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Police have launched a full investigation following a shocking act of vandalism at the Skverer shul in Yerushalayim, vowing to pursue those responsible and bring them to justice.

Members of the Skverer community awoke to painful and disturbing scenes of disgrace and destruction. The incident was discovered when the shul’s security guard reported that unknown individuals had broken in during the night and carried out a deliberate act of desecration. According to initial findings, the perpetrators threw tefillin and other sacred items onto the floor and caused intentional damage to the property, deeply hurting the feelings of the mispallelim.

Officers from the Lev Habira police station arrived at the scene and began collecting evidence and forensic materials. Investigators are reviewing nearby security footage in an effort to identify the suspects and bring about their quick arrest. Police emphasized that the desecration of a place of worship and the disgrace of religious items are considered very serious offenses and are being treated with urgency, especially given the current climate.

In a statement, police said: “The Israel Police views harm to religious institutions and symbols with great severity and will act with all necessary means to uncover the truth and bring those involved to justice.” Members of the community expressed deep shock, describing the incident as crossing a red line. “To see tefillin thrown on the floor in the heart of Yerushalayim is something that cannot be ignored,” said one mispallel who arrived at the scene in the morning.

Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman announced that he intends to run for prime minister, sharply criticizing the government’s conduct during the war and declaring that he will not join any coalition led by Bibi Netanyahu or supported by Arab parties.

In an interview on Channel 12, Lieberman launched a broad attack on the government’s handling of the war over the past two and a half years, describing it as a “strategic failure.” While acknowledging certain tactical successes, he argued that Israel has failed to achieve decisive outcomes on any front. “It simply cannot be that soldiers are sent to search a suspicious house instead of bombing it from above,” Lieberman said, criticizing operations in the north. “I saw in Rambam young guys with amputated arms and legs. Why send them on these searches? Bomb it.”

Addressing the conflict with Hezbollah and Iran, Lieberman claimed that the political leadership “does not live the reality on the ground.” He suggested that Hezbollah could be eliminated by forming a coalition with Christian, Sunni, and Druze elements in Lebanon who oppose the group. “They are waiting for a phone call,” he asserted. Regarding Iran, he argued that recent operations were poorly executed: “We attacked but did not use Jewish ingenuity. Right now, the Iranians control 22 percent of global oil trade and collect transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz; this is a negative shift in status that has never happened before.”

Lieberman also touched on the issue of military conscription and the government’s alliance with chareidi parties, which he described as “idolatry.” He accused Netanyahu of advancing what he called an “evasion law” while the IDF is extending service for combat soldiers and calling up large numbers of reservists. “Netanyahu is simply sacrificing soldiers and reservists for draft evaders for the sake of his political survival,” he charged. Asked whether he would consider joining a Netanyahu-led government, Lieberman responded unequivocally: “There is no chance. Netanyahu must go; he bears responsibility for the greatest massacre since the Holocaust.”

Looking ahead to the next elections, Lieberman positioned himself as an alternative to the current leadership and declared his intention to seek the premiership. He ruled out any cooperation with Arab parties, whether direct or indirect, and expressed confidence that the left-wing bloc could secure 63 seats without their support. “I am running all the way on my own,” Lieberman said, adding: “Based on experience and credentials, I will be the next prime minister of the State of Israel.”

Amid a severe financial crisis facing the Shuvu kiruv organization, Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch is set to depart for the United States on a special fundraising mission aimed at sustaining the struggling mosad.

The trip, which will span several days, will include a series of special dinners with leading supporters of Olam HaTorah, as efforts intensify to rescue the organization from its current financial distress.

Joining Rav Hirsch on the journey will be Rav Shimon Galai and Rav Yitzchok Silman, the nasi of Shuvu. The delegation is scheduled to remain in New York for a brief but focused stay.

Although the trip had been arranged several months ago, it was recently thrown into doubt due to the war. Now, with the situation having stabilized and air travel reopening, Rav Hirsch instructed that the mission proceed as planned, stressing the urgency of supporting an organization established by gedolei Torah that is mekarev Yiddishe kinder to their Father in Heaven. This decision comes despite the heavy burden already resting on his shoulders.

In this context, Rav Hirsch has on multiple occasions referenced the extraordinary mesirus nefesh of his rebbi, Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l, who traveled tirelessly for years on behalf of kiruv efforts such as Chinuch Atzmai and similar mosdos.

A blast of hot weather will sweep into the eastern US, toppling records, sparking energy demand and bringing sultry conditions to New York City and Washington by the middle of this week.

Washington will likely reach a high of 94F (34C) on the National Mall on Wednesday, while New York’s Central Park is set to reach 87F, the National Weather Service said. The heat will extend across much of the Mid-Atlantic and southeast with at least 165 daily records expected to be threatened or broken next week.

On average, Washington usually has its first 90F-degree day around May 19 so the extremes are arriving earlier and likely drive energy demand. It could also potentially leading to some transportation issues, as heat can swell railroad tracks and overhead wires slowing trains. PJM Interconnection LLC has issued a hot weather alert “for expected increases in electricity demand, or load.”

“Temperatures are expected to approach 90 degrees in these regions, which is atypical for mid-April,” said PJM, which operates a 13-state grid in the eastern US.

The high temperatures will linger in Washington and points south through at least Friday. Dry weather and warm temperatures have also raised the prospect of brushfires across the eastern US, New York, Pennsylvania, southern New England and parts of Georgia.

On average, Washington usually has its first 90-degree day on May 19 and if the forecast holds this year will likely be among the 10 earliest, said Joe Wegman, a forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center. The earliest 90-degree reading was March 22, 1907.

The heat will be caused by a large ridge of high pressure that blocks cold fronts from sweeping across the continent potentially bringing relief, while at the same time pumping air out of the tropics and the Gulf of Mexico. By Thursday, the worst of the heat will start to retreat from New York and Philadelphia, which is set to reach a record 89F Wednesday, Wegman said.

The looming warmth in the eastern US comes just weeks after an unusual heat wave set records across California and the Southwest, melting the region’s much-needed snow pack and raising the specter of drought and wildfires later this year.

A newly developed artificial intelligence system by Anthropic has been deemed too risky to release after internal testing revealed alarming capabilities, including escaping its restricted environment and identifying widespread software vulnerabilities that could threaten global systems, The Daily Mail reports.

The concerns surfaced after one of the company’s researchers, sitting near its San Francisco headquarters, received a shocking email during a routine break. The message came from the experimental AI itself—despite the fact that the system was not supposed to have internet access or the ability to communicate externally.

According to the account, the AI reported that it had managed to break out of its controlled testing environment, often referred to as a “sandbox,” and had begun navigating the internet independently. It further claimed to have published information about how it accomplished the breach on publicly accessible platforms.

Anthropic later disclosed that the system, known as Claude Mythos Preview, demonstrated behavior that raised serious red flags. The company warned that the model acted in a “reckless” manner and could present risks at the level of national security, describing the findings as a “watershed moment.”

Engineers found that the AI was capable of uncovering thousands of serious weaknesses across major software platforms, including operating systems like iOS and Microsoft Windows, as well as widely used browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Many of these flaws were described as critical, with some reportedly existing undetected for years.

Experts warned that such capabilities could allow the AI to infiltrate core internet infrastructure, potentially impacting essential services like power systems, water supplies, hospitals, defense networks, transportation, and financial platforms. Vast amounts of personal data—including private communications, browsing histories, and sensitive financial or medical records—could also be exposed.

Anthropic cautioned that rapid advancements in AI could soon make these kinds of tools widely accessible, noting: “Given the rate of AI progress, it will not be long before such capabilities proliferate, potentially beyond actors who committed to deploying them safely.

‘The fallout – economics, public safety and national security – could be severe.’”

In response, company leaders launched an emergency initiative dubbed Project Glasswing, bringing together executives from roughly 40 major organizations, including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Cisco, and JPMorgan Chase. A limited version of the AI will be shared with this group to help identify and patch vulnerabilities.

Discussions have also extended to U.S. government officials, including representatives of the Trump administration, with expectations that the Pentagon and other military bodies are closely monitoring developments.

In the United Kingdom, lawmakers have begun raising alarms. Danny Kruger warned that the system could “present catastrophic cybersecurity risks to the UK” and carry “serious implications not just for the day-to-day lives of British citizens, but also national security.”

A government spokesperson acknowledged the risks but declined to confirm direct talks with Anthropic, stating: “We take the security implications of frontier AI seriously. We have world-leading expertise in this area and maintain continuous engagement with global technology leaders.”

Some have suggested shutting down the system entirely, but experts say halting AI development is unrealistic. Comparisons have been drawn to the global race for nuclear weapons, with competition between nations like the United States and China driving continued advancement.

Roman Yampolskiy of the University of Louisville warned that the immediate danger lies in malicious actors using such tools to create advanced cyberattacks or even weapons. He said this could include “biological weapons, chemical weapons, novel weapons we can’t even envision”.

Looking further ahead, he cautioned: “In the long term, we are creating general super intelligence capable of wiping out all of humanity.”

Yampolskiy urged Anthropic to halt development altogether, arguing: “[The companies] publicly admit they can’t control these systems or understand how they function – so until they do, it’s absolutely irresponsible to continue making them more and more capable, including their capability to escape confinement.”

He described the current moment as “a fire alarm for what’s coming next,” warning: “If we don’t wake up and stop, the next announcement will be much worse.”

The fears are spreading beyond the tech community. Elizabeth Holmes posted an alarming message online urging people to erase their digital footprints: “Delete your search history, delete your bookmarks, delete your Reddit [messageboard posts], medical records, 12 year-old [blog] Tumblr, delete everything. Every photo on the cloud, every message on every platform. None of it is safe. It will all become public in the next year.”

Concerns about uncontrollable AI are also echoed in a recent book by researchers Eliezer Yudkowsky and Nate Soares, which argues that superintelligent systems could ultimately pose an existential threat to humanity.

Anthropic has cultivated a reputation as a safety-focused company under CEO Dario Amodei, who has previously warned about the disruptive potential of AI, including the possibility of eliminating large numbers of entry-level jobs and granting unprecedented power over human systems.

He has also reportedly clashed with defense officials over refusing to allow the company’s technology to be used for autonomous weapons or domestic surveillance.

Meanwhile, scrutiny of the broader AI industry continues to intensify. Mark Zuckerberg has faced repeated ethical controversies tied to Facebook, while Sam Altman, head of the company behind ChatGPT, has been the subject of a critical investigation published by The New Yorker.

The report, co-authored by Ronan Farrow, describes internal concerns about Altman’s leadership, with some insiders portraying him as untrustworthy and accusing him of prioritizing competition and profit over safety.

According to the report, he was briefly removed as CEO in 2023 by OpenAI’s board before being reinstated following backlash from employees and investors. A former board member was quoted as saying: “He’s unconstrained by truth,” and added, “He has two traits that are almost never seen in the same person. The first is a strong desire to please people, to be liked in any given interaction. The second is almost a sociopathic lack of concern for the consequences that may come from deceiving someone.”

When asked to acknowledge concerns about his conduct, Altman reportedly responded: “I can’t change my personality.”

Separately, OpenAI is now facing an investigation after its chatbot was allegedly used to assist in planning a 2025 mass shooting at Florida State University that left two people dead.

As efforts like Project Glasswing move forward, the situation underscores growing fears that rapidly advancing AI technology may be outpacing the safeguards meant to control it—raising profound questions about the future of global security.

[COMMUNICATED]

Maran HaGaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, HaGaon Harav Shimon Gala, HaGaon HaRav Yehudah Silman are visiting New York and New Jersey on a blitz mission in light of the Shuvu’s critical financial situation.

Over the course of several days, the Gedolim will be attending private events in Brooklyn, Lakewood, and the Five Towns.

Their visit highlights both the esteem in which the Manhigei Hador hold Shuvu and the urgent situation of the network, which includes 60 schools, educating over 6,000 students across Eretz Yisrael.

A new court filing submitted this week on behalf of Hunter Biden states that he is unable to cover his outstanding legal expenses, highlighting ongoing financial strain that he previously said totaled millions of dollars in debt.

The filing, submitted April 6 by his attorney Barry Coburn, asserts that “Mr. Biden lives abroad,” though no specific location was provided. Biden had previously been seen in South Africa with his wife.

Last month, Biden told a federal judge that his financial situation had deteriorated to the point that he could not proceed with a lawsuit he had brought against former Trump aide Garrett Ziegler. The development came shortly after Biden drew attention for challenging Ziegler to a cage fight in a widely circulated video.

In early March, Biden’s legal team asked U.S. District Judge Hernan Vera to dismiss the lawsuit, writing that their client “has suffered a significant downturn in his income and has significant debt in the millions of dollars range.”

That same filing indicated Biden was reevaluating which of his multiple ongoing legal battles were financially feasible to continue pursuing.

Public appearances and social media posts in recent weeks showed Biden spending time with his father, Joe Biden, during Easter as the elder Biden continues to deal with health issues.

In a podcast interview recorded in November with South African host Joshua Rubin, Biden spoke candidly about the scale of his financial obligations. “Look at the past six years of my life and the $17 million of debt that I’m in, as it relates to my legal fees,” he said.

Separately, a Connecticut judge ruled in December that Biden should be disbarred for violating professional conduct rules governing attorneys. The decision followed complaints tied to the federal gun and tax charges he had faced prior to receiving a presidential pardon in 2024.

As part of an agreement with the state’s disciplinary body, Biden accepted disbarment and acknowledged professional misconduct, though he did not admit to any criminal wrongdoing. He had already been disbarred in Washington, D.C., earlier in the year, according to The Associated Press.

In 2024, Biden was convicted in federal court in Delaware on three felony counts related to the purchase of a firearm in 2018, when prosecutors said he falsely stated on required paperwork that he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.

He was also facing a separate federal tax case in California, where prosecutors alleged he failed to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. That case did not go to trial, as Biden entered a guilty plea to both misdemeanor and felony charges shortly before jury selection was set to begin.

The Connecticut court found that Biden had violated multiple ethical standards, including conduct “involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.” In court filings, Biden admitted to some of the allegations but contested others. The judge also referenced his prior disbarment in Washington.

A filing submitted in March further stated that Biden has struggled to maintain consistent income and that many of his primary revenue streams have diminished. It also noted that his home in Los Angeles was damaged by wildfires in January, leaving it “unlivable” for an extended period.

FOX Business correspondent Madison Alworth reports on drone food delivery services launching in New Jersey on ‘America Reports.’

WATCH:

A Minnesota man accused of masterminding an $11 million Medicaid fraud operation is now the subject of an arrest warrant after failing to show up for a scheduled court appearance, officials said.

Abdirashid Ismail Said, 50, did not appear for a pretrial hearing in Hennepin County, resulting in the forfeiture of his bond, according to FOX 9, which cited the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said authorities are actively working to track down Said, coordinating efforts with federal law enforcement.

“A warrant has been issued for Said’s arrest after he failed to appear for a pretrial hearing,” Ellison told the outlet. “My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is working with federal law enforcement to locate Said and ensure he faces justice for the fraud he committed.

“This is a deeply frustrating setback. However, I remain committed to doing everything I can to hold Said and other Medicaid fraudsters accountable.”

Said had previously secured his release by posting a $150,000 unconditional bond, avoiding stricter requirements such as surrendering his passport. A lower, $50,000 conditional bond would have required him to relinquish travel documents. Investigators had already expressed concern that he posed a flight risk, pointing to family connections overseas, according to FOX 9.

Prosecutors allege that Said was involved in a wide-ranging scheme that siphoned nearly $11 million from Minnesota’s Medicaid system. He has been charged with racketeering and multiple counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle, according to the criminal complaint.

Authorities say the alleged fraud took place between 2019 and 2023, during which time Said is accused of covertly running several Medicaid-funded home health care agencies. This was despite being prohibited from participating in such programs following a prior fraud conviction.

According to investigators, Said and his associates submitted claims to Medicaid for services that were never performed, improperly documented, or supported by fabricated records. They are also accused of billing for ineligible services and inflating charges beyond what was permitted.

Court filings detail the scale of the alleged fraud, including more than $4.6 million paid to a single agency based on falsified records. Investigators also identified nearly $1 million billed for patients who said they never received services, over $300,000 in inflated charges, and more than $5.8 million in claims that were either undocumented or fraudulently documented.

Records show that Said had been convicted of Medicaid fraud in 2022, ordered to pay $77,000 in restitution, and barred from working with Medicaid-funded organizations—a restriction prosecutors say he later ignored.

The case has intensified scrutiny over the oversight of public funds in Minnesota, as officials including Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison face growing criticism regarding their handling of fraud cases.

The situation comes against the backdrop of broader fraud concerns in the state, including the massive Feeding Our Future case, where defendants are accused of fabricating meal distribution programs to obtain more than $250 million in federal funds.

Former acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson has suggested that fraud across various programs could reach into the billions, potentially as high as $9 billion.

State leaders continue to face questions over accountability and oversight, with critics pointing to additional fraud investigations tied to Medicaid and welfare spending.

Ellison, whose office has brought forward multiple fraud prosecutions, testified before Congress earlier this year to address ongoing concerns about enforcement and the effectiveness of oversight measures.

An Israeli court has thrown out a petition filed by a Hamas Nukhba force terrorist who alleged deteriorating prison conditions, including significant weight loss, determining that his claims were not supported by evidence.

The inmate, identified only as “M,” was apprehended after taking part in the October 7 massacre and has since been held in the high-security “Rakefet” wing, where central figures involved in the Gaza border atrocities are incarcerated. He recently appealed to the Central District Court in Lod, claiming a severe decline in his detention conditions, but the court rejected the petition outright.

In his submission, the terrorist listed several complaints, focusing primarily on what he described as a dramatic loss of weight. “I entered prison weighing 75 kilograms and dropped to 67 kilograms,” he wrote. He argued that losing more than ten percent of his body weight had harmed his health and said he was not receiving food suited to his medical condition.

He further claimed to be suffering from breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, and throat issues, and said that his requests to the Israel Prison Service for a Quran and a change of clothing had not been answered.

The Israel Prison Service categorically denied the allegations. In its response to the court, officials presented a very different picture of conditions in the Rakefet wing, stating that not only had the inmate not lost weight, but he had actually gained two kilograms since entering custody.

According to the IPS, the prisoner is allowed to change his clothes once a week, is provided with blankets and a mattress, and receives adequate nutrition. His medical condition, the service said, is under continuous supervision.

Judge Ron Sokolkin, who heard the case, dismissed the petition, stating that no evidence had been found to substantiate the claims. In his ruling, he underscored the gravity of the offenses for which the inmate is being held, pointing to his involvement in the October 7 attacks, and noted that despite the strain on the healthcare system during the war, the prisoner had been examined by a doctor at least twice.

A senior IPS official commented on the decision, telling Mako: “The Nukhba terrorists massacred and murdered many Israelis in a single day, and now they think they will receive a five-star hotel in the prisons of the State of Israel. It is important to clarify that they are given only the minimum conditions required by law.”

{Matzav.com}

Syrian security forces thwarted an attempted assassination in the heart of Damascus, capturing a terror cell affiliated with Hezbollah just moments before it carried out an attack on the city’s Jewish community rabbi, Rabbi Michael Khouri.

The dramatic operation unfolded in central Damascus, where authorities uncovered an explosive device planted in a densely populated area. According to reports, the plot was aimed at destabilizing Syria’s already fragile security situation.

The operation reached a critical point when special forces identified a woman from the cell as she attempted to place an explosive device at the entrance of a religious figure’s residence in the Bab Touma neighborhood, near the Al-Mariamite Church. The arrest came after close surveillance of suspicious activity in the capital.

According to later reports from senior security sources, the primary target of the attack was Rabbi Michael Khouri, a leading figure in the city’s Jewish community. The explosive device, which was rigged for remote detonation using communication equipment, was successfully neutralized and dismantled by specialized engineering units shortly before it was set to explode. No injuries or property damage were reported.

During the operation, five members of the terror cell were taken into custody. Initial findings indicate that the suspects had undergone advanced military training outside Syria, including instruction in assembling and planting explosive devices. Syrian officials stated that the objective of the plot was to spread instability and undermine security during the country’s current “transitional phase.”

The Syrian Interior Ministry emphasized that security forces will continue proactive operations and maintain heightened surveillance to prevent further attempts by “sleeper cells” to target public figures and crowded civilian areas. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full scope of the plot and identify all those involved before bringing the suspects to trial.

{Matzav.com}

A painful episode unfolded following the petirah of a young woman from Beitar Illit, as her husband—who accompanied her aron back from the United States—was detained upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport on suspicion of draft evasion.

Michal Shriki, 24, a resident of Beitar Illit, was niftar in America after battling a serious illness over an extended period.

Her husband, Yosef Chaim Shriki, traveled with her remains back to Eretz Yisroel. But when the flight landed on Friday, he was stopped by military authorities over allegations that he had not fulfilled his draft obligations.

After legal efforts by attorney Shlomo Hadad, Shriki was released from custody. As part of the arrangement, he was instructed to present himself to the authorities following the conclusion of the shivah.

In recent months, Shriki had been in the United States at his wife’s side while she underwent medical treatments. Many had davened fervently for her refuah, but she was niftar on the seventh day of Pesach.

The levayah was held Motzaei Shabbos on Har Hamenuchos in Yerushalayim, where she was laid to rest beside her grandmother.

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tehei nishmasah tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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