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NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the first New York City neighborhoods that will offer free day care for 2-year-olds this fall under the new 2-Care initiative.

Mamdani joined Hochul and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels during a visit to the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling in Harlem, one of the providers expected to participate in the 2-K program.

City officials said the initial rollout will provide about 2,000 2-K seats across four areas: Washington Heights and Inwood; Fordham and Kingsbridge; East Brooklyn, including Canarsie, Brownsville and Ocean Hill; and Ozone Park and the Rockaways.

“Launching 2-K in these four neighborhoods is just the beginning of our work to put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets, strengthen our entire economy and help more families build their lives here,” Mamdani said.

The city plans to gradually expand the program over the next several years, with full implementation expected by the 2029–2030 school year.

“This is the first time the State of New York has made such an unprecedented commitment to the families and children of the City of New York, and we’re not going backwards, we are committed,” Hochul said.

According to Hochul, the pilot phase has already secured funding. Officials say the program will grow to serve 12,000 children next year and will ultimately expand to cover all 2-year-olds in New York City within four years. In the meantime, participation will remain limited to selected neighborhoods.

“These determinations were made in part, on a reflection of which neighborhoods had those providers ready to go before the end of this year, and also as a reflection of economic need that will continue to be some of the ways in which we making determinations for the 12,000 seats next year,” Mamdani said. “But then by the end of year four, it’s every single 2-year-old in the City of New York.”

Staten Island will not be part of the first phase of the program. Mamdani did not offer a specific explanation for the borough’s exclusion but said it will be included in the expansion next year.

Officials said enrollment will open this summer, though the process for selecting participating children has not yet been finalized.

{Matzav.com}

Anthropic’s moral stand on U.S. military use of artificial intelligence is reshaping the competition between leading AI companies but also exposing a growing awareness that maybe chatbots just aren’t capable enough for acts of war. Anthropic’s chatbot Claude, for the first time, outpaced rival ChatGPT in phone app downloads in the United States this week, […]

In major events in Jerusalem on February 16 and 17, the State of Israel and World Jewry celebrated the reclamation of the 3,000 year old Har Hazeitim, the historic burial site of more than 150,000 Jews over the ages. Among them Nevi”im, many great Rabbis, and notable modern Israeli leaders. The events were sponsored by […]

Amid the ongoing security tensions, Israel’s Chief Rabbinate has reportedly held emergency discussions about the possibility of declaring a leap year and adding a second month of Adar in order to delay Purim celebrations until conditions improve.

According to a report published Tuesday, urgent consultations have taken place in recent days in the offices of Israel’s chief rabbis—Rishon LeTzion Rav Dovid Yosef and Chief Rabbi Rav Kalman Bar. The discussions reportedly included senior security officials and focused on the halachic possibility of declaring ibbur hashanah—intercalating the year by adding a second Adar—even though the current year is scheduled to be a regular year according to the established Jewish calendar.

The report states that the talks began after the outbreak of the war with Iran during Operation Shaagas HaAri. The central concern raised in the discussions was the prospect that large segments of Israel’s population might be forced to celebrate the days of Purim in bomb shelters and protected spaces due to the ongoing rocket threats.

According to those familiar with the discussions, the chief rabbis expressed deep concern that the security situation could undermine the spirit of the holiday. The fear is that the commandment of v’nahafoch hu—the transformation of danger into joy—could instead be overshadowed by anxiety and fear if people are required to celebrate the festival under emergency conditions.

For that reason, the rabbis reportedly examined whether it might be halachically possible to redefine the current month as Adar I and add an additional month of Adar II, in the hope that the security situation would stabilize by then and allow the holiday to be celebrated properly and with communal joy.

During the extended deliberations, historical precedents from the Beis Din HaGadol were reviewed. In past eras, the year was sometimes intercalated not only due to astronomical considerations but also because of pressing circumstances that could prevent the proper fulfillment of mitzvos.

One of the questions raised during the discussions was whether the current situation—where many Israelis must remain in shelters—could be considered a form of oneis, a halachic circumstance beyond people’s control that might justify extraordinary measures in the calendar.

Another concern mentioned was the potential timing of Pesach, particularly in light of statements by President Donald Trump suggesting that the war could last approximately four weeks, which could place additional holidays under the shadow of ongoing hostilities.

Sources close to the chief rabbis described the discussions as reflecting a difficult dilemma between preserving the fixed Jewish calendar and addressing the emotional and spiritual challenges facing tens of thousands of Israelis currently living under constant threat.

The Chief Rabbinate issued a brief response to the report, stating: “Following consultations between the chief rabbis, it was decided to wish everyone a happy Purim, including those who enjoy the Purim humor in the report.”

Ah frelichen Shushan Purim.

{Matzav.com}

Footage from the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

Sec. Of War Pete Hegseth: “Operation Epic Fury has delivered twice the airpower of Shock and Awe of Iraq in 2003 — minus Paul Bremer and the nation-building… We are just getting started.”

Sec. Of War Pete Hegseth: “Starting last night, and to be completed in a few days… the two most powerful air forces in the world will have complete control of Iranian skies.”

Sec. Scott Bessent: “President Trumps’ frustration with the Spanish government is justified…they are the only NATO member not meeting their NATO requirement…it was unacceptable over the weekend that the Spanish were highly uncooperative…as we began executing on Operation Epic Fury.”

A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, as Washington and Israel intensified their bombardment Wednesday of Iran’s security forces and other symbols of power. As the war expanded yet again, Tehran vowed to completely destroy the Middle East’s military and economic infrastructure. The tempo of the strikes on Iran was so intense that […]

Purim celebrations in the court of Seret Vizhnitz in Haifa were marked this year by the tense security situation in northern Israel, as repeated rocket alerts disrupted the traditional tish on the night of Purim.

During the gathering, three consecutive sirens sounded across the city, forcing chassidim and guests to seek shelter in protected areas. When the first alert was heard, the Seret Vizhnitzer Rebbe left the bais medrash and made his way to a nearby protected space.

While the Rebbe remained in the secure area, thousands of chassidim stayed inside the bais medrash and responded to the tense moments with powerful singing, chanting the posuk “V’chol karnei resha’im agadei’a, teromamnah karnei tzaddik.”

After three separate alerts and a message from Home Front Command announcing that the immediate danger had passed, the Rebbe returned to his table to continue the tish. However, only minutes later another early warning notification was issued. At that point, the Rebbe immediately began birkas hamazon and again made his way to the protected area to ensure the safety of those present.

Amid the disruption caused by the sirens, chassidim also experienced an unusual moment during the krias hamegillah. On the night of Purim, the Rebbe personally read the first two chapters of the megillah, after which the reading was continued by Rav Meshulam Rosenberg.

During the daytime megillah reading on Purim, however, an unexpected development occurred. After the first two chapters were completed, Rav Rosenberg attempted to continue the reading but suddenly lost his voice due to hoarseness and was unable to proceed.

In response to the situation, the Rebbe took over the reading himself and continued until the entire megillah had been completed.

Chassidim later expressed deep excitement over the rare moment, noting that it is uncommon for the Rebbe to read the entire megillah himself. Many said they felt privileged, describing the experience as an extraordinary occasion within the chassidus.

{Matzav.com}

China’s factory activity shrank for a second month in February, though lower U.S. tariffs could bring about a small boost in the coming weeks. The official manufacturing purchasing managers index, or PMI, slipped to 49 from 49.3 in January, a four-month low, the National Bureau of Statistics reported Wednesday. The figure from its monthly survey […]

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that American and Israeli forces are on the verge of gaining complete control of Iranian airspace, a development he suggested would dramatically accelerate the allied military campaign against Tehran. Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth said the combined air power of the United States and Israel is rapidly dismantling […]

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday night that the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran that killed the country’s supreme leader was carried out “outside of international law,” adding that France cannot support the operation.

In a nationally televised address, Macron placed responsibility for the broader conflict in the Middle East on Iran but made clear that Paris does not endorse the strikes themselves, a stance that could strain relations with Washington.

His comments come as tensions between the United States and some European governments have intensified over the war. Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump threatened to halt trade with Spain after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the war as illegal and refused to allow American military aircraft to operate from Spanish bases during attacks on Iran.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who appeared alongside Trump during the press conference where the trade warning was issued, did not publicly defend Sánchez at the time. Macron’s remarks now appear to place France closer to the Spanish position regarding the legality of the conflict.

Although Trump has suggested the fighting could conclude within days or weeks, Macron warned that the conflict may continue for an extended period.

“Strikes will likely continue in the coming days to weaken Iran and destroy its counterattack capabilities. And in response, Iranian strikes in the whole region are expected to continue,” Macron said.

Macron also announced that France is strengthening its military posture in the region to safeguard its interests. The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is being deployed to the Mediterranean, accompanied by fighter jets and air-defense systems.

“We will continue this effort as long as it is needed,” he said.

The French president confirmed that Paris has also dispatched anti-missile defense systems to Cyprus, a move that had previously been reported.

“Cyprus, an EU member state, a country with which we have signed a strategic partnership … requires our support,” he said.

Macron stressed that France must uphold its credibility by honoring its security commitments to allies in the region, including Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, where approximately 800 French troops are currently stationed.

On Sunday, Iranian drones struck a French naval facility in the United Arab Emirates, though no casualties were reported.

French fighter jets also conducted flights over the UAE during the weekend as part of what officials described as “sky security operations,” according to French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli Air Force says it has dropped more than 5,000 munitions on targets across Iran since the conflict began on Shabbos, with a major focus on the Tehran area. Meanwhile, the IDF says missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel a short while ago. Air defense systems intercepted the threat and shelter instructions issued […]

A U.S. submarine sunk a prized Iranian warship by torpedo, the first such sinking of an enemy ship since World War II, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Wednesday morning. “The Iranian Navy rests at the bottom of the Persian Gulf. Combat ineffective, decimated, destroyed, defeated. Pick your adjective,” Hegseth said. “In fact, last night […]

The “Mishteh Hayayin” Tish in Yerushalyim today by Hagaon HaRav Yaakov Meyer Schechter of Breslov.

While Israel remains on high alert amid the ongoing security situation, the bais medrash of Yeshivas Ponevezh in Bnei Brak resonated late into the night with the powerful sound of Torah learning, as thousands of talmidim gathered for a continuous learning session on the night of Purim.

The long-standing tradition—established decades ago by the rosh yeshiva, Rav Gershon Edelstein zt”l—continued this year with remarkable intensity. The evening also featured an emotional visit from the current rosh yeshiva, Rav Berel Povarsky.

As the streets of Bnei Brak filled with the festive atmosphere of the Yom Tov, tempered by the tension of the ongoing security situation in Eretz Yisroel, thousands of bochurim at the flagship yeshiva of the olam hayeshivos chose to arm themselves with what they see as the Jewish people’s most powerful weapon: Torah.

On the night of Purim, when many celebrate in the streets, the yeshiva’s talmidim set aside the usual festivities and gathered in the main bais medrash for an inspiring and uninterrupted learning session that continued until 2:00 a.m.

The famous learning session held each year on the night of Purim in Ponevezh is far from routine. It was instituted decades ago at the direct instruction of Rav Gershon Edelstein, who would regularly emphasize the unique power of learning Torah precisely at times when others might step away from it. The talmidim of the yeshiva, viewing this as a living spiritual legacy, packed the bais medrash to capacity.

A particularly moving moment occurred when the rosh yeshiva, Rav Berel Povarsky, entered the bais medrash to witness firsthand the extraordinary sight of thousands of young men deeply immersed in learning. The rosh yeshiva expressed great satisfaction, and dozens of talmidim approached him to discuss the sugyos they were studying, as he encouraged them to continue strengthening the merit of Klal Yisroel through their learning.

At the conclusion of the learning session at 2:00 a.m., a special tefillah was held for the salvation of the Jewish people and the nullification of harsh decrees.

Following the tefillah, thousands of bochurim broke out in powerful singing that echoed throughout the area. Alongside the traditional Purim melodies, songs of geulah and heartfelt supplication filled the hall, as the talmidim cried out and prayed for deliverance in the shadow of the ongoing war.

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{Matzav.com}

The U.S. Senate is headed towards a vote Wednesday on President Donald Trump’s decision to embark on a war against Iran, an extraordinary test in Congress for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East with no clear U.S. exit strategy. The legislation, known as a war powers resolution, gives lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional […]

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler   The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact […]