Feed aggregator

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu shared a deeply personal message Monday evening marking Israel’s Memorial Day, focusing on the memory of his brother, Yoni Netanyahu, the Sayeret Matkal commander who was killed during the 1976 Entebbe rescue operation.

In his post, Netanyahu described the profound connection he shared with his older brother, portraying him as a guiding force in his life. “Yoni was my extraordinary brother. My North Star, who helped me navigate my way through the twists and turns of life. He served as a role model and inspiration for me and my brother Iddo, and gave us support and advice at many crossroads. From a young age, he possessed a rare combination of inner calm, determination, and a clear sense of purpose. He always knew where he was going and what was required of him.”

He went on to say that he had long believed Yoni was destined for national leadership. “Throughout its life, the State of Israel has fought for its very existence. As long as Yoni was alive, I was certain that he would be there at the forefront, in leadership, in the place that would help secure its future.”

Netanyahu also revisited the devastating moment he learned of his brother’s death during the mission to rescue hostages from a hijacked Air France flight in Entebbe. “I felt that my life had come to an end. It was not only the loss of a beloved brother. It was the loss of an anchor. I was sure I would never recover.”

He explained how that loss ultimately shaped his own path, saying his brother’s legacy continued to influence generations and gave direction to his own life. “Over time, I realized that Yoni’s legacy did not end with his death. On the contrary. Generations of young people have read the book of his letters, and generations of fighters have drawn inspiration from his values. Yoni did not leave behind only a memory of heroism. He left us a path. Out of the depths of sorrow, a profound sense of mission grew within me. Yoni’s sacrifice pushed me forward into public service.”

Linking his personal loss to his responsibilities today, Netanyahu spoke about the weight of leadership during wartime. “As Prime Minister of Israel in these days of an existential war, when I send our soldiers into battle and our pilots toward Iran, I see each and every one of them as if they were my own brother. I remember my parents, and I think of their parents. I know what is at stake. I know the meaning of every decision. I protect our warriors, and they protect us.”

He concluded the message with a brief but emotional tribute: “I miss you, Yoni, my beloved brother. I miss you terribly.”

{Matzav.com}

Hungary’s prime minister-elect Peter Magyar said Monday that his government would be obligated to detain Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu if he enters Hungarian territory while subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, according to Politico.

The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Countries that are members of the court are generally required to arrest individuals named in such warrants if they enter their jurisdiction.

Hungary, under outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, strongly rejected the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant and later declared its intention to withdraw from the ICC.

Despite the active warrant, Netanyahu was given a high-profile reception by Orban during a visit to Hungary in April 2025. That move prompted the ICC to formally refer Hungary to its oversight body for failing to carry out the arrest.

Magyar has since said he intends to reverse course and stop Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC by June 2, marking one year since the country formally notified the UN Secretary-General of its plan to leave the court.

When asked Monday about Netanyahu’s expected visit later this year, which he has already agreed to, Magyar said, “I made this clear to the Israeli prime minister as well … it is the Tisza government’s firm intention to stop this and ensure that Hungary remains a member of the ICC.”

He added, “If a country is a member of the ICC and a person who is wanted by the ICC enters our territory, then that person must be taken into custody.”

European governments have taken varying positions on how to respond to the ICC warrants. Some maintain that it is possible to remain within the court while not enforcing such orders.

France has argued that Netanyahu enjoys immunity from ICC jurisdiction because Israel is not a signatory to the court’s founding treaty. Italy has similarly said that detaining Netanyahu would not be practical while he continues to serve as Israel’s prime minister.

Germany’s then-chancellor Olaf Scholz said in April 2025 that he could not envision Germany arresting Netanyahu. His successor, Friedrich Merz, later signaled openness to allowing Netanyahu to visit, stating, “Fundamentally, an Israeli prime minister must be able to travel to Germany.”

The Netherlands has also indicated that there may be legal avenues to allow Netanyahu to enter the country without being detained, despite the ICC warrant.

{Matzav.com}

A two-minute siren sounded across Israel on Tuesday morning, bringing the country to a standstill in commemoration of the 25,648 soldiers and civilians who gave their lives for the Jewish state.

Yom Hazikaron, or Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Hostile Acts, began at 8 p.m. on Monday with a nationwide one-minute siren. Tuesday morning’s two-minute alarm sounded ahead of memorial ceremonies at Israel’s 52 military cemeteries.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2046502449343520965

At sundown on Tuesday, Israel will transition from solemn remembrance to joyous celebration, kicking off its 78th Independence Day. Celebrations will take place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, which President Donald Trump has said is set to expire on Wednesday evening, with expected last-minute talks expected to take place in Islamabad on Tuesday.

 

A total of 174 Israel Defense Forces soldiers have been killed during their military service since last Yom Hazikaron, according to figures released by the Israeli Defense Ministry.

Another 54 disabled veterans died over the past year due to complications from wounds sustained during their service and were also recognized as fallen service members.

The updated data brings the total number of those who have died in defense of the country since 1860—when Jewish residents began establishing neighborhoods outside Yerushalayim’s Old City walls—to 25,650, according to the ministry’s statement. JNS

{Matzav.com}

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf Monday accused President Donald Trump of breaching the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, warning that Tehran is ready to escalate if hostilities resume.

“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table— in his own imagination— into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Qalibaf wrote on the social platform X. “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield.”

Qalibaf, along with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is leading Iran’s diplomatic engagement with the U.S. Trump said Sunday that negotiations are expected to resume later this week in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Tensions were further heightened on Sunday when the United States Navy stopped an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that was attempting to evade the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and continue toward an Iranian port. Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters Monday that the interception violated the terms of the current ceasefire, which began on April 8 and is due to expire this week.

In a phone interview with Bloomberg, Trump stated that the truce will end on “Wednesday evening Washington time,” and indicated he is “highly unlikely” to prolong it in the absence of a broader agreement.

As part of efforts to secure a deal, Trump is dispatching Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad. The White House confirmed Monday that Vance is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, accompanied by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law.

“I sent my A-Team,” Trump told PBS News on Monday, referring to the same group that previously conducted negotiations with Iranian officials earlier this month. Those discussions concluded without a final agreement, though Vance described them as showing “progress” toward ending the conflict and limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Also on Monday, Trump pushed back on suggestions that he is facing urgency to finalize an agreement before the ceasefire expires. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said he is “under no pressure whatsoever, although, it will all happen, relatively quickly!”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Monday that he expects Iran to enter negotiations, expressing confidence ahead of potential talks in Pakistan while also warning of severe repercussions if Tehran refuses.

In a brief phone appearance on “The John Fredericks Show,” Trump made clear he believes Iran will ultimately agree to discussions but signaled that failure to do so would carry significant consequences.

“Well, they’re going to negotiate, and if they don’t, they’re going to see problems like they’ve never seen before,” the President said.

“Hopefully they’ll make a fair deal, and they’ll build their country back up,” Trump continued, adding that when they do so, “they will not have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump also reiterated his justification for recent U.S. military action against Iran, saying it was unavoidable. “And I have to say we had no choice in Iran,” he said. “It wasn’t like we had a choice. We had to do it.”

He added that the situation is progressing well and nearing resolution. “We’ve done a great job, and we’ll get it closed out, and everybody’s going to be happy,” he said.

Iranian leadership responded sharply, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejecting the notion of negotiating under pressure and accusing the U.S. of using coercion.

“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table – in his own imagination – into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Ghalibaf, who headed the Iranian delegation in recent talks with the US in Pakistan, wrote in a social media post.

“We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield,” he warned.

His remarks followed Trump’s earlier statement on Truth Social that U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports would remain in place until an agreement is finalized.

Trump wrote that the blockade, which began last week, is “absolutely destroying Iran”, and added that the US is winning the conflict “by a lot”.

In another post, Trump argued that a new agreement under discussion would surpass the previous nuclear deal reached during the Obama administration.

“The DEAL that we are making with Iran will be FAR BETTER than the JCPOA,” Trump wrote, describing the 2015 agreement as “one of the Worst Deals ever made” and asserting that it created “a guaranteed Road to a Nuclear Weapon.”

He emphasized that the proposed deal would block Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. Trump said the deal currently being worked on “will not, and cannot” allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

With a temporary ceasefire between the two countries scheduled to expire Wednesday, uncertainty remains over whether negotiations in Pakistan will move forward.

At the same time, a report cited by Al-Arabiya indicated that Pakistan has asked both Washington and Tehran to consider extending the ceasefire for an additional two weeks.

According to those reports, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could announce such an extension as soon as Tuesday.

Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Iran’s state news agency said Sunday that Tehran would not take part in further talks with the United States.

That statement came shortly after Trump said Iranian representatives were expected to travel to Pakistan on Monday for another round of negotiations.

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas and a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, has unveiled a new piece of legislation dubbed the “Mamdani Act,” according to Mediaite.

The proposal seeks to broaden existing immigration statutes by allowing authorities to deny entry, revoke citizenship status, or deport individuals based on their ideological positions or organizational ties.

Under the plan, people who are connected to or express support for socialist, communist, Marxist, or what Roy defines as Islamist extremist movements could be prevented from entering the United States or removed if already present.

The legislation would also block such individuals from obtaining legal status or citizenship while establishing additional legal justifications to deport non-citizens currently residing in the country.

Roy has presented the measure as both a national security initiative and a defense of American values, arguing that it is necessary to keep out what he calls “totalitarian” belief systems that conflict with the nation’s founding principles.

The effort is consistent with Roy’s reputation as one of the more hardline voices within the Republican conference, where he has regularly advocated for stricter immigration policies and stronger enforcement mechanisms, Mediaite reported.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH LIVE, SUNDAY, APRIL 26 2026, 7:15 PM ET:

The United States on Monday launched a large-scale effort to return more than $166 billion in tariff payments after the Supreme Court of the United States determined that the Trump administration exceeded its authority in imposing the duties.

Interest in the program has been immediate and significant. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, over 56,000 importers had already signed up before the system officially opened.

The initiative allows companies that paid the tariffs to request reimbursement through an online system called CAPE — short for Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries — which is operated through the agency’s broader ACE platform.

Despite the streamlined application portal, experts say the process itself may be anything but simple. Pete Mento, a licensed customs broker and director of global trade advisory services at Baker Tilly, described the system cautiously in a LinkedIn post.

“CAPE is clearly designed to make intake easy. Almost deceptively easy. Nothing in this update suggests CBP is relaxing scrutiny on the back end. If anything, this feels like ‘get it in the door quickly, we’ll decide what happens after.’”

The tariffs had raised prices across a wide range of consumer goods, leaving many Americans paying more at checkout. Now that the levies have been struck down, a central question has emerged: whether any of those funds will make their way back to consumers.

Some Democratic lawmakers are pressing for direct relief, arguing that households ultimately absorbed the added costs through higher retail prices.

At present, however, the refund program is designed exclusively for businesses. There is no obligation requiring companies to pass any returned funds on to customers.

As a result, billions of dollars could be reimbursed to importers while everyday consumers may see little immediate impact.

To receive payment, companies must submit extensive claims through the ACE system, including detailed transaction records. Each filing can contain thousands of entries, all of which must be reviewed and validated before refunds are approved.

Even after approval, the timeline for receiving funds may stretch out. Officials estimate payments could begin within 60 to 90 days, though delays are expected as claims are processed in stages.

That lag has raised further concerns among consumers, since even once businesses receive their refunds, there is no guarantee the savings will be reflected in lower prices.

Companies will have discretion over how to handle the returned funds — whether to retain them, reduce prices, or offer discounts — with no requirement to take any specific action.

Some businesses have suggested they may pass money back. Shipping giants UPS and FedEx, which charged tariff-related fees directly to customers, have indicated they could issue refunds once they receive payments.

At the same time, financial firms are finding ways to capitalize on the process. Hedge funds are offering to purchase tariff refund claims from companies upfront, providing immediate liquidity in exchange for a share of the eventual payout.

This development underscores the scale of the financial opportunity surrounding the refunds.

The rollout itself is being conducted in phases. Initial payments will prioritize more recent tariff collections, with older claims scheduled for later processing, potentially extending the timeline for distributing the full $166 billion.

Even after all funds are returned, consumers may still be left waiting for any benefit.

Democratic proposals to send direct payments to Americans or compel companies to share refunds face significant legal and political challenges, leaving the current system focused solely on reimbursing businesses.

Meanwhile, legal challenges are beginning to take shape, as consumers and advocacy groups explore ways to force companies to return a portion of the funds. These cases could take years to resolve.

Looking ahead, the possibility of new tariffs remains on the table. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has suggested that tariffs could be reintroduced as soon as July, while industry-specific measures imposed under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act are still in place.

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said in a recent television appearance that even if refunds are distributed, alternative legal authorities could still be used by the Trump administration “that perhaps could reduce that number [$166 billion, plus interest] quite a bit.”

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad by Tuesday morning to participate in negotiations with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing war, according to three U.S. sources cited by Axios late Monday.

Vance’s trip is set to take place as the current ceasefire approaches its expiration. President Donald Trump has warned that if no agreement is reached, the U.S. could resume military strikes, including targeting Iranian bridges and power infrastructure.

Although securing a comprehensive agreement within such a short timeframe appears unlikely, Trump could opt to extend the deadline if meaningful progress is made during the talks.

In fact, Trump has already effectively pushed the timeline back slightly. While the original two-week ceasefire was set to expire Tuesday, he indicated on Monday that the deadline would now run through Wednesday evening.

Throughout Monday, White House officials were waiting for confirmation from Tehran that its delegation would travel to Islamabad, Axios reported.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Iranian officials had been delaying their decision amid internal pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which was urging negotiators to take a tougher stance and avoid talks unless the U.S. blockade is lifted.

Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey pressed Iran to attend the negotiations.

The Iranian delegation ultimately held off until receiving approval from the country’s Supreme Leader, which came Monday night, according to the source.

Two sources said Vance is expected to leave Tuesday morning, while another indicated he could depart as early as late Monday night.

Trump’s senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also anticipated to travel to Islamabad for the discussions.

The developments came after a strongly worded social media post by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Iran’s delegation in earlier talks. Ghalibaf sharply criticized Trump and made clear that Iran would not engage in negotiations under pressure.

“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table – in his own imagination – into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Ghalibaf wrote.

“We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield,” he warned.

Trump, for his part, maintained that Iran will ultimately agree to negotiations, while reiterating his warning of serious consequences if it does not.

“Well, they’re going to negotiate, and if they don’t, they’re going to see problems like they’ve never seen before,” the President told “The John Fredericks Show,” a conservative radio program.

“Hopefully they’ll make a fair deal, and they’ll build their country back up,” Trump continued, adding that when they do so, “they will not have a nuclear weapon.”

{Matzav.com}

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bitachon4Life-Shiur-1752-Semichah-Part-52-Doing.mp3

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

 

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Stories4Life-Shiur-562-No-Option-R-Aharon-Kotler.mp3

Rabbi Yitzchak Biton, who lost all three of his children in a direct Iranian missile strike near his home in Beit Shemesh, delivered a deeply emotional and faith-filled account in a powerful interview with Kikar HaShabbat, describing the moments of terror, loss, and the strength that has carried him forward. Matzav.com shares portions of the interview, which was conducted in Hebrew.

In the interview, Rabbi Biton recalled the day his world was shattered, when a missile struck near his home and changed everything in an instant. His children—Yaakov, Avigail, and Sarah—were killed, leaving behind a grieving family and a father determined not to fall into despair.

“We continue forward with Hashem’s help. We try to involve ourselves in good deeds, to move ahead, and not to dwell on the past,” Rabbi Biton said at the outset, his voice reflecting both profound pain and remarkable acceptance. Since the tragedy, the family has left their home. “At the moment we are in the Jewish Quarter. We are not returning to Beit Shemesh. We are simply not emotionally capable.”

Despite the devastating loss, Rabbi Biton said he remains committed to continuing his life’s work. “Of course we will continue to deliver Torah classes. I have already returned to the rabbinical court in Beit Shemesh, and it is not easy—not for me and not for my wife—but immediately after the shiva I tried to return to teaching, to giving Gemara shiurim as I have done for decades. My wife also gives classes in seminaries. We must go on—for ourselves, for the Jewish people, and for our remaining daughter. We must accept the Heavenly judgment with love.”

Recounting the moments leading up to the strike, he described a troubling intuition he could not ignore. “I had a difficult feeling in my heart,” he said. “I had just finished giving a Gemara shiur to avreichim, including my son Yaakov. I returned home, and Yaakov was delayed a bit. When he arrived, the siren sounded. At that moment I told him, ‘Yaakov, maybe you should stay here with me?’ But he, Avigail, and Sarah were somewhat afraid and decided to go down to the shelter.”

Moments later, disaster struck. “The house collapsed. Windows flew out. By open miracles I am standing here speaking—I, my wife, and our daughter were literally thrown into the air from the force of the blast. As soon as I stood up, my first thought was of the children. I was afraid to even think that they might have been harmed. My wife urged me to go to the area, and I saw black smoke rising near the shul. I understood that something very serious had happened.”

What he encountered at the scene was unbearable. “I saw complete destruction. The shul was destroyed, everything was on fire, and the shelter took a direct hit. I stood there waiting, trying not to interfere with the rescue forces, but my heart already sensed the worst. Slowly I saw that bodies were being taken out,” he said through tears. “I saw my son Yaakov. They quickly covered the bodies, saying they were being taken for treatment, but late at night, when the notification team arrived, we already understood where things were heading.”

When asked where he finds the strength to go on, Rabbi Biton pointed to a perspective rooted in Torah and faith. “If a person understands that he is in good hands, that Hashem runs the world, he understands that we are all loyal soldiers. The eye cries bitterly, but the heart rejoices in knowing that the children are in a very high place.”

He rejected the notion that the tragedy represents unjust suffering. “This is not ‘the righteous who suffer.’ The moment I understand that my children were chosen to be the most elite unit, in the sense of offerings of Israel, I understand that this has supreme value. We are guests in this world. These children accomplished in a short time what others do not accomplish in a long time. These are special souls who came to sanctify Hashem’s name in their lives and in their deaths.”

Concluding his remarks, Rabbi Biton expressed a message of unwavering belief. “In the end I came to understand the meaning that the passing of the righteous leaves an impact. The children completed their mission in this world, and in their lives and in their deaths they were not separated. They merited to be buried on Har Hazeisim. There is pain that a human being cannot comprehend, a very difficult test, but Hashem did what is best for us and for them. He wants to lead us to a better reality, and we must accept things with faith.”

{Matzav.com}

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sparked a political storm Monday after outlining a series of positions on religion and state that drew strong reactions across Israel’s political spectrum, with left-wing figures welcoming his remarks and chareidi parties responding with sharp criticism.

In what some observers described as an effort to regain political support amid declining poll numbers, Bennett—who currently leads the “Bennett 2026” party and is positioning himself for a potential return to leadership—made comments addressing public transportation on Shabbos and the issue of marriage in Israel.

Speaking in an interview with Army Radio, Bennett said, “It is necessary to allow cities to choose whether they want to operate public transportation on Shabbos.” He also expressed support for broader access to marriage, stating that he supports marriage “for anyone who wants.” He added, “My compass on this issue is common sense and fairness.”

Expanding on his position regarding transportation, Bennett said, “I am in favor of every Israeli being able to get where they need to go. I think we should allow each city to decide its character. For example, in a chareidi city like Bnei Brak there will not be public transportation, and in a city like Tel Aviv it will be decided that there will be public transportation—that is respect.”

His remarks were quickly embraced by Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, who wrote in response: “Bennett, welcome. Civil marriage in a liberal democratic state is something that is required. This is our Judaism, and we will demand it in the guiding principles of the next government. You have come a long way from the Jewish Home to here. It is nice to see that even in politics there are positive surprises and that even on the right they understand that only a strong liberal Israel will prevail.”

Golan added, “I hope Bennett’s journey continues one more step toward the necessary understanding that diplomatic moves, separation from annexation fantasies, and courageous decisions are the right and only path to real security.”

Chareidi parties responded forcefully, accusing Bennett of abandoning core Jewish values for political gain. The Shas party stated: “Someone who, for the sake of politics, is willing to sell the Jewish identity of the state—the holy Shabbos and marriage according to the law of Moshe and Israel—it will not be long before he also sells the Land of Israel and the settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria.”

Yitzchak Goldknopf, chairman of United Torah Judaism, also dismissed Bennett’s statements, saying: “I would not be impressed by Bennett’s promises of civil marriage and Shabbos desecration. He also promised not to sit with Mansour Abbas and signed on air that he would not allow Lapid to become prime minister. Even on the left they know that this is someone who misleads the public and votes.”

{Matzav.com}

Rav Yitzchak Yosef, the former Rishon LeZion, issued a powerful letter to yeshiva bochurim at the opening of the summer zman, urging them to remain strong in their Torah study despite mounting external pressures and internal challenges.

The message comes at a sensitive time, as a ceasefire in the war with Iran holds, tensions continue along Israel’s northern border, and legal battles and government actions affecting yeshiva bochurim remain ongoing.

In his letter, Rav Yosef emphasized the tremendous privilege of being part of the yeshiva world, describing bochurim as soldiers in Hashem’s army who carry the banner of Torah. He stressed that even those who feel they are not succeeding in their studies are still part of this mission and play a vital role.

He warned that the yetzer hara seeks to weaken bochurim, especially during uncertain times, including the current security situation. Nonetheless, he called on them to strengthen themselves and recognize the immense value of every individual who dedicates himself to Torah study, even when progress feels limited.

Addressing the growing criticism directed at yeshiva bochurim, Rav Yosef wrote: “We have many enemies from within and without, and there are those who spread contempt and hatred against yeshiva students out of a lack of understanding of their eternal greatness. Those unfortunate individuals have not merited to see the light, and deep down they know they are in darkness.”

He urged bochurim to appreciate the importance of Torah learning, particularly during difficult times, and called on those studying abroad to return to Israel. “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Torah is the greatest protection,” he wrote, encouraging them to return to the study halls as soon as possible.

Citing the Rambam, Rav Yosef explained that those who dedicate themselves to Torah are comparable to Shevet Levi, who were set apart for spiritual service and exempt from military duty. He quoted: “All the tribe of Levi is warned not to inherit… because they are set aside to serve Hashem… therefore they are separated from the ways of the world; they do not wage war like the rest of Israel.”

He added that this concept extends beyond that tribe, applying to anyone who chooses to devote his life to serving Hashem through Torah study, thereby attaining a uniquely elevated status.

To illustrate the impact of Torah learning, Rav Yosef shared a well-known story about the Chofetz Chaim. At a fundraising event for a hospital, wealthy donors pledged to sponsor beds. When asked how many beds yeshiva bochurim had contributed, the Chofetz Chaim replied that each student had donated fifty beds, explaining that through the merit of their Torah learning, they prevent illness and suffering.

Rav Yosef concluded by encouraging continued support for Torah study and praising the rabbanim who dedicate themselves to guiding bochurim with patience and care, emphasizing that the entire world exists in the merit of those who learn Torah.

{Matzav.com}

Two suspects were arrested Tuesday evening in Beit Shemesh after being caught tearing down Israeli flags that had been placed throughout the city ahead of Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers.

According to a police statement, officers observed the pair in the act of removing and desecrating the flags, disrupting public order. Police units at the scene quickly identified the suspects and apprehended them.

The two were taken to the local police station for questioning, and authorities will later determine whether to request an extension of their detention in court.

Police strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “a disgraceful and despicable act,” and emphasized the severity of the offense given the timing—on the eve of Memorial Day, when citizens across Israel pause to remember those who fell in the country’s wars.

Authorities added that they will continue to act decisively against any harm to state symbols or disturbances of public order, particularly during such sensitive days.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yehoshua Betzalel HaKohen Kaplan zt”l, a longtime menahel at Yeshivas Or Somayach, who was known for his lifelong dedication to Torah, chesed, and his unwavering commitment to Birchas Kohanim. He was 88.

The niftar, who lived on Rechov Panim Meiros in the Matersdorf neighborhood of Yerushalayim, served for decades as one of the מנהלים of Yeshivas Or Somayach, where he played a key role in sustaining the mosad through tireless fundraising and devotion.

Rav Kaplan, a son of Rav Yisroel Isaac HaKohen Kaplan zt”l, was deeply connected to Torah from a young age. In his youth, he learned at Yeshivas Telz in Cleveland. Upon reaching marriageable age, he married the daughter of Rav Tzvi Yaakov HaKohen Isbee zt”l.

Throughout his life, he remained closely connected to his rabbeim from Telz Cleveland, from whom he also received semichah.

He invested tremendous effort in raising funds for Ohr Somayach with true mesirus nefesh. He was known as a rodef tzedakah v’chesed, quietly assisting many and dedicating himself to helping others.

He was particularly meticulous in his עבודת התפילה, ensuring to daven vasikin regularly. Most notably, he was known for never missing an opportunity to participate in Birkas Kohanim, traveling between multiple minyanim in order to both give and receive the brocha. For many years, he was careful that no brachah would leave his lips without others answering amein.

In recent months, his health declined, and he was hospitalized several times due to pneumonia. In his final days, his condition worsened, with increasing weakness and difficulty breathing, until he was niftar Monday morning.

He is survived by a distinguished family of children and sons-in-law who continue in the path of Torah and mitzvos. Among his sons-in-law is the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Keter Torah, Rav Avrohom Moshe Ziskind.

He was also the brother of Rav Shlomo HaKohen Kaplan zt”l, a R”M at Yeshivas Aish HaTorah.

The levayah was held at his home at 5 Rechov Panim Meiros in Matersdorf, proceeding to Har Hazeisim for kevurah.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

An antisemitic sign reportedly posted at a hotel in the city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, declaring that entry is forbidden to both animals and Jews, has drawn strong condemnation from Israeli officials.

According to a report by Ynet, the sign explicitly stated that “no entry is allowed for animals and Jews,” and included images of a dog and a Star of David crossed out.

Israel’s embassy responsible for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan issued a sharp response, denouncing the display and its offensive message.

In an official statement, the embassy described the sign as a deeply offensive and unacceptable expression that contradicts fundamental principles of human dignity, equality, and tolerance. The statement emphasized that the message contained clear antisemitic content and labeled it “a serious act that harms universal values.” Officials stressed that any form of discrimination—whether based on ethnicity, religion, or any other factor—must be met with a firm and unequivocal response.

The embassy also stated that Israel expects local authorities in Kyrgyzstan to take appropriate action to address the incident and ensure that similar occurrences do not happen again.

Osh, the country’s second-largest city, has a predominantly Muslim population. Israel does not maintain a permanent embassy in Kyrgyzstan, with diplomatic relations handled through its embassy in Kazakhstan.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) delivered an impassioned speech in Detroit over the weekend, warning of what he described as a “storm” facing the nation and calling on supporters to take action ahead of upcoming elections.

Speaking at the Michigan Democratic Women’s Caucus Legacy Luncheon, Booker sought to energize Democrats ahead of the midterm cycle, portraying the current moment as a critical test for the country.

“Ladies and gentlemen, there is a storm in our nation!” Booker yelled. “There is darkness and wind! People are getting hurt!”

He then emphasized the need for grassroots political engagement rather than outside intervention. “What we need is not from on high!” the Democrat continued, pointing his finger upward toward the sky. “We need foot soldiers of our democracy, who, in times of trial, are willing to stand up.”

Booker continued by urging the audience to mobilize and take an active role in the political process. “Will you stand for our democracy? Will you stand to get out the vote? Will you stand for our children? Will you stand up for our elders? And will you stand together, unified, strong. Be the hope that people need. We are Democrats. It’s time for a new deal, it’s time to redeem the dream of America.,” he said, adding, “God bless you” after essentially admitting that he believes Democrats do not need God’s help.

Booker, who has served in the U.S. Senate and previously ran for president in 2020, has continued to draw attention with his high-profile appearances and political messaging. Last year, he made headlines for delivering a marathon Senate speech that lasted 25 hours and 5 minutes.

His extended address raised concerns among family members about his health and safety during the ordeal. His wife, Alexis Booker, spoke about the experience in a TikTok video.

“It’s not super safe to stand for 25 hours,” Alexis Booker, whom he wed last year, said in a TikTok video. “Like, your body kind of just like breaks down. And if you fall over, you could hit your head. So those are the things that were going through our head.”

“Like, yes, I wanted him to break the record, but I also wanted him to not die or like get injured,” she continued.

“He wasn’t going to eat for a really long period of time — just being dehydrated alone was worrying me,” she said, explaining that she and Booker’s mother could not be there, so she would call his mother because “everybody was just nervous.”

“At that point, I was living in L.A. and I was preparing to move to live with Cory. And so I didn’t want to bother him, but I would send cute messages or I made a cartoon with my face on it,” she added.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration has begun re-evaluating immigration cases approved under President Joe Biden, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services now reviewing individuals who were granted green cards, asylum, and other benefits, according to agency leadership.

USCIS Director Joe Edlow said over the weekend that the agency has significantly ramped up its fraud investigations, focusing in particular on cases processed during the previous administration.

“In terms of the people that are perpetrating fraud: Stop, because we are going to find you,” Edlow said during an interview with One America News, which he later posted on X.

“And even if you’ve already [committed fraud], and you think you’ve gotten away with it, we’re going back,” Edlow said. “As you noted earlier, we are looking at old cases, we are going back and re-vetting cases for people who were granted green cards and granted other benefits during the Biden administration, when there was no vetting. There’s vetting now, and we’re looking at these old cases, so be prepared to face the consequences.”

Edlow had previously told lawmakers in February that investigators were finding high rates of fraud in the cases they reviewed.

“Since January 20, 2025, USCIS officers have made nearly 33,000 fraud referrals to our Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate — a 138% increase compared to the average yearly referrals of the previous administration,” Edlow said.

“Our Fraud Detection and National Security team completed investigations into more than 21,000 cases, identifying fraud in 65% of them,” he revealed. “Our officers conducted over 7,000 site visits and more than 26,000 social media checks to identify national security, public safety, fraud, and anti-American concerns.”

Earlier this year, the agency also launched Operation PARRIS, a targeted effort to reexamine refugee cases in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region, with a particular focus on applicants from Somalia, which officials have identified as a source of widespread immigration fraud.

{Matzav.com}

The Justice Department is demanding all ballots from the 2024 election in the Detroit area, a highly unusual move that comes shortly after prosecutors seized 2020 ballots in Georgia and obtained 2020 election records in Arizona.

The push to collect thousands of election records in swing states is part of a sweeping effort by President Donald Trump and his administration to scrutinize elections that has cast doubt on how they are run. Trump has spent more than five years stating that the 2020 election was rigged against him. In recent months, he has shifted his focus to this fall’s midterm elections by seeking to restrict voting by mail and urging Republicans to “take over” voting in “at least 15 places,” such as Detroit.

The latest demand is for ballots, ballot envelopes and ballot receipts in Wayne County, Michigan, which includes Detroit. It came from Harmeet K. Dhillon, the assistant attorney general who oversees the Civil Rights Division and is widely viewed as auditioning to replace Pam Bondi as attorney general. Dhillon sent her letter Tuesday, and Democratic state officials released a copy of it Sunday.

Those officials – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, state Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson – decried the demand as a baseless attempt to undermine the public’s confidence in elections.

“If this administration wants to bring this circus to our state, my office is prepared to protect the people’s right to vote,” Nessel said in a statement.

Dhillon wrote in her letter to Wayne County that DOJ wants the 2024 ballots so it can determine whether election laws were followed that year in a place with a “history of fraud convictions and other allegations.” She cited three examples of voter fraud in 2020 and a lawsuit alleging election officials did not properly process absentee ballots that year. A judge dismissed that lawsuit, finding the allegations were “not credible.”

Voting fraud is very rare, and Nessel noted it has often been caught in Michigan by election officials. Courts rejected dozens of lawsuits over the 2020 election, and independent reviews have found Trump lost that year to Joe Biden.

Dhillon asked that the ballots be produced within two weeks and said the Justice Department might sue to get them if they are not.

The Justice Department is seeking about 865,000 ballots and hundreds of thousands of other records, according to a letter Nessel sent to the Justice Department on Friday. Dhillon made her demand to the wrong place, Nessel said, because the ballots are held by 43 municipal clerks, not Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett (D).

A spokesperson for Garrett did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday. A Justice Department spokesperson had no comment.

In statements, Benson called the demand the administration’s “latest attempt to interfere in our elections” and Whitmer said it was a “poorly disguised attempt to justify more doubt and misinformation about our elections.”

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Patrick Marley