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Iran raised fresh doubts Saturday about the credibility of American diplomatic efforts following renewed naval confrontations in the Persian Gulf, while continuing to withhold a formal response to Washington’s latest ceasefire and negotiation proposal.

President Donald Trump said Friday that he expected Tehran’s answer to the latest American proposal for extending the fragile truce and beginning broader peace negotiations, saying the response was expected “supposedly tonight.”

As of Saturday, however, no public indication had emerged that Iran had delivered a reply through Pakistani mediators, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi openly questioned Washington’s commitment to diplomacy during a conversation with Turkey’s foreign minister.

“The recent escalation of tensions by American forces in the Persian Gulf and their numerous actions in violating the ceasefire have added to suspicions about the motivation and seriousness of the American side in the path of diplomacy,” he said, according to an Iranian account of the call published by the ISNA news agency.

The comments followed a confrontation Friday in which a U.S. warplane fired upon and disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers that American officials accused of violating the naval blockade surrounding Iranian ports.

An Iranian military official later told domestic media outlets that Iran’s navy had answered “to American terrorism with strikes” and that “the clashes have now ceased”.

The latest exchange came after another escalation overnight Thursday into Friday near the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic shipping route that Iran has sought to dominate in order to impose fees on foreign vessels and gain economic leverage over the United States and allied countries.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Friday that it was “unacceptable” for Tehran to control the vital oil corridor.

The United States has delivered a proposal to Iran through Pakistani intermediaries seeking to prolong the Gulf ceasefire and create space for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict that began 10 weeks ago following joint American-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Friday that Tehran was still reviewing the proposal, according to ISNA.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also met Friday in Washington with Vice President JD Vance, where the two discussed Pakistan-led mediation efforts aimed at securing a long-term settlement.

Iran has targeted locations inside Qatar during the conflict, citing the country’s hosting of a major American military air base.

Meanwhile, satellite imagery revealed a growing oil slick near Iran’s Kharg Island, one of the Islamic Republic’s main oil export hubs.

The cause of the spill was not immediately known. Monitoring organization Orbital EOS estimated that the slick, located off the island’s western shoreline, stretched across more than 20 square miles.

A British-based environmental monitoring group, the Conflict and Environment Observatory, told AFP that by Saturday the spill had significantly diminished and may have originated from damaged oil infrastructure.

Kharg Island serves as a central pillar of Iran’s oil export economy and is located in the Persian Gulf north of the Strait of Hormuz.

After the war erupted on February 28, Iran largely shut down traffic through the strait, sending global energy markets into turmoil and sharply increasing oil prices. In response, the United States later established its own naval blockade targeting Iranian ports.

Trump announced Sunday that the U.S. military would launch a naval mission intended to reopen the waterway for commercial shipping, though he reversed course two days later and instead opted to pursue renewed diplomatic negotiations.

Sources in Saudi Arabia told AFP that Riyadh refused to allow American forces to use Saudi bases or airspace for the planned Hormuz operation. One source said Saudi leaders “felt it would just escalate the situation and would not work”.

At the same time, tensions are also resurfacing in Lebanon despite a recent ceasefire there.

Lebanese state media reported that three strikes hit areas south of Beirut on Saturday even though a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah has technically been in effect for three weeks.

An AFP journalist at the scene reported seeing two damaged vehicles along a highway connecting Beirut to southern Lebanon, about 20 kilometers from the capital, while emergency personnel responded nearby.

The attacks came ahead of planned direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon scheduled to take place next week in Washington. Hezbollah has strongly opposed the upcoming talks between the two countries, which have officially remained at war since 1948.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance held talks Friday in Washington with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani as Qatar intensifies its quiet diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict.

According to two sources familiar with the discussions who spoke to Axios, Qatar has been maintaining communication with senior commanders in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who are directly involved in Tehran’s wartime decision-making and negotiations with Washington.

While Pakistan has officially served as the primary intermediary between the United States and Iran since fighting erupted on February 28, Qatar has simultaneously continued its own behind-the-scenes mediation campaign.

American officials told Axios that the White House sees Qatar as particularly valuable and effective in communicating with Iranian leadership during the negotiations.

Qatari state media reported that Sheikh Mohammed told Vance of “the need for all parties to engage with the ongoing mediation efforts, to pave the way for addressing the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, leading to a comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the region.”

Axios reported that the Qatari prime minister traveled to Washington solely for the meeting with Vance before immediately returning to Doha afterward.

The White House is currently waiting for Tehran’s reply to a one-page memorandum of understanding that would formally end the current conflict and establish the basis for broader nuclear negotiations moving forward.

Qatar had also played a role in earlier diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran prior to the 12-day conflict in June 2025, when the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as well as before the latest round of fighting.

Although Oman officially hosted and mediated those negotiations, Axios reported that senior Qatari officials quietly participated in most sessions and assisted with the talks behind closed doors. Qatari representatives were also present during the final round of negotiations in Geneva shortly before the outbreak of hostilities.

Doha was similarly involved in diplomatic attempts to end the June fighting after Iran launched attacks against Qatar.

Qatar again came under attack during the current conflict. U.S. officials told Axios that Qatari forces intercepted Iranian fighter jets and later responded with strikes targeting Iranian positions.

At one stage, Qatar informed the United States that it intended to suspend its mediation role because of the Iranian attacks, according to a regional source cited by Axios. The source said Washington strongly encouraged Qatar to continue its involvement.

President Donald Trump also personally discussed the issue with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the source said.

{Matzav.com}

Russian President Vladimir Putin projected confidence in Russia’s war effort in Ukraine today as he presided over the country’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, though this year’s event notably lacked the tanks and other heavy military hardware traditionally featured in the display.

The ceremony on Red Square marked the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and was held under heightened security amid fears that Ukraine could attempt to target the celebrations. Those concerns were eased somewhat by a temporary ceasefire brokered with U.S. involvement that reduced hostilities during the holiday period.

Putin, who has ruled Russia for more than 25 years, has long used Victory Day celebrations as both a patriotic rallying point and a showcase of Russian military strength. With the war in Ukraine now entering its fifth year, the Kremlin again tied the symbolism of World War II to the current conflict.

Addressing the crowd from Red Square, Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying they “face an aggressive force that is armed and supported by the entire bloc of NATO,” and are fighting for a “just cause.”

“Victory has always been and will be ours,” Putin said, as columns of troops lined up on Red Square. “The key to success is our moral strength, courage and valor, our unity and ability to endure anything and overcome any challenge.”

Unlike previous years, however, the parade did not feature the usual procession of tanks, missile launchers, and other large weapons systems. Aside from the customary military jet flyover, heavy equipment was absent from the event for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Russian officials attributed the change to the “current operational situation” and said the government had implemented expanded security precautions because of the possibility of Ukrainian attacks. Russian state television commentators also argued that military equipment was needed more urgently on the battlefield.

For the first time, soldiers from North Korea participated in the Victory Day festivities, reflecting Moscow’s appreciation for Pyongyang’s assistance during fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, where North Korean forces reportedly helped Russian troops repel a Ukrainian incursion.

Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire covering Friday and Saturday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had separately declared a truce beginning May 6. Both sides later accused one another of violating the ceasefire through continued attacks.

President Donald Trump said Friday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to his request for a temporary ceasefire lasting through Monday, along with a prisoner exchange. Trump suggested the pause in fighting could represent the “beginning of the end” of the war.

Earlier in the week, Zelenskyy remarked that Russian officials “fear drones may buzz over Red Square” during the Victory Day ceremonies. Following Trump’s announcement, the Ukrainian leader mockingly issued a decree formally allowing Russia to proceed with the May 9 celebration and temporarily exempting Red Square from Ukrainian strikes.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Zelenskyy’s move as a “silly joke.” “We don’t need anyone’s permission to be proud of our Victory Day,” Peskov told reporters.

Russia’s larger and better-armed military has continued to make gradual territorial advances along the sprawling front line stretching more than 1,000 kilometers. Ukraine, meanwhile, has intensified its long-range drone campaign against Russian targets, striking energy infrastructure, factories, and military depots deep inside Russian territory.

Kyiv has developed drones capable of traveling more than 1,000 kilometers into Russia, significantly expanding its strike capabilities compared to the early stages of the war.

Russian officials warned that any Ukrainian attempt to attack Saturday’s ceremonies would prompt severe retaliation. Moscow threatened a “massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv” if the festivities were disrupted.

The Russian Defense Ministry also urged civilians and foreign diplomatic staff in Kyiv to leave the city, warning of possible escalation. European Union officials responded by saying their diplomats would remain in the Ukrainian capital despite the threat.

Victory Day remains one of the most emotionally significant commemorations in Russia. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million people during World War II — known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War — and the memory of that sacrifice continues to play a central role in Russian national identity.

“We celebrate it with feelings of pride and love for our country, with understanding of our shared duty to defend the interests and future of our Motherland,” Putin said at the parade.

“Our soldiers suffered colossal losses, made a colossal sacrifice in the name of freedom and dignity of the peoples of Europe, became the embodiment of courage and nobility, fortitude, and humanity, and crowned themselves with the great glory of a grandiose victory.”

Since 2008, Moscow’s Victory Day parades have regularly featured extensive displays of armored vehicles, missile systems, and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles. This year, however, many regional parades across Russia were reduced in size or canceled altogether because of security concerns.

Authorities also imposed broad restrictions on mobile internet access and text messaging services throughout Moscow on Saturday, citing public safety concerns. The measures come as the Russian government continues tightening online censorship and expanding control over digital communications.

Among the foreign dignitaries attending the event were Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin walls but did not attend the main military parade. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the trip, stating, “I deeply regret this, and we will discuss his visit to Moscow with him.”

During a Kremlin meeting with Putin, Fico criticized what he described as a new “Iron Curtain” across Europe that has disrupted trade and stressed Slovakia’s reliance on Russian energy resources. Putin praised Fico for pursuing what he described as a “sovereign” foreign policy and for honoring Soviet soldiers killed during World War II.

{Matzav.com}

Concerns are mounting among New York business leaders that Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s aggressive rhetoric toward wealthy residents and major corporations could drive companies and jobs out of the city, potentially putting billions of dollars in economic activity at risk.

New figures obtained by The Post from the Partnership for New York City show that the organization’s 300 member firms in the corporate and financial sectors support nearly one million jobs across the city, contribute $13.5 billion annually in taxes, and generate roughly $370 billion in yearly economic output.

The analysis warns that even modest slowdowns in business growth could have severe financial consequences for the city, especially if wealthy residents and major employers begin relocating operations elsewhere amid fears of higher taxes and an increasingly hostile political climate.

“The numbers don’t lie,” said Steve Fulop, the business group’s president and CEO.

“New York’s private sector has invested billions and created hundreds of thousands of jobs. You can only treat job creators like the enemy for so long before they stop creating jobs here. The far left can run on socialism all day, but cities run on tax revenue — and tax revenue requires businesses that actually want to be here.”

Anxieties within the financial world intensified this week after billionaire hedge fund executive Ken Griffin announced that his firm, Citadel, would expand staffing in Miami instead of New York.

Griffin reportedly blamed the decision on Mamdani’s recent social media campaign promoting a tax on luxury second homes, during which the mayor highlighted Griffin’s $238 million penthouse apartment as an example of extreme wealth.

The backlash from Wall Street extended beyond Griffin. Financial executive Marc Rowan is also reportedly moving ahead with plans to establish a new major office hub for Apollo Global Management in either Florida or Texas, two states that have increasingly attracted businesses leaving New York.

Citadel and Apollo are both major players in New York’s financial industry, which according to the Partnership’s figures supports nearly 10% of all private-sector jobs in the city.

The report found that financial services led all industries in employment growth during 2025, posting a 3% increase.

If that pace continues, the Partnership estimates that its member firms alone could account for approximately 10,000 additional jobs, $8.4 billion in tax revenue, and $247 billion in GDP annually by 2030.

The study also warned that a relatively small reduction in growth — just 10% — could still result in the loss of about 3,000 jobs, a decline of $168 million in tax revenue, and a $4.8 billion reduction in GDP.

A more substantial business departure similar to Citadel’s widely publicized move out of Chicago could prove far more damaging, according to the analysis. Under a 30% contraction scenario, the city would lose more than 6,300 jobs, nearly $397 million in tax revenue, and roughly $11.7 billion in GDP.

The concerns come as New York faces growing pressure from a rapidly expanding municipal budget.

Mamdani has proposed a $127 billion city budget for the coming fiscal year and has advocated raising taxes on millionaires to help address a projected $5.4 billion deficit.

A former budget official who served during the administration of Michael Bloomberg said the city’s spending growth has significantly outpaced inflation, making New York especially vulnerable during economic downturns.

“If you are just raising taxes to fill a gap and doing nothing to close the gap, you are just going to raise taxes,” the official said.

The former official warned that higher taxes could encourage additional wealthy residents and companies to relocate operations outside New York.

“It’s a real death spiral,” the official said.

“Business leaders are just going to reallocate their workforce to Florida. That’s not a loss of a billionaire and their tax bill — it’s the workers and tens of millions of dollars.”

Tax Foundation senior fellow Jared Walczak said companies today are far less tied to one geographic location than they once were.

“It used to be that if you were finance, you had to be New York City, and that is not the case anymore,” he said.

“If they feel unwelcome or they are going to be an ongoing topic, that can easily push them elsewhere. They do not want to fight new proposals every year and be the solution to every revenue problem that can drive them elsewhere.”

Some political observers noted that fears surrounding progressive mayors have not always materialized. During his 2013 campaign, Bill de Blasio alarmed many business leaders with his “tale of two cities” messaging focused on income inequality.

Once in office, however, de Blasio often pursued policies aimed at encouraging economic development and maintaining relationships with the business community.

Political strategist Evan Roth Smith argued that Mamdani’s political rise was fueled more directly by criticism of wealthy individuals and corporations.

The mayor has mostly avoided public confrontations with wealthy New Yorkers during the current budget negotiations, Smith said, though he noted Mamdani’s clash with Griffin stood out.

“He should have picked someone who has a penthouse that doesn’t employ thousands of people,” the strategist said.

“I think the target was ill-advised. I think when it’s Zohran versus a rich guy who employs tens of thousands of people during a budget fight it’s a problem, but I think it goes to a draw.”

Smith predicted Mamdani would likely resume stronger anti-wealth rhetoric once budget negotiations conclude.

“Stuff like this is a winner for him and he’ll go back to it,” he said.

“I think the voters exist and they hate rich people.”

Representatives for the mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

Responding to the Partnership’s findings, a spokeswoman for Kathy Hochul emphasized the governor’s support for businesses of all sizes throughout New York.

“From local businesses to global corporations, every employer plays a crucial role in making New York City the best place for business, and Governor Hochul is proud to support them all,” spokeswoman Jen Goodman said in a statement.

“The Governor has held the line on income and corporate taxes while delivering unprecedented job growth, including doubling the national rate of private sector job creation in New York City, and remains committed to ensuring New York’s businesses continue to succeed.”

{Matzav.com}

More than a dozen Jews, including one believed to have fled to Israel, are among 30 people charged in an alleged decade-long insider trading scheme run out of major law firms, the U.S. Justice Department said.

Two unsealed complaints accuse the group of reaping tens of millions of dollars by using confidential information on mergers and acquisition deals obtained through law firms, where scheme leaders were employed. Conspirators allegedly passed information on to business associates, friends and relatives for trading purposes.

The network used burner phones, coded language and falsified research documents, prosecutors allege. The group also allegedly used “going to Israel tomorrow” and phrases about flight departures as code to share timelines related to illegal activities.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged some of the 30, 19 of whom were arrested, the Justice Department said.

“With today’s arrests, the FBI has dismantled a large-scale, decade-long, international organized criminal network of corporate attorneys and financial professionals, who are accused of stealing and trading on material, nonpublic information from several of our nation’s leading law firms,” stated Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division.

“Everyone charged today is accused of scoring significant profits from expected market moves and making out like bandits,” Docks stated. “That’s not merely gaming the system. It’s a federal crime.”

The Justice Department said that one of those charged fled to Israel.

A tech entrepreneur who, more than a decade ago, served as executive director of the U.S.-Israel Business Council and as associate for policy and planning at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, is alleged to have traded on inside information and then provided kickbacks to the head of the operation and college friend.

A corporate attorney who had worked at several large law firms and a New York lawyer are accused of being at the center of the scheme.

The two allegedly recruited lawyers and others as inside information sources in return for large sums of cash, with tips from the two passed on to traders, the department alleges.

“The trading on unannounced financial news alleged here not only violated the securities laws, but it also took advantage of the special access and ethical duties that come with a law license,” stated Leah Foley, U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts.

“If the American people believe that trading is only for the connected, they will keep their investment and retirement savings out of the markets, which will hurt our economy,” she stated. JNS

{Matzav.com}

it is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rebbetzin Necha Weiss a”h, beloved wife of Rav Gershon Weiss zt”l, longtime menahel ruchni at Yeshiva of Staten Island and rov of Bais Medrash Ateres Binyomin in Lakewood.

Rebbetzin Weiss was niftar at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital after being hospitalized there in recent days.

For decades, Rebbetzin Weiss stood quietly but powerfully alongside her husband as he helped shape generations of talmidim through his more than 50 years as the revered menahel ruchni at Yeshiva of Staten Island under the leadership of Rav Reuven Feinstein.

Following Rav Gershon’s petirah five years ago, she continued to serve as the beloved matriarch of an exceptional Torah family, embodying dignity, warmth, humility, and unwavering devotion to her family and to all who entered her home.

Known for her refined character and extraordinary kindness, Rebbetzin Weiss exemplified the ideals of an aishes chayil in every sense. Her home was a place of Torah, chesed, and compassion, where guests and family members alike were greeted with sincerity, generosity, and genuine care. Those who knew her speak of a woman who radiated goodness, who gave endlessly of herself to others, and who carried herself with grace and quiet strength.

Friends and relatives recall her as someone whose entire life revolved around supporting Torah and nurturing her family. Whether assisting her husband in his many communal responsibilities, encouraging her children and grandchildren in their growth, or helping others in need without seeking recognition, Rebbetzin Weiss devoted herself fully to the people around her. Her kindness was constant, her warmth was legendary, and her concern for others knew no bounds.

Rebbetzin Weiss is survived by a beautiful family of children and grandchildren who continue the legacy of Torah and chesed that she and her husband built together. Her children are R’ Dovid Weiss, R’ Chaim Yitzchok Weiss, R’ Yossi Weiss, and R’ Mordechai Weiss, as well as the wives of R’ Eliyahu Meir Levin, R’ Leiby Zeilberger, R’ Binyomin Schulgasser, R’ Avigdor Buckwald, R’ Moshe Lieberson, R’ Yehoshua Forchheimer, R’ Yechezkel Ulman, R’ Yitzchok David, R’ Uri Meir Kanarek, R’ Shmuel Pepper, and R’ Avigdor Speiser.

Levayah details will be posted once they are finalized.

The family will be sitting shivah at 125 Glen Avenue South in Lakewood.

Yehi zichrah boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge has scheduled a July 15 trial for former FBI Director James Comey on newly filed charges accusing him of threatening President Donald Trump.

Louise Flanagan, who will preside over the case, also ruled that Comey does not need to appear in her North Carolina courtroom on Monday to enter a formal not guilty plea. That step will instead take place closer to the start of the trial.

Prosecutors have brought two criminal counts tied to a social media post Comey shared last May showing seashells arranged to read “86 47.” Authorities argue the message constituted a threat against Trump’s life. The number “86” is often used as slang meaning to get rid of someone or something, while Trump is the 47th president.

Comey has rejected the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated. Earlier charges against him were dismissed, and his legal team has indicated it plans to challenge the new indictment, arguing it amounts to selective and vindictive prosecution.

Judge Flanagan directed Comey’s attorneys to submit their motions, along with any other pretrial filings, by June 5, and indicated that additional hearings could be scheduled to address those arguments.

Comey is currently expected to appear in court on June 30 for arraignment, at which time he will formally enter his not guilty plea roughly two weeks before the trial begins.

Flanagan, who was appointed by George W. Bush, serves on the federal bench in New Bern, North Carolina.

The judge agreed to delay Monday’s arraignment at the request of both the defense and prosecutors. Comey had sought the postponement because he had already made an initial court appearance in Virginia, where he resides, shortly after being charged.

{Matzav.com}

Tyler Oliveira is a wannabee documentary filmmaker and investigative journalist who dives into what he calls “controversial” communities. He recently published a “documentary” titled “I Exposed New Jersey’s Jewish Invasion.” Now, he appeared on the program of Tucker Carlson, the formerly conservative commentator who is now anti-Israel and has gone off the rails. Perfect shidduch. Haters unite.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Apple Inc is reportedly moving closer to launching a new version of AirPods equipped with built-in cameras, as the company reaches an advanced testing phase for the product.

The device, which has circulated in reports for some time, is part of Apple’s broader effort to develop hardware centered around artificial intelligence. That initiative also includes plans for smart glasses designed to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban collaboration. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new AirPods could become Apple’s first wearable focused primarily on AI capabilities.

Sources say each earbud will include a camera, though the feature is not intended for taking photos or recording video like Meta’s glasses. Instead, the cameras will function as visual input for Siri, allowing the assistant to analyze surroundings and respond to user questions about what it “sees.”

For instance, a user could point the AirPods toward ingredients on a table, and Siri would suggest possible meals. Gurman likened the concept to the way users upload images to tools like Gemini or ChatGPT for analysis.

The concept first surfaced in 2024, and the product is now reportedly undergoing design validation testing internally. The next step would be production validation testing, which typically signals the start of early manufacturing. Early prototypes resemble the AirPods Pro 3, though they are said to have slightly extended stems to accommodate the camera components.

At the same time, Apple faces a major hurdle in refining Siri, which is central to the product’s functionality. The company has struggled to roll out a more advanced version of the assistant, and delays recently led to a $250 million settlement tied to related claims.

To bridge the gap, Apple entered into an agreement with Google to incorporate Gemini AI models into its ecosystem. After integrating those models, the company reportedly rebuilt Siri’s underlying framework and is now preparing for a possible release of the upgraded assistant in September.

More details could emerge during Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference keynote scheduled for June 8. The delayed Siri upgrade has also reportedly held back updates to other products, including the Apple TV 4K and HomePod. If the revamped assistant performs as expected, additional product announcements may follow later in the year.

As for the camera-enabled AirPods themselves, no official release window has been announced. However, Gurman reports that development is further along than other experimental AI devices Apple has been exploring, such as smart glasses and wearable pendants, which are believed to be targeting a 2027 timeframe.

{Matzav.com}

A massive philanthropic contribution from Jan Koum is poised to dramatically expand Shaare Zedek Medical Center, with a $200 million donation expected to significantly increase its capacity and mark the largest single gift ever made to Israel’s healthcare system.

The funding, provided through the Koum Family Foundation, will be used to construct a new inpatient tower that will also include residential accommodations for hospital staff. The expansion is projected to effectively triple the hospital’s size, which currently operates with roughly 1,000 beds. According to a source within the healthcare system, the necessary zoning approvals are moving swiftly through Jerusalem’s planning authorities.

This contribution edges past a major donation made last year by Anat and Shmuel Harlap to Beilinson Hospital, part of the Clalit network, which totaled $180 million. The Harlaps directed their funding toward the construction of the “Tower of Hope,” scheduled to open in early 2027. Once operational, the new facility is expected to enable the hospital to significantly expand the capacity of departments currently housed in the Gur Shasha hospitalization tower.

Another significant gift to Israel’s healthcare sector came last year from Sylvan Adams, who contributed $100 million toward building the Tkuma Building at Soroka Medical Center. The Israeli government matched that amount. The donation followed an additional $100 million contribution Adams made to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev after the October 7 attack, part of his broader effort to bolster development in southern Israel.

Taken together, these contributions reflect a broader trend in which private funding—largely from American Jewish donors—is playing an increasingly central role in expanding hospital infrastructure, often stepping in where government investment has lagged.

For Shaare Zedek, which operates independently and is not affiliated with one of Israel’s health funds, philanthropic support has long been a key driver of growth. A donation of this scale underscores the growing divide between institutions capable of attracting major private contributions and those that rely primarily on state funding.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Friday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to pause fighting for three days, marking a notable diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing war.

The temporary ceasefire is set to run from May 9 through May 11, aligning with Victory Day observances. During that period, both sides are expected to halt military activity and carry out a large-scale humanitarian exchange involving 1,000 prisoners from each country.

The announcement came in a post on Truth Social, where Trump said the agreement was reached following his direct involvement and thanked both sides for their cooperation.

“I am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE (May 9th, 10th, and 11th) in the War between Russia and Ukraine. The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II,” Trump wrote.

He went on to outline the details of the arrangement, emphasizing that the ceasefire was initiated at his request.

“This Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each Country. This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” he added.

Officials at the White House view the short-term truce as a possible first step toward a more lasting resolution to the conflict, which has gripped Eastern Europe since 2022. Trump characterized the current talks as part of a broader effort to bring an end to the most significant war in Europe in decades.

“Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War. Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day,” the statement concluded.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed the ceasefire and the planned exchange of prisoners, while Russia has not yet issued an official public response.

Toronto police announced Friday that an 18-year-old suspect has been taken into custody and charged following two separate incidents in which members of the Jewish community were targeted with replica firearms.

Authorities identified the suspect as Ruslan Novruzov, who is facing four counts of assault with a weapon and two counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Officials said the case was handled by specialized units within the department, including counter-terrorism and firearms investigators.

In one of the incidents, three individuals standing outside the Chasidei Bobov synagogue in North York were fired upon Thursday night with what police described as a replica weapon.

One of the victims was hit and suffered minor injuries, which police said were likely caused by a pellet fired from a passing vehicle.

Investigators also allege that Novruzov was involved in a separate drive-by attack the previous week, during which a gel pellet gun was used to target visibly Jewish residents in a northern section of the city known for its concentration of synagogues and Jewish schools.

Those victims also reported minor injuries, and police later circulated video footage of the suspected vehicle as part of the investigation.

A senior police official said Friday that the incidents appear to have been intended to instill fear within the Jewish community and emphasized that the use of imitation weapons does not diminish the seriousness of the crimes.

“We recognize that Jewish residents have been living with a heightened sense of fear due to repeated incidents targeting their community, and this only adds to that, which is unacceptable,” said acting Deputy Chief Joe Matthews. “While the weapons used were imitation firearms, the impacts are very real. These are criminal acts that we allege were meant to intimidate and cause fear.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the arrest, expressing support for law enforcement as the case moves forward.

“Law enforcement agencies have my full support as they investigate, and as they work to bring justice for the victims and the wider Jewish community,” Carney said.

{Matzav.com}

Iran sharply criticized the United States on Friday following American strikes on key sites near the Strait of Hormuz, with senior officials accusing Washington of undermining diplomacy and escalating tensions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi charged that the United States repeatedly turns to force instead of pursuing negotiations after military action targeted Iranian positions.

“Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the US opts for a reckless military adventure. Is it a crude pressure tactic? Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire?” Araghchi wrote.

“Whatever the causes, the outcome is the same: Iranians never bow to pressure and diplomacy is always the victim,” he added.

Araghchi also dismissed a reported CIA analysis regarding Iran’s missile strength, asserting that the assessment significantly underestimated Tehran’s capabilities.

“Also, the CIA is wrong. Our missile inventory and launcher capacity are not at 75% compared to Feb 28. The correct figure is 120%,” he stated.

“As for our readiness to defend our people: 1,000%,” Araghchi added.

The comments followed U.S. military strikes carried out Thursday against Iranian targets at Qeshm Port and Bandar Abbas.

A senior American official later told Fox News that an additional strike hit Iran’s Bandar Kargan naval checkpoint in Minab.

Iranian media reported that Iranian naval forces responded by launching missiles and drones at three U.S. destroyers operating near the Strait of Hormuz.

United States Central Command later said American forces successfully intercepted those attacks and responded with defensive strikes after U.S. Navy vessels passed through the strait en route to the Gulf of Oman.

According to CENTCOM, Iranian forces deployed missiles, drones, and small boats targeting the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason, though none of the American ships sustained damage.

The U.S. military said it retaliated by striking Iranian military infrastructure tied to the attacks, including missile and drone launch systems, as well as command centers and surveillance networks.

President Donald Trump characterized the U.S. strikes as a “love tap” and said the ceasefire between the sides remained in place.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said the three U.S. destroyers moved through the Strait of Hormuz “very successfully” despite being fired upon, adding that Iranian attackers and small vessels were destroyed.

Separately, a confidential CIA analysis cited by the Washington Post found that Iran still retains significant ballistic missile capabilities even after sustained U.S. and Israeli strikes.

The report indicated that Iran continues to possess about 75 percent of its mobile missile launchers and roughly 70 percent of its overall missile stockpile.

It further concluded that Iran has regained access to most of its underground storage facilities, repaired certain damaged systems, and completed assembly of additional missiles that were close to readiness before the conflict began.

Trump said Wednesday that Iran’s missile arsenal had been “mostly decimated.”

{Matzav.com}

The Pentagon has started making public a new batch of documents related to UFO sightings, allowing Americans to review the material themselves and draw conclusions about so-called “unidentified anomalous phenomena,” including reports of unexplained objects seen in the sky.

In a statement posted Friday, the Defense Department said earlier administrations had attempted to dismiss or discourage public interest in such incidents, but President Donald Trump “is focused on providing maximum transparency to the public, who can ultimately make up their own minds about the information contained in these files.” Officials added that additional disclosures will continue over time.

The initiative is being coordinated not only by the Pentagon but also by the White House, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Energy, NASA, and the FBI.

A newly launched online portal hosts the materials, featuring a stylized design with black-and-white images of aircraft and a typewriter-style presentation. The first wave includes 162 documents, ranging from State Department communications and FBI records to NASA transcripts from manned space missions.

Among the newly released material is an FBI report recounting an interview with a drone pilot who described a strange aerial sighting in September 2023. According to the document, the pilot observed a “linear object” emitting a powerful light that revealed visible bands.

“The object was visible for five to ten seconds and then the light went out and the object vanished,” according to the FBI interview.

Another file includes a photograph taken during the 1972 Apollo 17 mission, showing three objects arranged in a triangular pattern. The Pentagon noted alongside the image that “there is no consensus about the nature of the anomaly,” though a preliminary review suggested it could be a “physical object.”

President Trump, a Republican, had been hinting at the release since February. In the past, he authorized the disclosure of records tied to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., which largely reaffirmed previously known information.

Efforts to declassify UFO-related material have been underway at the Pentagon for several years. In 2022, Congress established an office dedicated to reviewing and releasing such records. A report issued in 2024 cataloged hundreds of additional UAP encounters but concluded there was no confirmed evidence of alien technology in U.S. possession.

Lawmakers had directed the Pentagon in 2022 to begin making decades’ worth of UFO records public after military personnel described encounters with unidentified aircraft.

Some Republican members of Congress have continued to push for broader disclosure, arguing that certain materials remain withheld. In March, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna called for the release of 46 UAP videos referenced by whistleblowers, and she said Friday that those recordings are expected to be included in a future batch.

Rep. Tim Burchett thanked Trump for “keeping his word” on transparency and disclosure.”

“I would like to remind people that transparency won’t all happen at once, it will take some time,” Burchett said in a statement.

Specialists have urged the public to approach the newly released materials with care, noting that footage of UAPs is often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with advanced defense systems. The Pentagon reiterated in its 2024 report that it has found no proof that the U.S. government has obtained alien technology or verified the existence of extraterrestrial life.

{Matzav.com}

American forces stepped up enforcement of a sweeping maritime blockade on Friday, stopping multiple Iranian-flagged oil tankers from reaching port and intensifying pressure on Tehran’s oil network, according to United States Central Command.

Officials said two empty tankers—the M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda—were prevented from docking at an Iranian port along the Gulf of Oman after being struck and disabled by a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the USS George H.W. Bush.

Earlier in the week, on May 6, U.S. forces similarly halted the Iranian-flagged M/T Hasna as it attempted to reach port in the same region. That vessel’s rudder was rendered inoperable when an F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Abraham Lincoln fired multiple rounds from a 20mm cannon, leaving it unable to proceed. All three ships are no longer en route to Iran.

“U.S. forces in the Middle East remain committed to full enforcement of the blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iran,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander said Friday.

“Our highly trained men and women in uniform are doing incredible work,” he added.

According to CENTCOM, the operation has already forced dozens of ships to change course, with more than 50 vessels redirected and several others disabled as part of the ongoing effort. U.S. forces are currently preventing more than 70 oil tankers from accessing Iranian ports.

In a Friday morning update on X, CENTCOM stated that the blocked vessels collectively could carry over 166 million barrels of Iranian oil, estimated to be worth more than $13 billion.

The large-scale mission is part of a broader effort to impose a full blockade on Iran’s oil exports, targeting a key source of revenue for the regime.

“Blockade remains fully in effect,” a CENTCOM graphic stated, adding that “no ships [are] allowed in or out of Iranian ports” as enforcement operations continue “across the Middle East and beyond.”

Military officials indicated that the campaign involves a substantial U.S. presence, including more than 15,000 service members, upwards of 200 aircraft, and at least 20 naval vessels.

CENTCOM reported that over 50 ships have already been diverted to ensure compliance with the restrictions, while 73 tankers remain unable to transport Iranian oil.

The operation draws on a wide range of military capabilities, including aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, guided-missile destroyers, combat aircraft, surveillance platforms, drones, and aerial refueling assets.

The intensified crackdown comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise, driven by disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, proxy activity throughout the Middle East, and threats directed at U.S. allies.

The Trump administration has repeatedly pledged to restore “maximum pressure” on Iran and choke off the regime’s primary source of revenue: oil exports.

Iran depends heavily on oil sales to sustain its government operations and fund the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which U.S. officials have tied to backing terrorist groups and regional proxy forces.

Historically, U.S. sanctions have focused on preventing Iranian crude from reaching international buyers, particularly in Asian markets.

The blockade also highlights the growing American military presence in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters, a region critical to global commerce.

About one-fifth of the world’s oil supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining stability in the area.

Critics caution that such aggressive tactics could heighten the risk of direct confrontation with Iran, while supporters argue the move signals renewed U.S. strength and deterrence after years of regional instability.

CENTCOM’s latest update makes clear that Washington intends to sustain economic pressure on Iran while reinforcing its military posture across the Middle East.

“$13+ billion not benefitting Iran’s leadership,” the CENTCOM graphic emphasized, highlighting the financial impact of the blockade on the Iranian regime.

{Matzav.com}

A major ruling from the Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday handed Republicans a significant win, invalidating a Democratic-backed congressional map and reshaping expectations ahead of the midterm elections.

In a narrow 4-3 decision, the court ruled that the voter-approved map was improperly enacted, declaring it “null and void.” The outcome shifts momentum in the broader national battle over redistricting, giving Republicans an opening in a closely contested fight for control of the House.

Virginia’s current congressional delegation stands at six Democrats and five Republicans. The now-rejected map had been expected to heavily favor Democrats, potentially expanding their advantage to 10 of the state’s 11 seats.

“On the first day Democrats tried to enact this scheme, we said it was illegal and unconstitutional,” said Mike Young, president of Virginians for Fair Maps. “Here we are months later, and it’s illegal and unconstitutional.”

Political analysts had projected that the map—crafted by Democratic lawmakers and narrowly approved in an April 21 referendum—would deliver four additional seats to the party, strengthening its chances of reclaiming the House in November.

Dave Wasserman, a senior editor and redistricting specialist at the Cook Political Report, described the ruling as “a massive setback for Democrats” who will now need to pick up a net of “more like 10 seats to win control of the House, rather than just three.”

With Republican-led redistricting efforts advancing or already completed in states including Texas, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Alabama, Wasserman now estimates the GOP “will pick up somewhere the six to seven-seat range from redistricting.”

Even so, he noted that Democrats remain favored to win back the House, though the ruling improves Republican prospects. “Republicans have a more realistic chance of holding their majority than they did prior to this ruling and the [Louisiana] Supreme Court decision,“ he said.

The legal battle in Virginia is part of a wider, back-and-forth struggle between the parties over congressional maps nationwide. The dispute has been tied to political planning efforts associated with James Blair, a former White House deputy chief of staff, aimed at strengthening President Trump’s agenda heading into the final stretch of his term.

At earlier stages, Republicans appeared to misjudge the evolving landscape, as California responded to redistricting moves in Texas by revising its own map, and Virginia seemed poised to tilt the balance toward Democrats.

“A lot of overpaid operatives in DC owe James Blair an apology right now,” a GOP consultant close to the White House told The Post regarding the Trump ally, who recently stepped back from his role to focus on election strategy.

President Donald Trump welcomed the court’s decision, posting on Truth Social: “Huge win for the Republican Party, and America, in Virginia. The Virginia Supreme Court has just struck down the Democrats’ horrible gerrymander.”

Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters also praised the outcome. “Democrats just learned that when you try to rig elections, you lose,” he said.

“Today, the Virginia Supreme Court sided with the rule of law and struck down Democrats’ unconstitutional maps. The RNC led the charge in court against this blatant power grab, where Virginia Democrats poured more than $66 million into an effort to lock in control and silence voters. We took them to court, and we won”

Democratic leaders responded by emphasizing respect for the judicial process while signaling continued opposition. Don Scott, speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates, said in a statement: “We respect the court. But we will keep fighting for a democracy where voters — not politicians — have the final say. Because in Virginia, power still belongs to the people.”

Writing for the majority, Justice D. Arthur Kelsey explained that lawmakers advanced the constitutional amendment process “in an unprecedented manner.”

Because the state’s redistricting system was established through a prior constitutional amendment approved by voters, any changes required a new amendment. That process mandated passage in two separate legislative sessions, with an election in between, before appearing on the ballot.

The legislature first approved the amendment in October, during the early voting period but ahead of Election Day on Nov. 4.

A second approval came after the new legislative session convened in January. Lawmakers later passed an additional measure in February detailing the proposed districts, contingent on voter approval of the amendment.

At the center of the dispute was whether the October vote came too late, given that early voting had already begun.

Attorney Matthew Seligman, representing the legislature, argued that the “election” should be defined narrowly as Election Day, Nov. 4, meaning the initial approval occurred in time and complied with constitutional requirements.

Opposing counsel Thomas McCarthy contended that the term “election” encompasses the entire early voting period, which spans 45 days in Virginia. Under that interpretation, the legislature acted too late to meet constitutional standards.

The court sided with McCarthy’s argument. Kelsey wrote: “While the Commonwealth is free by its lights to do the right thing for the right reason, the Rule of Law requires that it be done the right way.”

“[V]oting in the general election for the House of Delegates began on September 19, 2025, and ended on Election Day, November 4, 2025. The General Assembly voted for the first time to propose the constitutional amendment to the electorate on October 31, 2025. By that date, over 1.3 million votes had been cast in the general election, which was approximately 40% of the total vote for that election cycle,” he added.

Kelsey concluded that by treating “election” as referring only to Election Day, lawmakers effectively “ended up denying over 1.3 million Virginians their constitutional right to have a voice in the debate over whether their Constitution should be amended.”

A major fundraising mission on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah is set to depart this Motzoei Shabbos for South America, as gedolei Yisroel mobilize to secure critical funding for the olam haTorah. At the last moment, however, Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch will not be joining the delegation due to pressing personal circumstances.

The trip comes at a time when the financial strain on lomdei Torah continues to intensify, with legal pressures mounting and the weakening dollar further complicating budgets that rely heavily on overseas support.

Leading the delegation will be prominent gedolim, including Rav Yaakov Hillel, Rav Avraham Salim, Rav Chaim Peretz Berman, Rav Shimon Galei, and Rav Yosef Chevroni.

The group will first travel to Brazil for a two-day visit, followed by a stop in Argentina, marking the first time a Keren Olam HaTorah delegation will visit that country. The gedolim are expected to return to Eretz Yisroel toward the end of next week.

Until the final hours, preparations had been underway for Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch to lead the mission personally. However, due to the medical condition of the Rebbetzin shetichyeh, who is currently hospitalized, he has remained in Eretz Yisroel to be at her side. Communities in Brazil and Argentina, together with Yidden around the world, have been davening for her refuah sheleimah. Leading negidim in South America conveyed to the Rosh Yeshiva that while they had eagerly anticipated his arrival, the Rebbetzin’s health takes precedence. They expressed their commitment to intensify their efforts and raise substantial funds for the olam haTorah, l’maan kavod haTorah and in the zechus of the Rebbetzin’s complete recovery.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Finance Minister and Religious Zionist Party chairman Bezalel Smotrich strongly pushed back against MK Moshe Gafni of United Torah Judaism following Gafni’s sharp criticism of Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer over the ongoing debate surrounding the gezeiras giyus.

Smotrich did not hold back, making it clear that the religious Zionist camp does not require validation from Gafni or his circle.

“Knesset Member Gafni, religious Zionism and its Torah world really don’t need your approval. Certainly not Minister Ofir Sofer, who has proven his dedication to the people of Israel with his body when he was severely wounded on the battlefield and received a medal.”

He went on to turn the focus back on Gafni, calling on him to take a more direct and consistent position. “Instead of attacking religious Zionist heroes, it’s best you put out a clear statement: whoever doesn’t study Torah should immediately enlist. It’s that simple,” Smotrich stated.

The argument erupted Thursday, when Minister Sofer addressed the chareidi Knesset members ahead of their meeting with gedolim to discuss the proposed draft law. Sofer urged them to reconsider their current approach and adopt a more practical path forward.

“Instead of talking to rabbis who will advance a bill that doesn’t have a majority, since I will oppose it together with other coalition Knesset members, ask them to call on those who don’t study to enlist and assist in the war,” Sofer said.

Gafni reacted sharply to those comments, expressing strong objection to Sofer’s remarks and his involvement in the issue. “Ofir Sofer has no idea about the importance of Torah study and its place in protecting the existence of the Jewish people for generations. He should focus on the matters of aliyah and integration he is charged with, and not intervene in matters which he does not understand.”

{Matzav.com}

A deeply moving story of chesed surfaced during a recent Israeli radio program hosted by Menachem Toker, when a listener shared a personal encounter that revealed a lesser-known side of singer Meidad Tasa.

The caller, identified as Dovid, recounted that several years ago, as a young yungerman shopping for Shabbos on a tight budget, he found himself short on funds at the checkout. “I got to the register and realized the total was more than what I had,” he said. Standing nearby at the time was Meidad Tasa.

According to Dovid, Tasa did not know him and did not wait to be asked for help. “He called me over to the side while the cashier was scanning the items and said to me, ‘I get tips at events,’” Dovid recalled. Moments later, Tasa quietly handed him money—almost exactly the amount he was missing. “He gave me 200 shekels; I was short 190-something,” he said, still emotional. The entire act was carried out with complete tznius, without drawing any attention. “He really did it humbly, quietly, from his jacket.”

Toker was visibly moved by the account and immediately tried to reach Tasa live on air. At first, the singer’s wife answered the phone and expressed surprise upon hearing the story. “About Meidad, who is a tzaddik, I can testify to that in every sense of the word,” she said. Shortly afterward, Tasa himself joined the broadcast, explaining that he had just woken up from a nap and was on his way to pick up his children from gan.

When Toker mentioned the supermarket incident, Tasa sounded both embarrassed and taken aback. “Wow, wow, wow, I can’t believe it,” he said. He then shared a personal story that sheds light on his approach to giving.

He described how, on the day of his wedding, as he was heading to the mikveh, he realized he had only two shekels in his pocket. “I said to Hashem, I’m a chosson and I only have two shekels in my pocket?” At that moment, he encountered a poor person and chose to give him the last coins he had. “I said: Ribono Shel Olam, I’m giving him these two shekels and You will take care of me.” Since then, he said, he has felt that he is constantly being taken care of from Shamayim.

During the conversation, Tasa also repeated a phrase he often attributes to his mother, which has become a guiding principle in his life: “Minus in the bank, plus in the home.” When asked what he meant, he explained, “A person shouldn’t worry too much about the bank… The main thing is that there should be a plus in the home.”

The story left a strong impression on listeners, as Tasa emphasized that for him, the ability to help another Yid is itself a privilege. “I feel it’s a great merit that I was even able to give to him. He did a chesed with me,” he said.

{Matzav.com}