lerner, CEO of the central Belzer offices in the United States, be honored with leading the bentching. This was followed by a Sholom Zochor celebration and a special Peiros Tish. At the height of the gathering, Rav Pinchos Friedman delivered an emotional address, speaking about the privilege of seeing the distinguished supporters maintaining their full chassidishe levush and remaining deeply connected to the spirit of the chassidus. He also spoke passionately about continuing tefillos for the Rebbe’s strength and complete recovery, leaving many in the room visibly moved. The niggun “Ki Orech Yomim U’Shnos Chaim” was then sung.

On Shabbos morning, Pesukei D’Zimra were led by Rav Avrohom Shmuel Rokeach, while Rav Pinchos Friedman served as shliach tzibbur for Shacharis, with a niggun sung to “Mimkomcha.” During the Torah reading, the honored guests were called up for aliyos, and the Rebbe himself led Mussaf.

Following davening, the Rebbe returned to the main hall for a Kiddusha Rabba and the daytime seudah with the assembled guests. The kos was lifted by Reb Elimelech Landman. Chazzan Reb Sholom Lemmer performed “Rozo D’Shabbos,” composed by Reb Pinchos Pinchik, and Reb Yitzchok Meir Helfgot added further selections, including “U’v’Menucha Yomar,” composed by Reb Yossele Rosenblatt. Musical accompaniment was provided by Shaya Lebron and Reb Moshe Daman, who had traveled from abroad for the occasion. Reb Shimon Faivush, a member of the Belzer central administration, was honored with Birchas Hamazon.

For Seudah Shlishis, the Rebbe once again gathered with the hundreds of supporters and guests. After delivering Torah thoughts, the niggun “Bar Yochai” was sung, followed by “Omar Rebbi Akiva.” The kos for bentching was lifted by Reb Yisroel Lewinger, chairman of the Belzer building fund.

After Maariv and Sefiras HaOmer, the Rebbe conducted Havdalah. The kos was lifted by senior members of the Belzer administration, Reb Yosef Meir Horowitz and Reb Rafael Klein. The niggun “Hamavdil” was then sung in chazzanus by Reb Yirmiyah Daman and Reb Yitzchok Meir Helfgot, after which the ציבור passed by to wish each other “A Gut Voch.”

Over the course of Thursday night, Friday, and Motzoei Shabbos, hundreds of supporters arrived with substantial contributions, with the Rebbe presenting each donor with a gold goblet and a leather-bound Tehillim for their household.

At the time of this report, preparations were underway for a major dinner in the hotel’s grand ballroom honoring those supporting the construction of new Belzer buildings, scheduled to begin shortly.

{Matzav.com}

A bipartisan group in the House, including dozens of Republicans, joined Democrats to defeat a proposal that would have prevented recipients of federal food assistance from using benefits to buy sugary drinks, prompting criticism from fiscal conservatives and public health advocates.

The measure, introduced by Rep. Keith Self, sought to disqualify soda and other sweetened beverages from eligibility under SNAP, the federal nutrition assistance program serving more than 40 million Americans. In a 238-186 vote, the amendment failed, with 183 Democrats and 55 Republicans opposing it.

SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, currently allows recipients to use benefits for a wide range of food items, including sugary beverages. Critics of the program’s current structure note that roughly $9 billion is spent annually on soda purchases, accounting for about 10% of total SNAP expenditures and making it the most commonly purchased item.

Opponents of the House vote argue that subsidizing soda consumption places a financial burden on taxpayers while contributing little to nutritional needs and potentially worsening health outcomes tied to diet-related diseases.

Reaction to the vote was swift, with several lawmakers voicing frustration over the outcome.

“The House just voted against banning soda from SNAP,” Rep. Nancy Mace wrote on social media. “Why should the government fund your soda purchases?”

She added, “If SNAP recipients want to buy sugary drinks, they can do it on their own dime, not on the backs of a taxpayer-funded nutrition program.”

Some Republicans also questioned why members of their own party broke ranks on the issue.

“It’s so disappointing that 55 Republicans can’t take the first step in stopping something so obviously wrong and that hurts the moral fiber of the country,” Rep. Glenn Grothman told Newsmax.

Policy analysts and nutrition researchers have pointed to studies suggesting that consumption patterns among SNAP participants may be linked to higher rates of chronic illness, increasing long-term healthcare costs.

One frequently cited study conducted by researchers at Stanford University and the University of California examined data from more than 19,000 SNAP participants and concluded that restricting purchases of sugary beverages could lead to measurable improvements in public health.

The study found that removing sugary drinks from SNAP eligibility would reduce calorie intake and lower rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes among recipients.

Researchers estimated that such a policy could cut obesity prevalence by nearly one percentage point and reduce diabetes incidence by approximately 1.7%, translating to about 240,000 fewer cases nationwide.

“The logic behind SNAP policy changes is that taxpayers are potentially subsidizing unhealthy food consumption and paying for its downstream health consequences,” the study noted.

Public health advocates argue that the broader impact extends beyond individual choice, emphasizing the cost burden on government healthcare programs.

“This is not just about personal choice — it’s about public cost,” one nutrition policy analyst said.

“When the government subsidizes unhealthy consumption, taxpayers ultimately pay twice: once at the grocery store, and again through healthcare.”

The research also found that SNAP recipients consume more calories from sugary beverages than from fruits and vegetables.

Despite these findings, critics of the proposed restriction—including some lawmakers and anti-hunger organizations—argued that implementing such a ban could complicate program administration and limit consumer autonomy.

Industry groups representing beverage manufacturers and bottling companies were also reported to have lobbied lawmakers heavily in opposition to the amendment.

“It makes me very worried about the country’s future when an anti-family program like this is backed by so many Republicans,” Grothman said.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah over Shabbos of Rabbi Chaim Abadi zt”l, a beloved mechanech, visionary leader, and guiding force for countless young people, who was niftar after a lifetime devoted to Torah, chinuch, and boundless ahavas Yisroel.

As the founder and longtime head of Minyan Shelanu in Lakewood and a widely respected figure in the field of chinuch, Rabbi Abadi leaves behind a legacy that reshaped how an entire generation understands and approaches struggling youth.

For decades, Rabbi Abadi stood at the forefront of one of the most sensitive and misunderstood challenges facing the community: reaching teens who felt disconnected, overlooked, or adrift. Long before the term “at-risk” became widely recognized or addressed, he was already quietly, persistently, and compassionately building bridges. At a time when others struggled to understand the phenomenon, Rabbi Abadi saw not labels, but neshamos, precious souls yearning to be understood, embraced, and guided.

He was a true pioneer. While many were still grappling with what this emerging crisis meant, Rabbi Abadi was already deep in the trenches, forging relationships, developing approaches, and creating environments where young people felt safe, respected, and valued. His work was not theoretical. It was deeply personal. He knew his talmidim. He listened to them. He fought for them. And above all, he believed in them, often long before they believed in themselves.

As the driving force behind Minyan Shelanu, Rabbi Abadi created far more than a place to daven. He built a makom of belonging, a haven where boys who felt alienated elsewhere could reconnect to Torah, to tefillah, and to their own inner greatness. The warmth of his smile, the sincerity of his words, and the depth of his care transformed lives in ways that cannot be measured.

Those who worked alongside him describe a man of extraordinary patience and unwavering dedication. There were no “off hours.” Late nights, difficult conversations, and endless emotional investment were simply part of his avodah. He carried the burdens of others as if they were his own, and he never gave up on a child—ever. His approach combined firmness with compassion, clarity with sensitivity, and above all, a deep, unshakable belief that every Yid has a place.

Rabbi Abadi’s impact extended far beyond Lakewood. Educators, rabbonim, and parents from across the country sought his guidance, recognizing that he possessed a rare understanding of the complexities facing today’s youth. He helped shape not only individual lives, but an entire field. Much of what is now taken for granted in dealing with struggling teens—concepts of connection, validation, and individualized attention—were ideas he was already implementing years earlier, often without recognition or fanfare.

Yet despite his influence, Rabbi Abadi remained humble and unassuming. He did not seek honor or acclaim. His satisfaction came from seeing a boy return to shul, from a quiet conversation that restored hope, from knowing that another neshamah had been brought closer rather than pushed away.

His talmidim span the spectrum, many now building beautiful batei ne’emanim b’Yisroel, raising families, and living lives of Torah and yiras Shamayim. Each one carries a piece of Rabbi Abadi within them, a testament to the enduring power of his work.

The loss is immeasurable. A giant in chinuch, a trailblazer in reaching at-risk youth, and a man whose heart encompassed so many, Rabbi Chaim Abadi’s absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him and by countless others who may never know just how much they owe him.

Rabbi Abadi is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Fraidy Abadi, and a wonderful family following his ways, as well as numerous talmidim and admirers whose lives have been forever changed thanks to his impact.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

The Pentagon has confirmed plans to remove roughly 5,000 American troops from Germany, a move that comes as relations between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have grown increasingly strained over policy disagreements, particularly regarding Iran.

A Defense Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the redeployment was ordered following a broader evaluation of military positioning in Europe.

“The Secretary of War has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany,” said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.

“This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground.

“We expect the withdrawal to be completed over the next six to 12 months.”

The United States currently maintains about 38,000 service members in Germany, including at Ramstein Air Base, which serves as a major headquarters for U.S. Air Forces in Europe. American installations in the country have long functioned as central hubs for operations across Europe and the Middle East.

The American military footprint in Germany has been a recurring point of contention in Washington. In 2020, Trump directed the removal of approximately 12,000 troops, though that effort was met with opposition from both parties in Congress and was not fully carried out before Joe Biden assumed office.

Merz, speaking earlier this week in Marsberg, voiced criticism of U.S. policy toward Iran, saying Washington was being “humiliated by the Iranian leadership” and expressing hope that the conflict would conclude “as quickly as possible.”

Those remarks drew a sharp response from Trump, adding to a series of disagreements between the two leaders on matters such as tariffs and defense contributions.

In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump said his administration was “studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany,” noting that a decision would be reached “over the next short period of time.”

He also directly criticized Merz’s stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday.

“He doesn’t know what he’s talking about! If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage.

“I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago. No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise!”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the billions of dollars owed by the United States to the global body must be paid without conditions, rejecting reports that Washington is tying the funds to a series of demanded reforms.

According to a report by Devex, U.S. officials circulated diplomatic communications outlining nine proposed “quick-hit” changes that would need to be implemented before additional funding is released. These proposals reportedly include budget reductions and steps aimed at limiting China’s role within the organization.

“The money we are talking about is referred to as assessed contributions,” Guterres told reporters when asked about the reports. “Assessed contributions are an obligation of member states. They are non-negotiable.”

Guterres, who has been advancing internal reforms amid mounting pressure from member countries—particularly the United States—said the organization remains committed to improving efficiency and accountability.

He stated that the U.N. would continue working “to make sure that we make this organization as effective and as cost-effective and as able to deliver for the people we care for.”

“But these are two separate things,” he added.

The Devex report indicated that the proposed U.S. conditions include significant cost-cutting measures, such as restructuring the U.N.’s pension system, eliminating long-distance business-class travel for certain staff members, reducing senior-level positions, and cutting 10% from longstanding peacekeeping operations deemed ineffective.

Additional proposals reportedly seek to curb China’s financial influence, including blocking its ability to direct tens of millions of dollars annually into a discretionary fund within the secretary-general’s office.

The U.S. mission to the United Nations has not publicly responded to the report. However, American officials have repeatedly emphasized that they intend to continue pressing for reforms, following decisions to withdraw from numerous U.N.-affiliated bodies this year and reduce funding in the previous year.

Earlier this year, Guterres warned that the organization was nearing a financial crisis due to unpaid dues, with the majority of the outstanding amount attributed to the United States. In February, the U.N. reported that Washington had paid approximately $160 million of the more than $4 billion it currently owes.

{Matzav.com}