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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Friday that he will veto legislation aimed at protecting educational institutions from protests, while allowing a separate bill concerning houses of worship to move forward—prompting sharp criticism from several leading Jewish organizations.

Mamdani said he will permit the worship-related bill to take effect, noting that it passed with a veto-proof majority, unlike the schools measure, which lacked sufficient support to override a veto.

The proposals have sparked significant debate, touching on tensions between free speech and assembly rights on one hand, and concerns about religious freedom and discrimination on the other.

Left-leaning advocacy groups, including some Jewish organizations aligned with Mamdani, opposed both measures, arguing they would limit free expression.

The mayor had not previously revealed his intentions, leading to weeks of speculation over whether he would block one or both bills.

The legislation was introduced following two heated demonstrations outside synagogues in New York City, including one in Queens that also took place near a school. Both bills were approved by the City Council last month.

They are part of a broader legislative effort led by City Council Speaker Julie Menin to address antisemitism in the city.

The worship-focused bill originally proposed a buffer zone of up to 100 feet around religious institutions, but that provision was removed after the NYPD raised concerns about enforcement challenges.

In a statement, Mamdani said he will “allow it to become law,” though he did not specify whether he would formally sign it. If he takes no action, the bill will automatically take effect once the 30-day review period expires.

“It initially raised constitutional concerns. However, the final version of the bill that passed is narrower in scope and effect,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Following a thorough legal review, I do not believe it poses the same risks it once did, and that is why I will allow it to become law. That said, I disagree with its framing of all protest as a security concern.”

Mamdani drew a distinction between the two measures, arguing that the bill addressing schools carried broader implications.

“As the bill is written, everywhere from universities to museums to teaching hospitals could face restrictions,” he said. “This could impact workers protesting ICE, or college students demanding their school divest from fossil fuels, or demonstrating in support of Palestinian rights.”

“That is why I am vetoing this legislation,” he said. As of Friday afternoon, the formal veto had not yet appeared in City Council records.

Despite being described as “buffer zone” bills, the legislation does not mandate fixed distances, and law enforcement already establishes perimeters at protest sites. During one demonstration outside Park East Synagogue in November, protesters were permitted to gather near an entrance—an incident the police later acknowledged as a mistake and pledged would not be repeated. A separate protest in Queens was held more than 100 feet from the synagogue.

Under the proposed framework, police would be required to create “security perimeters” designed to prevent obstruction, intimidation, and interference, while still protecting free speech and assembly rights. Officers would also be tasked with developing plans to manage such risks, submitting them to the mayor and the City Council speaker, and making them publicly available online.

Organizers behind the synagogue protests said their demonstrations were aimed at events tied to West Bank settlements. However, reports indicated that protesters harassed Jewish individuals, directed antisemitic remarks at congregants, and chanted calls for violence, including slogans supporting Hamas and a “global intifada.”

In New York City, Jews are targeted in hate crimes more than any other group combined. Councilmember Eric Dinowitz, who sponsored the schools bill, said during a recent antisemitism hearing that roughly a quarter of such incidents in the city involve children.

Mamdani noted that various organizations, including reproductive rights groups, had also opposed the legislation. While New York law already protects access to abortion facilities, a separate proposal to establish 100-foot buffer zones around clinics has not faced similar resistance.

The mayor’s decision further strains his already tense relationship with major Jewish organizations and highlights ongoing friction between City Hall and City Council leadership, which have clashed on some issues while cooperating on others.

Leading Jewish groups responded by saying they were deeply disappointed with the decision.

Donald Trump said Friday that Iran is expected to present a proposal aimed at meeting U.S. expectations, as Washington moves ahead with plans for direct discussions in Pakistan.

Speaking in an interview with Reuters, Trump indicated that a potential offer from Tehran is forthcoming but cautioned that its details remain to be seen. “They’re making an offer and we’ll have to see,” Trump said.

He added that U.S. negotiators are currently engaging with those holding power in Iran, saying officials “are dealing with the people who are in charge now”.

The remarks came after the White House confirmed that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Saturday for in-person talks with Iranian representatives.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the trip during a Fox News interview on Friday.

“I can confirm that Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in direct talks with representatives from the Iranian delegation,” she said.

Leavitt said the discussions will be facilitated by Pakistan, noting that the initiative came from Iran. “The Iranians reached out, as the President called on them to do, and asked for this in-person conversation, so the President is dispatching Steve and Jared to go hear what they have to say, and we’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation,” she said.

Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Islamabad on Friday, though Iranian outlets pushed back on reports that he would meet with U.S. officials.

According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, “American officials and the media have been fabricating stories about a new round of talks for more than 10 days.”

The outlet also reported that negotiations with Washington “are not currently on the agenda,” adding that Araghchi’s discussions in Pakistan will instead focus on “Iran’s considerations regarding ending the war.”

The U.S. government has moved to block approximately $344 million in cryptocurrency believed to be linked to Iran, intensifying financial measures against Tehran even as the outlook for diplomatic progress remains unclear, CNN reported.

Officials at the Treasury Department said the action focused on several digital wallets as part of a wider effort to disrupt funding streams connected to Iran.

Authorities pointed to blockchain tracking that identified transactions tied to Iranian exchanges, as well as accounts associated with the country’s central bank.

The asset freeze was executed with the cooperation of Tether, which said it took action after being provided with intelligence from U.S. agencies indicating suspected illicit activity.

Analysts noted that while the move is notable, it is unlikely to have a major impact on Iran’s overall financial standing, as the country has repeatedly adjusted to sanctions and has increasingly turned to cryptocurrency as a way to work around restrictions.

Donald Trump sharply criticized the Southern Poverty Law Center after a federal indictment was unsealed, saying that if the accusations are confirmed, the results of the 2020 presidential election should be “permanently wiped from the books.”

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump described the SPLC as “one of the greatest political scams in American history” and called the case “another Democrat hoax,” tying the allegations to broader concerns about left-leaning advocacy groups and their fundraising practices.

The comments followed news that a federal grand jury in Alabama charged the SPLC with 11 counts, including wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to prosecutors, the organization allegedly redirected about $3 million in donor funds to individuals connected to extremist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi organizations over a period spanning 2014 through 2023.

The indictment claims the SPLC concealed these payments through the use of shell companies and deceptive financial reporting, while continuing to present itself publicly as an organization dedicated to fighting extremism.

Prosecutors said the nonprofit misrepresented how donations were used, raising serious concerns about its transparency and accountability to contributors.

“The SPLC was not dismantling these groups,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said during a Justice Department press briefing.

“It was instead manufacturing the extremism it purports to oppose by paying sources to stoke racial hatred.”

The case represents one of the most significant federal prosecutions ever brought against a well-known civil rights organization and comes amid long-standing criticism from conservatives who argue the SPLC operates with political bias against right-leaning individuals and groups.

Trump pointed to the indictment as confirmation of those criticisms, suggesting that the alleged conduct could have broader implications.

“If it is true, the 2020 Presidential Election should be permanently wiped from the books and be of no further force or effect!” Trump wrote.

The president’s remarks reflect his ongoing challenges to the legitimacy of the 2020 election, which he has repeatedly questioned, pointing to claims of voter fraud.

Trump and his allies have maintained that emerging information about political organizations and influence efforts justifies renewed scrutiny.

The indictment outlines what prosecutors describe as a long-running scheme in which money was routed through disguised accounts and fictitious businesses to compensate informants placed within extremist groups.

In some instances, prosecutors allege, payments reached into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, including funds sent to an individual associated with the 2017 Charlottesville rally, an event that resulted in one death and became a major flashpoint in national debates over extremism and political violence.

Officials with the SPLC have denied the allegations, saying their use of confidential informants was a lawful method of gathering intelligence on dangerous groups.

The organization said it intends to contest the charges in court.

The Department of Justice has decided to terminate its criminal investigation into Jerome Powell over the soaring cost of renovations at the Federal Reserve’s Washington headquarters, transferring the matter to internal oversight instead.

U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro, announced Friday that the Federal Reserve’s inspector general will now examine the ballooning construction expenses, which have climbed into the billions and are ultimately borne by taxpayers.

“The IG has the authority to hold the Federal Reserve accountable to American taxpayers,” Pirro said. “I expect a comprehensive report in short order and am confident the outcome will assist in resolving, once and for all, the questions that led this office to issue subpoenas.”

“Accordingly, I have directed my office to close our investigation as the IG undertakes this inquiry,” she added, warning she would “not hesitate to restart a criminal investigation should the facts warrant doing so.”

Earlier this year, Pirro’s office issued subpoenas to Powell in connection with testimony he gave to Congress regarding the $2.5 billion renovation project at the central bank.

Plans tied to the overhaul reportedly included upscale features such as rooftop garden terraces and even Italian beehives, according to reporting first published last year.

Those subpoenas were halted by a federal judge last month, effectively pausing the criminal inquiry.

The investigation began in January after Powell denied before the Senate Banking Committee that the upgrades included high-end additions that were driving costs beyond initial projections.

“There’s no VIP dining room, there’s no new marble. There are no special elevators,” Powell testified. “There are no new water features, there’s no beehives, and there’s no roof terrace gardens.”

In a video statement released Jan. 11, Powell addressed the probe, saying: “The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president.”

Donald Trump visited the construction site last July, donning a hard hat and telling reporters that his background in real estate would make him unafraid to remove Powell if costs continued to rise.

Trump has repeatedly pressured Powell to lower interest rates during his second term and has, on several occasions, threatened to dismiss him over policy disagreements.

The Federal Reserve has also been grappling with financial losses, reporting a cumulative deficit of approximately $233 billion between 2022—the year after the renovation project received approval—and 2025.

Critics have blasted the scope of the renovation, with Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott and a former Fed official likening it to a “Palace of Versailles” on the National Mall.

The central bank operates two main buildings—the Eccles Building and the adjacent Federal Reserve Board East Building—both currently undergoing renovation led by architect Paul Cret.

Planning documents describe features including Georgian white marble, skylights, elaborate water elements, and a modern elevator system leading to a VIP dining suite, along with a private art collection housed in the basement.

Originally estimated at $1.9 billion in 2019, the project’s cost has since risen by roughly 32%, with completion expected in 2027.

Powell’s term as Fed chair is set to expire next month, while his proposed successor, Kevin Warsh, has faced delays in confirmation after Thom Tillis blocked consideration in protest of the DOJ investigation.

“American taxpayers deserve answers about the Federal Reserve’s fiscal mismanagement, and the Office of the Inspector General’s more powerful authorities best position it to get to the bottom of the matter,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement.

“The White House remains as confident as before that the Senate will swiftly confirm Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chairman to finally restore competence and confidence in Fed decision-making.”

A newly enacted law in Canada is making it possible for millions of Americans to pursue Canadian citizenship, significantly expanding eligibility through ancestral connections.

The measure, which took effect on December 15, allows individuals born before that date to claim citizenship by descent if they can demonstrate a direct Canadian ancestor. Previously, citizenship through lineage was limited to a single generation, but the updated policy now permits claims through grandparents, great-grandparents, and even more distant relatives.

Since the change was implemented, there has been a noticeable surge in applications from Americans seeking to take advantage of the expanded eligibility. The uptick comes amid ongoing friction between the two countries, fueled in part by statements from Donald Trump about annexing Canada as the 51st state.

An immigration lawyer based in Washington told the Associated Press that demand has sharply increased, saying his firm has been “pretty much flooded with this,” and noting, “We’ve kind of shifted a lot of other work away in order to push these cases through.”

Similarly, Vancouver attorney Amndeep Hayer reported a dramatic rise in interest, with his office moving from handling around 200 citizenship cases annually to fielding more than 20 consultations each day. He estimated that millions of Americans may now qualify for Canadian citizenship under the revised law.

{Matzav.com}

An 11-year-old girl who was critically wounded in an Iranian missile strike in Bnei Brak has died after weeks in intensive care, following widespread tefillos on her behalf across the Jewish world.

Nesia Karadi Hy”d succumbed to her injuries after being struck on the eve of Pesach while sleeping in her home. Her condition had remained critical since the attack, and many had been davening for the recovery of Nesia bas Hila.

The tragic news was announced by Sheba Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since the incident.

Despite ongoing tefillos and many people taking on kabbalos in her merit, Nesia passed away surrounded by her family, who remained at her bedside throughout her hospitalization.

Her body was transferred ahead of Shabbos to the morgue at Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center. The levayah is scheduled to take place on Motzaei Shabbos, Parshas Kedoshim. She is expected to be buried in Elad, with further details on the exact time to be announced.

Nesia was a student at the Chorev school in Ramat Gan. She was the daughter of Rabbi Elazar Elchanan Karadi and Mrs. Hila Karadi of the Shimoni family from Bat Yam, and a niece of Rabbi Michael Lasri.

Her mother shared that the name “Nesia” was chosen because her birth was considered a miracle. “I remember that the midwife shouted to us in the delivery room that this child was born by a miracle,” she said in an interview with Kol Berama radio.

Recalling the moment of the attack, her mother said, “Nesia was the child who was most careful about following Home Front Command instructions. At every siren, she was the first to run to the protected space. But during the siren in Bnei Brak, Nesia was asleep, and before she could get up and run — the missile fell and severely injured her.”

The city of Bnei Brak is mourning her loss. In an official statement, municipal leaders wrote: “The mayor, his deputies, members of the city council, and all residents of the city are shocked and pained upon receiving the bitter news of the passing of the girl Nesia Karadi Hy”d who returned her pure soul to her Creator after being critically wounded by a cluster missile on the eve of the recent Pesach Yom Tov. Tens of thousands of city residents, together with all of Klal Yisroel, prayed and pleaded for her recovery since the severe injury, and followed with hope her struggle for life at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. To our great sorrow, the decree was sealed and the young flower was cut down in the prime of her life.”

{Matzav.com}

Pete Hegseth and Dan Caine briefed reporters on Friday, outlining what they described as major progress in Operation Epic Fury and signaling the campaign is shifting into a new stage focused on diplomacy and continued pressure on Iran.

During the press conference, Hegseth said the operation delivered a “decisive military result” in a short period of time, stressing that the overarching goal remains to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He indicated that the next phase will test whether Tehran chooses to engage in negotiations.

“Iran has an important choice, a chance to make a deal – a good deal, a wise deal,” Hegseth stated.

He pointed to the growing U.S. naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the blockade “ironclad,” and noted that an additional aircraft carrier will soon be deployed to the region. Hegseth said the effort is continuing to expand.

“Our blockade is growing and going global,” he said, adding that 34 vessels not affiliated with Iran have been allowed to transit the strait, although overall maritime traffic remains well below normal levels.

Addressing recent Iranian activity, Hegseth accused Tehran of targeting commercial shipping, describing the incidents as involving “random ships” approached by Iranian speedboats. Referring to orders issued by Donald Trump authorizing force against attempts to lay naval mines, he emphasized that U.S. forces are operating under clear engagement rules.

“If Iran is putting mines in the water or threatening American shipping or forces, we will shoot to destroy. No hesitation,” he said.

Caine outlined enforcement actions under the blockade, reporting that numerous ships have reversed course. He said one vessel, the M/V Touska, had been taken into custody, and two tankers tied to Iran were intercepted in the Indo-Pacific. Their crews remain detained by U.S. authorities.

“We will continue maritime interdictions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans against Iranian vessels,” Caine said.

While a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is still formally in place, friction continues as both sides vie for influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Iran has reportedly sought to impose fees and seize ships, while U.S. forces have stopped several vessels connected to Tehran.

President Trump said Thursday that the United States has “total control” over the waterway and reiterated that military action could resume if Iran declines to negotiate, though he signaled he is not rushing the process.

“I want to make the best deal,” Trump said.

In a separate development, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was extended after discussions at the White House, reflecting broader regional dynamics involving Iran and its allied groups.

At the same time, leadership changes continued at the Pentagon, as Navy Secretary John Phelan stepped down following direction from President Trump and Hegseth.

{Matzav.com}

Donald Trump is sending his special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner to Pakistan for direct discussions with Iranian representatives, as the administration continues its diplomatic push while maintaining pressure on Tehran.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the trip during a Friday appearance on Fox News.

“I can confirm that Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in direct talks with representatives from the Iranian delegation,” she said.

Leavitt noted that Pakistan will serve as the intermediary for the talks. “The Iranians reached out, as the President called on them to do, and asked for this in-person conversation, so the President is dispatching Steve and Jared to go hear what they have to say, and we’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation,” she said.

Earlier Friday, CNN reported that Trump intends to send Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for meetings with Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, in the coming days.

JD Vance, who led the U.S. delegation in prior negotiations, is not expected to attend this round, according to officials. They noted that Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, is also not taking part. Within the White House, Ghalibaf is viewed as leading Iran’s delegation and serving as Vance’s counterpart.

Officials said, however, that Vance could still travel to Islamabad if the discussions show signs of progress.

Earlier in the week, Trump announced that the ceasefire involving Iran would be extended indefinitely, citing internal divisions within the country and allowing time for its leadership to present a proposal for a broader agreement.

In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized that the U.S. naval blockade will remain in effect until Iran submits a formal proposal.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump said he is willing to wait, noting he is in “no rush” for Iran to act.

He described internal turmoil among Iran’s leadership, saying they are “fighting like cats and dogs for who’s going to control” the country.

“We’ve taken out their military. We’ve hit about 75 percent of our targets. We stopped a little early because they wanted to have some peace, and we have a blockade that’s 100 percent effective. And they’re getting no business,” he said.

Trump further stated, “They want to make a deal. We have been speaking to them, but they don’t even know who’s leading the country. They’re in turmoil.”

“They came to us, and they said, ‘We will agree to open the Strait,’ and all my people were happy. Everybody was happy-except me. I said, ‘Wait a minute. If we open this strait, that means they’re going to make 500 million dollars a day. I don’t want them to make 500 million dollars a day until they settle this thing, so I’m the one that kept it closed. We have total control of it. And it’ll open when they make a deal or something else happens,” continued Trump.

The president added that while an agreement with Iran could be reached “right now,” his focus is on securing a lasting resolution rather than a short-term arrangement.

{Matzav.com}

Omer Shem Tov, who spent more than 500 days in Hamas captivity, is pushing back forcefully against student leaders at University of California, Los Angeles after they criticized his recent appearance on campus for Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Shem Tov, who was kidnapped during the October 7 attacks and freed in February 2025, told The California Post that he addressed the backlash following a statement issued by UCLA’s Undergraduate Students Association Council. The council argued that his remarks reflected a “single narrative” and did not include a Palestinian viewpoint, contending that such programming promotes what it described as selective storytelling that overlooks broader realities.

Responding to the criticism, Shem Tov warned against what he sees as an effort to suppress direct testimony. He said that rejecting the voice of someone who lived through such an ordeal in order to preserve a certain perspective points to a deeper problem, stressing that fundamental values should not be sacrificed for ideological agendas.

Student body president Diego Bollo later clarified that the council’s statement passed by a slim margin and acknowledged procedural shortcomings. He said an internal review would examine how official statements are prepared and released, while reiterating his support for free expression and the inclusion of a range of viewpoints on campus.

Even amid the controversy, Shem Tov’s team described the campus event as positive and respectful, emphasizing that students with differing opinions engaged in meaningful conversation. UCLA’s administration also expressed backing for the event, citing its emphasis on resilience, human rights, and dignity, and said it would evaluate how the student council’s statement was handled, calling the criticism out of step with the university’s values.

The episode unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing unrest at UCLA, where protests tied to the war in Gaza have continued and where the Trump administration has increased scrutiny over concerns about antisemitism and the broader campus climate.

Jewish students are estimated to account for about 9% of UCLA’s undergraduate body, totaling roughly 3,100 to 4,000 individuals.

Just as the uproar surrounding his appearance at the state torch-lighting ceremony had begun to settle, “Rabbi” Eyal Tzionov stirred fresh controversy with a new video in which he unveiled a different appearance and delivered dramatic proclamations about the coming of Moshiach.

In footage released Thursday night, Tzionov is seen abandoning the familiar robe associated with the Rishon LeTzion and instead dressed in white garments with a matching head covering. Seated on an ornate, gold-accented chair, he appears emotional and animated as he addresses viewers with urgency. “Morai verabosai, we are at the time of the coming of Moshiach in his revelation!” he declares. He continues emphatically: “The time has come, on the 5th of Iyar, Yom Ha’atzmaut, that Moshiach is revealed. It has arrived.”

Tzionov goes on to explain the reason behind his new attire, presenting it as part of the unfolding redemption. “And when Moshiach comes, one wears such a garment. Now the time has come! We are wearing this garment, and may it be the will that all of Klal Yisroel merit to wear such a garment. Not only I wear it—everyone. It is not only my garment,” he says.

Tzionov has become one of the most widely discussed figures online in recent days following the stir he caused at the official torch-lighting ceremony on Har Herzl. During the nationally broadcast event, cameras focused on him while he was dressed in a robe and headpiece strongly identified with the Rishon LeTzion.

His presence led to significant confusion among attendees. Some participants approached him seeking a bracha, believing he was the sitting Rishon LeTzion, Rav Dovid Yosef. At the same time, officials within the Rabbanus sharply criticized the incident, with one source stating that “this is a clown who walks around like this, and more than once creates problems.”

Responding to the backlash, Tzionov said the outfit began as a gift. “My talmidim bought me this robe as a present,” he explained in an interview on Kol Barama radio. “I started wearing it on Purim and saw that the public very much connected to it and liked the appearance. Since then, people have been inviting me to Torah events and shiurim specifically when I am dressed this way.”

Addressing claims that the clothing could be misleading, he insisted there was no issue. “There is no legal problem with this. I am not impersonating the Chief Rabbi or the Rishon LeTzion, and I do not intend to change my clothing because of these and other reasons.”

The incident also raised questions about security at the ceremony, but the Shin Bet moved quickly to clarify that no breach had occurred. In an official statement, the agency said Tzionov was identified upon arrival as not being the Chief Rabbi and underwent standard security screening like all attendees.

Officials added that “at no stage did he enter the secured area where the Prime Minister was located, and there was no danger to any of the protected individuals at the ceremony.”

The torch-lighting controversy is not the first time Tzionov has drawn attention. In recent weeks, he reportedly ascended Har Habayis wearing the same distinctive attire. The incident prompted a Shin Bet official to contact the office of Rav Dovid Yosef—who is known for his opposition to such visits—to clarify the situation. The office confirmed that the Rav had not been present, and it was later understood that it was Tzionov.

With just over a week to go until the hilula of Rashbi in Meron on Lag BaOmer, former Yerushalayim and Heritage Minister Meir Porush detailed the current status of preparations and addressed the possibility of a limited-attendance framework due to security concerns.

Speaking Thursday night during a Kol Chai panel at a conference held at the Tzipori Hotel in Kfar, Porush said that work at Har Meron is proceeding at full speed, in accordance with clear directives from the police, despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the security situation.

Addressing the budget and infrastructure developments, Porush said that while the Finance Ministry is generally not generous, the situation regarding Meron has been relatively favorable. “The Finance Ministry, when it comes to budgets, is usually not generous, but when it comes to Meron, it is fairly reasonable,” he said. He noted that although not all the promises made on the night the budget was approved were fulfilled, a substantial budget was ultimately allocated for infrastructure, and discussions were held with the coalition chairman regarding additional funding. He added that bus stops that had previously been narrow sidewalks have now been doubled in width, and the parking area designated for public officials has been paved and organized. At the same time, he remarked with a touch of irony that “there still won’t be escalators or a cable car.”

Regarding the possibility that a security escalation could impact the event, Porush pointed to the uncertainty in the political and security environment. He observed that even within Israel’s leadership there is confusion over the conduct of President Donald Trump, saying that he “doesn’t even tell them anything.” Despite that uncertainty, Porush revealed that about three weeks ago the police issued explicit instructions to continue preparations without interruption. “The police told us, you do not have permission to stop all the preparations. You will continue at full pace and do everything,” he said, explaining that from a practical standpoint, the site must be fully ready, since it cannot be left unprepared.

When asked whether his office would assume responsibility for managing the event under a limited format—similar to the framework implemented at the Kosel during Chol Hamoed—Porush rejected the idea. He defended the work of the Rav of the Kosel and the holy sites, Rav Shmuel Rabinowitz, noting that there are those who create obstacles and interfere with his work. He then clarified his own position regarding Meron under restrictions: “We are brought in when there is a complete plan. A limited framework does not need us. For what purpose?”

{Matzav.com}

Sen. John Fetterman is pushing back against members of his own party and major media outlets, accusing them of weakening the U.S. position by urging President Donald Trump to quickly halt military operations against Iran.

In an interview, Fetterman argued that the focus should remain squarely on Iran and its allied groups, rather than on criticizing the administration’s actions.

“It’s almost as if, you know, we’ve forgotten on the Democratic side that the real enemy, the real threat, the real danger is Iran and … proxies too,” Fetterman told Fox News.

He warned that persistent criticism from Democrats could embolden Tehran, suggesting that Iranian leaders may believe they only need to endure current military pressure long enough for political forces in Washington to force a U.S. retreat.

“You know, Iran must be so excited by the American media and the Democratic Party the way they, it’s like, as long as we can hang on for 60 days, more and more people continue to vote against, you know, the Trump administration to end the Iranian regime,” he said.

Fetterman also questioned why Democrats who support preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons are opposing the administration’s methods to achieve that goal.

“And so, why can we be this close and allow them to acquire nuclear bomb? So, that’s my real concern,” he said.

The criticism comes as Senate Democrats have intensified efforts to end U.S. involvement in the conflict, forcing yet another vote under the 1973 War Powers Act to compel the administration to withdraw American forces from the Iran theater.

Fetterman broke with his party on the issue, casting the lone Democratic vote against the resolution.

He has recently voiced frustration with how Democrats have responded to the conflict, saying he is troubled by rhetoric that, in his view, appears overly sympathetic to Iran due to opposition to Trump.

“It seems like people are almost rooting for Iran. It’s crazy,” Fetterman told video journalist Nicholas Ballasy in a recent interview. “So my party has been very disappointing, the way they’ve chosen to respond.”

Meanwhile, Chris Murphy faced criticism from Republicans after sharing a report on social media indicating that 26 vessels had bypassed the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, adding the comment “Awesome.”

Murphy later clarified that his remark was intended as sarcasm and criticized the administration’s handling of the conflict.

“Ok Twitter, I can’t believe I need to clarify this but obviously Trump’s bungled mismanagement of this war is not ‘awesome,’” he wrote in a separate social media post. “As I have said a million times here, it’s a disaster and he should end the war immediately. My tweet was something called ‘sarcasm.'”

{Matzav.com}

Popular podcaster Joe Rogan voiced renewed criticism of President Donald Trump’s approach to Iran, saying the current strategy is unclear and difficult to understand, even as tensions in the region remain high.

Rogan made the remarks Thursday during an episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, where he was joined by Australian comedian James McCann. The discussion focused on the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the fragile ceasefire and continued hostilities at sea.

Responding to McCann’s question about whether the situation would stabilize, Rogan expressed uncertainty about what lies ahead.

“No one …. knows,” Rogan said, responding to a question from McCann about whether it was “going to be OK.”

He went on to question the current ceasefire arrangement, pointing to reports of continued attacks despite the extension.

“I mean, what’s going on with the Iran’s — the ceasefire? Supposedly, they extended, but then they’re shooting at ships,” he added, with a sigh.

Trump recently extended the ceasefire with Iran following mediation efforts, even as U.S. forces have continued enforcing a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions.

During the conversation, McCann pressed further on the purpose of the conflict, including whether it was aimed at toppling Iran’s leadership. Rogan replied that he does not fully understand the timing or reasoning behind the administration’s decision to launch strikes.

“People have wanted people of out of Iran, the people that are running Iran, for 47 years, but no one has actually gone and done it the way this administration did,” he said. “And it doesn’t make sense they choose to do it when they did.”

Rogan added that he assumes negotiations are part of the broader strategy, but said he remains doubtful about how the situation will ultimately play out.

“I think the idea is that they’re trying to negotiate about something, you know, and I don’t know how this is ever going to work out. I really don’t know,” he added a few minutes later.

At another point in the discussion, McCann referenced a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Rogan dismissed comparisons between that operation and the situation in Iran, calling it fundamentally different.

“That was a totally different experience.”

Rogan, who endorsed Trump shortly before the 2024 election, has increasingly voiced skepticism about the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict, a stance that has created tension despite his continued proximity to the president.

He also suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu may have influenced Trump’s decision to enter the conflict, adding another layer to his critique of the administration’s approach.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu released his annual medical report on Friday, disclosing that about a year and a half ago he underwent surgery followed by radiation treatment to remove a cancerous tumor that was detected at an early stage.

“On December 29th, 2024, the Prime Minister underwent surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The procedure was conducted successfully and without any complications. An MRI examination conducted as part of a regular follow-up after the surgery found a tiny area, smaller than a centimeter, with suspicious characteristics in the prostate,” the report stated.

“Further examination proved that this was indeed an accidental discovery and an early stage of prostate cancer. This was an early detection of a tiny lesion, without metastases, as all other tests proved beyond a doubt. With such lesions, it is possible to continue with close monitoring or with short and precise radiation therapy. The Prime Minister chose therapy.”

The report added that the treatment was entirely successful, with the tumor no longer detectable in imaging and lab results.

Prof. Aharon Popovtzer, who led the treatment alongside Dr. Mark Vigoda and Dr. Shraga Gross, said after the report’s release: “I head the oncology division at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. A few months ago, during a completely routine follow-up, a 0.9 cm finding was incidentally discovered in the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister underwent a comprehensive evaluation, which showed this was a disease at a very early stage. It is important to note that this is a very common condition, particularly among patients over the age of 70.

“After completing the full evaluation, the Prime Minister was presented, as is customary, with two treatment options: the first, active surveillance only; the second, radiation therapy. The Prime Minister chose the second option and underwent modern, targeted radiation treatment at Hadassah Hospital two and a half months ago. At the end of the treatment, after about two and a half months, he underwent further evaluation including imaging and blood tests. Based on these findings, we can say that the disease has disappeared. There is no evidence of disease. The Prime Minister will continue routine, standard follow-up as customary.”

Netanyahu wrote on X that he had asked to postpone the release of the report by two months: “Today my annual medical report was published. I asked to delay its release by two months so that it would not be published at the height of the war, in order not to allow the terrorist regime in Iran to spread further false propaganda against Israel.”

“I would like to share three things with you: 1 – Thank G-d, I am healthy. 2 – I am in excellent physical condition. 3 – I had a minor medical issue in the prostate that has been completely treated. Thank God, it is behind me.”

Netanyahu continued: “A year and a half ago, I underwent successful surgery for an enlarged benign prostate, and since then I have been under routine medical follow-up. In the most recent check-up, a tiny spot of less than one centimeter was found in the prostate. Tests showed it was a very early stage of a malignant tumor, with no spread or metastases.”

He explained that “the doctors told me this is very common at my age, and that there are two options: 1 – It is not necessary to treat it; one can remain under surveillance. It is possible to live with it, and many do. 2 – To undergo treatment and remove the problem. You already know me. When I receive timely information about a potential danger, I want to address it immediately. That is true at the national level and at the personal level. That is what I did. I underwent targeted treatment that removed the problem without leaving a trace. I went to a few short treatments, read a book, and continued working. The spot has completely disappeared. Thank G-d, I overcame this as well.”

“I would like to thank the wonderful doctors and medical teams at Hadassah Hospital in Yerushalayim. From you, the citizens of Israel, I have only one request: take care of your health. Get checked and follow doctors’ instructions. And from here, on the eve of Shabbos, I pray for the recovery of our wounded in body and soul, and send them a warm embrace and wishes for a full recovery on your behalf. Shabbat Shalom,” he concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Tom Kean Jr., a Republican congressman from New Jersey, has not appeared on Capitol Hill for close to two months, with aides attributing his absence to unspecified medical concerns.

Kean, considered one of the more vulnerable Republicans in New Jersey’s congressional delegation, last cast a vote on March 5 and has since missed more than 40 roll call votes.

Despite his absence from Washington, Kean posted on social media Wednesday noting that two of his legislative proposals had advanced out of committee. However, he was not physically present in the Capitol for votes that day.

A spokesperson told Politico that the congressman is “facing unspecified health issues.” Even so, several fellow New Jersey lawmakers said they have had no direct communication with him during this period.

Concern about Kean’s status has intensified as Congress deals with a string of illnesses and deaths among members, all while operating with razor-thin partisan margins.

At present, the House consists of 217 Republicans along with one independent aligned with the GOP, 212 Democrats, and five vacant seats.

Earlier this year, David Scott, who had been seeking reelection, became the fifth sitting House member to pass away since the start of 2025.

In addition, Donald Trump recently revealed that Neal Dunn, who has a known terminal illness, was expected to be “dead by June.”

Kean’s fellow New Jersey Republicans, Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, said they have attempted to contact him to check on his condition but have received no response, describing the situation as “radio silence.”

“I know the congressman and his family appreciate all of the well wishes and support,” said Harrison Neely, a consultant for Kean. “Please know that he will be back on a regular full schedule very soon.”

Capitol Hill has seen unexplained absences before. In 2024, former Rep. Kay Granger was found living in a memory care facility after being out of public view for an extended period.

Kean’s disappearance has also raised political concerns ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, given the competitiveness of his district.

A two-term congressman, Kean maintained an almost flawless voting record until earlier this year, according to data from GovTrack.

With Republicans holding only a narrow majority, even a single prolonged absence can complicate efforts by GOP leadership to pass key legislation, including measures such as the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. Department of Education announced on Thursday that it is investigating allegations of Jew-hatred within the New York City Department of Education.
The federal agency stated that it is investigating reports that employees at the New York City department held “Palestine, Zionism and Resistance” webinars.

Dominique Ellison, associate press secretary for the New York City department, told JNS that the department is reviewing the notice.

It is also probing allegations that a group called NYC Educators for Palestine, which Ellison told JNS was not connected to New York City Public Schools, is teaching children that Zionists are “genocidal white supremacists” and that Hamas should be supported.

Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for civil rights at the department, stated that the allegations are “appalling.”

“No child should be taught by his or her teachers to hate their peers,” she said. “Neither should Jewish children be taught that being Jewish somehow makes them inherently guilty or proponents of hate and violence.”

The department is investigating whether the New York City department violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

“Discrimination has no place in our schools, and, unlike the previous administration, the Trump administration will not turn a blind eye to antisemitic harassment,” Richey stated. JNS

Sharp tensions erupted within chareidi political circles after associates of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri issued a fierce response to remarks made by Degel HaTorah leader Moshe Gafni, dismissing him as irrelevant and sidelined from key decision-making.

The clash began during a radio interview Thursday night, when Gafni described what he called a division of responsibilities between himself and Deri.

“There’s a division of labor between me and Deri – he gets the jobs, and I deal with the principled issues.”

Deri’s associates quickly fired back with an unusually harsh statement, asserting that Gafni has effectively faded from the center of political activity in recent years while Deri has taken the lead on major decisions.

“In recent years, Deri has made all the decisions on the important issues, while Gafni has disappeared from public activity. MKs Yaakov Asher and Uri Maklev, along with the homes of the leading Lithuanian Torah sages, work and coordinate directly with Deri. Gafni is not in the loop. He doesn’t exist. From the perspective of the Lithuanian rabbinic leadership, Gafni is not part of the system. As far as they are concerned, he belongs to history.”

In the same interview, Gafni addressed a range of political matters, including the future alignment of chareidi parties. He indicated that the question of whether to continue partnering with the right-wing bloc could resurface in the next election cycle.

“In the next elections, the question posed to the great Torah sages will be whether to continue on this path with the right wing.”

Gafni also revealed that Naftali Bennett had approached him upon reentering political life, seeking cooperation with the chareidi parties, but ultimately shifted direction.

“When he realized that spot was already taken, he went to the other side”.

He further suggested that cooperation with opposition figures may not be off the table, noting a perceived change in tone from Avigdor Lieberman.

“You don’t hear him so much anymore today. He’s no longer really attacking. He was with us in the municipal elections; he would ask me things. It’s a different situation. He’s not Yair Lapid.”

On the contentious draft law, Gafni said the current proposal remains problematic and would ultimately require approval from senior rabbinic authorities.

“The law itself has problems and is very difficult to implement. It needs to go before the leading Torah authorities, and they will decide”.

Regarding a potential joint run with Agudas Yisrael, he confirmed that discussions are ongoing but emphasized that the final decision rests with the gedolim.

“Just today there was a meeting about it. We sat for several hours, and the leading Torah sages are the ones who will decide.”

Turning to other political rivals, Gafni criticized Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, questioning their conduct and priorities.

“The minister Smotrich made every effort to take care of himself. As for what helped us or not – we can talk about that in the next term. Ben-Gvir makes a lot of political noise. If a chareidi wants to vote for him, he should know he is going up to the Har Habayis with him.”

Asked about his party’s achievements, Gafni declined to provide details, arguing that each accomplishment is quickly challenged in court.

“On every achievement, a petition is filed against it. Just now I transferred one and a half billion to chareidi education and we fought over it in the High Court.”

{Matzav.com}

Williams College, a nearly 235-year-old private liberal arts school in Williamstown, Mass., is denying an Orthodox Jewish student proper religious accommodations, according to a complaint that the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law filed to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Thursday.

The complaint, which was shared with JNS, alleges that the college denied requests from the student, whose name is redacted, to receive a physical key to his dormitory to use on Shabbos, when he cannot use an electronic key card.

The school rejected his request, citing vague “security” concerns, per the complaint, which means he has to wait outside his dorm building until another student arrives and lets him in.

Williams College suggested that during Shabbos, the student could knock on the door of a campus office and ask for an escort to his building. The complaint described that recommendation as “equally, if not more, uncertain, inconvenient and lengthy than the untenable process he was already enduring.”

A spokesman for the college told JNS that “Williams has no tolerance for antisemitism or discrimination. We are devoted to ensuring that all students have access to appropriate living spaces, dining options and our full range of learning opportunities.”

“The college’s leaders and chaplains are strongly committed to working with students and their families to address student concerns,” the spokesman said. “We welcome the opportunity to continue that dialogue with the student and the Brandeis Center in order to ensure a welcoming and inclusive educational environment.”

In February, the student met with Maud Mandel, the president of the college and a Judaic studies scholar, about the issue. She denied his request and said that using a physical key would “trigger an alarm,” per the complaint.

“He’s locked out of his dorm in the freezing cold on a regular basis, sometimes over an hour, and made repeated requests to the college to figure out a way to rectify this,” Rachel Balaban, senior litigation counsel at the Brandeis Center, told JNS.

“Nothing was done about it, so we felt we needed to pursue this on behalf of the student and other students in his position at Williams,” Balaban said. “This student’s ability to exercise, freely, his religion should not be incompatible with his equally important right to fully participate in residential life at Williams.”

The complaint also alleges that the school denied the student’s request for proper kosher meals and gave him vegan dinners instead that “were nutritionally inadequate and often so unappealing that he found them inedible.”

Those meals were also “noticeably different” from vegan options given to non-kosher-keeping students, according to the complaint.

Pre-packaged kosher meals at the college’s Jewish Religious Center, which does not follow Orthodox standards in its kitchen, have made the student “violently ill on several occasions,” the complaint alleges.

The student has to find kosher meals that are consistent with his faith at off-campus restaurants and at a local Chabad center on Friday evenings, the complaint states.

According to the complaint, the student told the college about his need for kosher food before he accepted its admission offer. He was told that if the school’s available options didn’t meet his needs that he shouldn’t attend Williams, according to the complaint.

The college violated Title VIII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, known as the Fair Housing Act, when it comes to the student’s unmet needs for a working key and kosher food, according to the complaint.

“Being provided these services in connection with housing that are unequal and inferior to those provided to other students because of his religion is a violation of the Fair Housing Act, and is a serious concern for the Brandeis Center and the student,” Balaban told JNS. JNS

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations cautioned that the current ceasefire with Lebanon remains unstable, even as President Donald Trump revealed that the truce has been prolonged following talks at the White House.

Danny Danon said in an interview Thursday that the arrangement in southern Lebanon is far from secure, pointing to the Lebanese government’s limited ability to rein in Hezbollah, which he said continues to act with Iranian support.

“I have to be honest,” said Danon. “You know, the Lebanese government have no control of Hezbollah and Hezbollah is sending rockets trying to sabotage the ceasefire. And Israel, we have to retaliate. Every time we see a threat, we take action.”

He acknowledged that conditions have improved compared to the recent past but emphasized that the situation is still incomplete and fragile.

“It’s a significantly better situation. It’s not 100%,” he told CNN. “I hope …to see that the Lebanese military are actually able to implement and to enforce this ceasefire.”

Danon’s remarks came shortly after Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the ceasefire would be extended by three weeks, following direct discussions between Israeli and Lebanese representatives at the White House.

“The President of the United States, DONALD J. TRUMP, Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, and Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, met today with High Ranking Representatives of Israel and Lebanon in the Oval Office. The Meeting went very well! The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah,” Trump wrote.

“The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS. I look forward in the near future to hosting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun. It was a Great Honor to be a participant at this very Historic Meeting!” he added.

Speaking afterward in the Oval Office, Trump said he is aiming to bring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Washington in the coming weeks for further talks.

“We had a great meeting with the very high officials of Lebanon and very high officials of Israel. And we think that the President of Lebanon and the Prime Minister of Israel over the next couple of weeks will be coming here. They’ve agreed to an additional three weeks of, I guess, no firing, ceasefire, no more firing,” Trump said, adding, “It’s not going to happen between them, but they do have Hezbollah to think about.”

When asked whether a broader peace agreement could be reached this year, Trump expressed optimism, suggesting that both countries share common concerns, particularly regarding Hezbollah.

“I think it is a great chance. I mean, you know, they’re friends about the same things and they’re enemies on the same things and it has to do with, I guess you could say a couple of countries, but certainly it’s, if you look at Hezbollah, that’s where everybody seems to be united.”

{Matzav.com}