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Technical problems with Israel’s Home Front Command emergency alerts have been reported on older-generation kosher mobile phones, with some users saying the warnings cause their devices to freeze or even erase stored data.

The issue was discussed on the radio program Osim Seder on Kol Chai, where host Yisroel Meir spoke with Pinchas Ben Ziv, an editor at the Emes news site. Ben Ziv described a troubling situation in which safety alerts meant to save lives are instead creating serious technical problems for users of older kosher phones.

“The alert that pops up on the screen takes over their phone and they can’t do anything,” Ben Ziv said. In some cases, he explained, the alert has reportedly caused entire contact lists to be deleted and has also drained phone batteries quickly on Shabbos, since users cannot acknowledge the message or silence it.

According to Ben Ziv, the main difficulty stems from the fact that the modern alert systems were not designed for older basic phones. He said the alerts override the device’s operating system and function externally, which can cause the phone to lock up.

Ben Ziv suggested that a possible solution could come through the Rabbinical Communications Committee, noting that if certain restrictions were removed, a dedicated application could potentially be installed to manage the alerts more effectively.

Lt. Col. (res.) Danny Cohen, who serves as the Home Front Command’s spokesperson to the chareidi community, offered a different explanation, saying the system follows updated guidelines issued by Israel’s Ministry of Communications that are designed primarily for devices using fourth-generation networks.

Cohen explained that unlike second- and third-generation phones, which may freeze when the alerts appear, newer devices support modern broadcast messaging technology that functions more reliably.

“I’m not aware of problems with fourth-generation devices,” Cohen said. However, he added that some phones may require a simple software update through a computer connection in order for the text alerts to display properly.

He noted that the alert system can provide early warnings minutes before a siren sounds and can also notify residents when it is safe to leave protected areas, features that are particularly valuable on Shabbos.

Yisroel Meir concluded the discussion by calling for a better balance between maintaining the spiritual standards associated with kosher phones and ensuring that users receive reliable safety alerts.

“There’s no reason a kosher phone shouldn’t provide you with safe and quiet protection,” he said, adding that he plans to continue following the issue together with the rabbinical communications committee.

For now, officials say the recommendation is clear: to ensure proper receipt of alerts without disrupting the device, users should switch to phones that support fourth-generation networks and make sure their devices receive the necessary software updates.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said Sunday that the current conflict represents a historic and decisive struggle that will shape Israel’s future security for years to come.

Zamir made the remarks during a situational assessment held earlier in the day with Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Shai Kalper, the commander of the Air Defense Array, Brig. Gen. K., and additional senior officers.

During the meeting, Zamir revealed that Israeli forces carried out overnight operations targeting Iranian Quds Force elements operating in Lebanon.

“During the night we acted against Iranian Quds Force elements in Lebanon, in Beirut, and struck them,” Zamir said. “I tell you that there is no safe place for the Iranian evil proxies anywhere in the Middle East — not in Beirut and not anywhere else.”

The chief of staff also addressed the ongoing confrontation with Hezbollah and the heavy price being paid on the northern front.

“At the same time, we have experienced considerable fire directed at northern communities, and there was also an incident overnight. From here I want to send my condolences to the families of those who were killed and wish a speedy recovery to our wounded,” he said. “Hezbollah is an extreme arm of the Iranian octopus, and it is paying — and will continue to pay — a heavy price for this.”

Zamir noted that Israel has already been operating under prolonged emergency conditions and warned that the current war could continue for an extended period.

“Israel has been in a state of ongoing emergency for two years already. What we need right now above all is perseverance and patience. This will take a long time, and you must be prepared for that — however long it takes, it will take.”

He echoed remarks made by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu the previous evening, emphasizing that determination and resilience will ultimately determine the outcome of the conflict.

“I say to you — and you know this very well — that the one who will win is the side that shows determination and perseverance. We know our home front; it has very great resilience. I am confident in the strength of our home front to give us all the backing we need to achieve our goals.”

Zamir also acknowledged the difficulties faced by Israeli civilians, many of whom have repeatedly had to seek shelter during missile alerts.

“I know that citizens at home are forced to enter protected spaces quite often. We are constantly reviewing the instructions according to the evolving situation. I say to the citizens — remain attentive and act according to the instructions.”

He stressed that the war effort involves the combined work of multiple branches of Israel’s military.

“We are all together in this effort — the Air Force pilots, the armored forces, our infantry and engineering units that are now on the border lines and in Lebanon. Everyone together in this effort. It is a very large effort.”

Zamir concluded by describing the war as a defining moment for Israel.

“This is the war of our generation, a critical war, a decisive war. This war will determine our future and our security here for many years to come.”

{Matzav.com}

A chareidi firefighter from Beit Shemesh who helped rescue victims during last week’s devastating incident in the city has been hailed for his bravery after entering dangerous conditions to save those trapped at the scene.

Yeshayahu Penik, a chareidi resident of Beit Shemesh who serves as a support firefighter in Israel’s Fire and Rescue Authority, rushed into the disaster zone even as sirens continued to sound and the situation remained volatile.

At the scene, surrounded by thick smoke and the cries of distressed families, Penik immediately joined rescue teams searching for trapped victims and deploying water lines to battle the flames.

Reflecting on the moment, Penik described acting almost instinctively as he carried out the rescue efforts.

“I was working on instinct,” he said. “What I did was a kiddush Hashem and truly saving lives. I understood this was not a normal interception. I went out to the scene together with all the teams and we began searching.”

Penik is one of 45 chareidi firefighters serving within Israel’s firefighting system, a group that demonstrates that it is possible to maintain a strong Torah identity while participating in emergency response and community protection.

His personal story reflects that balance. Although he comes from a deeply religious background, Penik said his family supported his decision to join the firefighting service. His parents even attended his graduation ceremony from the training program.

“I feel part of a system that accepts me as a chareidi Jew,” he said, adding that he also receives strong support from his wife.

The rescue efforts have drawn national attention. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir praised Penik’s actions and the growing participation of chareidi volunteers in emergency services.

“The service of chareidi young people is a real asset to the State of Israel,” Ben Gvir said. “Yeshayahu proves that it is possible to combine religious mission together with national and security responsibility at the highest level.”

For Penik, the combination is natural. He says that wherever help is needed, he intends to be there, wearing his uniform while guided by his faith and commitment to saving lives.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Southern Command confirmed it carried out a lethal strike on a vessel linked to designated terrorist organizations along narcotics trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific, killing six suspected narco-terrorists. No U.S. forces were harmed.

Pete Hegseth on Iran: They’ve used a conventional umbrella of missiles that was growing every single day, their production capacity, to try to cover over their nuclear blackmail ambitions… We’ll make sure that their nuclear ambitions are never achieved.

Pete Hegseth on Operation Epic Fury: This is war. This is conflict. This is bringing your enemy to their knees. Whether they will have a ceremony in Tehran Square and surrender, that’s up to them.

The Satmar Rebbe addressed the ongoing war with Iran during Seudah Shlishis, speaking emotionally about the situation and cautioning against rejoicing over the military successes of what he referred to as the “Zionist Eigel.” The Rebbe said that even feeling happiness in one’s heart over such successes requires kapparah.

During his remarks, the Rebbe explained that he sees three different levels of people who become entangled, in his view, in the sin of the “Zionist Eigel” during the current war.

He began by recalling a memory from his childhood connected to the parsha of Ki Sisa, involving his uncle, the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum.

“I was then a child and I visited his home on Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Ki Sisa. He tested me on what I had learned in cheder, and tested me on Chumash Rashi from the weekly portion, Parshas Ki Sisa. I told him that we learned everything that is written about the sin of the golden calf, that the Jewish people worshipped the golden calf.”

According to the Rebbe, his uncle asked him how it could be possible that Klal Yisroel would bow down to a figure made of gold.

“And he asked me: ‘How can it be that the Jewish people would simply worship and bow down to a calf made of gold? How can that be?’. I was a child and I did not know how to answer him, and then he answered me based on what is brought in the Midrash: the calf was not just a silent calf made of gold, the golden calf had life; it danced, it sang, the calf performed wonders, it did tricks – it was just like a living calf. And therefore the Jewish people fell into its trap, and that caused them, heaven forbid, to worship the golden calf and to sin with that terrible sin.”

The Rebbe said that his uncle explained there were three levels of people who became involved in the sin of the Eigel.

“There were three levels of those who stumbled in the sin of the calf: some saw the wonders and simply began to worship the idol outright. The second group did not actually worship the calf, but they kissed and embraced the calf with affection. And there was a third group, which was the majority of the Jewish people, who simply rejoiced in their hearts; they saw the dancing and wonders of the calf and they enjoyed and were happy that the idol was able to perform all these wonders, and therefore everyone needed to bring atonement for the sin.”

Drawing a parallel to the current situation, the Satmar Rebbe said the lesson is very relevant to the present war with Iran.

“This is a very important lesson for our time, for this moment that we are standing in now with the war with Iran — the Zionist calf is performing wonders, it dances, it jumps, the whole world sees that it is succeeding in performing wonders. There are some among the Jewish people who bow to the idol — they serve the Zionist calf, and there are some who do not serve the calf but they kiss the Zionist calf.”

He continued by saying that the largest group, in his view, are those who simply feel joy in their hearts when they hear about military successes.

“But the main large group are those who rejoice in their hearts over the success of the calf, over the wonders that the calf succeeds with, over the dancing. They follow all day exactly every wonder, every success of the calf. You have no permission to think about it; even to rejoice in your heart is completely forbidden. They hear the news, they see all the strikes of the calf and they rejoice in their hearts over the success of the Zionist calf, and for that they need atonement — for the joy in the heart over the success of the idol.”

The Rebbe concluded by urging listeners to remember that avodah zarah remains forbidden even when it appears powerful or successful.

“Hashem should help and grant us understanding, to realize that idol worship is forbidden even when it succeeds in showing wonders. It dances, but the golden calf remains the golden calf. It is forbidden to serve it, forbidden to kiss it, forbidden to look at it and forbidden to rejoice in it. And this should be a guiding light for us, until Hashem helps and all idol worship will be abolished from the world, including this calf.”

{Matzav.com}

Pete Hegseth: I’m in the room every day and I see how President Trump operates and what he’s putting first, and it’s America, Americans, and American interests.

URGENT CAMPAIGN! Widows, orphans, and vulnerable families in Israel are under crushing financial strain. With income lost and daily life disrupted, many cannot cover basic necessities. Your tzedakah provides emergency food, rent assistance, and critical support. Please give generously. DONATE NOW: https://thechesedfund.com/kupahsheltzedaka/when-crisis-strikes-we-must-stand-together?aff=lb

As Israeli fighter pilots carry out thousands of bombing sorties deep inside Iran—missions that require flying hundreds of miles, conducting complex strike operations, and returning safely through hostile airspace—one of the greatest challenges facing aircrews is human biology. Modern combat missions can stretch across dozens of hours, leaving pilots operating on little or no sleep […]

During a Purim celebration held in the court of the Biala Rebbe of Bnei Brak, the Rebbe delivered a fiery address that included sharp criticism of the Mizrachi movement and Zionism, drawing strong reactions from those present.

The remarks were delivered during the traditional Purim tish gathering held in the Rebbe’s court, where chassidim assembled to celebrate the holiday together with their Rebbe.

Opening his address, the Rebbe offered words of encouragement to the bochurim standing around the parenches, emphasizing the spiritual strength and value of every ben Torah.

“There is no such thing as a weak bochur,” the Rebbe declared passionately. “Every bochur is a precious treasure; each one is strong in his ruchniyus. Who are the truly weak ones? The people of Mizrachi and the Zionists — they are the klipah of Amalek in our generation.”

The Rebbe continued with pointed criticism, saying that anyone who adopts what he described as the outlook of Mizrachi is also considered part of that spiritual impurity.

“Anyone who goes with the ‘head’ like Mizrachi is also considered part of those klipos of Amalek that must be erased. This is the tumah from which we must distance ourselves completely.”

During the tish, in keeping with certain chassidic customs, the Rebbe was seen smoking a cigarette during moments of intense spiritual elevation, which according to chassidic tradition can symbolize lofty spiritual ideas and yichudim on this holy day.

{Matzav.com}

Footage from Modi’in Illit shows missile fragments following the latest barrage of missiles.

⚠️ HAPPENING NOW: Nearly 5,000 yeshiva bochurim are gathered tonight at the Lakewood Public School for a major asifa on the dangers of AI, addressed by Hagaon HaRav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, Hagaon HaRav Elya Brudny, Hagaon HaRav Ephraim Wachsman, and other prominent rabbonim, focusing on the spiritual risks of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.

MDA says a woman around 40 years old was moderately injured in Rishon LeZion after being struck in the head by debris following the missle fire toward central Israel a short time ago.

Additional footage from central Israel a few minutes ago as Iranian ballistic missiles continue to be intercepted by air defense systems, marking the third wave in roughly the past 20 minutes.

Footage shows the aftermath of an Iranian missile interception over Netanya a few minutes ago by Israeli air defense systems.

President Trump told Channel 14’s U.S. correspondent Libi Alon that he is “all in” on Prime Minister Netanyahu, while declining to comment on potential sanctions against Israel’s Attorney General and Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit in relation to Netanyahu’s ongoing trial.

Footage from ongoing interception attempts over central Israel.

TRUMP: Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace. ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY! President DJT.

Police say they have found a third explosive device connected to the suspects who threw an IED near the NYC mayor’s residence on Saturday.