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It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Mrs. Leah Rieder a”h, a devoted wife and mother, whose life was marked by quiet strength, deep emunah, and unwavering dedication to her family. She was niftar after a prolonged illness.

Mrs. Rieder was the beloved wife of Reb Shmuel Yosef Rieder, senior board member of Agudath Israel of America.

She was known to all who encountered her as a woman of grace, dignity, and sincerity. She carried herself with humility, yet her presence left a lasting impression on those around her.

As a wife, she stood steadfastly at her husband’s side, supporting his communal involvement and tzorchei tzibbur with encouragement. Her role behind the scenes was one of partnership and devotion, enabling him to contribute to the broader needs of Klal Yisroel.

Above all, she was a deeply devoted mother, whose life revolved around her children. She invested herself fully in their upbringing, nurturing them with warmth, patience, and a strong sense of values rooted in Torah and yiras Shamayim. Her home was a place of warmth, where every detail reflected her thoughtfulness and commitment.

Those who knew her speak of a woman of quiet kindness, someone who was always ready to listen, to help, and to give. Her sensitivity to others and her natural refinement made her a source of comfort and strength to many.

Her passing leaves a profound void not only within her family but among all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The levayah is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. at JFK Airport, El Al Cargo, 75 North Hangar Road, Cargo Bay 14.

Tehei nishmasah tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

Yerushalayim is in mourning following the passing of Rav Yitzchok Wallach zt”l, one of the city’s distinguished talmidei chachamim, who was niftar on Motzaei Shabbos Kodesh at the age of 88.

The levayah took place tonight at the Shamgar funeral home in Yerushalayim, proceeding to Har HaZeisim for kevurah.

Rav Wallach zt”l was born in Czernowitz, Ukraine, in the month of Cheshvan 5698 (1937), to his father, Rav Elimelech Wallach zt”l, a seventh-generation descendant of the Noam Elimelech of Lizhensk.

During the Holocaust, he endured the horrors of the Czernowitz ghetto, from which he miraculously survived. After the war, he relocated to Klausenburg, Romania. In 1950, he immigrated to Eretz HaKodesh, where he entered the yeshivah of Tiferes Tzion in Bnei Brak, learning under the Rosh Yeshivah Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz zt”l. He later advanced to Yeshivas Ponovezh, where his exceptional brilliance became evident, and he developed a close bond with Rav Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, the Ponovezher Rav zt”l, who treated him like a son.

In his youth, he studied bechavrusa with Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, then a young avreich, a connection that endured for decades. During that same period, he also formed a close learning partnership with Rav Gedaliah Nadel zt”l, whom he regarded as his primary rebbi. Their chavrusashaft spanned years, including extended stays in distant locations such as Yehud, where they immersed themselves in uninterrupted limud haTorah for months at a time.

Upon reaching marriageable age, in the month of Adar 5721, he married his wife, the daughter of Rav Shmuel Meir Weisenstern z”l of the Shaarei Chesed neighborhood in Yerushalayim. He settled in the city and spent several years learning in Yeshivas Mir. Later, for decades, he established his primary place of study in Moshav Beit Meir, where he devoted himself to Torah study day and night, returning home only from Shabbos to Shabbos.

In time, he founded a kollel there for outstanding avreichim, who likewise dedicated their weekdays entirely to Torah study and would return home on Thursday nights. Rav Yitzchok personally ensured their needs were met with dignity.

He merited building a large and illustrious family and viewed his life’s mission as unwavering hasmadah in Torah. He authored numerous works characterized by depth and clarity, including the seforim Noam Yitzchak and Noam Melech, covering topics such as the laws of krias haTorah and mourning, shemittas kesafim, netilas yadayim, and bikkurim.

His avodas hatefillah was also renowned, as he would daven with a distinctive sweetness and intensity that often extended over long periods. With his passing, a figure of relentless amal haTorah—to his very last moments—has been taken from the world.

He is survived by a blessed dor yesharim, including 20 children, sons and daughters, as well as sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. During his lifetime, he endured the loss of his son-in-law, Rav Eliezer Weisfish Hy”d, who was murdered in the horrific terror attack on Bus No. 2 in Kikar Zupnik in Yerushalayim.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

Search efforts continued late Motzaei Shabbos along the Netanya shoreline for yeshiva bochur Avraham Yeshayahu ben Shoshana, who was swept into the sea together with his brother on Erev Shabbos, as rescue teams expanded operations using drones and divers.

As part of the overnight search, an operational drone was deployed over the water in an effort to locate the missing bochur, with teams continuing their work even after nightfall.

At the same time, tefillos were organized in multiple locations. A large gathering took place this evening at the Kosel HaMaaravi, where talmidim from Yeshivas Tifrach assembled for heartfelt tefillah. Another central tefillah gathering was held at the kever of the Chazon Ish in Bnei Brak.

Additional tefillos were held in Yerushalayim, including at the yeshiva of the bochur’s father, Rav Spiegel, in the Beis Yisroel neighborhood, as well as in Ramat Shlomo, both at the Chazon Ish beis haknesses and the central shul on Rechov Rav Kahaneman, where the brothers reside.

Following a joint assessment involving emergency services and police, ZAKA’s specialized response units—including its diving team—prepared to resume coordinated search efforts along the coastline on Motzaei Shabbos. Dozens of volunteers are expected to comb the beachfront overnight, while preparations are underway to begin underwater searches at first light using advanced technological equipment and specialized diving gear.

The operation is being carried out in coordination with fire department units, including the Lehava rescue team, as well as maritime police forces, all working toward locating the missing individual as quickly as possible.

Due to the family’s proximity to the hospital, members of the Sanzer chassidus assisted them throughout Shabbos, while the father visited the Sanzer Rebbe to receive a brachah during that time.

The public is urged to continue davening for the recovery of the brothers, Yissachar Dov and Avraham Yeshayahu bnei Shoshana, for a complete refuah sheleimah among all the sick of Klal Yisroel.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump issued a warning to China on Friday, saying Beijing would face serious consequences if it follows through on reports that it plans to supply Iran with air defense weapons during the ongoing conflict.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump made clear that such a move would not be tolerated.

“If China does that, China is gonna have big problems, OK?”

U.S. intelligence officials have indicated that China may be preparing to covertly transfer shoulder-fired anti-aircraft weapons, known as MANPADs, to Iran through intermediaries in the coming weeks, according to CNN. The alleged plan is said to be designed to conceal the origin of the weapons.

These systems, which use heat-seeking technology to target aircraft engines, have already posed a significant challenge during the war. One such missile nearly struck an F/A-18 Super Hornet in a recent incident.

Trump also referenced a separate case involving a downed American aircraft earlier in the conflict.

The American F-15 fighter jet shot down by Iran on April 3 was hit by a “handheld shoulder missile, [a] heat-seeking missile,” according to Trump.

China has strongly denied the allegations, with its embassy rejecting claims that it intends to provide Iran with military equipment.

“As a responsible major country, China always abides by international law and its international obligations, and never provides weapons to any party to the conflict,” the Chinese embassy said in a statement.

“China firmly rejects the circulation of speculative, misleading, and false information targeting China.”

At the same time, Beijing has faced accusations of assisting Iran with intelligence during the conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested that ties between the countries remain close and extend into military cooperation.

“Russia and China are our strategy partners, and we have had close cooperation in the past, which is still continues [sic], and that includes military cooperation as well,” Araghchi told MS Now.

Iran’s newly installed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is recovering from serious wounds sustained in the airstrike that killed his father at the outset of the war, according to multiple individuals familiar with his inner circle who spoke to Reuters.

Those sources said Khamenei suffered significant injuries to his face and legs when the strike hit the supreme leader’s compound in central Tehran, leaving him disfigured and physically weakened.

Despite his condition, the 56-year-old is said to remain mentally alert and engaged in governing. According to the sources, he has been participating in high-level discussions via audio links and continues to take part in key decisions related to the war and ongoing negotiations with the United States.

Questions about his ability to effectively lead come at a critical moment for Iran, as the country faces one of its most dangerous periods in decades, including sensitive diplomatic efforts underway in Islamabad.

The accounts from those close to Khamenei provide one of the most detailed glimpses into his condition since the attack, though Reuters noted it was unable to independently confirm the information.

Little has been publicly disclosed about his location, health, or daily functioning. No images, video footage, or recorded messages of Khamenei have been released since the strike and his subsequent elevation to supreme leader on March 8.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not respond to questions regarding the extent of his injuries or why he has not appeared publicly.

Khamenei was wounded on February 28, the opening day of the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel. The same strike killed his father, Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989. Several other family members, including his wife, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, were also killed in the attack.

Iranian officials have not issued a formal statement detailing his condition. However, state television referred to him as a “janbaz,” a term typically used for individuals seriously injured in combat, following his appointment.

Descriptions of his injuries align with earlier remarks made by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who said on March 13 that Khamenei was “wounded and likely disfigured.”

A source familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments told Reuters that Khamenei is believed to have lost a leg.

The CIA declined to comment on his condition, and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not respond to inquiries.

Analysts say Khamenei may struggle to wield the same level of authority as his predecessor. Alex Vatanka noted that while the new leader represents continuity, it may take considerable time for him to establish firm control.

“Mojtaba will be one voice but it will not be the decisive one,” he said. “He needs to prove himself as the credible, powerful, overriding voice. The regime as a whole has to make a decision in terms of where they are going to go.”

One individual familiar with Khamenei’s circle said the public may see images of him within the next month or two, and possibly even a public appearance, though all sources stressed that such a move would depend on both his recovery and the security environment.

Under Iran’s system of governance, ultimate authority rests with the supreme leader, a senior Shiite cleric selected by an assembly of religious figures. The role includes oversight of the elected government and direct control over key institutions such as the Revolutionary Guards.

Iran’s founding supreme leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, commanded unmatched authority as both a revolutionary figure and leading religious scholar.

His successor, Ali Khamenei, held less religious stature but consolidated power over decades, in part by strengthening the influence of the Revolutionary Guards.

Mojtaba Khamenei, however, does not appear to hold the same level of unquestioned authority, according to senior Iranian sources cited in past reporting. During the war, the Revolutionary Guards—who played a key role in his rise—have taken a leading role in major strategic decisions.

Before assuming the top position, Khamenei had already been deeply involved in the workings of the regime, building relationships with senior figures in the Guards and participating in high-level decision-making.

Analysts believe he is likely to maintain his father’s hardline stance, though his personal worldview remains less clearly defined.

His first message to the Iranian public after assuming power came in a written statement on March 12, in which he called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain closed and urged regional countries to shut down U.S. bases.

Since then, only brief written communications have been released, including a March 20 message marking the Persian New Year, which he described as the “year of resistance.” Major policy statements have instead been delivered by other senior officials.

His absence from public view has fueled widespread speculation within Iran, with online discussions and messaging groups filled with theories about his health and who is truly directing the country.

One widely circulated image on social media shows an empty chair under a spotlight with the caption “Where is Mojtaba?”

Some supporters of the government argue that keeping a low profile is necessary given the security risks posed by ongoing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that have already eliminated much of Iran’s leadership.

A member of the Basij militia echoed that view, saying it would be dangerous for Khamenei to appear publicly under current conditions.

“Why should he appear in public? To become a target for these criminals?” Mohammad Hosseini, from the city of Qom, said in a text message.

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that U.S. forces have begun operations to clear the Strait of Hormuz, while asserting that Iran’s military capabilities have been effectively dismantled.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described what he said was the collapse of Iran’s naval and air power.

“Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft apparatus is nonexistent, Radar is dead,” Trump wrote.

He further claimed that Iran’s missile and drone systems, along with their stockpiles, have been severely damaged, adding that key leadership figures are no longer alive.

Trump also said Iran no longer poses a meaningful threat to maritime traffic in the region.

“The only thing they have going is the threat that a ship may ‘bunk’ into one of their sea mines,” he wrote, adding that “all 28 of their mine dropper boats are also lying at the bottom of the sea.”

He said the United States has now begun working to reopen the vital shipping lane, framing the effort as beneficial to the global economy.

“We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World,” Trump said, citing China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany.

Recent fears of Iranian attacks have largely halted commercial shipping through the strait, a key route for international oil transport, sending shockwaves through energy markets.

Despite much of the oil passing through the strait being destined for overseas markets, fuel prices in the United States have climbed in recent weeks.

Trump added that oil tankers from several countries are now heading toward the U.S. to take on cargo “to LOAD UP with Oil.”

Iran has issued a stark warning that it could attack U.S. Navy vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz, signaling through Pakistani intermediaries that ships may be targeted within minutes if they proceed through the critical waterway, raising concerns about the stability of ongoing negotiations.

The threat followed the movement of American warships through the strait for the first time since the conflict began. According to Axios, multiple U.S. naval vessels passed through the channel without prior coordination with Tehran, in what officials described as an effort to uphold freedom of navigation in international waters.

Hours later, the U.S. military confirmed that two of its ships had transited the strait as part of preparations to begin clearing naval mines from the key route used for global oil transport.

Sending the ships through the strait was aimed at “setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz,” U.S. Central Command posted on X.

Iranian state-affiliated outlets portrayed the U.S. naval movement as a breach of the ceasefire, adding strain to an already delicate situation as diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran get underway in Pakistan. A U.S. official, however, said no direct warning had been received from Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, located along Iran’s southern coastline, remains one of the most strategically vital maritime corridors in the world, with a large portion of global oil shipments passing through it. Although the ceasefire included provisions to reopen the passage, commercial traffic has stayed relatively low, as shipping companies remain wary of potential Iranian retaliation.

Vice President JD Vance announced early Sunday that lengthy negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad have concluded without an agreement, after Tehran declined to accept Washington’s conditions.

Speaking to reporters in the Pakistani capital, Vance thanked his hosts while offering a measured assessment of the outcome following nearly a full day of talks.

He said the discussions were meaningful but ultimately fell short of producing a deal.

“We’ve been at it now for 21 hours, and we’ve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news,” he said. “The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. And I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America.”

He added, “So we go back to the United States having not come to an agreement.”

Vance stressed that the American delegation had clearly outlined its expectations and limitations throughout the negotiations.

“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are, what things we’re willing to accommodate them on, and what things we’re not willing to accommodate them on. And we’ve made that as clear as we possibly could, and they have chosen not to accept our terms,” the Vice President said.

When asked to specify which points Iran rejected, Vance declined to disclose details from the closed-door discussions.

“Well, I won’t go into all the details because I don’t want to negotiate in public after we negotiated for 21 hours in private,” he said. “But the simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon. That is the core goal of the President of the United States, and that’s what we’ve tried to achieve through these negotiations.”

He noted that while parts of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure have already been damaged, the central issue remains whether Tehran is willing to make a lasting commitment.

“Again, their nuclear programs, such as it is, the enrichment facilities that they’ve had before, they’ve been destroyed. But the simple question is, do we see a fundamental commitment of will for the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon, not just now, not just two years from now, but for the long term? We haven’t seen that yet. We hope that we will,” he said.

Vance described the American approach as serious and conducted in good faith, though it did not yield progress.

“The President told us, you need to come here in good faith and make your best effort to get a deal. We did that, and unfortunately we weren’t able to make any headway.”

He also said the negotiating team remained in close contact with President Donald Trump and national security officials throughout the talks, and that the U.S. is leaving the table with what it considers its final proposal.

“We were constantly in communication with the team because we were negotiating in good faith. And we leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer,” Vance said. “We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”

Tucker Carlson publicly deepened his dispute with President Donald Trump on Friday, responding sharply after the president criticized several conservative media figures who have voiced opposition to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

According to Newsmax correspondent James Rosen, Carlson reacted to Trump’s comments from the previous day with pointed remarks about the president’s position and independence.

“I’ve always liked Trump and still feel sorry for him, as I do for all slaves.”

When pressed to explain his statement, Carlson suggested that outside pressures are limiting Trump’s decision-making ability.

“He’s hemmed in by other forces. He can’t make his own decisions. It’s awful to watch.”

Trump’s criticism had been directed at a group of high-profile conservative commentators, including Carlson and Megyn Kelly, both formerly of Fox News and now independent podcasters, as well as Candace Owens and Alex Jones, who have also built large followings online.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump harshly attacked the group.

“They’re stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too!”

The commentators have been openly critical of Trump’s handling of the Iran situation, arguing that his actions contradict earlier anti-war positions and suggesting, to varying degrees, that he has yielded to pressure from Israel.

Trump continued his criticism by dismissing their relevance and influence.

“They don’t have what it takes, and they never did! They’ve all been thrown off Television, lost their Shows, and aren’t even invited on TV because nobody cares about them, they’re NUT JOBS, TROUBLEMAKERS, and will say anything necessary for some ‘free’ and cheap publicity,” Trump wrote.

The United States Navy has launched operations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz by preparing to remove sea mines, as diplomatic talks between American and Iranian officials continue in Pakistan.

According to U.S. Central Command, two guided-missile destroyers—the USS Frank E. Peterson and the USS Michael Murphy—are now operating in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Their mission is to lay the groundwork for clearing mines that were placed in the strategic waterway by Iran at the start of the conflict with the United States and Israel.

CENTCOM said additional assets, including underwater drones, are expected to be deployed to the area in the coming days to assist with the effort.

CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement: “Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage, and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce.”

The Strait of Hormuz, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, is one of the most vital routes for global energy transport, with roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas shipments passing through it.

Reopening the strait has been a central demand by President Donald Trump as part of ceasefire conditions. However, reports indicate U.S. officials are uncertain whether Iranian forces have precise knowledge of all the mines they deployed.

The New York Times, citing unnamed American officials, reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps scattered mines in a disorganized manner using small boats in the immediate aftermath of the initial strikes by Israel and the United States.

According to the report, it remains unclear whether Tehran accurately tracked the placement of those mines or whether some may have drifted from their original locations, complicating removal efforts.

The task is further challenged by reduced allied support. The United Kingdom, which has historically provided minesweeping capabilities, retired its fleet earlier this year before its next-generation vessels became operational, creating what has been described as a temporary gap in capability.

President Trump addressed the situation today in a post on Truth Social, defending the U.S. position and criticizing media coverage.

“The Fake News Media is CRAZY, or just plain CORRUPT! The United States has completely destroyed Iran’s Military, including their entire Navy and Air Force, and everything else. Their Leadership is DEAD!

“The Strait of Hormuz will soon be open, and the empty ships are rushing to the United States to ‘load up.’ But, if you listen to the Fake News, we’re losing!”

At the same time, negotiations between the two sides got underway in Islamabad, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosting the talks at the Serena Hotel. The American delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, included White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while the Iranian team, headed by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also met with Sharif.

The Federal Aviation Administration is turning to the gaming community as part of a major recruitment effort to address a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers, with plans to hire nearly 9,000 new personnel by 2028.

In a video released Friday by the U.S. Department of Transportation, officials directly appealed to video game enthusiasts, suggesting that the skills developed through gaming could translate into success in the high-pressure field of air traffic control.

The video challenges potential recruits by asking if they are “up for the challenge” of becoming controllers, while stressing the seriousness of the profession, noting it is not simply a “game” but a “career.”

“You’ll keep millions of people safe every day,” the video says, while touting average salaries of up to $155,000 by your third year on the job.

The intensified hiring campaign follows a deadly March incident at LaGuardia Airport in New York, where an Air Canada aircraft collided with a firetruck on the runway, killing both pilots.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are examining whether an air traffic controller may have stepped away to take an emergency phone call prior to the crash, and whether staffing shortages played a role in the accident.

Officials say internal data shows that many controllers who leave the profession list gaming among their hobbies, pointing to similarities between the focus and multitasking required in both activities.

The new outreach effort is designed to “supercharge” recruitment, with the FAA emphasizing that a college degree is not required for applicants.

“To reach the next generation of air traffic controllers, we need to adapt,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement.

“This campaign’s innovative communication style and focus on gaming taps into a growing demographic of young adults who have many of the hard skills it takes to be a successful controller,” he said.

“Thanks to President Trump — we’ve already made incredible progress with the highest controller staffing levels in six years. There’s never been a more exciting time to become a controller and level up into a career with a strong purpose — keeping American families safe.”

At present, about 11,000 air traffic controllers are employed, with an additional 4,000 trainees expected to join the workforce.

More than 2,400 new controllers were hired over the past year, marking the largest incoming class to date and setting a record for enrollment at the FAA’s Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma City.

The agency’s hiring plan calls for adding 8,900 controllers by the end of fiscal year 2028, including 2,000 hires in 2025, 2,200 in 2026, 2,300 in 2027, and 2,400 in 2028.

Between January and September 2025, the Department of Transportation reported a 20% increase in hiring compared to the same period the previous year.

The LaGuardia crash was not the only recent aviation tragedy. The year prior, an American Airlines regional jet collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, killing all 67 people on board both aircraft.

In the aftermath of that January 2025 disaster, Duffy pledged “to surge air traffic controllers” through training pipelines to “bring in the best and the brightest.”

Following a merit-based push to hire pilots the next month, Duffy said, “The American people don’t care what their pilot looks like or their gender — they just care that they are most qualified man or woman for the job.”

His predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, had also sought to increase the number of applicants for air traffic control roles, though with an emphasis on encouraging applications “from women, minorities and individuals in underrepresented communities,” according to a 2021 Department of Transportation announcement.

That initiative was part of a broader push under the Biden administration, which directed tens of billions of dollars toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.

The global aviation sector is beginning to show early signs of recovery following the ceasefire with Iran, as British Airways announced it will resume flights to Israel starting July 1.

The British carrier is the first international airline to set a firm date for returning service to Ben Gurion Airport since the outbreak of the recent regional conflict, despite continued fighting along the northern front and ongoing rocket fire in parts of the country.

However, the airline made clear that operations will not return to full capacity. Service on the Tel Aviv–London route will initially be scaled back to one daily flight, compared to the two daily flights that operated before the crisis.

The reduction in flights to Israel is part of a broader strategic adjustment across the Middle East, rather than a move limited to a single destination.

Ongoing disruptions caused by the regional conflict have forced the airline to reevaluate demand and scheduling. Under its updated plan, flights to key destinations such as Dubai and Doha will also be reduced to one per day beginning July 1.

In addition, service to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia will be cut from two daily flights to one starting in mid-May. The most significant change in the region is the decision to permanently cancel the route to Jeddah.

These changes come after months of severe disruptions to global aviation. The escalation involving the United States and Israel against Iran led to the cancellation of more than 21,000 flights worldwide, as airspace closures and safety concerns disrupted routes between Europe and Asia and complicated airline operations.

Aircraft freed up by the reduced Middle East schedule will not remain idle. British Airways plans to redeploy those planes to markets currently seen as more stable and profitable.

The airline is shifting resources to expand service to Nairobi in Africa and Bengaluru in India, along with increasing flight frequencies to other cities across the Indian subcontinent, including Delhi and Hyderabad.

British Airways had suspended much of its service to the region in late February at the start of the broader conflict. In its statement, the company said it continues to closely monitor security and political developments in the Middle East and is working to provide alternatives for passengers affected by schedule changes.

The revised and reduced Middle East schedule is expected to remain in place through the summer travel season, until October 24, 2026, with the possibility of further adjustments after that date.

Israel’s security establishment is preparing for a possible sharp escalation along the northern front in the coming 48 hours, prompting the cancellation of classes in border communities and stricter Home Front Command directives across the region.

According to updated assessments, exchanges of fire with the Hezbollah terror organization are expected to intensify significantly following heavy rocket barrages launched into Israel over Shabbos, as reported by N12. In response to the heightened threat, officials decided to cancel planned school reopenings in communities along the border, where limited in-person learning had been scheduled to resume. Authorities determined that the risk to civilians remains too high.

At the same time, the IDF continues to apply military pressure on Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. Over the past day, approximately 200 targets were struck across multiple locations in Lebanese territory as part of efforts to degrade the group’s capabilities.

Despite the ongoing operations, the political leadership has so far held off on approving several proposals presented by the military to expand both ground and aerial activity. In addition, reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes in the Beirut area have paused over the past two days, a move seen as potentially allowing space for diplomatic efforts.

The current tensions are unfolding alongside reports of intensive negotiations and mounting international pressure aimed at securing a ceasefire. Officials believe an agreement could be reached as early as Tuesday, though conditions on the ground remain volatile. These diplomatic efforts come as local leaders in northern Israel continue to demand a decisive military outcome against Hezbollah, rejecting temporary arrangements.

Municipal leaders from evacuated and frontline communities have expressed concern that authorities may attempt to present limited achievements—such as the creation of a buffer zone or partial removal of anti-tank and infiltration threats—as sufficient, without addressing long-term recovery. They have also stressed that any agreement must include a comprehensive economic and educational plan to rebuild the region after months of sustained fighting.

Against this backdrop, the Home Front Command issued updated and stricter guidelines for northern communities, reflecting the elevated state of alert. The directives, in effect through Monday evening, impose significant restrictions due to the expectation of heavy rocket fire.

In frontline areas, all educational activities have been suspended entirely. In the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee, schooling has been limited and is permitted only within properly protected spaces. The decision to cancel and scale back studies is intended to prevent risk to life during a period when attacks are expected to intensify.

Beyond the education system, new limits have been placed on public gatherings. In border communities, outdoor gatherings are restricted to no more than 10 people, and indoor gatherings to 100. In the bay area, Golan, and Galilee regions, outdoor gatherings are capped between 50 and 100 participants, with somewhat more flexibility indoors.

Officials also clarified that workplaces may remain open only if there is access to an approved protected space that can be reached within the required response time.

A unique and stirring maamad of biur ma’asros was held on the waters off the coast of Jaffa on the eve of Shevi’i shel Pesach, as rabbanim and participants gathered for a special seafaring observance organized by the Institute for Mitzvos HaTeluyos Ba’Aretz.

The annual tradition, conducted during the designated shnas biur, featured a large group boarding a vessel to carry out the mitzvah in the open sea. The event was led by Rav Shneur Zalman Revach, head of the institute, and included the presence of Rishon LeTzion Rav Shlomo Moshe Amar, along with Rav Yisrael Revach, president of Mosdos Mishkan HaTorah; Rav Micha Halevi, Rav of Petach Tikvah; Rav Yitzchak Yosef, Rosh Kollel and Rav of Kehillas Shaarei Rachamim; as well as other rabbanim, morai hora’ah, and public figures, including Elad Mayor Yehuda Butbul, together with a large crowd.

Following the formal chilulim, recitation of “l’shem yichud”, and study of the Rambam in the laws of maaser sheini, thousands of coins designated for maaser—collected from both the main branch in Eretz Yisroel and a branch in the United States—were cast into the depths of the sea in fulfillment of the mitzvah of biur ma’asros as prescribed in the Torah.

After completing the mitzvah, participants returned to shore uplifted, singing songs of geulah and longing, filled with hope that they will soon merit to observe the mitzvah in its full Biblical form once again, bimheirah b’yameinu.

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A federal appeals court on Friday temporarily prolonged a halt on a lower court order that had blocked construction of a proposed White House ballroom, while directing the case back to a district court for further clarification.

In a brief, unsigned decision, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit continued an administrative stay of the earlier injunction through April 17. The move gives federal officials time to consider seeking intervention from the Supreme Court and allows the lower court to address unresolved factual questions.

At the center of the legal battle is a plan announced by President Donald Trump in July 2025 to construct a 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site of the East Wing, financed by private contributions.

Court filings indicate that although officials had pledged to account for historic preservation concerns, the East Wing was torn down within days of an October announcement that construction had commenced.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed suit, arguing that the project proceeded without congressional approval and violated federal statutes.

On March 31, a district court judge sided with the plaintiffs, finding they were likely to prevail and issuing a preliminary injunction stopping further work, except for measures required to ensure the safety and security of the White House.

The federal government challenged that ruling, arguing the injunction could itself create security risks by prolonging vulnerabilities caused by the demolition and ongoing construction.

Officials noted that the site currently includes a large excavation area and planned installations tied to security infrastructure, including protective features and military-related systems.

The appellate panel did not rule on the substance of those arguments, instead highlighting lingering uncertainties about how the injunction aligns with security considerations.

Judges also pointed to contradictions in the government’s earlier statements, including claims that certain underground work could continue regardless of the ballroom’s design.

The panel further questioned whether delaying the project would cause meaningful additional harm, given that completion of the ballroom is not expected until 2028.

Rather than issuing a sweeping stay, the appeals court sent the case back to the district court, instructing it to clarify how its order accounts for security concerns during the appeals process. It also dismissed the government’s broader request for a stay as moot.

In a dissenting opinion, Judge Neomi Rao wrote that the administration had shown it had the legal authority to move forward and that delaying construction posed significant security risks, which she said outweigh the plaintiffs’ objections related to preservation and appearance.

The case now returns to the district court for expedited review as the legal fight over the project continues.

A violent and unprovoked attack inside Grand Central Terminal left three elderly victims injured Shabbos morning, after a man wielding a machete slashed commuters before being shot and killed by police, authorities said.

The incident unfolded around 9:50 a.m. on the 4, 5, and 6 subway platform, where an 85-year-old man sustained a severe head wound, a 65-year-old man suffered cuts to his head, and a 70-year-old woman was slashed in the shoulder, according to police.

Images from the scene showed one victim with blood-soaked bandages wrapped around his head, while the attacker was later seen being transported on a stretcher.

Two NYPD detectives working overtime transit security detail responded to the scene and confronted the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin. Officers ordered him repeatedly to drop the weapon.

“From the top of the stairs, they observed the individual on the platform, and they immediately ordered him to drop the knife,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press briefing. “The individual was armed with a large knife described as a machete and was behaving erratically, repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer.”

According to Tisch, Griffin ignored repeated commands from officers.

Griffin refused to comply “with at least 20 orders to drop the knife,” she said.

Police also attempted to calm the situation and offered assistance.

Officers also “attempted to deescalate” and offer assistance, saying “We are going to get you help,” Tisch told reporters.

Despite those efforts, Griffin advanced toward the officers with the weapon raised.

But Griffin advanced toward them with the blade extended, she said.

“One officer discharged his firearm striking the perpetrator twice,” Tisch said.

Emergency responders transported the three victims to area hospitals, where they were listed in stable condition.

Griffin was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said.

Police sources noted that Griffin had a prior arrest involving menacing with a sharp object.

The two officers involved in the shooting were also taken to a hospital for treatment of tinnitus following the incident.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised the response of law enforcement, writing that he was “grateful to the NYPD for their quick response and for preventing additional violence.”

He added that the department would follow standard procedure in reviewing the shooting.

“The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation and will release body-worn camera footage, as it does in all incidents involving the discharge of an officer’s firearm,” he said.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the violence unfolded.

“I was coming from Connecticut when ‘Boom!’ everyone got down on the floor fast,” said Claudio Delgado, 53. “Then the police said, ‘Get outta here! Get outta here fast!’ They said it was somebody with a gun and police were involved too. It’s scary. This is how New York City is now. It’s too much violence in New York City now.”

Another worker at the station recounted seeing the aftermath as emergency crews rushed to treat the suspect.

“I saw them [paramedics], they came up with somebody on the stretcher, and they were pumping his chest,” he said. “It’s crazy. You could be on the platform minding your business, and someone had a machete, it’s scary, scary, scary.”

Jessica Munoz, who works at a nearby bakery, described the fear as people fled the station.

“I was scared, we don’t know what we can do, we just see the people running, and I asked the guy and he said there was a shooting downstairs,” she said. “It’s scary, we didn’t know what we could do. It’s crazy.”

Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tonight, responding to Ankara’s legal action against senior Israeli officials and accusing Erdogan of hypocrisy for failing to respond to Iranian attacks on his own country.

In a post on X, Katz lashed out at Erdogan, claiming the Turkish leader is deflecting attention by targeting Israel instead of addressing security threats closer to home.

“Turkish President Erdoğan, who did not respond to missile fire from Iran into Turkish territory and was revealed as a paper tiger, is fleeing to the realms of antisemitism and declaring field trials in Turkey against Israel’s political and military leadership,” Katz wrote.

He continued by accusing Erdogan of hypocrisy and aligning with hostile elements, stating, “What an absurdity. The Muslim Brotherhood man, who massacred Kurds, is accusing Israel of genocide for defending itself against his Hamas partners.”

Katz concluded with a blunt warning, asserting Israel’s determination to continue its military efforts regardless of outside criticism.

“Israel will continue to defend itself with strength and determination – and he had better sit quietly and shut up.”

Turkish prosecutors have brought sweeping charges against dozens of senior Israeli figures, including Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, over last year’s naval interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla, seeking severe penalties that include life sentences and thousands of years in cumulative prison terms.

The indictment, submitted over the weekend by the Istanbul public prosecutor’s office, targets 35 high-ranking officials in connection with the seizure of the vessel “Sumud” in October. Authorities are pursuing punishments ranging from life imprisonment to combined sentences exceeding 4,500 years.

Among those listed in the case are Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Navy Commander David Salama. The document also names former IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, Knesset member Tali Gottlieb, and former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen.

Prosecutors argue that stopping the flotilla does not qualify as a lawful security measure and instead amounts to a “deed with serious consequences” under international legal standards.

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc described the case as a reflection of Ankara’s legal stance, writing that the indictent was “a tangible expression of the determination of the Turkish judicial system, operating on the basis of international law.” He further stated that Netanyahu and the other defendants would “bear legal responsibility” for what he characterized as serious offenses, including genocide, torture and looting.