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In a powerful letter released overnight, former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchok Yosef condemned the violent assault on MK Yoav Ben-Tzur, calling out those behind it as “rioters who cloak themselves in the guise of zealotry.”

“I was deeply shocked to hear of the violence carried out against you by those rioters who falsely cloak themselves in the guise of zealotry,” Rav Yosef wrote, expressing his dismay over the incident.

The Chief Rabbi warned that the group responsible is not merely disrupting peace but is actively attempting “to sow division among Sephardic Torah scholars,” adding that “they have escalated their actions and are now behaving violently toward public representatives.”

Rav Yosef urged the public to take a firm stance against such behavior. “It is the duty of every individual to condemn these rioters and act in every possible way to ensure they are held fully accountable, so that they cease their harmful conduct,” he stated.

He did not hold back criticism of those who have long fomented discord within the olam haTorah, saying the recent violence is the natural outgrowth of years of incitement. “Those who initiate incitement by spreading lies and falsehoods are the same people who have been dividing the chareidi public for decades, and who persecuted my late father, of blessed memory, during his lifetime,” he wrote. “It is clear that their intentions are not for the sake of Heaven, and one must distance oneself from them and from their harmful ways.”

Turning to the ongoing debate over the Draft Law, Rav Yosef reaffirmed that all decisions on the matter are under the exclusive authority of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah. “Everything is entrusted to the special committee appointed by the Council of Torah Sages, which is carrying out its work faithfully and overseeing all that requires supervision for the safeguarding of the Torah world,” he emphasized.

The letter concluded with a heartfelt brocha to the embattled MK. “May you merit to enjoy much satisfaction from all your descendants, and succeed in all your endeavors, to magnify and glorify Torah and to increase honor of Heaven.”

The incident that prompted the Chief Rabbi’s letter took place outside the Yazdim Shul, following his weekly shiur. As MK Ben-Tzur exited, demonstrators protesting the proposed Draft Law confronted and physically assaulted him. The attack was met with sweeping condemnation from across the political spectrum, including strong denunciations by Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and opposition leaders alike.

{Matzav.com}

(By Menachem Posner and Dovid Margolin) EDISON, N.J.—The cavernous exhibit space-turned-banquet hall pulsed with energy. It was not the self-satisfied joy of accomplishment that filled the room but excitement for the future—the knowledge that however much has already been done, there is so much more to achieve. The gala banquet closing out the 42nd International […]

The “Great One” Conservative talk show host, Mark Levin, attended the Chabad Shluchim Convention on Sunday, where he took the opportunity to put on Tefillin.

A plane carrying a delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Minister of Mines crashed during landing at Kolwezi airport in Lualaba District. Initial reports indicate that all crew members and passengers evacuated safely, and authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

Sec. Rollins: China has “begun to buy” soybeans following the presidents’ historic meeting with President Xi. “We’ve already shipped about 330,000 tons, but once the deal is signed, we’re off to the races.”

A manhunt is underway after New York Jets player Kris Boyd was shot in Midtown Manhattan early Sunday and remains in critical condition while the suspects remain at large.

Zelensky and Macron signed a historic deal in Paris that boosts France’s military support for Ukraine, includes deliveries of French aircraft, and paves the way for Ukraine to order 100 Rafale fighter jets.

The IDF says a drone strike in southern Lebanon last night killed Hezbollah terrorist Muhammad Ali Shuweikh near the village of Mansouri, identifying him as the terror group’s local representative who coordinated with residents on economic and military matters.

Israel Police and the Knesset Guard have upgraded security for Degel HaTorah MKs Yaakov Asher and Moshe Gafni to Level 4—the second-highest tier—following extremist protests over the draft law, rising violence, and new intelligence warning of possible physical attacks.

President Donald Trump downplayed the uproar surrounding conservative commentator Tucker Carlson’s recent sit-down with Nick Fuentes, a far-right activist notorious for his antisemitic statements and Holocaust denial. The interview sparked sharp division within the Republican Party, but Trump chose to back Carlson rather than criticize him.

Speaking to reporters before flying back to Washington after a weekend in Florida, Trump dismissed the controversy. “You can’t tell him who to interview,” he said, referring to Carlson. “If he wants to interview Nick Fuentes, I don’t know much about him, but if he wants to do it, get the word out. People have to decide.”

Trump also noted that Carlson had long been friendly toward him. He pointed out that the commentator “has said good things about me over the years,” making clear that he harbored no criticism toward either Carlson or Fuentes.

A few minutes later, Trump added, “Meeting people, talking to people for somebody like Tucker — that’s what they do. You know, people are controversial.”

Fuentes appeared pleased with Trump’s remarks, quickly posting online, “Thank you Mr. President!” along with a clip of Trump’s exchange with the press.

The connection between Trump and Fuentes had already drawn scrutiny years earlier, when Fuentes attended a dinner at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate alongside rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, after Ye’s series of antisemitic rants. At the time, Trump said he had been unaware of who Fuentes was, stating that he “knew nothing about” him before the dinner.

The 2022 Mar-a-Lago meeting provoked widespread condemnation from Republican figures. Former Vice President Mike Pence called it wrong for Trump “to give a white nationalist, an antisemite and Holocaust denier, a seat at the table.” David Friedman, Trump’s former ambassador to Israel, likewise denounced the meeting.

Carlson himself has long been known for courting controversy on his platforms. He has hosted Holocaust revisionists in the past and has been outspoken in his criticism of Israel. His recent cordial conversation with Fuentes on his podcast reignited fierce debate among conservatives, leaving many in the party divided over how far free speech should extend within their ranks.

{Matzav.com}

Faces at the Kinus Banquet: Round 2

November 16, 2025 – 25 Heshvan 5786

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The Gala Banquet of the International Kinus Hashluchim in New Jersey gathered Chabad Rabbis and Jewish leaders. COLlive photographer Shalom Ross is photographing them.

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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar declared on Sunday that there is no chance Israel will ever accept the creation of a Palestinian state, warning that such an entity would immediately fall under the control of Hamas. “A Palestinian state would be a Hamas terror state,” he said emphatically.

Speaking before a visiting delegation of 160 German public figures and influencers, Sa’ar criticized the growing international campaign calling for Palestinian statehood. “There is a new obsession in the world, and mainly in Europe, that lacks any geopolitical logic,” he remarked. “We are facing three terror states, a unique phenomenon in the Middle East.”

Sa’ar explained that the danger of recognizing or legitimizing terrorist groups lies in their ability to evolve into full-fledged regimes. “I want you to understand, these are not simply terror organizations. Terror organizations that control land and populations become terror states, and it’s like comparing between neo-Nazis that exist in the world today, and the Nazi regime, who controlled a territory and people,” he said.

He went on to emphasize that allowing another such entity to emerge would pose a direct threat to Israel’s existence. “The terror states in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen have not yet been dismantled, but some people are quick to suggest that we will establish a Palestinian terror state in the heart of our tiny homeland, meaning two kilometers from the place we are sitting right now,” he noted. “It would control the topography over all our population centers. And this is what they suggested after October 7th, even though it’s clear that such an experiment would only lead to another terror state.”

Sa’ar’s comments came on the eve of a key United Nations Security Council vote scheduled for Monday, in which members will consider a U.S.-drafted resolution connected to President Donald Trump’s broader plan for peace and stability in Gaza.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism within Israel, as it includes provisions seen as paving the way for a Palestinian state. Over the weekend, Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich publicly urged Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to oppose the resolution outright.

Netanyahu addressed the matter directly on Sunday, reiterating his long-held position rejecting Palestinian sovereignty west of the Jordan River. “Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any part of this territory has not changed in the slightest,” he affirmed.

{Matzav.com}

In a deeply emotional post shared Sunday night, released hostage Rom Braslavski revealed the overwhelming struggles he faced since returning home, describing how he had been left without meaningful government support and continues to suffer daily panic attacks.

“I am truly suffering, maybe it isn’t visible to the naked eye, but I am suffering indescribable pain, far beyond post-trauma,” he wrote. “I have around 10 panic attacks per day. Panic attacks that include pounding heartbeats, sweating, stuttering, tremors and even screams and violence.”

Braslavski was freed on October 13 after enduring over two years in Hamas captivity. His release came alongside 19 other surviving hostages. Earlier footage that emerged from Gaza had already shown him in extremely poor condition, a reflection of the ordeal he endured.

Since his return to Israel, he said, he had tried to allow himself to “fall apart” and process the trauma, but instead of receiving care and guidance, he felt entirely neglected by the government. “All of the government bodies are totally abandoning me, screening me, and telling me the hour is late,” he wrote. “I am abandoned perhaps in every possible aspect, every possible official, from the moment I’ve returned I’ve received nothing but derision from the state.”

Braslavski detailed that the financial assistance he received from government institutions totaled only NIS 60,000 (about $18,600) after two years in captivity — a sum he described as “simply an embarrassment.” “The state isn’t giving enough, the Defense Ministry and state are laughing in our faces,” he added, crediting private fundraising efforts for sustaining him and others. “It’s just because of you — millions have already been fundraised for all of the hostages.”

He pointed out that despite his ongoing suffering, neither Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu nor National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had reached out to him personally.

In his closing words, Braslavski expressed profound appreciation to the many ordinary Israelis who have reached out and shown support, calling them his source of hope. “You are my strength, you are what gives me energy and fuel to continue the journey back to life,” he wrote. “I promise I won’t let anything break me. I love you, people of Israel.”

{Matzav.com}

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem lashed out Sunday at the U.S.-backed resolution set to go before the United Nations Security Council, claiming that it undermines Palestinian autonomy while serving the interests of outside powers. The measure, tied to President Donald Trump’s broader peace initiative for Gaza, is scheduled for a vote this week.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, cited by Israel’s Channel 12 News, Qassem said, “The amendments, additions, and clauses included in this resolution do not serve the goal of continuity and stability in the Gaza Strip, because they grant guardianship to non-Palestinian entities over the Palestinian reality – whether at the level of governance, security, or through interference in internal Palestinian affairs without waiting for any internal Palestinian arrangement.”

He argued that the proposal fails to protect basic Palestinian rights. “We want a Security Council resolution that protects our people’s right to self-determination, that defends their right to establish a state, and that prevents war in Gaza and the continued Israeli aggression against our people – in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem. There should have been a clear formulation stating that the role of the international force in Gaza is to act as a buffer between the occupation and the besieged civilians,” Qassem stated.

When pressed on the fact that the resolution had garnered significant Arab and Islamic backing, Qassem dismissed that support as irrelevant to Palestinian interests. “Arab agreement does not indicate Palestinian consent to many details of this resolution. When the American president met with Arab leaders in New York before presenting the peace plan, he later presented a version different from what had been agreed upon with them. Even if the resolution is approved and there is agreement on a certain wording – the real obstacles will arise during implementation on the ground. The US is acting to appease several parties through general, non-binding language,” he explained.

Asked about what Hamas would support instead, Qassem proposed a markedly different approach. “There should be a resolution that mandates a ceasefire and establishes an international peacekeeping force to stand between the civilians and the occupation and to maintain the ceasefire. We agreed to the formation of a community aid committee – an Egyptian concept – to manage the Gaza Strip. We also agreed to the possibility of international-Arab oversight of weapons. There are many issues that could be framed positively, unlike the current resolution’s details,” he said.

The U.S. proposal has also drawn backlash inside Israel, where it is viewed as a step toward Palestinian statehood. Late Saturday night, Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich publicly urged Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to reject the resolution outright.

On Sunday, Netanyahu made his stance crystal clear, reiterating Israel’s firm opposition to Palestinian sovereignty west of the Jordan River. “Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any part of this territory has not changed in the slightest,” he declared.

He noted that his position on the matter has remained steadfast throughout years of domestic and international pressure. “I do not need affirmations, tweets, or lectures from anyone,” Netanyahu added.

{Matzav.com}

The special team investigating the Sde Teiman affair achieved a breakthrough in the investigation on Monday, Yisrael Hayom reported. According to the report, the investigative team managed to recover data from the mobile phone of disgraced ex-Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, despite the phone having been submerged in seawater for five days. Sources familiar with […]

A senior figure on Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team is facing intense backlash after a series of social-media posts surfaced showing him using anti-Jewish slurs, praising Israel’s enemies, and directing vitriol toward Jewish public figures. Hassaan Chaudhary — listed on LinkedIn as political director for Mamdani’s transition and inaugural committee — repeatedly used the word […]

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The German government announced Monday that it will lift the partial arms embargo it imposed on Israel next week, after high-level diplomatic talks between senior Israeli and German officials. Berlin’s announcement came after a conversation between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday and after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with […]