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Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has seized on the results of Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections to issue a warning to President Donald Trump’s administration, claiming that American voters have rejected the war with Iran and threatening severe consequences if Washington continues its military campaign.

In a statement issued following the elections, Ghalibaf portrayed the Republican Party’s electoral setbacks as evidence of growing American opposition to the conflict, arguing that the administration must heed the message delivered at the ballot box.

“Whether out of conscience or because of the cost of living, Americans said no to war, and we support that message,” Ghalibaf declared.

The Iranian official then escalated his rhetoric, warning that the United States would face consequences if the administration disregarded what he characterized as the will of American voters.

“If the American administration betrays the will of its own people to serve international moneyed interests and extortionists, it will learn that our ‘no’ comes with a nightmare,” he warned.

The remarks represent an attempt by Tehran to capitalize on domestic political divisions in the United States following the midterm elections, framing Republican losses as a public rejection of the administration’s military and foreign policy toward Iran.

Ghalibaf’s interpretation of the election results is a political claim rather than an established conclusion about voter intentions. Economic concerns, dissatisfaction with the administration, and other domestic issues also figured prominently in the campaign.

Nevertheless, Iranian officials appear eager to use the election outcome to strengthen their position in the continuing confrontation with Washington.

The latest threat follows similarly aggressive remarks delivered by Ghalibaf a day earlier during an address to Iran’s parliament in Tehran.

Ghalibaf, who has also been involved in Iran’s negotiating efforts with the United States, said that Tehran had delivered a firm but measured response to Washington and warned that Iranian forces remained on heightened alert.

He cautioned that another American strategic miscalculation could trigger a military confrontation extending beyond the geographic boundaries of previous fighting.

His comments come amid continuing uncertainty over the future of the conflict and the prospects for a diplomatic settlement.

Despite the hostile public rhetoric, indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran have reportedly continued through regional intermediaries, including Qatar.

The discussions have involved several longstanding points of contention, including American sanctions against Iran, the possible release of frozen Iranian assets, and arrangements governing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The strategic waterway remains a particularly sensitive issue because of its importance to international energy shipments and the broader security situation in the Persian Gulf.

Reports indicate that the two governments remain far apart on major questions, notwithstanding efforts by regional mediators to explore the possibility of renewed negotiations.

The Iranian warning comes against a backdrop of growing American dissatisfaction with the costs of the war.

A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted immediately before the midterm elections found that 55 percent of respondents believed U.S. military action against Iran had not been worth its cost, compared with 25 percent who believed it had been justified.

The same survey found that 48 percent of registered voters considered the rising cost of living their most important election issue, substantially ahead of concerns about immigration and other major political questions.

The economic consequences of the conflict have been particularly significant, with higher fuel prices contributing to financial pressures on American households.

Those findings provide some support for Ghalibaf’s argument that public frustration with the war has become a political liability for the Trump administration. However, they do not establish that opposition to the war was the decisive factor in Tuesday’s election results.

Trump has defended his administration’s military actions against Iran as necessary to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and to protect American security interests.

The president has also acknowledged that the conflict may have contributed to Republican electoral difficulties, while maintaining that confronting Iran was more important than the immediate political consequences.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders secured another four years in office Tuesday, defeating Democratic state Senator Fred Love and Libertarian candidate Colt Shelby in a decisive reelection victory that extends Republican control of the governor’s mansion.

The Associated Press projected Sanders as the winner Tuesday evening, confirming that the 44-year-old Republican would remain in office through January 2031.

Sanders, who served as White House press secretary during President Donald Trump’s first administration, is the daughter of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who previously served as Arkansas governor from 1996 to 2007.

Her victory follows a first term characterized by major changes to public education, repeated reductions in state income taxes and efforts to expand educational opportunities for families.

Sanders first won the governorship in November 2022, becoming the first woman elected to the state’s highest executive office. She was sworn in the following January, continuing a political tradition established by her father.

One of the signature achievements of her administration has been the Arkansas LEARNS Act, an education reform package that increased starting salaries for public school teachers and established a school choice initiative allowing qualifying families to use state education funding toward private school tuition and other approved educational expenses.

The program became a major issue during the gubernatorial campaign, with Love criticizing its expansion and arguing that it diverted resources from traditional public schools. He pledged to stop further expansion of the initiative if elected.

Sanders defended the reforms as a means of giving parents greater authority over their children’s education and improving educational outcomes throughout Arkansas.

Sanders also made tax relief a central focus of her first term. Arkansas legislators approved four rounds of income tax reductions and eliminated the state’s grocery tax, measures the governor has promoted as important steps toward making Arkansas more affordable for working families.

She has indicated that she intends to continue gradually reducing the state income tax during her second term, with the eventual goal of eliminating it entirely while maintaining fiscal stability.

Healthcare is expected to be another major priority when the state legislature convenes in January. Sanders has called for improving access to affordable medical care, while lawmakers face decisions concerning Arkansas’ Medicaid expansion program, which provides coverage to approximately 209,000 residents.

The governor has also faced political disagreements over a proposed 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County, which encountered resistance from local residents and state legislators and was subsequently placed on hold.

Her national political profile has remained prominent since leaving the White House. In 2023, shortly after becoming governor, Sanders delivered the Republican response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.

Sanders also maintains close ties to Israel through her father, Ambassador Mike Huckabee, a longtime supporter of the Jewish state. During a visit to Israel, she accompanied him to the Kosel in Yerushalayim.

With approximately 99% of votes counted early Wednesday, Sanders had secured roughly 54% of the vote, compared with 39% for Love and approximately 8% for Shelby, giving her a comfortable victory in the traditionally Republican state.

Her reelection coincided with another Republican victory in Arkansas, where U.S. Senator Tom Cotton also won another term, defeating Democratic challenger Hallie Shoffner.

Sanders will be sworn in for her second four-year term in January 2027, as Arkansas lawmakers return to Little Rock for a new legislative session focused on taxes, education and healthcare.

Five months after suffering a severe brain hemorrhage that left him hospitalized in critical condition, beloved Jewish singer and composer Yonatan Razel has returned to the stage, marking an extraordinary recovery that has brought tremendous joy to his family, admirers, and the countless Jews who davened for his recovery.

Razel, 53, recently resumed performing at public events following months of recuperation. His return was captured during a special gathering at Binyanei HaUma in Yerushalayim commemorating the life and legacy of Harav Ovadia Yosef zt”l.

Reflecting on his recovery, Razel attributed his return to the countless tefillos offered on his behalf throughout the Jewish world.

“Because of the prayers of Am Yisroel,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the extraordinary outpouring of concern and support.

The performance represented another milestone in a recovery that began under frightening circumstances at the end of May, when Razel suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and was rushed to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Yerushalayim.

His condition was initially described as serious, prompting widespread concern throughout the Jewish music community and among his many admirers.

As news of his hospitalization spread, his family appealed to the public to daven for Yonatan Adi ben Chaya Rochel, and thousands responded with heartfelt tefillos for his recovery.

For more than two weeks, Razel remained hospitalized while receiving intensive medical care. During that period, reports about his condition were followed closely by those who had come to know him through his music, particularly his deeply moving compositions that have become familiar throughout the Jewish world.

B’chasdei Shomayim, his condition gradually improved, and on June 19, after more than two weeks of hospitalization and treatment, he was discharged home in good condition.

At the time of his release, Shaare Zedek Medical Center issued an encouraging statement describing the success of his treatment.

“Thanks to the rapid and professional diagnosis and treatment Razel received immediately upon arriving at Shaare Zedek, and the comprehensive care provided throughout his hospitalization, he returned to normal and full functioning,” the hospital said.

His family also released an emotional message expressing gratitude to the Ribbono Shel Olam and to the many people who had davened for him.

“We are filled with gratitude to HaKadosh Baruch Hu for the revealed miracles He has bestowed upon us,” the family said. “Thank you so much to the wonderful people of Am Yisroel for the prayers and concern for Yonatan’s well-being.”

Although his discharge from the hospital was itself an occasion for celebration, Razel continued recovering privately before gradually returning to the activities that have defined his musical career.

Approximately three weeks ago, another particularly moving moment took place when Razel accompanied his eldest daughter, Rivka, to her chuppah during her wedding.

In a scene that deeply touched those in attendance, Razel sang and played music as he escorted his daughter toward the chuppah, celebrating a family simcha that took on special significance following his medical emergency.

For a father who had faced a life-threatening illness only months earlier, the opportunity to participate in his daughter’s wedding and accompany her with his own music represented an especially meaningful milestone.

Now, with his return to public performances, Razel has reached another important stage in his recovery.

Among his best-known works are “Vehi She’amdah” and “Katonti,” songs that have become enduring favorites at Jewish gatherings, concerts, and family celebrations.

For Razel and his family, the past five months have been a journey from a frightening medical crisis to a series of remarkable moments of gratitude and celebration.

For the many people whose lives have been touched by his music, the sight of Yonatan Razel back on stage is a welcome and heartwarming development, as the singer who has inspired countless Jews through his songs once again has the opportunity to bring music and joy to audiences.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] As previously reported, Abdul El-Sayed, the anti-Semitic progressive Democrat and jihad-supporter who has repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, won Michigan’s closely watched U.S. Senate race Tuesday, becoming the first Muslim elected to the Senate and delivering a victory speech filled with references to his Islamic faith, criticism of President Donald Trump and renewed attacks on American support for Israel.

The 42-year-old physician and former Detroit public health official defeated Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman and FBI agent, in one of the nation’s most closely contested Senate elections. El-Sayed’s victory followed a campaign in which his religious identity, Egyptian heritage and outspoken opposition to U.S. military assistance to Israel became major points of controversy.

Throughout the campaign, El-Sayed publicly embraced his full name, Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed, after Republicans highlighted it in political advertisements and Trump repeatedly mocked or mispronounced his name.

In his victory address early Wednesday, El-Sayed again emphasized his Muslim identity, using Arabic religious expressions as he celebrated the election results.

“Up until right about now, you might have noticed I always say ‘inshallah,’ or ‘God willing,’ whenever the outcome of this race was mentioned,” El-Sayed told cheering supporters. “But today, tonight, we can turn that inshallah into alhamdulillah!”

He then explained the Arabic expression to his political opponents.

“For the right-wing ops, that just means ‘praise be to God,'” he remarked.

The speech also included a pointed message to Trump and Vice President JD Vance, both of whom had sharply criticized El-Sayed during the campaign.

“Donald, I know you struggled with my name,” El-Sayed said. “So after JD swears me in in January, you can just go on and call me ‘Senator.'”

El-Sayed also addressed Vance directly, using the Arabic term “habibi” while noting that the vice president would be responsible for administering his oath of office in January.

“May we never have to see the likes of you in Michigan again,” El-Sayed declared in another jab at Trump.

The election marks a significant political development in Michigan, a battleground state Trump carried in the 2024 presidential election. El-Sayed received more than 52% of the vote with over 95% of ballots counted, according to election reporting early Wednesday.

El-Sayed’s campaign had drawn national attention following his victory in the Democratic primary, where he defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens despite substantial spending by pro-Israel political organizations supporting her candidacy.

The senator-elect has called for ending American military assistance to Israel and has accused the Jewish state of apartheid and genocide, allegations Israel rejects. During his victory speech, he again attacked American foreign policy.

“We don’t want our money sent to do apartheid, or genocide, or war,” El-Sayed told supporters.

He made similar accusations during a CBS 60 Minutes interview Monday, arguing that Washington’s military support for Israel was inconsistent with its stated commitment to a two-state solution.

The Michigan Democrat has also faced scrutiny over questions concerning his family’s alleged connections to the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sayed has denied belonging to the organization and rejected allegations that he supports it.

“I have never been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, I never will be a member of the Muslim Brotherhood,” he previously told Fox News.

Trump repeatedly targeted El-Sayed during campaign appearances, referring to him as a “jihadist” and questioning his suitability for the Senate. Republican critics also highlighted his associations with controversial progressive activists and his statements concerning Israel.

El-Sayed maintained that the attacks were intended to distract voters from economic issues, including rising living costs, health care expenses and housing affordability.

In an October campaign advertisement responding to criticism of his background, El-Sayed spoke directly about his religious identity.

“My name is Abdul,” he said. “It means servant. I pray every day. I reflect on my role in this life, on this Earth—how we leave it better than we found it.”

His campaign emphasized proposals to expand access to health care, reduce household expenses and challenge corporate influence in Washington. El-Sayed also argued that taxpayer money should be directed toward American families rather than military operations overseas.

“Michigan, it just shouldn’t be this hard. It shouldn’t be this hard to buy a second bag of groceries or to fill your tank,” he said during his victory address.

“It shouldn’t be this hard to pay your taxes and know that that money is going to be spent on you and your kids instead of dropping bombs on somebody else and their kids.”

{Matzav.com}

Dear Matzav Inbox,

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all the wonderful people who spent election night posting inspirational messages on their WhatsApp statuses reminding us that Hashem runs the world.

I don’t know what I would have done without you.

There I was, watching the election results come in, seeing candidates lose races I had hoped they would win, when suddenly I began to panic. Who was running the world now? Had something changed? Was the Ribbono Shel Olam still in charge, or had He somehow handed over the reins to the Democratic National Committee?

And then, baruch Hashem, I opened WhatsApp.

There it was. Status after status. Beautiful graphics. Inspiring messages. “Remember, Hashem is in control.” “No matter who wins, Hashem runs the world.” “Lev melachim vesarim b’Yad Hashem.” Some even included pictures of sunsets, because the message is more powerful when accompanied by a nice orange sky.

What a relief.

I had been under the impression that Hashem was running the world only as long as the Republicans controlled Congress. Silly me. Thankfully, dozens of people took time out of their busy evenings to explain that the Ribbono Shel Olam‘s authority does not actually depend on the electoral map.

And the timing! Absolutely impeccable. Not one of these people felt the need to remind us that Hashem runs the world when their preferred candidates were winning. During those elections, everyone seemingly understood that the voters were making excellent decisions and that the country was in very capable hands. But the moment the results went the other way, it became absolutely urgent to inform the public that there is, in fact, a Higher Authority.

I especially want to thank the people who posted the same message three or four times, each with a slightly different background. Hamamlich melachim etc. I wasn’t entirely convinced after the first reminder, but by the fourth, with the gold lettering and the picture of the Kosel, I was finally beginning to come around.

And to those who added “A little reminder for everyone tonight,” thank you most of all. Because until that moment, I had completely forgotten everything I had ever learned in Chumash, Mussar, and hashkafah. Years of yeshiva, countless shmuessen, and a lifetime of sifrei mussar had somehow evaporated because a congressional district flipped blue.

Your status brought me back.

Of course, I have one small suggestion. Perhaps next time your candidates win, you could post the same messages. Just for consistency. Imagine how inspiring it would be to see “Hashem runs the world” posted by someone who is actually happy with the election results. It would be groundbreaking.

In the meantime, I want everyone to know that I am doing much better now. I have regained my emunah, my bitachon, and my ability to function as a normal human being, all thanks to the courageous individuals who reminded me, at 11:19 p.m., that Hashem had not resigned following the election results.

I cannot thank you enough.

You didn’t just post a status. You saved a Yid.

Sincerely,

A Grateful WhatsApp User

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The Twin Miracles of Flatbush Shas Yiden!

In a recent derashah—a snippet of which went viral around the world—the renowned mashpiah, Rav Meilich Biderman, shlit”a, shared a remarkable story that transpired recently in Flatbush which attests to the power of partnering with Shas Yiden in sponsoring siyumim.

Every month, Shas Yiden’s remarkable talmidei chachamim celebrate multiple siyumim on the masechtos that they mastered that month, milestones on their monumental journey of mastering Shas, Rav Biderman explained as he told the miraculous story that transpired at the Flatbush Shas Yiden Kollel over the last few months:

For years, the Rebbetzin of the Rosh Kollel had prepared the fish and challahs for the monthly siyumim. It had become her personal zechus, a quiet act of hakaras hatov and participation in the simchas haTorah taking place each month.

At one particular siyum, a yungerman approached the Rosh Kollel with a request. His sister was an older single who was desperately waiting for her shidduch. Could she acquire the zechus of preparing the fish and challos at the siyum?

The Rosh Kollel explained that this was traditionally the Rebbetzin’s zechus, but when he presented the request, she readily agreed—but then an unexpected complication arose.

This yungerman had another sister who was also waiting for a yeshuah of her own: She had been married for five years and was still waiting for children.

How could he choose between them?

They decided to divide the zechus. One sister would receive the zechus of the fish, and the other the zechus of the challos.

And then, in Rav Meilich’s words, “Rabbosai, the yeshuah came immediately!”

The very next day, a shidduch was suggested for the first sister, and within a week, she was a kallah!

And exactly nine months later, the second sister gave birth to a baby boy.

Two sisters. Two different yeshuos. Both connected to one siyum.

We cannot predict how or when Hashem will answer a person’s tefillos. But stories like this remind us of the immeasurable power of Torah and the extraordinary privilege of becoming a partner in it.

The extraordinary talmidei chachamim of Shas Yiden around the world invest their entire essence into mastering Torah. They acquire Torah one masechta at a time, celebrating siyum after siyum—bringing so much nachas to Hakadosh Baruch Hu.

There is a place for each of us in that accomplishment!

Sponsoring a monthly siyum is essentially taking part in the simchas haTorah, strengthening those who devote themselves to mastering Shas, and attaching oneself and one’s family to the eternal zechus of Torah.

Perhaps that is why Rav Meilich began and ended his story with the words: “Sichu b’chol nifl’osav, speak of Hashem’s wonders!” Tell the stories. Speak about the wonders. Recognize the extraordinary zechus that Hashem gives us.

Sponsor a Shas Yidden siyum! Become a partner in Torah. And the zechus of Torah will surely bring yeshuos and berachos to you and your family.

https://shasyiden.com/donate

I look at my tiny baby sleeping peacefully in the ICU.

But my heart knows the truth this is only the beginning of our battle.

A battle for his life and for my strength to keep going.

My name is Miriam.

My baby’s name is Baruch.

He is only two months old.

He should be sleeping peacefully in my arms.

He should be growing, smiling, and filling our home with joy.

He should be wrapped in blankets, not surrounded by doctors, tests, medicine, and pain.

But Baruch is suffering.

His tiny kidneys are not working the way they should.

The doctors are still trying to understand exactly what is happening inside his little body.

We still do not have all the answers.

But one thing is already painfully clear:

My baby is in terrible pain.

And this is not something that will end tomorrow.

I look at my tiny baby sleeping peacefully in the ICU.

But my heart knows the truth: this is only the beginning of our battle.

A battle for his life — and for my strength to keep going.

Since Baruch became sick, our whole life has changed.

There are appointments.

There are tests.

There are medicines.

There are long days of fear and long nights with almost no sleep.

I hold him in my arms and try to stay calm.

I whisper to him that Mommy is here.

That everything will be okay.

But inside, I am falling apart.

Donate now

Israel’s Supreme Court has ordered a suspension of the 13-year prison sentence imposed on a young Jewish man convicted in connection with the 2018 death of a Palestinian mother of nine, ruling that the unusual circumstances of the case warrant allowing him to remain out of prison while his appeal is considered.

The decision, issued Tuesday by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ronnen, represents a significant development in a case that has generated years of legal controversy, particularly because the original conviction was reached by a divided panel of judges and rested entirely on circumstantial evidence.

The defendant, a resident of the Binyamin region who was a minor at the time of the incident, was convicted of killing Aisha al-Rabi, a Palestinian woman who died after a large rock struck the vehicle in which she was traveling with her family on Route 60 near the community of Rechelim in October 2018.

In September, the Lod District Court sentenced the defendant to 13 years in prison after two judges found him guilty of manslaughter under circumstances constituting an act of terrorism.

A third judge on the panel, however, disagreed with the majority and concluded that the evidence was insufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Following the sentencing, attorneys representing the defendant through the Honenu legal organization filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, challenging the conviction and requesting that the prison sentence be suspended until the appeal could be heard.

Justice Ronnen granted the request, determining that the case falls within the limited category of exceptional circumstances in which a convicted defendant may remain out of prison pending appellate review.

In explaining her decision, Ronnen noted that if the appeal ultimately succeeds and the conviction is overturned, the defendant would not be required to serve any prison sentence. Requiring him to begin serving the 13-year term immediately could therefore result in his spending time behind bars unnecessarily.

The justice also emphasized that the appeal could not be dismissed as frivolous or lacking any realistic prospect of success.

A central consideration was the fact that the District Court’s conviction relied entirely on circumstantial evidence, with one of the three judges concluding that the prosecution had failed to establish the defendant’s guilt to the required legal standard.

That judicial disagreement, particularly in a case carrying such a substantial prison sentence, was among the factors supporting the decision to delay incarceration.

Ronnen also considered the considerable time that has passed since the 2018 incident, the defendant’s lack of a prior criminal record, and the fact that he was a minor when the alleged offense occurred.

Another factor was his conduct throughout the lengthy legal proceedings. According to the court, the defendant has remained under restrictive conditions for years without committing additional offenses.

Taken together, those circumstances persuaded the Supreme Court that the defendant should not be required to begin serving his sentence before the appeal is resolved.

The defendant will remain subject to house arrest and other restrictions while the Supreme Court considers his challenge to the conviction.

Attorneys Yoram Halevy and Adi Keidar, who represent the defendant on behalf of Honenu, welcomed the ruling and expressed confidence that it could pave the way for a complete acquittal.

The attorneys described the decision as the opening step toward overturning the conviction, pointing to the substantial disagreement among the District Court judges and the dissenting opinion of the presiding judge, who favored acquittal.

They argued that the Supreme Court’s willingness to suspend the sentence reflects the seriousness of the legal questions raised by the appeal.

The defense team said it hopes the Supreme Court will ultimately adopt the reasoning of the dissenting judge and overturn the conviction, allowing their client to rebuild his life after an eight-year legal battle.

The case dates back to October 2018, when al-Rabi was traveling with her family on Route 60 near Rechelim in the Shomron.

According to the prosecution, a rock weighing approximately two kilograms was thrown toward the family’s vehicle, striking it and causing al-Rabi’s death.

Israeli investigators subsequently arrested several Jewish teenagers who were students at the Pri Haaretz Yeshiva in Rechelim, including the defendant, who lived in the Binyamin area.

The investigation and prosecution became the subject of intense controversy, with defense attorneys repeatedly challenging the evidence and the methods used by investigators.

At one stage, the defendant was released to house arrest following a forensic opinion that raised questions about whether it could be established with certainty that al-Rabi’s death resulted from the impact of a single rock.

The prosecution nevertheless proceeded with the case, maintaining that the defendant had deliberately thrown the rock toward the Palestinian vehicle for nationalistic reasons.

The District Court ultimately accepted the prosecution’s position by a two-to-one majority, convicting him of manslaughter under circumstances constituting an act of terrorism.

The dissenting judge, however, determined that the circumstantial evidence did not justify a criminal conviction.

That division within the trial court has now become a central element of the appeal, with defense attorneys arguing that the uncertainty identified by the dissenting judge requires the conviction to be overturned.

Tuesday’s Supreme Court ruling does not constitute an acquittal, nor does it determine whether the original conviction was correct. It addresses only whether the defendant must begin serving his sentence while the appeal remains pending.

Nevertheless, the decision is a significant procedural victory for the defense, particularly because the court expressly recognized that the appeal raises substantial questions deserving further judicial consideration.

The Supreme Court will now examine the arguments surrounding the evidence, the competing conclusions reached by the District Court judges, and the legal basis for the conviction.

Until a final ruling is issued, the defendant will remain under restrictive conditions rather than entering prison to begin serving the 13-year sentence.

The eventual appellate decision will determine whether the conviction stands, is modified, or is overturned, bringing a potentially decisive conclusion to a legal case that has remained unresolved for more than eight years.

{Matzav.com}

Fox News host Sean Hannity, one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent supporters, acknowledged that the war with Iran had played a major role in the Republican Party’s devastating midterm election losses, arguing that the results would have been dramatically different had the United States not entered the conflict.

Appearing on Fox News’ election-night coverage as Democrats scored major victories across the country, Hannity conceded that the war, rising gasoline prices, and public dissatisfaction with the economy had created serious political difficulties for Republicans, even as he defended Trump’s policies and predicted that the president would ultimately be vindicated.

The striking assessment came during a discussion with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, who asked whether the election would have unfolded differently without the military confrontation with Iran.

“If we as a country did not go into the war in Iran, and that was not on the agenda tonight, is this a much different race tonight?” Baier asked.

“I think 100%. I don’t think there’s any doubt about it,” Hannity responded.

The admission was particularly noteworthy coming from Hannity, who has consistently defended Trump’s presidency and supported his administration’s approach to national security.

Hannity argued that although he believed the president’s economic policies were fundamentally sound, voters were judging Republicans according to their immediate financial circumstances rather than the administration’s longer-term objectives.

He acknowledged a point raised by Democratic commentator Harold Ford Jr., who argued that favorable economic statistics mean little when Americans do not personally experience improvements in their financial situation.

Hannity said he agreed with economist Larry Kudlow’s support for the administration’s economic principles but recognized that voters’ perceptions of their own financial well-being were ultimately decisive.

The Fox News host also acknowledged that some of the administration’s immigration enforcement operations had generated negative public reactions, particularly after Democrats highlighted videos showing controversial enforcement actions.

“Americans are good people with a heart, and they didn’t like some of what they saw,” Hannity said.

He then returned to Iran, arguing that the administration’s military campaign could ultimately benefit future generations but that its immediate economic consequences had damaged Republicans politically.

“I would argue on Iran, there was, unfortunately, it’s the best thing for our children and grandchildren, but higher gas prices, how people feel, I think is the more dominant feeling force right now,” Hannity said.

His remarks reflected a central difficulty facing the administration: Even voters who support a tough approach toward Iran may be unwilling to accept the economic consequences of a prolonged military confrontation.

The conflict has contributed to higher energy costs and increased concerns about inflation, issues that became major themes in Democratic campaigns across the country.

Hannity nevertheless insisted that the president’s policies would eventually produce positive results, comparing Trump’s political difficulties to those experienced by previous presidents who suffered major midterm setbacks.

“I really believe in the policies. I think the president will be proven correct, just like Reagan was, and Clinton in a lot of ways was, and even Obama,” he said.

During another portion of the election-night discussion, Hannity pointed to the history of presidents whose parties experienced substantial congressional losses before their political fortunes improved.

“Midterms are very, very predictable and the more dominant a personality that a president is, the more dramatic a loss will be in a midterm,” he argued.

He cited Ronald Reagan’s recovery following Republican losses in 1982, Bill Clinton’s political comeback after the 1994 Republican wave, and Barack Obama’s reelection following the Democratic Party’s heavy losses in 2010.

However, unlike those presidents, Trump is serving his second elected term and is constitutionally barred from seeking another, meaning the political implications of Tuesday’s results will fall heavily on Republicans preparing for the 2028 presidential election.

At another point during the coverage, Hannity expressed frustration with the contrast between Trump’s decisive 2024 victory and the Republican Party’s performance two years later.

“I wish it was two years ago,” he remarked.

His comments came as Democrats captured Republican-held Senate seats in several states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, dealing a serious blow to the GOP’s hopes of maintaining control of Congress.

In Texas, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton, a particularly embarrassing outcome for Republicans in a state that had not elected a Democratic U.S. senator since 1988.

The result was also notable because Hannity had previously dismissed a Fox News poll showing Talarico leading Paxton.

During an August discussion with former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Hannity rejected the poll’s findings.

“I don’t believe it for two seconds. Not for two,” Hannity said at the time.

Tuesday’s election results demonstrated that the warning signs reflected in those surveys had been more significant than many Republicans anticipated.

Meanwhile, Trump expressed frustration with Fox News’ election-night coverage, criticizing the network’s polling and its inclusion of Democratic commentators as the unfavorable results became clear.

The president also defended his administration’s record on inflation and gasoline prices while rejecting Democratic criticism of his handling of Iran.

Hannity, for his part, maintained that the president still had time to improve public perceptions of his administration’s performance.

“I think the two years of any president, especially a dominant personality, is an incomplete grade,” he said, arguing that the public would have a more complete picture of Trump’s presidency by the end of his term.

Veteran Shas MK Yaakov Margi has launched a blistering attack on his own party, accusing its leadership of surrendering to extremist elements within the chareidi community, sacrificing efforts to secure a military draft law protecting bnei Torah, and allowing inflammatory rhetoric to alienate the broader Israeli public.

Margi, who is leaving the Knesset after more than two decades of parliamentary service, delivered his unusually sharp criticism in an interview with Ari Kalman broadcast Tuesday evening on i24NEWS. His remarks come in the aftermath of Shas’s disappointing election performance and amid continuing tensions over the military draft and the status of yeshiva students.

The longtime Shas lawmaker argued that the party’s reluctance to confront extremist voices had directly undermined its ability to advance legislation regulating the military service exemptions of yeshiva students.

“Since the passing of Maran Rav Ovadia Yosef, I felt that I was missing someone to back me up,” Margi said.

He recalled being instructed by party officials to refrain from publicly discussing the draft legislation because his comments were provoking opposition from more extreme elements.

“At a certain point, they told me, ‘You want a draft law? Don’t speak out.’ In the party, they told me, ‘This makes it harder for us to advance it because it inflames the extremists.’ By surrendering to the extremists, we sacrificed the draft law.”

Margi’s criticism was particularly striking because it came from a senior figure who has spent much of his political career representing Shas and defending the interests of the Sephardic chareidi community.

He argued that the party’s approach had ultimately harmed the very yeshiva students it was supposed to protect, leaving their legal status unresolved while simultaneously deepening resentment among Israelis who serve in the military.

Margi also took direct aim at comments attributed to Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, which were previously publicized by i24NEWS.

In those remarks, Deri had reportedly warned against any weakening of the party’s position on military service, declaring that nobody should entertain even the slightest notion that perhaps they ought to contribute to the military effort.

“Chas v’shalom,” Deri reportedly said in reference to such thinking.

Margi responded with indignation.

“What do you mean, ‘chas v’shalom’?” he asked. “And what about the young men wandering around doing nothing in Kikar HaChatulot? We abandoned the bnei Torah. They didn’t get a draft law. Their status isn’t regulated.”

The reference to Kikar HaChatulot, a gathering place in Yerushalayim, was part of Margi’s broader argument that the chareidi community must distinguish between serious yeshiva students devoted to learning and young men who are not engaged in Torah study.

Margi has repeatedly maintained that those who are not learning Torah should be required to serve in the military, a position that has placed him at odds with more hardline elements of the chareidi political establishment.

He also acknowledged the anger felt by the broader Israeli public, particularly families whose sons have served during the prolonged period of military conflict.

“On the other hand, the general public is angry, and rightly so,” Margi said. “You cannot remain calm and accept extreme or disconnected statements with equanimity when people are dealing with anxiety, post-trauma, parents who don’t sleep at night, and then you hear statements that are so disconnected.”

The outgoing lawmaker reserved some of his harshest criticism for the anti-draft demonstrations that have repeatedly disrupted roads and intersections across Israel.

Margi questioned whether the individuals participating in these protests genuinely represented the Torah community and challenged the justification for demonstrations that cause widespread disruption.

“Who were they demonstrating for?” he asked. “Percentage-wise, how many of them were bnei Torah? For them I should go out into the street? For them I should block roads? For them I should endanger the broader public? For them I should make a chillul Hashem?”

Margi asserted that many of the protesters were not serious Torah students and expressed frustration that rabbinic and communal leaders had not more forcefully condemned their conduct.

“A large portion of them were not bnei Torah,” he said. “I haven’t heard anyone, any leader, come out against them and condemn them, saying that this is not the way of the Torah.”

He went on to describe the scenes at intersections as deeply embarrassing and inconsistent with the standards expected of members of the Torah community.

“The embarrassing and shameful scenes at intersections — is that the behavior of bnei Torah? Are these bnei Torah? Is this how we were raised? Is this what a ben Torah looks like? Who are the leaders sending them there?”

Margi argued that the behavior of individuals who claim the protections afforded to yeshiva students without actually devoting themselves to Torah study poses a serious threat to the standing of the entire yeshiva world.

“Today, those persecuting the Torah world are not the army, not the sanctions, not anything else,” he declared. “It is those who are not learning and are sitting on the necks of those who are learning — they are the ones persecuting the Torah world.”

Despite his sweeping criticism of Shas and its handling of the draft controversy, Margi stopped short of calling for a change in the party’s leadership.

On the contrary, he insisted that Aryeh Deri remains indispensable to Shas and that calls for his resignation following the election results would be disastrous for the movement.

“To tell Deri to resign today is to shut down the party,” Margi said.

He also expressed the view that Shas could potentially participate in a governing coalition alongside Avigdor Lieberman, despite the longstanding hostility between Lieberman and the chareidi parties over military service, religion-and-state issues, and the role of the chareidi community in Israeli society.

That position represents another departure from the approach traditionally taken by Shas, which has frequently treated Lieberman as a political adversary because of his outspoken positions on chareidi military enlistment.

{Matzav.com}

A moving encounter took place in Yerushalayim during a family bris attended by Hagaon Harav Moshe Sternbuch, when the senior posek warmly embraced a yeshiva bochur who had recently served ten days in an Israeli military prison over the draft controversy, showering him with extraordinary words of encouragement and declaring that his dedication to Torah learning had earned him a special place in the eyes of the Ribbono Shel Olam.

The encounter occurred during the bris of a great-grandson of Rav Sternbuch, a son born to his grandson and close confidant, Harav Avrohom Yeshayahu Sternbuch. Rav Sternbuch served as sandek at the bris, which became an occasion for heartfelt tefillos over the continuing efforts to draft yeshiva students into the Israeli military.

During the simcha, Rav Sternbuch instructed those present to recite the Yud-Gimmel Middos HaRachamim, the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, and to sound the shofar in response to what he described as the difficult situation confronting the Torah community in Eretz Yisroel.

The unusual instructions reflected the gravity with which Rav Sternbuch views the ongoing draft controversy, which has resulted in the arrests and imprisonment of yeshiva students who have refused to comply with military enlistment requirements.

Following the bris, Rav Sternbuch presided over a mesibas lechaim, during which a young yeshiva student who had recently been released from military detention approached him to receive a bracha.

The bochur had spent ten days in Prison 10, an Israeli military detention facility, after refusing to compromise his position regarding military service.

Upon learning of the young man’s experience, Rav Sternbuch became visibly emotional and offered words of chizuk that left a profound impression on those present.

“You are the happiest person in the world,” Rav Sternbuch told the young man.

“Baruch Hashem, you have merited to sit and learn Torah with mesirus nefesh. Even the malachim ask HaKadosh Baruch Hu to allow them to learn with mesirus nefesh as you do, but HaKadosh Baruch Hu tells them, ‘This bochur I love,’ because he sacrifices himself to learn Torah and to continue learning.”

Rav Sternbuch then offered a heartfelt bracha for the young man’s future.

“Fortunate are his father and mother, fortunate is his entire family who brought him into the world,” he said. “May Hashem have mercy, and may he become a great talmid chacham.”

In a separate development earlier this week, on Sunday, Rav Sternbuch delivered additional words of encouragement to the family of a newly married chassan who had been arrested during his sheva brachos celebrations.

The arrest, which occurred during what should have been one of the happiest periods of the young man’s life, generated considerable distress among his family and members of the Torah community.

Before the chassan was released, Rav Sternbuch sought to strengthen the spirits of his family, describing the young man’s ordeal as an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate unwavering commitment to Torah.

“Many people are jealous of you,” Rav Sternbuch said. “You have merited such a mitzvah. Do not be afraid!”

He continued with a message of determination in the face of the difficulties confronting yeshiva students.

“Whatever evil they can do will be repaid to them twofold, and we are faithful to Hashem and will remain faithful to Him, and there is no life except through Torah. Bracha and hatzlacha. Fortunate are you, fortunate is your portion. Who is like you?”

{Matzav.com}

For the first time in New York State history, the halls of the State Capitol in Albany will be home to a full minyan of Orthodox Jewish legislators, following Tuesday’s elections, which brought the number of frum lawmakers serving in the State Senate and Assembly to an unprecedented ten.

The remarkable milestone means that eight members of the State Assembly and two members of the State Senate will represent districts stretching from Brooklyn and Queens to Rockland and Nassau counties.

The historic achievement follows several significant election victories, including those of newly elected State Senator Sam Sutton of Brooklyn, Assemblyman-elect Joey Cohen-Saban of Brooklyn, and Assemblyman-elect Pesach Osina of Queens, who will join an established group of frum elected officials in Albany.

Former New York City Councilman David G. Greenfield, a longtime communal leader and executive director of Met Council, highlighted the extraordinary development in a social media post following the election.

“We may have MINYAN of state legislators who are Orthodox in New York!” Greenfield wrote, accompanying his message with a list of the ten lawmakers.

The milestone is especially significant considering that, for decades, Orthodox Jewish communities throughout New York relied primarily on relationships with elected officials from outside the community to advance their interests in state government.

Now, with ten frum lawmakers serving simultaneously, the community will have an unprecedented number of legislators who are personally familiar with the needs of yeshivos, families, shuls, mosdos, and communal organizations.

The eight Assembly members are Simcha Eichenstein, Kalman Yeger, Joey Cohen-Saban, Sam Berger, David Weprin, Pesach Osina, Aron Wieder, and Ari Brown.

In the State Senate, Sam Sutton of Brooklyn and Lisa Vider of Nassau County complete the ten-member group.

The lawmakers represent a geographically diverse collection of communities, reflecting the expanding political participation and influence of Orthodox Jewish voters across New York.

Brooklyn, home to some of the nation’s largest frum communities, accounts for three Assembly members and one senator.

Queens will be represented by three Orthodox Assembly members, while Rockland County will have one Assembly member. Nassau County will have one Assembly member and one senator.

Among the most closely watched victories was that of Joey Cohen-Saban, who defeated Republican incumbent Michael Novakhov in Brooklyn’s 45th Assembly District.

Cohen-Saban’s victory represented a significant reversal from 2024, when he narrowly lost to Novakhov. This time, the Democratic challenger won decisively, securing approximately 60 percent of the vote according to election-night returns.

The district encompasses portions of Midwood, Gravesend, Sheepshead Bay, and surrounding neighborhoods, including areas with substantial Orthodox Jewish populations.

Celebrating his victory Tuesday night at a kosher restaurant in Midwood, Cohen-Saban emphasized that he intended to represent all residents of the district, regardless of how they voted.

“To everyone who voted for me tonight, thank you,” Cohen-Saban told supporters. “And to those who didn’t, I want them to hear this clearly: I did not win a seat for half of this district. I won a seat for all of it, and my door to all those folks is open starting tomorrow morning.”

His election adds another frum voice to the Assembly and further expands the community’s representation in southern Brooklyn.

Another important victory came in Queens, where longtime community activist Pesach Osina defeated Republican Thomas Sullivan in the 23rd Assembly District.

Osina, a familiar figure in Far Rockaway communal affairs, will succeed retiring Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, who represented the district for approximately a decade.

The race was closely contested, with Osina receiving strong support from Orthodox Jewish voters in Far Rockaway as well as other communities throughout the district.

Early election-night returns showed Osina leading with approximately 52 percent of the vote, and Sullivan subsequently conceded.

Osina’s victory was particularly meaningful to the Far Rockaway community, which will now have a frum representative in the State Assembly.

The newly elected assemblyman has longstanding relationships with local mosdos, community leaders, and organizations serving residents throughout the Rockaway peninsula.

His election brings an additional Orthodox Jewish perspective to legislative discussions involving education, public safety, transportation, and government assistance for community institutions.

Sam Sutton’s election to the State Senate is another major development for Brooklyn’s frum community.

Sutton won the 22nd Senate District, defeating Nachman Caller and securing a seat in the Legislature’s upper chamber. His victory was celebrated by the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition, which also welcomed Cohen-Saban’s Assembly victory as an important achievement for the community.

Together, the two election results will give Brooklyn additional representation in Albany on matters affecting Orthodox Jewish residents, including public safety, education, and the needs of religious institutions.

In Nassau County, Lisa Vider’s candidacy represents another important development. Vider, a health care executive who challenged Republican Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick in the 9th Senate District, would become New York’s first Orthodox Jewish woman to serve in the State Senate if her apparent election-night success is confirmed.

Her inclusion in the ten-member group is particularly noteworthy because the Orthodox Jewish community’s representation in Albany has historically been concentrated in the Assembly rather than the Senate.

The new lawmakers will join several established Orthodox Jewish legislators who have already developed significant experience in state government.

Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, who represents portions of Brooklyn’s Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, has been a prominent advocate for yeshiva education, religious freedom, and the concerns of frum families.

Assemblyman Kalman Yeger, a former New York City Council member, has similarly been closely involved in issues affecting Borough Park, Flatbush, and surrounding communities.

In Queens, Assemblyman Sam Berger represents neighborhoods including Kew Gardens Hills, College Point, and Whitestone. Berger, who entered the Assembly in 2023, has emphasized the importance of constituent services and ensuring that the concerns of local families receive attention in Albany.

Assemblyman David Weprin, another longtime Queens legislator, brings years of experience in state government and has maintained close ties with the Orthodox Jewish community.

In Rockland County, Assemblyman Aron Wieder represents an area that includes a substantial and growing frum population. His background in local government and his longstanding involvement in communal affairs have made him a familiar figure in the region.

Assemblyman Ari Brown, representing Nassau County, adds another voice from Long Island’s Orthodox Jewish communities.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Central Elections Committee announced Wednesday that it has completed an extensive review of the October 27 elections for the 26th Knesset, examining results from 9,069 polling stations and finding no evidence of election fraud or irregularities that would compromise the integrity of the vote or alter the election outcome.

The announcement comes as Israel prepares to formally certify the results of the closely watched election and begin the process of forming a new government, with President Isaac Herzog scheduled to receive the official results Wednesday.

According to the committee, the comprehensive review covered approximately 75 percent of the country’s 12,018 regular polling stations, representing an unprecedented level of scrutiny of election results.

The 9,069 polling stations examined marked a 78 percent increase over the previous Knesset election, when election officials reviewed approximately 5,100 polling stations.

The committee said the expanded review was intended to ensure that every legitimate concern raised by political parties, candidates, or members of the public received appropriate attention and that the final results accurately reflected the decisions of Israeli voters.

Approximately 250 attorneys employed in the public sector participated in the operation alongside Central Elections Committee personnel.

The review lasted six working days, beginning October 28 and concluding Tuesday, November 3. Seven examination rooms operated throughout the process, supported by a central command center, with personnel working morning and evening shifts.

Election officials examined polling station protocols and other official documentation, conducting more extensive inspections whenever the circumstances warranted additional scrutiny.

In 350 polling stations, investigators carried out detailed examinations of voting materials, including ballots, voter registration records, and accompanying election documentation.

The committee reported receiving 2,452 inquiries from political parties and candidate lists concerning results or procedures at 1,350 polling stations.

Every submission was reviewed, and corrections were made wherever the examination established that adjustments were necessary.

An additional 1,239 complaints and inquiries were submitted by members of the public on Election Day and afterward, involving alleged election integrity concerns at approximately 750 polling stations.

Those complaints were also examined in full, according to the committee.

Officials emphasized that the review did not uncover any findings indicating a compromise of election integrity or any irregularity requiring a change to the overall election results.

Polling stations were selected for review using several criteria, including complaints from political parties and voters, reports submitted during Election Day, and findings from election integrity inspectors stationed at regular polling locations.

The committee also employed statistical analysis to identify potentially unusual voting patterns, random sampling, and additional screening procedures designed to detect discrepancies.

Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg praised the scope of the operation and the personnel responsible for completing it.

“As part of the election integrity operation, an unprecedented number of polling stations were thoroughly examined,” Sohlberg said. “The scope and quality of the operation demonstrate the Central Elections Committee’s strong commitment to reflecting the will of the voters as accurately as possible.”

He also expressed appreciation to the election officials and legal professionals who conducted the review, thanking them for their intensive, professional, and dedicated work.

Attorney Dean Livne, the committee’s acting director-general, stressed that no complaint was dismissed without examination.

“Every inquiry received from the political parties, candidate lists, and the public was examined individually,” Livne said.

“Where corrections were required, they were made based on the official records and voting materials. This is our responsibility to the voters and to the lists that competed in the election: to thoroughly examine every allegation, make corrections when necessary, and publish the findings transparently.”

Livne added that the extensive review was made possible by the dedication of election committee employees and the attorneys assigned to the operation.

“Thanks to their dedication, we are completing the review and presenting the public with results that have been carefully examined and reflect the decision made at the ballot box,” he said.

The announcement marks an important milestone following an election in which the balance of power between Israel’s political blocs, the performance of the chareidi parties, and the prospects for forming a governing coalition have been subjects of intense public attention.

With the review completed, the Central Elections Committee is expected to submit the official results to President Herzog on Wednesday, after which they will be published in accordance with Israeli law.

The next stage of the political process is scheduled to begin Thursday, when Herzog will open consultations with representatives of the political parties elected to the new Knesset.

During those consultations, party delegations will recommend which Knesset member should be tasked with forming the next government.

Under Israel’s Basic Law: The Government, the president must assign the task of forming a government within seven days of the publication of the official election results.

The president is not required to select the leader of the largest party. Rather, he must determine which Knesset member has the strongest prospects of assembling a coalition capable of securing the support of a parliamentary majority.

The consultations are therefore expected to provide an important indication of the emerging political alliances and the likelihood that a stable government can be established.

Wednesday’s announcement by the Central Elections Committee effectively concludes the formal examination of voting procedures and complaints, clearing the way for the next stage of Israel’s political process.

{Matzav.com}

Thousands of Chabad shluchim from across the globe are gathering in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, for the annual International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries, known as the Kinus Hashluchim, which opens Wednesday evening, November 4. This year’s gathering will feature the unveiling of rare correspondence and personal guidance from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, alongside discussions addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing Jewish communities today, including the rapidly expanding influence of artificial intelligence on children and teenagers.

The annual convention brings together thousands of shluchim serving Jewish communities in countries around the world, from major metropolitan centers and communities throughout Eretz Yisroel to remote locations in Belarus, Croatia, Brazil, and elsewhere. The gathering provides an opportunity for the emissaries to strengthen their connections, exchange experiences, and receive practical guidance for their ongoing work in spreading Yiddishkeit.

Organizers have arranged extensive security measures throughout the convention, which will draw thousands of participants to Crown Heights and other locations in New York over the coming days.

This year’s program, organized by the convention committee under the leadership of Rabbi Menachem Kotlarsky, places particular emphasis on the changing realities confronting Jewish families and communal leaders in an era of unprecedented technological development.

Among the central sessions will be a workshop titled “Protecting Our Children in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” examining the educational, social, and psychological implications of increasingly sophisticated AI technology. Participants will discuss the potential dangers posed by these developments, particularly for young people, as well as strategies for promoting responsible technology use while taking advantage of its potential benefits for Jewish education and community outreach.

Another educational session will be led by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Jacobson, who will explore the emotional and spiritual challenges facing contemporary teenagers. The discussion will focus on helping educators and communal leaders develop meaningful relationships with young people that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting.

One of the convention’s most anticipated presentations will feature previously unreleased historical materials from the personal secretariat of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Groner will present a collection of rare letters, personal responses, and practical directives discovered among the papers of his father, the late Rabbi Yehuda Leib Groner, who served for decades as one of the Rebbe’s personal secretaries.

The materials are expected to provide participants with additional insight into the Rebbe’s approach to communal leadership, individual challenges, and the responsibilities of shluchim. The presentation will examine how the Rebbe’s personal instructions and guidance can be applied to the circumstances confronting emissaries in their communities today.

Beyond the educational and historical presentations, the convention will feature discussions on innovative approaches to expanding Jewish communal life.

Rabbi Moshe Bryski of California will share his model for transforming Chabad centers into vibrant hubs of Torah learning and Jewish activity throughout the day, creating opportunities for individuals of different backgrounds and levels of observance to participate in ongoing educational programs.

Another session will focus on promoting awareness of the Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach, the Seven Noahide Laws, among non-Jewish populations, an initiative that the Lubavitcher Rebbe strongly encouraged as part of his broader vision for spreading awareness of the universal moral obligations established by the Torah.

The convention’s major communal gatherings will take place over the weekend.

On Friday morning, thousands of shluchim are scheduled to visit the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens for a mass gathering of tefillah. During the visit, a general pan, or pidyon nefesh, containing requests and prayers submitted by Jews around the world, will be read.

On Motzoei Shabbos, the participants will gather at the large Bedford Hall for an evening devoted to shared experiences, encouragement, and mutual support. Shluchim representing communities in Barbados, Florida, Texas, Finland, and other locations will address the gathering, offering accounts of their work and the distinctive challenges they encounter in their respective communities.

The convention will conclude on Sunday with the traditional group photograph outside Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, followed by the official closing banquet honoring the worldwide network of shluchim.

The annual Kinus Hashluchim has become one of the most significant gatherings in the Chabad calendar, bringing together emissaries who spend much of the year working in communities far removed from major centers of Jewish life.

For many participants, the convention offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with fellow shluchim, draw inspiration from the Rebbe’s teachings, and return to their communities with renewed energy and practical ideas for strengthening Jewish life.

{Matzav.com}

Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro delivered a harsh assessment of the Republican Party’s performance in Tuesday’s midterm elections, describing the results as a sweeping defeat and arguing that President Donald Trump had become a central factor in races across the country, even though his name did not appear on the ballot.

Speaking on the All-In podcast, Shapiro said the emerging election returns suggested that Republicans were facing a much broader problem than a handful of weak candidates or unusually strong Democratic challengers.

“This not an evening to remember,” Shapiro said during the broadcast, which aired from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, while several major races were still awaiting final projections.

“I think that, honestly, the president said going in that the election was going to be a referendum on him, act like he’s on the ballot, and I think that, you know, the president was kind of on the ballot.”

Shapiro’s comments represented a particularly pointed assessment from a prominent conservative voice as Republicans confronted disappointing results in several states, including places where the party had enjoyed substantial electoral advantages in recent years.

Rather than attributing the losses to isolated local circumstances, Shapiro argued that the pattern of results suggested a nationwide political backlash.

He pointed to Republican difficulties in Texas, Iowa, and South Carolina as evidence that the party’s problems extended well beyond individual candidates.

Shapiro argued “if this were just the case of a few outstandingly bad Republican candidates losing, like Paxton in Texas, for example, or if it were just a matter of an outstanding Democrat candidate winning somewhere, like Josh Turek in Iowa, … but the fact that South Carolina is going, you basically have an empty suit in South Carolina losing.”

In Texas, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the Senate contest, becoming the first Democrat elected to represent the state in the U.S. Senate in 38 years. Democrat Gina Hinojosa also defeated Republican Governor Greg Abbott, ending 36 years of Republican control of the governor’s office.

South Carolina delivered another significant surprise, with Democrat Annie Andrews winning a Senate seat and becoming the first woman elected to represent the state in the chamber. Her victory also marked the first time in more than two decades that South Carolina voters elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate.

Shapiro also cited Florida, where Republicans retained a Senate seat but faced a considerably closer contest than he believed should have occurred in a state that has shifted toward the GOP.

“Or the fact that Florida stayed red, but very, very, very closely. I mean, that’s my home state so I know that state very well, Angie Nixon is a full-scale nutcase, and Angie Nixon is going to lose that senatorial race by about two points,” he added.

Republican Senator Ashley Moody ultimately defeated Democrat Angie Nixon, preserving the seat for the GOP despite the unexpectedly competitive race.

For Shapiro, the narrow Republican victory in Florida was nearly as revealing as the outright losses elsewhere, suggesting that even states generally considered favorable to Republicans were experiencing a significant shift in voter sentiment.

“It’s a wipeout for Republicans,” Shapiro asserted. “There’s no way to sugarcoat that. And again, if you’re looking at it across the map, that bodes pretty ill for 2028.”

Shapiro’s assessment came before the full extent of the Democratic gains was known, but subsequent results reinforced his argument that Republicans had suffered losses across multiple regions of the country.

The election also raised difficult questions for Republicans about how closely candidates should identify themselves with Trump, particularly in competitive states where voters have expressed dissatisfaction with the economy and the administration’s handling of foreign affairs.

In Florida, Moody’s victory provided Republicans with an important hold, but the final margin was far narrower than Trump’s 13-point victory in the state during the 2024 presidential election. With approximately 97 percent of the expected vote counted, Moody led Nixon by roughly three percentage points.

President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States has no immediate plans to launch additional military strikes against Iran, suggesting that Washington is satisfied with its current position in the confrontation with Tehran despite carrying out a limited operation against Iranian military targets earlier this week.

In an interview with the Financial Times on Tuesday, November 3, Trump signaled that he sees little reason to immediately escalate American military involvement, even as tensions remain high following months of hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

“We seem to be getting everything we want,” Trump told the Financial Times during a six-minute telephone interview.

The president’s remarks came one day after American forces carried out limited strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, located in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, an area that has become a focal point of military tensions between Washington and Tehran.

According to a U.S. official who spoke to Reuters, Monday’s operation was intended to neutralize Iranian surface-to-air missile threats directed at American military personnel and assets operating in the region.

The official characterized the strikes as defensive in nature and emphasized that they did not constitute a return to large-scale combat operations against Iran.

The distinction is significant because Trump had previously raised the possibility of renewed American attacks following Tuesday’s midterm elections, leaving open the prospect of another round of military action once the voting was over.

His latest comments, however, suggest that the White House is not currently preparing an immediate offensive and may be reassessing the need for additional military pressure.

Qeshm Island, situated near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, occupies a strategically sensitive position along one of the world’s most important maritime shipping routes. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serves as a major passage for international oil shipments.

Iran’s military presence in the area has long been a source of concern for American defense officials, particularly because Iranian missile systems and other military assets could threaten U.S. forces and commercial shipping.

The American operation on Monday demonstrated that Washington remains prepared to use force against what it considers immediate threats, even while avoiding a broader resumption of hostilities.

Trump’s comments to the Financial Times indicate that he views the current situation as favorable to American interests, although he did not publicly detail what specific concessions or strategic objectives he believes Washington has achieved.

The president has repeatedly maintained that military pressure must serve clear American objectives and has alternated between warnings of further action and expressions of willingness to avoid an extended conflict.

For Israel, the administration’s approach remains particularly consequential. Israeli officials have consistently viewed Iran’s military capabilities and regional activities as major security threats, and American decisions regarding the use of force against Tehran have direct implications for Israel’s security calculations.

At the same time, Trump’s latest remarks should not be interpreted as a commitment to refrain from future military action.

The president has left himself considerable flexibility, and the administration’s willingness to carry out defensive strikes indicates that American forces remain authorized to respond to perceived threats.

The situation also remains vulnerable to sudden changes if Iranian forces undertake additional military operations or if American personnel or regional allies come under attack.

For now, however, Trump’s message is that Washington sees no immediate necessity for another major military operation.

The comments mark a potentially important shift in tone from the president’s earlier warnings about possible renewed strikes after the midterm elections, suggesting that the administration may be seeking to maintain its current military advantage without opening another phase of the conflict.

Trump also addressed indications from Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that another military operation could be approaching. Asked about the possibility of an attack later in the week, he stressed that American forces were fully prepared to act.

“I’m ready, we’re ready. We’re locked and loaded if we need to go, but there may be no reason for it,” Trump told the Financial Times.

The president said indirect negotiations with Iran were continuing, including discussions concerning Tehran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, which remains a central obstacle to any broader agreement.

“We’re having discussions, and we’ll see how that all works out,” he said.

Trump also portrayed the American naval blockade of Iranian ports as an important source of economic pressure on Tehran, arguing that the arrangement was working in Washington’s favor.

“It’s a brilliant situation,” he said.

Despite Trump’s relatively optimistic assessment, Iranian officials offered a considerably more cautious account of the diplomatic situation.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Washington and Tehran remained far apart on an agreement to end the conflict, with major disagreements persisting over sanctions, the naval blockade, frozen Iranian assets, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials have insisted that the United States must address Tehran’s conditions before a lasting agreement can be reached.

Qatar, which has been mediating indirect negotiations between the two countries, said diplomatic efforts were continuing and that both sides were reviewing proposals intended to prevent another escalation.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said regional mediators were working intensively to keep the diplomatic process alive, even as substantial differences remained between the American and Iranian positions.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials warned that renewed American military action could trigger retaliation against U.S. and Israeli targets.

The latest developments leave the region in a delicate position, with American military forces maintaining pressure on Iran while diplomatic intermediaries attempt to negotiate a settlement.

Trump’s statements suggest that the administration is prepared to give those negotiations additional time, although the president has made clear that further strikes remain an option if circumstances change.

For Israel, the central question is whether the diplomatic process can produce meaningful restrictions on Iran’s nuclear capabilities and military activities, or whether the continuing disagreements will eventually lead to another round of fighting.

For now, the White House is signaling that it sees no immediate need to launch a new offensive, even as American forces remain on alert and the possibility of renewed hostilities continues to loom over the region.

{Matzav.com}

Election night 2026 was one for the history books. And Matzav.com was there for every twist, every turn, every upset, and every development that mattered.

While some might be content to throw up a quick headline, a two-line update, or a breathless “Upset!” and move on, Matzav delivered something entirely different.

Real reporting. Full stories. Extensive background. Political context. Detailed analysis. And the information our readers actually wanted to know.

Not a greps of a report. Not a burp of an update. Not a name, a number, and a headline masquerading as journalism.

The full picture.

From the biggest congressional battles to the local races that directly affect our communities, from the fight for control of Washington to the political developments in New York, New Jersey, and across the country, Matzav brought readers comprehensive coverage throughout the night and into the morning.

Who won? Who lost? Why did it happen? What does it mean? What comes next? And, most importantly, why should our readers care?

Those are the questions that Matzav’s staff answered throughout the night.

Because our readers deserve more than a scoreboard. They deserve to understand the story behind the numbers, the people behind the headlines, and the consequences behind the results.

And that’s precisely what Matzav delivered, with a depth, breadth, and intensity of coverage that stood out.

While you might find snippets on WhatsApp, Matzav published stories. While some offer fragments, Matzav provided perspective. While some might tell what happened, Matzav explained what it meant.

And we did it all with the focus, relevance, and understanding of the frum community that have made Matzav the trusted destination for news.

This wasn’t just election coverage. This was election coverage, Matzav style.

Comprehensive. Relentless. Informative. Unmatched.

Matzav.com. Not just the headlines. The whole story.

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Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive politician who has called for ending American military assistance to Israel, was leading Republican Mike Rogers early Wednesday in Michigan’s fiercely contested U.S. Senate election, threatening to deliver a major setback to Republicans in one of the nation’s most closely watched races.

The contest, which attracted extraordinary national attention and hundreds of millions of dollars in campaign spending, has been marked by bitter disputes over Israel, allegations of antisemitism, and a remarkable last-minute decision by a prominent Democratic congresswoman to endorse the Republican candidate.

Early Wednesday, El-Sayed was leading Rogers by approximately 49.8 percent to 48.3 percent, according to results reported by Deadline Detroit shortly after midnight. Election projections indicated that El-Sayed was favored to prevail.

The election is particularly significant for the Jewish community because of El-Sayed’s outspoken opposition to American military support for Israel and the deep divisions his candidacy has generated among Michigan Democrats.

El-Sayed will become the first Muslim to serve in the United States Senate, representing a state with substantial Jewish and Muslim populations and a long history of closely contested elections.

The seat is being vacated by Democratic Senator Gary Peters, who announced that he would retire after two terms in Washington. Republicans had viewed the opening as one of their best opportunities to capture a Democratic-held Senate seat, particularly after President Donald Trump carried Michigan in the 2024 presidential election.

Rogers, a former FBI agent and seven-term congressman who previously chaired the House Intelligence Committee, entered the race with extensive political experience and strong backing from Republican leaders.

He had narrowly lost Michigan’s 2024 Senate election to Democrat Elissa Slotkin by fewer than 20,000 votes, making his 2026 campaign a second attempt to win a seat in the chamber.

El-Sayed, meanwhile, emerged from a contentious Democratic primary in which he defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens, a more moderate Democrat who had enjoyed considerable support from the party establishment.

The primary exposed deep ideological differences within Michigan’s Democratic coalition, particularly over Israel and American foreign policy.

El-Sayed has advocated ending American taxpayer support for Israel’s military, arguing that federal resources should instead be directed toward domestic priorities, including health care and economic assistance.

He has also characterized Israel’s military operations in Gaza as genocide, rhetoric that has generated considerable criticism from Jewish Democrats and supporters of Israel.

His position became one of the defining controversies of the election, with Rogers repeatedly warning voters about the consequences of sending El-Sayed to Washington.

The issue produced an extraordinary political development just two days before Election Day when Stevens, who had lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed, announced that she was endorsing Rogers.

The decision represented a highly unusual break with party loyalty by a sitting Democratic member of Congress in one of the nation’s most consequential Senate races.

Stevens cited El-Sayed’s rhetoric concerning Israel and her own disagreements with him in explaining her decision.

Her endorsement immediately generated widespread attention, with Republicans presenting it as evidence that El-Sayed’s positions were too extreme even for members of his own party.

For Rogers, the endorsement offered an opportunity to appeal directly to moderate Democrats, independent voters, and members of Michigan’s Jewish community who were uncomfortable with El-Sayed’s views.

The Republican campaign hoped that Stevens’ support would persuade voters who ordinarily back Democratic candidates to cross party lines.

The move, however, also provoked a backlash among Democrats, many of whom accused Stevens of undermining her party’s chances of retaining the Senate seat.

El-Sayed’s campaign reported receiving a surge of donations following the endorsement, including approximately $2.4 million raised on the Sunday before Election Day.

Rather than weakening his campaign, the controversy appeared to energize some progressive voters who viewed Stevens’ decision as an example of establishment Democrats attempting to prevent a candidate from challenging longstanding party positions.

The extraordinary circumstances surrounding the endorsement highlighted the extent to which Israel had become a divisive issue in the race.

For some Jewish voters, El-Sayed’s positions raised serious questions about his willingness to confront antisemitism and defend Israel’s security.

Other Jewish Democrats supported his candidacy, arguing that disagreements over Israeli government policy should not automatically determine their vote.

The divide was reflected in interviews conducted at Michigan polling locations.

The campaign was also shaped by Michigan’s large Arab American and Muslim communities, whose political influence has become increasingly significant in statewide elections.

El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director and Rhodes scholar, sought to build a coalition combining progressive Democrats, younger voters, working-class residents, and disaffected Republicans.

His campaign emphasized Medicare for All, higher taxes on billionaires, restrictions on corporate political influence, and opposition to overseas military conflicts.

He argued that Michigan residents were struggling with rising costs while Washington devoted excessive attention and resources to foreign wars.

Rogers countered with a platform centered on tax relief, manufacturing jobs, economic development, and national security.

He highlighted his background in federal law enforcement and intelligence, arguing that his experience would be particularly valuable at a time of international instability.

Rogers also aligned himself closely with Trump, whose support helped consolidate Republican backing for his candidacy.

However, the president’s popularity became a complicated factor in the campaign as concerns about the economy, high gasoline prices, tariffs, and the war with Iran weighed on Republican candidates.

Michigan’s close economic relationship with Canada made trade policy particularly important, with businesses and workers expressing concern about tariffs and their effects on manufacturing.

Rogers sought to balance his support for Trump with appeals to voters frustrated by the economic consequences of the administration’s policies.

El-Sayed attempted to turn those concerns into a broader argument against Republican leadership, portraying Rogers as too closely associated with the president to represent Michigan independently.

The race also drew an extraordinary lineup of national political figures.

Trump and Vice President JD Vance campaigned on behalf of Republicans, while former President Barack Obama and leading progressive figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, sought to rally Democratic voters.

The election became one of the most expensive contests in Michigan history.

According to Bridge Michigan, disclosed spending had exceeded $270 million by October, surpassing the approximately $217 million spent in the state’s 2024 Senate race.

Outside organizations aligned with both parties poured money into television advertising, digital campaigns, and voter mobilization efforts.

Republican-aligned groups invested heavily in efforts to defeat El-Sayed, while progressive organizations and Democratic donors contributed substantial resources to his campaign.

The enormous spending reflected the national stakes of the election, with both parties viewing Michigan as crucial to their hopes of controlling the Senate.

The contest was especially challenging for Republicans because Michigan voters have not elected a Republican U.S. senator since 1994.

Nevertheless, Trump’s success in the state during the 2024 presidential election, combined with Rogers’ narrow loss that year, had given Republicans reason to believe they could finally break that streak.

As Election Day approached, polls generally showed an extremely close race, although some late surveys suggested that El-Sayed was gaining an advantage.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifted its assessment of the contest from a toss-up to leaning Democratic shortly before the election.

On Tuesday night, early returns showed El-Sayed opening a lead over Rogers, although the margin narrowed as additional votes were counted.

By approximately 11:45 p.m., with 42 percent of the vote counted, El-Sayed was leading with roughly 50.5 percent to Rogers’ 47.6 percent.

Shortly after midnight, the margin had narrowed to approximately 49.8 percent for El-Sayed and 48.3 percent for Rogers.

The tightening figures highlighted the importance of awaiting additional returns before declaring a winner.

For Republicans, a Rogers defeat would mean the loss of an opportunity to capture a Democratic-held seat in a state Trump won two years earlier.

For Democrats, an El-Sayed victory would preserve a crucial Senate seat while demonstrating that a candidate running on an unapologetically progressive platform could win a statewide general election in a major battleground.

It would also strengthen the position of the party’s progressive wing, which has increasingly challenged more traditional Democratic approaches to health care, economic policy, and American support for Israel.

For the Jewish community, the implications would be particularly significant.

El-Sayed’s election would bring to the Senate a politician who has openly advocated ending American military assistance to Israel, at a time when the relationship between Washington and Yerushalayim remains a major focus of congressional debate.

His candidacy has already exposed serious divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel, divisions that are unlikely to disappear after the election.

Stevens’ decision to endorse Rogers demonstrated just how deep those disagreements have become, particularly among Democratic officials who regard American support for Israel as an essential national security priority.