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A storm has been brewing behind the scenes within the Israeli Agudas Yisroel’s Chassidishe leadership as pressure mounts over Israel’s proposed draft legislation. According to a report in Hamodia, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel has decided to reissue a formal resolution originally adopted in 5779 (2019), declaring firm opposition to any draft law that includes sanctions or mandatory enlistment targets and signaling an intention to vote against such legislation.

The decision follows intense internal deliberations within the Moetzes, against the backdrop of political pressure and looming legal threats related to yeshiva deferments. Senior Chassidic leaders made clear that, in their view, there can be no compromise at the expense of full-time Torah learners.

Israeli media reports describe sharp disagreements during recent discussions. While several Chassidic courts pushed for a strongly worded, updated declaration, Belz reportedly worked to block the publication of a new resolution, citing concerns over internal unity.

The solution ultimately adopted was described by insiders as principled: Rather than issuing a new text, the Moetzes chose to republish its 5779 resolution and reaffirming it as the binding and official position of UTJ’s Chassidic leadership.

In its original—and now renewed—language, the Moetzes expresses deep anguish over what it describes as an escalating campaign by state authorities against bnei yeshivos. The resolution calls for the formal regulation of the status of Torah learners, while insisting that this be done without personal or institutional sanctions, without arrests, and without any numerical enlistment targets.

The document further states that any legislation harming those engaged in Torah study, or setting compulsory goals for enlistment, is unacceptable and must be opposed “with all force.”

{Matzav.com}

Russia has granted citizenship to former Gaza hostage Maksim Harkin, 36, shortly after his release in the most recent deal, the Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv announced on Thursday.

According to the embassy, Russian Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov met this week with Harkin and his mother, Natalia, and informed them of the decision. The report was first disclosed by Itamar Eichner on Kan 11.

In its statement, the embassy said that “Ambassador Viktorov emphasized that, on the instruction of Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin, focused efforts were undertaken to ensure Maksim’s swift return from captivity in Gaza. Russian diplomats maintained continuous contact with their Israeli counterparts and with all relevant parties on this issue, which was of the highest priority for us.”

Following his release, Harkin reunited with his five-year-old daughter Monica, who lives in Russia, as well as with his mother. Speaking to Ynet, he described the reunion as deeply emotional, saying, “It gives so much strength — a dream that came true. I promised my daughter that I am with her, and I will stay with her.”

Shortly after his release, Harkin’s mother told the Russian news agency RIA that her son had expressed a strong desire to receive Russian citizenship and had planned to complete the process upon his return from captivity.

In his conversation with Ynet, Harkin also addressed the public response to his ordeal, saying, “I’m in an emotional storm from the love I’m receiving from you, the people. It’s important for me to say that unity is an insane achievement — preserve it. Be together, and that’s how we’ll live happily, as we deserve. You see people, what they’re doing for us. I try to hold on to the hope that people gave us.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump was overcome with emotion when a group of freed hostages and their families came to the White House last October, according to his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who shared the account Thursday night at a major pro-Israel gathering.

Speaking at the opening session of the Israeli-American Council National Summit, Steve Witkoff described a moment that followed the release of 20 hostages, saying the experience struck Trump on a deeply personal level.

“It was deeply personal to President Trump. When we got the 20 hostages home, the last 20, and their families came to the White House, the President pulled me aside. I saw the tears. He doesn’t like anyone to see tears. And he said to me, ‘This is the greatest day I’ve ever had in the White House,’” Witkoff said.

Witkoff then reflected on his own personal connection to the mission, explaining how the loss of his son shaped his perspective and his work alongside the families of the hostages.

“I’m a member of that really bad club that has lost a child. So, for me, it was very personal, and I think the President knew that. And so, when he allowed me to take this job, it was the greatest blessing of my life, because my son’s death then got to mean something for me. I got to meet these incredible families and work with them and meet the most incredible people I ever had the privilege of working with. It was a very special experience.”

He concluded by describing how he feels guided by his late son as he continues this work, portraying the experience as both painful and profoundly meaningful.

“I feel that my boy puts his hand on my shoulder and leads me to these places. And his death now feels like it counts for something. Like that was his purpose. God took him back at 23, but asked me through him or asked him through me to meet these wonderful families. It’s the blessing of my life. I don’t know how to describe it any more than that.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has been cautioned by senior advisers that a broad military assault on Iran would probably fail to bring down the regime and could instead trigger a far-reaching regional conflict, according to U.S. officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.

The report said the administration is currently watching closely how Tehran responds to ongoing unrest, with officials weighing the regime’s treatment of protesters before deciding whether any military action is warranted and, if so, how extensive it should be.

U.S. officials said a large-scale operation would require a significant buildup of American forces in the Middle East, both to conduct a sustained strike and to protect U.S. troops and allies, including Israel, from retaliation. American and regional officials warned the White House that even an intense bombing campaign was unlikely to topple Iran’s leadership and could instead ignite a wider war. Limited strikes, they added, might encourage protesters but would not stop the regime’s violent crackdown.

According to the officials, Trump has not yet reached a final decision, but has ordered military resources to be positioned in the region should he choose to authorize a major attack.

“The president and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday.

“Only President Trump knows what he’s going to do and a very, very small team of advisers are read into his thinking.”

At one point Wednesday, tensions appeared to peak, with U.S. military action against Iran seeming increasingly likely. The situation later eased after Trump said he had been informed that the killing of protesters had come to a halt.

“We have been notified pretty strongly that the killing in Iran is stopping, and there’s no plan for executions or an execution,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

He added, “I’ve been told that in good authority. We’ll find out about it, I’m sure. If it happens, we’ll be very upset.”

By Thursday morning, Iranian authorities had reopened the country’s airspace, which had been shut for several hours. The regime also announced it would not carry out the execution of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old man detained during the recent protests whose case had become a rallying point for demonstrators.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Thursday night that the second phase of his 20-point peace initiative for Gaza is now underway, describing it as a major step following the ceasefire and expanded humanitarian access to the territory.

“As Steve Witkoff announced, we have OFFICIALLY entered the next phase of Gaza’s 20-Point Peace Plan!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, citing remarks made Wednesday by Steve Witkoff.

Trump said his administration has already made significant progress since the ceasefire took effect. “Since the Ceasefire, my team has helped deliver RECORD LEVELS of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, reaching Civilians at HISTORIC speed and scale. Even the United Nations has acknowledged this achievement as UNPRECEDENTED. These results have set the stage for this next phase,” he wrote.

The president said the next stage of the plan would involve a new governing structure inside Gaza during a transition period. “As Chairman of the Board of Peace, I am backing a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by the Board’s High Representative, to govern Gaza during its transition. These Palestinian leaders are unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future!” Trump stated.

Trump said regional support would be central to enforcing security provisions in Gaza, particularly the dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities. “With the support of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, we will secure a COMPREHENSIVE Demilitarization Agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of ALL weapons, and the dismantling of EVERY tunnel. Hamas must IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay to full Demilitarization. As I have said before, they can do this the easy way, or the hard way. The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW.”

Trump ended his message with a familiar slogan: “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

Earlier Thursday, Trump separately announced the formal establishment of the “Board of Peace for Gaza,” describing it as a cornerstone of the broader initiative and saying details about its membership would follow.

“It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed. The Members of the Board will be announced shortly, but I can say with certainty that it is the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Witkoff’s declaration that Phase Two had begun came even as the body of Ran Gvili, the final hostage, remains in Gaza.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hamas was required to return all hostages during the first phase, but it continues to hold Gvili’s body while claiming it does not know its whereabouts.

Israeli officials have said they provided Hamas with specific information regarding Gvili’s burial location, but the group has disregarded the details.

The Israeli government has repeatedly stated that it opposes moving forward with the second phase of the agreement until Hamas fully complies with all commitments from Phase One, including the return of Gvili’s body.

{Matzav.com}

Large-scale protests across Iran have largely vanished not because the unrest has been resolved, but because heavily armed security forces have effectively confined residents to their homes, according to accounts shared with The New York Post.

After weeks of demonstrations against the regime that reportedly left thousands dead, an overwhelming security deployment has brought public dissent to a halt, with many Iranians now too frightened to leave their homes.

“There were tanks out — there’s tanks everywhere,” one source told The Post after speaking with relatives in Tehran about conditions on the ground.

“There’s trucks that are covered, with 10 people inside with machine guns just aiming them at everyone on the street.”

Another Tehran resident described a city paralyzed by fear, as police and security forces flood major roads, set up checkpoints, and stop vehicles at will.

The source said the relative quiet seen in Tehran on Thursday followed widespread killings of demonstrators, estimating that more than 2,600 people have died since the protests erupted, citing figures from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

“There are no protests anymore because of massive killings. With 12,000 dead, people are terrified,” the local said, referring to higher casualty estimates cited by activist groups.

The source urged President Trump to intervene immediately, despite Trump’s statement Wednesday that “the other side” had suggested Iran had stopped killing protesters.

“We are waiting for Trump’s action, he promised to support Iranian protesters if the regime killed them! It is the time to attack this brutal regime!” the local said.

Trump had previously warned that military action was possible if the Iranian government continued to massacre demonstrators.

Photographs from Tehran on Thursday showed residents cautiously moving through the city, attempting to resume daily routines amid burned-out vehicles and other wreckage left behind by the unrest.

Some people were seen traveling to hospitals and morgues in an effort to retrieve the bodies of relatives killed during the protests. One source told The Post that authorities had threatened to dispose of unclaimed bodies in a mass grave if families failed to collect them quickly.

Iranian security forces have been accused of carrying out one of the most severe crackdowns on dissent in the history of the Islamic Republic, with nearly 17,000 arrests reported by HRANA.

Video footage circulating online has shown mass shootings of civilians, as well as a violent assault on the Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, where armed forces reportedly injured patients and medical staff.

According to witnesses cited by DW, security personnel opened fire inside the hospital and deployed tear gas while searching for individuals wounded during earlier protests, with approximately 11 patients taken away by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“We knew the security agents were coming to arrest the wounded or record their identities,” a nurse, who did not reveal her real name, told the outlet.

“People gathered at the entrance to stop them,” she added. “At the same time, we were desperately short of blood, so calls for donors went out on social media.

“But the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] and special units prevented donors from reaching us.”

Human rights organizations reported that the siege of the hospital lasted more than a day, leaving patients, doctors, nurses, and even children injured in the violence.

“Security forces allegedly raided the Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, deploying tear gas and beating patients and medical personnel,” the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said in its latest Fact-Finding Mission report.

The true scale of the crackdown remains unclear, as a nationwide communications blackout has prevented independent verification of events across Iran.

The violence and suppression of protesters were addressed during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Thursday.

Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad warned UN members that the Islamic Republic must not be treated as a normal state, comparing its actions to those of the Islamic State terrorist organization.

She argued that Iran’s leadership must be “treated like” ISIS to prevent further bloodshed.

“Millions of innocent, unarmed Iranians have been silenced through bullets, mass arrests, imprisonment and a total communications blackout — no internet, no mobile phones and no landlines,” she said in an emotional speech. “Iran is in total darkness.”

Alinejad, who lives in exile and is known for urging Iranian women to defy mandatory hijab laws, was the target of a regime-directed assassination attempt at her Brooklyn home in July 2022.

That plot failed due to multiple mistakes by the Russian gang members involved, who were later sentenced to 25 years in federal prison in October.

{Matzav.com}

The head of the Anti-Defamation League is openly coordinating with conservative lawmakers and media figures to confront what he described as a growing strain of antisemitism on the American right. Speaking during a panel discussion in Los Angeles, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said he has been working “behind the scenes” with Sen. Ted Cruz and […]

Clearing the vast devastation left across the Gaza Strip could take close to a decade, a senior United Nations official warned Friday, underscoring the scale of destruction even as a second phase of a U.S.-backed peace plan is set to begin. After visiting Gaza, Jorge Moreira da Silva, the U.N. under-secretary-general and executive director of […]

California Governor Gavin Newsom appeared to distance himself from the language used by his own communications staff during a contentious interview Thursday with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, signaling internal disagreement over recent political messaging.

Newsom sat down with Ben Shapiro on Shapiro’s podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” where the two sparred over immigration enforcement, political discourse, education policy, and gender identity in a wide-ranging and often combative exchange.

A central moment of tension arose when Shapiro challenged the governor about statements issued by Newsom’s office following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, language that described the incident as “state-sponsored terrorism.”

The shooting has ignited a nationwide debate, fueling sharp disagreements over federal immigration enforcement, police conduct, and the rhetoric used by elected officials when discussing actions by law enforcement agencies.

“Your press office tweeted out that it was state-sponsored terrorism,” Shapiro said, before pushing back on the characterization of federal agents.

“Our ICE officers obviously are not terrorists,” Shapiro added.

“Yeah, I think that’s fair,” Newsom agreed. The governor also said he “disagreed” that ICE should be abolished.

Clips of the exchange quickly circulated online, with critics pointing to the moment as proof that Newsom was walking back statements made by his own press team.

Later in the interview, the conversation shifted to public education and gender identity, with Shapiro repeatedly pressing Newsom on whether biological sex can be changed and how the topic should be addressed in schools.

“There are certainly cases in which kids are being socially transitioned at school without parents knowing about it,” Shapiro said. “The fundamental question… is whether boys can become girls.”

Newsom appeared uncomfortable and failed to offer a clear response, saying, “Yeah… well, I think… for the grace of God… yeah.”

Shapiro questioned why the governor seemed unable to answer directly.

“We’re talking about so few people,” Newsom said, adding that the issue was surrounded by “so much hate, and bigotry, so much condemnation.”

Shapiro rejected that characterization outright, insisting his position was rooted in biology rather than animus.

“It is not an act of bigotry to say that a boy cannot become a girl, nor should my children be taught in K-12 public schools that a boy can become a girl,” he said. “That’s not an act of bigotry; that’s an act of rationality and biological simplicity.”

Even after multiple follow-up questions, Newsom declined to give a definitive answer, instead returning to broad and noncommittal language.

The governor also appeared uneasy when Shapiro praised Donald Trump as the most effective foreign policy president of his lifetime and challenged Newsom on why he would not “radically” cut California income taxes.

Shapiro further criticized Newsom’s repeated warnings that Trump might attempt another presidential run in 2028, calling the claim reckless and suggesting the governor did not truly believe it. Newsom, however, insisted that he did.

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has weighed into a volatile immigration and free-speech fight, voicing public support for pro-Hamas activist Mahmoud Khalil after a federal judge cleared the way for the Trump administration to resume efforts to deport him. “Last year’s arrest of Mahmoud Khalil was more than just a chilling act of political […]

An Israeli Air Force Black Hawk helicopter crashed Friday morning during a recovery operation after it was forced to make an emergency landing earlier this week because of severe weather, the IDF said. According to the military, the helicopter landed Tuesday in an open area in Gush Etzion after encountering difficult weather conditions. The aircraft […]

A hardline cleric leading Friday prayers in Iran’s capital publicly demanded the execution of protesters swept up in the regime’s nationwide crackdown, as Tehran weighs its next steps amid mounting domestic unrest and international pressure. Speaking at Tehran’s main weekly prayers, Ahmad Khatam called for the death penalty for detainees accused of involvement in the […]

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said Thursday that she handed President Trump her Nobel Peace Prize during a meeting at the White House, confirming a highly symbolic gesture that followed weeks of public discussion about the award.

“I presented the president of the United States the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize,” Machado told reporters on Capitol Hill.

An image obtained by The Post showed Trump standing in the Oval Office with the framed medal, while Machado stood beside him during the meeting.

The inscription on the medal read: “To President Donald J. Trump. In gratitude for your extraordinary leadership in promoting peace through strength, advancing diplomacy, and defending liberty and prosperity.”

It continued, “Presented as a personal symbol of gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan people in recognition of President Trump’s principled and decisive action to secure a free Venezuela.”

“The courage of America, and its President Donald J. Trump, will never be forgotten by the Venezuelan people. “

Trump publicly acknowledged the gift shortly afterward, thanking Machado in a post on social media.

“It was my Great Honor to meet María Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much.

“María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you María!”

Machado, who received the Nobel Peace Prize last October for her campaign to restore democracy in Venezuela and challenge the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro, said the presentation of the medal was accompanied by a message rooted in shared history.

“I told him this: 200 years ago, Gen. [Marquis de] Lafayette gave Simon Bolivar a medal with George Washington’s face on it. Bolivar kept that medal the rest of his life,” Machado said.

“It was given by Gen. Lafayette as a sign of the brotherhood between the people of the US and the people of Venezuela in their fight against tyranny. 200 years on in history, the people of Bolivar are giving back to the heir of George Washington a medal, in this case a medal of the Nobel Peace Prize,” she continued.

Known among supporters as Venezuela’s “Iron Lady,” Machado said she offered Trump the prize “in recognition of his unique place with our freedom.”

Earlier Thursday, Trump hosted Machado for a private lunch at the White House, marking the first time the two had met in person.

Machado remained at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for approximately two and a half hours during the visit.

Trump, who has spoken openly about his interest in the Nobel Peace Prize and has received multiple nominations, told Fox News host Sean Hannity last week that it would be a “great honor” to receive the medal from Machado.

In previous remarks, Machado had indicated she was prepared to give the prize to Trump or share it with him.

“I certainly would love to be able to personally tell him that we believe — the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people — certainly want to, to give it to him and share it with him,” Machado said Monday.

“What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step towards a democratic transition.”

Before the White House meeting took place, the Nobel Prize Committee weighed in on the discussion surrounding the medal, stating: “A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot.”

Despite the cordial meeting, Trump has previously expressed skepticism about Machado’s ability to govern Venezuela following the capture of Maduro and has instead voiced support for interim president Delcy Rodríguez. He referred to Maduro’s former vice president as a “terrific person” after speaking with Rodriguez by phone on Wednesday.

{Matzav.com}

Mossad Director David Barnea has arrived in the United States for a series of consultations focused on Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests and the possibility of an American military response, according to a report by Axios. The senior Israeli intelligence official is expected to meet with White House envoy Steve Witkoff in Miami. Witkoff […]

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A new video by independent journalist Nick Shirley is drawing fresh attention to allegations of widespread fraud within Minnesota’s Medicaid-funded transportation system, forcing long-ignored concerns into the public eye and prompting renewed scrutiny from both media outlets and federal officials.

In the footage, Shirley visits multiple locations in Minneapolis that he says operate as hubs for taxpayer-funded transportation services intended for low-income or medically vulnerable residents. At several stops, individuals he identifies as ethnic Somalis angrily confront him, but do not, in his account, provide proof that the organizations in question are delivering services to Americans as required under the programs.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2011567958754013343

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The videos have created enough momentum that some local journalists, long aligned with pro-Democrat narratives, have begun acknowledging allegations of abuse they previously did not pursue. Critics argue that this silence stemmed from political and professional pressure tied to Democratic officials and activists who benefited from the Somali-managed system now under scrutiny.

Shirley’s latest reporting zeroes in on Somali-run transportation companies that receive government payments to shuttle patients and clients to hospitals, government offices, stores, and residences. He argues that these firms are central to a broader web of abuse involving multiple publicly funded services.

“These transportation companies are what hold all the [aid and welfare] fraud together,” Shirley says in the video, adding: “You have the daycare centers working with the transportation companies, the adult daycare centers working with the transportation companies, the healthcare companies working with the transportation companies …. [to] make it look like [services are being provided] here inside of Minnesota.”

According to Shirley and his collaborator, David Hoch, public exposure has left those involved with little response. “We’re shining the light on the fraud, and they have no defense,” Hoch said.

The online attention has also encouraged others to speak publicly about what they say they witnessed. In one TikTok video, a former drug addict claimed he was able to purchase narcotics using cash paid to him by Somali drivers in exchange for signing fraudulent transportation receipts that were later used to obtain government reimbursements.

As Shirley’s video circulated, Minnesota’s largest newspaper began conceding that the Medicaid transportation program has long been vulnerable to abuse. “A transportation service that pays for people’s rides to medical appointments is among the Medicaid-funded programs facing new scrutiny for its vulnerability to fraud,” the Minnesota Star Tribune wrote. The paper quoted industry insiders who said concerns have existed for years.

People working in nonemergency medical transportation “have been ringing the fraud bell for quite some time,” said Scott Isaacson, president of the Minnesota R-80 Transportation Coalition, which represents many providers. He shared a list with the Minnesota Star Tribune of the 10 most prevalent forms of fraud in the program that he and others in the field are aware of.

State data cited by the paper shows that spending on nonemergency medical transportation has risen sharply. Providers billed roughly $80 million in 2018, with the figure climbing to more than $115 million by 2024 before dropping to about $88 million last year.

The Star Tribune also acknowledged that oversight problems predate the current controversy by more than a decade and are linked to other government-funded services, including translation programs. It cited a report from Minnesota’s Office of the Legislative Auditor issued over 15 years ago warning that the Department of Human Services “provides little statewide oversight of the program.”

In another case highlighted by prosecutors, one provider allowed trips of up to 60 miles for specialty care without prior authorization. Interpreters allegedly recruited patients in Faribault and scheduled appointments with providers nearly an hour away in the Twin Cities—despite the existence of closer providers, some of whom spoke the patients’ language.

At the same time, the newspaper pushed back on some of Shirley’s specific claims, noting: “The transportation providers Shirley highlights in his video are not listed as having received reimbursements from the state in Medicaid claims data provided by the Department of Human Services.”

Federal officials under President Donald Trump, however, suggest the investigation may extend far beyond a handful of companies. Trump administration sources indicate preparations are underway for a sweeping case involving fraud, kickbacks, and racketeering that could target figures tied to Minnesota’s Democratic political establishment.

“My personal motto, and the Treasury motto, is move deliberately and fix things,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told conservative activist Christopher Rufo on a podcast on January 12, adding: “You’re not going to see headlines tomorrow. You’re not going to see them next week, but in a month, [or a] quarter, once we get people in the bear trap, they’re not getting out because we will have conclusive evidence to present. I think that they will have to make plea deals … to turn in higher-ups to help us map out how this happened.”

Bessent said the approach used in Minnesota would not be limited to one state. “We’re going to take this Minnesota [strategy] map to the other 49 states,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic story of middah k’neged middah has emerged following the near-drowning of a yeshiva student in the Modiin area earlier this week, a rescue his family believes was foreshadowed by a powerful dream and preceded by a quiet act of kindness.

Search efforts have continued for a third day for Moishe Ludmir, a student at the Boyan yeshiva in Modiin Illit, who was swept away by strong currents. His close friend, Shimi Rosenblatt, attempted to save him and was himself carried into the rushing waters. Shimi survived the ordeal and escaped with his life, which his family describes as nothing short of a miracle.

Speaking about the rescue, Shimi’s father, R’ Binyamin Rosenblatt—an askan from Beit Shemesh and a member of the Boyaner community—shared a remarkable account linking the incident to events that took place just days earlier.

According to R’ Binyamin, last Friday afternoon, as he does every Erev Shabbos, he went to the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok mikveh in Beit Shemesh. Before entering, he stopped briefly at the small shop near the mikveh to purchase something.

At one point, a box of candies accidentally fell from another customer’s hands, spilling across the floor. The man became visibly flustered and embarrassed, unsure how to react as the candies scattered.

R’ Binyamin immediately intervened. “It’s my fault,” he said without hesitation. “I did it, and I’ll pay for everything.” He added with a smile, “These things happen—even to people over fifty.” He then approached the shopkeeper and paid for the spilled candies in full.

The yungerman involved tried to reimburse him, but R’ Binyamin firmly refused. “Absolutely not,” he told him. “I already paid.” The man thanked him warmly and they parted ways.

R’ Binyamin then entered the mikveh, returned home, and lay down to rest before Shabbos. During his sleep, he experienced a disturbing dream. He saw himself trapped in a raging stream, being swept away by powerful waters. Four times he tried to lift his head above the surface, unsuccessfully. In the dream, he began to say Shema Yisroel, and at that moment, he awoke.

Several days later, on Tuesday afternoon, that very image became reality, this time involving his son. Shimi was swept into the waters of the Modiin stream and found himself in grave danger. Through what the family describes as open nissim and tremendous siyata diShmaya, he managed to escape alive.

Reflecting on the events, R’ Binyamin said the story carries a profound lesson about the power of even a small act of chesed, especially when it spares another person from embarrassment. “Helping someone in a moment of busha,” he said, “has a כח far greater than we realize.”

{Matzav.com}

Renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War could cost American taxpayers anywhere from a few million dollars to as much as $125 million, depending on how aggressively the change is carried out, according to a new analysis released Wednesday by the Congressional Budget Office, the AP reports.

President Donald Trump authorized the use of “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Pentagon through an executive order signed in September. At the time, Trump said the move was meant to project American strength abroad and criticized the existing department name as being “woke.”

The executive order was issued as the U.S. military launched a series of lethal airstrikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in South America. In the months that followed, U.S. forces carried out a dramatic operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, while the Trump administration publicly weighed potential military action involving Iran and even Greenland.

Although only Congress has the authority to officially change the department’s name, lawmakers have shown little appetite for taking up the issue. Despite that, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quickly adopted the new branding following Trump’s order.

Hegseth directed staff to remove the prominent gold lettering reading “Secretary of Defense” outside his office and replaced it with signage identifying him as “Secretary of War.” On the same day the order was signed, the Pentagon’s website was also changed from “defense.gov” to “war.gov.”

At the time, Pentagon officials said they were unable to provide an estimate of how much the rebranding would cost, citing uncertainty and variability in implementation. They indicated a more precise assessment would come later.

That estimate arrived this week. According to the Congressional Budget Office, a limited and gradual rollout of the name change would likely cost at least several million dollars, while a rapid and sweeping implementation across the department could push expenses to as high as $125 million.

The report estimates that a “modest implementation” confined to internal agency use would cost around $10 million and could likely be covered within the Pentagon’s existing budget.

By contrast, the analysis warns that a full statutory renaming approved by Congress could run into the hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on how lawmakers and Defense Department officials choose to execute the change.

The Pentagon oversees more than 6.5 million square feet of office space, much of which still displays the existing name, seals, and logos. It remains unclear whether any effort has been made to update signage or branding at U.S. military installations around the world.

Shortly after Trump signed the executive order, Republican lawmakers including Sens. Mike Lee, Rick Scott, and Marsha Blackburn introduced legislation to formally rename the department. That proposal, however, has stalled and has not advanced in Congress.

The executive order also directed Hegseth to develop recommendations for permanently changing the department’s name. Pentagon officials declined to say whether any such recommendations have been completed or submitted.

The CBO analysis was requested by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon.

The Congressional Budget Office was established more than five decades ago to provide nonpartisan budgetary and economic analysis to assist Congress in its legislative work.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Yitzchok Refoel Abuchatzeira was elected on Thursday evening as the new chief rabbi of the city of Ramla, securing an overwhelming majority of 31 votes out of 36 cast by the municipal rabbinical electoral body.

The announcement was made at the conclusion of the official vote count by the election committee responsible for selecting the city’s chief rabbi. The appointment marks the tenth chief rabbi selected during the current term.

Rav Abuchatzeira is the son of Rav Yechiel Abuchatzeira, the outgoing chief rabbi of Ramla, and the grandson of the renowned kabbalist and former chief rabbi of the city, the Baba Chaki zt”l. He is also the nephew of Rav Avraham Abuchatzeira, another prominent rabbinic figure in the city.

Former Minister of Religious Services and current Knesset member Michael Malkieli hailed the result, calling it a rare and meaningful moment. “Not every day does one merit the election of a city rav who represents a third generation on the rabbinic seat,” he said, describing the outcome as a significant achievement for the Shas party.

The election committee was chaired by retired judge Sarah Prisch. Committee members included Rav Yisrael Meir Biton, chief rabbi of Chadeira, Oren Rosenberg, and Michal Shemesh, with attorney Shiri Fogel serving as legal adviser to the committee, and Tzuriel Porat acting as committee secretary.

The election followed a period of legal challenges surrounding Rav Abuchatzeira’s candidacy. Earlier petitions had questioned the validity of his rabbinic certification, leading the High Court of Justice to temporarily freeze the election process. After the matter was resolved, the vote proceeded as scheduled, culminating in Rav Abuchatzeira’s decisive victory.

A lifelong resident of Ramla, Rav Abuchatzeira serves as a rosh kollel and is regarded as a central and unifying figure within the local community. Supporters describe him as a bridge between Ramla’s rich rabbinic heritage and the realities of a complex, multicultural city in 2026.

Israel’s Chief Rav and Rishon LeTzion, Rav Dovid Yosef, personally called Rav Abuchatzeira to congratulate him and wished him success in strengthening Jewish life in the city. He invoked the verse, “In place of your fathers shall be your sons,” expressing hope that the new rav would bring honor to his distinguished lineage.

Moshe Shitrit, chairman of the Ramla Religious Council, called the election “a historic and formative day for religious services in Ramla,” adding that the council would stand alongside the new chief rav to ensure accessible and inspiring religious services for all residents.

Ramla Mayor Michael Vidal also welcomed the result, congratulating Rav Abuchatzeira on his election and praising his father, Rav Yechiel Abuchatzeira, for decades of devoted service to the city.

{Matzav.com}