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Hodaya Cohen, who was crowned this year’s International Tanach Quiz champion for youth, said she nearly gave the wrong answer to the final, decisive question before securing first place in the competition.

Speaking after her victory, Cohen described the tense moment that determined the outcome, revealing how close she came to an error. The question asked where Yaakov Avinu was born, and after several long seconds that felt like an eternity, she answered “Be’er Lachai Roi,” clinching the title.

In an interview on the program “Yatza Chag” with Liat Regev on Kan News Radio, she reflected on the moment, saying: “At that moment I didn’t process it, it took me time. I almost said a wrong answer, I almost answered Be’er Sheva.”

She went on to describe her thought process under pressure: “I simply ran through the places that were a few chapters earlier, and moved forward to that chapter, and suddenly the posuk about Be’er Lachai Roi popped into my mind, and right after that passage it speaks about the birth of Yaakov.”

Cohen is an 11th-grade student at Ulpanat Rabbi Beharan in Gedera and a resident of Moshav Nir Akiva in southern Israel. This year’s competition featured 16 participants from seven different countries and was held at the Yerushalayim Theater under the theme “To Build and to Plant.”

Akiva (Jack) Schreier, a 10th-grade student from the United States, finished as runner-up, while Yehoshua Applebaum of Israel, a student at the Berman Hebrew Academy, placed third.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Supreme Court has ordered limits on public access to a key hearing set for Thursday on petitions demanding the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks, citing concerns over possible disruptions.

The hearing follows a conditional order issued by the High Court of Justice in November, requiring the government to explain why it has not acted to establish a commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Law, which would examine “independently, professionally, and impartially the full scope of events related to the attack.”

In their decision, the justices said there is a substantial risk that the proceedings could be disrupted, justifying restrictions on entry to the courtroom. “There is a well-founded concern that the hearing scheduled in these proceedings may be accompanied by disturbances, unrest, or outbursts of a degree that is expected to significantly hinder its proper conduct,” the ruling stated.

Accordingly, attendance will be limited to attorneys, members of the press, and individuals granted special authorization. At the same time, the court stressed that in order to preserve the principle of open proceedings, the hearing will be broadcast live to the public.

The case will be heard before an expanded panel of seven justices, led by Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Sohlberg.

{Matzav.com}

A young man injured in a stone-throwing attack near the community of Ofra on Wednesday recounted the moments he says he was assaulted by a mob, describing how he lost consciousness during the incident. He was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where he is expected to undergo a CT scan.

Speaking from his hospital bed, the victim described the attack that took place near the nearby village of Deir Dibwan. The legal aid organization Honenu, which is assisting those injured, called on authorities to take action against those responsible.

“Today in the afternoon we were walking, a few friends, near the community of Ofra. Suddenly Arabs come toward us and start a lynch. They throw stones at us. I was also hit by several stones. I lost consciousness and fell to the ground immediately,” the injured man said.

He added that initial rescue attempts by his friends were unsuccessful due to the ongoing assault. “Friends of mine who tried to get me out of there were also hit by stones. The Arabs were throwing stones and getting closer. They eventually got me out, brought me to the hospital, and now I’m going in for a CT scan of my head,” he said.

Earlier in the day, a group of hikers traveling from Ofra toward Givat Asaf was attacked, with several individuals reported injured.

According to reports, dozens of attackers emerged from the direction of Deir Dibwan and hurled rocks at close range at members of the group. Several people were struck, including one victim who suffered a head injury and received treatment at the scene from Magen David Adom before being transported to the hospital.

Honenu called on the IDF and police to apprehend those involved in the attack and pursue legal action against them.

{Matzav.com}

Lakewood has once again topped all municipalities in New Jersey for the number of births, marking the fifth year in a row that the township has held this position.

According to statewide figures, a total of 99,721 babies were born throughout New Jersey last year, with 5,355 of those births occurring in Lakewood. That total not only places the township at the top statewide, but also accounts for over half of all births in Ocean County, where 10,715 babies were born overall.

Despite its size, Lakewood has outpaced significantly larger cities such as Newark and Jersey City, highlighting a continuing demographic trend that shows no signs of slowing.

What stands out most is the disproportion between the township’s geographic footprint and its birth numbers. Lakewood is not typically listed among the state’s largest urban centers, yet its birth totals rival—and exceed—those of cities with far larger populations and more varied demographics.

The sustained growth is largely driven by the expansion of Lakewood’s Orthodox Jewish population, which today makes up the overwhelming majority of residents. With population estimates now surpassing 140,000 and more than 80 percent identified as Orthodox Jewish, Lakewood has become a central hub for one of the fastest-growing communities in New Jersey.

{Matzav.com}

A new controversy has erupted in Poland after a series of provocative actions targeting Israeli leadership, intensifying tensions just days after a lawmaker displayed an Israeli flag marked with a swastika inside parliament.

Tomasz Grabarczyk, a member of the far-right “New Hope” party and a former candidate for the European Parliament, ignited outrage with a social media post timed to coincide with Israel’s 78th Independence Day. The post featured an altered image of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, portraying him with Adolf Hitler’s distinctive moustache, along with a caption drawing a direct comparison between the two.

“Today, a state begins to celebrate its independence, which was built on the tragedy of millions of innocent people,” the post read. It went on to accuse Israel of decades of “murder, oppression, persecution and expulsion,” adding: “Israel is a criminal state. Netanyahu is to be considered a modern Hitler until they answer for their crimes.”

The incident is part of a wider uptick in inflammatory rhetoric circulating online in Poland in recent days, much of it aimed at Israel and its government. At the same time, Polish MP Konrad Berkowicz—who previously drew condemnation after waving a defaced Israeli flag bearing a swastika—has continued to accuse Israel of “genocide.” He has also directed criticism toward the U.S. ambassador to Poland and the Israeli embassy in Warsaw, both of which strongly denounced his actions.

The controversy has extended into diplomatic exchanges as well. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski recently criticized Israeli military conduct following the circulation of footage showing an IDF soldier damaging a statue of Yoshkah in southern Lebanon, asserting that Israeli troops had “admitted to committing war crimes” and even killing captives.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded forcefully, rejecting Sikorski’s remarks and pointing instead to the earlier incident in Poland’s parliament. “Your words show ignorance. Instead of preaching morality to others, it would have been better if you had condemned the antisemitic act we saw in the parliament.”

{Matzav.com}

A Virginia court has barred state officials from finalizing the results of a closely contested congressional redistricting referendum, ruling that both the measure and the legislation that set it in motion violate the constitution, according to an order issued Wednesday.

Attorney General Jay Jones said his office will challenge the ruling, confirming to 7News that an appeal is already underway.

The decision was handed down by the Tazewell Circuit Court, which has previously intervened in the matter, repeatedly finding both the referendum itself and the resolution behind it unconstitutional. The court’s position aligned with arguments made in lawsuits filed by Republican plaintiffs.

Earlier efforts to stop the referendum had been overturned by the Virginia Supreme Court, allowing the vote to proceed.

Voters narrowly approved the measure on Tuesday, advancing a plan to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts. The proposed changes could shift the state’s representation to 10 Democrats and one Republican in the U.S. House, compared to the current split of six Democrats and five Republicans.

State Democrats had backed the mid-cycle redistricting effort in response to President Donald Trump, who had previously encouraged Republican-led states to pursue similar moves ahead of the midterm elections.

Legal challenges to the referendum remain ongoing.

The Republican National Committee, which was among the plaintiffs in the case and prevailed in this ruling, praised the court’s decision and sharply criticized the redistricting push.

“Last night, Democrats only managed to squeak out a narrow 3-point victory despite burning tens of millions in cash and manipulating voters with misleading ballot language,” a spokesperson for the RNC wrote. “Every step of the way, Democrats lied and deceived Virginians to push forward what has always been illegal under state law, and today’s decision once again reaffirms that.”

Jones, however, pushed back against the ruling, emphasizing the legitimacy of the vote.

“As I said last night, Virginia voters have spoken, and an activist judge should not have veto power over the People’s vote. We look forward to defending the outcome of last night’s election in court,” Attorney General Jones said in his statement to 7News.

{Matzav.com}

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that President Donald Trump has not imposed a specific timeline on Iran to present a proposal to end the ongoing conflict, even as a temporary cease-fire remains in place.

Her remarks followed Trump’s announcement a day earlier that the cease-fire with Iran would be extended without a defined end date, allowing additional time for diplomatic developments.

Leavitt said the President is “maintaining and generously offering a bit of flexibility to a regime who has been completely tarnished because of Operation Epic Fury.”

She added that the situation inside Iran remains unsettled. “There’s obviously a lot of internal division [in Iran]. This is a battle between the pragmatists and the hardliners in Iran right now, and the President wants a unified response. And so as we await that response, there’s a ceasefire with the military and kinetic strikes, but Operation Economic Fury continues,” she stressed, “and the effective and successful naval blockade continues as well of ships and vessels that are moving to and from Iranian ports. We are completely strangling their economy through this blockade. They’re losing $500 million a day.”

Addressing reports suggesting a deadline had been set, Leavitt pushed back, saying, “The President has not set a firm deadline to receive an Iranian proposal, unlike some of the reporting I’ve seen today. Ultimately, the timeline will be dictated by the commander-in-chief and the president of the United States,” Leavitt stressed.

She also warned reporters not to rely too heavily on statements coming out of Tehran. “We all see a lot of different messaging and rhetoric coming out of Iran – and I would caution you against taking anything they say at face value. What they say publicly is much different than what they concede to the US and our negotiating team privately.”

Leavitt said the decision to prolong the cease-fire was intentional, placing the burden on Iran to respond. She explained that Trump “chose to extend the ceasefire because it’s Iran who needs to get their act together. The United States and President Trump have been very clear in our demands, and our red lines, and what we need to see…from the very beginning.”

Earlier in the day, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson indicated that Tehran had agreed to the American request for a cease-fire but has yet to decide whether it will formally engage in negotiations.

.@PressSec on Iran: "There's a ceasefire with the military and kinetic strikes, but Operation Economic Fury continues and… we are completely strangling their economy through this blockade. They're losing $500M/day… He's satisfied with that as we await their response." pic.twitter.com/SdtLveF1ZH

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 22, 2026

At the same time, tensions persisted in the region, as Iran carried out three attacks on vessels traveling southbound through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the fragile nature of the current pause in hostilities.

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Ilhan Omar reacted sharply to questions this week about major inconsistencies in her financial disclosure filings, which dramatically revised her reported net worth downward.

According to filings from last year, Omar (D-Minn.) had initially stated that she and her husband, Tim Mynett, possessed assets ranging from $6 million to $30 million. However, a revised disclosure submitted more recently placed their combined wealth at between just $18,004 and $95,000.

Omar attributed the earlier figures to accounting mistakes, saying the original filing contained significant errors.

During an exchange on Tuesday, a reporter from Lindell TV pressed Omar on the discrepancies. “Congresswoman Omar, the last time I spoke to you, you said I was stupid for asking about your financial disclosure, but there’s some discrepancies on there. Would you like to explain that? How did you make such a big mistake?” the reporter asked.

“I think you’re stupid for asking me anything,” Omar responded, appearing irritated while offering a sarcastic smile.

“I don’t want to tell you. How about that? Have a good day.”

Earlier reporting had highlighted the apparent jump in Omar’s wealth, with figures suggesting a dramatic increase in her net worth based on the now-revised disclosure.

Mynett, who previously worked as a political consultant, is connected to multiple business ventures, including the Washington-based investment firm Rose Lake Capital and a winery located in Santa Rosa, California.

In the original 2024 filing, the winery was listed with assets estimated between $1 million and $5 million, while Rose Lake Capital was reported to hold between $5 million and $25 million in assets.

At one point, Rose Lake Capital had also claimed on its website that it managed approximately $60 billion in assets.

Following questions from the Office of Congressional Conduct, Omar submitted an amended disclosure that reflected the businesses as having no net value once liabilities were taken into account.

“The amended disclosure confirms what we’ve said all along: The congresswoman is not a millionaire,” Omar spokeswoman Jacklyn Rogers told the Journal. “The congresswoman amended her disclosures voluntarily as soon as the discrepancy was identified.”

Republican leaders have seized on the issue, calling for further scrutiny. House GOP Whip Tom Emmer told reporters Tuesday, “Ilhan cannot escape accountability much longer. Investigations are ongoing in House committees. The Trump administration has waged war on fraud.”

“If Ilhan Omar is discovered to have been involved in any or to have benefited in any way from any fraud, she must be held accountable,” he added. “By the way, that includes marriage fraud.”

{Matzav.com}

A major dispute has erupted over preparations for the annual Lag BaOmer gathering in Meron, with police issuing a stark warning that, at this stage, the mass event cannot be approved due to serious safety concerns.

In a formal letter sent by the Northern District Police to the “Committee of Five,” officials expressed deep alarm over ongoing delays in preparing the site. According to the police, the current situation poses a significant risk to public safety and prevents proper authorization of the event.

Police say that professional teams, production companies, and contractors have been unable to access the area to carry out critical infrastructure and safety work. These restrictions, they stress, are preventing the completion of essential preparations ahead of the expected large crowds.

Authorities emphasized that there can be no compromise on key safety measures, including the installation of fencing, the paving of emergency access routes, the arrangement of lighting, the establishment of fire safety infrastructure, and the deployment of technological systems designed to protect attendees. Without these steps, police say, it is impossible to safely conduct a mass gathering.

In a sharply worded message to the committee, police warned that full responsibility for any loss of life resulting from insufficient preparation would fall solely on those overseeing the event. They added that even if individuals attempt to reach the site through alternative routes, the area will not be deemed fit to receive visitors until all required work is completed.

Police are calling on the committee to act immediately to remove all obstacles preventing professionals from entering the site, cautioning that any further delays could jeopardize the event entirely.

In response, the Committee of Five pushed back, sending a letter in which its director, Uri Vizubovsky, rejected the claims and accused the police of providing inaccurate and misleading information.

According to Vizubovsky, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage holds sole responsibility for organizing the Lag BaOmer celebration, and the committee has never been, and is not currently, in charge of the event. He added that the matter has been in the ministry’s hands for some time, despite the committee having submitted all required documentation, yet no response has been received.

Vizubovsky stated that, from the committee’s perspective, there is no barrier to allowing professional teams to enter the site, placing responsibility for the delays squarely on the Ministry of Yerushalayim and Heritage. He concluded by urging the ministry to provide an immediate response.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump has made a leadership change at the Department of the Navy, announcing the departure of Navy Secretary John Phelan as U.S. forces maintain a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Phelan is stepping down effective immediately, and Undersecretary Hung Cao will assume the role of Acting Secretary of the Navy, according to a Pentagon announcement. No explanation was provided for the sudden change.

“Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan is departing the administration, effective immediately,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced. “We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Phelan, known as a prominent art collector, previously led a large private investment firm before entering government service.

He has also been a major Republican donor, contributing more than $1.8 million to support GOP candidates.

Cao, a Navy veteran who previously ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in Virginia, is viewed as a favored figure by the president.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump said Wednesday that Iran has backed away from executing eight women, describing the development as a positive outcome following his public appeal a day earlier.

“I have just been informed that the eight women protestors who were going to be executed tonight in Iran will no longer be killed. Four will be released immediately, and four will be sentenced to one month in prison,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I very much appreciate that Iran, and its leaders, respected my request, as President of the United States, and terminated the planned execution.”

The announcement came shortly after Trump agreed to extend a temporary cease-fire with Iran for an additional two weeks, as American negotiators continue waiting for Tehran’s response to a proposed framework aimed at ending nearly two months of fighting.

Iranian authorities, however, disputed the premise of Trump’s claim, insisting that the women were never facing execution in the first place. The country’s judiciary said that “Trump was misled once again by fake news” and that “some of them have been released, while others face charges that, if convictions are upheld, would at most result in imprisonment.”

That account has been challenged by activists and human rights groups. According to those organizations, at least one of the women, Bita Hemmati, had been sentenced to death over her alleged role in protests earlier this year.

Her case drew attention in recent days after being highlighted by advocacy groups monitoring developments inside Iran. Reports indicated that Hemmati and several others were accused of taking part in demonstrations in early January.

Hemmati, along with four men, was found guilty of “participation in protest gatherings on January 8 and 9, 2026,” including “chanting protest slogans,” “throwing objects including bottles, concrete blocks, and incendiary materials from rooftops,” and “destruction of public property,” the activist news agency said.

At the same time, not all of the women remain in custody. Two of them — Golnaz Naraghi, 37, and Venus Hosseininejad, 28 — have reportedly been free on bail since late March, according to a Norway-based human rights organization.

The cases gained wider visibility after Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad, who resides in the United States, shared details about the women on social media, including their identities and which among them were believed to face capital punishment.

The developments come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which began Feb. 28 after Trump warned earlier in the year that Washington would take action if Iranian authorities violently suppressed protests — a crackdown that reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths.

While the fate of the detainees has drawn attention, diplomatic efforts have largely centered on broader strategic issues. Trump has emphasized that his primary objective in negotiations is to secure an agreement ending Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and to recover an estimated 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium.

{Matzav.com}

Chaim Galbut, a 6-foot-7 forward known for playing basketball while visibly maintaining his Orthodox Jewish identity, has committed to Duquesne University, where he hopes to become the first observant Orthodox Jew to complete a full four-year career in Division I college basketball.

The commitment drew attention after basketball analyst Jonathan Givony reported that Duquesne first discovered Galbut through social media, where clips of him dunking while wearing a yarmulka began circulating. Those videos quickly set him apart—not only for his athleticism, but for the unusual combination of high-level play and open religious observance.

Galbut’s path to Division I basketball has been anything but typical. Instead of following the standard recruiting pipeline of AAU tournaments and showcase circuits, he spent time learning in yeshiva while continuing to develop his game. That unconventional route limited his exposure to college programs, making his eventual recruitment through social media all the more striking.

Standing at 6-foot-7 with length and mobility, Galbut profiles as a versatile forward who can run the floor, finish at the rim, and contribute on both ends. His size and athletic ability have drawn attention.

Chaim is a son of Rabbi and Mrs. Elchonon Boruch Galbut of Miami Beach, Florida. He is one of seven children. He has attended Mechinah of South Florida and Yeshiva Bais Yisroel.

Observing Shabbos presents a major challenge at the Division I level, where games, practices, and travel frequently take place on Fridays and Saturdays. However, Matzav.com has learned that Duquesne has already arranged for the first 15+ games not to be held on Shabbos.

Duquesne University is a private, Catholic university located on a 49-acre hilltop campus in Pittsburgh. The school competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

While there have been Orthodox Jewish athletes in college and professional basketball, none have completed a full Division I career while maintaining full observance.

{Matzav.com}

An estimated 30,000 people from across the globe converged on the small Hungarian town of Kerestir to mark the 101st yahrtzeit of the revered tzaddik, Reb Yeshaya ben Rav Moshe of Kerestir zt”l.

Participants arrived from a wide range of communities and backgrounds, representing diverse kehillos and countries, all drawn by the opportunity to daven and connect at the kever of the famed tzaddik, known for his legacy of chesed and yeshuos.

Hosting the massive influx were the tzaddik’s descendants, the Rubin family, who operate “Reb Shayale’s Hoiz.” They accommodated the crowds with extensive arrangements for lodging and meals, setting up large-scale facilities to serve the tens of thousands of visitors.

The logistical operation, which organizers described as highly complex, was planned and executed over the course of approximately six months leading up to the yahrtzeit.

Photographer Shuki Lerer documented the gathering, presenting a sweeping gallery capturing the atmosphere, the crowds, and the emotional scenes from every angle.

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ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

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ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

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ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

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ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

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ההילולא בקרעסטיר תשפ”וצילום: שוקי לרר

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{Matzav.com}

United Airlines plans to increase ticket prices by 15% to 20% during the upcoming summer travel season, shifting the burden of sharply higher jet fuel costs—driven by the war with Iran—onto passengers.

The move comes as strong travel demand continues, with customers still willing to pay premium prices, according to CEO Scott Kirby, who spoke Wednesday on CNBC.

Kirby noted that jet fuel—second only to labor as the airline industry’s largest expense—has doubled in price since the conflict with Iran began.

Despite those rising costs, United posted stronger earnings in the most recent quarter compared to the same period last year, surpassing analysts’ expectations on Wall Street.

During the first quarter, the airline managed to offset roughly 40% to 50% of its increased fuel expenses thanks to robust ticket demand, Kirby said.

United is also scaling back its flight schedule for the year as part of a broader effort to control expenses. With fewer available seats, reduced capacity is expected to push ticket prices even higher, according to reporting by CNBC.

In a separate interview with Bloomberg, Kirby said, “Demand is incredibly strong right now,” and expressed his view that elevated oil prices are unlikely to remain “higher for longer.”

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rav Yisroel Nachman Halevi Landau zt”l, a prominent Breslover chossid, expert mechanech, and widely respected practitioner of natural healing, who was niftar this morning in the United States at the age of 76 after a serious illness.

The levayah was held at Shomrei Hadas Chapels in Boro Park and is proceeding to JFK Airport en route to Eretz Yisroel. A second levayah will take place Thursday in the early afternoon, passing through the main Breslover kloiz at 21 Rashbi Street in Modiin Illit before continuing to the cemetery in Ashdod, where he will be laid to rest in the Pittsburgh section.

Rav Landau was born on 24 Elul 5710 to his father, Rav Shmuel Halevi Landau zt”l, a distinguished talmid of Rav Yosef Buxbaum of Galanta hy”d, and a descendant of the Noda B’Yehuda. His mother, Rebbetzin Raiza a”h, was from Kaliv in Hungary, where her family merited to sew garments for the Kaliver Rebbe.

As a child, he studied in Talmud Torah Chug Chasam Sofer in Bnei Brak, and later continued in the Sanzer yeshiva in Netanya under the Shefa Chaim of Sanz. During his years as a bochur, he learned in Yeshivas Dushinsky, where he became closely connected to the rosh yeshiva, Maharim Dushinsky zt”l, who held him in high esteem. His classmates recalled his strong attachment to his family’s minhagim, both in tefillah and zemiros.

In his youth, he merited to spend time in the presence of gedolei hador in Yerushalayim, developing a particularly close relationship with the Biala Rebbe, the Chelkas Yehoshua zt”l, who guided him in his avodas Hashem and prepared him for marriage. He later married the daughter of Rav Moshe Elimelech Halevi Bornstein z”l, among the early residents of Kiryat Bobov in Bat Yam.

After his marriage, Rav Landau became a highly regarded melamed in the Sanzer cheder in Bnei Brak, where he educated generations of talmidim and earned a reputation as a dedicated and skilled mechanech, instilling strong foundations in Torah and tefillah with exceptional care.

His expertise brought requests from communities abroad seeking his help in chinuch. He eventually moved with his family to Vienna, Austria, where for approximately two years he focused not only on teaching children but also on training additional melamdim, sharing his unique approach to educating young students.

He later relocated to Antwerp, Belgium, at the request of Vizhnitzer institutions, serving there as a melamed for eight years. During that period, he became closely connected to the Pshversoker Rebbe, who showed him special closeness. Community members related that he was entrusted with sensitive missions to strengthen kedusha in Antwerp, including matters of shalom bayis.

While in Antwerp, he fell seriously ill with a severe intestinal condition that doctors were unable to cure. As his condition worsened, the Pshversoker Rebbe instructed him to pursue natural remedies. With siyata d’Shmaya, he found a specialist in natural medicine who guided him through dietary changes that ultimately restored his health.

Following his recovery, he immersed himself in the study of natural healing, including the Rambam’s teachings on health and nutrition. He also discovered an old sefer titled “Ruach Chaim,” which elaborated on natural medicine and reinforced for him that proper care of the body through nutrition is rooted in halachah.

From that point on, he accepted a personal mission, together with his wife, to help others through proper nutrition and health guidance. In 5747, during a visit by the Pittsburgher Rebbe, the Emunas Avraham zt”l, Rav Landau observed the Rebbe’s physical weakness and shared his experiences during a private meeting. The Rebbe encouraged him to return to Eretz Yisroel and use his knowledge to assist others, giving him a special brachah for success.

He returned to Eretz Yisroel and settled in Bnei Brak, where he opened a clinic focused on natural health. Many people benefited from his guidance and experienced recovery. He would daven at the Spinka beis medrash on Rechov Yehoshua.

In 5751, he became closely affiliated with Breslov and adopted its teachings as his primary path in avodas Hashem. He developed a deep connection to the teachings of Rav Nachman of Breslov and his talmid Rav Nosson, devoting himself to their seforim and encouraging others to study them. He frequently traveled to Uman and made great efforts to be there for Rosh Hashanah and Shabbos Chanukah.

Those close to him said a phrase he constantly repeated was: “Bittul meivi lidei cheit.” His life reflected that message, as he was almost always seen with a sefer in hand, urging others not to waste time and to remain engaged in Torah or meaningful pursuits.

In recent years, he lived in Brachfeld, Modiin Illit, where he continued learning as a dedicated kollel yungerman. Each morning he would leave for Shacharis with a simple sandwich and remain immersed in learning until the evening, a routine he maintained even while spending time in the United States.

Over the past six months, his health declined, and he traveled to the United States for treatment. As recently as the month of Adar, he participated in the sheva brachos of his granddaughter, the daughter of his son Rav Yitzchok. Soon afterward, he was hospitalized, surrounded constantly by family and Breslover chassidim, until this morning, when his neshamah returned to its Creator.

He is survived by a distinguished family. His eldest daughter, Mrs. Yocheved Feldman a”h, predeceased him. His sons include Rav Yitzchok of Boro Park, Rav Yechezkel Shaul of Ashdod, Rav Avrohom Dovid Shimon of Beit Shemesh, and Rav Shmuel of Beitar Illit, along with his son-in-law Rav Elazar Chaim Farkash of Modiin Illit. He leaves behind children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who continue in the path of Torah and avodas Hashem.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] A video published by a Channel 12 News reporter showing yeshiva boys being questioned in a demeaning manner while collecting donations for a wedding fund sparked widespread outrage on Wednesday, prompting a wave of public support and donations for the family involved.

The footage, released by reporter Inbar Twizer, showed her and her husband confronting yeshiva students under the age of 18 who were raising money for a hachnasas kallah fund. In the video, the boys were challenged about military service while seeking tzedakah for hachnosas kallah. Their faces were not blurred, and the clip quickly spread online, drawing sharp criticism across social media.

In an emotional interview with Avi Moskowitz on Kol Berama radio, the father of the chosson spoke publicly for the first time about the incident.

“We had no way to even begin approaching the wedding,” he said. According to the father, the painful episode led to an unexpected turn: “Thousands donated to us today. There are miracles — even if they came through embarrassment. It’s not pleasant, but Hashem led us in this way. A photographer called me and offered to photograph the entire wedding for free.”

He went on to describe the family’s difficult circumstances: “Our car was destroyed last week by a Hezbollah missile, and Hashem arranged things in the best way. We received dozens of calls of support today from across the spectrum — even from secular people and from the left. I thank Hashem that I belong to this nation. You can feel the warm embrace, and we are grateful to everyone.”

Following the publication of the video, the bank details for the hachnasas kallah fund were circulated widely, triggering a massive outpouring of donations. Screenshots of contributions flooded social media as a sign of solidarity with the boys who had been publicly humiliated.

Among the many donors was Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, who posted on X: “The Jewish people have always been characterized by special traits: compassion, modesty, and acts of kindness. The severe incident that occurred today does not represent the Jewish people, and therefore דווקא today we must do the opposite — be compassionate and kind. I am donating 1,000 shekels to this needy family for hachnasas kallah, and I call on all my friends and all of Israel to do the same. Am Yisrael Chai.”

He was joined by journalists Chaim Levinson and Yanki Farber, MK Moshe Arbel, television presenter Nataly Dadon, and many other public figures, all of whom expressed strong disapproval of the reporter’s conduct.

WATCH:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/VIDEO-2026-04-22-14-38-33.mp4

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump indicated Wednesday that renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran could resume within days, even as behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts continue to gain traction through Pakistani intermediaries.

Sources in Islamabad told the New York Post that encouraging developments in talks with Iranian officials could lead to an announcement within the next “36 to 72 hours,” describing the current atmosphere as one of cautious optimism driven by active diplomatic engagement.

When asked directly about the possibility of a breakthrough, Trump replied in a message to the outlet, “It’s possible! President DJT.”

The potential for renewed talks comes as the administration has given Iran a limited timeframe to resolve internal disagreements and present a unified negotiating position, according to U.S. officials who spoke with Axios. Without such cohesion, the ceasefire Trump extended earlier this week could unravel.

American negotiators remain hopeful that a broader agreement addressing both the conflict and Iran’s nuclear ambitions can still be reached. At the same time, officials are increasingly concerned that divisions within Iran’s leadership may prevent any binding agreement from being finalized.

“We saw that there is an absolute fracture inside Iran between the negotiators and the military — with neither side having access to the supreme leader, who is not responsive,” a U.S. official said.

According to U.S. officials, these internal rifts became evident following earlier discussions held in Islamabad, when senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps figures, including Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, rejected key points that had been tentatively accepted by Iran’s civilian negotiating team.

Those divisions later played out publicly when Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen, only to have IRGC leadership refuse to follow through and openly criticize the announcement.

In the aftermath, Iran did not provide a meaningful reply to the most recent U.S. proposal and avoided committing to another round of negotiations in Pakistan.

The situation has been further complicated by instability at the top levels of Iran’s leadership following the assassination of former national security figure Ali Larijani, who had previously served as a central coordinator in the country’s decision-making process, U.S. officials said.

His replacement, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, has reportedly struggled to unify the competing factions within Iran’s military and political leadership, as well as maintain coordination with the supreme leader.

Plans for Vice President JD Vance to travel to Islamabad for the next phase of negotiations were ultimately abandoned after Iran failed to confirm its participation.

Air Force Two remained stationed for hours at Joint Base Andrews before the mission was called off. Meanwhile, senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner adjusted their schedules and returned to Washington.

Following consultations with his national security team—including Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Department Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine—Trump chose to prolong the ceasefire rather than pursue additional military action.

“The degree of the fracture became clear in the last few days, and the question was: does it make any sense to go to Islamabad like that?” a U.S. official said. “So the decision was to give the diplomatic efforts a little bit more time.”

Officials in Washington and allied governments say Trump now appears more inclined to bring the conflict to a close after achieving significant military objectives, though the option of renewed strikes remains on the table if talks collapse.

“It certainly looks like Trump doesn’t want to use military force anymore and has made a decision to end the war,” one U.S. source close to Trump said.

The latest developments follow Trump’s announcement Tuesday that the ceasefire would remain in place as the U.S. waits for a consolidated response from Tehran.

“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he said in a post on Truth Social.

In another post, Trump highlighted the growing financial strain on Iran.

“Iran is collapsing financially! They want the Strait of Hormuz opened immediately – Starving for cash! Losing 500 Million Dollars a day. Military and Police complaining that they are not getting paid. SOS!!!” he wrote.

He also pointed to the blockade as a central pressure point in negotiations.

“Iran doesn’t want the Strait of Hormuz closed, they want it open so they can make $500 Million Dollars a day,” Trump wrote. “They only say they want it closed because I have it totally BLOCKADED (CLOSED!), so they merely want to save face.”

Meanwhile, Pakistani officials have continued quiet diplomatic outreach to Iranian counterparts as part of an ongoing effort to facilitate another round of talks, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

“The ceasefire is holding despite heightened rhetoric, indicating positive intent on both sides,” the source said. “No military escalation from either side.”

“Pakistan remains the key mediator,” the person added, noting that Islamabad is actively coordinating with both Washington and Tehran in an attempt to bring the sides back to the negotiating table.

{Matzav.com}

Kamala Harris is holding a narrow lead in a new poll of potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders, even as a widely shared video clip of her remarks this week fueled fresh discussion about her political messaging and public persona.

According to a survey conducted by Echelon Insights between April 17 and April 20, Harris tops the field among 467 likely Democratic primary voters with 22 percent support.

Close behind is California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who registered 21 percent, while former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came in third with 12 percent. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez followed with 10 percent support.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro received five percent, while Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey drew four percent backing in the poll.

Further down the list, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly each received three percent. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer each earned two percent.

Several other figures—including Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and Rep. Ro Khanna of California—each recorded one percent support.

At the bottom of the survey, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel did not register any support.

The latest poll shows modest changes compared to Echelon’s previous survey, with Harris gaining one point, Newsom rising by two points, Buttigieg increasing by three points, and Ocasio-Cortez slipping by one point.

Separately, attention has centered on a video clip of Harris that spread rapidly on X, in which she appeared to shift her speaking style while addressing a group of black women.

In the video, Harris told the audience, “I think it’s okay for us to be a bit transactional too, and to say, ‘Imma get mine also.’ And so don’t count on me to be a voter and be the backbone of the Democratic Party, because it is my value system and my ethics and my sense of civic duty and responsibility, so that you look at me and say, ‘Oh, they’re gonna vote.’”

Social media users contrasted those remarks with a well-known line from President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

Earlier this month, during an April 10 appearance at Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network convention in New York, Harris indicated she “might” enter the 2028 presidential race. According to Politico, the crowd responded with repeated chants of, “Run again! Run again!”

As speculation about a potential Harris campaign continues, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was asked Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press whether he would support her candidacy. He replied, “I have to be honest, I haven’t thought about the candidacies for president this time. My focus is 2026,” before adding that he has no intention of running for president himself.

Harris also drew attention last week after releasing a video from Charlotte, North Carolina, in which she argued that Americans are paying $15 more per fill-up at the pump since the start of what she described as Trump’s “war of choice,” and accused President Donald Trump of prioritizing his own “political interest” over the needs of working Americans.

That message revived scrutiny of Harris’s tenure as vice president under President Joe Biden, when national average gas prices reached record highs in June 2022, hitting $5.016 per gallon for regular gasoline and $5.816 for diesel.

{Matzav.com}

By Jordan D. Metzl, MD Q: What can I add to my daily routine to improve my fitness and longevity without a huge time commitment?

Joan, a 64-year-old patient, came into my office frustrated. She was walking every day, staying active and taking care of herself. But she still felt stiff, tired and not nearly as strong as she used to be.

“I thought I was doing enough,” she told me.

It’s something I hear all the time.

For decades, we’ve told people that moving more is the key to better health. And that’s true – but it’s only part of the story. Increasingly, research shows that how you move matters nearly as much as how often. In particular, brief bursts of higher-intensity activity can have an outsize impact on health, fitness and even longevity.

Why vigorous activity deserves a place in your routine

A recent study in the European Heart Journal looked at people who didn’t engage in formal exercise and found that just one to two minutes a day of vigorous activity, accumulated in short bursts, was associated with a significantly lower risk of chronic disease and death.

Not a workout class. Not a training plan. Just everyday life, done with a bit more intensity.

Exercise physiologists call this vigorous physical activity, or VPA. Sometimes referred to as vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA), it includes things most people don’t think of as exercise: climbing stairs quickly, carrying heavy groceries, walking uphill with purpose or hurrying to catch a train.

These moments are brief, but they matter. Huffing and puffing, even for short periods, can shape long-term health.

This is not the same as high-intensity interval training, or HIIT. HIIT is structured and deliberate, performed in an exercise setting. VPA is opportunistic. One builds fitness and the other reinforces it throughout the day.

Two minutes can sound almost too simple. But physiologically, it makes sense. When you push your body harder, even briefly, you activate systems that don’t get challenged during lower-intensity movement. Your heart rate climbs, your muscles recruit more fibers, your mitochondria (which are like the battery packs to your cells) proliferate and your metabolism shifts. These adaptations drive improvements in cardiovascular fitness, strength and resilience.

Think of it this way: A leisurely walk is good for you, but add a few short bursts of speed or hills, and that same walk becomes far more impactful.

The challenge is that many people, especially as they get older, shy away from intensity. There is a widespread belief that aging means slowing down, taking it easy and avoiding anything that feels too demanding. Some of that instinct is understandable. People worry about injury or overdoing it.

But avoiding intensity altogether can accelerate the very declines people fear.

As we age, we need more intensity, not less. We lose muscle mass, power and cardiovascular capacity over time. Those losses are not just about performance; they affect balance, independence and quality of life. The ability to climb stairs without getting winded, react quickly if you trip, and carry groceries without strain all depend on having a higher capacity for intensity.

The good news is that you don’t need long workouts or extreme training to tap into these benefits. Even small, manageable doses of intense movement can help counter the effects of aging. That could mean burpees at the gym, if that’s your thing. But even if it’s not, short bursts of effort in everyday life still make a difference.

For Joan, we made a simple adjustment. She kept her daily walks but added short intervals. Every few minutes, she picked up the pace for 20 to 30 seconds – not a sprint, but a brisk effort that made it harder to speak in full sentences. Then she recovered and repeated.

At first, it felt uncomfortable. That’s the point. Intensity should feel like work. But within a few weeks, she noticed a difference. She felt stronger. Her energy improved. Even her regular walking pace became easier.

As I tell my patients, “Pushing yourself means getting comfortable being uncomfortable. It’s the only way to grow. Mentally, physically and physiologically.”

How to add high-intensity movement to your day

One important point to remember is that intensity is relative. What feels vigorous to one person may feel different to another. The goal is not to compare yourself with others, but to safely push your own limits.

Intensity should be approached thoughtfully. If you have underlying medical conditions or have been inactive, it’s worth discussing a plan with your physician. The aim is to challenge the body, not overwhelm it.

We often think of health as something that requires major time commitments or dramatic lifestyle overhauls. But some of the most effective interventions are surprisingly small.

Two minutes of effort, layered into the fabric of your day, can begin to shift your physiology in meaningful ways.

For many of my patients, that realization is empowering. It lowers the psychological barrier to getting started and reframes exercise from something that requires an hour at the gym to something that can happen in the margins of everyday life. Lowering the cost to act, or making the desired outcome easier, is an important step toward unleashing one’s motivation.

Joan still walks every day. But now she walks with purpose. She has embraced those short bursts of effort and, in doing so, rediscovered a sense of strength and confidence in her body.

“I feel a lot closer to myself again,” she told me at her last visit.

That’s the real goal: not only adding years to life, but life to years.

And sometimes, it starts with just two minutes.

Jordan D. Metzl, MD, is a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and the founder of the IronStrength fitness community. His newest book, “Push: Unlock the Science of Fitness Motivation to Embrace Health and Longevity,” examines the science of fitness motivation and muscle maintenance for health.

The Washington Post · Jordan D. Metzl, MD 

Rabbi Weinberg responds:

I appreciate the responses to my article that have been numerous, varied, and, as expected, passionate. This in itself is an accomplishment, since the goal to engender public debate on this important topic has finally been achieved. As always, when there is public knowledge and discourse, and not just collective behavior running on inertia, there is potential for innovation and improvement.

In this brief reply, I will try to answer some of the more important questions and comments.

First, however, I wish to clarify something which seemed to have bothered a few readers.

The intention of my article was not Chas V’Shalom to belittle any Gadol B’Yisroel, Rosh Yeshiva or Rebbe. I do not doubt for a moment that most of the Roshei Yeshivos who opened those new Yeshivos had anything else in mind besides a desire for Harbotzas HaTorah. They have earned my respect and I am personally close to some of them. If this was understood otherwise, I sincerely regret that and ask Mechila of those who were offended. The purpose of my piece was only to explain how we got to the current situation and, my censure was rather with a specific action of theirs, that is, their insistence that Mesivtos begin on Rosh Chodesh Elul in mid August.

While this too is mostly the result of their L’Shem Shomaym zealous idealism, and  certainly without any malicious intent, (as I implied when I wrote that “they were unaware…. that a result…”),  the outcome nevertheless remains sadly the same. Our once great institution, the boys camps, have been broken forever.

My article was pertinent only to children of the communities of Brooklyn, Queens, Far Rockaway, Staten Island, Passaic and perhaps a few others that have a 10 month school year. Monsey and Lakewood, however, which were founded decades ago in conjunction with a Yeshiva and operate on a one Month of Av Bain Hazmanim, are not relevant to this conversation.

To those who questioned my motives, no, I do not own a camp, nor am I a learning director or Rebbi or Head counselor in any camp. My children too, are all older and out of the camps for many years.

Some of the commenters wondered why can’t we make our camps and vacations during Tamuz and Av and just forget about the old July August season. I thought that I had already explained that sufficiently. Yes, in a perfect world it would be optimal. Unfortunately there are many reasons why in New York that is not yet feasible, chiefly amongst them is because we are subordinate more or less to a NYC Board of Education school calendar. Yeshivos and Bais Yaakovs receive funding, tutoring, regents accreditation and bus service from the B.O.E. and it is they who determine the school year.

Why don’t I take it up with the Gedolim?

I believe that it is too late for that. The die has already been cast. But I ask the same question of those Roshei Yeshivos. Before you decided to deviate from the traditional schedule to begin in mid August on Rosh Chodesh Elul, and put an ax to the camps founded by Gedolim, why didn’t you consult the Gedolim of the Moetzes or of Torah U’Mesorah to see if they agree to this drastic move? Something tells me that back then, if asked, the Gedolim may have advised differently.

If, as one writer suggested, that the time is now finally ripe to emulate Slabodka, Kletzk and Mir, hence the justification for beginning on Elul, then by all means let us be consistent and go all the way. For one, we  should stop our ridiculous dating system, including sharing resumes and photos, and the outrageous demands and expectations of prospective in-laws, that have become so prevalent in our communities. This certainly was not the way back in Kletzk and Brisk. It is the height of hypocrisy to only embrace the Elul Zman which is not even a Minhag and can be done in camp if wanted, but ignore the truly pressing issues that should be foreign to authentic Bnei Torah, and now contribute in no small measure to our devastating shidduch crisis.

Of course I never suggested that camps are perfect, and a fair amount of justifiable criticism has been directed by the readers at  camp owners, namely the exorbitant price of camp and simultaneously about the minimal pay to the Rebbes that lead to a deficiency in the quality of learning. As stated before, I am not in the camp business and don’t speak for the camp owners. Neither am I familiar enough with these particular problems, therefore I cannot judge. Nevertheless, if this is the case in the privately owned camps, it is not clear how much can be done about it. They are, after all, private businesses, and businesses as we know, do what they do to generate maximum revenue while keeping overhead to a minimum…. Still, since they do advertise themselves as Torah / Chinuch oriented camps etc, it could be expected of them to comply with certain standards. Perhaps the Yeshivos that recommend and send a bulk of their Talmidim to specific private camps, should organize and conduct meetings with those camp owners to see if these difficulties can be resolved.

To summarize:

All in all some excellent points were made in the remarks. I myself have also gained from the feedback and acquired new insights into the public’s level of appreciation of camp.  Surprisingly to me, I am discovering that the younger generation of parents seem less enthusiastic about camp than the older generation, and are more ready perhaps to forgo it entirely. Due to demographics and other changes within the Yeshivishe community, boys camps are becoming less practicable and less affordable. Looking towards the future, whether we like it or not, the sun seems to be setting for the Yeshivishe children’s 8 weeks overnight camps. Some of these camps have already been sold to Chassidishe Kehilos (who have no Bein Hazmanim, and thus no Elul, and subsidize their campers ). Others, for the right price will probably soon be sold as well.

This is not necessarily catastrophic, if we acknowledge it, and work towards an appropriate alternative that would still provide our children with healthy outlets and recreation albeit not in a sleep away camp setting.

Times are indeed changing.

 Rabbi Elchonon Weinberg

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