Feed aggregator

As search efforts continue along the Netanya shoreline for one missing bochur, while his brother remains hospitalized in critical condition, their father, Rav Shlomo Spiegel, a rosh chaburah in the Mir, has sent an emotionally powerful letter to his talmidim, calling for mechilah, hisorerus, and strengthened kabbalos tovos.

The two sons, Yissachar Dov and Avrohom Yeshaya, were caught in the sea. One was rescued and is in serious condition, while the second remains missing.

In the midst of this painful ordeal, Rav Spiegel reached out to members of his chaburah, asking forgiveness from anyone he may have wronged and urging increased sensitivity in areas of bein adam l’chaveiro, particularly during these days of Sefirah.

Tefillos are being recited for Yissachar Dov ben Shoshana and Avrohom Yeshaya ben Shoshana.

The full letter follows:

“Last Friday morning, in the hours before the storm descended upon me, I was sitting and reviewing the weekly parsha—shnayim mikra v’echad targum. As I came across the posuk, ‘And the entire house of Yisroel shall cry over the burning that Hashem has burned,’ I recalled that people say this week is considered a time prone to tragedies. I thought to myself, ‘Baruch Hashem, the week passed without anything happening.’ But I forgot that the week wasn’t over yet… and it happened specifically to me.

“I was marked by hashgacha pratis from the Ribbono Shel Olam! The truth is that we are always marked by hashgacha pratis, but usually we sense it faintly. This time, the marking was in bold red.

“We were in a state of euphoria from the ‘ceasefire with Iran,’ but the consuming fire of Nadav and Avihu did not cease. It joined together with the waters of the sea, and together they drowned bnei Torah.

“The fire that burns most during the days of Sefirah is the fire of bein adam l’chaveiro. We mourn during these days for the talmidim of Rabbi Akiva who did not treat one another with proper respect, and it seems that the severe punishments of this time stem from shortcomings in bein adam l’chaveiro.

“This tragedy belongs to all of Klal Yisroel, to the entire tzibbur of bnei Torah. But certainly those who are closest to the fire must reflect on their actions more than anyone else.

“Therefore, I ask complete mechilah from each and every member of the chaburah, past and present—avreichim and bochurim alike—anyone with whom I had any connection through this holy chaburah. Whether I hurt someone directly or indirectly—myself or any member of my family.

“Please! With tear-filled eyes, I ask each of you to say out loud [literally with your mouth, not just in your heart]: ‘I forgive Shlomo ben Chaya Tova and Shoshana bas Matil and their family.’

“Additionally, if anyone was harmed by me in monetary matters, please inform me and I will repay.

“And for those who wish to help: please take upon yourselves during these days to be extra careful not to hurt one another. Pause for a moment before delivering a sharp comment, and guard your speech. In many gatherings, people look for something to talk about, and the easiest topic becomes lashon hara or gossip—this one said this about you, that one said that. Please, stop your tongue and even your breath, and through that difficult restraint, we will merit to add another healthy breath to Yissachar Dov ben Shoshana and Avrohom Yeshaya ben Shoshana. May it be Hashem’s will.”

{Matzav.com}

In unusually sharp and forceful language, the Chief Rabbinate Council issued a direct and unprecedented attack on Israel’s Supreme Court following its decision to hold deliberations during Shabbos. The rabbonim made clear that this was not merely a legal disagreement, but a deeper battle over the Jewish identity and character of the state.

The council convened a special protest session in response to the ruling, condemning what they described as a cynical misuse of the concept of pikuach nefesh to justify court proceedings and demonstrations on Shabbos. According to the rabbonim, such reasoning reflects a worldview that is fundamentally at odds with Torah principles.

During the meeting, the council’s official statement was read aloud, strongly criticizing what it called an attempt by Supreme Court justices “to crown themselves with the authority of Torah” by determining what constitutes pikuach nefesh. “A decision as to whether something qualifies as pikuach nefesh is a Torah-based determination that must be evaluated by those entrusted with such matters,” the rabbonim stated. They emphasized that while the Torah places supreme value on human life, it cannot be used as a blanket justification for public desecration of Shabbos under the guise of protest rights.

The rabbonim also referenced previous tensions, pointing to what they described as a broader pattern of dismissiveness toward matters of holiness. “The offensive tone in which issues of chametz were presented as if they were merely a ‘diet,’ and the decision that demonstrations constitute pikuach nefesh, indicate a profound distance from Judaism,” the statement read.

Concluding with a stark warning, the council declared: “Whoever kicks at the sacred foundations of the nation is denying the very existential idea of the State of Israel as a Jewish state.”

The Israeli Supreme Court on Sunday evening authorized the publication of the names of two brothers accused of spying on behalf of Iran. The defendants are Meir Nachum of Beitar Illit and Yosef Nachum of Modiin Illit, who are charged with maintaining contact with an Iranian agent while using artificial intelligence tools and impersonating a soldier from Unit 8200. The brothers had sought to block the release of their identities, arguing that it could expose them to retaliation by Iranian elements and cause severe psychological harm.

Justice Alex Stein ruled that the names could be made public. Meir Nachum, 24, and Yosef Nachum, 28, are accused of engaging with an Iranian operative over an extended period, during which time one of them allegedly posed as a member of Israel’s elite intelligence Unit 8200 while communicating through AI-based platforms.

According to investigators, the Iranian agents initially reached the brothers through a Telegram-based “phishing” scheme. The connection reportedly continued for several months, during which the suspects carried out various security-related activities with the understanding that they were acting on behalf of Iran.

Prosecutors allege that Meir Nachum, identified as the primary defendant, received tens of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency from the Iranian agent. Among other actions, he is accused of contributing to the arrest of an innocent Iranian civilian. Yosef Nachum is charged with passing information to an enemy as part of a coordinated effort.

The brothers argued before the court that publicizing their names could endanger them by inviting retaliation and inflict serious emotional damage. However, Justice Stein rejected the request, stating that these claims were speculative and did not demonstrate a high likelihood of danger. He also noted that any psychological harm resulting from the publication would not be considered unusual compared to other defendants facing serious criminal charges.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu told members of Israel’s security cabinet that the country may ultimately need to dismantle Hamas’ weapons capabilities on its own, as a deadline for the group’s disarmament approaches without clear progress.

According to remarks reported Sunday evening, Netanyahu indicated that President Donald Trump shares the view that Hamas is unlikely to voluntarily surrender its arsenal.

Addressing cabinet ministers, Netanyahu said, “Trump understands that a foreign coalition will not succeed in disarming Hamas. He failed to assemble a coalition to open the Strait of Hormuz, so he also understands that building a coalition to disarm Hamas is less realistic—we will have to do it ourselves.”

The comments come as the timeline set for Hamas to relinquish its weapons is set to expire this week. Meanwhile, discussions tied to a broader diplomatic effort are ongoing.

A source familiar with talks involving Trump’s peace council and Hamas leadership said the coming days will be decisive. “This week we will know if Hamas will disarm as part of an agreement.”

The source added that the outcome could take different forms depending on developments. “This week we will know where things are headed. Whether there is voluntary disarmament or whether it will happen ‘by other means’,” echoing language previously used by Trump.

According to the source, negotiations are continuing at an intense pace, with the Trump administration and its representatives maintaining focus on Gaza even as attention shifts to Iran and Lebanon.

The report also noted that some of the contacts are being facilitated by Nikolay Mladenov, director-general of the peace council, who has reportedly met with senior Hamas officials in Cairo as part of the ongoing efforts.

Israeli police have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the 2019 murder of chareidi teenager Evyatar Azarzar, marking a significant development in the case six years after the killing.

The arrests were carried out Sunday by the central unit of the Tel Aviv District Police, following a recent breakthrough in the investigation. Earlier in the day, authorities had already detained a suspect in his 30s from Bnei Brak and indicated that further arrests were expected.

Later, two more suspects—also men in their 30s from Bnei Brak—were taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrests in the latest development to three.

According to a report by Li Ayash on i24, the two newly arrested suspects are already being held in connection with the 2020 murder of Michael Miller, who was killed in a hotel restroom in Tel Aviv.

All three suspects are scheduled to appear Monday before the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court for a hearing on extending their detention. Police also announced that a gag order previously placed on the case has now been lifted.

Earlier Sunday, Channel 13 News reported that four individuals had been arrested in connection with the murder. “We have strong evidence,” police sources said.

Evyatar Azarzar, 18, was found dead in December 2019 with signs of violence on his body, discovered in a pit in an open area near the Morasha Junction after he had been missing for approximately three weeks.

Azarzar, a resident of the Ramot neighborhood in Yerushalayim, was last seen on Shabbos Parshas Vayeitzei (December 7) at the intersection of Jabotinsky and Ben Gurion streets in Ramat Gan, near Bnei Brak. He then disappeared, until his body was later located.

President Donald Trump’s move to cut off negotiations with Iran and impose a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is being framed by some Republican leaders as a decisive show of strength, with former Rep. Pete King saying the United States has already secured victory and must now press its advantage.

Speaking Sunday on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America Weekend,” King welcomed the end of diplomatic talks, arguing they had yielded no progress. “Well, first, I’m glad that they called off the talks,” the New York Republican said. “They were going nowhere. To me, this was all just a subterfuge by Iran.”

King said Trump avoided being drawn into prolonged negotiations that would have benefited Tehran. He added that he would “give the president credit for not falling into a trap of endless negotiations, endless extensions.”

Declaring the outcome of the conflict, King said, “The fact is that the United States military has won this war,” and emphasized that continued pressure is necessary moving forward.

He said the immediate priorities should be reopening the Strait of Hormuz while continuing to address Iran’s nuclear activities. “To me, the main issue now is to reopen the strait and then work on the nuclear enrichment. But we cannot in any way accept the status quo,” King said.

King also argued that the blockade sends a broader signal to the international community, highlighting the global implications of the crisis. “I think sending a message that this is just not a United States issue. This does affect the entire world, and it has to be addressed,” he said. “I think the president is dramatically emphasizing that by us doing the blockading.”

He added that ensuring free navigation through the strait must remain a central objective while encouraging allied participation. “I think we have to begin the process to clear it and to make sure that there’s free access, freedom of waterways at the Strait of Hormuz,” he said. “But no, I think it is important that the president is bringing in the other nations, realizing it’s not just us, it’s everyone being affected by this.”

Responding to Iranian officials who have questioned U.S. credibility, King rejected those claims outright. “That’s typical of Iran. It’s absolute nonsense,” he said. “The fact is that for 47 years, they’ve been at war with us. They’ve threatened to destroy us, destroy Israel. Everything is going in that direction. Their word cannot be taken at all.”

Former Rep. Jack Kingston of Georgia offered a different perspective, suggesting Trump’s tone could open the door to broader international cooperation. “You know, I’m moving in the opposite direction. I feel like this is a tone that’s a lot different than it was a week ago,” Kingston said. “The president is kind of speaking more the language of the U.N. or NATO, our European allies.”

Kingston said the shift in messaging may resonate with key Western partners and encourage them to get involved. “I think this is the kind of language that France and Germany and Great Britain can respond to, and they are slowly moving toward helping us out and realizing that we are helping them out,” he said. “So I think that the president has made more of an international appeal with this sort of tone.”

He concluded by stressing the need for a unified global response to the situation. “I do think it is time for the nations of the world to unite, say, OK, listen, let’s agree. Iran is a thug nation. The Gulf of Hormuz is relevant to all of us. Energy certainly is. Free commerce is. Let’s all cooperate,” Kingston said.

Iran’s leadership remains firmly committed to advancing its nuclear ambitions and backing terrorist proxy groups, with little expectation of any meaningful policy change despite internal differences, Iranian opposition figure Ali Safavi said in an interview Sunday.

Safavi, a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran and a parliamentarian in exile, told Newsmax that the regime’s various factions operate with the same overarching goals. “Well, to be honest, various factions within the Iranian regime throughout the 47 years of rule of this dictatorship are all cut from the same cloth,” Safavi said on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America Weekend.”

He explained that while disagreements may exist at the tactical level, they do not reflect any real strategic divide. “They may differ in tactics, but strategically they are all in for the continuation of the nuclear weapons program, support for the proxy terrorist groups, and of course, suppressing the Iranian people,” he added.

According to Safavi, any perceived divisions among Tehran’s leadership are largely superficial. “So there may be some nuances, but at the end of the day, they’re basically the same,” he said. “And interestingly, those who came to the negotiating table, the speaker of the parliament, the foreign minister, and they’re both die-hard and veteran IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] commanders.”

He pointed to recent developments as further evidence supporting his assessment of the regime’s intentions. “And clearly, I think what happened yesterday proved what we have been saying all along, that this regime will never abandon its nuclear weapons program. It will never stop funding and training its terrorist proxies. And, of course, it will not abate in suppressing the Iranian people,” Safavi said.

Safavi also highlighted recent executions as an illustration of continued repression. “Case in point, the execution of 13 dissidents, including six members of the main Iranian opposition, the Mujahideen, last week,” he said.

Appearing alongside Safavi, Asaf Romirowsky, executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, said he largely agrees with that assessment, emphasizing that internal disagreements do not weaken the regime’s hold on power. “The fact of the matter is, I have no disagreement with what my colleague is saying here,” Romirowsky said.

“I mean, the fact is that these axis of oppression forces are still controlled by the regime itself. There’s still enough power that the IRGC has. And so any opposition forces really are being squashed.”

Romirowsky added that while Iran’s leadership may have suffered setbacks, its guiding ideology remains firmly in place. While agreeing the leadership has been “decapitated,” Romirowsky said “the ideology is still alive and well, and they’re the ones who are controlling what’s going on.”

He also pointed to the strategic and economic importance of key waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, as a critical factor moving forward. “Now, obviously, the main concern going forward, economically speaking, is going to be who’s controlling the Straits of Hormuz, and that is the IRGC,” Romirowsky said. “And we’re going to see probably more activity in that area for sure. So that’s part of what you’re going to see play out here.”

Romirowsky concluded that as long as the current leadership remains in power, repression will continue. “So long as they’re in power, this tyrannical regime and the suppressive, you know, repression forces are going to continue to squash any opposition forces,” he said.

Israel’s advisory committee on senior appointments has approved the selection of Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman as the next head of the Mossad, clearing the way for his appointment despite opposition from the committee’s chairman, retired Supreme Court President Asher Grunis.

The panel granted its approval on Sunday evening, with Grunis voting against the nomination but remaining in the minority. Following the decision, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu signed off on the appointment, which he had first announced in early December. Gofman is scheduled to take office on June 2 for a five-year term.

Gofman brings with him a long military career that includes a variety of senior operational and leadership roles within the IDF. He began his service in the Armored Corps as a tank crewman and commander, later serving as commander of the 75th Battalion in the 7th Brigade. He went on to serve as operations officer in the Ga’ash Formation (36th Division), commander of the Etzion Brigade and subsequently the 7th Brigade, head of the Bashan Division (210), commander of the National Ground Training Center, and chief of the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories.

Despite his extensive record, two past incidents have drawn attention. In one case, during his time leading the Etzion Brigade, Gofman reportedly ran a network of Palestinian informants without informing either the ISA or IDF Military Intelligence, and was later called in to provide clarification.

A more serious matter stems from his tenure as commander of the Bashan Division. According to allegations, Gofman directed two subordinate officers to pass along highly classified information—defined by both the ISA and the IDF as top secret—to a 17-year-old from Ashkelon, Uri Elmakayes, who operated a Telegram-based news channel.

The teenager was later detained by the ISA and police and charged with treason and severe espionage offenses. At the time of his arrest, authorities were reportedly unaware of any connection to Gofman. His alleged involvement only surfaced later in the process, when defense attorneys introduced evidence suggesting the senior officer had acted independently.

Israel is considering restarting its military campaign against Iran, with preparations already underway in coordination with the United States, according to a report aired Sunday by Kan News.

A senior security source cited in the report said that Operation “Roaring Lion” was brought to a halt prematurely, before Israel had achieved sufficient leverage over Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities, and while the Strait of Hormuz was still not reopened.

The report states that Israel is now waiting for a decision from President Donald Trump, even as the IDF continues to make operational preparations alongside U.S. forces for a possible renewed offensive against Iran.

As part of these preparations, additional American military assets are continuing to arrive in the region, with close coordination taking place between Israeli and U.S. leadership at the highest levels. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday for consultations.

If authorization is granted by the White House, Israel is expected to broaden its target bank, potentially striking key national infrastructure and energy facilities throughout Iran. The objective would be to apply heavy economic pressure on the Iranian regime in an effort to force it to abandon its nuclear program.

Chap-A-Nosh of Brooklyn, a longtime kosher staple in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn that served the community for over 40 years, has permanently shut its doors, with owner Elie Pollak announcing that April 7th marked the restaurant’s final day of operation.

In a notice shared with staff and associates, Pollak acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and expressed appreciation for those who had been part of the business over the years. “I am writing to share some difficult news. Unfortunately today will be the last day Chap A Nosh will be open,” he wrote. “This is not an easy decision on my part and have worked alongside each and every one of you. Over the last nine years, your dedication and friendship meant a lot to me.” He concluded, “Thank you for all that you have done and wish you much continued success in the future.”

Chap-A-Nosh’s closure brings an end to a decades-long presence in Brooklyn’s kosher dining scene. The restaurant had been operating for more than four decades, with roots going back to the early 1980s or earlier. Over the years, it became a fixture in Midwood, known for its Chinese-American offerings.

The business had expanded beyond its original storefront. Adjacent to Chap-A-Nosh, the family operated Yun Kee, a sit-down Chinese restaurant, as well as Chap-A-Nosh Plus, a takeout establishment that included a butcher shop, bakery, and Shabbos food preparations. It remains unclear whether those neighboring operations will also be affected by the closure.

While the Brooklyn location has ceased operations, the Chap-A-Nosh catering division in the Five Towns continues to operate. That arm of the business runs out of a kosher deli and takeout counter inside the Gourmet Glatt supermarket in Cedarhurst, New York, and has not been impacted by the shutdown.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and 2024 presidential candidate Nikki Haley said Sunday that the United States may ultimately have to deploy special operations forces inside Iran to eliminate its reserves of highly enriched uranium.

Speaking during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, Haley suggested that such a move may be unavoidable given the current situation. “That’s probably what it’s going to come down to. I mean, this is a special force mission. It would take about a week to ten days to get done. They know how to do it. It’s dangerous,” she said.

Haley emphasized that while the operation would carry serious risks, she believes it is necessary to neutralize a key threat posed by Iran. “It’s not something that we can, you know, just sit and think is casual. I think they have to do it. But once they do that, they’re taking away literally one arm of the Iranian regime to where they no longer can threaten any of our allies,” she added.

She also addressed President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that the move is not intended to be a prolonged deployment. Responding to a question about the situation, Haley said, “I think that this is just a matter of continuing to weaken the regime. No, we don‘t want an endless war. This needs to be completed fast. And I think Trump is showing he‘s not going to wait around for talks anymore to do this. Keep in mind, we‘ve got a lot of the naval military already there, so they‘re prepared to do this if they can show that they can de-mine that strait, if they can show that it‘s safe to go through, typically 135 ships would go through the strait a day. Now we‘ve got maybe a handful. You‘ve got a backlog of 400 ships. This is affecting the global economy. If the Trump Administration can manage to get the strait open without Iran having any leverage to hold it hostage, that will be a huge feat, not just for the us, but for the region and the global economy.”

When asked about her political future, Haley ruled out another presidential bid in the next election cycle. She said she “will not” run in 2028 and noted that it is still too early for her to decide whom she might support for the Republican nomination.

Israeli forces operating in the central Gaza Strip thwarted an imminent terror plot, eliminating an armed Hamas cell that had advanced toward the Yellow Line with plans to attack IDF troops, the military announced.

According to the IDF, troops under Southern Command, working in coordination with the ISA, carried out the strike after identifying the threat through intelligence assessments.

The military said that among those killed was Ali Sami Mohammad Shakra, identified as a Hamas Nukhba platoon commander who had infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre and participated in the abduction of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alon Ohel, Eliya Cohen, and Or Levy from a bomb shelter in Re’im.

The strike also resulted in the deaths of Mohammad Mabhouh, a company commander in Hamas’ al-Bureij Battalion, and Mohammad Fuad Jaser Sayyid. The IDF said both individuals were involved in holding Avinatan Or while he was in Hamas captivity.

In addition, the military released an image showing Mohammad Fuad Jaser Sayyid, described as a Hamas platoon commander, together with Avinatan Or during his captivity inside a Hamas tunnel.

The IDF added that several other Hamas Nukhba operatives were killed in the strike, including individuals involved in launching rockets toward Israel.

Early election results in Hungary are pointing to a dramatic political shift, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban appearing headed for defeat after 16 years in power as opposition leader Péter Magyar’s party surges to a commanding lead.

With approximately half of the votes counted, projections show Magyar’s party capturing 136 out of 199 parliamentary seats, comfortably surpassing the 133-seat threshold needed for a two-thirds majority.

Such a result would hand the opposition sweeping authority, including the ability to change the constitution and roll back policies put in place during Orban’s long tenure.

By comparison, Orban’s ruling Fidesz party is expected to secure just 63 seats, marking a sharp decline in support.

Magyar stated that Orban had already reached out to acknowledge the outcome. In a public statement, Orban conceded defeat, saying, “The results are clear and they are painful for us. I congratulated the party that won. We will continue to serve the people from the opposition.”

Speaking earlier from Budapest, constitutional law expert Yaniv Roznai of Reichman University emphasized that Magyar represents a unique figure within Hungarian politics. “He comes from within the ruling camp itself,” Roznai said. “He is a right-wing candidate, but one capable of replacing the current government.”

Roznai explained that dissatisfaction among younger voters has been driven in part by economic pressures and Hungary’s tense relationship with the European Union. “They feel the country is missing out on funding because it does not meet European standards on judicial independence, rule of law, separation of powers, and human rights,” he said. He added that everyday concerns—such as the economy, healthcare, and education—have also played a significant role in shaping voter sentiment and fueling the push for change.

Addressing the outlook for Hungary’s Jewish community, Roznai described a nuanced situation. While Orban’s government has been viewed as supportive of Israel and aligned with Prime Minister Netanyahu, some of its political messaging—particularly efforts to link Magyar with figures like George Soros and Volodymyr Zelenskyy—has drawn criticism as antisemitic.

According to Roznai, a Magyar-led government is not expected to bring major changes for the Jewish community. “He is also a right-wing figure, opposed to immigration, so policy in that area is not expected to shift significantly,” he said, adding that Hungary’s Jewish population remains a key constituency. At the same time, he noted that Hungary’s future foreign policy direction toward Israel remains unclear.

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz toured southern Lebanon on Sunday alongside Deputy Chief of Staff Tamir Yadai and Division 91 commander Yuval Gaz, outlining a new military campaign aimed at dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure and reshaping the security reality along Israel’s northern border.

Also joining the visit was Eitan Davidi, head of Moshav Margaliot, who represented residents living near the border and has been calling for a fundamental shift in the region’s security conditions.

While addressing troops in the field, Katz disclosed the name of the ongoing military initiative, “Silver Plow,” describing it as an operation focused on destroying terrorist infrastructure and structures used by Hezbollah for launching attacks against Israel.

“We have decided that we are not leaving the north again. It is impossible to leave civilians under the threat of anti-tank fire and raids. The goal is to disarm Hezbollah and evacuate all Lebanese residents south of the Litani-they will not return as long as the safety of our residents is not guaranteed. All the houses are being removed. We saw in Gaza how this works-until it happens, repeated raids don’t help. They lose territory and they lose homes,” Katz said.

Katz also spoke about the final moments of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah prior to his assassination, offering a pointed reflection. “According to the diagnoses, in the end he was trapped in a room and suffocated. He had a few minutes to think about how wrong he was in understanding the Jews-that we have changed. He was sure he knew us; he didn’t understand that what happened caused us to act differently.”

Davidi voiced strong backing for both the defense minister and the IDF, emphasizing the resolve of residents in the region. “We will give the IDF all the time needed to complete the job. We don’t need to evacuate-staying in our homes is our victory image. We are here to give strength to the soldiers so they know we trust them. The Defense Minister has pulled the pin, and the IDF is doing the job.”

A pall has fallen over the Lakewood community with the devastating news of the petirah of Habochur Eli Schepansky z”l, just 18 years old, who was niftar early Sunday morning following a fatal car accident in Hamilton, New Jersey.

Eli had set out in the early morning hours together with a friend on a mission of chesed, traveling to Philadelphia to assist a mutual acquaintance. Tragically, on their return trip, their vehicle was involved in a collision with a truck. Eli was killed in the crash, while the other bochur sustained serious injuries.

Eli was a son of R’ Moshe and Mrs. Leah Schepansky of Garden of Eden Drive in Lakewood, NJ.

All are asked to be mispallel for Mordechai Zelig ben Blima.

The levayah for Eli will be held at 5:15 p.m. at the Congregation Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel, located at 613 Ramsey Avenue in Lakewood, New Jersey, followed by kevurah at the adjacent Mt. Sinai Cemetery.

Umacha Hashem dimah me’al kol ponim.

A heartbreaking tragedy has struck with the passing of 17-year-old bochur Yehoshua Raam z”l, a resident of Bnei Brak, who drowned while on a trip with friends at the Ein Akev spring in the Negev.

Yehoshua, a first-year talmid at Yeshivas Grodna in Be’er Yaakov, was pronounced dead after drowning during a bein hazmanim outing with friends. His name was cleared for publication following the tragic incident.

According to earlier reports, a helicopter team from the Lahava rescue unit, led by the unit’s commander, was dispatched to the Ein Akev spring in the afternoon after receiving a report of a missing youth who had fallen into the water during the outing. After his clothing was found at the site, an extensive search was launched, and his body was located several hours later.

ZAKA volunteers are currently working at the scene, ensuring proper kavod hameis and gathering necessary findings. Aharon Fischer, a ZAKA volunteer who was in the area and rushed to the scene, together with Gili Tugendhaft, a ZAKA volunteer from the Negev region in the Dimona team, said: “We arrived at the site after receiving the report of a missing boy in the spring. After hours of activity, the 17-year-old was located. This is a very difficult scene. Together with other ZAKA volunteers, we are handling the difficult situation with dignity, while supporting the family in these painful moments.”

The body will be transferred for external examination at the Abu Kabir forensic institute. Details regarding the levayah, which is expected to take place tomorrow, will be updated as they become available.

Yehoshuawas born in Bnei Brak to his father, Rav Yisrael Raam, and his mother, Mrs. Sarah (Glick) Raam.

It was learned that at the age of three, he fell seriously ill and was in critical condition, but in a remarkable turn of events, he recovered and returned to good health.

In his younger years, he studied at Yeshivas Tiferes Tzion, and this past Elul he began shiur aleph at Yeshivas Grodna in Be’er Yaakov, where he continued to grow and excel in his learning.

He had gone with friends following early morning neitz davening for a trip in the Negev. In a devastating turn of events, he drowned in the spring, leaving his family and friends shattered.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said on Sunday that he opposes petitions calling for the removal of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, describing the demand as unconstitutional.

In a response to the High Court of Justice, presented via attorney Michael Rabilo, Netanyahu argued that the court lacks the legal authority to intervene in government appointments. “This is an unconstitutional attempt to remove a minister,” he wrote. “You do not have any authority.”

The premier also criticized Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara for seeking Ben-Gvir’s dismissal, saying her request undermines democratic principles.

Earlier this year, Baharav-Miara accused Ben-Gvir of abusing his position to improperly influence police operations. The legal opinion submitted on March 4, in the middle of the war, drew anger from members of the coalition.

The Prime Minister’s Office expressed outrage at Baharav-Miara’s actions, describing it at the time as “inconceivable” that she would pursue the case in the midst of a war.

Her request against a minister “against whom not even a criminal investigation has been opened” undermines democracy and makes a mockery of the principle of separation of powers, the PMO said.

Ending on a defiant note, the PMO said Ben-Gvir will continue to serve as National Security Minister.

Ben-Gvir responded on X on March 4: “At a time when the State of Israel is in one of the most fateful and important wars in its history, a dismissed criminal official is trying to promote a coup d’état in a democratic country and to dismiss an elected official.”

He referred to the fact that the attorney general, who is deeply unpopular with the government, was unanimously voted out on Aug. 4. The High Court canceled that decision on Dec. 14.

“Gali Baharav-Miara thinks we are in Iran and that soon she and her group of criminal officials will establish revolutionary guards here. Democracy will win,” wrote Ben-Gvir. JNS

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered a heightened state of alert following the collapse of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad on Sunday morning, according to Hebrew media reports.

The IDF has shifted into an readiness protocol similar to those implemented in the days leading up to past campaigns against the Islamic Republic, according military sources cited by Ynet, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

As part of Zamir’s directive, the military has been ordered to maintain high operational readiness across all units, shorten response times and address any existing operational gaps. Planning and execution processes are also being accelerated, the sources added.

U.S. and Iranian officials did not reach an agreement after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced on Sunday morning in Pakistan.

“We’ve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news,” the vice president told reporters. “The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America.”

Speaking just hours before Vance’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the campaign against Iran and its regional terrorist proxies was “not yet over” despite “historic accomplishments” during 40 days of fighting.

In a televised address on Saturday night, Netanyahu warned that Jerusalem still has “more to do” and remained committed to eliminating the threat posed by Tehran’s remaining “magazine of missiles” and enriched uranium.

“There is still enriched material in Iran,” noted the premier. And as U.S. President Donald Trump has said, he continued, “it needs to be removed. Either it will be removed by agreement, or it will come out in other ways. But we are working in cooperation between myself and President Trump, and between Israel and the U.S., that is unprecedented. These are achievements that change the entire balance of power.”

An anonymous Israeli source told the country’s Kan News broadcaster after the talks ended that a next round of fighting could see “severe and comprehensive” attacks, including on “national infrastructure, energy facilities and oil production.”

Despite the collapse of the talks, Pakistani media cited sources in Islamabad as saying on Sunday that the two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is expected to remain in place until its scheduled expiry on April 21, coinciding with Israel’s Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror).

The southern Israeli city of Ashkelon said on Sunday it was canceling Memorial Day ceremonies and Independence Day celebrations, due to be marked on April 22, citing the the “fragile ceasefire and security instability.”

Israel and the United States launched “Operation Roaring Lion/Epic Fury” against the Islamic Republic on Feb. 28. Trump announced on April 7 that he had agreed to a “double-sided ceasefire” after talking to the Pakistani prime minister and field marshal, who “requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran.”

If the Iranian regime agrees to the “complete, immediate and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” Trump stated last week.

Tensions escalated Sunday as Iran warned that any military vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz would be treated as a breach of the cease-fire and met with a “strong and forceful response,” following President Trump’s announcement of a blockade targeting the strategic waterway.

Earlier in the day, Trump said the United States would prevent “any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave” the Strait until conditions are met that ensure oil can move freely without interference from Iran.

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy pushed back, asserting that it maintains complete authority over the Strait and that civilian maritime traffic continues uninterrupted.

“Contrary to the false claims of certain enemy officials, the Strait of Hormuz is open for the passage of non-military vessels under smart control and management, in accordance with specific regulations,” the naval forces said in a statement, according to two semi-official Iranian news agencies.

At the same time, the IRGC warned that any movement by military ships into the area would be viewed as a violation of the cease-fire agreement.

Trump has maintained that last week’s cease-fire arrangement included Iran’s agreement to allow the Strait—through which more than 20 percent of global seaborne oil passes each year—to remain open.

However, Iran has faced accusations of attempting to impose fees on ships passing through the Strait and has also claimed it lost track of naval mines it had deployed, raising concerns among shipping operators and discouraging transit through the already volatile route.

Despite Tehran’s warnings, U.S. officials said two American Navy destroyers passed through the Strait yesterday and successfully shot down an Iranian drone during the transit.

Following the resounding success of the Artemis II mission—marked by unprecedented views of the moon’s far side, a total solar eclipse seen from lunar orbit, and a new record distance for human spaceflight—NASA is now turning its focus to what comes next in its renewed push toward the moon.

Speaking at a celebratory homecoming event yesterday, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the significance of the achievement while introducing Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. “To people all around the world who look up and dream about what is possible, the long wait is over,” Isaacman said.

With the crew safely returned to Houston and reunited with their families after becoming the first humans in more than 50 years to travel to the moon, NASA is already advancing plans for Artemis III.

“The next mission’s right around the corner,” entry flight director Rick Henfling said after the crew’s Pacific splashdown on Friday.

As part of preparations for next year’s mission, Artemis III astronauts—who have not yet been named—will conduct docking exercises in Earth orbit, practicing the connection between their Orion capsule and a lunar lander. Private companies led by Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are competing to have their respective landers ready first.

SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s Blue Moon spacecraft are both in development as candidates for the Artemis IV mission, currently targeted for a 2028 moon landing. That mission is expected to send two astronauts to the moon’s south pole, an area believed to contain significant ice deposits that could support future habitation and fuel production as part of a proposed lunar base estimated to cost between $20 billion and $30 billion.

Hardware for the upcoming Artemis III docking test is already in place at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Meanwhile, SpaceX is preparing for another Starship test launch from South Texas, while a smaller version of Blue Moon is scheduled to attempt a lunar landing later this year.

NASA officials have indicated that the Artemis III crew will be announced “soon,” noting that the mission, much like Apollo 9 in 1969, is designed to reduce risks ahead of future moon landings.

Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart recalled the experience of piloting the lunar module in Earth orbit as “a test pilot’s dream,” while acknowledging that “the real astronauts” in the public imagination were those who ultimately walked on the moon.

During their nearly 10-day journey, Wiseman and his crew openly shared emotional moments, reflecting on both loved ones they had lost and those awaiting their return on Earth.

At one point, the crew tearfully requested that a newly formed, bright crater on the moon be named after Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll, who passed away from cancer in 2020. They also expressed deep appreciation for one another and for Earth itself, describing it as a fragile and beautiful home that deserves greater care.

Artemis II marked several historic firsts, including the first woman, the first person of color, and the first non-American to travel to the moon.

“Wonderful communicators, almost poets,” Isaacman said from the recovery ship while awaiting the crew’s return.

The tone of the mission stood in contrast to the more reserved demeanor of Apollo-era astronauts, whose crews in the 1960s and 1970s were known for their all-business approach and did not engage in displays like group embraces.

For longtime observers of space exploration, the return to lunar missions has been deeply meaningful. Author Andy Chaikin compared the experience to waking from a decades-long slumber. “It’s amazing how far we’ve come and how different this experience is from back then,” he said during remarks at Johnson Space Center late last week.

NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya said one of the most challenging aspects of the mission was balancing the emotional connection to the astronauts and their families with the risks involved. He closely followed Friday’s reentry alongside family members.

“You know what’s at stake,” Kshatriya said. “It’s going to take risk to explore, but you have to make sure you find the right line between being paralyzed by it and being able to manage it.”

After reuniting with his daughters, Wiseman addressed fellow astronauts at yesterday’s celebration, urging them to prepare for the next phase of exploration.

“It is time to go and be ready,” he said, pointing toward them. “because it takes courage. It takes determination, and you all are freaking going and we are going to be standing there supporting you every single step of the way in every possible way possible.”