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A 9-year-old child lost his life Friday morning after being struck by a school bus in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, authorities and emergency responders confirmed.

The victim, identified as Yoel Jacobowitz, was hit near the intersection of Lorimer Street and Lee Avenue, a location known for heavy pedestrian and school-related traffic.

BDH: Hatzolah, CSE and NYPD 90Pct are on scene on Lorimer St & Lee Ave for a 9 year old boy was struck by a school bus. pic.twitter.com/PA96Bk6AhM

— WILLIAMSBURG NEWS (@WMSBG) May 1, 2026

Hatzolah emergency crews responded swiftly, along with officers from the NYPD’s 90th Precinct. Despite immediate efforts to assist him, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Law enforcement officials stated that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. At this time, no additional information has been provided regarding the driver or whether any charges may be filed.

The intersection was shut down for a period while authorities conducted their investigation.

Umacha Hashem dimah me’al kol ponim.

{Matzav.com}

Three Givati Brigade soldiers were sentenced to 21 days of confinement after arriving late to a memorial ceremony for a fallen comrade, with the delay caused by major road closures during a protest near Bnei Brak.

The incident, reported Thursday, triggered backlash from the soldiers’ families, who said the delay was not due to carelessness but was a direct result of heavy traffic disruptions tied to demonstrations earlier in the week.

The soldiers left the Rechovot area for Petach Tikvah about two hours before the scheduled memorial. However, they became stuck in severe traffic on Route 4 near the Geha interchange, where protesters had blocked central roads while demonstrating against the arrest of yeshiva students considered draft evaders. The congestion prevented them from reaching the cemetery in time for the start of the ceremony.

According to those familiar with the situation, the soldiers tried to update their commanders and the unit’s casualty officer in real time about the delays. Although they missed the formal ceremony, they later arrived for a meeting with the bereaved family and took part in the commemorative meal held in the fallen soldier’s memory.

Despite that, commanders decided to proceed with disciplinary action. The soldiers were tried by their company commander and ultimately given a 21-day confinement sentence.

Sources close to the soldiers voiced strong frustration, noting that the troops are close to completing their service. They said the soldiers showed their commander evidence of the road conditions to prove the delay was beyond their control, but the army chose to take a strict approach to emphasize the importance of honoring fallen soldiers and arriving on time for memorial events.

In response, the IDF said: “The IDF places great importance on honoring the memory of fallen soldiers and on the participation of commanders and troops in memorial ceremonies. The soldiers were released the day before in order to attend the memorial, along with clear instructions to ensure timely arrival. In practice, the soldiers chose to depart at a time that did not align with the instructions and did not meet the required schedule. It should be emphasized that other soldiers who were sent to the same memorial arrived on time. After reviewing the incident, disciplinary measures were taken in accordance with regulations. The IDF will not accept conduct that does not meet the expected standard, particularly when it involves honoring the memory of the fallen and their families.”

Hundreds of roshei yeshiva and mechanchim gathered at Binyanei HaUma for a major conference focused on strengthening chinuch, where a revealing practice by one of the leading roshei yeshiva—keeping a personal list of every talmid—captured the attention of participants and stirred strong emotion.

The annual Knessiah HaGedolah LeChinuch, organized by Lev Shomea, drew large crowds from across the Torah world for a full day of analysis, guidance, and practical tools for dealing with today’s educational challenges. From early afternoon on Thursday, 29 Nissan, the venue was already filled with mechanchim eager to deepen their understanding and sharpen their approach during what was described as a critical period for Klal Yisroel.

A powerful sight unfolded as participants sat with pen in hand, carefully recording each insight shared by gedolei Torah, all driven by a singular goal—to better understand how to guide every bochur to his proper place in the world of Torah.

The program opened with remarks by Rav Eliav Miller, chairman of Lev Shomea and head of the Ohr Elchonon preparatory program. He spoke emotionally about the siyata diShmaya that made the gathering possible, invoking the teaching that “any assembly held for the sake of Heaven will endure.”

Rav Miller elaborated on the turbulent times facing the current generation, describing it as a period of rapid change. He addressed the pressures confronting bnei yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel, particularly from the legal system, and explained that the purpose of the conference was to equip mechanchim with tools to help talmidim struggling with confusion brought on by media influences and the challenges of modern technology.

He also paid tribute to the late Rav Aviezer Shapiro, zt”l, longtime mashgiach of Yeshivas Kol Torah L’tzeirim, who had been a consistent participant in these conferences for more than two decades and placed great importance on continuously studying the methods of chinuch.

The first speaker was Rav Aharon Levy, a prominent lecturer in the world of kiruv, who outlined effective strategies for communicating with students in a way that resonates.

A key theme throughout his talk was the importance of looking beneath the surface of a student’s behavior. He explained that what may appear as a lack of derech eretz can often be an expression of deeper struggles, and it is the responsibility of the mechanech to identify and address the root cause.

A wave of emotion swept through the hall with the arrival of the mashgiach, Rav Dan Segal, who responded to questions on chinuch and emphasized the need for genuine love toward talmidim, along with the importance of setting aside time for personal conversations with each individual.

Throughout the event, complex and pressing questions from within the yeshiva world were presented to leading roshei yeshiva, who offered thoughtful and measured responses.

Rav Shraga Steinman, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivos Orchos Torah and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, opened with words of chizuk, stating that the challenges and distractions of the generation are intended to strengthen Torah learning under pressure.

He also referenced teachings of his father, the author of Ayeles HaShachar, who stressed the obligation to show interest in every talmid—even those who appear, at first glance, to be managing well.

Rav Dovid Cohen, rosh yeshiva of Chevron and a member of the Moetzes, delivered one of the most striking moments of the gathering. He revealed that despite his many responsibilities, he maintains “a personal list of all his talmidim and reviews it regularly to ensure that no one is overlooked and that each receives individual attention.” He stressed that rabbeim must speak with their talmidim about the value of Torah and instill the recognition that all of our existence depends on it.

In response to questions, Rav Cohen highlighted the importance of ensuring that every talmid has a suitable framework and sense of fulfillment, warning that idleness can lead to boredom and spiritual decline. For certain students, he noted, yeshivos kibbutz can serve as a critical support system.

Rav Chaim Peretz Berman, one of the roshei yeshiva of Ponovezh, addressed the range of talents among talmidim and described hasmadah as a greater asset than natural brilliance, since it is something that can be developed. He noted that gedolei Yisroel achieved greatness through persistence and dedication, and that anyone who remains committed to a clear goal will succeed.

Responding to a question about how much time a rebbi should dedicate to his talmidim, Rav Berman cited a teaching from the Steipler Gaon regarding the Pri Megadim, who avoided giving advice in order to complete his seforim. In contrast, the Chozeh of Lublin chose to forgo writing a sefer in order to help people, demonstrating that each individual must carefully weigh how to balance personal growth with responsibilities to others.

A central portion of the conference featured a panel discussion on the role of the yeshiva and practical approaches to assisting talmidim. Participants included Rav Eliyahu Kellerman, mashgiach at Ponovezh; Rav Chaim Paley, mashgiach at Chevron; Rav Yehuda Steinharter, a founder of Lev Shomea; Rav Mordechai Kravitz, one of the organization’s rabbanim; and Rav Yitzchak Miller, an educational psychologist and head of the psychological services department in Beit Shemesh.

During the panel, participants analyzed complex real-life cases that had been brought to Lev Shomea’s hotline. They discussed contemporary challenges, the responsibilities of mashgichim, when they should intervene directly, and when cases should be referred to professionals. They also shared methods for identifying the underlying causes of a talmid’s struggles and recognizing early signs of withdrawal.

At the conclusion of the panel, Rav Kellerman quoted teachings of Rav Wolbe on the critical importance of personal conversations between mashgichim and talmidim, noting that such interactions can have a greater impact than formal shmuessen. Rav Paly emphasized that when a talmid approaches a staff member, it often comes after significant internal struggle, and turning him away—even for valid reasons—can discourage him from ever seeking help again.

Yerushalayim Deputy Mayor Eliezer Rauchberger addressed the gathering briefly, expressing appreciation for the work of Lev Shomea and recalling how the author of the Ayeles HaShachar would urge rabbeim to daven regularly for their talmidim.

MK Uri Maklev also offered remarks, praising the organization’s ongoing efforts to respond to the needs of the generation and commending mechanchim who attend year after year to continue growing in their role.

As part of the conference, attendees received a document titled “Asarah Mi Yodea,” outlining key guiding questions mechanchim should ask themselves about each talmid. These included inquiries into a student’s background, his relationship with his parents, and even practical considerations such as how long it has been since he purchased clothing—ensuring that no aspect of a talmid’s life goes unnoticed.

The conference was moderated by Rav Yeshaya Greenspan of Kehillas Nichsefa in Bnei Brak. At its conclusion, several practical resolutions were announced, including that every rebbi should carry a list of his talmidim and make a point of speaking with each one personally at least once a month, and that hashkafah and mussar should be incorporated into general shiurim to strengthen the students’ emunah.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has signed new Home Front Command restrictions for the Mount Meron area, banning outdoor gatherings of more than 200 people following updated security assessments.

The decision came after intelligence and operational information was presented to Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, prompting authorities to raise the alert level in Meron and nearby communities from “green” to “yellow.”

Under the new guidelines, gatherings will be limited to up to 200 people outdoors and up to 600 people indoors.

The measures follow a situation assessment and take effect beginning today through Monday, May 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. The affected areas—including Meron, Bar Yochai, Or HaGanuz, and Safsufa—will operate under a partial activity status as part of Home Front Command directives.

As a result, the detailed plan prepared by the Ministry of Yerushalayim and Heritage for the Lag BaOmer celebration at the site of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai is no longer viable, and the event will now be held in a significantly scaled-down format.

Just yesterday afternoon, a projectile impact was reported in an open area below Meron, an incident that officials say is not unusual and has occurred several times in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, thousands of people are already present at Mount Meron, having arrived ahead of the Shabbos preceding the annual celebration. It was also noted that the event coordinator, Yossi Deitch, previously stated in an interview that he would step down from managing the event if it were to proceed in a reduced format.

A frightening car accident late Thursday night involving the sons of the Boyaner Rebbe ended without injury to them, despite the violent impact that left their vehicle completely destroyed.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Route 375, as the Rebbe’s sons, Rav Yosef and Rav Avraham Yehoshua Heshel, were returning from Beitar Illit to Yerushalayim. They had attended a bar mitzvah celebration for the son of Reb Mordechai Shlomo Rabinowitz, a prominent figure among Boyaner chassidim.

According to Magen David Adom, a report was received at 10:04 p.m. of a collision involving a truck driven by a Palestinian and two vehicles near the Al-Khader junction. Emergency personnel treated those injured at the scene and evacuated a 44-year-old man in moderate condition with abdominal injuries to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.

Zevy Fishman and Avi Sofer, volunteers with United Hatzalah who arrived at the scene, described the incident: “This was an accident involving a truck and two vehicles. We provided medical treatment at the scene to one driver, about 40 years old, who was in moderate to serious condition, as well as to five additional individuals of varying ages who sustained light injuries.”

Footage from the scene illustrates the intensity of the crash, with the vehicle carrying the Rebbe’s sons crushed almost entirely under the force of the collision with the truck. Despite the devastating damage, they were able to exit the car on their own, completely unharmed.

Also traveling with them was the Rebbe’s attendant, Reb Asher Prizand, who was likewise spared serious injury and suffered only minor wounds to his hand.

After moments of fear followed by relief, the Rebbe’s sons continued on their way, expressing deep gratitude for what was widely seen as a clear miracle. Members of the chassidus remarked with emotion that “osek b’mitzvah potur min hamitzvah, those who are on a mission to perform a mitzvah are not harmed,” noting that the accident occurred as they were returning from fulfilling their father’s request to attend the simchah.

{Matzav.com}

A historic and highly anticipated event is set to take place next Shabbos, Parshas Behar–Bechukosai, as followers of the Kapytschnitz chassidus prepare for the yom hilula of the Husiatyner Rebbe zt”l, the grandfather of the current Kapytschnitzer Rebbe. The occasion, one week from now, will feature an elaborate and uplifting ceremony marking a hachnosas Sefer Torah to the Rebbe’s beis medrash.

At the heart of the event will be a restored and newly enhanced Sefer Torah that once belonged to the Sadigura Rebbe zt”l, a descendant of the holy Ruzhiner dynasty. Alongside it, another Sefer Torah will be brought in, one that belonged to the Rebbetzin a”h, daughter of the Beis Aharon of Karlin zt”l. Both Sifrei Torah recently underwent careful restoration, and the final letters were completed on Rosh Chodesh Adar.

In recent days, organizers have been working intensively to finalize preparations for what is expected to be a major gathering. Invitations have been distributed to chassidim in Eretz Yisroel and abroad, and extensive logistical arrangements are being made to accommodate the anticipated crowds. A large tent is being erected adjacent to the beis medrash in the Ezras Torah neighborhood of Yerushalayim, designed to host the many participants who will attend the tefillos, meals, and tishen, with a focus on comfort and accessibility for the large influx of guests.

In a rare move, the Rebbe—who typically refrains from writing letters to his chassidim—issued a deeply emotional invitation, calling on the public to take part in his personal simchah. In the letter, the Rebbe expresses his profound gratitude for the opportunity to restore these treasured scrolls and recounts their history, including how they came into his possession. He also thanks those who contributed generously toward the project and concludes with heartfelt brachos.

According to the schedule, all tefillos and tishen throughout Shabbos will be held in the specially constructed tent. On Friday night, following Maariv and Sefiras HaOmer, the Rebbe will recite Kiddush in the traditional manner of the Ruzhiner dynasty. On Shabbos morning, after Shacharis and before krias haTorah, the Sifrei Torah will be ceremoniously brought from the Rebbe’s home into the beis medrash.

The Torah will then be read publicly for the first time from these Sifrei Torah, including the parshiyos of Behar–Bechukosai.

{Matzav.com}

A sharp public clash erupted Thursday between Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni and Shas leader Aryeh Deri, with Gafni accusing Shas of defying a joint political decision and Shas officials responding with pointed criticism of Gafni’s own conduct.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Kol Barama, Gafni expressed anger over what he described as Shas reneging on an agreed course of action. “I am boiling with rage,” Gafni said in an interview with Radio Kol Barama. “There was a clear decision that we would go into the opposition and give up ministerial positions – and Shas is not honoring it. We left the coalition, but they refused to do so. They continue to run government ministries and openly admit that they are still part of the coalition.”

Gafni further charged that Shas was unwilling to work with Ashkenazi rabbinic leadership, claiming he had sought dialogue with Deri but was turned down. “Shas does not want Ashkenazi rabbis. I asked Deri to sit down and discuss the matter, and he flatly refused.”

Turning to a separate issue, Gafni also took aim at the Attorney General following a legal opinion affecting institutions that serve draft-eligible yeshiva students. “The Attorney General’s decision joins a long list of rulings that make no legal sense. No other body unrelated to the haredi public would ever be treated this way. I don’t understand how the Prime Minister continues to keep this woman in her position – she is outright antisemitic. He should issue a statement saying he will not cooperate with her and that she is fired.”

He continued his criticism of the Attorney General’s stance, suggesting it reflects a broader agenda. “The Attorney General does not believe in Torah study, she does not want this government, she doesn’t even hide her position. She wants to strip us of our voting rights. It’s coming.”

Shas MK Michael Malkieli responded forcefully to Gafni’s remarks, disputing his claims and turning the criticism back on him. “While you’re spreading lies, you seem to have forgotten the facts and the truth. Right now, the only haredi government minister in Israel belongs to Gafni’s party. And the only former committee chairman still sitting in his office as chairman of the Finance Committee is Gafni himself. Fix yourself first before you criticize others.”

Malkieli went on to fault Gafni for his actions regarding funding for mikvaot, accusing him of opposing the allocation. “You, Gafni, only woke up when you made the effort to come to the Knesset at 1:00 a.m. to fight and oppose the transfer of large budgets for building mikvaos across the country. Thank God you failed, and with heavenly help, we succeeded in significantly strengthening the entire network of mikvaos in Israel.”

He concluded by emphasizing Shas’s alignment with its rabbinic leadership while criticizing the public dispute. “Shas, which receives its instructions and guidance solely from the Council of Torah Sages, will continue to lead on all fundamental issues,” he concluded. “It is sad and painful that while the world of Torah is under threat and your friends are working alongside us to meet the needs of the public, you find the time to engage in infighting and chase headlines.”

President Donald Trump has emerged as an early favorite to win the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in betting markets, even though the Norwegian Nobel Committee has not disclosed the list of nominees.

U.K.-based bookmaker William Hill currently places Trump at the top of its odds board, assigning him 3/1 odds to receive the prize.

“Although the Norwegian Nobel Committee have not confirmed that Donald Trump is among the 287 candidates for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, we make Trump the leading contender to take this year’s award,” William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said.

The company noted that Trump had been passed over the previous year but is still viewed as a strong contender. “Trump was overlooked by the committee last year in favor of Venezuelan politician Maria Corina Machado, but we now price the U.S. president at 3/1 to claim the 2026 prize – a 25% chance,” he added. “That is a longer price than we quoted late last year, when we rated Trump’s chances at 55%.”

As is typical, the Nobel Peace Prize nomination process remains confidential, with hundreds of names submitted each year by qualified nominators, including elected officials, academics, and past recipients.

In 2025, the award was given to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The Nobel Committee recognized her for “her tireless work promoting democratic rights” in Venezuela and “for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”

Supporters of Trump had urged consideration of his candidacy based on actions taken during his current term, including efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, though the nomination deadline had already passed before he entered office.

Machado later dedicated her Nobel Prize to Trump and presented it to him at the White House.

Trump has frequently said he merits the Nobel Peace Prize, pointing to his role in ending “seven wars” since returning to the presidency.

The Nobel Committee is expected to announce the 2026 Peace Prize winner in October.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran is pressing for a deal and expressed hope that an agreement could be reached in the near future, while offering only limited details about the ongoing discussions.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump indicated that very few people are privy to the specifics of the negotiations. Asked about where things stand, he said, “Nobody knows what the talks are except myself and a couple of other people.”

He reiterated his view that Tehran is highly motivated to reach an understanding, while underscoring his firm stance on its nuclear ambitions. “I mean, Iran is dying to make a deal. I can only tell you that. I don’t want to get into it, but they got – they cannot be nuclear other than that. But they are,” he added.

Trump:

Iran is dying to make a deal. I can only tell you that. pic.twitter.com/HGFYHxqt0C

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 30, 2026

Trump emphasized the broader global implications of the issue, stressing that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a top priority. “The bottom line is for this world, for our country, but certainly for Israel, the Middle East and Europe, much closer, you cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”

He also pointed to the toll of violence and the current state of Iran’s economy, arguing that both factors are shaping the situation. “They killed 42,000 innocent, non-weapon-carrying people… I’m trying to save that country… This is a rough group, but we have decimated them, and their economy is a disaster. So we’ll see how long they hold out,” he continued.

The president’s remarks come after a shift in how the United States is conducting talks with Iran. Over the weekend, Trump canceled a planned trip by U.S. envoys to Islamabad for in-person discussions, opting instead for remote communication.

On Wednesday, he explained that negotiations are now taking place by phone rather than through face-to-face meetings. “We have talks, we’re having talks with them now, and we’re not flying anymore with 18-hour flights every time we want to see a piece of paper,” the president said.

He added that this approach allows for faster responses, even if he generally prefers direct meetings. “We’re doing it telephonically, and it’s very nice. I make a call, or I have my people make a call, and you know the answer in 15 – I always like face to face, you know, I consider it better,” he continued. “But when you have to fly 18 hours every time you want to have a meeting, and you know what the meeting is all about, and you know they’re going to give you a piece of paper that you don’t like before you even leave, it’s ridiculous, and they’ve come a long way.”

Trump’s comments followed his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal. In remarks to Axios, he said he plans to keep a naval blockade in place until Iran agrees to terms that address U.S. concerns about its nuclear program.

The proposal put forward by Tehran reportedly calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz while delaying any negotiations over its nuclear activities.

A U.S. official told Reuters earlier this week that the administration views the proposal as insufficient, particularly because it does not adequately address the nuclear issue.

Later Thursday, Trump was scheduled to receive a briefing from CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper on updated contingency plans involving potential military action against Iran.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Thursday that U.S. military operations have effectively dismantled Iran’s capabilities, while also sharply criticizing coverage from major media outlets that he says portrays Tehran as gaining ground.

Speaking in the Oval Office after signing an executive order aimed at expanding access to retirement savings for American workers, Trump described the military campaign against Iran in sweeping terms, asserting that the country’s leadership and strength have been severely weakened.

“And every day, I read about how well they’re doing militarily. They’ve got nothing left. They’re done,” Trump said.

He took aim at reporting from major outlets, arguing that their portrayal of the conflict is misleading. “And yet I read in The New York Times, I see on stupid CNN — which I only watch because you have to watch a little bit of the enemy, so I watch it for a very short period; you have to, you have to be smart — and if you see CNN, you’d think they’re winning the war.”

Trump escalated his criticism of the press further, singling out The New York Times and its opinion coverage. “If you read The New York Times, it’s actually seditious, in my opinion,” he said.

“You read some of these columnists, but it all starts with the top. It’s a terrible thing.”

The president maintained that U.S. military efforts are achieving their objectives. “Everybody knows the facts. We are decimating the country.”

His remarks come as the administration continues to characterize the campaign against Iran as a major success, even as some lawmakers and analysts question how much progress has actually been made and how the conflict is unfolding.

In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly highlighted what he describes as significant battlefield achievements, at times claiming that Iran’s military structure and leadership have been heavily degraded.

During the same appearance, Trump also referenced American actions in other parts of the world, including Venezuela, commending U.S. military efforts beyond the Middle East.

“It’s so sad,” Trump said, before suggesting he is cautious about speaking too positively about U.S. progress for fear of influencing public perception of the war.

“I hate to even say that, because when I say that, people out watching, they’ll say, ‘Oh, maybe they’ll win it,’ just by the fact that I’m saying, and it’s so ridiculous.”

Although the executive order signed earlier in the day focused on retirement policy, Trump’s comments during the event centered largely on foreign policy, the conflict with Iran, and his criticism of media coverage.

A recent Supreme Court decision on voting rights could place as many as seven Democratic-held House seats at risk, according to analyses from two independent election forecasters.

Evaluations by the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a project of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, point to seven congressional districts that could potentially shift to Republican control. These include two districts in Louisiana, two in Alabama, and one each in Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, said the ruling may give Republican-led states room to redraw maps in their favor. “It certainly appears possible, perhaps even likely, that these Republican states will be able to draw out all or some of their Democratic-held seats, if not in 2026 then 2028,” he said in the analysis.

Cook Political Report analysts Amy Walter and Matthew Klein similarly indicated that at least one seat could change hands, though timing remains uncertain. “A new map by the GOP legislature is almost certain to result in at least one Republican pickup, though it’s unclear whether that can occur in time for the 2026 election,” they wrote.

They also noted that many aspects of the ruling’s impact remain unresolved. “There are still a lot of unanswered questions swirling around this decision, especially its impact on the 2026 midterm election.”

The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling on Wednesday invalidated Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district, a decision that could have broader consequences for how electoral maps are drawn nationwide. The ruling may allow Republican-controlled states to dismantle districts with large Black and Latino populations that have historically favored Democratic candidates, potentially reshaping control of Congress.

The court’s conservative majority determined that the Louisiana district, currently represented by Democratic Rep. Cleo Fields, placed too much emphasis on race in its design. Chief Justice John Roberts had described the district as a “snake” that stretches more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) to link parts of the Shreveport, Alexandria, Lafayette and Baton Rouge areas.

Legal experts are still assessing how much of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act remains intact following the decision, but the ruling could provide a pathway for further redistricting changes in multiple states.

President Donald Trump has already signaled interest in encouraging Republican officials to redraw congressional maps in response to the decision, potentially setting off a broader national effort to reshape district boundaries.

Although the president expressed support for revising maps, he was not initially aware of the specifics of the court’s ruling at the time.

WATCH:

LISTEN:

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday sharply criticized Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla and the detention of activists aboard the vessels, describing the action as illegal and in violation of international law.

In a social media statement, Mamdani said Israeli forces boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters and detained more than 175 individuals, including residents of New York. “Last night, Israeli forces intercepted and boarded a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza in international waters off the coast of Greece – unlawfully detaining more than 175 people, including several New Yorkers,” Mamdani wrote.

He added that his office has been working with government officials to gather information about those detained. “My team has been in direct contact with State and Federal partners as we work to confirm the whereabouts and conditions of these New Yorkers,” he said.

Mamdani further asserted that the operation violated international norms and called for the detainees’ release. “This is a brazen violation of international law. Those detained must be released.”

Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla Wednesday night, and officials said that, as in prior similar incidents, the vessels were not carrying the humanitarian supplies organizers had claimed.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated Thursday that those on board would be sent to Greece and would not remain in Israeli custody.

The Global Sumud Flotilla had set sail from multiple countries, including Turkey, Spain, and Italy, and reportedly included more than 100 boats with approximately 1,000 participants.

Mamdani has previously drawn criticism over his positions on Israel. During his campaign, he declined to distance himself from the phrase “globalize the intifada,” and he was also criticized for remarks about Israel made on October 8, 2023, one day after the Hamas attacks in southern Israel.

He has repeatedly accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza and has said he would seek the arrest of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu should he come to New York City.

On his first day in office, Mamdani sparked controversy by rescinding executive orders related to Israel that had been issued by his predecessor, Eric Adams.

Among the orders he canceled was one signed in June 2025 adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism.

Another rescinded directive had barred mayoral appointees and agency personnel from engaging in boycotts or divestment efforts targeting Israel.

Mamdani has also faced scrutiny over allegations of antisemitism since assuming office. A recent report claimed that his wife, Rama Dawaji, had interacted with social media content perceived as supportive of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack.

In addition, at a Ramadan gathering last month, Mamdani was introduced by an individual who called for Hamas to carry out attacks on Tel Aviv.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Thursday that U.S. forces have severely damaged Iran’s military capabilities and leadership structure, but made clear that the confrontation will not be considered resolved unless there are firm guarantees that Tehran will never obtain nuclear weapons.

Speaking in a lengthy interview with Newsmax host Greta Van Susteren, Trump expressed confidence in the impact of American operations while indicating that he is seeking a more definitive conclusion to the conflict.

“We’ve already won, but I want to win by a bigger margin,” Trump said. “We have destroyed their navy, destroyed their air force, destroyed all of their – if you look at their anti-aircraft equipment, their radar equipment, their leadership. Their leadership is destroyed. We’ve destroyed everything.”

The president described Iran as having been left in a severely weakened state, both militarily and financially, suggesting that any recovery would be slow and uncertain. “If we leave right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild, if they ever could rebuild,” he said.

Even so, Trump emphasized that battlefield success alone does not achieve the broader objective. “But it’s actually not good enough,” he said. “We have to have guarantees they will never have a nuclear weapon.”

He also expressed certainty that Iran would use such weapons if it had the capability. “I will tell you that Iran would use the nuclear weapon if they had it,” he said. “I deal with these people. I know people. They will use their nuclear weapon, and we’re not going to give them a chance to do it.”

Trump dismissed earlier proposals that would have allowed Iran access to nuclear materials for civilian use, saying he would not agree to such arrangements. “I wouldn’t have approved that. I wouldn’t have. I’m not giving them anything,” Trump said. “They’re going to either have a nuclear weapon, or they’re not. And if they do, they’re in big trouble.”

Turning to Iran’s economic situation, Trump said the country is facing severe instability. “Right now, their economy is collapsing, inflation is at close to 100%,” he said. “They can’t do any oil because we have a blockade that’s 100% effective.”

He added that he believes his administration’s strategy has received strong backing internationally, while criticizing prior leaders and other nations for failing to act earlier. “I actually think it’s very popular what I’m doing,” Trump said. “The world is thanking me, because I shouldn’t be the one that’s doing it. Other presidents should have done it long before me, and other countries should have done it.”

Earlier Thursday, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said Iran is “dying to make a deal,” and suggested an agreement could be reached soon.

When asked about ongoing negotiations, Trump said, “Nobody knows what the talks are except myself and a couple of other people.”

“I mean, Iran is dying to make a deal. I can only tell you that. I don’t want to get into it, but they got – they cannot be nuclear other than that. But they are,” he added.

Trump underscored what he described as the broader stakes involved, saying, “The bottom line is for this world, for our country, but certainly for Israel, the Middle East and Europe, much closer, you cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”

The president had canceled a planned visit by his envoys to Islamabad over the weekend, where talks with Iranian officials had been expected. He said Wednesday that efforts to reach a resolution are continuing through phone discussions rather than face-to-face meetings.

His remarks came after he rejected a recent Iranian proposal, telling Axios that the United States will keep its naval blockade in place until Tehran agrees to conditions addressing Washington’s concerns over its nuclear program.

The proposal from Iran reportedly included reopening the Strait of Hormuz while delaying negotiations over its nuclear activities, an approach the administration declined to accept.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro shared security video on Thursday that she said shows the suspected gunman shooting a Secret Service officer at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

According to Pirro, the video also shows Cole Allen casing the area in the Washington Hilton the day before the attack, with Allen seen walking in a hallway of the hotel, as well as talking with a woman in the gym.

The video appears to show officers firing their guns at the suspect as he runs through the hotel while holding a long gun.

Allen, 31, was arrested and charged after he fired a gun during the event. He faces multiple charges, including attempted assassination, and could receive a life sentence if convicted.

WATCH:

[Video below.] A keffiyeh worn by someone featured prominently in a New York City public service announcement that Mayor Zohran Mamdani released on Wednesday is raising questions and hackles among Jewish New Yorkers.

Two young workers from the mayor’s office of mass engagement, identified as Tascha and Mohamed, are shown in the video knocking at Gracie Mansion, the mayoral home.

Mamdani opens the door and asks them to tell him more about testifying at the June hearing of the Rent Guidelines Board, which sets cost increases for the city’s rent-regulated apartments.

Mohamed wears a keffiyah visibly tucked under his jacket, which has upset many Jewish New Yorkers.

“Everyone knows that the keffiyeh is now associated with events against Israel,” Benny Polatseck, a Chassidic Jew who worked in the creative communications department at City Hall under former mayor Eric Adams, told JNS. “Why is he presenting that message in a video that is not supposed to be political?”

Polatseck wonders if Mamdani is “going out of his way to offend the Jewish community.”

The first rule in the mayor’s communications department when Polatseck worked there was that nothing it produced could offend any segment of New York’s wide array of religious and ethnic communities, Polatseck told JNS.

“If we had produced anything like this, I would have been fired the next day,” he said.

Moshe Spern, who teaches history at a Queens public high school, told JNS that “the message being sent to me and every other Jewish person by this video is that, ‘I’m going to trigger you and make you remember Oct. 7, the biggest pogrom to face the Jewish people since the Holocaust.’”

“They can try to spin this if they want to and say it’s about bringing people together,” said Spern, who is president of United Jewish Teachers, an advocacy group that represents Jews in teachers unions. “But you are the mayor of New York City and should respect the million-plus Jews here.”

The black-and-white keffiyah is a symbol of Palestinian resistance, and anti-Israel demonstrators often use it to cover their faces.

Wendy Melillo, an associate professor of journalism at American University whose research focuses on how communication impacts society and the media, told JNS that “visual representation of one’s personal beliefs is a statement about what is valued in that person’s life.”

“Wearing that particular clothing as a representative can suggest that this is valued by the Mamdani administration,” she said.

“It’s really important to understand what the agenda is behind any public service messaging,” Mellillo told JNS. “That requires research into what the intent is.” (JNS sought comment from the mayor’s office.)

Mohamed Alharbi, deputy Queens borough director in the mayor’s mass engagement office, who wears the keffiyeh in the video, has said that his family is Yemeni, not Palestinian.

For some Jewish New Yorkers, Mamdani’s intent in the public service announcement is clear. “This is a mayor consistently sending a message to the Jewish people of New York that you don’t matter,” Spern told JNS.

Russell Drew, who identifies on social media as a political junkie and native New Yorker, wrote that “this kid is wearing a keffiyeh. I won’t even listen to another thing he says.”

“Or anybody else who wears a garment associated with terrorism,” Drew added. “Zohran Mamdani doesn’t care. He knows what he’s doing. Everything he does is about Palestine.”

[Video below.] President Donald Trump brushed off a question about his personal safety with humor after being asked whether he would begin wearing a bulletproof vest following what officials say was another attempt on his life.

“I don’t know if I can handle looking 20 pounds heavier,” he said during a news conference on Thursday afternoon.

“If you want to gain 20 to 25 pounds, get a vest — and live,” he added.

The remark, which drew laughter from reporters and members of his administration, came in the aftermath of a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner—an event authorities say marked the third alleged attempt to assassinate the president.

Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, who was taken into custody after opening fire during the gathering. He has been charged with several offenses, including attempted assassination, and faces the possibility of life in prison if found guilty.

Trump said that although the idea of wearing protective gear has been raised before, he noted that “I guess it’s something you consider in one way.”

He also indicated that he is not preoccupied with the prospect of another attempt on his life, telling reporters he is not focused on whether there could be a fourth incident.

Allen appeared in federal court on Thursday but did not enter a plea. Investigators say that just days earlier, he ran through a magnetometer at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., carrying a long gun, causing chaos at one of the capital’s most prominent annual events.

During the incident, a Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire but was protected by a bullet-resistant vest and survived the attack.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump has issued an executive order aimed at extending retirement savings opportunities to millions of Americans who currently lack access to employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s.

“I promised to make the same types of retirement accounts enjoyed by federal employees available to all Americans, and that’s what we’re doing. It only seemed fair,” he said during the signing ceremony in the Oval Office.

As part of the initiative, workers without access to an employer-provided individual retirement account (IRA) will qualify for a federal matching contribution of up to $1,000 annually, according to the president.

The eligibility thresholds for the program include individuals earning under $35,500 per year, heads of household earning up to $53,250, and married couples with a combined annual income of up to $71,000.

“This will be really revolutionary because they’ll be covered,” Trump said in the Oval Office.

“Nobody thought that was possible. For example, if a 25-year-old who is eligible for a Saver’s Match program invests just $165 a month under the matching federal contributions, they will have an estimated $465,000 in their account by the time they’re 65 years old,” he added.

“In other words, they’ll be rich. And there’s something awfully nice about that.”

Roughly 56 million Americans do not have access to workplace retirement plans, according to data from Pew Research.

That group includes gig economy workers such as Uber drivers, self-employed tradespeople, and individuals working freelance or contract jobs.

Small-business operators, including neighborhood shop owners, are also expected to benefit from the expanded access.

An estimated 27 million individuals already qualify for participation under a 2022 law that introduced the Saver’s Match program, though many have not yet enrolled.

The Joint Committee on Taxation previously estimated that the Saver’s Match initiative would cost approximately $9.3 billion between 2027 and 2032.

The Treasury Department plans to roll out a dedicated website, TrumpIRA.gov, on January 1, 2027, which will serve as the platform for applications.

A prior federal savings initiative, myRA, introduced during the Obama administration, was discontinued in 2017.

The rollout of the new retirement program comes as Trump highlights economic policies ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Treasury officials are expected to begin a public awareness campaign leading up to the 2027 launch of the program.

Earlier this year, the department also introduced the Trump Accounts initiative, funded with billions in private contributions, to establish tax-advantaged savings accounts for children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028.

Each qualifying child receives an initial $1,000 deposit, while individuals outside that timeframe will still have the option to open accounts independently.

Under the executive order, the Treasury is tasked with compiling and publishing a list of financial institutions that offer IRAs and accept the federal Saver’s Match contribution through the TrumpIRA.gov platform.

The directive also includes measures designed to simplify participation for tax-exempt organizations.

In addition, lawmakers are being urged to pass legislation that would formally enshrine the policy into law.

{Matzav.com}