Feed aggregator

Israel is dispatching a joint emergency delegation to Venezuela to assist in the aftermath of last week’s catastrophic earthquakes, following instructions from Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. The mission was approved after an assessment conducted by the National Security Council.

The delegation will consist of personnel from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Home Front Command. Ambassador Yoed Magen, who was raised in Venezuela, will head the Foreign Ministry contingent, while Brigadier General Elad Edri, Chief of Staff of the Home Front Command, will lead the military component of the mission.

Among those traveling are Home Front Command engineering specialists and Foreign Ministry officials. Additional experts from the Home Front Command and Israel’s National Emergency Management Authority are expected to join the operation at a later stage.

Israeli personnel will coordinate closely with Venezuelan authorities, providing assistance based on the evolving needs and conditions on the ground.

The humanitarian mission comes as Venezuela continues to grapple with the massive destruction caused by the earthquakes. More than 1,700 people have been confirmed dead, while National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said Monday that at least 22,619 people have been affected by the disaster. Of those, 5,034 were injured, and 189 of the 855 damaged buildings collapsed entirely.

{Matzav.com}

A bitter dispute erupted within Israel’s coalition Monday after legislation to prohibit Red Cross visits to imprisoned Nukhba terrorists was voted down in the Knesset. Shas accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of violating coalition agreements by forcing the bill to a vote before it had enough support, while Ben Gvir blasted Shas for helping doom the measure.

Following the bill’s defeat, Shas insisted it strongly backed the legislation but argued that Ben Gvir ignored an agreed-upon strategy that would have given it a better chance of passing.

“Shas fully supports the bill to block Red Cross visits to Nukhba terrorists. We suggested to Minister Ben Gvir that the bill be brought forward on Wednesday so that we could vote in favor immediately following the passage of the Basic Law: Torah Study, as agreed upon with the Coalition Chairman. Regrettably, Ben Gvir insisted on bringing it to the floor today. It appears that pulling a political stunt is more important to him than actually passing this vital legislation,” Shas said in a statement.

Ben Gvir forcefully rejected the accusations, maintaining that Monday was the only realistic opportunity to bring the legislation before the Knesset and blaming Shas for delaying the measure the previous week.

“The bill to prevent Red Cross visits to imprisoned terrorists is coming to a vote today after Shas requested to delay it last week. Contrary to Shas’s claims, the bill cannot be brought to a vote on Wednesday due to opposition from the minority bloc – meaning it would subsequently become irrelevant.”

The minister then launched a scathing attack on Shas, accusing the party of undermining Israel’s security interests and reviving political cooperation with Arab lawmakers.

“Regrettably, Shas is choosing to compromise Israel’s security and allow an antisemitic organization to visit Nukhba terrorists, spreading a ‘Sde Teiman-style’ blood libel against our heroic prison guards and the State of Israel. It seems the Deri-Tibi deal is back in full force. A complete disgrace,” Ben Gvir stated.

{Matzav.com}

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is facing intense backlash after a video showing her chanting “Free Palestine” during the city’s Pride Parade on Sunday spread across social media, prompting critics to accuse her of further alienating Toronto’s Jewish community amid a surge in antisemitic incidents.

The footage was widely circulated online, including by Canadian attorney and author Warren Kinsella, who has frequently spoken out against antisemitism.

Here's Olivia Chow, who claims to be the mayor of every person in Toronto, saying "free Palestine."

Jews are a minority in Toronto. They feel unwanted and unsafe.

Chow is one of the reasons why. #topoli pic.twitter.com/jnuBFGEvEQ

— Warren Kinsella (@kinsellawarren) June 29, 2026

“Here’s Olivia Chow, who claims to be the mayor of every person in Toronto, saying ‘free Palestine,'” wrote Kinsella.

“Jews are a minority in Toronto. They feel unwanted and unsafe. Chow is one of the reasons why,” he added.

Canadian journalist Dahlia Kurtz also shared the video, criticizing the mayor’s remarks during the event.

“Mayor Olivia Chow screams ‘Free Palestine’ at Toronto Pride parade.”

“You know, the same two words terrorists have screamed before murdering and butchering their victims,” added Kurtz.

The latest controversy adds to previous criticism of Chow’s handling of issues involving the Jewish community and Israel. Last year, she declined to attend a Jewish community memorial marking the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 massacre. Chow later attributed her absence to what she described as a “miscommunication,” saying her office never received the invitation by email.

She also drew criticism when she chose not to participate in a City Hall ceremony commemorating Israel’s Independence Day, during which the Israeli flag was to be raised. At the time, Chow argued that attending the event would be “divisive” because of the ongoing war in Gaza.

The controversy comes as Toronto and its surrounding communities continue to experience a sharp increase in antisemitic attacks following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, with incidents escalating even further in recent months.

In early March, two synagogues in the Toronto area were targeted in separate shootings within hours of one another. Police have since arrested multiple suspects in connection with those attacks.

That same month, Temple Emanu-El in North York was struck by gunfire while congregants were celebrating Purim. No one was injured, although the synagogue sustained damage.

In late April, a man allegedly attempted to force his way into an Orthodox shul in Thornhill, just north of Toronto, assaulting one individual before escaping.

The following day, a rock was thrown through the window of a Toronto Judaica store, marking the third attack on the same business.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

LISTEN:

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

LISTEN:

As the arrests of yeshiva bochurim continue to fuel political tensions in Israel, Shas MK Yoav Ben Tzur says he is proud to visit detained bnei Torah in Military Prison 10, insisting they are not fugitives or draft evaders but talmidei yeshiva who have been jailed for their commitment to Torah study.

In an interview with Kikar HaShabbat, Ben Tzur discussed the proposed law to halt the arrests of yeshiva students, the stalled draft law, the proposed Basic Law recognizing Torah study, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s commitments, the decision by the chareidi parties to freeze coalition legislation until Torah-related legislation is advanced, the recent demonstrations and police conduct, and the political landscape following the upcoming elections.

Ben Tzur focused heavily on legislation being promoted by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri that would suspend the arrests of yeshiva students, expressing confidence that Netanyahu intends to move the measure forward.

“I believe Netanyahu,” Ben Tzur said. “I’ll explain why. Anyone with common sense understands that these arrests do not advance military recruitment—they simply throw entire systems into chaos.”

He rejected claims that Netanyahu lacked the political support to pass the draft law, arguing instead that the legislation was ready for a Knesset vote before senior gedolei Torah instructed that it should not be advanced at this time.

“I want to remind everyone,” he said. “Netanyahu never said he lacked a majority for the draft law. It was ready for a vote, but at the last moment the gedolei Torah decided that this was not the right time to pass it. We accept their guidance. In my assessment, had it depended solely on Netanyahu, the draft law would have passed. When Netanyahu truly commits himself to something, he commits.”

Ben Tzur argued that the proposed anti-arrest legislation enjoys broader political support because many lawmakers recognize that the arrests accomplish little.

“Regarding the arrests law, it is easier,” he explained. “People understand that these arrests serve no purpose. They simply create chaos. Even members of the opposition recognize that this is not the right course at this time, so I hope there will be a willingness to pass the law.”

He emphasized, however, that the legislation would only halt the arrests and would not eliminate the sanctions currently imposed on yeshiva students. Addressing those sanctions, he said, would remain a goal for the next Knesset term.

Ben Tzur also expressed confidence that the legislation would survive a challenge before Israel’s High Court of Justice.

“I believe the High Court also understands that the chaos on the roads and the protests resulting from these arrests serve no useful purpose,” he said. “I do not believe the Court will intervene in this law, especially not on the eve of elections.”

Turning to the proposed Basic Law recognizing Torah study, Ben Tzur described it as primarily declarative rather than a mechanism for bypassing the principle of equality.

“The purpose of the law is for the State of Israel to recognize Torah study as a national value,” he said. “That alone is an important step forward. On the basis of that law, we will be able in the future to advance the draft law.”

According to Ben Tzur, the immediate goal is to stop the arrests through Deri’s proposed legislation.

The Shas lawmaker also spoke emotionally about visits he and other chareidi members of the Knesset have made to Military Prison 10, where they meet yeshiva students who have been detained.

“We do not view them as ‘deserters’ or ‘draft dodgers,’” he said. “We view them as talmidei yeshiva who should have been sitting and learning and who were arrested for the ‘crime’ of learning Torah.”

“Anyone who calls them deserters is wrong. These are yeshiva students who were arrested because they chose Torah study. We appreciate these bochurim, and we want to encourage them. These prison visits provide that encouragement.”

Ben Tzur recalled a conversation with one of the detainees.

“One of the bochurim told me it was his second arrest,” he said. “During his first imprisonment he completed Maseches Gittin. These are young men who continue learning diligently even while in prison. We must appreciate them. I am proud to visit someone who was arrested for the ‘crime’ of learning Torah. He deserves the highest respect.”

Ben Tzur also sharply criticized police conduct during recent protests in the chareidi community, describing scenes that he said were deeply disturbing.

“What happened was simply horrific,” he said. “It reminded us of very dark periods in the past. This is how Jews were treated in other countries. If this had happened to Jews in Europe or the United States, we would all have cried out. But when it happens here? It is inconceivable. I cannot understand such cruelty—kicking a bochur in the head while he is lying on the ground, tearing people’s clothing.”

Addressing police officers directly, he added, “My brothers in the police force, I do not understand where this evil comes from. Where does this cruelty come from? Some of you come from our own community. How do you reach such a level of hatred toward bnei Torah? I am deeply astonished, and I hope those responsible will be held accountable.”

Looking ahead to the political landscape after the elections, Ben Tzur predicted that Netanyahu would ultimately secure enough seats to form a governing coalition.

“In my assessment, Netanyahu will ultimately obtain the number of mandates he needs to establish a government,” he said. “If he seeks to form a national unity government, we have supported such governments in the past. Shas has done so before, and if it enables us to work together and restore stability, that is something we can discuss.”

{Matzav.com}

A Knesset committee discussion on the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study erupted into a fiery political confrontation Monday as Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni lashed out at Israel’s legal establishment, clashed with opposition lawmakers, and unexpectedly took aim at Shas during the contentious proceedings.

The explosive exchange came against the backdrop of the ongoing dispute over the military draft of yeshiva students, chareidi legislation, and the crisis surrounding government funding for daycare centers serving chareidi families.

Opening his remarks, Gafni said the chareidi public had been unfairly targeted throughout the current Knesset term.

“What has happened to the chareidi community during this term is simply unbelievable,” he said.

He pointed to the daycare funding crisis, arguing that government policies were harming young families and the broader economy.

“The daycare issue affects children, babies, and mothers who go out to work,” Gafni said. “When you undermine that system, you prevent women from working and damage the economy.”

Gafni then turned his criticism toward the Attorney General’s Office, accusing it of consistently opposing the interests of the chareidi community.

“I could go through issue after issue,” he said. “There is not a single aspect of our lives in which the Attorney General is with us. She is against us. Period. Our lives are in the garbage as far as this is concerned.”

His remarks immediately sparked an uproar in the committee room.

MK Naor Shiri of Yesh Atid fired back, accusing Gafni of being detached from reality.

“Your lives are in the garbage?” Shiri responded. “You’re disconnected. The lives that are in the garbage are those of the reservists and the bereaved families. What you’re saying is absurd.”

Lawmakers repeatedly shouted over one another as the session briefly descended into chaos.

The confrontation reflected the widening divide over legislation concerning yeshiva students and Torah study, with the chareidi parties continuing to insist that their legislative priorities be advanced before they support other coalition initiatives.

Later in the debate, Shiri accused the chareidi education system of ethnic discrimination in admissions to seminaries, prompting Gafni to reject the allegation.

“My granddaughter studies in Bnei Brak,” Gafni said. “Sixty percent of the girls there are from Sephardic backgrounds. I’ve never even made such calculations.”

However, Gafni then unexpectedly directed criticism toward his own coalition partners in Shas.

Referring to schools established for Sephardic families, he remarked, “I don’t really understand. They opened schools for Sephardic communities that follow Sephardic customs—so why don’t they themselves send their children there? But that’s not something I ask.”

The comment was widely interpreted as a pointed jab at Shas supporters and leadership, suggesting that those advocating separate educational institutions often choose not to enroll their own children in them.

The confrontation came amid mounting pressure from the chareidi parties over stalled legislation and an escalating daycare funding crisis. Hundreds of daycare workers face possible layoffs, and dozens of daycare centers in Modi’in Illit and Beitar Illit have warned they may be unable to open for the upcoming school year without an immediate government solution.

The political tensions have also intensified following a recent meeting between Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, Gafni, and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, during which the chareidi leaders reportedly demanded swift advancement of both the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study and legislation aimed at ending the arrests of yeshiva students. Monday’s committee debate underscored the growing strains not only between the chareidi parties and Israel’s legal establishment, but also within the governing coalition itself.

A heated Knesset committee debate over the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study erupted Monday as MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism launched a scathing attack on Deputy Attorney General Avital Sompolinsky, accusing the government’s legal establishment of hypocrisy and applying a double standard to legislation supported by the chareidi parties.

“This document is not a legal opinion—it is a document of hypocrisy,” Asher declared. “You’re spitting on us and telling us it’s rain.”

Speaking during a discussion on the proposed Basic Law, which seeks to formally recognize the status of Torah study, Asher sharply criticized the legal opinion submitted by Sompolinsky, arguing that it contained internal contradictions and unfairly dismissed the legislation.

He focused on what he described as inconsistencies in the opinion’s criticism of the bill’s wording.

“The introduction discusses the legislative process, Basic Laws, a constitution, and points to numerous flaws of ambiguity,” Asher said. “It claims it is unclear what the law means and to what it applies.”

Asher argued that such criticism ignored how previous Basic Laws were enacted, particularly those advanced during the judicial era associated with former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak.

He cited Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty and Basic Law: Freedom of Occupation, saying those laws also contained intentionally broad language.

“At that time, these laws were passed without detailed definitions,” he said. “On the contrary, many of the provisions were deliberately left vague in order to achieve broad agreement.”

According to Asher, those landmark Basic Laws passed the Knesset by relatively narrow margins toward the end of a legislative session.

“That was the method then,” he said. “Pass them while leaving them intentionally ambiguous because they dealt with values.”

He then challenged what he viewed as an inconsistency within Sompolinsky’s own legal analysis.

“You write that the difficulty with this Basic Law stems from the gap between its language and its stated purpose,” Asher said. “Then you say there is great ambiguity and it is unclear what it means. Isn’t that the opposite?”

The sharpest exchange came when Asher objected to language in the legal opinion describing Torah and Torah study as part of the Jewish people’s “heritage” and “collective memory.”

Reading from the opinion, he quoted its reference to “Torah and Torah study as part of the heritage of the Jewish people,” along with its reliance on Israel’s Declaration of Independence and the vision of the biblical prophets.

“I will say one thing,” Asher responded. “We did not inherit this land because of collective memory or because of the vision of the prophets. We inherited this land because of explicit verses in the Torah, in which the Holy One, Blessed be He, promised this land to Avraham Avinu.”

He continued by rejecting other historical justifications for Israel’s existence.

“We did not inherit this land solely because of the War of Independence or the IDF, nor because of those who remained in Europe and did not come here. Thanks to them we inherited the land? Enough with this nonsense.”

The remarks prompted immediate protests from other members of the committee.

Asher later clarified what he called the central principle behind the legislation.

“Our right to this land is not based on collective memory or on folklore that we need to preserve,” he said. “Our right comes from the Torah and from Torah study every single day. That is what sustains us here. That is what sustained the Jewish people throughout Europe and during all the persecutions.”

The committee session was repeatedly interrupted by shouting and exchanges among lawmakers, forcing Asher to ask several times to finish his remarks.

“I ask that I not be interrupted,” he said at one point before adding moments later, “May I continue speaking? Thank you very much.”

Committee Chairman Yaakov Asher also reminded participants that numerous organizations were still waiting to present their views before the meeting concluded.

The debate over the proposed Basic Law comes amid the ongoing national dispute over the military draft of yeshiva students. Chareidi lawmakers are seeking to anchor the value and status of Torah study in a Basic Law, while tensions between the chareidi parties and Israel’s legal establishment continue to intensify over issues including yeshiva funding and the treatment of bnei Torah.

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic video that spread rapidly across social media over the weekend appears to show Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello in a heated confrontation with a member of an American search-and-rescue team after Cabello allegedly prevented the group from assisting victims of last week’s catastrophic earthquakes.

Cabello, who is wanted by U.S. authorities on multiple narcotics-related terrorism charges, remains one of the most influential figures in Venezuela’s socialist government and oversees much of the regime’s internal security and enforcement apparatus.

WATCH:

https://twitter.com/i/status/2071565595338744046

American search and rescue teams continue to work day and night alongside our partners in Venezuela to save lives, reunite families, and bring hope and support where it’s needed most. pic.twitter.com/sV5AbI8hBs

— Department of State (@StateDept) June 28, 2026

Presidenta (E) Delcy Rodríguez lideró encuentro con brigadas de rescatistas internacionales pic.twitter.com/Z97ND2LXVr

— Miraflores Al Momento (@AlMomento_M) June 28, 2026

In his role as interior minister, Cabello has been deeply involved in the government’s response to the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last Wednesday. The disaster has claimed the lives of at least 1,400 people, while thousands more remain injured or unaccounted for.

The hardest-hit region was the northern state of La Guaira, where most of the nearly 800 buildings that suffered partial or total collapse were located.

According to La Estrella de Panama, footage widely shared online shows Cabello engaged in an argument with a man identified as a member of the U.S. rescue delegation. During the exchange, the American is heard pleading, “There is somebody right over there that we’re trying to help,” while Cabello continues to dispute the situation.

A second video published by the Miami-based outlet El Venezolano TV appears to capture the same incident from another perspective. Near the conclusion of the recording, the American official remarks, “I’m not happy with this situation.”

Venezuelan journalist and Breitbart News contributor Emmanuel Rincón said unnamed sources told him the confrontation lasted several minutes and that Cabello allegedly “even hitting a vehicle” during the dispute.

As of press time, the Venezuelan government has not issued any public statement addressing the viral videos or the reported confrontation.

The incident comes as the government, now headed by “acting President” Delcy Rodríguez, faces mounting criticism over its handling of the earthquake disaster. Critics argue that years of corruption and economic mismanagement have left Venezuela incapable of responding effectively to a catastrophe of this magnitude, forcing residents to conduct rescue efforts with limited equipment and resources.

Even the left-leaning New York Times reported Sunday that Rodríguez has faced accusations of politicizing the disaster response and attempting to use the tragedy for political advantage. Reports published last week alleged that government officials have obstructed civilian-led humanitarian efforts, insisting that only local socialist authorities and members of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) are “authorized” to accept and distribute relief supplies.

State-controlled media have portrayed Rodríguez as leading the country’s emergency response. At the same time, however, the United States, along with several other countries—including El Salvador and Mexico—has dispatched rescue teams and humanitarian assistance to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings, particularly in La Guaira.

On Saturday evening, Rodríguez reportedly called international search-and-rescue teams away from their operations to attend an official government ceremony.

Venezuelan media reported that Rodríguez acknowledged during the event that rescue personnel were being temporarily pulled from lifesaving work, telling them, “We wanted to briefly step you away from your tasks, which we know are vital, to thank you on behalf of the Venezuelan people. We are in the critical hours for saving lives.”

The ceremony quickly drew criticism from many Venezuelans, who questioned the decision to interrupt rescue operations during the crucial window when survivors are most likely to be found alive.

The region now known as La Guaira was formerly called Vargas until Venezuela’s socialist government renamed it as part of what it described as a decolonization effort, replacing the name that honored José María Vargas, the nation’s first civilian president.

{Matzav.com}

New Jersey lawmakers have restored a $2 million state security grant for Beth Medrash Govoha after the funding was removed from Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget earlier this year, marking a significant victory for the Lakewood Yeshivah.

The final budget package also includes $1 million in municipal aid for Lakewood Township.

The restoration comes after months of concern following the governor’s initial budget proposal, which eliminated the long-standing security allocation for BMG while also reducing funding for the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The proposed cuts drew widespread criticism from community leaders, particularly amid the continuing rise in antisemitic threats targeting Jewish institutions.

The $2 million appropriation will continue supporting security and anti-terrorism measures at Beth Medrash Govoha, one of the world’s largest yeshivos. The funding is administered through New Jersey’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program and is intended to help finance permanent and temporary security personnel, along with other protective measures designed to safeguard institutions considered at heightened risk of terrorist attacks or other acts of violence.

In addition to the BMG funding, lawmakers approved a separate $1 million allocation for Lakewood Township in the final state budget.

The security grant has been included in New Jersey budgets for several years and had previously received bipartisan support. Earlier this year, State Sen. Robert Singer spearheaded efforts to restore the funding, arguing that the security needs of Beth Medrash Govoha have only grown more urgent in light of increasing threats against Jewish schools and institutions.

The restored funding was included as lawmakers finalized New Jersey’s record-setting state budget ahead of the June 30 deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

The Israeli coalition suffered a significant legislative setback Monday after the Knesset rejected a bill that would have barred representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross from visiting imprisoned Hamas Nukhba terrorists and restricted the transfer of information to them.

The bill was defeated in its first reading by a vote of 41 to 36 after the chareidi parties boycotted the vote as part of their ongoing protest over the coalition’s failure to advance legislation they have demanded, including measures related to yeshiva students.

Ahead of the vote, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz appealed to opposition lawmakers not to oppose the legislation, calling it “an extremely important law for Israel’s security.”

“If this law does not pass,” Katz warned, “the Nukhba terrorists will receive assistance.”

Shas officials said they had intended to support the bill but requested that the vote be postponed until Wednesday. They accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of insisting that the legislation be brought to the floor immediately despite the coalition dispute.

Ben Gvir rejected the criticism, arguing that delaying the vote would have rendered the legislation ineffective. He, in turn, accused Shas of “harming Israel’s security” by refusing to participate.

The bill’s defeat also sparked heated confrontations on the Knesset floor. During one exchange, tensions between MK Ayman Odeh and Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz escalated to the brink of a physical altercation before others intervened.

Under Knesset rules, the bill’s defeat means it cannot be brought back for another vote for six months, dealing a blow to the coalition’s legislative agenda while highlighting the growing rift between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s government and its chareidi coalition partners.

{Matzav.com}

The legal advisers to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee issued a sharply worded opinion Monday opposing proposed legislation that would suspend the arrests of individuals obligated to report for military service, arguing that the bill exceeds its stated purpose and effectively grants immunity to those who refuse to comply with the draft law.

In their legal opinion, committee advisers concluded that the bill, in its current form, “goes beyond its original purpose.”

According to the opinion, the proposal’s stated objective is to recognize the importance of Torah study, but its practical effect would be far broader.

“The only component anchored in the purpose clause is the importance of Torah study, which serves as the basis and justification for regulating the status of yeshiva students,” the opinion states. “This is an ‘amnesty clause’ that seeks to regulate the status of candidates for military service who are currently classified as deserters or draft evaders.”

The legal advisers further argued that the legislation would create a precedent encouraging future draft-age individuals to ignore the law.

“Moreover,” the opinion continues, “the proposed arrangement grants legitimacy to future military service candidates who choose not to comply with the provisions of the Security Service Law, including Sections 3 and 5, and who fail to act in accordance with the law. It thereby provides them with advance immunity and protection from criminal proceedings.”

The opinion concludes that the legislation is not merely intended to temporarily suspend arrests but instead attempts to bypass the need for comprehensive legislation addressing the legal status of yeshiva students.

“Accordingly,” the legal advisers wrote, “the bill does not seek simply to temporarily freeze arrests. Rather, it attempts to create an alternative mechanism designed to eliminate the need for comprehensive legislative arrangements governing the status of yeshiva students.”

The legal opinion comes as chareidi parties continue pressing the coalition to advance legislation that would halt the arrests of yeshiva students while broader negotiations over military service exemptions and the status of Torah study remain unresolved.

Powerful and emotional scenes unfolded in the rehabilitation room of the renowned mekubal, Rav Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohein Kook of Tiveria, as his uncle, Rav Avrohom Yitzchok HaKohein Kook, rosh yeshivah of Yeshivas Meor HaTalmud in Rechovot, paid a deeply moving bikur cholim visit.

Upon entering the room, the rosh yeshivah recited Birkas Kohanim for Rav Dov’s recovery. He then joined those present in singing several ancient, stirring melodies that have been passed down through the distinguished Kook family for generations.

After leaving the room, Rav Avrohom Yitzchok appeared visibly emotional and immediately turned to those attending Rav Dov’s bedside with an urgent request. He pleaded that they never stop learning Torah aloud in his presence.

“Even while I was speaking words of Torah with him, I immediately saw a noticeable change in his facial expression and in his overall medical condition,” the rosh yeshivah said with great emotion.

Rav Kook recounted a story about the Klausenberger Rebbe zt”l. During the Rebbe’s final days, when he was extremely weak, Mishnayos were read aloud to him. At one point, the reader assumed the Rebbe was no longer listening because of his frail condition and briefly stopped reading. The Rebbe immediately struck his hand to signal that the reading should continue.

“The entire occupation and life of Rav Dov is nothing but words of Torah,” the rosh yeshivah explained. “Therefore, if possible, continue reading before him more and more words of Torah and Torah insights.”

During the visit, Rav Kook also met with Rav Moshe Chaim Schneider, one of Rav Dov’s closest talmidim, rosh kollel of Kollel Kalisk in Tiveria, and editor of the widely distributed Torah publication Sifsei Kohein, which disseminates Rav Dov’s Torah teachings to bnei yeshivah.

The rosh yeshivah warmly praised the Torah insights published in the weekly publication and noted that his attendants make sure to bring him each issue so that he can enjoy studying its contents. At Rav Kook’s request, Rav Schneider shared a vort on the week’s parshah that he had heard directly from Rav Dov approximately two years ago.

The teaching centered on the pasuk, “Vayikach Pinchos es haromach b’yado” (“Pinchos took the spear in his hand”). Rav Dov explained that the word romach alludes to ramach—the 248 positive mitzvos. Before Pinchos carried out his act of zealotry, which required decisive action, he first examined himself to ensure that his motives were entirely pure and free of any personal interest, in accordance with the teaching of Chazal, “Tol korah mibein einecha.” Thus, “Vayikach Pinchos es haromach b’yado” teaches that he first took hold of his own ramach mitzvos aseh, ensuring that all 248 of his limbs and all of his deeds were completely pure and solely l’shem Shamayim. Only then did he proceed with his act of kana’us.

The rosh yeshivah expressed great delight with the Torah insight and responded emotionally.

“Through the merit of this wonderful Torah insight that we have just recalled, may there speedily be a complete recovery to the 248 limbs and 365 sinews of our master, Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohein ben Shoshanah, so that he may return to his former strength and continue revealing Torah insights, strengthening Torah, and bringing delight to Klal Yisroel.”

Rav Schneider then reminded the rosh yeshivah of a well-known story involving the Rogatchover Gaon. When the Rogatchover received a letter asking him to support the newly established Agudas Yisroel movement founded by the Chofetz Chaim and the Gerrer Rebbe, he responded with a lengthy teshuvah filled with references that seemed completely unrelated to the subject. One of the gedolei hador later explained that the Rogatchover, upon hearing the word “Agudah,” assumed the inquiry concerned the Torah concept of “agudas eizov” and therefore cited only sources dealing with those halachos. The Gerrer Rebbe, who was a close friend of the Rogatchover, greatly appreciated the explanation and remarked that for such a tzaddik, nothing existed outside the world of Torah.

Rav Avrohom Yitzchok Kook said that the same description perfectly fits Rav Dov Kook, whose mind is occupied by nothing other than Torah and chiddushei Torah.

Before departing, the rosh yeshivah issued a heartfelt appeal to his talmidim and to all of Klal Yisroel, urging that prayers not diminish despite reports of improvement.

“I repeat and say: Do not let up for even one moment. As long as the Rav has not fully recovered and cannot walk and speak like every other person, we must not relax. On the contrary, we must continue tearing open the gates of Heaven day and night with prayer and arouse Divine mercy so that he returns to his former strength, toiling in Torah and serving once again as the pillar of prayer that he has always been.”

Before leaving the rehabilitation center, Rav Kook expressed heartfelt gratitude to the devoted medical staff as well as to the security personnel stationed at the entrance, who have carefully restricted access to immediate family members and Rav Dov’s closest talmidim, thereby helping preserve his strength during his recovery.

The rosh yeshivah then returned to his home at Yeshivas Meor HaTalmud in Rechovot, once again calling upon the public to intensify their tefillos and rachamei Shamayim on behalf of Rav Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohein ben Shoshanah for a complete refuah.

{Matzav.com}

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Monday that Tehran is prepared to uphold its Memorandum of Understanding with the United States, provided Washington follows through on its own obligations, signaling that diplomatic efforts remain alive even after recent military clashes in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Understanding is a two-way matter. If the American side abides by the memorandum, we will also fulfill our commitments,” Pezeshkian wrote in a post on social media.

He went on to say that Iran would answer what he called “unreasonable rhetoric and baseless threats” by relying on “rationality and human dignity in decision-making, and firm and fearless action when necessary.”

Pezeshkian’s comments underscored Tehran’s willingness to continue pursuing diplomacy with the United States despite the exchange of military strikes in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.

The latest hostilities erupted after the United States launched two strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, responding to what it said were Iranian violations of the ceasefire agreement.

On Saturday night, President Donald Trump cautioned that Washington could be compelled to “militarily complete the job” if Iran persisted in breaching the ceasefire.

Despite the tensions, a Trump administration official said Sunday that the United States and Iran “will stand down for now” following the weekend’s exchange of fire near the Strait of Hormuz.

A separate U.S. official also confirmed that American and Iranian representatives are scheduled to meet Tuesday in Doha, Qatar, in an effort to continue negotiations.

Speaking Monday about the upcoming talks, Trump downplayed expectations, suggesting the outcome remains uncertain.

“The meeting in Doha is going to be perhaps important, perhaps not,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding, “We’re going to find out.”

Trump also expressed confidence in the military situation while emphasizing that the administration’s primary objective remains preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

“We are winning militarily. It’s almost won militarily, I would say,” stated Trump. And it’s really very simple. It’s the denuclearization of Iran. We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon, and they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon. And they’ve agreed to that, in all fairness.”

{Matzav.com}

Hundreds of bochurim and avreichim of Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim gathered Monday evening for a special emergency assembly following the recent arrest of one of the yeshiva’s talmidim.

The gathering was held under the direction of the rosh yeshiva, Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel , after consultations with senior gedolei Yisroel regarding the ongoing situation facing bnei yeshiva.

The meeting took place in the Beis Yeshaya Bais Medrash and was led by Rav Shimon Shisha, who addressed the participants about the challenges currently confronting yeshiva students amid the ongoing military draft crisis.

Earlier in the day, the yeshiva notified its talmidim through its internal hotline that an emergency assembly would be held with the participation of the roshei yeshiva.

The gathering came after the cancellation of a large atzeres tefillah that had been scheduled to take place in Yerushalayim. That event was called off following the swift release of the Mir talmid who had been held in Military Prison 10.

According to reports, the decision to organize the now-canceled atzeres tefillah had been made after Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel consulted with Rav Dov Landau and Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch in response to the continued detention of the talmid. Following his release, the rally was canceled, and the yeshiva instead convened Monday night’s emergency gathering to address the situation and provide guidance to its bochurim and avreichim.

Thousands of bnei Torah gathered Monday night in Bnei Brak for a massive protest rally against the arrest and imprisonment of yeshivah bochurim in Israeli military prisons. The event was led by the former Rishon LeTzion, Harav Yitzchok Yosef, and attended by leading gedolei Torah, roshei yeshivah, and community leaders.

The demonstration took place at the intersection of Eshel Avraham and Harav Rabinov Streets, where participants assembled to voice opposition to the ongoing arrests of Torah students.

In his address, Rav Yitzchok Yosef called for greater public action whenever a bochur is arrested.

“If they arrest a bochur from a yeshivah, all the yeshivah bochurim should go demonstrate outside Military Prison 10 for an hour,” he declared.

He also claimed that Sephardic bochurim are disproportionately affected by the arrests.

“95 percent of those arrested are Sephardim. We are a racist country,” the Rishon LeTzion said.

Harav Shabsai Levi, rav of the Ramat Aharon neighborhood and head of the Halichos Moshe institutions, urged participants to protest in a manner consistent with Torah values.

“We must cry and raise a great and bitter outcry, but we must not block roads or do things that are not in the spirit of the Torah,” he said.

At one point during the rally, organizers instructed participants to remove signs carrying anti-state slogans, emphasizing that the gathering was intended to remain focused on the plight of imprisoned Torah students rather than politics.

“Please lower the signs! There is no politics here,” organizers announced over the loudspeakers.

Earlier in the day, senior members of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah—including Harav Moshe Maya, Harav Shlomo Machpud, and the Raavad, Harav Nissim Ben Shimon—issued a public call urging broad participation in the rally.

In their proclamation, issued under the heading “Lech Kenos Es Kol HaYehudim,” the gedolim wrote that the gathering was being held in response to what they described as the severe spiritual crisis facing the Torah world.

“Because of the difficult situation prevailing in our land, and because of the decrees of spiritual destruction threatening the precious bochurim and avreichim, and as our Sages said, ‘One who causes another to sin is worse than one who kills him.'”

The proclamation also condemned the incarceration of Torah students, describing it as a desecration of holiness.

“And because of the disgrace of the holy ones who are imprisoned—precious bochurim and ameilei Torah—in filthy prisons filled with the contamination of worldly desires, at the hands of harsh and cruel authorities, solely because they are learning Torah here in the Holy Land. Woe to the ears that hear such things; woe to the eyes that witness them; woe unto us that this has befallen our generation. Every Jew whose heart is filled with fear of Hashem has an obligation to protest, lest he, chas v’shalom, be held accountable for the sins of the generation.”

The kol korei concluded with a call for every ben Torah and every G-d-fearing Jew to attend the demonstration.

“We hereby call upon all bnei Torah, avreichim and bnei hayeshivos, and every Jew whose heart is filled with fear of Hashem, to come and participate in the massive rally in the streets of the holy city of Bnei Brak, at the intersection of Eshel Avraham and Harav Rabinov Streets, on Monday, the 14th of Tammuz, at 9:30 p.m. It is a sacred obligation for every individual to participate. Let no one be absent.”

President Donald Trump said Monday that upcoming discussions in Qatar could prove significant—or they might not—while Washington and Tehran continued to give conflicting accounts about whether American and Iranian officials will actually meet face-to-face this week.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump struck an optimistic tone about the broader conflict with Iran, arguing that the military campaign has largely achieved its objectives while emphasizing that preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains the administration’s central goal.

“The meeting in Doha is going to be perhaps important, perhaps not,” Trump told reporters, adding, “We’re going to find out.”

President Trump said U.S. officials' planned efforts in Qatar this week would be "perhaps important, perhaps not" after Iran denied that its negotiators would be meeting with Americans in the Middle East.

"The meeting in Doha is going to be perhaps important, perhaps not," Mr.… pic.twitter.com/uKzBWl5AvD

— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 29, 2026

Trump also declared, “We are winning militarily. It’s almost won militarily, I would say. And it’s really very simple. It’s the denuclearization of Iran. We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon, and they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon. And they’ve agreed to that, in all fairness.”

His remarks came despite statements from Iranian officials denying that any direct negotiations with the United States are scheduled to take place in Qatar.

Tehran acknowledged that it is dispatching a team of experts to Doha later this week, but insisted the delegation’s mission is limited to discussing implementation of the recently signed memorandum of understanding with Washington rather than engaging in new bilateral negotiations.

“An expert delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran will travel to Doha later this week” to discuss the implementation of clauses of the memorandum, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said.

Baghaei also rejected reports that negotiations with the United States were imminent, saying, “We have not yet entered the stage of negotiating a final agreement,” and adding that “over the coming days, we will not have any negotiation meetings with the US side at any level.”

The differing statements come just one day after a Trump administration official said the United States and Iran had agreed to temporarily de-escalate following an exchange of fire near the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.

A separate U.S. official also said Washington and Tehran had agreed to hold another round of discussions in Doha on Tuesday, further highlighting the conflicting public messages coming from both governments.

Tensions flared over the weekend when U.S. forces launched two separate strikes against Iranian positions in the Strait of Hormuz after accusing Tehran of violating the ceasefire agreement.

Following those operations, Trump warned that the United States was prepared to escalate its military response if Iran continued to breach the ceasefire.

“United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN! It is very possible that they will never learn!” Trump wrote.

He added, “There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!”

Hundreds of bochurim from Biala’s yeshiva ketanah were honored this week at a grand maamad celebrating their dedication to Torah study, as the Biala Rebbe delivered an inspiring address that included a memorable story about his father, the Mevaser Tov of Biala, illustrating the supreme value of filling one’s mind with Torah.

The event, titled “Kavod HaTorah V’Lomdeha,” was held Monday evening, the eve of the 8th of Tammuz, at the Beis Vizhnitz Hall in Bnei Brak. Led by the Biala Rebbe and attended by the rashei yeshivah, faculty members, and parents, the gathering paid tribute to hundreds of bochurim who had successfully completed examinations on the masechtos of Gittin, Kiddushin, Bava Kamma, and Bava Basra.

The celebration marked the culmination of years of diligent Torah study during the yeshivah’s sedorim, as well as the students’ extra learning between sedorim and especially on Fridays and Shabbos Kodesh—days that the Mevaser Tov of Biala, zt”l, repeatedly urged should never be allowed to pass without Torah study.

Throughout the program, the bochurim were tested by leading gedolei Yisroel, most notably Harav Shmuel Eliezer Stern, who also participated in the event and praised the extraordinary achievements of the Biala students. Rav Stern recalled that on numerous occasions, before he had even finished asking a question, his home would already be echoing with the spirited Torah discussions of the young scholars, who answered every question with remarkable clarity and precision.

The audience also heard an address from the mashgiach ruchani, Harav Yoel Daskal, who explained that although the gathering was intended to recognize years of hard work in Torah, its primary purpose was not to celebrate the past but to inspire the future. The accomplishments of the past, he noted, are limited by time, pages, and masechtos, whereas the opportunities for future growth in Torah are limitless.

The keynote address was delivered by the Biala Rebbe, who expressed gratitude to the Vizhnitz institutions, headed by the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, for generously making the hall available in honor of Torah.

During his remarks, the Rebbe shared a powerful anecdote from the life of his father, the Mevaser Tov, to illustrate the lofty aspirations every bochur should have.

“My father, the Rebbe, zt”l, once asked me to write our home’s telephone number in a prominent place. ‘People ask me what our telephone number is, and I don’t remember it,’ he told me. ‘Father,’ I replied, ‘you, who left no Mikra, Mishnah, Gemara, halachos, aggados, or sifrei Chassidus that you were not thoroughly familiar with—you can’t remember a telephone number?’ My father answered me: ‘It’s a shame for me to take up space in my head with a telephone number…'”

Participants remarked that the event was especially meaningful at a time when, they said, those who oppose Torah and its scholars have become increasingly vocal. Against that backdrop, they said, honoring those who devote themselves to Torah study was both timely and deeply inspiring.

{Matzav.com}

Hundreds of mourners filled the streets of Yerushalayim for the heartbreaking levayah of Reb Akiva Rand z”l, a beloved yungerman and prominent member of the Tchernobyl erkehillah who was tragically killed in a car accident in Moldova last Wednesday. Following intensive efforts by leading askanim to secure the release of his body and prevent an autopsy, he was brought to kevurah in Eretz Yisroel.

The aron arrived at Ben Gurion Airport at approximately 11:00 p.m., where grieving family members gathered alongside the Tchernobyler Rebbe, to whom Reb Akiva was deeply devoted. Witnesses described the Rebbe accompanying the aron with heartrending tears. Members of the kehillah said that since learning of the tragedy, the Rebbe had scarcely rested, personally overseeing every aspect of the effort to support the devastated family while working around the clock with prominent askanim to ensure the body was released without chalilah undergoing an autopsy.

From the airport, the aron was transported shortly after 1:00 a.m. to the Tchernobyler bais medrash on Tuval Street in Yerushalayim’s Romema neighborhood. It was there that Reb Akiva established his daily schedule of Torah learning and tefillah, where he was regarded as one of the chashuve avreichim and served faithfully as one of the gabbaim.

Despite the late hour, hundreds of residents and chassidim crowded the surrounding streets to pay their final respects. Friends described Reb Akiva as an exceptionally warm and compassionate individual whose kindness and sincerity made everyone feel like a close friend.

The first hesped was delivered by his grandfather, Rav Greenzweig of Yerushalayim, who tearfully recounted the unique bond he shared with his beloved grandson. He recalled that after Reb Akiva moved to Israel, he visited him regularly, faithfully assisting him in whatever he needed.

The grandfather then revealed a remarkable secret that had remained hidden for years. About two years earlier, Reb Akiva had approached him privately and asked to celebrate a personal siyum haShas marking the completion of the entire Bavli. He begged his grandfather not to tell anyone. Reb Akiva explained that he had accepted upon himself the commitment to complete Shas during the COVID period, and, boruch Hashem, fulfilled it entirely in secret, without even his closest family members knowing.

Rav Aharon Twersky, rav of the Tchernobyler community in Yerushalayim, followed with an emotional hesped, mourning the tremendous loss suffered by the kehillah. He described Reb Akiva as someone who greeted every avreich, bochur, and child with warmth, encouragement, and generosity. He noted that Reb Akiva was known for his unwavering diligence in Torah study and was consistently among the first to arrive for tefillah. Rav Twersky urged those present to strengthen themselves spiritually in the wake of the tragedy, particularly in preserving the sanctity of the bais medrash—a cause especially dear to Reb Akiva, who had devoted enormous effort in recent months toward acquiring additional property to expand the bais medrash. He concluded by asking forgiveness on behalf of the entire community.

Reb Akiva’s father, Rav Mordechai Dovid Rand of London, spoke next through tears, describing his son as the emotional center of the family.

“He gave of himself completely for every single one of us. There was not a member of the family whose needs Reb Akiva did not care for with fatherly devotion. The heart refuses to believe the terrible and sudden tragedy that has befallen us.”

One of the evening’s most emotional hespeidim was delivered by Reb Akiva’s father-in-law, Rav Yosef Mordechai Weiss, rav of the Machzikei Hadas bais medrash in Switzerland. He shared the details of what became their final phone conversation—a conversation that now feels like a haunting farewell.

“Last week I came to Israel for a brief 24-hour visit. Because of flight schedules, I had to leave their home quickly at noon while Reb Akiva was learning in kollel, and we did not get to say goodbye. When I arrived at the airport, Reb Akiva called me and said these words: ‘Shver, I didn’t get to say goodbye to you, and now it’s already too late…’. A day later he flew to Moldova to visit the kivrei tzaddikim, and that is where the terrible tragedy occurred. Now we cry out to him those same words: ‘We didn’t get to say goodbye to you, and now it’s already too late!'”

Continuing through tears, his father-in-law described Reb Akiva’s extraordinary character and unwavering emunah. Married to his daughter for more than a decade, the couple endured five difficult years before being blessed with children. Throughout those challenges, he said, Reb Akiva constantly strengthened those around him with simple, unwavering faith, insisting that everything comes from Heaven for the good. That faith became evident when his young widow received the devastating news. According to her father, her immediate response was to proclaim “Shema Yisroel” and accept Hashem’s decree with remarkable strength.

He also recounted the innocent words of Reb Akiva’s six-year-old son, who, upon learning of his father’s passing, asked, “Why didn’t anyone tell me five minutes before it happened? I would have davened to Hashem, and I’m sure it wouldn’t have happened.”

His father-in-law described Reb Akiva’s disciplined daily routine, explaining that no matter the circumstances—even after the Seder night or family celebrations—he rose every morning at sunrise, at 5:30 a.m., without exception.

In closing, he thanked Hashem and the many dedicated askanim who worked tirelessly to return the body without an autopsy.

“We thank Hashem and all the devoted askanim who labored to return the body without an autopsy. The body is whole, but all of our hearts are shattered into pieces! Ascend to the Heavens and be a meilitz yosher for your widow and your three young orphans, including the baby daughter for whom you merited to make a kiddush only eight weeks ago in honor of her birth.”

He pledged, together with the mechutanim, to do everything possible to raise the orphaned children in the path of Torah and Chassidus.

Rav Daniel Chaim Alter, rav of the Ari Shebachaburah bais medrash, where Reb Akiva regularly davened, also delivered stirring words of tribute.

“Tzar li alecha achi, na’amta li me’od. The image of Reb Akiva holding the Sefer Torah with such devotion will never leave our hearts. That was his entire essence—completely attached to the holy Torah, and nothing else mattered to him in life.”

Additional hespeidim were delivered by Rav Shlomo Dovid Klein, one of the dayanim of the Machzikei Hadas Belz community in London, as well as by Reb Akiva’s brother and brother-in-law.

There was scarcely a dry eye among the mourners as Reb Akiva’s six-year-old son, in a faint trembling voice, recited “Boruch Dayan HaEmes” and then said Kaddish for his father, leaving the massive crowd overcome with emotion.

The levayah then proceeded through the streets of Yerushalayim toward Har HaMenuchos, where Reb Akiva was laid to rest amid anguished cries from his family, friends, and the many chassidim who accompanied him on his final journey.

Participants said Yerushalayim had not witnessed such an outpouring of grief in a long time. Hundreds of mourners filled the streets, many openly weeping over the tragic loss of a young man whose warmth, radiant smile, and sincere love for every Jew left an unforgettable impression on all who knew him.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}