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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asked the United States to provide him with security protection while he attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with the State Department agreeing to the request following a threat assessment, according to reports Tuesday.

The unusual arrangement means that personnel from the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service will provide additional protection for one of Iran’s most senior officials while he is on American soil. The request was first reported by Axios reporter Barak Ravid and subsequently confirmed in additional reports.

According to a State Department letter dated September 18 and addressed to Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Tehran formally requested protective security assistance for Araghchi. U.S. officials then conducted an assessment of potential threats against the Iranian foreign minister before approving the request.

The security request comes amid intense tensions between Washington and Tehran and as senior officials from both countries converge on New York for the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.

Araghchi arrived in New York on Monday evening at the head of a senior Iranian diplomatic delegation. His visit marks his first trip to the United States since the outbreak of the current U.S.-Iran conflict. He was received at John F. Kennedy International Airport by representatives of Iran’s mission to the United Nations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also traveling to New York for the 81st session of the General Assembly and is expected to address the gathering and hold a series of meetings with foreign leaders.

The Trump administration approved visas for both Pezeshkian and Araghchi, along with other members of Iran’s core delegation, allowing them to attend the UN meetings. The Iranian officials are nevertheless subject to restrictions on their movement while in New York, as well as limitations imposed by Washington on certain purchases.

The decision to provide Araghchi with American security personnel highlights the unusual circumstances surrounding the UN gathering: the United States is providing protection to a senior representative of a government with which it is currently engaged in a bitter confrontation.

The Diplomatic Security Service, which operates under the State Department, is responsible for protecting visiting foreign dignitaries and conducting threat assessments connected to diplomatic activity in the United States. In Araghchi’s case, officials determined that additional protection was warranted after reviewing potential threats, according to the reports.

Araghchi, meanwhile, has already used his arrival in New York to sharply criticize both the United States and Israel. Speaking to reporters Monday night, he said Iran’s principal objective at the General Assembly would be to defend what Tehran views as the rights and interests of the Iranian people.

Iranian officials have indicated that Araghchi will hold a series of meetings with foreign ministers and other officials on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Pezeshkian is likewise scheduled for bilateral meetings during his stay.

Despite the presence of senior American and Iranian officials in New York at the same time, no meeting between Pezeshkian and President Donald Trump is currently planned. Iran has nevertheless signaled that its delegation has authority to engage in diplomatic efforts while in New York as tensions between the two countries remain extraordinarily high.

The spectacle is an unusual one: Araghchi arrived in the United States representing a government locked in a major confrontation with Washington, while at the same time relying on American diplomatic security officers to help ensure his safety during his stay in New York.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump delivered a stark warning to Iran from the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, saying the United States is prepared to unleash overwhelming military force against the Islamic Republic if diplomacy fails, even as he predicted that Tehran will ultimately agree to a deal following the U.S. midterm elections.

Speaking before world leaders, Trump said Iran now faces a choice between reaching an agreement that would give the country an opportunity to rebuild or risking another devastating round of U.S. military action.

“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?” Trump asked.

“Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations?”

Despite the warning, Trump said he expects the confrontation ultimately to end through negotiations. He suggested that Iranian leaders are waiting to see the results of the November midterm elections before committing themselves to an agreement.

“But I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election, because it doesn’t make sense for them not to,” Trump said. “They’re waiting to see how I do in the midterm election.

“What they don’t realize is that I’m not running.”

Trump insisted that the election results would not determine his approach toward Tehran, reiterating that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a central objective of his administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio separately said Tuesday that Washington remains open to meeting with Iranian representatives at the U.N., although no meeting had yet been scheduled.

“From the first day I entered the political arena, I’ve been unwavering. I will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” he said.

Trump portrayed the current confrontation as the consequence of Tehran repeatedly rejecting diplomatic opportunities while expanding missile and drone capabilities that he said threatened American forces, other countries in the region and Europe.

The president pointed to Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury as evidence of the damage already inflicted on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. The Trump administration has said Operation Epic Fury was aimed at destroying Iran’s missile capabilities and production capacity, crippling its navy and preventing the country from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Trump said Operation Midnight Hammer had “obliterated their nuclear program beneath mountains of rubble” and maintained that Operation Epic Fury had devastated Iran’s navy and much of its remaining military capabilities.

“As a result of Operation Epic Fury, all 159 ships of their Navy are now lying at the bottom of the sea,” Trump said.

“Likewise, their air force is gone. Their radar is gone, their anti-aircraft equipment is gone. Their missiles and drone manufacturing capacity is almost gone.”

Trump also accused Iran of violating a ceasefire through attacks on civilian shipping and called on countries around the world to intensify economic pressure on Tehran. The administration launched a broader financial pressure campaign, dubbed Operation Economic Outcast, in August.

“I call on all nations to join us in enforcing the complete economic isolation of Iran until they stop their attacks on commercial shipping, relinquish their nuclear ambitions, and cease their support of terror,” he said.

The president said U.S. naval escorts have helped move more than 1 billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, meanwhile, indicated Tuesday that it could be prepared to reopen the waterway if Washington eases military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.

Trump also rejected suggestions that prolonged U.S. military operations have depleted American weapons stockpiles, saying 18 new production facilities are under construction.

“We have more munitions than we could ever possibly even think of using, and we’re building them at levels that we have never done before,” Trump said.

Trump used the U.N. address to offer a broader defense of his foreign policy record, saying personal diplomacy, economic leverage, trade and tariffs had helped settle eight wars. The White House lists eight conflicts it says the administration brought to an end.

Turning to Gaza, Trump said his administration had brought the war there to an end and secured the return of all remaining hostages.

“We also brought home all remaining hostages, both living and dead. Every single one of them,” he said.

Trump thanked the U.N. Security Council for backing his 20-point Gaza peace plan and said nearly 30 countries had joined the Board of Peace, which he chairs.

On the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump said Washington continues working with both sides and expressed confidence that the conflict will eventually be resolved, although he announced no new agreement Tuesday.

“We’re working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, and we will get that one done,” he said.

Trump also highlighted the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela and pointed to an oil agreement that he said covers 65 billion barrels. The White House has cited Maduro’s capture as part of its effort to reassert American power in the Western Hemisphere.

“To the victor belong the spoils,” Trump said.

Trump presented the Venezuela operation as a warning that Washington is prepared to defend what it considers vital American interests throughout the Western Hemisphere.

“And if necessary, we will use our unmatched military might to secure the vital national interests of the United States,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

A huge display featuring dozens of 8.5×11 and 11×17 posters as well as a large vinyl posters great for hanging in one’s Sukkah or home will be sold for just a few dollars each in Lakewood at the Lakewood Arba Minim Shuk September 22-25 at 400 Oak Street. Besides the dozens of small posters, there will also be hundreds of other Gedolim pictures and drawings to purchase in various sizes at discounted prices. Laminating will be available on the spot. This will be your one-stop-shop for all your Gedolim portrait needs. Many of these Gedolim posters can be purchased as well in Brooklyn outside Shomer Shabbos on 13th Avenue through Sukkos. We are also accepting online orders at gedolimsukkahposters.com.  Use code MATZAV10 for 10% off your order!

Israel’s Agriculture Ministry is warning travelers arriving from overseas ahead of Sukkos not to bring daled minim into the country without the required authorization, saying foreign plant material could introduce pests and diseases capable of causing serious damage to Israeli agriculture.

The warning comes as travelers arrive in Eretz Yisroel for Yom Tov, with some bringing their own lulavim, hadassim, aravos and esrogim from abroad.

Under Israel’s Plant Protection Law, plant products generally cannot be brought into the country without approval from the Agriculture Ministry’s Plant Protection and Inspection Services.

There is one significant exception for travelers bringing daled minim for personal use: a single esrog may be brought into Israel without special authorization. A lulav, hadassim and aravos, however, require approval. Those brought into the country without the necessary authorization may be confiscated by inspectors.

Agriculture officials explained that insects, pests and plant diseases can be carried on branches, leaves and other plant material without being readily visible. Once introduced into Israel, such pests could potentially spread to agricultural crops, trees and other vegetation.

“Every inspection at the border, every confiscated set, and every pest stopped at the gate are part of a security system aimed at preventing irreversible damage to local crops and the agricultural export industry,” said Shlomit Zioni, director of the Plant Protection and Inspection Services.

The ministry said that since the beginning of 2026, more than 1,200 passengers arriving at Ben Gurion Airport have been found carrying plant material that is prohibited from entering the country.

Authorities have confiscated and destroyed approximately three tons of agricultural products during that period, including fruits, vegetables, seeds and portions of trees.

With large numbers of Yidden expected to arrive in Eretz Yisroel ahead of Sukkos, officials have also put an arrangement in place to prevent travelers from being left without daled minim for Yom Tov.

Inspectors at Ben Gurion Airport will provide a free set of Israeli-grown daled minim for personal use to travelers whose unauthorized sets are confiscated.

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli man who admitted carrying out intelligence assignments on behalf of an Iranian operative, including photographing the home of then-Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, was sentenced Tuesday to four and a half years behind bars.

The Haifa Magistrate’s Court handed down the sentence to Pars Abu al-Hij’a, 32, an Arab Israeli from Jisr az-Zarqa, after his conviction on charges stemming from his communications with a foreign intelligence agent.

Investigators said Abu al-Hij’a was initially tasked by Iranian intelligence contacts with taking photographs of busy public areas. He was subsequently directed to photograph Gallant’s residence as part of his assignments. Authorities said he was paid approximately $3,000 in total for the various missions.

Abu al-Hij’a was taken into custody earlier this year while allegedly in the midst of carrying out another intelligence-gathering assignment. During questioning by the Shin Bet and Israel Police, he acknowledged that he had been in contact with the foreign operative.

The sentencing comes as Israeli security authorities continue to uncover additional cases involving citizens and residents allegedly recruited by hostile foreign entities.

In a separate case announced by the Shin Bet and Israel Police, prosecutors filed an indictment late last week against Sultan Abu al-Hij’a, 31, a resident of the Arab city of Tamra. Authorities allege that he sought to establish clandestine ties with both Hamas’s military wing and Iranian intelligence operatives in an effort to provide them with assistance.

Israeli authorities have also disclosed another investigation involving a 32-year-old Arab resident of Majd al-Krum. The man was arrested on suspicion that he maintained contact for several months with a foreign operative from Lebanon and performed security-related assignments at her direction in exchange for promised payments.

The investigations are part of a broader series of alleged Iranian espionage cases uncovered in Israel. Last month, prosecutors filed a serious indictment against Ashkelon residents Tamerlan Amshukov and Alina Kushnirenko, accusing the pair of conducting espionage activities on behalf of Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu sharply rebuked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday, accusing him of supporting Hamas and inciting against New York Jews, while vowing to respond to the mayor’s latest attacks when he addresses the United Nations General Assembly this week.

“Shame on you, Mr. Mamdani,” Netanyahu said. “Shame on you for supporting the Hamas terrorist monsters who butchered our people. Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews.”

Netanyahu said his response would not end there, indicating that he plans to directly address Mamdani and the broader criticism of Israel during his appearance before the UN General Assembly.

“I’m coming to the UN. I’m going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I’m going to tell the truth about you,” he said.

ממדאני – אני בא לאו״ם כדי להילחם על האמת של החיילים הגיבורים שלנו – וכדי לחשוף את האמת עליך! pic.twitter.com/141PPbSFHm

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 22, 2026

The Prime Minister’s comments came one day after Mamdani again leveled serious accusations against Netanyahu during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. The mayor reiterated his view that Netanyahu should face accountability over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

“When it comes to Benjamin Netanyahu, I have described him as I believe him to be a war criminal and an architect of a horrific genocide of the Palestinian people,” Mamdani said.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to the war in Gaza. Netanyahu and Israel have rejected the allegations and challenged the court’s jurisdiction. Neither Israel nor the United States is a member of the ICC.

During his campaign for mayor, Mamdani repeatedly pledged that Netanyahu would be arrested if he entered New York City. Since taking office, however, Mamdani has acknowledged that the city does not independently have the legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant. He has instead called upon the federal government to join the ICC and carry out the warrant.

Despite that acknowledgment, Mamdani told Amanpour that he continues to believe the ICC’s warrant should be respected.

“I do believe that that is something that should be honored, because what we want to see, and we’ve been talking about this today, is a faith in our politics, a faith in accountability,” he said.

“If the International Criminal Court deems someone worthy of an arrest because of a violation of those laws, then who are we to say that anyone should be above that? And I think very clearly that everyone should be held accountable to it,” Mamdani added.

As New York hosts world leaders for this week’s UN General Assembly, Mamdani also said he met with The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen and discussed the importance of adherence to the rule of law.

Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver his address to the General Assembly on Thursday. His appearance is expected to draw multiple demonstrations in New York. Mamdani, who has previously encouraged New Yorkers to protest Netanyahu’s visits, has said that he does not plan to personally participate in the demonstrations surrounding this week’s appearance.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, has signaled that his UN address will include a forceful defense of Israel and the IDF’s conduct during the war against Hamas, as well as a response to critics of Israel, including Mamdani.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz issued an extraordinary warning to Hamas on Tuesday, declaring that any attempt to abduct another Israeli soldier or civilian would trigger a massive Israeli response in Gaza City, including the evacuation of approximately one million residents to the south and the destruction of what remains of the city.

Katz delivered the warning during a memorial ceremony at Har Herzl for Israeli soldiers who fell during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He said Israeli intelligence has detected indications that Hamas may be seeking to carry out new kidnappings and warned that the response to such an attack would be unlike anything Hamas could afford to absorb.

“I hereby warn the terrorist organization and its supporters, from Iran to Erdogan — if a single Israeli soldier or civilian is kidnapped, the entire city of Gaza, with its houses and terror towers, will be evacuated southward with its million residents,” Katz said.

The defense minister was referring not only to Hamas but also to Iran and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government has been sharply critical of Israel throughout the Gaza war. Katz framed the warning as part of Israel’s broader effort to deter Hamas and other hostile forces from attempting another large-scale kidnapping operation.

According to Israeli reports, IDF soldiers operating in Gaza have recently been instructed to exercise heightened vigilance amid concerns that Hamas could seek to kidnap troops in retaliation for a series of targeted Israeli strikes against senior members of the terror organization. The specific intelligence underlying those concerns has not been publicly disclosed.

Katz indicated that Israel would respond to any such kidnapping by again using the type of large-scale military tactics employed during the Gaza war, when residents were ordered out of combat zones before Israeli forces moved in against Hamas positions.

The threat comes as Israel continues to control roughly 60 percent of the Gaza Strip and maintains forces along the so-called Yellow Line separating Israeli-held territory from areas under Hamas control. Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said earlier this month that Israel has no intention of withdrawing from the territory it currently holds.

Katz also reiterated Tuesday that Israel would not carry out further withdrawals from its current positions in Gaza unless Hamas is completely disarmed. He rejected the prospect of incremental Israeli pullbacks while Hamas retains weapons and an organized military presence.

The warning follows repeated statements from Katz in recent weeks that Israel is prepared to resume a major military campaign if Hamas does not disarm. Last week, he said the IDF was prepared, upon receiving orders, to “finish the job” against Hamas and move forward with plans intended to facilitate Palestinian emigration from Gaza.

Katz has said Israel views the disarmament of Hamas as a fundamental condition for any lasting arrangement in Gaza. He has also maintained that the October 2025 ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump had enormous value for Israel because it facilitated the return of the remaining hostages and included a commitment to the goal of disarming Hamas.

The defense minister’s latest warning comes nearly three years after the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre, during which Hamas-led terrorists murdered approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted 251 people into Gaza. The mass hostage-taking became one of the defining elements of the ensuing war and led to numerous hostage-release agreements and IDF rescue operations.

Israel’s men’s and women’s national chess teams accepted automatic 4-0 defeats at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Monday after declining to compete on Yom Kippur, despite earlier efforts to have their matches rescheduled so the players could observe the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

The Israeli teams had gotten off to strong starts at the international competition before the scheduling dispute resulted in the men forfeiting their match against the Netherlands and the women forfeiting against Bulgaria.

The Israel Chess Federation had already contacted FIDE, the International Chess Federation, in January after discovering that the Olympiad schedule would conflict with Yom Kippur.

According to the Israeli federation, FIDE agreed in writing that Israel’s matches on Erev Yom Kippur would be moved earlier so they could conclude before the start of the fast, while matches scheduled for Yom Kippur itself would be postponed until after the fast had ended.

That agreement, however, was not formally incorporated into the tournament regulations. Instead, changes to Israel’s match times were left dependent upon arrangements with whichever national teams Israel was ultimately drawn to face.

A day earlier, Colombia and Singapore agreed to begin their respective matches against Israel earlier, allowing the Israeli players to compete without interfering with their Yom Kippur observance. On Monday, however, no such arrangement was reached for Israel’s matches against the Netherlands and Bulgaria. With the Israeli players refusing to compete on Yom Kippur, FIDE recorded 4-0 forfeits against both Israeli teams.

“We are very angry that FIDE did not honor the commitments it made,” said Israel Chess Federation chairman Dr. Zvika Barkai. “Instead of putting it into the tournament regulations, they planned to speak with the teams we would be drawn against because they did not want to create discussion and attention around the event. In practice, they did almost nothing, and we are very angry with them over this.”

“The Singaporeans and Colombians displayed sportsmanship and agreed to move the matches earlier. We are extremely grateful to them, and we will know how to repay them for the sporting gesture,” he said.

The situation was different when Monday’s matches against the Netherlands in the men’s competition and Bulgaria in the women’s competition approached. According to the Israeli federation, the Dutch team was prepared to move its match to another time, but the proposed change was not approved, while the Bulgarian team opposed changing the scheduled time.

“FIDE did not require them to abide by what had been agreed with us in advance and caused us significant damage,” said Israel Chess Federation CEO Gil Boruchovsky. “FIDE did nothing to minimize the damage it caused. They could at least have tried to prevent a 4-0 result from being recorded, which will hurt us badly in the rankings going forward. We will consider our next steps — this will not pass quietly.”

Israeli chess officials stressed that both national teams entered the Olympiad in strong form and had performed well enough before the forfeitures to remain in contention for a high finish.

“The Israeli teams have performed very well thus far at the Olympiad and will continue fighting with all their strength and ability to finish around 15th place,” the federation said.

Barkai said Israeli officials recognize the logistical complications involved in adjusting an international tournament schedule around Yom Kippur, but argued that FIDE should nevertheless have followed through on the arrangements previously made with the Israeli federation.

“We understand the difficulty involved in allowing exceptions for us because of the restrictions of Yom Kippur. We hold up the sporting conduct of the Singaporeans and Colombians as an example and look with great disappointment at the response of the Dutch and Bulgarian federations,” he said. “The relationship between the Israeli federation and FIDE has been excellent and effective over the years. Precisely because of that, we expected much more from FIDE — to be a responsible body that honors the agreements made with us — and we were disappointed.”

The Israel Chess Federation is now considering possible legal action over the episode.

“After the Olympiad, we will consider our next steps,” federation officials said. Israeli officials are expected to seek compensation from FIDE for what they contend was the damage caused to the teams by the two automatic defeats.

Despite the controversy, the Israeli federation said it intends to maintain a welcoming approach toward the international chess community. In November, Israel is scheduled to host the Jerusalem Open, and chess players from around the world are being invited to participate. Organizers expect the tournament to draw approximately 450 players representing dozens of countries.

{Matzav.com}

An atmosphere of extraordinary awe and hisorerus filled the home of Grodno Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yitzchok Hacker on Yom Kippur, as the Rosh Yeshiva, who has been in very serious condition, remained at home for all of the day’s tefillos, davening with a small minyan of family members and close talmidim.

Despite his weakened condition, in the days preceding Yom Kippur the Rosh Yeshiva was still able to deliver a special shmuess of chizuk to the older bochurim of the yeshiva.

The tefillos in the Rosh Yeshiva’s home followed precisely the traditional nusach of Yeshivas Grodno, including the familiar niggunim and piyutim established over the years by the baal tefillah, R’ Ephraim Piontek. Talmidim and alumni of the yeshiva approached the amud with awe and trepidation. Rav Yechiel Wilansky served as baal tefillah for Mussaf, while Rav Avraham Yitzchok Shoymer, a grandson of the renowned baal tefillah Rav Tzvi Eisenstein zt”l, led Neilah.

A number of particularly moving moments took place over the course of the day. At Kol Nidrei, the Rosh Yeshiva himself held a Sefer Torah, with his son, R’ Yosef Shlomo, who serves as rosh hakibbutz in the yeshiva, standing alongside him.

During Krias HaTorah on Yom Kippur morning, Rav Hacker received shlishi. Following his aliyah, the Rosh Yeshiva requested that a special Mi Shebeirach be recited for his longtime friend and partner in leading the yeshiva, Rav Tzvi Drabkin.

Later in the day, for Maftir Yonah, the Rosh Yeshiva honored his close talmid, R’ Shmuel Vanderwalde, as an expression of hakaras hatov for the extensive assistance he has provided in recent years with registration for the incoming Shiur Alef.

Yom Kippur reached its emotional climax with Neilah, which was conducted in an atmosphere of tremendous intensity. Despite his condition, the Rosh Yeshiva’s voice could be heard clearly throughout the home as he poured out his heart in tefillah and tachanunim for the yeshuah of Klal Yisroel.

As the holy day came to an end, the shofar was sounded by the Rosh Yeshiva’s son, R’ Yosef Shlomo, bringing to a close an unforgettable Yom Kippur in the home of the Grodno Rosh Yeshiva.

{Matzav.com}

The community of Beitar Illit was plunged into mourning following Yom Kippur with the sudden petirah of Rav Avraham Yitzchok Reiner zt”l, a distinguished member of the Masmidim community, who was niftar at the age of 63. In a particularly poignant twist, Rav Reiner passed away at approximately 5:50 p.m., during the very hour of Neilah — the tefillah for which he had served as the community’s longtime baal tefillah for decades.

Rav Avraham Yitzchok was born on 8 Av 5723 to his father, Rav Eliyahu Reiner zt”l. Upon reaching marriageable age, he married the daughter of Rav Shlomo Rubin zt”l. Together, they built a beautiful Torah family, and Rav Reiner merited to see all seven of his children married during his lifetime.

For many years, Rav Reiner devoted himself to harbotzas haTorah and chinuch. He served as a melamed in the preparatory division for yeshiva at Talmud Torah Kaminetz, while also spending many years immersed in Torah learning in kollelim.

Rav Reiner was also widely known for his expertise in the painstaking preparation of matzos, serving as a highly regarded redler. His expertise earned the confidence of Rav Avraham Yehoshua Soloveitchik, and he became a trusted figure among members of the Brisker community in matters relating to matzah production.

Another lesser-known aspect of Rav Reiner’s Torah accomplishments dated back approximately four decades, when he authored one of the early works devoted to explaining the Hoshanos recited during Sukkos. His work preceded the many publications on the subject that appeared in subsequent years.

Those who knew Rav Reiner described him as an exceptionally pleasant and gracious person, devoted to Hashem and beloved by those around him. He was known for greeting others warmly and radiating kindness to everyone he encountered.

During the past year, Rav Reiner had been suffering from an infection that developed following surgery.

For approximately the last two decades, one of the most familiar and moving features of Yom Kippur in the Masmidim community of Beitar Illit was Rav Reiner standing before the amud for Neilah. Year after year, as the holiest day reached its final and most intense moments, his voice accompanied the kehillah through the closing tefillah of Yom Kippur.

This year, however, Rav Reiner did not stand before the amud. Instead, at approximately 5:50 p.m., during Neilah itself, the longtime baal tefillah returned his neshamah to its Creator — at the very hour in which, for so many years, he had led his fellow mispallelim in the final, stirring tefillos of the Yom HaKadosh.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

The Federal Aviation Administration on Monday launched a new artificial intelligence-powered system at the three major airports serving the Washington, D.C., region, marking the first operational deployment of technology officials hope will eventually reduce flight delays and improve management of U.S. airspace.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has spent months promoting the new technology as one piece of the administration’s effort to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said Monday that the Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories system, known as SMART, would provide controllers with “much better decision-making capabilities.”

Both Bedford and Duffy stressed that SMART is intended to assist air traffic personnel rather than take over their jobs. Under the FAA’s system, recommendations generated by SMART are reviewed by agency personnel, who retain authority over whether to act on them.

“There is a lot of conversation about AI and who is controlling the airspace,” Duffy said during a press conference marking the SMART launch, which will be used at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport. “It’s always going to be a human that manages the airspace in America.”

Bedford said he demonstrated the technology for airline CEOs “a few weeks ago,” and that what they saw “opened their eyes about the inefficiencies in the airspace and how much work we’re our controllers to … have to sort out.”

The launch of the advanced AI system came on the same day the FAA found itself grappling with a much older problem: failures involving the aging infrastructure that underpins the country’s air traffic control network.

An equipment failure at an FAA facility in Philadelphia caused major disruptions across the Northeast on Monday. Ground stops and lengthy delays affected Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports after a primary communications circuit failed and officials discovered that a backup fiber-optic line had also been severed.

Bedford said the damaged fiber line represented a “massive” break caused by construction activity between New Brunswick and Newark, New Jersey. Officials initially estimated that repairs could take approximately 13 hours.

Duffy said the fiber had been accidentally cut during construction. The damaged telecommunications lines were eventually repaired, allowing airport operations across the region to begin returning to normal later Monday, though substantial delays remained.

The debut of SMART followed reports that some airline officials initially had reservations about adopting the technology. Subsequent meetings between FAA officials and airline executives, including a September 10 session involving Bedford and airline CEOs, helped address some of those concerns.

During a demonstration at the Transportation Department, Bedford explained that SMART will pull together real-time information to help controllers make better decisions about the movement of aircraft. The FAA says the platform centralizes approximately 200 streams of information, including weather conditions, flight paths, traffic patterns and controller staffing data.

One problem the system is designed to address involves rapidly changing weather. Aircraft can sometimes remain on the ground waiting for action while controllers simultaneously handle dozens of other flights. SMART is intended to analyze changing conditions and provide information that allows decisions to be made earlier.

Bedford said the technology could shorten departure and arrival delays in those situations. It can also identify instances in which multiple aircraft heading to the same airport are projected to arrive at approximately the same time and recommend small changes to their trajectories so their arrivals are better spaced.

“We think we can use better predictive analytics, and we can use the better understanding of how weather is evolving, … and we can make much better airspace decisions,” he said.

Duffy said travelers should begin noticing the effects of the new technology as its use expands, although the benefits will not appear immediately. Officials are looking toward next summer for more visible improvements as SMART is introduced more broadly across the aviation system.

The Washington-area launch will initially serve as a testing period for the technology before the FAA expands SMART to additional parts of the country. The agency says the system will continue operating alongside existing air traffic management technology, with human controllers remaining responsible for the safe separation and movement of aircraft.

Released hostage Rom Braslavski shared a deeply personal message ahead of Yom Kippur, writing about his decision to fast despite receiving a heter from a rav, and describing how his anger toward Hashem following his ordeal in captivity ultimately gave way to renewed emunah.

“Despite the permission I received from the rabbi, this year and every year I will fast on Yom Kippur and afflict my soul,” Braslavski wrote. “May you have an easy and meaningful fast and be sealed for a good year.”

One person responded by asking Braslavski a piercing question: After everything he endured during his captivity, how could he not harbor anger toward Hashem?

Braslavski acknowledged that anger had indeed been part of his struggle.

“At first, there was a great deal of anger. And for that I ask forgiveness. Who are we to be angry at the King of the World???” he responded.

His comments followed an emotional message Braslavski posted on Erev Yom Kippur after visiting the Kosel, where he reflected at length on his captivity, his faith and the moments during his ordeal when he felt himself faltering.

“Forgive me, HaKadosh Boruch Hu,” he began.

“Father in Heaven, I came all the way to the Kosel in our beautiful land to tell You I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I didn’t do more at Nova, I’m sorry for all the times in captivity when I broke down, when I doubted, when I lost faith.”

Braslavski continued by asking forgiveness for what he viewed as moments of weakness during his captivity.

“I’m sorry for all the times I allowed the feeling of humiliation to hurt me. I’m sorry for all the times I didn’t stand strong against the terrorists. For every time I fainted, for every time I cried.”

At the same time, Braslavski described an underlying conviction that remained with him throughout his captivity: that Hashem would ultimately bring him home.

“I always knew in captivity that You would save me. I always knew You would not let me remain in Gaza. I felt You with me in Gaza day after day, hour after hour.”

He described his ordeal as a profound test of emunah, comparing what he experienced to the nisayon of Avraham Avinu at the Akeidah.

“You tested me, HaKadosh Boruch Hu, You tested my faith, as You did Avraham Avinu at the Akeidah, and I feel that I passed it. I am proud that I am Your son.”

Braslavski also revealed that his captors attempted to pressure him into converting to Islam, but said that he refused to give in.

“Every time they tried to convert me to Islam, I did not give in to their pressure. Even in captivity, I always knew that a Father would not abandon His children.”

In perhaps the most striking portion of his message, Braslavski expressed gratitude even for the ordeal itself, saying that what he endured had transformed the way he sees his life and his relationship with Hashem.

“Father, I thank You for causing human animals, terrorists, to kidnap me. Thank You for opening my eyes. Thank You for all the times You saved me from death. You were there with me, and for that I thank You, Hashem Yisborach.”

Braslavski concluded by contrasting where he had been on the previous Yom Kippur with where he stood this year.

“A year ago, on the last Yom Kippur, I was a prisoner of Zion in Deir al-Balah. And today I am free at the Kosel.”

He then described looking toward Har Habayis as he made his way to the Kosel.

“On the way to the Kosel, I saw the Al-Aqsa Mosque. With Hashem’s help, Father in Heaven, You will return that to us as well.”

Braslavski ended his message with a final expression of gratitude for his freedom:

“Thank You, Hashem Yisborach, for redeeming me from the house of bondage.”

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani renewed his sharp criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu on Monday, again calling him a “war criminal” as the Israeli leader prepares to arrive in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

Speaking in a CNN interview, Mamdani stood by his longstanding accusations against Netanyahu, maintaining his position despite acknowledging earlier this summer that New York City does not have the legal authority to carry out the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister. CNN reported ahead of Netanyahu’s visit that Mamdani continues to regard him as a war criminal, even after backing away from his earlier pledge that the NYPD would arrest Netanyahu upon his arrival in the city.

Mamdani has repeatedly used even stronger language in discussing the Israeli leader. In July, after city lawyers reviewed the question of whether New York could act on the ICC warrant, Mamdani declared, “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.”

He also argued at the time that Netanyahu should face legal proceedings over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

“There is a reason the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest,” Mamdani said. “As human beings, we have spent generations building a shared understanding that there are crimes so grave they offend all of humanity. Anyone, with their eyes, with their heart, with their conscience, should recognize the devastation he has wrought and understand that he belongs before a court of law.”

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and then-Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with the Gaza war. Netanyahu and Gallant rejected the allegations, while Israel disputed the court’s jurisdiction and denounced the warrants. The ICC allegations remain charges, not convictions.

Mamdani had pledged while campaigning for mayor that Netanyahu would be arrested if he entered New York City. After taking office, however, his administration conducted a legal review and concluded that the city lacked independent authority to enforce an ICC warrant.

“It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant,” Mamdani said in July. “The federal government, however, does, and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant.”

He nevertheless made clear that the legal determination had not changed his personal position toward the Israeli leader.

“And I want to be equally clear: Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large.”

The United States is not a member of the ICC, and President Donald Trump has rejected the prospect of Netanyahu being arrested on American soil. The Trump administration has also moved against the court over its actions involving Israel and the United States, including preparing broader sanctions targeting the ICC.

Netanyahu, for his part, has made clear that Mamdani’s position will not prevent him from traveling to New York for the General Assembly. The Israeli prime minister has previously accused Mamdani of “fomenting hate” through his rhetoric and has rejected the mayor’s allegations concerning the Gaza war.

The dispute is particularly significant because Netanyahu is due in New York during one of the city’s most security-intensive weeks of the year. CNN reported Sunday that Mamdani does not intend to participate in the demonstrations expected during Netanyahu’s visit, while saying that protesters have the right to demonstrate.

The mayor’s renewed criticism came the same day he hosted President Trump at Gracie Mansion for a cordial meeting focused primarily on New York City issues, including affordability and development. Despite their extensive political disagreements, Trump and Mamdani appeared together afterward and emphasized areas in which the federal and city governments could cooperate.

Mamdani’s position on Netanyahu stands in particularly stark contrast to Trump’s. The President has remained a strong supporter of the Israeli prime minister and has rejected efforts to subject Netanyahu to ICC jurisdiction. Mamdani, meanwhile, has continued to insist that the Israeli leader should ultimately face the international court.

The legal picture, however, remains unchanged: whatever Mamdani’s views of Netanyahu, New York City has concluded that the mayor and NYPD do not possess independent authority to execute the ICC warrant.

Netanyahu is expected to address the U.N. General Assembly during his New York visit, where the wars involving Israel and the broader Middle East are expected to be among the major subjects confronting world leaders this week.

{Matzav.com}

Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive in the United States on Wednesday for a three-day state visit that will include meetings with President Donald Trump, with trade, technology, artificial intelligence and other major points of friction between Washington and Beijing expected to feature prominently in their discussions. China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Xi will be in the United States from September 23 through September 25 at Trump’s invitation.

Trump extended the invitation during his own state visit to China in May, as the two governments sought to stabilize relations following years of disputes involving trade, technology, intellectual property, Taiwan and other issues. Economic matters, including rare-earth minerals and advanced technology, are expected to be among the subjects addressed during this week’s talks.

China’s government said Xi is expected to have “an in-depth exchange of views on major issues concerning China-U.S. relations and world peace and development.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, speaking at his regular briefing Monday, emphasized the importance Beijing places on direct engagement between the two leaders but provided few specifics about the substance of the upcoming talks.

“Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to China-U.S. relations,” Guo said, according to a Foreign Ministry translation of his statements. “The exchange of visits by the two presidents within the span of half a year will mark a milestone of historic significance.”

“China will work with the United States to enrich the dimensions of the China-U.S. constructive relationship of strategic stability, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, and properly manage differences, so as to deliver greater benefits to our two peoples and further contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity,” he promised.

The trip will mark Xi’s first formal state visit to the United States in more than a decade. His last was in 2015, although he traveled to California in 2023 for talks with then-President Joe Biden. This week’s visit is expected to include the ceremonial events traditionally associated with a state visit, including a formal White House welcome and state dinner.

Technology is expected to occupy a significant place on the agenda, particularly as the United States and China compete over the development of artificial intelligence and advanced computing. The two countries have also faced disagreements over technology exports and access to sophisticated semiconductors.

Leading American technology executives are expected to be among the guests during Xi’s visit, while reports have indicated that Beijing has considered including prominent Chinese business executives in its delegation.

Trade will also be a central subject. Washington and Beijing have been working through disputes involving tariffs, agricultural purchases, supply chains and other commercial issues, while both governments have sought to prevent those disagreements from developing into another broader trade confrontation.

Xi’s visit comes as China and the United States remain divided over several international issues in addition to their economic competition. Those include Taiwan and the conflicts involving Iran, as well as Beijing’s relationship with Russia. Despite those disagreements, both governments have emphasized maintaining regular high-level communications.

President Trump is expected to personally welcome Xi when the Chinese leader arrives in the Washington area. A senior U.S. official said Trump plans to greet Xi at Joint Base Andrews, an unusual gesture for an American president welcoming a visiting foreign leader.

The reception will follow Trump’s May trip to Beijing, where Chinese authorities staged an elaborate welcome for the American president before Trump and Xi held talks at the Great Hall of the People.

During that visit, the two leaders publicly emphasized the potential for cooperation between their countries. Xi said at the time, “The people of China and the United States are both great peoples. Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand,” Xi said. “We can help each other succeed and advance the well-being of the whole world.”

Xi is not expected to take part in this week’s United Nations General Assembly gathering in New York. Trump, meanwhile, is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Tuesday, before Xi arrives in the United States for the state visit.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump’s job approval has fallen to 29% in a new national American Research Group poll, while 68% of Americans disapprove of his performance, according to the survey released Monday. The same poll found an even lower rating for Trump’s handling of the economy, with 26% approving and 71% disapproving.

The survey, conducted September 16-20 among 1,100 adults nationwide, carries a theoretical margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. Because of that margin, the one-point decline in approval from August — when Trump stood at 30% approval and 66% disapproval — should not by itself be treated as a statistically significant change.

Still, the September result continues a longer decline in ARG’s polling series. Trump stood at 37% approval in September 2025, falling to 35% by the beginning of 2026, 34% in March, 32% in April and 30% throughout June, July and August before reaching 29% this month.

The 29% figure is also considerably lower than Trump’s standing in some other current national surveys, underscoring the importance of viewing an individual poll in the context of broader polling. For example, other recent national polling has placed Trump’s approval in the 30s and low 40s.

Among registered voters in the ARG survey, Trump’s overall approval was 30%, while 68% disapproved. The poll found substantial partisan differences: 65% of Republicans approved of Trump’s job performance and 34% disapproved; among Democrats, 1% approved and 98% disapproved. Independents registered 26% approval and 70% disapproval.

Economic sentiment was particularly negative in the survey. Just 26% of all adults approved of Trump’s handling of the economy, compared with 71% who disapproved. Among registered voters, the figures were 27% approval and 71% disapproval.

Trump’s economic approval in ARG’s polling has declined from 34% in September 2025 to 26% today. Among Republicans in the latest survey, 63% approved of his economic performance and 36% disapproved. Just 1% of Democrats approved, while independents gave Trump a 19% approval rating on the economy and 75% disapproval.

The survey found widespread pessimism about the direction of the economy. Only 5% of respondents said they believe the national economy is getting better, while 17% said it is remaining about the same and 72% said it is getting worse.

That pessimism extended even to respondents who otherwise approve of Trump. Among those giving the President positive marks for his overall job performance, 12% said the economy is improving, 32% said it is staying the same and 49% said it is getting worse. Among Trump disapprovers, 81% said economic conditions are deteriorating.

Expectations for the coming year were similarly downbeat. Six percent of Americans said they expect the national economy to be better a year from now, 17% predicted little change and 70% expected conditions to be worse.

Notably, among the 29% who approve of Trump’s overall job performance, 9% said they expect the economy to improve during the coming year, while 26% expect it to remain unchanged and 56% believe it will worsen.

That represents a major change within ARG’s group of Trump approvers compared with February 2025. At that time, 46% of respondents who approved of Trump expected the economy to improve during the following year, compared with 30% who expected it to worsen.

The survey also found that 67% of Americans believe the country is currently in a recession, while 19% said it is not and 14% were undecided. That question measures public perception rather than an official economic determination; recessions in the United States are conventionally dated by the National Bureau of Economic Research rather than by public polling.

Asked to rate current economic conditions, 8% described the national economy as excellent, very good or good. Another 86% placed it in one of the negative categories — bad, very bad or terrible — including 65% who selected “terrible.”

Respondents were also overwhelmingly negative about their own finances. Eighteen percent rated their household financial situation as excellent, very good or good, compared with 75% who rated it bad, very bad or terrible.

Just 3% said their household finances are currently improving, 20% said they are staying the same and 71% said they are getting worse.

The outlook for personal finances was virtually identical: 3% expected their household financial situation to be better a year from now, 20% expected it to be approximately the same and 71% predicted it would be worse.

Even among respondents who approve of Trump’s overall job performance, 56% said they expect their household financial situation to deteriorate during the next year. Five percent expected improvement and 34% anticipated little change.

The latest ARG numbers also show a significant difference from the same point during Trump’s first term. In September 2018, the pollster measured his overall job approval at 37%, with 59% disapproving. His economic approval at that time stood at 39%, compared with 55% disapproval.

The new poll arrives weeks before the November midterm elections, although presidential approval polling does not directly measure voter preferences in individual House and Senate races. The ARG results also represent one pollster’s measurement at one point in time, and other contemporary surveys have produced materially different estimates of Trump’s national approval.

American Research Group said its September survey consisted of 1,100 completed interviews with a random sample of adults 18 and older living in households in the continental United States. The sample included 312 Republicans, 328 Democrats, 361 independents and 99 non-voters, with interviews conducted from September 16 through September 20.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Monday that he was holding meetings on the continuing conflict with Iran, reiterating that Tehran will not be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that it is prepared to expand the fighting and deploy new weapons if the conflict escalates.

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, Trump said, “They’re not gonna have a nuclear weapon. Let me just put it that way,” adding, “And they’re not doing well. In fact, I have meetings on it today.”

Trump’s remarks came as Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesman for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that Tehran considers the conflict ongoing and is prepared to alter its approach if fighting with the United States intensifies.

Trump on Iran:

They’re not doing well. In fact, I have meetings on it today. They are doing very poorly. pic.twitter.com/8gXmE3DY3m

— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 21, 2026

“The war is not over,” Mohebbi said in a statement carried by Iranian state media. “We will certainly change the geography of the war,” he said, adding, “We will certainly bring new weapons with new capabilities into the battle.” Mohebbi said the Revolutionary Guard has prepared itself for a prolonged conflict.

The Iranian spokesman also indicated that Tehran could broaden the range of locations it attacks. “Our targets will no longer necessarily be the same as before,” he said, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, while claiming that Iran has additional targets that it has not yet struck.

Trump has been considering the next steps in the U.S. campaign against Tehran, with possible courses of action including additional military operations, continued economic pressure and efforts to reach an agreement with the Iranian government.

During an interview with Axios last week, Trump described the possibility of another major round of strikes against Iran as a consequential decision. “I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate [the Iranian regime] or do I not? It’s a big decision. Anything could happen with me,” he said.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, has said that his government does not seek another war but will not submit to outside pressure or intimidation. He has also said Tehran intends to honor its existing agreements despite its deep distrust of its adversaries.

“We do not want war and conflict and consider them harmful not only to the people of our country but to the world. At the same time, we will in no way yield to force and bullying,” Pezeshkian said, according to Iran International.

Pezeshkian has also argued that Iran should remain receptive to diplomatic efforts, saying negotiations could help provide security while cautioning that Tehran believes its adversaries could attempt to exploit negotiations against it.

“We have no trust whatsoever in the enemy, but we remain committed to our agreements,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Yom Kippur was marked by an atmosphere of extraordinary awe and emotion in the home of the Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva, Hagaon Rav Dov Landau, where the senior Rosh Yeshiva poured out his heart in tefillah for Klal Yisroel and davened throughout the day surrounded by family members and close talmidim.

Before the Rosh Yeshiva wrapped himself in his tallis for Kol Nidrei, an emotional scene unfolded in his home. Tens of thousands of names of donors to tzedakah funds, representing Yidden seeking yeshuos, had been placed on his table. Rav Landau was visibly moved by the enormous number of names and davened with tears for the klal and for each individual, asking that their judgment be sealed for good and that they be inscribed in the Book of Life and Peace.

At the onset of Yom Kippur, Rav Landau entered the bais medrash of Yeshivas Slabodka. In a stirring scene, he held a Sefer Torah alongside the Rosh Yeshiva, Hagaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, as the many talmidim of the yeshiva looked on with reverence at the two senior gedolei Torah.

Rav Landau subsequently returned to his home, where Maariv was held with a small minyan consisting of family members and close talmidim. His grandson, Rav Menachem Landau, one of the heads of Yeshivas Slabodka L’Tzeirim, served as shliach tzibbur, leading the tefillah with great emotion.

Shacharis on Yom Kippur morning began in Rav Landau’s home at netz hachamah. His talmid, Rav Meir Blum, mashgiach at Yeshivas Mishkan HaTorah L’Tzeirim, led the tefillah.

During Krias HaTorah, Rav Landau received shlishi. Following the aliyah, a special Mi Shebeirach was recited for the success, yeshuah and protection of Klal Yisroel, both in Eretz Yisroel and throughout the world. Mussaf, including the stirring Seder HaAvodah recounting the service of the Kohen Gadol, was led by Rav Landau’s talmid, Rav Moshe Rabinowitz.

The Mincha davening in Rav Landau’s home carried with it a special sense of tradition and remembrance. Rav Eliezer Fisher, son of Rav Shalom Fisher zt”l, the legendary longtime secretary of Yeshivas Slabodka, went to the amud. For those present, the sight was particularly moving, as his father had served as shliach tzibbur for Mincha each Yom Kippur in the yeshiva’s heichal.

As Yom Kippur drew to its climax with Neilah, Rav Landau once again made his way to the bais medrash of Yeshivas Slabodka, where he stood together with hundreds of talmidim during the final moments of the holy day.

The cries of “Shema Yisroel” and “Hashem Hu HaElokim” reverberated through the heichal. Then, following the final blast of the shofar, the assembled talmidim erupted in a powerful rendition of “L’shanah haba’ah b’Yerushalayim habenuyah,” bringing an unforgettable Yom Kippur in Slabodka to a close.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and his family spent the opening hours of Yom Kippur davening at a private minyan in the Rechavia home of philanthropist R’ Moti Sonnenfeld, rather than at the nearby Yad Tamar shul, despite reports that security officials had constructed a special passageway between Netanyahu’s residence and the shul.

The Shin Bet and the security division of the Prime Minister’s Office constructed what was described as a “secret tunnel” shortly before Yom Kippur. The secured passage, reportedly between 15 and 20 meters long, connected the prime minister’s residence at 35 Gaza Street in Yerushalayim with the Yad Tamar shul on HaAri Street in Rechavia.

According to sources, the passage was built so that Netanyahu could walk securely from his residence to the shul to participate in the Yom Kippur tefillos. Air conditioning was reportedly installed in the passage as well. In the end, however, Netanyahu did not daven at Yad Tamar.

Matzav learned that Netanyahu instead joined a minyan at the Rechavia home of R’ Moti Sonnenfeld together with his wife, Sara, and their sons, Yair and Avner.

The Netanyahu family attended Kol Nidrei and Maariv.

The private minyan consisted of approximately 30 mispallelim, all of whom had received prior Shin Bet security clearance. Netanyahu davened alongside his sons, Yair and Avner, while Sara Netanyahu sat in the ezras nashim.

At the conclusion of the tefillah, Netanyahu thanked those who had joined the minyan.

{Matzav.com}

Ben Gurion Airport reopened Monday night following its annual Yom Kippur shutdown, bringing Israel’s main international gateway back to life after more than 32 hours without regular arrivals or departures.

Israel’s airspace began reopening after the conclusion of the 25-hour fast Monday evening, with the first international arrival at Ben Gurion scheduled for 10:30 p.m. and the first departing international flight set to take off at 11:30 p.m.

The reopening followed the nearly complete suspension of Israeli aviation for Yom Kippur, an annual occurrence during which commercial air traffic, public transportation and many other services throughout the country come to a halt.

Operations at Ben Gurion had wound down Sunday afternoon ahead of the start of Yom Kippur. At Terminal 1, the final departure took off at 1 p.m., followed by the last domestic arrival at 1:10 p.m.

Terminal 3 remained active for slightly longer. Its final international arrival and departure were scheduled for 1:55 p.m. Sunday, after which regular flight operations ceased for the duration of Yom Kippur.

The airport remained largely silent until Monday night, when international operations began restarting at Terminal 3. The first arriving flight was scheduled for 10:30 p.m., followed one hour later by the first outbound flight at 11:30 p.m.

Terminal 1 is reopening somewhat later. According to the Israel Airports Authority’s Yom Kippur schedule, both its international and domestic operations are set to resume at 2 a.m. Tuesday.

The return of flights at Ben Gurion is part of a broader reopening across Israel following Yom Kippur. Bus service began resuming Monday night, while Israel Railways service is scheduled to restart Tuesday.

Other Israeli airports are following a different timetable. Ramon Airport near Eilat, where aviation activity ended at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, is scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Haifa Airport, whose last arrival took place at 2 p.m. Sunday, is likewise expected to resume operations at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Israel’s land crossings also shut down or operated on restricted schedules for Yom Kippur. The Begin Crossing at Taba was scheduled to reopen at 10 p.m. Monday, while several other crossings return to their normal schedules Tuesday.

The Yom Kippur shutdown was planned in advance and was not related to a security incident or technical problem. Israel routinely suspends virtually all commercial aviation during the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, leaving the normally bustling Ben Gurion Airport almost completely dormant.

With Yom Kippur now over, passengers are being advised to confirm their flight schedules and terminal information directly with their airlines as the airport moves from the holiday shutdown back to regular operations. The Israel Airports Authority has also reminded travelers that some airlines operate from both Terminals 1 and 3, making it important to verify the correct terminal before traveling to the airport.

The reopening comes during an especially busy period for international travel, with the conclusion of Yom Kippur followed shortly by Sukkos and the heavy passenger traffic traditionally associated with the Yom Tov season.

{Matzav.com}

Matzav.com regrets to inform you of the petirah of Rabbi Yeruchem Septimus z”l, a longtime mechanech who devoted many years to chinuch habanos as principal of Bais Kaila High School in Lakewood, NJ. He was 79 years old.

Rabbi Septimus was niftar on Motzoei Yom Kippur following a prolonged illness.

For many years, Rabbi Septimus served as principal of Bais Kaila, where his life was bound up with the education and development of generations of talmidos. In his role at the school, he carried the responsibility of helping guide young women during some of the most formative years of their lives, working alongside the school’s mechanchos and administration in maintaining the standards and values upon which the mosad was built.

Rabbi Septimus was a dedicated educator who understood that chinuch extends far beyond the classroom. His position placed him at the center of the day-to-day life of the school, where he dealt with the countless details, challenges and responsibilities that accompany the education of bnos Yisroel.

Over the course of his years in chinuch, Rabbi Septimus earned the respect of colleagues, parents and students alike. His many years at Bais Kaila represented a sustained commitment to the community and to the sacred work of educating another generation.

Rabbi Septimus is survived by his family, including his sons, R’ Dov Septimus, R’ Yaakov Eliyahu Septimus, R’ Shmuel Septimus and R’ Chaim Tzvi Septimus, as well as his extended family and the generations of students whose lives he touched during his decades in education.

The levayah will take place Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Sons of Israel Memorial Chapel, located at 613 Ramsey Avenue in Lakewood.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}