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Workers removed President Donald Trump’s name from the exterior of the Kennedy Center early today following a federal court order, concluding a legal and political fight over the naming of the historic performing arts venue.

The removal came after government attorneys sought additional time to comply with a court-imposed deadline. Lawyers representing the Kennedy Center asked a federal judge late Friday for a 12-hour extension beyond the original 11:59 p.m. deadline, citing weather-related safety concerns and noting that the work would likely be completed during the overnight hours.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper approved the request Saturday morning and directed the administration to submit evidence of compliance by noon.

Court filings submitted shortly before 11 a.m. confirmed that the administration had complied with the judge’s order.

According to live video feeds, work crews began assembling scaffolding around the sign shortly after 2 a.m. A large covering was then placed over the work area, preventing the public from viewing the removal process. The covering remained in place through much of Saturday morning.

The removal proceeded after an appellate court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt by Kennedy Center officials to block the order.

Since returning to office, Trump has taken a highly active role in the institution, replacing its leadership team and overseeing the appointment of a new board of trustees that later selected him as chairman. His name was added to the center’s website and exterior signage last year. Trump has also advocated shutting down the center for two years to undergo major renovations, a proposal that has faced legal challenges.

The lawsuit was brought by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), who serves as an ex-officio member of the Kennedy Center board and sought to prevent both the renaming of the institution and its proposed closure.

Judge Cooper, who was appointed to the bench by President Barack Obama, ruled in Beatty’s favor and ordered that Trump’s name be removed from the building by Friday night.

In a final appeal filed this week, Kennedy Center officials argued that removing Trump’s name could have serious financial consequences.

The board warned that taking off the Trump name “threatens to substantially undermine fundraising and financial viability at the most sensitive point in its history.”

Cooper rejected that argument, finding that the center had failed to demonstrate that it would suffer irreparable harm if the court denied its request.

Beatty welcomed the outcome in a statement released shortly after the removal was completed.

“Today’s victory is the beginning of returning the Kennedy Center to the American people,” the lawmaker said.

She added, “The rule of law prevailed, and that is worth celebrating,” she continued. “Let this send a message across the country: when we stand up, fight back, and defend our democracy, we can win. This is just the beginning.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog marked President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday on Saturday with a warm public message, commending his leadership, his support for Israel, and his role in confronting Iran and securing the release of hostages.

Trump, who turns 80 on Sunday, received congratulations from Herzog, who highlighted both the president’s personal achievements and his impact on U.S.-Israel relations.

“Happy 80th birthday, President Trump! Your remarkable journey to the White House represents the breadth of the American dream and the power of your own resolve,” wrote Herzog.

The Israeli president went on to express gratitude on behalf of the people of Israel for Trump’s actions on key security issues, particularly his stance toward Iran and his support during times of crisis.

“The people of Israel are grateful for your leadership in confronting Iran’s empire of evil and for your steadfast commitment to the security of Israel. We will never forget your tireless efforts in securing the release of our beloved hostages. May you lead the Middle East and the world toward peace and security and continue to strengthen the unique US-Israel partnership,” he added.

Herzog also referenced a traditional Jewish teaching associated with reaching the age of 80, offering blessings for continued health, happiness, and family joy.

“In Jewish tradition, it is stated that at the age of eighty you gain unique prowess. May you enjoy your beautiful family and many happy birthdays with blessings and joy. Mazal tov!” concluded Herzog.

{Matzav.com}

The ongoing political battle between Shas and United Torah Judaism intensified over Shabbos, as senior Shas officials sharply criticized Degel HaTorah over its opposition to measures affecting religious councils, deepening a dispute that has been simmering for months within the chareidi bloc.

At the heart of the conflict is the long-running standoff between Finance Committee Chairman MK Moshe Gafni and Shas chairman Aryeh Deri regarding the composition and control of the Yerushalayim Religious Council. The dispute has been compounded by disagreements over the transfer of governmental authorities from the Interior Ministry to the Prime Minister’s Office, a process that began after Shas left the government nearly a year ago.

In recent months, the Knesset has repeatedly approved transfers of authority previously held by the Interior Ministry, historically controlled by Shas, to the Prime Minister’s Office. Supporters of the move have argued that it was necessary to bypass obstacles created by Justice Minister Yariv Levin.

As tensions escalated, United Torah Judaism began boycotting votes related to the transfer of powers. Despite the boycott, however, Shas succeeded last week in advancing legislation involving funding for religious councils.

The measure passed after Arab Knesset members were absent from the vote, allowing the coalition to secure the necessary majority despite opposition from UTJ lawmakers.

Following Degel HaTorah’s resistance, Religious Affairs Minister Michael Malkieli launched a blistering attack on the faction, saying he had been inundated with complaints from religious council officials across the country.

“I am flooded with phone calls from dozens of heads of religious councils around the country who are furious,” Malkieli said.

Questioning the position taken by Degel HaTorah, Malkieli added, “How is it possible that chareidi representatives vote against religious services? How do chareidi representatives join forces with Liberman’s and Lapid’s representatives?”

He went on to argue that the dispute carries serious public and spiritual ramifications.

“How much chilul Hashem is there when a law intended to strengthen taharah among the Jewish people, eruvin, and kashrus passes only because of the absence of the Arab parties? What happened to our commitment to religious services?”

Despite UTJ’s opposition, efforts to advance funding for religious councils continue moving forward.

Under the current timetable, the Knesset Finance Committee is expected to approve on Monday a formula allocating funding between the Ministry of Religious Services and municipalities throughout the country.

The initiative is intended to facilitate the continued expansion and development of religious services at the local level.

The total amount slated for distribution under the plan is approximately 230 million shekels.

Shas leaders view the funding package as a major achievement that will help sustain and expand religious councils and strengthen services related to kashrus, eruvin, taharah, and other religious needs. Meanwhile, officials within United Torah Judaism continue to express reservations, citing the broader political disputes that remain unresolved.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid launched a scathing attack tonight against Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, arguing that the emerging agreement between the United States and Iran represents a major strategic setback for Israel and fails to achieve the objectives that justified the recent conflict.

In a statement posted on social media, Lapid claimed the developing agreement leaves Iran’s core military capabilities intact and poses a long-term threat to Israel’s security.

“The emerging agreement achieves none of Israel’s war objectives,” Lapid wrote. “The regime survives, the missile program remains, and Iran can rebuild its nuclear program.”

Lapid went on to accuse Netanyahu of undermining Israel’s independence and failing to translate military gains into lasting diplomatic achievements.

“This is Netanyahu’s total failure, and along the way he is turning us into a protectorate that receives instructions regarding its national security,” Lapid said.

The opposition leader also dismissed what he described as anticipated efforts by the government to portray the agreement as a success.

“No press conference, no media spin, and no AI video will hide the failure.”

Lapid’s comments came amid growing debate in Israel over reports that the United States and Iran are nearing a framework agreement that could pave the way for broader negotiations.

Senior Israeli officials reportedly expressed similar concerns Saturday evening, with some security figures warning that the proposed arrangement heavily favors Tehran.

According to those officials, “the Iranians got everything they wanted,” and they argued that the deal could jeopardize key Israeli security interests.

The criticism followed President Donald Trump’s announcement that a framework agreement with Iran is expected to be signed Sunday.

International reports indicated that Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the ceremony would take place in Islamabad and be conducted electronically, though Iranian officials later disputed aspects of those reports.

Lapid concluded by arguing that a future Israeli government may be forced to address what he views as the shortcomings of the current administration’s approach to Iran.

“The next government will have a historic task: to repair the damage caused by Netanyahu’s inability to turn military achievements into strategic successes.”

{Matzav.com}

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Friday when an eight-day-old infant lost consciousness at a simcha hall in the Binyamin region shortly after his bris and later passed away despite extensive efforts by emergency responders and hospital staff to save his life.

The infant was evacuated from a hall in one of the communities of the Binyamin Regional Council area after being found without a pulse. Magen David Adom personnel who arrived at the scene immediately began advanced resuscitation efforts and continued lifesaving measures while transporting the baby to the hospital.

Upon arrival at Hadassah Mount Scopus Medical Center in Yerushalayim, emergency department teams continued intensive resuscitation attempts. Despite their efforts, doctors were ultimately forced to pronounce the infant dead.

The incident has shocked the local community, as the baby was only eight days old and had reportedly been in critical condition by the time he arrived at the hospital.

Following the tragedy, a report was forwarded to Israel Police, which has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities said they are conducting a comprehensive review to determine what led to the infant’s sudden medical collapse. No additional details were immediately released.

What began as a relaxing family vacation at the Kinneret turned into a frightening ordeal after a series of jackal attacks left 11 people injured, including a 12-year-old girl who was attacked while sleeping in her tent.

The incident occurred at Duga Beach, where Alice, 12, was camping with her family. According to reports, a jackal entered the tent during the night and attacked her while she slept.

Speaking to Ynet, Alice recounted that her family had spent the day enjoying the lake and vacationing together. During the night, she was awakened when an animal entered the tent. Because it was dark, she initially believed it was the family’s dog and began petting it, only to discover moments later that it was a jackal.

Alice’s grandmother, Mira Ganin of Rishon LeZion, who was sleeping in the tent with her, said she awoke to the girl’s screams. After turning on a light, family members realized that Alice had suffered injuries to her face and immediately sought medical assistance. She was later transported to a hospital for treatment.

Family members said that while they were waiting for help to arrive, other campers emerged from nearby tents reporting that they too had been attacked or injured by jackals roaming through the campsite.

The injured victims were taken to the Galilee Medical Center in Tiveriah for evaluation and treatment.

According to her grandmother, Alice received medical care and will now be required to undergo a course of anti-rabies treatment through the Health Ministry. The family said the young girl is also coping with concerns about facial injuries and possible scarring just weeks before her upcoming bas mitzvah celebration.

Alice’s aunt described hearing a loud scream coming from the tent before family members noticed jackals running between the campsites.

She said what had begun as a joyful family getaway quickly turned into a terrifying scene, ending with multiple injuries and emergency trips to the hospital.

Authorities have not yet indicated what caused the unusual series of attacks, though the incident has raised concerns among visitors and officials regarding the presence of wild animals near popular camping areas around the Kinneret.

{Matzav.com}

The Torah world is davening for the recovery of Rav Rachamim Attia, one of the senior figures of the renowned Yeshivas HaMekubalim Nahar Shalom in Yerushalayim, who was rushed to Shaare Zedek Medical Center on Friday following a medical emergency that required resuscitation efforts.

Rav Attia, who is 94 years old, was hospitalized in serious condition and remains sedated and on a ventilator. Family members and close associates say he is in need of abundant rachamei Shamayim.

On Friday, his son-in-law, the former Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, arrived at the hospital to visit him. Rav Yosef recited chapters of Tehillim at his bedside and joined family members in davening for his recovery.

During Shabbos, there was a slight stabilization in Rav Attia’s condition, providing a measure of encouragement to those following developments. Nevertheless, his condition continues to be classified as serious.

Rav Attia is widely respected as a prominent mekubal and talmid chochom, and news of his hospitalization prompted an outpouring of tefillos from talmidim, admirers, and members of the broader Torah community.

All are asked to daven for Rav Rachamim ben Jemila.

{Matzav.com}

Residents and business owners in Bnei Brak are expressing growing concern after another brazen burglary struck the city over Shabbos, this time targeting a branch of the upscale silverware retailer Hatzorfim in the heart of the city.

The break-in occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Shabbos near Warsaw Garden, where the well-known store is located. According to initial reports, the incident took place at approximately 4:30 a.m.

Authorities believe the burglary was carried out by an organized gang that arrived by vehicle and came equipped with specialized tools. Unlike previous incidents that reportedly involved a lone burglar operating on a scooter, this break-in appeared to be a coordinated operation involving multiple suspects.

Investigators suspect the perpetrators were members of a Bedouin criminal gang. The suspects allegedly forced their way through the front entrance and began emptying the store’s display window, stealing valuable silver items that were on exhibit.

The burglars were unable to complete the theft, however, after a police patrol vehicle happened to pass through the area during a routine patrol. The suspects fled the scene before officers could apprehend them.

Police have opened an investigation into the incident and are reviewing evidence, including security camera footage that captured the break-in.

The latest burglary has intensified concerns among local residents and merchants, who say the city has experienced a troubling increase in break-ins in recent months, including several incidents occurring during Shabbos.

The security footage, which has circulated widely, has fueled criticism of what many residents describe as inadequate security measures and ineffective enforcement.

Many residents questioned the effectiveness of the municipal security tax collected by the city, arguing that repeated burglaries continue to occur despite those expenditures.

“Security tax in Bnei Brak? The Bedouins are laughing at it,” residents complained. “The burglars arrive in the heart of the city on Friday night, smash into stores, and escape without interference. It’s time to put an end to this and restore safety to our streets.”

Police have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the burglary. The investigation remains ongoing.

{Matzav.com}

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert voiced concern today over reports surrounding a developing U.S.-Iran agreement, arguing that the emerging framework appears to leave out the very issue that sparked recent military operations: Iran’s nuclear program.

During an appearance on Newsmax’s “Saturday Report,” Olmert said many Israelis are troubled by indications that the initial understanding between Washington and Tehran does not include concrete provisions addressing Iran’s nuclear activities.

“Yesterday, there are quite a few people here which are disappointed,” Olmert said. “The fact that this understanding, which you call it a peace agreement — I’m not certain that this is a peace agreement, but whatever it is — does not include any control over the nuclear program of Iran.”

According to Olmert, the information currently available suggests that the nuclear issue has been postponed rather than resolved, though he acknowledged that the full details of the arrangement have not yet been made public.

“The fact that it is not part of the present agreement, it’s just a general understanding as far as I understand,” he said. “Maybe we don’t know all of the details. We have to see when it’s signed.”

His remarks come as policymakers and analysts continue examining whether ongoing diplomatic efforts with Tehran will ultimately place meaningful restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Olmert said the framework being discussed appears to envision a separate negotiating track focused on Iran’s nuclear activities after the broader agreement takes effect.

“To the degree that we know, it seems that the nuclear issue will be negotiated afterward within the time framework of 60 days,” he said.

He argued that such an arrangement fails to address the central justification for the military campaign that preceded the negotiations.

“I think that the main reason for the military action in the first place is not part of this agreement,” he said.

Olmert also noted that Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities appear to have been omitted from the current framework.

“Of course, the missile program is also not part of it,” Olmert said.

The former prime minister suggested that many within Israel’s leadership likely share these concerns and are dissatisfied with the reported terms of the agreement.

“I think that at least here in the government, I don’t think for myself, I think the government is unhappy,” Olmert said.

At the same time, Olmert speculated that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu may avoid publicly criticizing the deal because of his close working relationship with President Donald Trump.

“I’m not certain that the government will say it out loud, because the prime minister has very sensitive relations with the president,” Olmert said.

{Matzav.com}

Iran indicated today that negotiations with the United States are advancing toward a potential agreement, but cautioned that several major issues remain unresolved, despite Pakistani officials expressing confidence that a deal could be completed within a day.

Earlier in the day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that American and Iranian negotiators had reached agreement on the final wording of a peace accord and suggested that a digital signing ceremony could take place within the next 24 hours.

Pakistan has served as a key intermediary throughout the negotiations, helping facilitate communication between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, however, offered a more measured assessment, warning that uncertainty remains and that predictions about the timing of a final agreement may be premature.

“We must be cautious about making any comment about the signing date due to the hesitation of the other side,” Baghaei said, according to Iranian state media.

While he acknowledged that an “Islamabad memorandum” could potentially be signed in the near future, Baghaei stressed that no such signing would occur on Sunday.

“The exact time of signing the memorandum will not be tomorrow,” he said.

Baghaei also stated that Iran’s negotiating delegation has no plans to travel to Geneva or any other foreign location in the coming days, according to reports carried by state media.

The spokesman outlined several issues that Tehran views as essential components of any final arrangement.

Among them, he said, is the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad, which he described as a fundamental element of the negotiations. He also indicated that future policies regarding the Strait of Hormuz remain under discussion as part of the broader agreement.

According to comments reported by Fars News Agency, Baghaei said Iran intends to continue overseeing navigation through the strategically important waterway “in line with protecting national security and the common good of the world community.”

He further stated that Iran plans to impose fees for services provided in the strait, although he did not elaborate on how such charges would be structured or implemented.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime passages, serving as a major route for global energy exports and oil shipments.

Baghaei also reiterated Tehran’s opposition to the continued presence of foreign military forces in the region, saying such deployments “must end,” according to Fars.

His remarks came as both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia publicly expressed optimism about the progress of the talks.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held discussions regarding the negotiations and welcomed what they described as movement toward a final agreement between Washington and Tehran.

The latest comments from all sides suggest that negotiators may be nearing a framework agreement, but significant disagreements involving implementation, the release of frozen Iranian funds, regional security issues, and the future management of the Strait of Hormuz continue to stand in the way of a final breakthrough.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) argued Friday that America’s allies should play a more active role in confronting Iran, contending that countries benefiting from Middle Eastern stability have a direct stake in preventing Tehran from maintaining nuclear capabilities.

Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press NOW,” Fetterman questioned why more U.S. partners have not publicly demanded that Iran surrender what he referred to as its remaining nuclear material.

“Where [are] the rest of our allies saying, collectively, we can demand Iran to turn over that nuclear dust right now? And now these kinds of countries that say, well, that’s not our war, it’s like, well, does your nation consume oil? Well, then that makes it your war now, too. And if you care about peace in the Middle East, yeah, well, then that makes it your war now, too.”

The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that the implications of Iran’s nuclear program extend far beyond the immediate region, affecting global energy markets and broader international security interests.

Fetterman also emphasized that his support for efforts targeting Iran’s nuclear program should not be viewed as an endorsement of war itself, but rather as a commitment to preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He added that he is “not a pro vote on war. It is a pro-no nuclear Iran, that’s what my vote for this [is].”

The remarks come amid ongoing international debate over how to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and what role the United States and its allies should play in enforcing any future agreement designed to limit Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced Friday that Ottawa will provide an additional $100 million in humanitarian assistance to organizations operating in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza, citing what she described as worsening conditions in the region.

The new funding will be distributed through the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and various non-governmental organizations involved in providing aid to Palestinian civilians.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Anand said the decision was driven by the escalating humanitarian situation in Gaza as well as what she characterized as a decline in conditions in Judea and Samaria. She also pointed to what she described as expanding Israeli settlement activity and increased violence by extremist settlers.

With the latest commitment, Canada’s total assistance to the Palestinians now exceeds $500 million. The funds are intended to support emergency medical services, food distribution, clean water access, sanitation programs, shelter, and other humanitarian needs.

Anand urged Israel to permit humanitarian aid to move freely into affected areas and called on the Israeli government to ensure full compliance with international humanitarian law in both Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip.

The foreign minister also reaffirmed Canada’s backing of a two-state solution as the preferred framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In addition, Anand referenced Canada’s recent decision to impose sanctions on individuals and groups accused of involvement in what Ottawa described as violence carried out by extremist settlers. At the same time, she reiterated Canada’s call for Hamas to be disarmed and urged all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international law.

President Donald Trump announced today that the United States and Iran are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Sunday through a digital ceremony, marking what he described as a dramatically different approach from the Obama-era nuclear agreement.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump sharply criticized the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), arguing that it paved the way for Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons rather than prevent them.

“Barack Hussein Obama’s Deal with Iran, the JCPOA, was an easy, beautiful, smooth road to a Nuclear Weapon, which Iran would have had six years ago, and would have used long before now. My Agreement with Iran is the exact opposite, A WALL TO NO NUCLEAR WEAPON! In fact, they no longer want a Nuclear Weapon, nor will they have one, either through purchase, development, or any other form of procurement.”

Trump also revealed that the agreement is expected to be formally executed on Sunday and said one of its immediate consequences will be the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL.”

The president further contrasted the developing agreement with previous U.S. policy toward Iran, emphasizing that the arrangement does not involve direct cash payments or financial transfers.

“Our relationship with Iran is a much different and better one than previous Administrations have had. Unlike Obama’s Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in payments to them, including 1.7 Billion Dollars in green, cold cash, no money will exchange hands,” he added.

Trump also addressed the future of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, asserting that any remaining enriched material would ultimately be removed and destroyed.

“At the appropriate time, when all is calm, we will go in and get the Nuclear Dust, buried deep under the powerful sunken granite mountains, thanks to our beautiful B-2 Bombers and their brilliant pilots, and downblend and destroy it, whether in Iran, or the United States. We look forward to working with Iran, and the entire Middle East, long into the future. Hopefully, this process will all work out quickly, easily, and smoothly. If it doesn’t, we have the ultimate alternative, hopefully never to be used again! Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!”

Senior administration officials indicated that sanctions relief under the agreement will be tied directly to Iranian compliance. According to officials, the extent to which Tehran freezes its nuclear activities, shuts down reactors, and dilutes enriched uranium stockpiles will determine how much economic pressure is lifted and how many frozen assets are released.

At the same time, significant differences appear to remain between the American and Iranian descriptions of the proposed arrangement.

Iranian officials have maintained that the country’s nuclear program will not be addressed in the memorandum of understanding itself and will instead be discussed during subsequent rounds of negotiations. Tehran has also continued to insist, at least publicly, on its position that vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz should be subject to transit tariffs, a demand that has not been publicly withdrawn.

{Matzav.com}

A 22-year-old driver from Kafr Qasim was released without being questioned after allegedly striking a chareidi protester during demonstrations Thursday night at the Geha Junction area, prompting outrage among participants and organizers.

According to a report by Channel 14, the driver was released after requesting medical treatment and is expected to be summoned for questioning at a later date. Authorities said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

The incident occurred during a protest against the arrest of yeshiva bochurim and the ongoing enforcement of military conscription policies affecting the chareidi community.

Witnesses said the driver passed through the area of the demonstration and struck a chareidi protester. Emergency personnel responded to the scene and transported the injured man to a hospital for treatment. His condition was later classified as moderate.

According to Magen David Adom, medical teams evacuated a 21-year-old man who was injured in what protesters described as an intentional vehicular attack near the Ganot Interchange area. The victim reportedly sustained moderate injuries near Mesubim.

Footage of the incident quickly spread online, drawing widespread attention and criticism over the handling of the case.

Police have not yet released findings regarding the circumstances of the incident, and the investigation remains active. As of Friday, the driver had not been formally questioned.

Following the demonstrations, Peleg Yerushalmi issued a statement indicating that the protests would continue and likely intensify.

“The demonstrations are not about to stop—on the contrary, they are expected only to intensify and expand,” the group said.

“The message of the thousands of protesters is clear: Leave the Torah learners alone, and there will be peace here. Continue to persecute them, and you will discover that life here will not return to what it was.”

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yechiel Moskowitz zt”l, a noted marbitz Torah, beloved rebbi, and accomplished talmid chochom, who was niftar at the age of 70.

For decades, Rav Moskowitz dedicated his life to the dissemination of Torah, inspiring generations of talmidim through his warmth, chochmah, and unwavering devotion to their aliyah. As a respected maggid shiur and rebbi at Yeshiva of Bayonne, he left an indelible mark on countless talmidim who benefited from his clear instruction, genuine care, and deep love of Torah. His shiurim reflected not only his vast knowledge but also his ability to connect with each talmid, encouraging them to strive for excellence in learning and avodas Hashem.

His entire life revolved around Torah and chessed. He was known for his humility, refined character, and readiness to assist anyone who sought his guidance. Whether in the beis medrash, at home, or in the community, Rav Moskowitz embodied the ideals he taught, serving as a living example of dedication to Torah and yiras Shamayim.

Rav Moskowitz married Mrs. Shoshana Moskowitz, daughter of Hagaon Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva of Philadelphia. Together, they established a remarkable bayis ne’eman b’Yisroel, building a distinguished family of bnei Torah and bnos Torah.

The levayah will take place on Sunday, tentatively at 2 p.m. at Bais Medrash Govoah. Final details will be announced once finalized.

Yehi zichro baruch.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that negotiations with the United States are progressing toward a final agreement, though key issues remain unresolved. He disclosed that the emerging framework is structured in two phases, with the controversial nuclear component intentionally deferred until the second stage.

Discussing the outcome of the recent conflict, Araghchi projected confidence about Iran’s position and argued that Tehran entered negotiations from a position of strength.

“The best time to end a war is when we hold the upper hand; we are truly victorious on the battlefield.”

He also highlighted the duration and intensity of the confrontation, portraying Iran’s resistance as a significant achievement.

“We stood against the world’s apparent superpower for 40 days.”

Addressing questions surrounding the ongoing negotiations, Araghchi said the public would receive a full explanation once discussions are completed, while emphasizing that the process has not yet reached its conclusion.

“The final agreement hasn’t been reached yet; if it is finalized, I promise to explain every single clause,” he stated, further clarified the structural sequencing of the emerging framework, “The agreement includes two stages, and we have moved the nuclear issue to the second stage.”

The foreign minister also reiterated Iran’s commitment to Hezbollah and other allied groups throughout the region, insisting that any end to hostilities must address multiple fronts rather than Iran alone.

“We will never leave Hezbollah in Lebanon alone, and the end of the war will also encompass Lebanon and all other fronts.”

Expanding on that point, Araghchi said Iran has made clear that any broader settlement must include developments in southern Lebanon as well.

“Ending the war in the agreement also means Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied areas in southern Lebanon, and we have stated this explicitly to the other side.”

Turning to the diplomatic provisions under discussion, Araghchi claimed the United States is prepared to formally acknowledge Iran’s sovereignty as part of the arrangement.

“In this agreement, the United States will state in writing that it respects Iran’s sovereignty.”

He added that the memorandum currently being negotiated reaches well beyond military matters and includes economic and financial issues as well.

“The memorandum of understanding includes the nuclear issue, sanctions relief, reconstruction, and blocked/frozen funds.”

Araghchi’s comments came after President Donald Trump told Axios reporter Barak Ravid on Friday that he believes a deal with Iran could be finalized as soon as this weekend or by Monday.

Later in the day, a senior administration official echoed that optimism, telling reporters that the two sides appear to be nearing the finish line.

“We do expect to be signing this agreement with Iran over the next few days. We assess it at 85%, but not 100%. We feel very good about the deal. We are not quite at the finish line but we are very close,” said the official.

The official outlined several major elements expected to be included in the agreement, among them the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the American blockade on Iranian ports, and the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program. Under the proposed arrangement, Iran’s enriched nuclear material would be transferred to U.S. custody, destroyed, and removed from the country.

According to the official, Iran would receive substantial economic relief if it fulfills its obligations under the agreement.

The official stated that Iran would be “relieved of a lot of the economic pressures that they’ve been under for many, many years” if the country complies with the deal’s provisions. The official further stressed, “Those benefits only accrue if they actually deliver.”

{Matzav.com}

A routine school outing took an unexpected turn when approximately 70 girls from a Monsey school found themselves navigating a massive drainage tunnel beneath Nyack, New York, before safely emerging from various manholes throughout the village, Matzav.com has learned.

The students, from Bais Yaakov Toras Imecha in Monsey, were participating in a school trip about 50 miles north of New York City when they entered a large drainage system near Nyack’s downtown area.

According to reports, authorities were alerted after a police officer noticed a large group of young girls climbing out of a manhole cover in an alley near a local restaurant. Additional students were reportedly seen emerging from other manholes in different parts of the village. Despite the unusual circumstances, all of the girls exited the drainage tunnel on their own and no serious injuries were reported.

The incident drew attention throughout the community as dozens of students unexpectedly surfaced from the underground drainage network after what officials described as an unauthorized excursion through the tunnel system.

Nyack Mayor Joe Rand said the girls had been visiting Memorial Park during the school trip when they discovered the entrance to the drainage tunnel and decided to explore it.

“They saw the channel, they saw the cave, and thought, let’s go take a look, let’s see what’s in there,” he said. “And they started walking, and they just kept walking and walking and walking.”

Speaking to CBS, Rand said the group traveled roughly a kilometer through the dark tunnel, navigating rocks and uneven terrain before eventually exiting safely near a local restaurant, much to the surprise of owner Matt Hudson.

“I was in my office when I heard kids chattering,” Hudson said. “I thought to myself, where is that coming from?”

Hudson said he was stunned when he discovered the girls climbing out of a drainage opening above a stream behind his restaurant.

“We looked, and it filled up with girls,” he said. “They were okay, but they were talking excitedly. They were happy to get out of there.”

While relieved that the incident ended safely, Mayor Rand stressed that the situation could easily have turned dangerous.

“Everyone was safe, and I’m so grateful for that. I’m grateful to the emergency responders,” Rand said. “But it was dangerous, they shouldn’t have done it. Because it could have rained this afternoon, and if it had rained, this thing becomes much more powerful, and the water could really build up.”

Following the incident, Rand said village officials would review safety measures around the drainage site and again urged residents and visitors to stay out of stormwater tunnels and drainage systems, which are not intended for public access.

For Hudson, the episode was unlike anything he had experienced in decades of business ownership.

“We’ve been here almost 36 years,” he said. “We thought we’d seen everything, but no, no, there are still some surprises here.”

SpaceX made history Friday with a spectacular stock market debut that pushed Elon Musk’s fortune past the trillion-dollar mark, making him the world’s first trillionaire and delivering the largest initial public offering ever completed. The blockbuster listing is also fueling expectations that other artificial intelligence giants could soon follow with record-breaking public offerings of their own.

The company’s shares began trading at $150, well above the $135 offering price, and ended the day at $161.11. By the closing bell, SpaceX was valued at more than $2 trillion, placing it ahead of many of America’s largest corporations and exceeding the combined market value of companies such as Walmart and General Motors.

The offering surpassed every previous IPO on record, overtaking the 2019 debut of Saudi Aramco, which entered public markets with a valuation of $1.7 trillion and raised more than $29 billion. SpaceX’s sale generated an unprecedented $75 billion, outpacing the combined proceeds of all U.S. IPOs conducted during the previous two years, according to Renaissance Capital.

The strong first-day performance also elevated Musk’s net worth to unprecedented levels. Already the richest person in the world, the 54-year-old entrepreneur saw his fortune soar beyond the trillion-dollar threshold, further expanding his financial power and global influence.

The IPO also produced enormous gains for investors close to Musk, including venture capital firms, private investment funds, and longtime associates. Thousands of employees who held equity in the company suddenly found themselves with millionaire status.

Musk spent the day at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas, where he celebrated the milestone alongside employees, investors, family members, and friends. Reflecting on the company’s early days, he remarked, “It is certainly hard to believe that a little company that started in a warehouse in El Segundo is now going public.” He added, “I gave SpaceX less than a 10 percent chance of succeeding at all.”

The successful launch onto public markets is expected to open the door for other massive offerings, particularly from artificial intelligence leaders OpenAI and Anthropic, both of which are reportedly approaching trillion-dollar valuations. If those companies follow through with public listings, 2026 could become one of the most remarkable years in Wall Street history.

Such developments would further cement the dominance of technology firms in the global economy, placing SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic alongside established giants including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Apple, Netflix, and Meta.

For SpaceX, the IPO marked the culmination of more than two decades of growth. Musk established the company in 2002 with the ambitious goal of enabling humanity to become a multiplanetary civilization, a vision many initially viewed as unrealistic.

Over the years, however, SpaceX transformed the aerospace industry through the development of reusable rocket technology and expanded its reach with Starlink, its satellite-based internet network. Earlier this year, the company also acquired Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, xAI, which controls the social media platform X, creating an even broader technology conglomerate.

Throughout much of its history, SpaceX also served as a financial cornerstone for Musk’s wider business empire. The company provided him with loans and financial flexibility that helped support other ventures. That influence was reinforced by Musk’s overwhelming control of shareholder voting power through supervoting shares and other corporate mechanisms, which gave him approximately 85 percent of the voting rights before the IPO.

As part of the offering, SpaceX sold more than 555 million shares, representing slightly more than 4 percent of the company’s outstanding stock. The company and its underwriting team actively sought participation from both institutional investors and individuals, with retail investors accounting for roughly 22.5 percent of the offering, according to people familiar with the transaction.

SpaceX also pushed for accelerated inclusion in major stock indexes, a move that could eventually require large index funds to purchase significant amounts of its shares.

Analysts expect the stock to remain volatile in the near term. With relatively few shares available for trading and intense investor demand, the stock could experience sharp swings as the market adjusts. Over time, however, additional shares may enter circulation and enthusiasm could moderate.

J.P. Morgan analysts noted this week that recent IPOs have gained an average of 32 percent on their first trading day, but on average have fallen 26 percent below their debut prices after one year.

Daniel Hanson, a portfolio manager at Neuberger Berman whose fund owns approximately $200 million in SpaceX stock, credited the company’s leadership team for the speed and effectiveness of the IPO process.

“It’s exciting to see the team recognized by the public for what they have accomplished since their founding 24 years ago,” he said.

Despite investor enthusiasm, questions remain about the company’s finances and valuation. SpaceX disclosed in its IPO filing that it lost more than $4.9 billion last year, compared with a profit of $791 million in 2024, largely due to increased spending on artificial intelligence initiatives. Revenue, however, climbed 33 percent to $18.7 billion.

The company’s valuation now exceeds that of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, even though Meta generated substantially larger revenue and profits. Meta reported $201 billion in revenue and $60.5 billion in profit last year while carrying a market value of just over $1.4 trillion.

SpaceX has said proceeds from the offering will be used to reduce debt and finance a series of ambitious projects, including orbital AI data centers, a manufacturing facility on the moon, and eventually human missions to Mars.

Although critics question whether those goals can be achieved, enthusiasm among Musk supporters remains strong. In New York, dozens of fans gathered outside the Nasdaq building in Times Square to witness the company’s public debut.

Among them was Zach Boucher, 45, who traveled overnight from California to attend the occasion.

Mr. Boucher said he was buying more than 2,200 SpaceX shares through Wells Fargo and was “never going to sell — I’m holding for the long term.”

Comparing the moment to some of the most significant investment opportunities in modern history, he added:

“This moment is “like getting in on the ground floor of GE or G.M., or being here when Microsoft opened,” he said.

The IPO generated a windfall not only for investors but also for Wall Street’s largest banks. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and 18 additional financial institutions served as underwriters and were expected to collect a record $550 million in fees.

The celebrations extended beyond SpaceX itself. Goldman Sachs transformed portions of its Manhattan headquarters into a space-themed venue complete with moon-rock-inspired desserts and a “mission control” brunch. JPMorgan and SpaceX commissioned artist Leo Villareal to create a large-scale celestial light display atop the bank’s headquarters.

Meanwhile, festivities at Starbase were expected to continue well into the evening, with company executives scheduled to address employees during a celebration and at least one nearby venue reserved for additional events honoring the company’s historic achievement.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Friday that he remains optimistic a formal agreement with Iran could be completed within the next several days, suggesting a deal may be finalized over the weekend or by Monday.

Speaking with Axios reporter Barak Ravid, Trump indicated that negotiations continue to move forward and said he expects Iranian officials to publicly correct reports circulated by state-controlled media regarding the contents of the proposed agreement, which he previously said were inaccurate.

Trump’s remarks followed comments from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who suggested that a breakthrough between Washington and Tehran is closer than ever and signaled confidence that an agreement could soon be finalized.

“The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer. Pending its finalization, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content,” Araghchi wrote in a post on social media.

He added that the Iranian government intends to release information about the agreement once all remaining details are completed.

“In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course,” he added.

After reviewing Araghchi’s statement, Trump told Ravid that he viewed the message favorably and described it as “very positive”.

Additional signs of progress came from Pakistan, which has been serving as a mediator between the United States and Iran during the negotiations.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Friday that the two sides have reached agreement on the final language of a peace framework and are now focused on implementation.

“We can confirm that a final, agreed-upon text of the peace deal has been reached, and Pakistan is now working closely with both sides to finalize the next steps. Peace has never been this close as it is now.”

Sharif also accused opponents of the negotiations of attempting to undermine the diplomatic effort through false reports and misinformation.

“Amid ongoing intense mediation efforts by Pakistan, we are fully aware of an incessant misinformation campaign being waged by those who want to sabotage the peace deal,” he added.

A newly published editorial on the website of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is shedding light on how Tehran is seeking to portray the aftermath of its recent conflict with Israel and the United States. The article argues that Iran emerged from the war with enhanced strategic leverage and outlines what appears to be a new security doctrine centered on the Strait of Hormuz and deeper coordination with Hezbollah.

The commentary, published in the regime-affiliated online outlet Voice of Iran under the headline “A New Security Equation: From Hormuz to Beirut,” presents the war as a turning point that strengthened Iran’s position despite the damage it sustained during the fighting.

Throughout the piece, President Donald Trump is depicted as a leader whose rhetoric exceeds his actions. The editorial claims Trump “speaks more about his dreams than about realities” and portrays him as publicly threatening Iran while privately pulling back from confrontation.

According to the article, Washington has entered a “strategic deadlock” in which it is unwilling to make concessions to Tehran but lacks the ability to wage a broader conflict. The editorial contends that the United States has already expended its strongest leverage while Iran has gained new tools to advance its interests.

Central to the article’s message is the assertion that Iran intends to continue leveraging the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic pressure point while strengthening ties with Hezbollah and other regional proxy organizations.

According to the editorial, “Iran will not return to the prewar era — not regarding Hormuz, not regarding the U.S. military presence in the region, and not regarding the equation surrounding resistance groups.”

The article argues that the recent conflict expanded Iran’s opportunities to pursue its regional ambitions and specifically points to “control over the Strait of Hormuz” as a strategic advantage enhanced by the war.

The publication also suggests that relations between Iran and Hezbollah have entered a new phase marked by even closer integration.

The article states that the Lebanese group is now part of Iran’s “security equation” and declares that “defending Iran is equivalent to defending the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, and defending the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon is equivalent to defending Iran.”

It further describes Hezbollah as “an integral part of Iran’s national interests,” indicating that Tehran views the organization as a core component of its deterrence posture and regional security framework.

While the editorial reflects the Iranian regime’s own interpretation of events rather than an independent analysis, it offers a rare public look at how Tehran is framing the postwar landscape: one in which the Strait of Hormuz remains a powerful source of leverage, Hezbollah becomes more deeply woven into Iranian security planning, and the United States is portrayed as having lost strategic momentum.

The editorial opens by arguing that periods of war create confusion through competing narratives and conflicting reports, making it especially important, in the authors’ view, to present events from what they describe as Iran’s perspective rather than that of its adversaries. The piece says that media coverage should help readers understand the significance of events and distinguish between truth and misinformation.

It explains that Voice of Iran, an online publication associated with Khamenei’s website, was established during what it calls the Zionist regime’s 12-day war against Iran. The publication says its mission is to identify the most important developments amid a flood of information and present what it views as the true strategic position of the Islamic Republic. The editorial also dedicates its latest issue to Brigadier General Morteza Jamali of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who it says was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli missile strike.

Turning to President Trump, the article argues that his conduct during the conflict demonstrates a disconnect between public statements and policy decisions. It claims Trump “speaks more about his dreams than about realities” and alleges that while he publicly threatens Iran, he ultimately retreats when faced with what the authors characterize as credible Iranian deterrence. The piece summarizes its assessment of Trump’s approach as “Tough talk in words; retreat in action.”

The editorial goes on to argue that recent developments suggest the United States lacks the ability to sustain a large-scale military conflict with Iran. According to the article, the 40-day war exposed the limits of American power, leading the White House to conclude that it could neither force concessions from Tehran nor achieve its objectives through military means. The authors characterize this situation as a “strategic deadlock” and argue that, despite suffering damage during the conflict, Iran emerged with greater leverage because of strategic assets such as its position near the Strait of Hormuz.

The piece further contends that the United States has exhausted its most valuable pressure tools while Iran has gained new advantages. It claims American leaders expected a rapid victory but instead strengthened Iran’s position. The article argues that Tehran now has a clearer understanding of its path forward than Washington does and credits that outcome to what it describes as resistance on the battlefield.

According to the editorial, the war fundamentally altered the regional landscape. It insists that “Iran will not return to the prewar era — not regarding Hormuz, not regarding the U.S. military presence in the region, and not regarding the equation surrounding resistance groups.” The article argues that the conflict created new opportunities for Iran to shape regional security, economic, and geopolitical developments.

The authors further maintain that Iran’s relationships with Hezbollah and other allied groups will no longer resemble those that existed before the war. Instead, they argue, these ties will be strengthened and redefined by the realities that emerged during the conflict. Hezbollah, the editorial says, has become part of Iran’s broader security framework because its participation contributed both to Iran’s defense and to what the article describes as resistance to American and Israeli influence.

The editorial concludes by asserting that “defending Iran is equivalent to defending the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, and defending the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon is equivalent to defending Iran.” It portrays Hezbollah as “an integral part of Iran’s national interests” and argues that tools such as the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s ability to influence relations with Washington can be employed not only to advance Iranian interests but also to protect Hezbollah. The article closes by insisting that neither Iran nor its relationships with regional resistance movements will return to their prewar state, claiming that the conflict significantly expanded Tehran’s ability to shape regional security arrangements and deepen its ties with allied groups.

{Matzav.com}