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A bipartisan group in the House, including dozens of Republicans, joined Democrats to defeat a proposal that would have prevented recipients of federal food assistance from using benefits to buy sugary drinks, prompting criticism from fiscal conservatives and public health advocates.

The measure, introduced by Rep. Keith Self, sought to disqualify soda and other sweetened beverages from eligibility under SNAP, the federal nutrition assistance program serving more than 40 million Americans. In a 238-186 vote, the amendment failed, with 183 Democrats and 55 Republicans opposing it.

SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, currently allows recipients to use benefits for a wide range of food items, including sugary beverages. Critics of the program’s current structure note that roughly $9 billion is spent annually on soda purchases, accounting for about 10% of total SNAP expenditures and making it the most commonly purchased item.

Opponents of the House vote argue that subsidizing soda consumption places a financial burden on taxpayers while contributing little to nutritional needs and potentially worsening health outcomes tied to diet-related diseases.

Reaction to the vote was swift, with several lawmakers voicing frustration over the outcome.

“The House just voted against banning soda from SNAP,” Rep. Nancy Mace wrote on social media. “Why should the government fund your soda purchases?”

She added, “If SNAP recipients want to buy sugary drinks, they can do it on their own dime, not on the backs of a taxpayer-funded nutrition program.”

Some Republicans also questioned why members of their own party broke ranks on the issue.

“It’s so disappointing that 55 Republicans can’t take the first step in stopping something so obviously wrong and that hurts the moral fiber of the country,” Rep. Glenn Grothman told Newsmax.

Policy analysts and nutrition researchers have pointed to studies suggesting that consumption patterns among SNAP participants may be linked to higher rates of chronic illness, increasing long-term healthcare costs.

One frequently cited study conducted by researchers at Stanford University and the University of California examined data from more than 19,000 SNAP participants and concluded that restricting purchases of sugary beverages could lead to measurable improvements in public health.

The study found that removing sugary drinks from SNAP eligibility would reduce calorie intake and lower rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes among recipients.

Researchers estimated that such a policy could cut obesity prevalence by nearly one percentage point and reduce diabetes incidence by approximately 1.7%, translating to about 240,000 fewer cases nationwide.

“The logic behind SNAP policy changes is that taxpayers are potentially subsidizing unhealthy food consumption and paying for its downstream health consequences,” the study noted.

Public health advocates argue that the broader impact extends beyond individual choice, emphasizing the cost burden on government healthcare programs.

“This is not just about personal choice — it’s about public cost,” one nutrition policy analyst said.

“When the government subsidizes unhealthy consumption, taxpayers ultimately pay twice: once at the grocery store, and again through healthcare.”

The research also found that SNAP recipients consume more calories from sugary beverages than from fruits and vegetables.

Despite these findings, critics of the proposed restriction—including some lawmakers and anti-hunger organizations—argued that implementing such a ban could complicate program administration and limit consumer autonomy.

Industry groups representing beverage manufacturers and bottling companies were also reported to have lobbied lawmakers heavily in opposition to the amendment.

“It makes me very worried about the country’s future when an anti-family program like this is backed by so many Republicans,” Grothman said.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah over Shabbos of Rabbi Chaim Abadi zt”l, a beloved mechanech, visionary leader, and guiding force for countless young people, who was niftar after a lifetime devoted to Torah, chinuch, and boundless ahavas Yisroel.

As the founder and longtime head of Minyan Shelanu in Lakewood and a widely respected figure in the field of chinuch, Rabbi Abadi leaves behind a legacy that reshaped how an entire generation understands and approaches struggling youth.

For decades, Rabbi Abadi stood at the forefront of one of the most sensitive and misunderstood challenges facing the community: reaching teens who felt disconnected, overlooked, or adrift. Long before the term “at-risk” became widely recognized or addressed, he was already quietly, persistently, and compassionately building bridges. At a time when others struggled to understand the phenomenon, Rabbi Abadi saw not labels, but neshamos, precious souls yearning to be understood, embraced, and guided.

He was a true pioneer. While many were still grappling with what this emerging crisis meant, Rabbi Abadi was already deep in the trenches, forging relationships, developing approaches, and creating environments where young people felt safe, respected, and valued. His work was not theoretical. It was deeply personal. He knew his talmidim. He listened to them. He fought for them. And above all, he believed in them, often long before they believed in themselves.

As the driving force behind Minyan Shelanu, Rabbi Abadi created far more than a place to daven. He built a makom of belonging, a haven where boys who felt alienated elsewhere could reconnect to Torah, to tefillah, and to their own inner greatness. The warmth of his smile, the sincerity of his words, and the depth of his care transformed lives in ways that cannot be measured.

Those who worked alongside him describe a man of extraordinary patience and unwavering dedication. There were no “off hours.” Late nights, difficult conversations, and endless emotional investment were simply part of his avodah. He carried the burdens of others as if they were his own, and he never gave up on a child—ever. His approach combined firmness with compassion, clarity with sensitivity, and above all, a deep, unshakable belief that every Yid has a place.

Rabbi Abadi’s impact extended far beyond Lakewood. Educators, rabbonim, and parents from across the country sought his guidance, recognizing that he possessed a rare understanding of the complexities facing today’s youth. He helped shape not only individual lives, but an entire field. Much of what is now taken for granted in dealing with struggling teens—concepts of connection, validation, and individualized attention—were ideas he was already implementing years earlier, often without recognition or fanfare.

Yet despite his influence, Rabbi Abadi remained humble and unassuming. He did not seek honor or acclaim. His satisfaction came from seeing a boy return to shul, from a quiet conversation that restored hope, from knowing that another neshamah had been brought closer rather than pushed away.

His talmidim span the spectrum, many now building beautiful batei ne’emanim b’Yisroel, raising families, and living lives of Torah and yiras Shamayim. Each one carries a piece of Rabbi Abadi within them, a testament to the enduring power of his work.

The loss is immeasurable. A giant in chinuch, a trailblazer in reaching at-risk youth, and a man whose heart encompassed so many, Rabbi Chaim Abadi’s absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him and by countless others who may never know just how much they owe him.

Rabbi Abadi is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Fraidy Abadi, and a wonderful family following his ways, as well as numerous talmidim and admirers whose lives have been forever changed thanks to his impact.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

The Pentagon has confirmed plans to remove roughly 5,000 American troops from Germany, a move that comes as relations between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have grown increasingly strained over policy disagreements, particularly regarding Iran.

A Defense Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the redeployment was ordered following a broader evaluation of military positioning in Europe.

“The Secretary of War has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany,” said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.

“This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground.

“We expect the withdrawal to be completed over the next six to 12 months.”

The United States currently maintains about 38,000 service members in Germany, including at Ramstein Air Base, which serves as a major headquarters for U.S. Air Forces in Europe. American installations in the country have long functioned as central hubs for operations across Europe and the Middle East.

The American military footprint in Germany has been a recurring point of contention in Washington. In 2020, Trump directed the removal of approximately 12,000 troops, though that effort was met with opposition from both parties in Congress and was not fully carried out before Joe Biden assumed office.

Merz, speaking earlier this week in Marsberg, voiced criticism of U.S. policy toward Iran, saying Washington was being “humiliated by the Iranian leadership” and expressing hope that the conflict would conclude “as quickly as possible.”

Those remarks drew a sharp response from Trump, adding to a series of disagreements between the two leaders on matters such as tariffs and defense contributions.

In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump said his administration was “studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany,” noting that a decision would be reached “over the next short period of time.”

He also directly criticized Merz’s stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday.

“He doesn’t know what he’s talking about! If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage.

“I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago. No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise!”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the billions of dollars owed by the United States to the global body must be paid without conditions, rejecting reports that Washington is tying the funds to a series of demanded reforms.

According to a report by Devex, U.S. officials circulated diplomatic communications outlining nine proposed “quick-hit” changes that would need to be implemented before additional funding is released. These proposals reportedly include budget reductions and steps aimed at limiting China’s role within the organization.

“The money we are talking about is referred to as assessed contributions,” Guterres told reporters when asked about the reports. “Assessed contributions are an obligation of member states. They are non-negotiable.”

Guterres, who has been advancing internal reforms amid mounting pressure from member countries—particularly the United States—said the organization remains committed to improving efficiency and accountability.

He stated that the U.N. would continue working “to make sure that we make this organization as effective and as cost-effective and as able to deliver for the people we care for.”

“But these are two separate things,” he added.

The Devex report indicated that the proposed U.S. conditions include significant cost-cutting measures, such as restructuring the U.N.’s pension system, eliminating long-distance business-class travel for certain staff members, reducing senior-level positions, and cutting 10% from longstanding peacekeeping operations deemed ineffective.

Additional proposals reportedly seek to curb China’s financial influence, including blocking its ability to direct tens of millions of dollars annually into a discretionary fund within the secretary-general’s office.

The U.S. mission to the United Nations has not publicly responded to the report. However, American officials have repeatedly emphasized that they intend to continue pressing for reforms, following decisions to withdraw from numerous U.N.-affiliated bodies this year and reduce funding in the previous year.

Earlier this year, Guterres warned that the organization was nearing a financial crisis due to unpaid dues, with the majority of the outstanding amount attributed to the United States. In February, the U.N. reported that Washington had paid approximately $160 million of the more than $4 billion it currently owes.

{Matzav.com}

Spirit Airlines announced on Shabbos that it has ceased operations after more than three decades in business, abruptly halting all flights and beginning an immediate shutdown process.

The low-cost carrier, known for its bright yellow planes and large domestic network, said it had “started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately,” bringing an end to a company that once ran hundreds of daily flights and employed roughly 17,000 workers.

A notice posted on the airline’s website confirmed that every scheduled flight has been canceled and that customer service operations have been shut down entirely.

“We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our guests for many years to come,” the announcement said.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Shabbos that a reserve fund is in place to reimburse passengers who booked directly through the airline, while those who purchased tickets through travel agencies or third-party platforms will need to pursue refunds through those providers. He also warned travelers not to come to the airport.

“If you have a flight scheduled with Spirit Airlines, don’t show up at the airport. There will be no one here to assist you,” Duffy said.

Duffy added that several major carriers — including United, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest — are offering limited-time one-way fares of $200 for stranded passengers who can show proof of a Spirit booking. He also said airlines are stepping in to assist displaced employees, including offering expedited hiring opportunities.

Spirit said it is working to reposition more than 1,300 flight crew members to their home bases. The airline noted that its final flight landed at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport after departing from Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Customers were informed that refunds would be issued, but the company made clear it would not provide assistance in rebooking travel with other airlines.

Despite the shutdown, airport boards still showed several Spirit departures listed as “on time” early Shabbos morning in Atlanta, one of the airline’s smaller hubs.

Some travelers who had not yet heard the news continued arriving at airports, including Joshua Sigler, who purchased a ticket on Friday for a Shabbos flight to Miami.

“I’m just going to go back home,” said Sigler, who didn’t try to take advantage of deals some other airlines were offering to displaced Spirit passengers.

He said he had received no notice from the airline, which he had used multiple times before. “They get you there,” he said of past flights. “It was cheap.”

Former Spirit flight attendant Freddy Peterson was aboard one of the airline’s final flights, traveling from Detroit to Newark late Friday night. He said that even as rumors of a shutdown spread online, the flight appeared routine, carrying more than 200 passengers.

“All our aircraft were packed,” he said.

Peterson, 60, said he woke up early Shabbos morning to check the company’s website amid speculation that operations would cease.

“I said, OK, well, since all this going on, they said Spirit is supposed to close at 3, I’m going to bed. I set my alarm clock for 3 o’clock, went onto the website and it said, ‘Spirit flights have been canceled,'” Peterson said.

He said Delta Air Lines flew him and another crew member back to Atlanta on Shabbos morning, after which he planned to drive to his home in Shellman, Georgia.

“I’ll probably do my boo-hoo crying and all that other stuff once I get in the car.”

Peterson, who worked for Spirit for a decade, said the airline had been meaningful to him personally. He also said its reputation for disorder was overstated, though he criticized leadership for failing to communicate clearly with employees in the days leading up to the shutdown, including canceling a promised staff town hall.

The Trump administration had explored the possibility of a federal bailout to keep the airline afloat, but negotiations did not produce an agreement. Addressing the idea, Duffy said on Shabbos that “we often times don’t have half a billion dollars laying around.”

President Donald Trump had raised the possibility of intervention the previous week after the airline entered bankruptcy proceedings again, its second filing in less than two years, amid soaring fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict.

As recently as Friday afternoon, Trump said that “we’re looking at it” and described offering the airline a “final proposal” that would have involved a taxpayer-backed takeover.

Spirit has faced mounting financial trouble since the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with higher costs and increasing debt. By the time it filed for Chapter 11 protection in November 2024, the airline had accumulated more than $2.5 billion in losses since early 2020.

The carrier returned to bankruptcy court in August 2025, reporting $8.1 billion in liabilities against $8.6 billion in assets, according to filings.

Officials in the Trump administration placed responsibility for the airline’s collapse on policies from the administration of Joe Biden. Biden had opposed a proposed merger between Spirit and JetBlue in 2023, a move critics say contributed to the airline’s financial decline.

On Shabbos, Duffy also directed blame toward Biden and his predecessor in the transportation role, Pete Buttigieg.

“Many at the time said that this was a disaster. This merger should have been allowed,” he said.

Supporters of intervention, including labor unions representing pilots, flight attendants, and ground crews, warned that a shutdown would eliminate thousands of jobs and reduce competition in the airline industry, potentially driving up ticket prices. About 17,000 positions are affected, according to Spirit attorney Marshall Huebner.

Travelers who rely on low-cost options are expected to be hit hardest, particularly in destinations where Spirit had a strong presence, such as Las Vegas and Florida cities including Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium showed that the airline carried approximately 1.7 million domestic passengers in February, a drop of about 500,000 compared to the same month a year earlier. Capacity has also been cut significantly, with about half as many seats available this month as in May 2024.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated again over the weekend after a senior Iranian military official warned that a return to hostilities is “likely,” just hours after President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Tehran’s latest proposal in ongoing negotiations.

According to Iranian state media, a new draft proposal was delivered Thursday evening through Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, though no details were released about its contents.

The conflict, which began in late February with military action by the United States and Israel, has remained largely paused since April 8. One attempt at negotiations in Pakistan has already failed to produce an agreement.

“At this moment I’m not satisfied with what they’re offering,” Trump told reporters, blaming stalled talks on “tremendous discord” within Iran’s leadership.

“Do we want to go and just blast the …. out of them and finish them forever — or do we want to try and make a deal?” he added, saying he would “prefer not” to take the first option “on a human basis”.

On Shabbos morning, Mohammad Jafar Asadi, a senior commander in Iran’s Central Command, said “a renewed conflict between Iran and the United States is likely,” according to remarks published by Fars News Agency.

“Evidence has shown that the United States is not committed to any promises or agreements,” he added.

Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, said Friday that while Tehran remains open to diplomacy, it will not accept terms imposed upon it.

The White House has not disclosed specifics of the Iranian proposal, but Axios reported that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff submitted revisions to an earlier draft that would bring Iran’s nuclear program back into the scope of discussions.

Those proposed changes reportedly include requirements that Iran refrain from transferring enriched uranium from previously targeted facilities or restarting operations at those sites during negotiations.

Markets reacted briefly to news of the proposal, with oil prices dropping nearly five percent before stabilizing. Prices remain significantly elevated, roughly 50 percent higher than before the war, due largely to the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, Iran has effectively blocked the strategic waterway, disrupting major shipments of oil, natural gas, and fertilizer. In response, the United States has enforced its own blockade on Iranian ports.

Speaking at a rally Friday, Trump referenced a previous U.S. operation targeting an oil tanker during the standoff, saying “we’re like pirates”.

Despite the pause in large-scale fighting in the Gulf region, violence has persisted in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have continued strikes against positions linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, even as a separate ceasefire remains in place.

Lebanon’s health authorities reported that 13 people were killed in southern strikes, including in the town of Habboush, which had been under an evacuation warning from the Israeli military.

Meanwhile, Washington confirmed late Friday that it approved significant new arms deals for regional allies, including a $4 billion Patriot missile system agreement with Qatar and nearly $1 billion in precision-guided weapons for Israel.

Back in Washington, lawmakers are grappling with a legal question over whether the administration missed a deadline requiring congressional approval for continued military action.

Officials in the administration maintain that the ceasefire effectively pauses the 60-day clock that would otherwise trigger the need for congressional authorization, a position disputed by Democratic lawmakers.

Trump is also facing mounting political pressure at home, with inflation rising, no decisive outcome in the conflict, and midterm elections approaching.

“There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026,” Trump said in letters to congressional leaders, adding that the hostilities “have terminated”.

Inside Iran, the economic consequences of the war are becoming more severe.

The United States has introduced additional sanctions targeting three Iranian currency firms and warned companies against paying a “toll” demanded by Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the U.S. military, its blockade has prevented approximately $6 billion in Iranian oil exports. Inflation in Iran, already high before the conflict, has now climbed above 50 percent.

“Everyone is trying to endure it, but… they are falling apart,” 40-year-old Amir, a Tehran resident, told an AFP reporter based outside the country.

“We still have not seen much of the economic effects because everyone had a bit of savings. They had some gold and dollars for a rainy day. When they run out, things will change.”

Separately, Iran’s judiciary announced that two men convicted of spying for Israel were executed today, marking the latest in a series of such cases in recent weeks.

One of the individuals had been found guilty of assisting Israel during a 12-day conflict last June.

{Matzav.com}

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York issued a sharp response to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after he condemned Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla, accusing him of ignoring a recent antisemitic incident in Brooklyn.

Mark Treyger, who heads the organization, criticized Mamdani for speaking out about the maritime incident while remaining silent on reports of antisemitism at the Park Slope Food Coop earlier in the week.

“This week, it was reported that Jewish New Yorkers were subjected to vile antisemitism at a prominent Brooklyn institution…conduct that likely violates state and local human rights laws and warrants public attention and a response from your administration, including the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Yet I have not seen a word from City Hall about that incident,” wrote Treyger.

“Leadership in New York requires the ability to show up consistently for all communities, especially when hate targets them here at home,” he pointed out.

“Foundational to advancing any mayoral agenda is ensuring that New Yorkers of every background feel seen, heard, and protected by their mayor, which includes Jewish New Yorkers,” stated Treyger.

Mamdani had earlier criticized Israel’s detention of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing the action as unlawful and contrary to international law.

“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 in a post on social media.

“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 added.

“This is a brazen violation of international law. Those detained must be released.”

The Israeli Navy stopped the flotilla Wednesday night, determining—similar to past incidents—that the vessels were not transporting the humanitarian supplies organizers had claimed.

Mamdani has faced ongoing criticism over his positions on Israel. During his campaign, he declined to repudiate the phrase “globalize the intifada,” drawing backlash from critics.

He also came under fire for comments he made on October 8, 2023, one day after the Hamas attack in southern Israel, when he publicly criticized Israel.

In subsequent remarks, Mamdani has repeatedly accused Israel of committing war crimes in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza and has pledged to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit New York City.

Controversy also erupted at the start of Mamdani’s tenure when he rescinded executive orders enacted by his predecessor, Eric Adams, related to Israel.

Among the measures reversed was an order formally adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, as well as a directive barring city officials from participating in boycotts or divestment efforts targeting Israel.

Mamdani has continued to face scrutiny over antisemitism-related issues during his time in office. Reports recently surfaced indicating that his wife, Rama Dawaji, had engaged with social media posts that praised or appeared to support the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

Additional criticism followed last month when Mamdani was introduced at a Ramadan gathering by an individual who publicly called for Hamas to carry out an attack on Tel Aviv.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu returned to a high-level cabinet meeting this week and unexpectedly credited Aryeh Deri for a successful outcome, telling him, “It’s all thanks to you,” and later adding, “Because of your learning [Torah],” after a tense phone call with President Donald Trump.

According to a report, Deri, who serves as chairman of the Shas party, had participated in a meeting of the restricted security cabinet last Motzoei Shabbos. During the session, Netanyahu stepped out for an extended phone conversation with Trump, with visible signs of tension and concern apparent on his face as he left the room.

Sensing that the discussion would be paused for some time, Deri used the opportunity to continue his daily limud haTorah. He opened Maseches Menachos, explaining that he had only a few remaining pages to complete the masechta as part of his Daf Yomi cycle.

After approximately half an hour, Netanyahu returned to the meeting noticeably relieved and in high spirits. To the surprise of those present, he gestured toward Deri with a sign of acknowledgment and said, “It’s all thanks to you.” When Deri, puzzled, responded, “What did I do? I was just sitting and learning,” Netanyahu replied, “Because of your learning.”

The following day, Deri marked the completion of Maseches Menachos with a siyum, attended by members of the Shas faction as well as the newly appointed Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, Rav Zevadia Cohen.

{Matzav.com}

The Lag Ba’omer celebration at Meron may not take place this year after Yerushalayim Affairs Ministry Director-General Shimon Elbaum warned that the event cannot proceed without a functioning transportation plan, placing responsibility on the Transportation Ministry for the potential cancellation.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Transportation Ministry Director-General Moshe Ben Zaken, Elbaum accused the ministry of failing to implement the transportation arrangements required under government directives. He cautioned that unless the issue is resolved, the annual gathering will not be held.

“Following coordination with the responsible minister, Dr. Shlomo Karhi,” Elbaum wrote, “and after it became clear that the Transportation Ministry is not activating the required transportation system in accordance with government decisions, the law, and the approved framework, I wish to clarify the following: As per the law regulating the Lag Ba’omer celebration at Meron, access to the site is permitted only via designated public transportation and special travel tickets. This is a fundamental condition for maintaining controlled and limited entry in line with Home Front Command guidelines.”

Elbaum emphasized that the scaled-down format for the event had already received approval from all relevant security bodies and was designed to carefully manage crowd movement while limiting the number of attendees at any one time.

“Failure to operate the transportation system according to the approved framework makes it impossible to implement this mechanism,” he warned. “This directly undermines the ability to enforce the plan in accordance with Home Front Command directives. In such a situation, serious public disorder, unusual congestion, uncontrolled arrivals, and a real risk of dangerous crowding and clashes with enforcement forces are expected.”

He concluded by stating that without the Transportation Ministry fulfilling its role, the event cannot be conducted safely, making cancellation unavoidable.

“Therefore, since the Transportation Ministry does not intend to fulfill its role in implementing the approved framework, it will not be possible to hold the Lag Ba’omer celebration at Meron in a safe manner. Under these circumstances, and with great regret, we are forced to announce that in 2026 no Lag Ba’omer events will take place at Meron. It should be clarified that responsibility for all consequences stemming from this, including risks to public safety, congestion, disorder, and danger to human life, will rest with the Transportation Ministry.”

Separately, authorities released an updated outline for this year’s Lag Ba’omer observance on Har Meron, which calls for three bonfire-lighting ceremonies under police supervision, each limited to 200 participants.

The revised framework follows a directive issued Friday afternoon by the Home Front Command restricting outdoor gatherings in northern border areas, including Meron, to a maximum of 200 people, while indoor gatherings in those regions are capped at 600 participants.

Funds collected through a public crowdfunding drive to oppose the draft law are now being used as part of a political campaign linked to Naftali Bennett, following the decision of the activist group’s founder to join his party ahead of the upcoming elections.

The movement “Shoulder to Shoulder,” which in recent months spearheaded protests against the draft law and raised more than half a million shekels from supporters, has now become the focus of a growing political controversy. About two weeks ago, the group’s founder, Yonatan Shalev, joined Bennett’s electoral list, and donors who contributed to the cause later discovered that the digital assets created with their donations had effectively been absorbed into Bennett’s campaign operation.

According to a report by Channel 12 News, the funds raised by Shalev and members of “Shoulder to Shoulder” were used, among other things, to build and promote social media pages, including those belonging to Shalev personally and to the organization itself. After Shalev aligned with Bennett’s party, those same pages were formally presented as part of the campaign’s official assets.

As a result, individuals who donated to support a public protest against the draft law—without necessarily intending to support Bennett or his party—found that the initiative they backed was now tied to a partisan political effort. Some donors voiced discomfort with the abrupt transition from a grassroots protest movement to direct political campaigning.

The development has also sparked legal and public scrutiny. The fundraising efforts of Shalev and “Shoulder to Shoulder” were not conducted through a registered nonprofit or formal legal entity, meaning there was no typical external oversight governing how the money would be used. A key question now being raised is whether social media platforms built with public donations, and later used in a party campaign, could constitute an improper political contribution or benefit.

Bennett’s associates have strongly pushed back against the claims. A statement from the “Together” party said: “Shoulder to Shoulder is a social initiative that is not a nonprofit organization, which promoted equality in sharing the burden. Its members launched a crowdfunding campaign to fight the draft evasion law. Recently, the members of the organization made a courageous decision to enter politics in order to give a voice to young people in the country. Any claim of an ‘improper contribution’ is completely without factual or legal basis.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Friday that he will not pursue congressional authorization for the ongoing conflict with Iran, arguing that the requirement under the War Powers Act is invalid and unnecessary.

Under the War Powers Act, a president must obtain approval from Congress within 60 days of notifying lawmakers about a military engagement involving U.S. forces. The joint U.S.-Israeli campaign targeting Iran’s leadership and military assets began on Feb. 28, but Congress was not formally notified until March 2. That timeline set Friday as the deadline for securing authorization to continue operations.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House before departing for Florida, Trump was asked why he would not request approval from Congress.

“Because it’s never been sought before,” he said in comments that aired live on Newsmax and the free Newsmax2 streaming platform. “There’s been numerous, many, many times, and nobody’s ever gotten it before. They consider it totally unconstitutional.

“But we’re always in touch with Congress. But nobody’s ever saw it before. Nobody’s ever asked for it before. It’s never been used before. Why should we be different?”

Presidents from both political parties have historically carried out military actions without formally invoking the War Powers Act, often raising questions about its constitutional standing and choosing not to adhere to it in certain situations.

Trump’s remarks build on the administration’s broader position regarding the law. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday that the 60-day requirement does not apply in this case because a ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been in place since April 8.

However, the statute does not include any clause that pauses the 60-day deadline during a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the Senate voted Thursday for the sixth time on a resolution aimed at ending the conflict, rejecting it by a 50-47 margin. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, sided with most Democrats in backing the measure, along with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has consistently supported efforts to limit the administration’s war-making authority. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was the lone Democrat to oppose the resolution.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said Thursday that he would support a formal authorization for the conflict if Trump were to request one. He also raised doubts about the constitutionality of the War Powers Act, noting its origins during the Vietnam War as an effort to reassert congressional control.

“Our founders created a really strong executive, like it or not like it,” Cramer said.

A 45-year-old man has been formally charged with attempted murder following a stabbing attack that left two Jewish men seriously wounded in Golders Green, north London, on Wednesday, in an incident authorities have deemed terrorism-related.

Essa Suleiman, 45, is accused of carrying out the assault on Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76. Both men suffered significant injuries and were rushed to the hospital, where they received medical treatment. The Metropolitan Police have classified the attack as connected to terrorism.

In addition to the Golders Green incident, Suleiman is also alleged to have tried to murder Ishmail Hussein in a separate stabbing earlier that same day at Hussein’s residence in Southwark, south London. According to reports, the two men had been acquainted for approximately 20 years.

Prosecutors have further charged Suleiman with possession of a knife in a public place in connection with the Golders Green attack.

During a court appearance on Friday, Suleiman stood in the dock wearing a grey sweatshirt and trousers issued by police. He appeared to have visible bruising around his eyes. He confirmed his name and date of birth but did not enter a plea at that time.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Friday that he is not satisfied with Iran’s most recent proposal to end the conflict, raising doubts about whether a negotiated agreement can ultimately be reached.

Speaking to reporters, Trump indicated that while Iran is showing interest in reaching a deal, the current offer falls short of his expectations. “They want to make a deal,” Trump said, adding, “I’m not satisfied with it.”

Trump on Iran:

They want to make a deal, but I’m not satisfied with it.pic.twitter.com/2PQGp4KXZn

— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 1, 2026

The president declined to detail the specific elements he found unacceptable, but suggested that Iran’s leadership may not be capable of finalizing an agreement. He pointed to internal divisions among officials in Tehran as a major obstacle.

“They’ve made strides, but I’m not sure if they ever get there,” Trump said, describing “tremendous discord” among Iran’s leaders.

“The leadership is very disjointed,” he said. “It’s got two to three groups, maybe four, and it’s a very disjointed leadership. And with that being said, they all want to make a deal, but they’re all messed up.”

Trump outlined what he described as two possible paths forward: escalating military action or continuing efforts toward a diplomatic resolution. He emphasized that, while force remains an option, it is not his preferred course.

“There are options. Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever? Or do we want to try and make a deal. That’s the options,” Trump said, stressing that his preference was not to restart the bombing campaign.

“On a human basis, I’d prefer not,” he said. “But that’s the option: do we want to go in there heavy and just blast them away or do we want to do something?”

The remarks follow comments Trump made Thursday, when he suggested that Iran is eager to reach an agreement. At that time, he said Iran is “dying to make a deal,” adding that “hopefully it can be worked out very soon.”

When asked about the status of negotiations, Trump underscored the limited number of people involved in the discussions.

“Nobody knows what the talks are except myself and a couple of other people.”

He reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a central objective.

“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.”

Recent diplomatic efforts have also shifted in format. Trump canceled a planned visit by U.S. envoys to Islamabad for in-person discussions with Iranian officials, opting instead to continue negotiations remotely.

“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.

“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.”

[Video below.] President Donald Trump sharply criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries after the New York Democrat made pointed remarks about the Supreme Court and Republican leadership, escalating tensions between the White House and congressional Democrats.

Trump responded to Jeffries’ comments by disputing his claims and questioning his judgment, calling him a “low-IQ” person and warning that his rhetoric was “dangerous.” The president’s response came after Jeffries delivered a forceful critique of the current Supreme Court, which he characterized as dominated by a “corrupt” MAGA-aligned majority.

During his remarks, Jeffries also signaled that Democrats could take action regarding the Court if they regain power in the upcoming midterm elections, stating that they would “do something” about its current composition.

WATCH:

A fundraising event featuring Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman was held last night at the offices of Binyomin Kurland on N. County Line Road in Jackson, New Jersey.

The gathering was organized in support of the Fetterman Victory Fund and drew attendees interested in engaging with the senator and supporting his ongoing efforts.

The event was co-hosted by Binyomin Kurland, Moishe Klein, Shalom Stein, Meir Kubie, and Heshy Landau.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump sharply criticized late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, dismissing him as a “lowlife” and saying he neither heard nor cared about any apology from the comedian.

“I haven’t heard him apologize, but he’s a lowlife, whether he apologized or not,” Trump said during “The Record With Greta Van Susteren,” adding that Kimmel “shouldn’t be on television” and accusing his show of being entirely anti-Republican.

Trump went on to question ABC’s decision to continue airing Kimmel’s program, suggesting the network may be misusing public airwaves and warning that it could be placing itself “in great jeopardy.”

The comments come in the wake of backlash over a joke Kimmel made ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where he remarked that the first lady had “a glow like an expectant widow,” a statement that drew sharp criticism from Trump allies.

In the days that followed, a shooting at the annual event—reported as targeting Trump—brought heightened attention to Kimmel’s remarks. The president and his supporters argued that such rhetoric contributed to a dangerous political atmosphere, while Kimmel maintained that he did not intend to incite violence and rejects it.

The controversy has since broadened into a regulatory issue involving federal oversight.

According to multiple reports, the Federal Communications Commission has accelerated its review of broadcast licenses held by ABC-owned stations, expediting what is usually a routine renewal process.

FCC officials have indicated that the review is based on wider concerns about corporate conduct and compliance, rather than any single show. Still, the timing—coming after Trump’s public criticism of Kimmel and ABC—has led to questions about whether the move is politically driven.

In his phone interview with Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax, Trump linked his remarks about Kimmel to broader concerns about the network, referencing prior disputes with ABC and its journalists while describing the current situation as “very serious.”

{Matzav.com}

An overnight enforcement operation in the Gush Etzion region has sparked widespread anger after residents reported that tefillin were destroyed during the evacuation of an agricultural outpost.

According to residents, combined forces from the Border Police and the Civil Administration raided the Kochav Yehuda outpost during the night and demolished structures at the site, marking the 33rd such evacuation since the outpost was established roughly two months ago.

The outpost, located in a strategic area between the communities of Efrat and Tekoa, has been repeatedly rebuilt by residents after each demolition. During the latest operation, residents said authorities not only dismantled buildings but also confiscated religious texts and caused significant damage to personal belongings.

The incident took a particularly disturbing turn, residents said, when they returned to assess the damage after the forces left. They discovered that a pair of tefillin belonging to one of the residents had been crushed and completely ruined by a bulldozer used in the operation.

Photos from the scene showed that the housing of the head tefillin had been split in two, while the hand tefillin were also severely damaged.

Residents reacted with shock and distress to the discovery. In a statement, they said: “These are scenes that shock every Jewish soul and are reminiscent of dark times. The severe incident of desecrating sacred items is the result of unrestrained persecution being carried out by Central Command against the outpost. Not only destruction on an unprecedented scale, but also violence and a lack of basic humanity on the part of the forces, who do not even safeguard the residents’ personal property during demolitions.”

Despite the repeated demolitions and the reported damage to both personal and religious items, the residents made clear they intend to continue maintaining their presence at the site.

They emphasized the strategic importance of the outpost, stating: “Kochav Yehuda outpost is one of the most strategic outposts today in Gush Etzion, connecting the central bloc to its eastern area.”

According to their claims, without a continuous Jewish presence in the area, an opposing Arab territorial bloc could quickly take hold, which they argue could serve as a foundation for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

They concluded with a firm declaration: “We will continue to hold on to our ancestral land and protect it in every way.”

{Matzav.com}

A senior Israeli military official is warning that the success of the recent operation against Iran could be effectively erased if diplomatic talks fail to secure an agreement to remove enriched uranium from the country and stop further enrichment.

The official stressed that preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear program was the core objective of the operation, not merely a symbolic move or response. “This would be a major failure, because this rogue regime would be able to rush toward nuclear capability-and then we will have achieved nothing.”

He also voiced doubts about the decision-making of Iran’s leadership, suggesting that if current negotiations do not fully meet their goals, additional military action may be required to achieve the intended outcome.

During the course of the conflict, the IDF targeted not only military infrastructure but also internal security forces within Iran, including Basij checkpoints and other enforcement units. According to the official, these strikes were aimed at encouraging public unrest within the country.

However, he acknowledged that the effort did not produce the desired effect. “Once it became clear to us that it was not working, we stopped doing it,” he said.

Separately, the Israeli Air Force recently conducted a test of a new drone interception system, but the trial did not meet expectations.

In response to ongoing drone threats, the Air Force has shifted its approach, seeking to strike Hezbollah drone-launching units deep within their territory rather than relying solely on defensive measures.

The official conceded that the military currently lacks a complete technological answer to the drone threat. “there is currently no solution for drones,” he said, adding: “There will not be 100% success in intercepting drones. We must not wait on the defensive; we must attack the drone operators 20 kilometers inside Lebanon.”

{Matzav.com}

Britain’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Ephraim Mirvis, has called on the UK government to expel Iran’s ambassador following controversial messages linked to the Iranian diplomatic mission that he says amounted to a call for martyrdom.

The demand comes after reports that a message associated with Iran’s embassy encouraged British-Iranians to register for a program described as “martyrdom,” prompting a police review of the content.

Rav Mirvis said the messaging, which urged those “loyal to Iran” to “sacrifice themselves for the homeland,” was effectively incitement.

He urged British officials to follow the lead of countries such as Australia and Lebanon, which have already expelled Iranian representatives, and to take decisive action in response to the message, now under investigation.

One post, written in Persian and circulated on the social media platform Telegram, stated: “Let us all give our bodies to be slaughtered, because this is better than giving our country to the enemy,” and directed readers to a website where they could register.

Iran’s ambassador, Seyed Ali Mousavi, was summoned to the Foreign Office by Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer following the reports. London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed it is reviewing the content of the message.

Despite that, Rav Mirvis pressed for stronger action, calling for the envoy’s removal. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he said: “We are wondering how it can be that on Tuesday, just three days ago, the Iranian embassy here in the UK called on Iranians in Britain to ‘be loyal to your country,’ to go out and even risk your lives in order to act for Iran. This is effectively a call for martyrdom”.

He linked the message to broader security concerns, adding: “The day after that, we saw someone trying to stab to death as many people as possible simply because they were Jewish in Golders Green”. He questioned why the UK had not followed other nations in expelling the ambassador.

“How is it that in Australia, the Iranian ambassador was expelled, that in Lebanon the Iranian ambassador was expelled, why is the Iranian ambassador still here?”

The chief rabbi also warned of what he described as “terror activity backed by Iran” and criticized delays in formally designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization—a step supported by both Labour and Conservative lawmakers but not yet implemented.

“Why is there not a more serious examination of the threat not only to Jews, but also the threat from Iran within our society and to society as a whole?” he said. “And we must treat the situation with far greater seriousness right now”.

Responding to the remarks, minister Alex Davies-Jones said it remains important to maintain diplomatic relations with Iran. “It is important that we get this right, that we keep channels open, that we keep diplomatic channels open with the Iranian ambassador, particularly at a time when war is taking place in Iran,” she said.

She described the Telegram messages as “abhorrent” and added that the Foreign Office had summoned the ambassador “to discuss these remarks, to see what further action can be taken in cooperation.”

Rav Mirvis’s comments follow similar remarks from Nigel Farage, leader of a right-wing party in the UK and a leading figure in opinion polls, who told the Jewish Chronicle that a government under his leadership would expel Iran’s ambassador.

A spokesperson for the Iranian Embassy in London defended the messaging, stating: “Iranians around the world have always cared deeply about their homeland and about defending its territorial integrity, and they always will. The ‘Jan Fada’ platform is intended for all Iranians who wish to support and defend their country, and it does not promote any form of hostility.”

{Matzav.com}

Talmidim of Yeshivas Grodna who were arrested following a protest outside the home of a senior military police official were welcomed back Thursday night at the residence of the rosh yeshiva, Rav Moshe Shmida, where he delivered a forceful message defending the bochurim and rejecting any intimidation.

The gathering came after the students were released from custody by court order and placed under house arrest within the yeshiva. The arrests followed a demonstration outside the Ashkelon home of Brig. Gen. Yuval Yamin, head of the Military Police, an incident that drew widespread attention and condemnation, along with reported sanctions directed at the rosh yeshiva.

Upon their return to the yeshiva campus in Ashdod, each of the released talmidim was greeted personally by Rav Shmida. A larger reception then followed, with bochurim and members of the community assembling for a lechaim gathering, during which the rosh yeshiva addressed the crowd.

“I do not want to go on at length, but only to sharpen a few points that must be clear. And it is important to say and to prove: the fact that you are all here, alive and with us today, proves clearly that everything that was attributed to you was a false accusation. Because if there had been even the slightest basis for what was claimed against you, you would not be here today, and everyone knows this well. It has been proven beyond any doubt that everything that was attributed to you was a false accusation.

“You are precious sons of Tzion, refined like gold. You have only one ‘offense’ that pains them and irritates them: that you and we sit and learn Torah. That is the only ‘offense,’ and everything else is fabrication.

“It is very painful that we are under a wicked government whose entire goal is to undermine those who learn Torah. As our great Torah leaders already saw at the founding of the state, that this was the only objective—to uproot Torah in Klal Yisroel.

“And we declare here clearly—know this well: our fathers and your fathers gave up their lives for Torah study in every place they were. You cannot deny this; they literally gave up their lives. If we speak about the terrible basements in communist Russia, where they persecuted those who learned Torah, our fathers sacrificed themselves with real danger to life—exile to Siberia, terrible punishments—but they knew that this is the existence of the Jewish people. There is no existence for the Jewish people without this, and this is what has sustained us and will continue to sustain us, with God’s help, for generations.

“And, thank God, today we see that this absolute truth is spreading further, and larger groups already admit that there is no other way. Everyone agrees today that this is the only path—to fight and to stand up for our very existence. We hereby declare clearly: nothing will deter us, not sanctions of any kind, not delays, and not decrees. Nothing will deter us.

“And we follow in the ways of our rabbonim and under their guidance. The rosh yeshiva zt”l who established the foundations here with a pure worldview, and who made it the banner upon which the yeshiva stands; the words of the Chazon Ish, that against suicide battalions nothing will help you—this is what stands here and what will continue. This is our strength, and with it we proceed in the path of our rabbis according to their precise directives: the rosh yeshiva zt”l, and rosh yeshiva Rav Shmuel of blessed memory who built the community of Torah scholars, and after him rosh yeshiva Rav Asher zt”l, and today, thank God, we remain completely faithful to the path of the great Rav Azriel, may he live long.

“All year, what is our way? Our way is in the bais medrash—in learning, in understanding, in deepening Torah, in yiras Shomayim, in tefillah, in goodness and kindness without limit. But on the other hand, when there is a temporary directive, we fulfill it with all its demands and with self-sacrifice. When our rabbis instruct us to leave the bais medrash, we carry out that directive as well, outside the bais medrash, with all our strength and with total self-sacrifice.”

The rosh yeshiva continued by emphasizing determination and a return to learning.

“Nothing will deter us—no ridicule and no decree. We will continue to overcome everything with strength and inner resolve. And as you see, even this gathering took place between study sessions, and we are returning with increased energy and strength to our learning. We have merited to bring about a tremendous sanctification of God’s name in these days, as preparation for the giving of the Torah.”

{Matzav.com}