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Rav Avraham Yosef delivered a pointed message to smokers ahead of Pesach, stressing that the health dangers of smoking far outweigh the annual debate over cigarette kashrus for the holiday.

Speaking on the Israeli radio program “Shamor V’Zachor,” the rav addressed the recurring question of whether cigarettes are permissible on Pesach, but made clear that the halachic discussion is secondary to a far more serious issue.

“I’m begging all smokers – not because of Pesach, but for the sake of your health,” he said. “A G-d-fearing person takes care of his health and needs to quit. I know it’s difficult; I also used to smoke, and thank G-d, Hakadosh Boruch Hu redeemed me from it.” He went on to describe cigarettes as something “disgusting” that harms not only the smoker but those around him as well, and encouraged listeners to use the Yom Tov period as an opportunity to break the habit.

From a halachic standpoint, Rav Yosef explained why, strictly speaking, regular cigarettes are not prohibited on Pesach. He noted that tobacco is unfit for consumption and is therefore classified as something that imparts a negative taste. In addition, he explained that people do not smoke for food-related enjoyment, but due to nicotine dependence and the challenge of overcoming the urge.

The rav also referenced his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l, who permitted cigarettes on Pesach for these reasons, and remarked that those who sharply opposed that ruling faced consequences. At the same time, he emphasized that “a G-d-fearing person should refrain as much as possible,” particularly in light of the sanctity of Yom Tov and Shabbos.

When asked about electronic cigarettes that contain flavoring, Rav Yosef criticized those who seek kashrus certification only for Pesach. “Someone who asks for kashrus because of the flavor in an electronic cigarette, why does he only remember on Pesach? If there is a concern of taste, then it requires kashrus supervision all year!”

He suggested that much of the noise surrounding cigarette kashrus on Pesach is sometimes misplaced, stressing that if flavoring ingredients require supervision, that standard should apply consistently throughout the year. He concluded his remarks with a personal appeal to listeners: “Take the message to heart, and you will be blessed—and stop smoking!”

{Matzav.com}

A special Sheva Brachos celebration for the granddaughter of the Boyaner Rebbe took on added significance as prominent chassidim contributed large sums in honor of the Rebbe’s 67th birthday, supporting a new initiative he is launching.

The final Sheva Brachos for the Rebbe’s granddaughter was held this past week in the Boyaner court after the wedding itself could not take place in the main beis medrash due to damage caused by shrapnel from an Iranian missile strike the previous week.

The event was conducted in a unique format at an elegant venue in the Jewish Quarter, overlooking the Kosel, which has remained largely empty amid the ongoing war with Iran.

During the celebration, 30 leading members of the chassidus each donated 68,000 shekels, corresponding to the Rebbe’s 67th birthday, which falls on the 7th of Nissan.

It has been learned that behind the event and fundraising effort is a personal initiative of the Boyaner Rebbe, who has undertaken to establish specialized programs for bochurim in the chassidus who are struggling with the challenges of the current times.

Following Pesach, these dedicated frameworks are expected to be introduced in Boyaner yeshivos across the country, designed specifically for bochurim who find it difficult to keep up with the standard yeshiva schedule.

The initiative reflects the Rebbe’s desire to provide individualized care and warmth to every bochur in the chassidus, including those who are unable to cope with the demands of a traditional yeshiva setting, ensuring that boys who are struggling are not pushed out of the yeshiva system and into the street.

{Matzav.com}

The annual discussion surrounding matzah ashirah continues to generate significant halachic debate, particularly regarding how such products can be produced without any contact with water, which would render the dough chometz. Rav Avraham Yosef addressed the issue at length, explaining both the underlying halachic principles and the practical safeguards involved.

Among Sefardim, there is a longstanding practice to permit matzah ashirah, which is made by kneading dough with fruit juices instead of water. Still, many question how industrial production lines can ensure that not even a trace of water enters the process.

Speaking on the radio program Shamor V’Zachor, Rav Yosef responded to a listener who sought to understand the manufacturing process and the associated halachic concerns.

Rav Yosef described the rigorous standards he personally enforces at the factory: “I personally do not rely on anyone. I am present when the wine arrives and make sure it is pure, without any mixture of water.” He explained that he closely supervises the cleaning of the pipes and ensures that large volumes of wine are run through the system to flush out any possible moisture before actual production begins.

“If necessary, I climb up a dangerous rope ladder to the top to see with my own eyes that everything is clean,” the rav said. “There is not a week that goes by that I don’t visit there. The two mashgichim in the factories are talmidei chachamim and yirei Shamayim, and no worker would dare bring even a drop of liquid into the facility—anyone who is thirsty goes outside to drink.”

During the discussion, Rav Yosef shared a personal exchange with his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l: “I asked my father—why do I need this headache? I gain nothing from it, and I’ve only ‘taken hits’ over this kashrus. My father rebuked me and said: ‘You were born to toil—continue, there is great merit in benefiting the public.’ I continue on this path in order to uphold his sacred legacy.”

The listener also raised a concern about yayin nesech, wine that may have been handled by someone not observing mitzvos. Rav Yosef addressed this by explaining the safeguards in place: exclusive control is maintained by the mashgiach, who alone holds the keys and access to the wine barrels and tanks. In addition, the wine is immediately sweetened with large amounts of sugar upon being transferred, which alters its status and removes the halachic concern of yayin nesech.

Rav Yosef concluded by noting that the same level of supervision extends to all other ingredients, including eggs, which undergo thorough analysis and filtering to ensure that no water comes into contact with the flour, thereby preventing any possibility of chometz during Pesach.

{Matzav.com}

The Pentagon is developing plans for a sustained ground operation inside Iran that could last several weeks, marking a significant step up in President Donald Trump’s effort to dismantle what remains of the Iranian regime, according to a new report.

Under the proposals being reviewed, thousands of U.S. Marines could be deployed to the region to carry out targeted missions involving both Special Operations units and traditional infantry forces, The Washington Post reported, citing individuals familiar with the discussions.

Talks about sending American troops into Iranian territory have been underway for several weeks, as military planners evaluate possible next phases of the conflict.

The ongoing U.S. military campaign entered its second month yesterday. The operation began with coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28 that hit Iranian military targets and leadership figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior officials.

President Trump has not publicly confirmed whether he is considering the Pentagon’s plan or if he intends to authorize any aspect of it.

“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the President has made a decision,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Washington Post.

While the proposed deployment would not amount to a full invasion, it would still expose American forces to potential attacks from Iranian military capabilities.

As part of the planning, approximately 10,000 additional U.S. troops were under consideration for deployment to the Middle East last week. These forces would reinforce the already sizable American presence in the Gulf and provide the administration with a wider range of military options.

If approved, the additional troops would join nearly 5,000 Marines and sailors currently stationed in the region, along with about 2,000 soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

The 82nd Airborne Division is known for its rapid deployment capabilities and is routinely kept on standby to respond quickly to crises around the world, making it a central component in potential escalation scenarios.

It remains unclear where any incoming forces would be positioned. U.S. and allied airstrikes have already struck targets in Tehran as well as key military sites closer to the Persian Gulf, including Kharg Island.

According to former Pentagon official and Atlantic Council fellow Alex Plitsas, establishing a U.S. presence on Kharg Island — Iran’s main oil export terminal — would deal a serious financial blow to Tehran while also preventing attacks on vital infrastructure.

“It’s like taking a chess piece off Iran’s board and putting another bargaining chip in your pocket,” he said.

President Trump also issued a warning Thursday urging Iranian leaders to move quickly toward a negotiated end to the conflict.

“The Iranian negotiators are very different and ‘strange,’” the president posted on Truth Social. “They are ‘begging’ us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only ‘looking at our proposal.’ WRONG!!!

“They better get serious soon, before it is too late,” Trump added, “because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!”

Steven Gruzd, a respected journalist, researcher, and prominent member of Johannesburg’s Jewish community, was abducted and killed over the weekend in a shocking crime that has shaken the city.

Gruzd, 53, led the African Governance and Diplomacy Archives at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and was widely recognized as a leading authority in his area of expertise.

The incident began Friday night, when community security officials were alerted that Gruzd had gone missing. As concerns quickly grew that he had been kidnapped, a coordinated response was launched involving the community security organization, local security teams, and the South African Police, who began a large-scale search effort.

By early Saturday morning, authorities had taken five suspects into custody. Shortly afterward, Gruzd’s body was discovered in a secluded location on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

Liron Sanders, CEO of the community security organization, said initial findings strongly indicate that the crime was an “express kidnapping” — a type of abduction that has become increasingly common in South Africa, typically carried out to extract quick cash or immediate ransom payments. Sanders emphasized that, at this stage, there is no indication that antisemitism or political motives played a role in the killing.

The SAIIA released a statement expressing grief over the loss: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Steven Gruzd, head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Program. Steven, an integral part of the institute, was known for his unwavering dedication to his work and his commitment to the policy community in Africa. We will miss his brilliant mind, his deep friendship, and his gentle spirit.”

{Matzav.com}

Hundreds of Israeli passengers were left stuck at Aqaba Airport on Sunday after Arkia Airlines canceled multiple international departures following an unexpected policy shift by Jordanian authorities.

Arkia said the disruptions came after Jordan abruptly changed its regulations, preventing certain flights — particularly those operated using European aircraft — from receiving the necessary approvals to depart from Aqaba to destinations including Europe and Bangkok.

The sudden move caught Israeli officials off guard, prompting urgent discussions between Israeli security and aviation representatives and their Jordanian counterparts in an effort to resolve the situation quickly.

One Israeli traveler stranded at the airport described chaotic conditions in remarks to Channel 12 News: “There is no Arkia representative here, or any other Israeli personnel, and no water or food. People are sitting on the floor in complete despair, and children are crying. The original flight was to Bangkok and had already been delayed several times. Many have lost thousands of dollars on connecting flights and hotel bookings. I contacted the Foreign Ministry’s operations center, but they don’t know how to help.”

In a statement, Arkia said the cancellations were unavoidable under the new circumstances. “due to the sudden and unexpected policy change, and the absence of real-time regulatory approvals, several flights scheduled to depart from Aqaba Airport are not authorized to operate. As a result, Arkia is forced to cancel some flights from this airport until further notice.”

The airline noted that it is examining alternatives, including shifting some flights to Taba Airport, depending on logistical and regulatory conditions. “We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and emphasize that these decisions are beyond our control, coming at an especially challenging time for the aviation industry.”

A video circulating widely in recent days, showing a non-Jew involved in multiple stages of matzah production, has prompted renewed discussion and concern regarding the kashrus standards of certain matzah bakeries as Pesach approaches.

The clip, which has been shared across various platforms, appears to show a goy actively participating in the matzah baking process—from rolling the dough to perforating it and even handling the baking phase in the oven. For many viewers, the footage has raised serious questions about oversight, halachic integrity, and whether proper standards are being maintained in all facilities.

At the heart of the concern is a long-standing and deeply rooted principle in halacha: the preference—and in many cases, requirement—that the preparation of matzah, particularly matzah shemurah, be performed by Shomrei Torah u’mitzvos who are knowledgeable and careful about the halachos involved.

Matzah baking is not a simple baking process. From the moment water comes into contact with flour, a strict time limit—generally understood to be 18 minutes—begins, within which the dough must be fully prepared and baked to avoid any possibility of chametz. This requires constant vigilance, awareness, and adherence to detailed halachic procedures.

Those who are Shomrei Torah u’mitzvos approach this process with the necessary seriousness, recognizing that even a small lapse—delays, improper handling, or lack of attention—can render the matzah invalid for Pesach use.

Additionally, many have the custom to verbalize l’sheim matzas mitzvah—that the matzah is being made for the sake of the mitzvah—particularly when producing matzah intended for the Seder. This intent, according to many authorities, must come from a Jew who is obligated in mitzvos.

It should be noted that reputable matzah bakeries operate under strict rabbinic supervision, with mashgichim present to oversee every aspect of production. In some cases, non-Jewish workers may be involved in peripheral roles, but the critical stages—especially those directly affecting the dough and baking—are typically reserved for Jewish workers who are trained and observant.

The emergence of this video has prompted questions about certifications and the standards upheld by different producers.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Steven Dial headed to Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston to stand in security lines Friday afternoon like it was his job. Which, for the day, it was.

“I’ve seen parts of the airport now that I didn’t even know existed,” said Dial, 43, who lives in a suburb of Houston. He started his day waiting on behalf of actual travelers at 6:30 a.m.

By 2 p.m., he was en route to line-sit for his fifth client as Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages led to another day of hours-long waits at the Texas airport.

A partial government shutdown that started Feb. 14 persisted Friday, but TSA agents will start seeing paychecks as early as Monday after President Donald Trump issued an order Friday to pay them using preexisting funds. That should eventually improve wait times, though nearly 500 TSA officers have quit during the shutdown. On recent days, more than 40 percent of security officers called out at some airports.

While the vast majority of travelers have braved lines or missed flights, grimacing at the lemons they were served, some entrepreneurs have set up their own proverbial lemon stands.

Robert Samuel, owner of the New York-based line waiting service Same Ole Line Dudes, said he’s gotten a couple requests for TSA waits since Thursday. The company typically charges $25 per hour, plus a $15 fee if the job starts before 7 a.m., but Samuel said an airport job would run higher.

“Since this line is moving, it’s very different,” he said. “No chair is allowed, and we have to stay on our feet, so the pricing will be $35 per hour.”

No one had locked in a booking as of Friday, but one of the inquiries – from someone who didn’t want their elderly parents to have to trudge through a queue – was pending.

Samuel, who has been waiting in line for paying customers for 13 years, says the lines travelers have been facing are “crazy.”

“They’re missing special occasions, they can’t get to weddings,” he said. “I heard about siblings that couldn’t make it to their dad’s funeral; it’s heartbreaking.”

TSA controls access to secured areas, like ID checkpoints and baggage X-rays, but not waiting areas. That leaves line waiting policies up to airports, which have not endorsed the moves.

“The fact that people are even considering this as an option should serve as a wake-up call to the Democrats in Congress to reopen DHS,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

On Friday, lines for security at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport stretched outside and wrapped around the building’s exterior. Jonathan Dean, the airport’s director of communications, said BWI does “not have an official airport policy” on hiring someone to wait for you, but they “highly discourage it.”

Houston Airports said on its website that it does not endorse “for-hire” line-standing services, asking people to stay with their belongings and only use official airport queues.

“For your security, passengers should not pay individuals offering to hold their place in line, as they are not authorized and have not been vetted,” the airport said. “Passengers who choose to use unauthorized services do so at their own risk.”

Dial, in Texas, owns a business called Dial Signature Solutions offering “executive household support” and mobile notary services. He’s used to waiting around on behalf of people with packed schedules.

“This just seemed like a perfect extension of what I was already offering,” he said. He’s charging $65 an hour, plus airport parking. Dial said he turned some offers down and talked others out of using him because they were planning to be there early enough and he thought his service was unnecessary.

He said three of his clients used his service as a backup, having him wait until they were sure they could get through priority security lines with their airline status. Once the travelers were through, he got out of line. He did not go through a TSA checkpoint or hold anyone’s bags.

The fourth client checked his bags, then traded places with Dial near the ticketing area. Neighboring passengers were “super understanding,” he said; he had told them someone was going to take his place eventually.

“It’s not like anyone’s cutting because at the end of the day, it’s the same number of people in line,” he said.

Dial said that he hadn’t heard of the airport’s warning about line sitters. His hope is that customers will book his company for future needs.

“Likely today is the last day we’re going to have to deal with this,” he said Friday.

There is an official way for travelers to bypass long TSA waits if they’re willing to spend: hiring concierge services to escort them through security.

Perq Soleil is an airport arrival and departure assistance service that can help travelers through TSA in about a minute flat by accessing alternative lines usually reserved for airport staff and airline personnel. The company – which operates in more than 300 airports and 150 countries – charges a base rate that varies by location.

In Atlanta, the base rate during typical hours for a group of four travelers is $450, and $350 at Washington Dulles International Airport. Additional travelers cost $85 each. That rate includes assistance like meeting travelers at their car and helping with their luggage, arranging airport wheelchairs and shopping for them at duty-free shops.

The company SkySquad also offers expedited TSA services in Baltimore, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Orlando, starting at $79 per group.

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Hannah Sampson, Natalie B. Compton 

Israeli travelers heading through the Taba border crossing have been hit with a sharp and unexpected increase in fees, with the cost now reaching $120 per person, a steep jump from pre-war pricing.

Amid ongoing restrictions at Ben Gurion Airport that have made international travel difficult, many Israelis turned to the land crossing near Eilat as a practical alternative. In recent days, however, they were surprised to discover that the entry fee into Taba has surged dramatically. The new rate represents a sixfold increase from the original $20 charge before the war and doubles the more recent $60 fee.

The timing of the hike has added to the frustration, as Israel’s air travel options remain limited due to the security situation and the ongoing conflict with Iran and Hezbollah. For many families, crossing into Sinai had been an accessible and relatively affordable vacation option, but the new pricing structure has turned it into a costly undertaking. According to notices posted at the crossing, the updated fees include $20 for insurance and maintenance, $100 for vehicle passage, and additional charges for each kilometer traveled beyond the first.

The move has sparked strong reactions in Israel. Transportation Minister Miri Regev formally appealed to Egyptian officials, urging them to reconsider the decision and restore the previous pricing. Officials in the Transportation Ministry suggested that the increase appears to take advantage of Israel’s limited air travel capacity rather than reflect any genuine operational need. At the same time, troubling reports have surfaced, including accounts from the Shotzer Rebbe here on Matzav.com, describing harsh treatment and alleged mistreatment of Jewish travelers attempting to cross the border in recent weeks.

There is growing concern that the elevated costs will effectively restrict the crossing to those who can afford it, denying thousands of Israelis the opportunity to take a break from the ongoing tensions at home. The dispute over the fees adds another layer to the already complex regional situation, as Israel’s Foreign Ministry continues to monitor developments and explore possible ways to ease conditions for travelers. Meanwhile, many people attempting to cross report long lines and mounting frustration over the unexpected financial demands imposed upon them at the border.

The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, sending thousands of additional troops to the region in what is being described as the largest buildup in 20 years, as tensions with Iran continue after a month of war.

US Central Command confirmed that 3,500 Marines and sailors arrived aboard the USS Tripoli, adding to the already substantial American force in the area.

“U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.

Images released by CENTCOM showed troops outfitted in combat gear, including helmets and goggles. The newly arrived Marines are reinforcing approximately 50,000 US personnel already stationed across the Middle East.

The USS Tripoli is equipped with a range of military capabilities, including aircraft for transport and combat missions, as well as amphibious assault and tactical systems that support Marine operations.

U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about… pic.twitter.com/JFWiPBbkd2

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 28, 2026

Originally stationed in Japan, the Tripoli and forces from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit had been participating in exercises near Taiwan before receiving orders nearly two weeks ago to redeploy to the Middle East.

In addition to the Tripoli, the USS Boxer and two other naval vessels, along with another Marine Expeditionary Unit, have also been directed to the region from San Diego.

The growing military presence has sparked speculation that Washington may be preparing for a possible ground operation in Iran. Such a move would mark a major escalation, even as President Donald Trump has repeatedly maintained that negotiations are underway with Tehran to bring an end to the conflict.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the purpose of the additional troop deployment is to expand Trump’s range of military options as the war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, continues to unfold. These reinforcements will join thousands of paratroopers and Marines already deployed in the region.

Despite the buildup, Trump has consistently stated that he does not plan to send ground forces into Iran. It is still unclear where exactly the newly deployed troops will be positioned.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the forces are likely to be stationed close enough to strike targets within Iran, including Kharg Island, a key oil export hub located just off the Iranian coastline.

At the same time, Iran’s English-language newspaper, the Tehran Times, issued a stark warning to the United States on its front page, under the headline “Welcome To Hell.” The message declared that any American troops entering Iranian territory would “leave only in a coffin.”

{Matzav.com}

A devastating tragedy struck the city of Elad over Shabbos, as a 9-year-old girl died after suffering a severe panic attack triggered by air raid sirens amid the ongoing security situation.

The child, Rochel Mandel a”h, a student at the local Vizhnitzer School and a member of an Erlauer family in the city, collapsed following an acute anxiety episode that ultimately led to total system failure.

According to sources, since the outbreak of the war with Iran approximately four weeks ago, the girl had been experiencing intense fear and shortness of breath each time sirens sounded in the city. Her condition reportedly worsened as the conflict continued and the frequency of alerts increased.

On Friday night, the girl suffered an extreme panic attack and lost consciousness in front of her family. Emergency responders who arrived at the home immediately began advanced resuscitation efforts before transporting her in critical condition to the hospital.

Despite extensive attempts by medical teams in the trauma unit and intensive care ward to save her life, her condition rapidly declined, and she passed away during the night. Her parents, who had rushed out with her in desperation, returned home in the early morning hours without their child.

The levayah and kevurah were held on Motzoei Shabbos at the Lechaim Cemetery in Elad.

News of the tragedy has left the Erlauer community and the entire city of Elad in deep shock. Rabbanim and mental health professionals have been called in to support the grieving family and the girl’s classmates, helping them process the trauma and difficult questions arising in the wake of the incident.

{Matzav.com}

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As the busy time leading into Pesach intensifies, new restrictions at Israel’s land crossings into Jordan have effectively shut down a commonly used travel route, leaving many in the frum community scrambling for clarity and alternative arrangements.

A message from the U.S. Embassy has added to the confusion, noting that officials have not clearly defined what qualifies as a “private vehicle.” With many travelers relying on hired drivers and transportation services to reach the crossings, the lack of a clear definition has created uncertainty about what is actually permitted. Travelers are being strongly advised to verify in advance that any service they book is authorized under the current rules.

At the same time, the Airports Authority has issued an official announcement detailing sweeping operational changes ahead of the Pesach travel surge. The measures, implemented in coordination with Home Front Command guidelines, are aimed at reducing crowding and maintaining safety at border crossings expected to see a sharp increase in traffic.

According to the directive, from March 30 through April 10, travel by private vehicle to Jordan via the Jordan River and Rabin crossings will not be permitted. This restriction effectively blocks a major route frequently used by yeshiva bochurim, seminary students, and families seeking to exit or enter Eretz Yisroel during peak travel periods.

In addition, authorities warn that due to strict limits on how many passengers can be inside the terminals at one time, travelers should expect long waits outside before being allowed entry. Proper preparation, including arriving early and planning for delays, is being strongly recommended.

Entry into the terminal itself will only be granted to those who have prepaid the crossing fee through the Milgam company website, meaning that anyone who arrives without prior payment will not be allowed to proceed.

For many, these changes have created significant concern. The ambiguity surrounding private transportation has left people unsure whether commonly used private drivers—often arranged informally or through community networks—are considered legal under the new guidelines.

Askonim emphasize that assumptions can lead to costly mistakes. Travelers who show up at the crossing with a driver that does not meet the undefined criteria risk being turned away entirely.

With Pesach approaching and thousands trying to travel, the situation remains fluid.

{Matzav.com}

Bingo Wholesale Supermarket, the well-known New York-based chain, is preparing to enter the South Florida market following its acquisition of a large industrial property in Dania Beach, according to a report by food industry analyst Elan Kornblum.

The newly acquired site sits at 5650 Anglers Ave., close to Stirling Road and Interstate 95, within the Hollywood–Dania Beach corridor.

The facility had previously been used by a private Budweiser distributor and is slated for extensive upgrades as part of the company’s plans, the report noted.

The approximately eight-acre parcel in South Broward County was purchased in February for $16 million through Sunwise Holdings LLC, a Florida-based entity connected to David Weiss, a partner in Bingo Wholesale. The property features roughly 76,210 square feet of industrial space on a 344,526-square-foot lot.

Industry watchers believe the move may point to a larger expansion effort by Bingo in Florida, with the possibility that the site will serve as a central distribution hub to support future growth in Jewish population centers throughout the state, including Tampa, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and the developing community in Okeechobee.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said during a public appearance in Miami that he prefers being around “losers” rather than highly successful individuals, while also making sweeping claims about Iran’s leadership and the state of its military during the ongoing conflict.

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative conference, Trump told the audience: “I always like to hang around with losers, actually, because it makes me feel better.”

He continued, “I hate guys that are very, very successful, and you have to listen to their success stories. I like people who like to listen to my success.”

Trump: I hang out with losers because it makes be feel better. I hate guys that are very, very successful and you have to listen to their success stories. I like people that like to listen to my success. pic.twitter.com/OYNXspphxo

— Acyn (@Acyn) March 27, 2026

The remarks came during a question-and-answer session following his speech, where Trump invited attendees to ask about any topic.

When asked about what leadership quality is most lacking worldwide, Trump said the key factor is the ability to win. He used sports as an example, contrasting clear victories and losses with the more ambiguous nature of other fields.

“You got a lot of losers, mostly losers, fortunately,” he said, referencing his earlier comments about the type of people he prefers to be around.

He later attempted to soften the remark, saying, “I’m only kidding,” before adding, “Eh, sort of.”

Trump emphasized that success makes leadership easier, stating, “People who win, it’s much easier to lead when you’re successful, and you win.”

During his remarks, Trump also referred to Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian commander killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020, describing him as a “great leader” and a “mad genius.”

He further claimed that Iran’s current supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is no longer alive.

Trump said, “Their leaders are all dead… Their supreme leader is no longer supreme. He’s dead,”

He went on to describe what he said was the collapse of Iran’s military capabilities following recent operations.

“Iran’s navy is gone… their air force is totally, completely dead,” he said, adding that missile systems, drone factories, and other defense infrastructure had been “totally dismantled.”

Trump also asserted that Iran is now seeking to negotiate an end to the conflict.

“They are begging to make a deal,” he said.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that while Iran is reviewing a U.S. proposal, it has “no intention” of entering direct negotiations with Washington, adding that indirect communications “do not mean negotiations with the US.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said that Iran’s leadership is in a state of collapse, asserting that Mojtaba Khamenei is either dead or severely wounded, while portraying the Iranian regime as unstable and weakened amid the ongoing war.

Speaking at an economic conference in Florida, Trump addressed the situation in Iran and mocked the state of its leadership, suggesting that no one is willing to take control.

He said, “This is the only country where nobody wants to lead.”

Trump went on to claim that Iran’s top leadership has effectively been eliminated, referencing both the former supreme leader and his successor.

He said, “Their leaders are dead. Their supreme leader is no longer supreme. He is dead. His son is either dead or in very bad shape, because nobody has heard from him.”

His remarks come amid conflicting reports about Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named as Iran’s new supreme leader following the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, earlier in the war.

Earlier this week, a Western security source said Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive but suffered injuries to his legs and face in an Israeli strike. According to that report, his absence from public view may reflect a deliberate leadership style rather than solely the result of his injuries. Trump’s comments, however, raise new questions about the intelligence being relied upon by the U.S. administration.

Continuing his remarks, Trump reiterated his view that Iran’s leadership crisis reflects deeper instability within the regime.

He said, “This is the only country where nobody wants to lead. There is nobody who wants to lead Iran.”

Trump also emphasized what he described as major progress in the broader campaign against Iran, framing it as part of a larger effort to reshape the region.

He said, “We are closer than ever to a Middle East that is finally free”—free from Iranian terrorism, aggression, and coercion.

He added, “It was nuclear blackmail for years, many years. Not just nuclear—blackmail, period.”

Trump concluded by asserting that U.S. actions under his leadership are eliminating the threat posed by Iran.

He said, “And under my leadership, America is ending this threat. We are destroying Iran’s capabilities.”

He further argued that without his intervention, Iran would have already obtained nuclear weapons and used them against the region.

He said, “They would have had nuclear weapons a long time ago, and they would have used them against the Middle East, Israel, and the Middle East.”

Sgt. Moshe Yitzchak Katz, a 22-year-old Chabad soldier from New Haven, Connecticut, was killed on Shabbos while fighting in Lebanon during his service in the IDF.

Moshe Yitzchak fell during combat operations, leaving behind a grieving family and community.

He was the son of Mendy and Devorah Katz, members of the Chabad community in New Haven, where he was known and loved.

His father, Mendy Katz, paid tribute to him, saying he was “my oldest son with a zest for life and jokes,” adding, “My heart is shattered and the wound is real. May he be a malitz yosher for only good things.”

Moshe Yitzchak is survived by his parents and siblings. His levaya will be held in Eretz Yisroel.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Dovid Yosef, the Rishon LeTzion, welcomed the approval of the new arbitration law, declaring that it restores the authority of batei din and corrects what he described as decades of injustice, while urging the public to turn to beis din rather than secular courts.

In his weekly shiur, Rav Yosef spoke with strong satisfaction about the law’s passage, explaining that it grants batei din official legal standing to adjudicate financial disputes as agreed-upon arbitrators. He sharply criticized past rulings of Israel’s High Court that removed this authority, describing them as unjustified.

He said, “For 60 years, the batei din had authority to adjudicate with the consent of the parties. Suddenly, 20 years ago, three Supreme Court justices came and decided there is no authority. Why? Just because. The law did not change, nothing was written—suddenly they ruled there is no authority. This is simply a terrible injustice.”

Rav Yosef added that restrictions were later imposed preventing official dayanim from even volunteering to hear financial cases outside official hours.

He said, “A directive was issued that even on a voluntary basis, any official dayan is forbidden from serving as a dayan in monetary cases. Why? Just because. This was a terrible chillul Hashem that in our own country they forced us to go to secular courts.”

He went on to emphasize the depth of training and expertise required of dayanim, noting that those serving in the rabbinical court system are highly qualified.

He said, “Every dayan in the rabbinical courts must study for 10 years, day and night, Choshen Mishpat, in order to know the material. The most outstanding dayanim are in our batei din. Today, when people go to private batei din, if one side doesn’t like the ruling, he runs to secular court and cancels it by claiming the ruling is correct according to Torah but not according to state law. Now, with the approval of the law, the authority of batei din has full legal force.”

Addressing the halachic severity of turning to secular courts, Rav Yosef warned that doing so constitutes a rejection of Torah law.

He said, “This is about restoring the religion to its proper place. We believe in the Torah and not in their laws. Chazal say that the First Beis Hamikdash was destroyed because judges did not rule according to Torah. We want to save Am Yisrael so that the settlement here should not be destroyed, chas veshalom.”

He further ruled that even participating in certain legal processes carries serious halachic concerns.

He said, “Even in the enforcement office, it is strictly forbidden to purchase from there, because they issue rulings not according to halacha, and this is outright theft.”

Concluding his remarks, Rav Yosef thanked the lawmakers who advanced the legislation and called on the public to bring their disputes before batei din.

He said, “I call on every Torah-observant Jew: do not go to secular courts, do not go to arkaos. ‘They have forsaken Me, the source of living waters, to dig for themselves broken cisterns.’ The gates of the batei din will be open, and we will do everything according to halacha. I will sit with the heads of the batei din and formulate a detailed plan to implement the law.”

He ended with a brocha, expressing hope for a full return to Torah-based justice.

He said, “May it be fulfilled in us, ‘Restore our judges as at first.’ A dayan who judges a true and just ruling becomes a partner with Hakadosh Boruch Hu in the act of creation. In the name of Hashem, we will act and succeed.”

In a dramatic and forceful drashah delivered for Shabbos Hagadol, Rav Moshe Sternbuch warned that the greatest danger facing Klal Yisroel is not external enemies, but internal spiritual decline and government policies.

Thousands streamed Thursday night to the main beis medrash of the Dushinsky chassidus in Yerushalayim to hear divrei Torah from the senior posek. As is customary each year before Pesach, Rav Sternbuch addressed a packed crowd that included senior rabbonim, members of the Badatz Eidah Hachareidis, admorim, and prominent Torah figures, all seated without ceremony as they listened intently.

Opening with profound Torah insights, Rav Sternbuch soon turned to urgent issues confronting the community. Speaking with deep emotion, he addressed the security situation and the broader challenges facing the Torah world.

He said, “The Chazon Ish already said: I am not afraid of the bombs; I am afraid of the desecration of Shabbos, because that is what causes the bombs. And today as well, we say: we are not afraid of the missiles from Iran—we are afraid only of the leaders here who are defiling the people of Hashem and trying to take yeshiva bochurim into an army that is entirely heresy and apostasy.”

Rav Sternbuch also spoke strongly against efforts impacting the yeshivos, including closures and funding cuts, emphasizing the foundational role of Torah learning.

He said, “These criminals here do not understand that the entire world stands on the Torah of tinokos shel beis rabban. This is literally the destruction of the world.”

He then shared a personal and emotional recollection from his family’s past during the war in Russia, when they maintained a hidden yeshiva in Minsk under a regime of terror, sacrificing everything for Torah until they were exiled to Siberia. From this, he issued a call for unwavering resolve.

He said, “One must stand strong with mesirus nefesh, without any compromise.”

In another part of the address, Rav Sternbuch sharply criticized those who ascend the Har Habayis against halachic guidance, warning that such actions provoke danger.

He said, “There are those who provoke the nations and ignite a fire of hatred. About this it is said: ‘Who asked this of you, to trample My courtyards?’ This is unnecessary and dangerous provocation, and it must be protested with full force.”

Following the drashah, a rare and notable moment took place in the beis medrash, as Rav Sternbuch personally distributed financial assistance to rabbonim of the Eidah Hachareidis through his private fund, Kupas Tamchin D’Oraisa.

Amid financial strain and delayed salaries within the Eidah, Rav Sternbuch organized a group of donors—including supporters connected to Satmar and benefactors of his yeshiva in Beit Shemesh and the well-known kollelim of Teshuvos V’Hanhagos—to provide relief ahead of Yom Tov.

He reviewed the checks and personally handed envelopes containing $1,000 grants to each rov and moreh horaah. In total, more than $100,000 was distributed to dayanim and members of the Badatz, in coordination with the leadership of the kollelim and the Vaad Hapoel of the Eidah Hachareidis.