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By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz

Mountains are central to our history. The first mountain we encounter is Har Hamoriah, where Avrohom Avinu approached to bring his son Yitzchok as a korban.

On that mountain, malochim appeared to Avrohom and Yitzchok. On that mountain, Yaakov Avinu experienced kedusha and received tremendous brachos. On that mountain, the Bais Hamikdosh was built.

The mountain that hosted so much holiness also experienced great tragedy. Though it witnessed immense kedusha, during the time of the churban its holiness was defiled and tumah found a resting place there. We anxiously await the day when the Shechinah will once again return there together with the Bais Hamikdosh Hashlishi.

The Torah also speaks about Har Gerizim and Har Eivol, the mountains near Shechem. Upon one, eternal brachos were proclaimed. Upon the other, eternal curses were declared for those who do not follow the Torah. The mountain of blessings was lush and green, while the other remained barren and desolate. They remain that way until today.

In Nach, we read about the mountain upon which Eliyohu Hanovi confronted the false prophets of the avodah zorah known as Baal.

But of all the mountains, the one most central to who we are is Har Sinai. Though physically small, it towers over the entire landscape of Jewish history. On Shavuos, we picture millions of Yidden encamped around it, overwhelmed with tangible awe. They had traveled for forty-five days, following Moshe Rabbeinu through a hot and dusty desert in order to reach it.

Their journey had truly begun at brias ha’olam, when the world itself was created. The nation was moving toward its ultimate destiny. Bereishis, Chazal teach us, bishvil haTorah shenikreis reishis – the world was created so that the Torah could eventually be given to the Jewish people.

There was thunder and lightning. The sound of the shofar echoed powerfully, growing louder and louder. Smoke rose from the mountain, which stood beneath a thick cloud. The Divine Voice reverberated throughout creation, shaking the foundations of the earth. The Bnei Yisroel trembled with fear as they watched their leader ascend the mountain and disappear into the arofel, the thick fog.

On Shavuos, as we revisit the story of Moshe Rabbeinu ascending Har Sinai, we are reminded that the road to the highest levels of kedusha is rarely smooth or clear. More often, it passes through fog, smoke, and uncertainty. The Torah tells us, “Vayavo Moshe besoch he’anan,” and later, “Moshe nigash el ha’arofel asher shom ha’Elokim.” Moshe entered the cloud and approached the dense darkness where Hashem’s Presence rested. Moshe Rabbeinu did not receive the Torah beneath calm and peaceful skies. It came amid thunder, lightning, smoke, and heavy fog.

Perhaps that itself was part of the lesson.

A person may think that drawing closer to Hashem always comes with clarity, serenity, and immediate inspiration. But the Torah teaches otherwise. Very often, before reaching greater light, a person must first pass through confusion. Before attaining deeper holiness, he encounters resistance, distraction, and what Chazal call tishtush hamochin, a fogging of the mind and spirit.

Wherever there is kedusha, there is tumah attempting to oppose it. The greater the potential for holiness, the stronger the forces that seek to obstruct and contaminate it. To demonstrate this, at the very moment the world was about to become forever elevated through Kabbolas HaTorah, Har Sinai was surrounded by arofel, darkness, and smoke.

That pattern has repeated itself throughout history.

Whenever Yidden sought to build Torah, strengthen themselves spiritually, or establish places of purity and growth, opposition inevitably arose. Sometimes the resistance came from external persecution and hardship. At other times, it emerged internally, through confusion, cynicism, temptation, or spiritual exhaustion. The greater and stronger the structure of kedusha becomes, the more aggressively tumah attempts to seep through the cracks and poison it.

Yet, those who seek taharah do not become lost in the fog or frightened by it. They understand that it is part of the process. Moshe Rabbeinu moved forward into the arofel because he knew that beyond it rested the Shechinah itself.

The challenge facing those who strive for greatness in Torah and avodas Hashem is to continue advancing even when clarity fades. To keep learning, davening, building, and striving despite the noise, confusion, and distractions swirling around them. The yeitzer hora tries to convince a person that if he feels uninspired, overwhelmed, or spiritually blocked, he should retreat. But the lesson of Har Sinai teaches the exact opposite. Sometimes, the greatest growth occurs precisely when one pushes through the fog rather than surrendering to it.

This is the foundation of the nisyonos involving emunah and bitachon. It is easy to believe when everything is clear. But we must also recognize the Hand of Hashem when it is hidden, when life becomes difficult and events do not unfold the way we hoped.

Throughout the generations, our forefathers understood this truth. They knew that there are periods of darkness and hester, and that the path to kedusha, survival, and a blessed Yiddishe life is not by avoiding struggle, but by refusing to allow struggle to define or stop us.

That message is especially relevant in our generation, when distractions are endless and confusion is everywhere, when moral boundaries become blurred and spiritual fog surrounds us. We live in an age of superficiality, shortened attention spans, and short memories. It is easy to lose clarity regarding who we are and what we are meant to strive for. This is the modern form of arofel.

We must continue pushing our way through the fog, recognizing that if we persevere – if we maintain our sense of kedusha and Torah values – we can continue climbing until we reach the place we seek, “asher shom ha’Elokim,” the place beyond the darkness where Hashem resides.

The Brisker Rov was the mesader kiddushin at a wedding. Standing under the chupah, it came time for the chosson to place the ring on the kallah’s finger and declare her his wife. As the young man attempted to put the ring on her finger, he became so nervous that he began shaking and dropped the ring.

His father bent down, picked up the ring from the floor, and handed it back to the chosson. Once again, the chosson’s hand trembled, and as he tried to place the ring on his kallah’s finger, it slipped and fell to the ground. His father picked it up and returned it to him.

The nervous chosson made a third attempt to place the ring on the girl’s finger. Once again, the seemingly simple task escaped him and the ring dropped to the floor. This time, people began murmuring. Someone turned to the rov and remarked, “This seems like a sign that they should not be getting married. Perhaps their match is simply not bashert.”

The rov shook his head. “No, no,” he replied. “This is a sign that the couple was meant to marry now and not three minutes earlier.”

Upon hearing those words, the young man relaxed. His father handed him the ring once more, he placed it on the kallah’s finger, and declared, “Harei at mekudeshes li… kedas Moshe v’Yisroel.”

The study of Torah is difficult, and many times, while learning, we feel as though we are trapped in arofel, lost in a fog of confusion. We cannot follow the back-and-forth of the Gemara or understand the kushya or teretz of Tosafos. We convince ourselves that the sugya is beyond our ability to comprehend. We feel tempted to close the Gemara and find something easier to occupy ourselves with.

But we must remember that this is the way of the Torah. It does not come easily. Nevertheless, we immerse ourselves in it, and after much toil, we slowly begin to understand and appreciate its beauty and brilliance.

Rav Shmuel Auerbach related a story that he heard from a direct witness, ish mipi ish. One of the holy tzaddikim of Yerushalayim possessed a kemei’a that he would lend to people in need of a yeshuah. The Kabbalistic parchment had been written by the Taz, author of the Turei Zohov on Shulchan Aruch. The kemei’a was known to be exceptionally powerful, and many who used it saw their problems resolved.

The owner of the kemei’a was extremely curious about what was written on the concealed parchment that possessed such extraordinary power. Although opening an amulet generally causes it to lose its effectiveness, he reasoned that perhaps he could copy the secret names of Hashem and the malochim written on it onto a new parchment and preserve its power to help those in desperate need.

When he carefully opened the ancient sacred document, he was astonished to discover that it did not contain holy names or the names of ministering angels. Instead, in the handwriting of the Taz, there was only a single sentence: “Dear Creator of the world, in the merit of my deep toil to understand the words of Tosafos in Chullin on daf 96, please bring salvation and blessings to the person wearing this amulet.”

That is the power of Torah. This is the reward for laboring to understand the words of a Tosafos.

The Torah grants life to those who struggle through the arofel in order to understand and absorb its holy words and messages. The strength it gives its faithful adherents is eternal. But to attain a true understanding of Torah, we must possess patience, discipline, and wisdom. We must never give up or surrender.

The first Jews who received the Torah had their own arofel: the slavery of Mitzrayim and the descent into the deepest levels of tumah. Their faith sustained them as they followed Moshe Rabbeinu out of the country and through the Yam Suf. Within forty-nine days, they prepared themselves to receive the Torah at Har Sinai. They fought their way through the fog of Mitzrayim’s tumah and elevated themselves to the highest levels attainable by man.

On Shavuos, we read Megillas Rus, the story of Na’ami and her daughter-in-law, Rus. Two courageous women survived tremendous tragedy and rose above their personal arofel to become the ancestors of Dovid Hamelech and ultimately Moshiach. Rus HaMoaviah rose above the depravity of her homeland and became a devoted giyores. Nothing deterred her from remaining loyal to Torah and the Jewish people. She endured poverty and loneliness while pursuing the path she had chosen. In return, she merited royal descendants and eternal blessings. We continue to await the arrival of her descendant, the ultimate redeemer.

Rus had every reason to return to Moav and to the wealth she had left behind when she married into the family of Elimelech, yet she so eloquently bound her destiny to the Jewish people. Her story inspires us to persevere during difficult times. It is yet another reminder that those who follow the path of Hashem and cling to Torah and mitzvos with determination will ultimately flourish and succeed.

Rather than retreating, she moved forward. Instead of surrendering to what appeared to be overwhelming obstacles, she demonstrated that commitment to Torah is always preferable to any alternative. We, too, must never give up, no matter what difficulties we encounter in the observance or study of Torah.

When Hashem appeared to the Bnei Yisroel and offered them the Torah, they responded in unison, “Na’aseh venishma – We will do and we will hear whatever You tell us.” Their response was so praiseworthy that the Gemara in Maseches Shabbos (88a) relates that afterward, malochim placed two crowns upon the head of every Jew, one for na’aseh and one for nishma. A bas kol rang out proclaiming, “Who taught My children this secret?”

Many ask what was so extraordinary about na’aseh venishma that it elicited such a dramatic response. Perhaps we can explain that by responding in this manner, they were declaring: “Na’aseh – we will live according to the dictates of the Torah and follow its commandments. Venishma – and we will accomplish this through dedicating ourselves to the study of Torah. No difficulty will stop us from working as hard as we can to understand the words of the Torah. We will not become lost or deterred in the arofel.”

Na’aseh venishma. We have been repeating that pledge for thousands of years. Wherever we are, whatever language we speak, regardless of our geographical distance from major Jewish centers, despite the ravages of exile, golus, churban, and pogroms, we continue proclaiming together, “Na’aseh venishma.”

Those words are what distinguish us and what have sustained us throughout the ages. We have been protected by the Torah and by our loyalty to it and to what it demands of us. The other nations that once filled the world have disappeared throughout history. We remain because of those two words that guide and define us.

On the Yom Tov of Kabbolas HaTorah, we once again stand at Har Sinai and proclaim, “Na’aseh venishma.” We receive the Torah anew and are reminded of our mission and purpose. Shavuos is not merely a commemoration of what our ancestors accepted long ago, but a renewal of our own commitment to live as people shaped and elevated by Torah, today and every day.

My uncle, Rav Avrohom Chaim Levin, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Telz, once recalled a difficult period in the yeshiva when an incident had deeply shaken the rosh yeshiva, Rav Elya Meir Bloch. The atmosphere in the bais medrash was tense as the talmidim gathered to hear the rosh yeshiva speak. They expected a fiery rebuke, a painful description of how low a person can fall. As they entered and took their seats for the shmuess, they feared what he would say.

But Rav Elya Meir spoke about something entirely different.

“We already know how low a person can sink,” he said. “Now let us speak about how high a person can rise.”

And with the classic mussar emphasis on gadlus ha’adam, he delivered a shmuess about possibility, about the greatness contained within every Jew, and the heights each person can attain.

The great mashgiach, Rav Yechezkel Levenstein, would say that while it is a serious failing for a person not to recognize his deficiencies, it is an even greater failing not to recognize his strengths and qualities. A person who ignores his weaknesses cannot improve himself, but a person who ignores his greatness cannot even begin the journey upward.

Perhaps this is one of the central messages of Shavuos as well.

The Torah was not given to malochim. It was given to human beings who struggle, fail, become discouraged, and sometimes lose clarity. Yet, Hashem looked at those very human beings and entrusted them with His Torah because of what they are capable of becoming.

The yeitzer hora wants a person to focus obsessively on his weaknesses and failures, convincing him that holiness and greatness belong only to others. But the yeitzer tov reminds us that the opposite is true.

The fire of Har Sinai burns within the heart of every Jew.

The fire of Torah possesses the power to illuminate the neshomah and burn away the tumah that seeks to envelop it. Even during periods of arofel and choshech, confusion and spiritual exhaustion, every Yid possesses the strength to continue moving forward, to walk through darkness with purpose, and to strive upward as a kadosh reaching toward Heaven.

So often in life, there is a temptation to surrender, to convince ourselves that the burdens are too heavy, the distractions are too powerful, and the challenges are too overwhelming. A person may feel that he has stumbled too many times to ever rise again.

But the nation that declared “Na’aseh venishma” is not a nation that gives up.

The very essence of those words was the willingness to continue forward despite uncertainty, despite difficulty, despite not fully understanding what lay ahead. At Har Sinai, Klal Yisroel demonstrated that it understood that greatness is achieved by accepting the challenge of growth.

Every Shavuos, as we once again accept the Torah, we are reminded not only of our obligations, but also of our greatness. We remember that we were created for more than mediocrity and distraction. We were created to rise, to horeveh in Torah, to grow, and to become a great nation of great people.

For those who carry the words “Na’aseh venishma” within their souls, no challenge is insurmountable and no height is beyond reach.

We speak about greatness, holiness, and climbing toward Heaven. We speak about the crowns that were placed upon our heads at Har Sinai, about walking through the arofel, about becoming anshei kodesh while living in a difficult physical world filled with challenges. But all of this can sound lofty and distant, as though true greatness belongs only to malochim and not to ordinary people like us.

The Torah teaches otherwise.

There was once a great commotion in the town of Sadigura. Rav Yisroel of Ruzhin had come to visit, and crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the great tzaddik and perhaps receive a brocha. A young child heard the excitement and asked what it was about.

“A rebbe as holy as a malach has come to town,” they told him. “The heilige Ruzhiner is here.”

Curious and sincere, the child pushed his way through the crowd until he stood before the rebbe. He carefully walked around him, studying him from every angle.

The rebbe noticed and asked the boy what he was looking for. “I was told that the rebbe is a malach, and my cheder rebbi taught us that in Akdamus it says that malochim have six wings. I am looking for your wings.”

The rebbe looked down at the cherubic young boy and smiled. Pointing to the six sons accompanying him, he said, “These are my six wings.”

The Torah does not ask us to escape our humanity and become malochim. It asks us to elevate our humanity. True greatness is not found in withdrawing from life, but in sanctifying it. The wings that lift a Jew Heavenward are not hidden somewhere beyond this world. They are built here – through raising children, building families, learning Torah, refining our character, helping others, persevering through struggle, and remaining loyal to Hashem and His Torah.

Moshe Rabbeinu entered the arofel not to stop being human, but to demonstrate that a human being can ascend far beyond what he imagined possible. Klal Yisroel stood at Har Sinai and affirmed that ordinary people of flesh and blood could live lives infused with kedusha and eternal meaning.

And every year on Shavuos, we stand there once again, hearing the call to greatness and reminding ourselves that despite the darkness of the times, despite the distractions of life, our weaknesses, and our struggles, we are the people to whom Hashem spoke at Har Sinai, and we are the people to whom He gave the Torah. That upward path still exists.

We are not malochim. But we possess the wings that can carry us as high as we wish to go.

Let’s go.

Ashreichem Yisroel.

Gut Yom Tov.

The Transportation Department announced Wednesday that it will allocate an additional $200 million to help launch construction on the long-awaited redevelopment of New York’s Penn Station, part of a sweeping $8 billion modernization effort expected to begin by the end of next year.

According to Amtrak and the Trump administration, the project will dramatically transform the aging transit hub by increasing rail capacity, constructing a new grand entrance along Eighth Avenue, creating a modern train hall, and replacing outdated passageways with larger open concourses.

Penn Station remains the busiest transportation hub in the United States, handling roughly 10 million Amtrak passengers each year and approximately 100 million travelers overall when regional rail systems are included.

Last month, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the department planned to direct $4.7 billion toward rail infrastructure upgrades along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, including improvements at Penn Station and Union Station in Washington, D.C.

“We’re going to give $8 billion to rebuild Penn Station,” Duffy said Tuesday during a Senate hearing.

The decision effectively ends the possibility that New York would relocate Madison Square Garden, which sits above Penn Station and serves as the home arena for the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers, in addition to hosting concerts and other major events.

Plans for the reconstruction also include expanded retail areas and a redesigned exterior intended to give the station a more classical architectural appearance.

New York previously unveiled the $1.6 billion Moynihan Train Hall project in 2021, opening a large new concourse inside the former Farley Post Office building across Eighth Avenue from Penn Station.

The 255,000-square-foot Moynihan Train Hall features a massive glass skylight rising 92 feet overhead, as well as amenities including a lounge for nursing mothers. The facility provides access to 17 Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road tracks.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has continued facing legal setbacks regarding the separate $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project. Federal courts have ordered the Transportation Department to continue funding the project after administration officials attempted to halt payments.

The Hudson Tunnel Project is designed to construct a new commuter rail tunnel linking Manhattan and New Jersey while also rehabilitating the century-old existing tunnel currently used by more than 200,000 passengers and 425 trains every day.

The current tunnel sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and now requires repeated emergency maintenance, causing disruptions along the nation’s busiest passenger rail corridor.

{Matzav.com}

In a world that often feels rushed and overwhelming, many people look for ways to regain a sense of calm without stepping away from their daily responsibilities. Across different communities, there has been renewed interest in natural approaches that support both focus and relaxation. This quiet shift toward balance reflects a deeper desire to live with intention while staying grounded in values that have guided generations.

Among these options, some have turned to plant based solutions that draw from long standing traditions. Products like kava and kratom shots have gained attention for combining two well known botanicals into a simple, ready to use format. These blends are designed to support a steady state of mind, helping individuals remain engaged while easing the tension that can build during demanding days.

Kava and kratom each carry a rich cultural history. Kava has been used for centuries across the South Pacific as a communal drink, often shared during gatherings that emphasize connection and peace. Its calming properties have long been associated with moments of reflection and unity.

Kratom, on the other hand, originates from Southeast Asia, where it has traditionally been used in different ways depending on the time of day. Some have used it for energy during work, while others have found it helpful for unwinding later.

Bringing these two traditions together in a single product reflects a thoughtful approach that blends heritage with modern convenience. The result is something that speaks to both the past and the present, offering a way to experience these botanicals without complex preparation.

Many people today are seeking simple ways to maintain clarity while managing stress. The appeal of these botanical blends lies in their ability to offer both calm and focus in one serving. According to product information, these shots are formulated with additional ingredients such as ashwagandha, L theanine, and GABA, all of which are commonly associated with relaxation and mental support.

This combination creates a balanced effect that does not overwhelm. Instead, it supports a steady mindset that can be especially useful during long workdays, study sessions, or even social gatherings where presence and composure matter.

The convenience of a small liquid shot also makes it easier to incorporate into daily routines. There is no need for preparation or measuring, which can often discourage consistent use. With everything contained in a single bottle, the experience becomes straightforward and accessible.

For many readers who value structure and clarity in their daily lives, simplicity plays an important role. Complex solutions often fall short because they demand too much time or attention. In contrast, a well designed product that fits naturally into an existing routine is more likely to be used consistently.

This is where modern botanical blends stand out. They take something traditional and present it in a format that aligns with the pace of contemporary life. The goal is not to replace long standing practices, but to make their benefits more accessible.

In communities that emphasize discipline and mindful living, this kind of approach resonates. It reflects a respect for tradition while acknowledging the realities of modern schedules.

The growing interest in botanicals like kava has also led to increased research and discussion in the wellness space. For example, a detailed overview published by a trusted health resource explains that kava has been studied for its calming effects and its role in reducing short term anxiety in certain cases.

Readers can explore this further through this helpful resource on kava benefits and effects which outlines how the plant interacts with the body and why it has remained relevant for so many years.

Such discussions highlight the importance of understanding what we consume and making informed choices. They also reinforce the idea that traditional plants continue to have a place in modern conversations about well being.

Balance is not something that happens by accident. It requires intention, awareness, and often a willingness to explore new approaches while staying rooted in what has proven meaningful over time.

Botanical blends that combine kava and kratom offer one example of how this balance can be approached in a practical way. By drawing from established traditions and presenting them in a convenient form, they provide an option for those seeking calm without losing focus.

As more people look for ways to navigate the pressures of daily life, solutions that respect both heritage and practicality are likely to remain part of the conversation. In that sense, these small, carefully crafted products reflect something larger. They represent a quiet effort to live with steadiness, clarity, and purpose in a demanding world.

Moshe Gafni launched a fierce public attack Wednesday against Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara over the continued delay in approving tax benefits for charitable organizations, accusing her of acting beyond her authority and targeting chareidi institutions.

The Degel HaTorah chairman also called on the head of Israel’s Tax Authority to ignore the attorney general’s position and move forward with bringing the matter before the Knesset Finance Committee for approval.

The dispute centers around Section 46 of Israel’s tax ordinance, which grants tax deductions to donors who contribute to approved nonprofit organizations. The benefit has long served as a major incentive for donations to various charitable and religious institutions, including many chareidi organizations.

Baharav-Miara previously ruled that the state should stop providing direct or indirect support to certain chareidi nonprofit groups through the approval of these tax-exempt donation benefits.

Reacting angrily to the move, Gafni accused the attorney general of abusing her position.

“This woman, Baharav-Miara, does whatever she wants as though the country belongs to her. She is harming hundreds of third-sector organizations waiting for approval under Section 46,” Gafni declared.

According to Gafni, efforts had quietly been underway for weeks in an attempt to resolve the matter and secure approval for the organizations through the Finance Committee.

“For many weeks we worked quietly in order to find a solution to the issue and approve the organizations in the Finance Committee, but unfortunately without success,” he said. “Everything is only because she decided they must not be approved, in a decision that is blatantly unlawful.”

Gafni then issued a direct appeal to the head of the Tax Authority, urging officials to bypass the attorney general’s objections.

“I call on the head of the Tax Authority not to listen to her and to bring the matter for discussion and approval by the Finance Committee in accordance with the law,” he said.

He concluded with an especially harsh accusation against Baharav-Miara, stating: “Hatred has clouded her judgment.”

As thousands of Israelis prepare to spend Shavuos outside of Eretz Yisroel, a major halachic question surrounding Yom Tov Sheini Shel Goluyos has now received a clear ruling from the former Rishon Letzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef.

The question was submitted by the rov of Uman, Rav Yaakov Jan, who sought guidance regarding the many Israeli visitors expected to spend Yom Tov in the city.

This year, Shavuos falls on Friday. In Eretz Yisroel, where only one day of Yom Tov is observed, the following day — Shabbos — will already feature the reading of Parshas Naso. Outside of Eretz Yisroel, however, Shabbos itself is observed as the second day of Yom Tov, and the regular weekly Torah reading is delayed. As a result, a gap develops between the parshiyos read in Eretz Yisroel and those read in chutz la’aretz, a discrepancy that will continue for several weeks until the readings are synchronized again around Parshas Balak.

In his letter, Rav Jan asked whether Israelis staying in Uman would be permitted to organize a separate minyan on Shabbos in order to hear the reading of Parshas Naso according to the Eretz Yisroel schedule.

Rav Jan noted that it is already well established that Israelis visiting abroad may not publicly perform melachah on the second day of Yom Tov. However, he suggested that given the unusually large number of Israeli guests expected this year, perhaps there would be room to allow a separate Torah-reading minyan without objecting to it.

Rav Yitzchak Yosef responded immediately with a detailed written teshuvah, ruling decisively that Israelis staying outside Eretz Yisroel must conduct themselves publicly exactly like local residents observing two days of Yom Tov.

According to the ruling, this requirement applies not only to melachah but also to the public structure of tefillah and Torah reading in shul. Therefore, separate public minyanim for the Eretz Yisroel Torah reading may not be held.

At the same time, the Rishon Letzion clarified that privately, within their homes, Israelis may daven and read according to the custom and schedule of Eretz Yisroel.

The issue of Yom Tov Sheini Shel Goluyos has long created fascinating customs and practices among various chassidic communities during the Yomim Tovim.

Visitors from abroad who travel to Eretz Yisroel for the regalim — particularly to spend Yom Tov in Yerushalayim or near their rebbes — continue observing two days of Yom Tov even while in Eretz Yisroel. Because these visitors are maintaining the stringencies of Yom Tov rather than relaxing them, their public minyanim do not create a concern of public desecration of Yom Tov.

In some chassidic courts in Eretz Yisroel, local chassidim have even adopted the custom of wearing their Shabbos clothing on the second day of Yom Tov as a visible sign of solidarity with their fellow chassidim visiting from overseas.

By contrast, Israeli chassidim who travel to the United States or Europe to spend Yom Tov with their rebbes are careful not to perform melachah publicly on the second day of Yom Tov, even when that day is an ordinary weekday back in Eretz Yisroel.

In typical years, when the second day falls during the week, some Israeli visitors quietly put on tefillin in complete privacy inside their lodgings so as not to appear to local residents as though they are violating Yom Tov. This year, however, that issue does not arise because the second day of Yom Tov coincides with Shabbos.

{Matzav.com}

Deep concern has spread throughout the Torah world and the halls of Yeshivas Ponovezh following reports that the famed masmid, Rav Chaim Berman, has become seriously weakened.

Rav Chaim, widely regarded in the yeshiva world as one of the greatest masmidim of the generation, has long been known for his extraordinary consistency in Torah learning and for never missing a single day in the famed Ponovezh bais medrash.

Several weeks ago, Rav Chaim was hospitalized for several days after his medical condition worsened. Although he has since returned home, he has yet to regain his strength, and his absence from the main bais medrash in Bnei Brak has been deeply felt by generations of talmidim.

For Ponovezh bochurim, the absence is especially painful. Rav Chaim is known as someone who virtually never left the walls of the yeshiva and who, despite his towering stature in Torah, would regularly enter the shiurim klaliyim and sit among the younger bochurim with humility and simplicity.

In light of Rav Chaim’s condition and prolonged absence from the yeshiva, Ponovezh rosh yeshiva Rav Berel Povarsky issued an unusual and emotional public letter addressed to current and former talmidim of the yeshiva, calling on them to intensify their tefillos for Rav Chaim’s recovery.

The rosh yeshiva went so far as to refer to Rav Chaim Berman with the rare title “hamaor hagadol – the great luminary” and wrote that “all of us are obligated to share in his suffering.”

The letter states: “To the holy sons of our yeshiva, throughout all generations: I hereby come with a request to increase prayer and supplication for the complete recovery of the great luminary, the gaon Rav Chaim ben Reisha Rizel Berman, shlita, whose image has served as a living example for generations of yeshiva students, like Yehoshua, the devoted student who never departed from the tent. His influence through his Torah, fear of Heaven, and tefillos upon the holy yeshiva is deeply evident.

“And now, to our great pain, his place is missing, as due to his suffering and weakness he is unable to come to the heichal Hashem as he did continuously throughout all the years until very recently. All of us are obligated to share in his suffering and to increase Torah, good deeds, and tefillos for his complete recovery. May Hashem hear our cries, and may the students of the yeshiva merit to continue benefiting from his light for many more years in health and tranquility.”

{Matzav.com}

Michal Waldiger sharply criticized Israeli government agencies and welfare authorities on Wednesday following the murder of yungerman Rav Yishai Por z”l in Bnei Brak, arguing that the tragedy reflects a deep systemic failure in the handling of severe mental-health crises.

Reacting to the shocking stabbing attack inside Kollel Chazon Ish, Waldiger described the incident as far more than an isolated criminal act and said the state bears responsibility for failing to properly address the suspect’s condition.

“The horrifying case in Bnei Brak gives me no rest. The death of Yishai Por z”l is first and foremost a failure of the state,” the Religious Zionism lawmaker wrote in a public post.

She questioned whether the suspect — described in reports as a homeless individual with a known psychiatric background — had received proper treatment or oversight from government agencies.

“‘The background is criminal,’ the headlines will scream. But what do we know about the background of the stabber?” Waldiger wrote.

She continued with a series of pointed questions aimed at the country’s welfare and mental-health systems: “Did he receive a proper support framework from the ministries? Was he under any supervision? Who sees him during the days of madness? Who takes him to the police station — a police officer in uniform or a social worker? And who will be able to say, ‘Our hands did not spill this blood’?”

As previously reported, Rav Yishai Por z”l, 50, was stabbed to death Tuesday afternoon while learning alongside his son inside the Chazon Ish kollel on Rechov HaAri in Bnei Brak.

According to reports, the suspect fled immediately after the attack. Authorities later arrested him near Beit Shemesh.

Investigators say the victim and suspect were involved in a heated verbal confrontation several days earlier inside the kollel, during which the suspect allegedly threatened Rav Por, saying, “I’ll deal with you yet.”

Waldiger concluded her remarks with a broader warning about the state of mental-health care in Israel.

“If mental health remains in the backyard of the State of Israel, we will not be denying the problem — on the contrary, the neglected garden will grow thorns into the main street for all of us,” she wrote.

Her comments reignited the longstanding public debate over how Israeli law enforcement and welfare authorities handle individuals suffering from severe psychiatric crises, particularly those who may pose a danger to others.

The discussion has increasingly centered on whether existing government systems provide sufficient supervision, treatment, and intervention for mentally ill individuals before situations escalate into violence.

Several months ago, the Knesset marked World Mental Health Day for the first time during an event led by Waldiger herself. At that gathering, Israeli Health Minister Uriel Buso stated that “during the war year, the State of Israel is treating hundreds of thousands” of citizens suffering from anxiety and emotional trauma.

Waldiger’s latest remarks drew widespread attention and shifted much of the public conversation from the specific crime itself to the larger unresolved questions surrounding Israel’s mental-health and social-service systems, as calls grow louder for broader reform and earlier intervention by trained welfare professionals.

{Matzav.com}

Fresh polling data released Wednesday indicates that Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu’s political bloc is strengthening, while opposition parties continue to fall short of forming a governing majority without relying on Arab parties.

A survey conducted by the Kantar Institute for Kan News found that if elections were held today, the Likud party would emerge as the largest faction with 27 seats. Naftali Bennett’s “Together” party would follow with 23 seats.

According to the poll, the “Yashar!” party would secure 16 seats, while The Democrats would receive 10. Otzma Yehudit and Shas would each win 9 seats, followed by Yisrael Beiteinu and United Torah Judaism with 8 apiece. Hadash-Ta’al and Ra’am would each receive 5 seats.

Under that scenario, Netanyahu’s coalition bloc would rise to 53 seats. Parties aligned against Netanyahu would control 57 seats, leaving the Arab factions holding the balance with 10 seats.

The survey also showed movement among smaller parties fighting to cross the electoral threshold. Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party climbed to 3.1%, moving closer to reentering the Knesset, while Balad rose to 2.5%. Meanwhile, Blue and White dropped sharply to just 1.1%.

Respondents were also asked who they believe is best suited to serve as prime minister in head-to-head matchups.

In a direct comparison between Netanyahu and Bennett, Netanyahu led with 42% support, while Bennett received 32%. Another 26% said neither candidate was suitable for the role.

Netanyahu also held an advantage over Gadi Eisenkot, though by a narrower margin. In that matchup, 42% favored Netanyahu, compared to 35% for Eisenkot, while 23% said neither was fit to serve as prime minister.

A separate survey conducted by the Midgam Institute for Channel 12 News showed similar trends and found that the Religious Zionist Party would cross the electoral threshold for the first time in a considerable period, winning four seats.

According to that poll, Likud would receive 25 seats, while Bennett’s “Together” party would win 23.

The “Yashar!” party would capture 16 seats, The Democrats 10, Shas 9, United Torah Judaism 8, Yisrael Beiteinu 8, Otzma Yehudit 7, Hadash-Ta’al 5, Ra’am 5, and the Religious Zionist Party 4.

The Reservists Party, Blue and White, and Balad would all fail to reach the electoral threshold, receiving 2.4%, 1.4%, and 1.4% respectively.

Like the Kan News poll, the Channel 12 survey also projected Netanyahu’s coalition bloc at 53 seats, while anti-Netanyahu parties without Arab support would hold 57 seats.

A special atmosphere of anticipation and elevation filled the halls of Yeshivas Mir Brachfeld in Modiin Illit as hundreds of bnei yeshivah gathered for a unique evening of Torah and chizuk ahead of Matan Torah.

The highlight of the event was the arrival of Slabodka Rosh Yeshivah Rav Dov Landau, who traveled from Bnei Brak to deliver a shiur in Maseches Pesachim to the assembled תלמידים. The shiur, delivered in Rav Landau’s trademark clarity and depth, was listened to with intense concentration by the packed bais medrash.

Following the shiur, Rav Landau addressed the tzibbur with heartfelt words of preparation for Kabbalas HaTorah. Speaking before hundreds of bnei yeshivah together with the roshei yeshivah and senior members of the administration, Rav Landau emphasized the importance of strengthening dedication to Torah learning and approaching Shavuos with seriousness and inner preparation.

The gathering left a profound impression on those in attendance and added a palpable sense of inspiration to the days leading into Yom Tov.

Photos by Shuki Lerer:

{Matzav.com}

Amid growing turmoil in the olam haTorah over government cuts and mounting pressure targeting yeshivos and kollelim, Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch delivered a powerful address at Yeshivas Chevron, urging bnei yeshivah to prepare for what he described as a difficult and historic period for Torah Jewry.

In remarks that deeply stirred those in attendance, Rav Hirsch spoke about the increasing efforts to undermine Torah learning and stressed that the only path forward is unwavering dedication and self-sacrifice for the sake of Torah.

The rosh yeshivah warned that external pressures and temptations would intensify and called on the public not to be intimidated or swayed.

“Today, those who are against us, who do not want to allow us to learn, continue adding more and more restrictions every single day… It is becoming harder and harder. More and more, there is a need for self-sacrifice.”

He emphasized that strengthening commitment to Torah despite the challenges is itself the key to success and salvation.

“On the contrary, through our strengthening ourselves and being prepared to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of the Ribbono Shel Olam, that itself will be the koach, that itself will succeed. And through that there will be honor for the Ribbono Shel Olam, and that is what will bring the yeshuah.”

Rav Hirsch repeatedly warned that the challenges ahead would be severe.

“But people must know that there will be great tests here. Great tests. And the way to overcome the test and stand strong through these challenges is only by our being willing to sacrifice ourselves for the Ribbono Shel Olam. Through our truly being prepared, for the honor of the Ribbono Shel Olam, to give of ourselves.”

The rosh yeshivah said that only through such commitment can Klal Yisroel merit extraordinary siyata diShmaya.

“Only through this can we receive the great siyata diShmaya that comes from the Ribbono Shel Olam… Like by Moshe Rabbeinu — not only did the Ribbono Shel Olam give the Torah, but he merited rays of glory, special siyata diShmaya, and a unique closeness through accepting it upon himself.”

Rav Hirsch connected his message to the approaching Yom Tov of Shavuos and the concept of renewed acceptance of Torah.

“Regarding Kabbalas HaTorah in general, and Shavuos in particular — kavod Shamayim and learning Torah. Especially now, when we must accept upon ourselves to be ready to sacrifice ourselves for the Ribbono Shel Olam, to sacrifice ourselves so that we remain in Torah learning.”

He then issued a direct warning not to yield to outside influences or fear the pressures being brought against the Torah world.

“Chas veshalom, obviously we must not be tempted! But we also must not be afraid! We must do what needs to be done.”

Rav Hirsch concluded by expressing confidence that steadfast commitment to Torah would ultimately bring divine assistance and allow the Torah world to emerge from the current crisis stronger and more secure.

“And only through this — when the Ribbono Shel Olam sees that we are prepared to give ourselves for Him, that this becomes this great kavod haTorah — that is what will bring the great siyata diShmaya, so that we can emerge from all the hardships that exist now, and be able to return to learning with tranquility and peace.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump said Wednesday that negotiations with Iran may be approaching a breakthrough, though he warned that military measures remain on the table if Tehran refuses to compromise on key issues tied to its nuclear program and regional shipping routes.

“We’re in final stages of Iran,” he told reporters at Joint Base Andrews. “We’ll see what happens. Either [we] have a deal or we’re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty, but hopefully that won’t happen.”

Following Trump’s remarks, oil markets reacted sharply, with global crude prices dropping more than 5%. In the United States, oil traded below the $100-per-barrel mark, settling at $98.94 — the steepest one-day decline in two weeks.

Sources in Pakistan told The Post that officials there are assisting Washington and Tehran in preparing a letter of intent meant to pave the way for another round of diplomatic discussions. The proposed framework would outline the major topics for negotiation. Trump has previously said talks could be held in Islamabad if Iran agrees to discuss ending its nuclear pursuits and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Efforts to restart negotiations have been bogged down by disagreements surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities and the future of maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has maintained that no second round of negotiations will take place unless Iran backs away from its insistence on preserving uranium enrichment rights.

Later Wednesday, the president emphasized that developments could unfold rapidly.

“It could go very quickly, or a few days, it could be a few days, but it could go very quickly,” he said after he gave the commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy.

He described the situation as “very right on the borderline. Believe me, if we don’t get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We’re all ready to go. We have to get the right answers. It would have to be a complete 100% good answers.”

At the same time, Trump signaled he is still prepared to allow diplomacy more time before authorizing another military operation.

“If I can save people from getting killed by waiting a couple of days, I think it is a great thing to do,” Trump noted.

Reports from regional news outlets claimed Wednesday that a diplomatic understanding could emerge within “hours,” and suggested Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir may travel to Iran as early as Thursday to personally urge Iranian officials to finalize an agreement if talks remain stalled.

However, a Pakistani government source cast doubt on those reports, describing them to The Post as “speculative.”

Officials familiar with the discussions indicated that any current “deal” would not represent a finalized peace settlement, but rather a mutual commitment by Iran and the United States to seriously pursue negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

Trump has repeatedly stated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a non-negotiable condition and that he wants such guarantees formally documented as part of any agreement.

Iranian leaders, however, have thus far rejected even preliminary discussions on abandoning their nuclear activities, insisting their program is intended solely for peaceful energy purposes.

Another major obstacle remains the Strait of Hormuz. Iran views the waterway as falling under its territorial authority and has pushed for imposing tolls on commercial shipping passing through the route. As a result, cargo ships and oil tankers continue waiting offshore while the passage remains shut down.

In response, the US military has implemented a blockade targeting Iranian ports, a strategy Pentagon officials reportedly view as one of Washington’s strongest pressure points against Tehran.

The ongoing confrontation over the strait could also carry major global economic consequences. On Wednesday, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization warned that prolonged disruption could spark a worldwide food-price emergency within the next six to 12 months if swift action is not taken.

“The window for preventive action is closing quickly,” the agency said.

Food costs have already begun climbing, and officials warned that poorer nations throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America may suffer the most severe effects because many rely heavily on nitrogen fertilizer imports from the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz toured Israel’s eastern border on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security infrastructure and prepare for potential threats along the frontier.

Joining the visit were the IDF Deputy Chief of Staff, the commander of Division 96, and other senior military officials.

During the tour, Netanyahu and Katz visited one of the region’s central “Waterline Outposts,” part of an upgraded network of fortified positions that recently underwent major renovations and operational enhancements.

The upgraded defensive system is part of a broader strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing Israel’s frontline defenses and preventing weapons smuggling operations as well as possible infiltration attempts by Iranian-backed militias or terrorist organizations.

Military officials briefed the prime minister and defense minister on intelligence assessments and operational measures being implemented in the sector. The updates included details about the construction of a new physical and technological border barrier, along with the deployment of advanced monitoring systems, radar technology, and upgraded combat equipment.

Netanyahu and Katz later met with both active-duty and reserve soldiers stationed in the area and held an open discussion with troops serving under what officials described as difficult and demanding conditions.

During the visit, Netanyahu praised the soldiers for their efforts in securing the border.

“I am very impressed by the work you are doing here. This is extremely important work in defending the eastern border. We take into account that our enemies want to invade the State of Israel, and therefore we rely on you. I was very impressed by the new tools and capabilities, but above all I am impressed by you. I want to strengthen you and tell you that the entire people of Israel trust you. I salute you. Well done.”

{Matzav.com}

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US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued an unusually harsh rebuke Wednesday evening against National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir following his filmed confrontation with activists from the pro-Hamas flotilla headed toward Gaza.

Huckabee sharply criticized Ben Gvir’s conduct and said senior Israeli leaders across the political spectrum had denounced the minister’s actions.

“Universal outrage & condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official, from Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Ambassador Yechiel Leiter for despicable actions by Ben Gvir. Flotilla was a stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed the dignity of his nation,” Huckabee said.

Ben Gvir also faced public criticism earlier in the day from Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, who accused the minister of damaging Israel’s diplomatic standing.

“As Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar have made clear, Itamar Ben Gvir’s reckless grandstanding is not representative of government policy. I am Israel’s top diplomat in the US, at the heart of our most important alliance. Ben Gvir’s antics take a sledgehammer to our diplomatic efforts while Israel’s enemies gleefully jump on every unfortunate nonsense to discredit and demonize. The provocateurs of the Flotilla charade were properly detained in accordance with international law and will be deported to their home countries. End of story,” Leiter wrote on X.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu also distanced himself from Ben Gvir’s handling of the situation, while reiterating Israel’s right to block flotillas attempting to reach Gaza.

“Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza. However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms. I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible,” Netanyahu said.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar joined the criticism as well, accusing Ben Gvir of inflicting serious diplomatic damage on the country.

“You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display – and not for the first time,” Sa’ar wrote in response to the incident. “You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people – from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others. No, you are not the face of Israel.”

The controversy has already sparked international fallout. At least five countries have announced plans to summon Israeli ambassadors for formal reprimand meetings following Ben Gvir’s tour among the flotilla activists and the footage later released from the encounter.

Despite the widespread criticism, Ben Gvir remained defiant and signaled no regret over his actions.

“There are those in the government who still do not understand how supporters of terrorism should be treated. Israel’s foreign minister is expected to understand that Israel has stopped being a punching bag. Anyone who comes into our territory to support terrorism and identify with Hamas will get hit – and we will not turn the other cheek,” Ben Gvir said.

{Matzav.com}

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee renewed discussions Wednesday on the controversial Draft Law and legislation extending mandatory military service, following instructions from Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu amid growing political tensions surrounding the issue.

The renewed talks came shortly after MKs from the Degel Hatorah faction announced that they plan to support dissolving the Knesset during the preliminary vote scheduled for later Wednesday.

During the committee session, Brig. Gen. Shay Tayeb, who heads the IDF’s Planning and Manpower Administration Division, presented stark figures regarding the army’s manpower crisis.

“We have not yet received a new draft of the law. There is a need for 12,000 soldiers, and at the beginning of the year this will rise to 17,000 when soldiers are discharged after 30 months.”

According to Tayeb, the military is already facing an urgent shortage of between 6,000 and 7,000 combat troops.

He added that enlistment numbers have increased in part due to enforcement measures and penalties already being implemented, but cautioned that the broader situation remains alarming.

“there are already 30,000 draft dodgers now, and another 50,000 on the way to becoming draft dodgers.”

Tayeb also noted that the burden on reservists has grown far beyond earlier projections. While the army had originally hoped to limit reserve duty to approximately 55 days annually, he said the reality is far harsher.

“today we are at 80-100 days of reserve duty.”

Committee chairman MK Boaz Bismuth addressed the prolonged legislative deadlock as well as the public uproar over the punishment handed to a soldier who wore a “Moshiach” patch.

“Today we are resuming the discussion on the Draft Law after many long weeks, and at the instruction of the Prime Minister, out of a genuine and sincere intention to complete the legislation of the law that is so necessary at this time for the IDF, for the cohesion of the people, and out of the need to ensure that brothers do not turn to each other as enemies – certainly not during wartime,” Bismuth said.

Later in the discussion, Bismuth argued that efforts to increase chareidi enlistment cannot simultaneously reject outward expressions of religious identity and faith.

“You cannot want more chareidim in the IDF and at the same time be alarmed by every expression of faith or Jewish spirit that they bring with them.”

“If we want more chareidim in the IDF, we must understand that they will not arrive as secular people wearing a kippah; they will arrive with their value system, with faith, with symbols, and with a spirit that will integrate into a single Israeli partnership.”

Bereaved father Yehoshua Shani also addressed the committee and appealed directly to MKs Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz, both of whom oppose the current legislation.

“Show responsibility and support the Draft Law. This is the only law that will expand the enlistment of chareidim and prevent the rift from deepening.”

{Matzav.com}

The Knesset plenum convened Wednesday afternoon for a high-stakes debate and preliminary vote on a coalition-backed proposal to dissolve the 25th Knesset, as political tensions surrounding the Draft Law continue to shake the government.

The proposal passed overwhelmingly, with all 110 MKs present voting in favor and no lawmakers opposing or abstaining.

The initiative is being pushed by the chareidi parties after the coalition failed to move forward with legislation addressing military draft exemptions through the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Under political agreements reached between coalition factions, a separate bill submitted by the Blue and White party calling for the dissolution of the Knesset is also expected to pass its preliminary reading in the plenum.

Despite Wednesday’s dramatic vote, the Knesset will not immediately dissolve. Under parliamentary procedure, the legislation must first move to the Knesset Committee for additional deliberations and final drafting.

Once committee discussions are completed, the bills will return to the plenum for a first-reading vote. If approved at that stage, they will once again be sent back to committee for further preparation before being brought for final approval in second and third readings.

Only after a bill passes its third reading will the Knesset officially dissolve and a date for new national elections be set.

According to the explanatory notes attached to the coalition’s proposal, “It is proposed to determine, in accordance with Sections 34 and 35 of Basic Law: The Knesset, that the 25th Knesset will disperse before the end of its term, and that the elections for the 26th Knesset will be held on a date to be determined by law, as proposed by the Knesset Committee as part of the legislative process.”

{Matzav.com}

The IDF stated Wednesday that a soldier who petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice over his prison sentence was not punished for wearing a “Moshiach patch,” but rather for what the military described as a disciplinary infraction.

In a statement released by the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, the military said the case involved conduct that harmed military discipline and was unrelated to uniform appearance regulations.

“The soldier was tried for an offense of harming discipline, and not for a violation related to appearance and dress code. According to the military disciplinary regulations, a senior judicial officer holding the rank of colonel is authorized to impose up to 30 days of military imprisonment for such an offense. The IDF responded directly to the appeal submitted yesterday afternoon by the soldier’s legal representative,” the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement.

The clarification came after the soldier submitted an emergency petition to the High Court against IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the Military Advocate General. The filing was made one day after the soldier’s sentence was reduced by ten days by his regional commander, leaving a remaining sentence of 20 days in military prison.

Through his attorney, Ran Cohen-Rochberger, the soldier argued in the petition that his imprisonment is unlawful and exceeds the authority granted under existing military regulations.

According to the defense, the commander of the Nachal Brigade did not possess the legal authority to impose such a severe sentence on a combat soldier for what they characterized as a first-time disciplinary matter connected only to “appearance and dress.”

Meanwhile, parents of soldiers serving in the Nachal Brigade announced plans to intensify protests in response to what they described as indifference and insensitivity on the part of senior military leadership.

The parents said demonstrations in the coming days would expand and be directed toward the homes and offices of senior IDF officials and decision-makers.

“We will not be silent and we will not rest. The system is abandoning its soldiers and harming the spearhead of the IDF because of ego and pettiness. We demand immediate intervention – release the soldier from prison immediately!” the parents’ protest headquarters said in a statement.

{Matzav.com}

A reportedly difficult phone conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu exposed sharp disagreements over a developing proposal aimed at ending the fighting with Iran and opening a new round of negotiations, according to a report Wednesday night by Barak Ravid on Channel 12 News.

At the center of the discussion was a new draft framework being advanced by several Arab and Muslim countries in an effort to broker a compromise formula between the United States and Iran that could prevent the war from reigniting. Three sources familiar with the conversation provided details of the exchange.

According to the report, Trump told Netanyahu that mediators are working on what he described as a “letter of intent” that both the United States and Iran would sign.

An American source familiar with the details of the call told Channel 12 that the proposed document could pave the way for ending the war and launching an additional 30 days of negotiations over issues including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

Netanyahu, however, reportedly expressed deep skepticism about the initiative and argued that the United States should continue applying military pressure on Iran in order to further weaken the regime.

Two Israeli sources familiar with the contents of the call said the conversation was tense and that Trump and Netanyahu sharply disagreed over how to proceed regarding Iran.

The American source added that Israel’s ambassador in Washington later updated several members of Congress and indicated that Netanyahu emerged from the conversation deeply concerned about the developing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Another senior American source who is also uneasy about the talks remarked, “Bibi’s hair went up in flames after that conversation with Trump.”

When Trump was asked Wednesday about his conversation with Netanyahu, he responded, “Netanyahu will do whatever I tell him to do regarding Iran.”

The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the report. A spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy denied that Ambassador Yechiel Leiter told American lawmakers that Netanyahu had come away worried from the call. The White House also declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Qatar, along with mediators including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, is continuing efforts to formulate an agreement between the United States and Iran.

According to two Arab officials and one Israeli source, Qatar recently presented both Washington and Tehran with a revised draft proposal intended to end the conflict.

A fourth source claimed the document was not an entirely separate Qatari initiative, but rather a Pakistani draft that the Qataris modified.

One Arab official said Qatar dispatched a delegation to Tehran in recent days to discuss the proposal, while Pakistan also reportedly sent representatives to the Iranian capital.

The goal of the initiative is said to be securing concessions from Iran on its nuclear program while creating a framework for the gradual release of frozen Iranian assets held overseas.

All three sources cautioned that it remains far from certain that Iran will agree to the proposal, raising questions about whether Netanyahu’s concerns are ultimately justified.

A senior Qatari official responded to the report by saying, “Qatar supports the mediation efforts being led by Pakistan. We continue to consistently support efforts to reduce escalation for the sake of the region and its people.”

A Democratic congressional candidate in Texas is facing fierce backlash after her campaign promoted inflammatory rhetoric calling for an immigration detention center to be converted into a “prison for American Zionists” that would include a castration facility.

Maureen Galindo, a therapist who finished first in the Democratic primary for a South Texas House seat, drew outrage after her campaign posted the remarks on Instagram while accusing her runoff opponent of participating in alleged Zionist trafficking schemes.

Galindo’s campaign claimed that if she is elected to Congress, she would pursue legislation targeting Zionism.

“When Maureen gets into Congress, she’ll write legislation so that all Zionism and support of Zionism is undoubtedly Anti-Semitic, since it’s Zionism harming the Semites,” her campaign wrote on Instagram last week.

The post then escalated further, declaring:

“She’ll turn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking. (lt will also be a castration processing center for pedophiles which will probably be most of the Zionists).”

The Karnes Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility has frequently been the focus of demonstrations by progressive activists opposed to ICE policies.

The remarks came as Galindo’s campaign attempted to rebut claims by her Democratic opponent, Johnny Garcia, that she supports putting Jews into warehouse-style detention facilities.

Critics quickly pointed out that her own language about imprisoning Zionists in detention centers closely resembled the accusations she was trying to deny.

“The standard that Democrats rightly apply to right-wing antisemites must apply equally to left-wing Jew-haters,” the watchdog group StopAntisemitism said in a statement. “Democratic leaders must clearly, publicly denounce these bigots infecting their party without hedging.

“They must decline to appear on platforms with Hasan Piker. They must stop winking at extremist voices and truly stand for the principles they claim to stand for.”

Galindo led the Democratic primary in March with 29.2% of the vote, while Garcia received 27%, sending both candidates into a runoff election scheduled for next Tuesday after neither secured a majority.

The two candidates are competing for Texas’ 35th Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonio toward the Austin suburbs. The district is currently represented by Rep. Greg Casar, though Republicans recently redrew the district’s boundaries in hopes of making the seat more competitive.

“Instead of focusing on table-kitchen issues my opponent is pushing conspiracy theories and hateful rhetoric. That’s why Republicans are spending to boost her campaign,” Garcia wrote Tuesday on X.

Garcia has argued that Republican-linked groups are attempting to elevate Galindo’s candidacy through outside spending. Much of that attention has focused on Lead Left PAC, an obscure political organization that has reportedly spent $428,713 supporting Galindo, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings.

Democrats contend the actual amount may be significantly higher. Records indicate the PAC has spent more than $1 million across three Democratic House primaries.

FEC filings also show that before the March primary, Galindo herself had raised less than $10,000.

“At a time when antisemitism is at historic levels, Republicans’ dirty campaign tricks aren’t just cynical, they’re extremely dangerous,” Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Madison Andrus told The Post.

“Republicans are spending nearly $1 million to uplift a violent antisemite — no matter what your politics are, using virulent antisemitism for your own partisan gain is nothing short of disgusting.”

National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Christian Martinez mocked the increasingly bitter Democratic primary fight.

“Democrats Johnny Garcia and Maureen Galindo are tearing each other apart in a full-blown primary civil war, turning their own races into a circular firing squad.”

Martinez also took aim at Democratic leadership, saying House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ preferred candidates were struggling badly this election cycle.

“Hakeem Jeffries’ pathetic handpicked candidates were already staggering through the cycle with embarrassing fundraising numbers, zero grassroots energy, and no real support from Texans,” he told The Post.

Campaign mailers backing Galindo have highlighted her support for impeaching President Trump and dismantling ICE.

Galindo has also called for Garcia, a former Bexar County public information officer, to be tried for treason.

Throughout the campaign, Galindo has repeatedly attacked Zionists and has also targeted “Jews who own Hollywood,” echoing a widely condemned antisemitic trope.

{Matzav.com}

In two undercover operations carried out within less than 12 hours on Wednesday, soldiers from the Duvdevan Unit arrested two wanted terrorists in Qabatiya and Shechem (Nablus).

During one operation, the unit’s troops arrested a suspect in the village of Qabatiya, in the Menashe Brigade’s area of responsibility. The suspect had allegedly been working to advance terrorist operations and was planning to carry out a terror attack in the immediate timeframe.

In a separate operation, forces arrested another suspect in Shechem, in the Samaria Brigade’s area of responsibility, for allegedly advancing terrorist activity.

The detainees were transferred to the Shin Bet for interrogation.

{Matzav.com}