Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an interview published on Shabbos that Iran is locked in what he described as a comprehensive confrontation with the United States, Israel, and Europe, portraying the struggle as more severe than past conflicts.
“In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees,” Pezeshkian said in remarks to Iranian state media.
Reflecting on past history, Pezeshkian argued that the current situation is even more complex than the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, saying that the nature of today’s confrontation is far less defined.
“During the war with Iraq, the situation was clear: they fired missiles, and we knew exactly where we were responding. But now, we are being surrounded from every angle,” he said.
Despite that assessment, the Iranian president insisted that Iran emerged militarily stronger following the June conflict with Israel, maintaining that the country’s armed forces are now better prepared for any future confrontation.
“Our beloved military forces are doing their jobs with strength and now, in terms of equipment and manpower, despite all the problems we have, they are stronger than when they attacked. So if they want to attack, they will naturally face a more decisive response,” he said.
Pezeshkian further claimed that the fighting did not weaken Iran internally, asserting instead that national cohesion improved and that government services continued to function throughout the war.
He urged the Iranian public to maintain unity and refrain from internal disputes, warning that Iran’s enemies are actively seeking to exploit domestic divisions.
The 12-day war between Israel and Iran erupted in June after a surprise Israeli strike on strategic Iranian targets. Israel said its campaign against senior military figures, nuclear scientists, uranium enrichment facilities, and the ballistic missile program was aimed at preventing the Islamic Republic from carrying out its stated goal of destroying the Jewish state.
Iranian reports said that Pezeshkian himself narrowly escaped death during the fighting and sustained a leg injury in an Israeli strike.
Turning to domestic challenges, Pezeshkian acknowledged that Iran is under intense economic pressure stemming from sanctions, declining oil revenues, and the effects of war, while emphasizing that safeguarding citizens’ livelihoods remains his government’s top priority.
He said his administration has drafted a 20-point economic plan designed to stabilize the prices of basic goods and provide support for lower-income families, including expanded use of vouchers.
Pezeshkian also stressed the need for sharp reductions in government spending, the adoption of an austere budget, and major efficiency improvements. He highlighted curbing waste in water, electricity, and fuel usage, noting that he personally uses a desk lamp rather than lighting an entire room to save electricity.
According to The New York Times, Pezeshkian has described existing government spending habits as “what crazy people do.”
In separate remarks delivered in speeches and in discussions with university students, Pezeshkian expressed frustration over his limited ability to repair Iran’s struggling economy.
“If someone can do something, by all means go for it,” he told students, according to The New York Times. “I can’t do anything; don’t curse me.”
“Why should I solve [the economic problems]?” he reportedly said to provincial governors and local officials. “You shouldn’t think that the president can make miracles happen.”
Those comments drew criticism from Iranian politicians and media outlets.
Asked about the controversy, Pezeshkian said on Shabbos: “Of course, I have said many times that I cannot do it, but that we can. The country’s problems are not something I can solve alone… but we will overcome these problems.”
{Matzav.com}
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu was preparing to leave for the United States on Sunday morning, ahead of a high-level meeting with President Donald Trump that is expected to take place in Florida at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
According to Israeli officials, Netanyahu plans to use the meeting to brief Trump on new intelligence indicating that Iran has made significant progress in restoring its ballistic missile program. He is also expected to ask for a “green light” to act militarily should Israel determine that such action is necessary.
The prime minister is also expected to make clear that Israel will not agree to advance to Phase B of the Gaza Strip framework as long as Hamas remains armed and until the body of the final Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili, is returned to Israel for burial. Israel has insisted that any further steps depend on the full disarmament of Hamas.
Beyond the planned meeting with Trump on Monday, Netanyahu’s visit is set to include additional discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as engagements with members of the Jewish community in Miami.
Recent intelligence assessments cited by NBC News reported last week that Israeli officials believe Iran has resumed production capabilities damaged in earlier strikes and is simultaneously rebuilding its air defense systems. Those developments, officials said, are currently viewed as more urgent threats than Iran’s nuclear program.
A separate report last month by Channel 13 News stated that Iran has replenished much of its missile arsenal and is approaching the number of missiles it possessed prior to Operation Rising Lion.
According to that report, roughly six months after the 12-day war last June, Iran has intensified production of surface-to-surface missiles and is expected within months to hold approximately 2,000 missiles capable of striking Israel.
{Matzav.com}
Israeli officials were assessing an unusual online message over the weekend after the Iranian hacker collective known as Handala released a cryptic post that appeared to reference Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s upcoming travel plans to the United States, including a planned meeting with President Donald Trump in Florida.
The message, posted today on X, contained an oblique warning aimed directly at Netanyahu and included vivid imagery suggesting surveillance, secrecy, and concealed information traveling alongside him. “As ‘Flight BB Gate’ rises above the clouds, encrypted currents stir quietly among the watchers and the watched,” the group wrote. “Layers of protection tighten as the journey unfolds, but sometimes, secrets take flight too – leaving trails only the most attentive can see. On this day, those who guard the skies may find that the unexpected travels with them, and not every hidden truth remains grounded. And Bibi, it seems you’re carrying some rather interesting souvenirs with you this time.”
The post concluded with a brief but ominous line: “Tik Tok…Tik Tok.”
The warning surfaced amid preparations for a high-level meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, which follows a phone call between the two leaders earlier this month. After that conversation, the Prime Minister’s Office said Trump had invited Netanyahu to meet with him at the White House.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting is slated for December 29, though the White House has not yet issued a formal announcement confirming the date or location.
NBC News reported that the meeting is expected to take place at Mar a Lago, where Netanyahu is reportedly planning to present Trump with various options for potential new strikes against Iran.
{Matzav.com}
During Chanukah, ArtScroll rolled out 8 extraordinary deals at 33% off, one each day. If you didn’t get a chance to take advantage of them, now’s your moment. These are the lowest prices of the year on each of these sets!
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{Matzav.com}
It is with great sadness that Matzav.comreports the petirah of Rabbi Nachman Sonenzon zt”l. He was 55.
Reb Nachman’s formative years were spent immersed in Torah and avodah within the walls of the bais medrash. For many years, his life revolved around hasmadah in learning that left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Approximately twenty years ago, Reb Nachman suffered a heart attack at Bais Medrash Govoah on Purim morning, a tragic medical episode that abruptly altered the course of his life. In a manifestation of remarkable Hashgocha, he survived the ordeal, but he never fully recovered. From that moment on, his life became one of daunting nisayon for him and his family.
Throughout these long and challenging years, Reb Nachman was surrounded by unwavering devotion and love. His family and friends tended to him with extraordinary mesirus nefesh, providing round-the-clock care with patience, dignity, and compassion. Their steadfast commitment was a living testament to the chessed and loyalty that define Klal Yisroel at its finest.
Reb Nachman is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Rochel Sonenzon, and their wonderful family, who stood by him with remarkable strength and faith through every stage of his prolonged illness.
The levayah will take place today at 1:00 PM at the Bendheim Bais Medrash of Bais Medrash Govoah in Lakewood, NJ followed by kevurah in Lakewood.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com}
The news that emerged from Sydney on Sunday night, December 14, 2025, was devastating. A Chanukah menorah lighting organized by Chabad of Bondi turned into a scene of terror when an attack claimed the lives of 15 innocent people. Among those murdered was the widely loved Chabad shaliach, Rabbi Eli Schlanger HY’D. Scores of others were wounded. The shock reverberated throughout Australia and across Jewish communities worldwide, leaving Rabbi Schlanger’s family, kehillah, and friends stunned and brokenhearted.
Thousands of miles away in South Florida, one of Rabbi Schlanger’s closest friends struggled to absorb the loss. Geography had never weakened their bond; they spoke often, shared life, and leaned on one another. The moment the reality set in, he knew with certainty that he had to attend the Levaya—no matter how daunting the journey.
At the time, nothing was clear. The aftermath of the attack was chaotic, and there was no confirmed funeral date. Rumors spread that the Levaya might be arranged on only a few hours’ notice. Many friends questioned whether flying at all made sense. The attack had occurred on Sunday night; perhaps the funeral would be over before anyone from the United States could even land.
Two mutual friends, Levi and Mendel, made a bold decision. They booked flights from Los Angeles to Sydney for Monday night, accepting the risk that they might not arrive in time. The Florida-based friend wrestled with the same choice. It was Chanukah, and leaving would upend his family’s Yom Tov entirely. Torn, he turned to his wife and told her plainly, “You have the final say.”
She did not hesitate. “It’s the right thing to do.”
What followed was a race against time. At 3:20 PM, he secured a last-minute American Airlines ticket from Miami to Los Angeles, departing at 5:35 PM, with a connection on United Airlines from LAX to Sydney at 10:40 PM. On paper, the plan worked. In reality, almost nothing did.
In Miami, boarding suddenly stopped. A vague “service issue.” A gate change. Minutes stretched into hours. By the time the plane finally left the gate—more than two hours late—it was obvious that his international connection was hanging by a thread.
While the plane was taxiing and then climbing into the air, a message arrived with the first concrete detail: the Levaya was set for Wednesday at 11:00 AM in Sydney. There was still a chance—but only if everything else went perfectly.
He prepared himself for disappointment. If he missed the connection and arrived too late, then so be it. “Whatever happens, happens,” he thought. If he would travel halfway around the world only to turn around again, that too was part of Hashem’s plan.
What he did not know was that, behind the scenes, others were already moving. Friends realized he was unlikely to make the Sydney flight. Calls were made. Messages sent. Somewhere along the way, people with the authority to act became aware of the situation—and chose to act quietly, decisively, and without telling him a word.
Roughly two-thirds of the way to Los Angeles, a flight attendant stopped at his seat.
“Is this seat 36A?” she asked.
When he nodded, she handed him a handwritten note from the captain.
United, the note explained, would not hold the Sydney-bound flight.
American Airlines would.
There was another plane headed to Sydney—and it would wait. Relief washed over him as the weight of the moment finally lifted.
From then on, nothing unfolded in a normal way. Shortly before landing, he was moved from the very back of the aircraft to seat 9C near the front. The plane itself, originally assigned to a distant domestic gate, was rerouted to an international gate just two gates away from the Sydney flight.
As soon as the aircraft stopped, an American Airlines manager boarded, cutting past every standard procedure.
“I’m here specifically for the Sydney passenger,” he announced. “Is that Mr…?”
He was taken off the plane before any other passenger. As they hurried through the terminal, the manager explained that American Airlines had made a decision. The international flight had been held. His seat had been comped. And then, quietly and sincerely, the manager added, “And, on behalf of American Airlines, we are so sorry for your loss.”
They stopped for a photo—airline staff standing together with one grieving traveler while an entire plane waited. Still stunned, he asked them to take a picture on his own phone as well. “I needed proof,” he later said. “Or one day I might think it was all a dream.”
The extraordinary care continued on the other side of the world. When the plane touched down in Sydney at 8:40 AM, he was again escorted off first. An airline representative met him at the jetway and sped him through the airport. At immigration, an officer looked up, offered a soft “Shalom,” and waved him through.
Minutes later, he was outside. Levi and Mendel—also rushed through—were waiting. Together, they headed straight to the shul, arriving just moments before the Levaya began. The Niftar, Rabbi Eli Schlanger HY’D, was already there.
For his friend, the message was unmistakable. So much had aligned, against every reasonable expectation, that it could not be coincidence alone. Human kindness had played its part—but something more was at work as well.
“No doubt,” he later reflected, “Eli was pulling strings. He wanted his friends there.”
Based on a report by Shaina Glick for CrownHeights.info.
{Matzav.com}
