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The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross has acknowledged that more aggressive efforts to secure an agreement for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas could have saved additional lives, an admission that comes after years of criticism over the humanitarian organization’s failure to obtain access to the captives.

Mirjana Spoljaric, who heads the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), made the comments in an interview with The New York Times published Saturday, reflecting on the prolonged negotiations that followed Hamas’s October 7, 2023, massacre and abduction of Israelis into Gaza.

Looking back at the diplomatic efforts to arrange a ceasefire and secure the hostages’ freedom, Spoljaric said she believed that “pressure should have come earlier in the negotiations”, adding, “We could have saved more lives.”

Her acknowledgment comes against the backdrop of repeated complaints from former hostages and their families, who have accused the Red Cross of failing to provide meaningful assistance to Israelis held in Hamas captivity, many of whom endured starvation, physical abuse and prolonged confinement in underground tunnels.

Spoljaric explained that securing freedom for abducted individuals becomes progressively more challenging as their captivity continues, making the timing of negotiations particularly important.

Referring to hostage crises generally, including the abductions carried out during the October 7 attacks, she observed that “the longer it takes, the more complicated it becomes,” she explained.

The Red Cross president was also questioned about the organization’s inability to visit the Israeli hostages while they were being held in Gaza, an issue that became a major source of anger among the families of those abducted.

In her response, Spoljaric argued that arranging humanitarian visits to people held hostage presents different obstacles from negotiating their eventual release.

She responded that “visiting hostages is much more complicated than bringing them back.”

Spoljaric stressed that Hamas should never have made the hostages’ freedom dependent upon negotiations or political concessions, maintaining that their release should have occurred immediately and without conditions.

According to her, the hostages “should have come back unconditionally as of Day 1. But that’s not the reality in which we operate, and so we have to work with the tools that we have.”

She also pointed to situations in which Red Cross employees themselves have been abducted, saying those experiences have reinforced the organization’s understanding of the urgency involved in resolving hostage crises.

“We know that also because our own colleagues find themselves more often than they should in such situations, and we know how important it is to negotiate them out as quickly as possible. So the objective always has to be to bring the hostages back.”

During the war, Spoljaric personally participated in sensitive diplomatic contacts aimed at facilitating an agreement, including separate meetings with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was subsequently eliminated by Israel.

Her discussions with Haniyeh were held in Qatar, which played a central role in mediation efforts involving Israel and Hamas.

Although she declined to disclose the substance of those conversations, Spoljaric maintained that Red Cross officials had spoken forcefully behind closed doors.

“These were tough discussions, and trust me, we are very frank in these meetings. This is why these meetings have to always remain confidential,” she told The Times.

The interview revisits a controversy that dogged the Red Cross throughout the Gaza war, as the organization repeatedly failed to secure direct access to the Israelis held by Hamas.

In December 2023, Spoljaric visited the Gaza Strip amid expectations that she would seek permission for Red Cross representatives to examine the condition of the hostages and facilitate humanitarian assistance.

Following the visit, however, she released a video lasting nearly two minutes that concentrated overwhelmingly on the humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza’s civilian population. The Israeli hostages received only a brief mention toward the end of the recording, prompting additional criticism of the organization’s priorities.

The controversy intensified in January 2024, when the Red Cross announced that it would not participate in delivering medications that had been brought into Gaza for Israeli hostages and would not verify whether the medicine ultimately reached those for whom it was intended.

The announcement raised further concerns among relatives of the captives, many of whom had serious medical conditions or required ongoing treatment, with families unable to determine whether their loved ones were receiving essential medications.

As additional hostages were released, firsthand accounts of their experiences brought renewed scrutiny to the Red Cross and other international humanitarian organizations.

Several survivors publicly questioned why they had received no visits or assistance from Red Cross personnel throughout their captivity, despite the organization’s internationally recognized role in providing humanitarian protection during armed conflicts.

Among the most outspoken critics was former hostage Eli Sharabi, who addressed the United Nations Security Council in March 2025 after surviving 491 days in Hamas captivity.

Sharabi described the brutal conditions in which he had been held and challenged the international community over its failure to intervene on behalf of the hostages.

“Where was the Red Cross when we needed them? Where was the United Nations? 491 days of torment. 491 days of starvation, of being chained underground. The civilians saw us suffering, and they cheered our kidnappers. They were definitely involved.”

Sharabi also reminded the Security Council that dozens of Israelis were still being held in Gaza at the time of his testimony, emphasizing that his own release did not bring an end to the crisis.

“I am here today because I survived. But survival is not enough. Not when 59 are still held captive in Hamas tunnels in Gaza. I was freed less than six weeks ago and I come here to the UN with a simple message. Bring them all home.”

Another former hostage, Ohad Ben Ami, delivered similarly forceful criticism during an address to the German Parliament that same month.

Ben Ami, who had also spent 491 days in captivity, said he had never encountered a Red Cross representative while being held by Hamas and questioned why the organization had still not obtained access to those who remained in Gaza.

“During the 491 days of my captivity, we didn’t see anyone [from the Red Cross]. Now, 536 days have passed, and no one from the Red Cross has seen them either! This is an international organization, and someone from it should see the 59 hostages still held in Gaza and report their condition to the world.”

Ben Ami also described the emotional torment caused by the complete absence of reliable information about the hostages’ physical condition, medical needs and chances of survival.

He recalled the psychological abuse inflicted by Hamas terrorists, who sought to convince their captives that Israel had abandoned them and that their lives depended entirely on the decisions of their captors.

“Are they alive? Are they dead? Do they need medicine? Are they being cared for? You’re down there [in the tunnels], and they subject you to psychological terror: ‘Your government doesn’t want you,’ ‘You’re nothing,’ ‘When we decide, you’ll die,’ ‘Your Israeli army wants you dead so they don’t have to pay the price of a deal.’ And in that situation, you have to maintain your mental health.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Katie Zacharia, his newly selected White House press secretary, officially begins her duties today, October 12, and will make her first appearance before reporters at a White House news conference Tuesday morning.

Zacharia, an attorney and communications professional who has worked for the Trump administration, the president’s political campaigns and Trump Media & Technology Group, succeeds Karoline Leavitt, who left the position at the end of August to devote more time to her family.

Trump confirmed the schedule in a social media announcement Sunday, specifying that Zacharia’s introductory briefing will take place in the White House Press Briefing Room at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

“I am pleased to announce that Katie Zacharia will be beginning her term as Press Secretary tomorrow, Columbus Day, and will be doing an introductory News Conference on Tuesday at 9:30 A.M. from the Press Briefing Room in the White House,” Trump wrote.

The president also expressed confidence in Zacharia’s ability to represent his administration and communicate its policies to the American public.

He added, “Katie has been with me, in spirit, from the very beginning, and will do a fantastic job!”

Sunday’s announcement followed Trump’s formal selection of Zacharia on Friday, when he revealed that she would be taking over one of the administration’s most visible communications positions.

In introducing his new press secretary, Trump emphasized her legal training, government communications experience, television appearances and participation in his presidential campaigns. He also praised her longstanding loyalty to his political agenda.

“It is my Great Honor to have just appointed, as Press Secretary, Katie Zacharia. Katie currently serves as Senior Communications Advisor to Truth Social (Trump Media & Technology Group), where she has been outstanding! A native of California, Katie previously served as Spokesperson and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. Katie is a distinguished Graduate of Pepperdine University, and the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, an attorney, and a frequent Commentator on outlets, including Fox News and Newsmax. She was previously involved in my Campaigns, assisting in key Swing States, where we won 7 out of 7. She has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning. She is, likewise, a devoted fan and member of MAGA! I am confident that Katie will deliver strong results for our Country as the next White House Press Secretary, as she has the respect of, and will work fantastically with, the Media, the American People, and my Administration. Katie is replacing the fabulous Karoline Leavitt, who did a fantastic job as Press Secretary. Good luck Katie!”

Before accepting the White House position, Zacharia served as a senior communications adviser to Truth Social, the social media platform owned by Trump Media & Technology Group. Her responsibilities placed her within the communications operation of a company closely associated with the president.

Originally from California, Zacharia earned degrees from Pepperdine University and its Caruso School of Law and is a practicing attorney. She has also established a public profile through appearances as a political analyst and commentator on Fox News and Newsmax.

Her previous government experience includes serving as a spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. She departed that agency in March before subsequently taking on her communications role with Trump Media.

Zacharia also worked on Trump’s presidential election efforts, including activities in politically competitive battleground states. Trump credited her with contributing to campaign operations in the seven swing states that he carried.

Her appointment marks another transition in the White House communications office following Leavitt’s departure, which Trump first disclosed in August.

At the time, Trump announced that Leavitt would be leaving her position at the end of that month, explaining that she wanted to spend additional time with her children and family.

The president spoke warmly of his departing spokeswoman, describing her as “one of my most trusted aides”, and saying she “will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!”

Leavitt is now expected to move into television commentary, with plans to begin appearing as an on-air contributor for Fox News Channel on November 1.

{Matzav.com}

Iran has declared that Washington’s response to its seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz falls short of its demands, raising fresh doubts about prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough as President Donald Trump considers the possibility of renewed military action against Tehran.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Sunday that the United States had agreed to certain Iranian demands but had failed to provide satisfactory answers on others. His comments, carried by Iranian state media, came as Qatar continued facilitating indirect communications between the two countries.

The disagreement centers on a proposal Tehran presented during the United Nations General Assembly in September. Under that proposal, Iran offered to restore normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, provided Washington agreed to seven conditions established by the Iranian government.

The United States subsequently communicated its position through Qatari intermediaries, but Iranian officials say the response left several important questions unresolved.

Rezaei insisted that Iran would maintain its restrictions on American access to the strategically important waterway until its requirements were fulfilled.

“We presented seven conditions to the Americans and clearly stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not be opened to them, and no negotiations would take place, until these conditions are met.”

According to Rezaei, the next diplomatic move must come from Washington, with Tehran awaiting clarification rather than preparing another round of proposals.

Iran is “no longer in the process of responding to the Americans”, Rezaei said.

“In their response, they have accepted some of our conditions, while others remain unclear,” he added.

The White House did not immediately provide a comment when contacted by Reuters regarding the Iranian official’s statements.

The latest developments follow Tehran’s disclosure in late September that it had received an American reply concerning efforts to restore the Gulf ceasefire that had previously collapsed.

That acknowledgment came only days after Trump publicly announced that he had turned down Iran’s proposed arrangement, underscoring the substantial differences that continue to separate the two governments.

Qatar, working alongside other regional mediators, has remained involved in transmitting proposals and responses between Washington and Tehran. Those diplomatic efforts are intended to establish a framework for ending the conflict and restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for international energy shipments.

Despite the ongoing exchanges, neither government has announced an agreement, and the dispute over Iran’s conditions remains unresolved.

At the same time, the Trump administration is weighing its military options while continuing to leave room for a negotiated resolution.

On Thursday, Trump announced that American forces would refrain from launching additional attacks against Iran ahead of the November 3 congressional midterm elections, providing a temporary period for diplomatic efforts to continue.

“We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The president nevertheless portrayed the Iranian government as being under considerable economic and military strain, making clear that the United States would maintain pressure on Tehran as negotiations continued.

Trump returned to the subject during an appearance at the White House on Friday, expressing confidence that the conflict would conclude in the near future.

He suggested that Washington possessed the means to bring the confrontation to an end either through a diplomatic agreement or through additional military action.

He added, “We can do it either way, but it’s very simple – one way or another it’s gonna be over soon.”

The president’s decision to hold off on further strikes until after the midterm elections has not prevented American defense officials from preparing for the possibility that negotiations will fail.

According to a report published Thursday by The New York Times, Pentagon planners have developed military options for another major offensive targeting Iranian military capabilities and infrastructure.

The potential targets reportedly include missile facilities, drone installations, energy infrastructure and other strategically significant sites connected to Iran’s military operations.

Individuals familiar with the planning said the proposals contemplate a concentrated offensive extending over approximately three days.

The reported preparations indicate that Washington is preserving the option of a substantial military response even as regional intermediaries continue their efforts to resolve the confrontation through negotiations.

A historic chapter in the Skverer community of New Square is drawing to a close, as the chassidus has formally sold its old main beis medrash in a special halachic ceremony ahead of its demolition, clearing the way for a massive new building project made possible by a $7.2 million pledge from prominent Lakewood philanthropist Mr. Nachum Rokeach.

The unusual sale took place on Friday at the home of Rav Yosef Yisrael Eisenberger, a dayan of the Skverer community, following extensive consultations among the community’s rabbonim and dayanim regarding the proper halachic procedure for demolishing a building that had served as a makom tefillah for generations.

The decision comes approximately two months after a portion of the old beis medrash collapsed, prompting an extensive structural investigation that ultimately determined that the aging building could no longer be safely occupied and would have to be demolished.

The building, which stood for decades at the heart of New Square, had been one of the most significant centers of Skverer communal life, hosting countless tefillos, simchos, and gatherings throughout the years.

The community had already completed its enormous new main beis medrash, which now accommodates the central tefillos and major events of the chassidus. The older structure, situated alongside the new building, continued to serve smaller minyanim, shtieblach, and brissim even after the primary activities were transferred to the newer facility.

However, the future of the historic building changed dramatically in early August, when a large section of its ceiling suddenly gave way. The collapse occurred in an area associated with the older ezras nashim and minyanim rooms, sending debris crashing onto the benches below.

B’chasdei Hashem, despite the seriousness of the collapse, nobody was injured. Hatzolah volunteers responded to the scene and conducted searches to ensure that no one had been trapped or hurt.

The building was immediately closed, and access was prohibited pending a thorough assessment of its structural condition.

Several weeks later, on August 24, architects, engineers, and structural specialists completed an extensive inspection and concluded that the building suffered from serious stability problems. Their findings left the community with no practical alternative to demolishing the entire structure.

Before the collapse, community leaders had contemplated converting the old beis medrash into a dedicated heichal hatishen, where the Skverer Rebbe would conduct his weekly tishen and other major gatherings. The structural findings forced those plans to be abandoned.

The project has since taken on a new direction, with plans for a large, purpose-built heichal hashulchanos designed to accommodate the thousands of chassidim who gather in New Square for Shabbos, Yom Tov, and major occasions in the Rebbe’s court.

A major breakthrough came on Simchas Torah, when Mr. Nachum Rokeach of Lakewood stunned the assembled chassidim by pledging $7.2 million toward construction of the new facility.

The extraordinary commitment was announced publicly in the packed Skverer beis medrash after Rokeach was called to the Torah for Chassan Maftir.

Following his aliyah, the gabbai, R’ Dovid Berger, recited a Mi Shebeirach and announced the enormous donation in the presence of the Skverer Rebbe and thousands of chassidim.

Earlier that Yom Tov, before hakafos, Rokeach had entered the Rebbe’s private room together with members of his family and R’ Shalom Ber Fishl, one of the leading communal askanim, to inform the Rebbe of his intention to undertake the extraordinary commitment.

The Rebbe warmly blessed the philanthropist and expressed his appreciation for the tremendous undertaking, which will enable the community to proceed with a project that had been under consideration as part of its long-term expansion plans.

Rokeach has been a major supporter of Skverer institutions and projects in communities around the world. Earlier this year, a new Skverer beis medrash building bearing his name was inaugurated in Beit Shemesh, with the participation of Rav Aharon Mendel Twersky, the eldest son of the Skverer Rebbe.

With funding for the New Square project now secured, attention turned to the complex halachic questions surrounding the removal of the existing building.

Unlike an ordinary structure, a beis medrash possesses a special kedushah under halacha, and its demolition requires careful consideration of the relevant provisions of Shulchan Aruch and the rulings of the poskim.

The Skverer Beis Din Tzedek therefore issued a special halachic letter explaining the need to arrange a formal sale of the building and its contents to an outside purchaser, as part of the process of removing its sanctified status before demolition.

The sale was arranged for Erev Shabbos Parshas Bereishis and was to be conducted in the presence of seven respected members of the community, along with residents who wished to witness the proceedings.

In preparation for the ceremony, Rav Eisenberger reviewed the matter with the community’s other rabbonim and dayanim to ensure that every aspect of the transaction would be carried out in accordance with halacha.

On Friday, the sale was formally conducted at Rav Eisenberger’s home, completing a significant halachic step toward the planned demolition.

The transaction was intended to address the special status of the building as a place designated for Torah and tefillah. The halachic requirements governing the sale and subsequent treatment of a beis medrash differ from those applicable to ordinary communal property, making the involvement of the community’s beis din particularly important.

Although the old structure is slated for removal, one historically significant portion of the site is expected to be preserved. Community askanim previously indicated that the private tefillah room used by the previous Skverer Rebbe, which has stood at the location for more than six decades, would not be affected by the demolition.

That room holds particular historical and spiritual importance for the chassidus, connecting the present generation with the earlier years of the Skverer community’s development in America.

The planned heichal hashulchanos is expected to provide substantially expanded accommodations for the Rebbe’s tishen, major communal gatherings, and simchos, reflecting the enormous growth of the chassidus and the increasing number of visitors who travel to New Square to spend Shabbosos and Yomim Tovim in the Rebbe’s presence.

According to the initial reports, construction of the new facility is expected to be completed within approximately one year, although the precise demolition and construction schedule has not yet been publicly confirmed.

For the thousands of Skverer chassidim who spent years davening and participating in gatherings within the old building, its impending demolition marks the end of a familiar landmark in the center of their community. The special sale ceremony now brings the community one step closer to replacing the aging structure with a new facility intended to serve the expanding chassidus for generations to come.

{Matzav.com}

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New York City’s controversial tax on luxury second homes is facing mounting legal and financial challenges after more than half of the 10,000 property owners who have applied for exemptions received approval, raising serious questions about whether Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration can collect the more than $500 million in annual revenue it originally projected.

Figures provided by the city’s Department of Finance show that, as of Friday morning, approximately 5,700 exemption applications had been approved. The number represents 57% of the applications submitted, although it does not establish that every remaining application has been denied, since some may still be awaiting a decision.

The development comes as property owners continue to challenge the new surcharge in court and submit applications to have their properties excluded from the tax.

When Mamdani and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled the measure, they presented it as a significant new source of revenue for the city. The tax targets luxury properties that are not used as their owners’ primary residences, including qualifying co-op apartments valued at more than $1 million and houses worth over $5 million.

City officials estimated that the measure would produce upwards of $500 million annually, money the administration has said would help finance municipal services and public priorities.

However, attorneys representing property owners argue that the city’s initial calculations may have substantially overstated the number of residences actually subject to the tax.

“I think the bigger fiscal question is whether the city’s $500 million revenue estimate was realistic in the first place,” said Ben Williams, an attorney with Rosenberg & Ellis who represents plaintiffs challenging the surcharge.

“Once primary residences are removed and overstated market values are challenged, we may find that the amount actually collectible is significantly less than projected,” he said.

The exemption figures are particularly significant because the tax is intended to apply to second homes rather than primary residences. Property owners who can establish that their homes qualify for an exemption may be able to avoid the surcharge altogether.

The administration is also confronting a series of lawsuits challenging the way the tax was introduced and questioning whether certain property owners are being treated unfairly.

One of the most consequential cases was brought on Staten Island by Randy Mastro, an attorney who previously served as first deputy mayor under Eric Adams.

The lawsuit challenged the city’s procedures for implementing the tax, including the notices sent to thousands of homeowners informing them that their properties could be subject to the new assessment.

A little more than a week ago, state Supreme Court Justice Wayne Ozzi ruled in Mastro’s favor, determining that the city would have to restart the implementation process.

The decision represented a potentially significant setback for the administration, which had already begun notifying property owners and processing applications under the new system.

According to the ruling, the city had prematurely mailed notices to approximately 17,000 homeowners who were initially identified as potentially subject to the surcharge.

City officials have since revised that estimate downward, indicating that the number of affected property owners is now believed to be between approximately 10,000 and 13,000.

The reduction has added to questions about the reliability of the administration’s original revenue projections, although the number of properties ultimately subject to the tax and the amount owed by each owner remain to be determined.

City Hall immediately appealed Ozzi’s ruling and obtained a stay of the order, allowing the administration to continue implementing and collecting the surcharge while the appeal proceeds.

As a result, the tax remains in effect for now, despite the lower court’s ruling against the city’s rollout procedures.

The legal challenges extend beyond the Staten Island case. Two additional lawsuits pending in Long Island courts argue that the surcharge unfairly discriminates against property owners who maintain their primary residences outside New York City.

Among the prominent property owners challenging the measure are casino billionaire Steve Wynn and former U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who have joined litigation questioning the constitutionality of the tax.

Another group of plaintiffs includes property owners who contend that the surcharge reaches beyond the extraordinarily wealthy individuals whom city officials originally identified as its intended targets.

Some homeowners have complained that they face substantial additional tax bills despite owning apartments that they purchased years ago or use only part of the year.

One plaintiff, Scott Golden, was reportedly assessed an additional $48,949 when selling his Upper West Side condominium. Another, Kent Barwick, faces more than $83,000 in additional taxes on a cooperative apartment he retains for part-time use.

The lawsuits also challenge the retroactive application of the surcharge to January 2026, even though the legislation authorizing the tax was enacted in May.

Real estate attorney Joshua Wurtzel, a partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan LLP, warned that the litigation could have consequences far beyond the exemption applications currently being processed.

“If the court’s decision ends up being upheld on appeal, which I think there’s probably at least a decent chance [of] that, then all of this kind of goes out the window,” Wurtzel said.

The financial uncertainty surrounding the tax was evident even before the latest wave of exemption approvals.

An April analysis by New York City Comptroller Mark Levine’s office concluded that the surcharge could potentially generate as much as $510 million annually. However, the report also cautioned that uncertainties involving the design and implementation of the tax could reduce collections to between $340 million and $380 million.

Those estimates preceded the latest exemption figures and legal developments, which have intensified questions about the amount the city can ultimately collect.

Despite the mounting challenges, the Mamdani administration has continued to defend both the surcharge and its original revenue expectations.

“We continue to be confident in that assessment of what the annual revenue will look like,” an administration representative told reporters at an unrelated August press conference.

The Finance Department has also maintained that the tax is intended to ensure that owners of expensive secondary residences help pay for essential city services.

A department representative said the surcharge requires such owners to “contribute their fair share toward schools, safer streets, and the services New Yorkers rely on. “

Officials have repeatedly extended the deadline for property owners to seek exemptions as litigation and questions about the program’s implementation have continued.

The deadline, previously set for October 6, has now been moved to October 13, marking the third extension.

“These meritless lawsuits have created a lot of unnecessary confusion,” a Finance Department representative said. “Nevertheless, the Administration remains fully committed to ensuring that New Yorkers have the time and information they need to apply, so we are extending the deadline for exemption applications to October 13.

“While this legal process moves forward, we will continue administering the surcharge fairly, efficiently and in full compliance with the law, as we have done from day one,” the representative said.

{Matzav.com}

A ZAKA representative in Ukraine has issued a detailed clarification concerning the mysterious death of R’ Yitzchok Elmakias z”l in Uman, stressing that he never determined the deceased was murdered and has no authoritative information establishing the cause of death.

Nachman Dickstein, ZAKA’s representative in Ukraine, released the statement following widespread discussion of a halachic ruling issued by Rav Chaim Yosef Dovid Weiss concerning whether the burial could be delayed to allow the circumstances surrounding Elmakias’ death to be investigated.

The case has generated considerable attention in Uman and beyond, particularly after reports suggested that the death was being treated as a possible murder and that rabbinic guidance had been sought to permit delaying the burial for a criminal investigation.

Dickstein said those reports had created a misleading impression of both his involvement and the nature of the halachic question presented to Rav Weiss.

According to Dickstein, the family had received information raising concerns that Elmakias might not have died of natural causes. Seeking to establish what had happened, the family retained an attorney and requested that the circumstances of the death be examined.

“Following information brought to the attention of the deceased’s family indicating concern that the death may not have been natural, the family requested clarification of the circumstances and retained the services of an attorney,” Dickstein explained.

He emphasized that the possibility of an unnatural death does not, by itself, establish that a murder occurred.

“An unnatural death does not necessarily indicate murder, and there are various possibilities about which no conclusions should be drawn before the professional examination is completed,” he said.

The clarification follows the publication of a halachic correspondence involving Rav Weiss, which prompted discussion about the permissibility of postponing burial when questions remain about the circumstances of a person’s death.

Under ordinary circumstances, halacha places great importance on bringing a deceased person to burial without unnecessary delay. However, unusual situations involving the need to establish the cause of death can raise complex questions requiring the guidance of a qualified halachic authority.

Dickstein explained that the question submitted to Rav Weiss concerned the halachic permissibility of delaying the burial at the family’s request so that the circumstances could be clarified.

It was not submitted on the assumption that a crime had definitely occurred, nor was it based on any established identification of a perpetrator.

“The honorable Rav’s response was given within the framework of the halachic discussion, and this clarification is in no way intended to change his words or challenge his ruling,” Dickstein stated.

He expressed regret that some of the coverage had presented the matter as though murder had already been established or suggested that he personally was conducting a criminal investigation.

Dickstein stressed that neither characterization was accurate.

With the family having obtained legal representation, he explained, responsibility for determining the circumstances of the death now rests exclusively with the appropriate authorities and the attorneys acting on the family’s behalf.

“I am not an investigative, medical, or legal authority, and I am not involved in managing the investigation. Our role is limited to assisting in preserving the dignity of the deceased and helping his family,” he said.

The case dates back to Rosh Hashanah, when ZAKA volunteers responded to a wooded area in Uman where a Jewish man had been found lifeless. The discovery prompted concern within the community, particularly given the large number of Jewish visitors who travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah.

As questions surrounding the death emerged, the family sought to determine whether further examination was necessary before burial could proceed.

The subsequent halachic ruling attracted attention because of the sensitive balance between the obligation to arrange a timely Jewish burial and the family’s desire to obtain reliable answers about the circumstances of the death.

Dickstein made clear that ZAKA’s role remains focused on assisting the deceased and his relatives, rather than determining criminal responsibility or drawing medical conclusions.

He said that once the required procedures are completed and the body is legally released, ZAKA personnel and other volunteers will be available to help the family arrange burial in accordance with halacha, wherever the family chooses.

The ZAKA representative concluded by appealing to news organizations and the public to exercise restraint when discussing the case, particularly while the circumstances remain unresolved.

He urged the media not to present suspicions as established facts or attribute conclusions to individuals who have not made them.

Dickstein also emphasized the importance of preserving the dignity of R’ Yitzchok Elmakias z”l and respecting his family’s right to receive clear, authoritative answers regarding his passing.

{Matzav.com}

A remarkable statement attributed to the Chazon Ish zt”l, that the tremendous ameilus baTorah of Rav Boruch Ber Leibowitz zt”l and Rav Shimon Shkop zt”l prevented Hitler, yemach shemo, from conquering Lithuania during their lifetimes, was shared by Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein during a wedding in which descendants of Rav Boruch Ber were celebrating a simcha.

Rav Zilberstein, rov of the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood of Bnei Brak and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, related the extraordinary account during the chuppah of the daughter of Rav Yisroel Meir Druck, rosh yeshiva of the Tiferes Yisroel yeshivos.

The wedding, held Thursday, celebrated the marriage of Rav Druck’s daughter to the chosson, Rav Yehoshua Malin, a grandson of Rav Isser Yehuda Malin, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Zichron Meir.

The chosson is also a brother of Rav Chaim Malin, a grandson and close confidant of Rav Zilberstein.

During his remarks beneath the chuppah, Rav Zilberstein focused on the family’s distinguished lineage, noting that the chosson and his family are descendants of Rav Boruch Ber Leibowitz, the legendary rosh yeshiva of Kamenitz and author of the Birkas Shmuel.

Rav Zilberstein then shared a statement he said he had heard directly from his brother-in-law, Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, who had received it from the Chazon Ish.

“I want to tell everyone here something very, very important,” Rav Zilberstein began. “My brother-in-law, the Sar HaTorah, Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, told me something, and I ask everyone to listen carefully to what I am about to relate.”

He then revealed the extraordinary statement.

“The Chazon Ish told him that as long as Rav Boruch Ber and Rav Shimon Shkop were alive, Hitler, yemach shemo, was unable to conquer Lithuania because of their ameilus baTorah.”

The account attributed to the Chazon Ish highlights the extraordinary spiritual power ascribed to the Torah learning of these two giants, whose dedication to Torah was considered a source of protection for the Jewish people.

Rav Boruch Ber Leibowitz, one of the most prominent roshei yeshiva of prewar Europe, was renowned for his extraordinary depth in learning and his lifelong dedication to developing generations of talmidei chachomim. Rav Shimon Shkop, the famed rosh yeshiva of Grodno and author of Shaarei Yosher, was likewise among the towering Torah personalities of his generation.

Both passed away in 1939, before Nazi Germany invaded Lithuania in 1941.

Rav Zilberstein continued by connecting the statement of the Chazon Ish to the simcha taking place beneath the chuppah.

“This is something astonishing,” he declared. “Why? Because according to the tradition accepted by everyone, grandparents come to the weddings of their grandchildren.”

He explained that, according to this understanding, the presence of Rav Boruch Ber was particularly significant at the wedding of his descendants.

“If so, according to what is accepted, Rav Boruch Ber is here with us right now. The very same Rav Boruch Ber whose ameilus baTorah prevented Hitler from conquering Lithuania during his lifetime.”

Rav Zilberstein urged those gathered to appreciate the exceptional opportunity presented by the occasion and to draw spiritual strength from the presence of such a towering Torah personality.

“I want to tell everyone that we can receive something from him! All of us can receive something right now, and we can do something with it. He is here, and we can ask that HaKadosh Boruch Hu help us, that the tzaddikim who are here protect us, that no one should be able to conquer us, and that the kallah and chosson should have happy lives. Ve’nomar amen!”

{Matzav.com}

United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yaakov Asher has issued an unequivocal ultimatum to Israel’s political leadership, declaring that his party will neither join nor support any future government unless legislation formally regulating the status of yeshiva bochurim is actually passed into law.

In his first interview since assuming the chairmanship of United Torah Judaism, Asher told Kikar Hashabbat that the party will no longer accept coalition promises or political commitments concerning the draft law. Instead, he insisted that the legislation must be enacted before UTJ agrees to participate in or support a government.

“We, United Torah Judaism, will not enter a government that does not actually pass the law regulating the status of yeshiva students, known as the draft law. Period!” Asher declared during the interview.

He emphasized that the condition applies equally to joining a coalition and supporting one from outside, leaving no room for an arrangement in which UTJ provides parliamentary backing in exchange for promises of future legislation.

“There is no other way to interpret this: We will neither join nor support a government that does not first pass the draft law,” he stated.

The declaration comes amid the continuing political and legal controversy surrounding the status of yeshiva bochurim and the efforts to establish a legislative framework that would enable those dedicated to full-time Torah learning to continue their studies without being subject to military conscription.

Asher’s remarks represent a firm position by UTJ that the passage of legislation protecting yeshiva students must be a prerequisite for the party’s participation in any future government, rather than an obligation to be fulfilled at some later stage of a coalition’s term.

The UTJ chairman also addressed the substance of the proposed legislation, making clear that the party’s demands extend beyond simply passing a law bearing the title of a draft arrangement.

According to Asher, any acceptable legislation must protect those whose lives are dedicated to Torah learning and must not impose penalties on bochurim and avreichim who remain in yeshiva or kollel.

“The correct law is one that addresses someone who sits and learns, whose Torah is his profession. Someone who sits and learns should not face sanctions. That is our position!” Asher declared.

His comments directly address one of the central disputes surrounding the draft legislation: whether financial or other sanctions should be imposed on yeshiva students who do not enlist.

Asher made clear that UTJ’s position is that those engaged in full-time Torah study should not be subjected to such penalties.

The ultimatum places the draft law at the center of any future coalition negotiations and signals that UTJ intends to make the protection of the yeshiva world a nonnegotiable condition for its political support.

Asher’s full interview with Kikar Hashabbat is scheduled to be released Monday.

{Matzav.com}

All are asked to be mispallel for the refuah sheleimah of Rav Mordechai Wolmark, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Shaarei Torah in Monsey, New York, who has been admitted to the hospital.

News of the rosh yeshiva‘s hospitalization has prompted a call for tefillos on his behalf, with talmidim, alumni, and members of the wider community being urged to have him in mind during davening and the recitation of Tehillim.

All are asked to daven for Rav Mordechai Gimpel ben Chaya Avigail.

{Matzav.com}

Naftali Bennett sparked an uproar among Israel’s anti-Netanyahu political parties on Sunday after suggesting that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu could serve as a minister in a future government led by Bennett, prompting furious objections from opposition leaders and forcing Bennett to clarify that he would not join Netanyahu under any circumstances.

Bennett, chairman of the Beyachad party, made the controversial remarks during an election conference hosted by the newspaper Hador, where he was asked about the possibility of Netanyahu participating in a government under his leadership.

Rather than categorically ruling out such an arrangement, Bennett initially suggested that Netanyahu could be offered a ministerial position if he agreed to the fundamental principles of Bennett’s proposed government.

“As long as we agree on the fundamental principles, I have no problem with Netanyahu being a minister in our government,” Bennett said.

He went on to praise Netanyahu’s previous performance as finance minister, recalling his tenure in the position more than two decades ago.

“In 2003, Netanyahu, and I say this to his credit, was one of the best finance ministers the State of Israel has ever had. I don’t know whether a Jew approaching 80 still has the energy for this, but if he accepts all our central principles, which include an immediate state commission of inquiry, universal military service, and a constitution for Israel, let him pick up the phone,” Bennett said.

The comments immediately generated controversy among parties opposed to Netanyahu, whose leaders have repeatedly insisted that they would refuse to participate in any government that includes the prime minister.

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party and a former IDF chief of staff, was among the first to reject Bennett’s suggestion.

“I do not accept this. Anyone who held a position on October 7 is unfit to serve in positions of command and leadership, including as finance minister,” Eisenkot declared.

Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman went further, publicly demanding that Bennett retract his remarks and calling on the parties in the anti-Netanyahu camp to reaffirm their commitment to excluding the prime minister from any future coalition.

“I call on my colleagues in the Zionist bloc to make it absolutely clear: The world can turn upside down, but we will not sit with Netanyahu. In the next government, Netanyahu will not be able to serve even as minister for regional cooperation,” Lieberman said.

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, also issued an emphatic rejection, declaring that his party would never agree to Netanyahu holding any position in a government it supports.

“Netanyahu will not sit in any government as long as it depends on the Democrats. Not as finance minister, not as water minister, and not as a minister without portfolio,” Golan said.

Golan accused Netanyahu of bearing responsibility for the failures surrounding the October 7 massacre and criticized his government’s policies concerning military service and judicial reform.

“The man responsible for the October 7 failure, who led a government that promoted mass draft evasion during wartime and the judicial overhaul, will receive no approval from us to return to power. We will not sit with Netanyahu and his partners. Period,” Golan declared.

The swift and unusually forceful reactions highlighted the divisions within the political camp seeking to replace Netanyahu, particularly over whether any circumstances could justify cooperation with the current prime minister.

Bennett, who has sought to position himself as a central figure in efforts to form an alternative government, soon moved to contain the controversy.

Following the backlash, he published a statement on social media insisting that his original comments had been misunderstood and that he had no intention of serving alongside Netanyahu in any coalition arrangement.

“I suggest everyone calm down. I have said a thousand times that Netanyahu bears direct and personal responsibility for the October 7 massacre and therefore must go home. We will not sit with him under any circumstances,” Bennett wrote.

He maintained that his earlier remarks were intended to demonstrate the impossibility of Netanyahu accepting the conditions he had outlined, rather than to suggest a genuine willingness to offer him a ministerial position.

“Anyone who saw my remarks today understood that they were intended to illustrate the absurdity, since Netanyahu opposes universal military service, opposes a state commission of inquiry, and opposes a constitution for Israel,” Bennett explained.

An Israeli district court has rejected Sara Netanyahu’s attempt to have a multimillion-shekel defamation lawsuit filed against her by opposition politician Yair Golan dismissed, ruling that the prime minister’s wife cannot avoid potential responsibility for statements she made during a televised interview simply because a television station broadcast them.

The lawsuit, filed by Golan, chairman of Israel’s Democrats party and a retired IDF major general, seeks 2.55 million shekels, approximately $800,000, in damages over remarks Netanyahu made during an interview with Channel 14 concerning the October 7 Hamas massacre.

In its decision, the court rejected Netanyahu’s arguments for dismissing the case at the preliminary stage and ordered her to pay Golan 2,000 shekels in legal expenses.

The ruling allows the lawsuit to proceed but does not determine whether Netanyahu’s statements were defamatory or whether Golan is entitled to compensation.

At the center of the dispute are comments Netanyahu made during a Channel 14 interview that Golan alleges insinuated he had advance knowledge of the October 7 attack.

During the interview, Netanyahu stated, “Yair Golan was dressed and ready on the morning of October 7 when the prime minister did not know.”

Golan maintains that the remark suggested he possessed information about the impending Hamas assault before Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu or other Israeli officials were aware of what was unfolding.

His attorneys argue that the insinuation was false and seriously damaging to his reputation, particularly given the sensitivity surrounding the events of October 7.

The lawsuit was filed through attorneys Giora Erdinast, Almog Gil-Or, and Yarden Shochat of the EBN law firm after Netanyahu allegedly refused to apologize for her statements or retract them.

In seeking dismissal, Netanyahu argued that she had merely participated in an interview and that legal responsibility for publishing and distributing her remarks rested with third parties, including Channel 14, which aired the interview.

Her attorneys sought to distinguish between the individual who makes a statement during an interview and the media organization responsible for transmitting that statement to the public.

The district court rejected that distinction.

The judge determined that Netanyahu had agreed to be interviewed with the knowledge and understanding that her statements would be broadcast to a broad audience. Under those circumstances, the court found no basis for treating the interviewee’s participation and the broadcaster’s transmission as entirely separate acts for purposes of dismissing the lawsuit.

“There is no justification for an artificial separation between the aspect of ‘publication’ by the interviewee and the ‘publication’ by the interviewing and broadcasting body. These are two sides of the same coin and constitute a single publication,” the judge wrote in the decision.

The ruling addresses an important legal question concerning responsibility for statements made in media interviews. It establishes, at this preliminary stage, that an interviewee cannot obtain dismissal of a defamation claim solely by arguing that the broadcaster, rather than the speaker, was responsible for making the remarks public.

However, the court did not decide whether the specific statements attributed to Netanyahu meet the legal definition of defamation. That issue, along with the question of any damages, remains to be examined as the proceedings continue.

The lawsuit also extends beyond the allegations of defamation.

Golan is seeking civil compensation based on an additional claim involving an alleged violation of the criminal-law provision dealing with incitement to violence.

His legal team argues that Netanyahu’s statements should be examined in the context of their potential consequences and the public atmosphere surrounding the accusations.

The lawsuit further alleges that one of Netanyahu’s advisers viewed the Channel 14 interview before it was broadcast. Golan’s attorneys intend to rely on that allegation as part of their arguments concerning the circumstances in which the remarks were published.

Those assertions remain allegations presented by the plaintiffs. The court has not established that Netanyahu committed defamation or incitement, nor has it made findings concerning the alleged advance review of the interview.

Following the decision, Golan issued a sharply worded statement welcoming the rejection of Netanyahu’s dismissal request.

“Once again, it has been proven that the poison machine will stop at nothing — neither lies about the heroes of October 7 nor attempts to undermine public confidence in the judicial system. Today’s ruling is further proof that truth will triumph over lies. Those who incite violence and spread false accusations will not succeed in escaping responsibility. We will continue until justice is fully pursued in court, and we will defend the fighters for Israeli democracy with our own bodies,” Golan said.

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Israeli health and environmental authorities have ordered the suspension of classes at two schools in Kiryat Ata, near Haifa, following the detection of exceptionally high concentrations of benzene in the air surrounding the Haifa Bay oil refineries. Residents living near the industrial complex have been advised to remain indoors whenever possible, close their windows, and limit unnecessary outdoor activity.

The emergency precautions were announced Sunday after air-monitoring stations recorded unusually elevated levels of the hazardous chemical over several days, raising concerns about potential exposure among residents, schoolchildren, and workers in the surrounding communities.

In coordination with the Kiryat Ata Municipality, the Health Ministry and Environmental Protection Ministry decided that regular classes would not take place at the Social High School and the Erezim School during the following 24 hours. Both institutions are located near the refinery complex, and arrangements were made to relocate their students to alternative facilities.

The ministries issued special guidance for people living or working within approximately one kilometer, or about six-tenths of a mile, of the refineries. Residents were urged to avoid spending time outdoors unless necessary, with particular emphasis on protecting children and pregnant women.

Employees at nearby industrial facilities were also advised to keep windows closed and operate air-conditioning systems to reduce the amount of outdoor air entering their workplaces.

The warnings followed troubling readings recorded over the weekend of October 9 and 10, when monitoring equipment near the Deshanim industrial area in Kiryat Ata detected exceptionally high benzene concentrations.

Additional elevated readings were recorded Sunday at a monitoring station in Haifa near the former vehicle licensing office, indicating that the problem was affecting more than one monitoring location in the Haifa Bay area.

Although measurements showed some improvement Sunday morning, benzene concentrations began climbing again during the afternoon, prompting authorities to maintain precautionary measures and issue public warnings.

Benzene is a hazardous chemical found in petroleum and other industrial products. Exposure to elevated concentrations can pose health risks, and prolonged exposure has been associated with serious illnesses, including certain blood cancers. The level of danger in any particular incident depends on the concentration of the chemical and the duration of exposure.

In response to the monitoring results, the Environmental Protection Ministry ordered an immediate halt to maintenance operations at the Bazan refinery complex.

The maintenance activities had been taking place in recent days alongside repair work intended to restore damage sustained by the facilities during the war.

Environmental officials instructed the refinery operator to investigate the incident and determine the circumstances responsible for the abnormal benzene readings.

The ministry also demanded that the company submit a detailed plan outlining its intended work procedures and the safeguards it would implement to prevent further violations of air-quality standards.

Approval to resume the suspended operations will depend on the ministry’s review of those plans and the measures proposed to prevent additional hazardous emissions.

The situation has renewed attention to the environmental concerns surrounding the Haifa Bay industrial zone, where large petrochemical facilities operate near populated residential neighborhoods, schools, and commercial areas.

Officials from the Health Ministry and Environmental Protection Ministry are expected to conduct another assessment Monday, October 12, using updated air-monitoring results to determine whether the restrictions can be eased or whether further precautions are necessary.

Residents have been advised to follow official instructions as authorities continue monitoring air quality in the affected areas.

{Matzav.com}

A Jewish comedian in London was expelled from a creative writing group after identifying himself as a Zionist, prompting a legal dispute over allegations that he was discriminated against because of his beliefs and Jewish identity.

Harry Deansway, who had participated in the group for approximately six months, says he was informed that he was no longer welcome after the woman running the group questioned him about his political views concerning Israel.

According to Deansway, the confrontation began when the group’s organizer sought clarification about his position on Zionism and the Jewish state. After he confirmed that he considered himself a Zionist, she allegedly told him that his beliefs “support the massacre of an entire population.”

The organizer then made clear that he could no longer participate in the group’s activities, telling him, “You have no place in the group.”

Deansway’s removal brought an abrupt end to his involvement in the writing circle, where he had been a member for half a year. The repercussions reportedly extended beyond the group itself, with a literary evening that he had organized subsequently being canceled.

The incident drew the attention of UK Lawyers for Israel, a legal advocacy organization that sent a formal warning letter to the group’s management challenging the circumstances of Deansway’s exclusion.

The organization contends that removing the Jewish comedian because of his views on Zionism and his identity may constitute unlawful discrimination under Britain’s Equality Act 2010.

The group at the center of the dispute is the Offbeat Writers’ Group in north London, organized by Ruby Sullivan. Deansway had attended its sessions for six months without any reported difficulties before Sullivan raised the issue of his views on Israel.

According to correspondence described by UK Lawyers for Israel, Sullivan told Deansway that she was “very strongly pro-Palestine” and believed their differing political positions would interfere with their ability to work together.

Deansway responded that he was “Jewish and a Zionist,” while explaining that he also supported Palestinian rights. He described his understanding of Zionism as support for the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland and said that this did not mean endorsing actions that caused suffering to Palestinians.

Sullivan nevertheless rejected his explanation, writing, “I really can’t align with your beliefs as they support the massacre of an entire population.”

She went on to state, “I don’t think there is a place in the Offbeat Writers’ Group for you because of this.”

The organizer also reportedly disclosed plans to introduce an ideological declaration for prospective members, including an “antiapartheid free zone commitment,” raising further concerns about whether participation in the group would depend on applicants’ political positions concerning Israel.

The dispute took another turn when Sullivan referred to the suffering endured by Jews throughout history, stating that “because of the horrific past the Jewish people have endured, they should not want to inflict the same suffering on others”.

UK Lawyers for Israel objected to that statement, arguing that it improperly associated Jews collectively with the actions of the Israeli government. The organization pointed to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, which identifies holding Jews collectively responsible for Israel’s actions as a potential manifestation of antisemitism.

The legal organization maintains that Deansway’s exclusion may violate protections under the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination on grounds including race, religion, and certain protected philosophical beliefs.

Its legal warning argues that Deansway may be protected under several provisions of the legislation, including those concerning his Jewish ethnicity, religious identity, and belief in Jewish national self-determination.

The controversy also affected a ticketed literary event Deansway had arranged for October 13 at Bar Gemišt, a London venue.

After Sullivan withdrew from the event and other performers also pulled out, the venue canceled the booking. Management explained that its original agreement to host the gathering had been based on its existing relationship with Sullivan and the writing group.

UK Lawyers for Israel subsequently contacted the venue’s owners, warning that the cancellation could also raise questions under Britain’s antidiscrimination legislation.

However, the bar’s directors, Marion Zoelle and Uroš Dezutelj, rejected the allegations in a response dated October 10.

They maintained that their decision resulted from changes to the event and communication problems rather than Deansway’s Jewish identity or Zionist beliefs.

The owners said Deansway remained welcome at the establishment but declined to restore the canceled event. They also indicated that they would defend themselves against allegations they regarded as unfounded.

UK Lawyers for Israel condemned the treatment of Deansway, describing the incident as an example of ideological discrimination against Jewish artists in Britain’s cultural community.

“This is McCarthyism dressed up as progressive politics. A Jewish writer has been subjected to an ideological loyalty test and excluded because he believes in Jewish self-determination.

“People are entitled to oppose Zionism, but they cannot lawfully exclude Jews from cultural activities because they refuse to renounce their beliefs.

“Jewish artists should not have to pass a political purity test to participate in London’s cultural life.”

The dispute comes amid heightened tensions over Zionism within British political and cultural organizations. Earlier this month, Britain’s Green Party adopted a controversial motion declaring that Zionism is racism, prompting criticism from Jewish communal leaders and concerns about the implications for Jewish members who identify as Zionists.

A recently published study by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research found that the proportion of British Jews identifying as Zionists increased from 2022 to 2025, reaching 66 percent, underscoring the significance of the issue within Britain’s Jewish community.

No court ruling has been reported in Deansway’s case, and the legal allegations against the writing group and the venue remain disputed.

{Matzav.com}

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement of an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine came without his knowledge, raising serious questions about whether an agreement had actually been reached between the warring countries.

Speaking to Axios reporter Barak Ravid shortly after Trump’s announcement, Zelensky said the supposed agreement was news to him, although he emphasized that Ukraine would be willing to accept such an arrangement if Russia agreed to halt its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

“The ceasefire announcement was news for me. But if Russians agree to an energy ceasefire, Ukraine will agree,” Zelensky told Ravid.

The Ukrainian leader also asked Washington to clarify precisely what had been negotiated with Russian President Vladimir Putin and when the proposed cessation of attacks was supposed to begin.

“If President Trump negotiated it with Putin, please tell us when the ceasefire begins. We are ready, and we will accept it,” Zelensky said.

The extraordinary exchange followed a declaration by Trump on Truth Social earlier Sunday that Moscow and Kyiv had reached an agreement to immediately suspend attacks on each other’s energy facilities.

“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!” Trump wrote.

The president did not provide details about the agreement, including its precise terms, how compliance would be monitored or whether Russia had formally committed to stopping its strikes.

Zelensky’s response immediately cast uncertainty over the announcement, particularly because Ukraine, one of the two countries supposedly party to the agreement, appeared to have received no advance notification that a deal had been finalized.

The Ukrainian president subsequently issued a more formal statement expressing support for an energy ceasefire while emphasizing that Kyiv was still waiting for information from the United States.

“Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well. We are awaiting details from the American side,” Zelensky said.

He added that Ukraine supports measures aimed at reducing hostilities, protecting civilian lives and ultimately bringing the war to an end.

The announcement came amid sharply deteriorating relations between Washington and Kyiv over Ukraine’s continuing attacks on Russian oil refineries.

Trump has increasingly criticized the Ukrainian military’s strikes against Russian energy facilities, arguing that the attacks are contributing to rising international fuel prices and harming American consumers.

The dispute intensified Friday when Trump announced an agreement with Putin to ease American sanctions on Russian diesel exports in an effort to increase global fuel supplies and bring down prices.

Zelensky strongly criticized that decision, arguing that allowing Russia to generate additional revenue from energy exports would provide Moscow with more resources to finance its military campaign against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president described the sanctions relief as “not fair and not honest” during an interview with Axios, expressing frustration that Washington had negotiated the arrangement with Moscow while Ukrainian representatives were engaged in discussions with American officials.

Those discussions were taking place in Miami, where Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had been meeting with Ukrainian representatives and senior diplomats from European countries and NATO.

The negotiations were intended to explore possible arrangements for reducing hostilities and advancing efforts to end the war.

The disagreement escalated further Saturday when Trump publicly criticized Zelensky and suggested that Ukraine needed different leadership capable of reaching an agreement with Russia.

Zelensky responded by maintaining that decisions about Ukraine’s leadership belong to the Ukrainian people.

The energy ceasefire announcement appeared to offer a possible diplomatic opening after several days of confrontation, but the lack of a confirmed Russian commitment quickly complicated the situation.

According to subsequent reporting by Axios, a White House official said the administration was discussing a narrower arrangement under which Russia and Ukraine would stop attacking each other’s oil refineries.

The official indicated that a broader agreement protecting power plants and electricity networks could follow if the initial arrangement succeeded.

That distinction is significant for Ukraine, whose electricity infrastructure has repeatedly been targeted by Russian missiles and drones.

A Ukrainian official told Axios that the proposed refinery-focused arrangement would be unequal because Ukraine has only one oil refinery, which has already sustained repeated Russian attacks and is not fully operational, while Russia maintains a much larger network of refineries.

Ukraine’s immediate priority, the official explained, is securing an end to Russian strikes on its electricity grid.

The White House official also acknowledged that Russia had not yet formally accepted the proposed arrangement and was still considering it.

Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure continued Sunday despite Trump’s declaration that a ceasefire had already taken effect.

Zelensky reported that Russian strikes had targeted energy facilities, including a power plant in Kyiv and a combined heat-and-power facility in Kharkiv.

In his evening address, the Ukrainian president described continued drone and aerial bomb attacks against Ukrainian targets, underscoring the absence of an observable halt in hostilities.

The latest developments follow a similar announcement by Trump in September, when he declared that an energy ceasefire had been arranged between Russia and Ukraine. Neither country subsequently confirmed that a binding agreement had been reached, and attacks on energy facilities continued.

With winter approaching, the protection of Ukraine’s power generation and heating infrastructure remains a central concern for Kyiv, particularly after repeated Russian strikes have damaged facilities serving civilian populations.

Zelensky said he had discussed the latest ceasefire proposal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

For now, Ukraine has publicly committed itself to accepting a reciprocal energy ceasefire, while the status of any Russian agreement remains uncertain and the attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure continue.

{Matzav.com}

The city of Acco, Israel, is mourning the passing of Rav Amram Azarzar zt”l, one of its longtime and highly respected Torah personalities, who devoted his life to spreading Torah, strengthening Yiddishkeit, and bringing fellow Jews closer to Hashem. He passed away Sunday surrounded by members of his family and loved ones.

Rav Azarzar zt”l was a beloved and widely admired figure in Acco, where he spent decades working tirelessly on behalf of the city’s Jewish community. He was known for his exceptional dedication to Torah learning, his devotion to the needs of others, and his efforts to strengthen Torah observance among Jews from all backgrounds.

Throughout his life, Rav Azarzar was among the first to arrive at shul in the morning and among the last to leave at night. He delivered Torah shiurim to the public and invested tremendous effort in inspiring Jews to strengthen their connection to Torah and mitzvos.

He was especially devoted to raising his children in the ways of Torah and yiras Shomayim, while setting a personal example of selflessness and concern for others. His commitment to chesed extended to performing the mitzvah of chesed shel emes, caring for those who had passed away and ensuring that they received a proper Jewish burial.

For many years, Rav Azarzar headed the Chevra Kadisha in Acco, dedicating himself to the sacred responsibility of tending to the deceased with dignity and respect.

He was also instrumental in establishing and strengthening Torah institutions and outreach activities throughout the city, helping build Acco’s Torah community and inspiring numerous Jews to return to a life of Torah observance.

Rav Azarzar maintained close ties with the illustrious Abuchatzeira family, particularly Rav Dovid Abuchatzeira of Nahariya.

Despite his extensive communal responsibilities, he remained deeply committed to his own learning, devoting countless hours to the study of both the revealed and hidden dimensions of Torah.

He was also among the founders of the Shas movement in Acco, playing an important role in strengthening Torah representation and serving the religious needs of the city’s residents.

Rav Azarzar leaves behind his wife and a distinguished family of children and descendants who continue his legacy of Torah and good deeds.

His sons include Rav Chaim Azarzar, executive director of the institutions of the Admor Rav Yekusiel Abuchatzeira; Rav Meir Azarzar, a community rov in Hong Kong; Rav Eliyahu Azarzar, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Mishkan Evyatar; Rav Shimon Azarzar, a registrar in the yeshiva world; and Rav Yosef Noam Azarzar, a businessman and noted baal chesed.

Approximately ten months ago, Rav Azarzar suffered a devastating personal loss with the passing of his daughter, Mrs. Ilana Yael Levy a”h, of Zichron Yaakov, who passed away at a young age following an illness.

Mrs. Levy was a devoted mechaneches who followed in her father’s footsteps, dedicating herself to instilling Torah values and yiras Shomayim in her students.

The levayah took place Sunday night departing from the Sephardic funeral chapel at Har Hamenuchos in the Givat Shaul neighborhood of Yerushalayim, where Rav Azarzar was laid to rest.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Two additional Flydubai copilots have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates as authorities expand their investigation into the attempted hijacking of a passenger aircraft bound for Israel, during which a suspected terrorist allegedly planned to crash the plane at Ben Gurion Airport.

The two pilots, both citizens of the Maldives, reportedly knew the principal suspect, identified as Al-Hamami, through their employment with Flydubai. Investigators are examining their possible connections to the alleged plot, although authorities have not disclosed the specific suspicions against them.

The arrests were reported Sunday evening by journalist Lee Ayash of i24NEWS, citing information concerning the ongoing investigation in the Emirates.

According to the report, the Maldivian Embassy in the UAE notified the families of the two pilots in recent days that their relatives had been taken into custody in connection with the investigation into the attempted attack.

Both men reportedly worked alongside Al-Hamami at Flydubai and were personally acquainted with him through their professional activities. They are also believed to have lived in the same residential building as the main suspect.

Investigators have additionally established, according to the report, that both detained pilots had previously flown to Israel while working for the airline.

Their arrests represent a further development in the investigation into the attempted attack aboard the Flydubai flight, which authorities in the Emirates have described as a plot to seize control of the aircraft and crash it at Ben Gurion Airport.

According to findings previously released by UAE authorities, Al-Hamami, who was serving as a copilot on the flight, allegedly intended to take over the aircraft and carry out a deliberate crash at Israel’s main international airport.

During the incident, the suspect reportedly attacked the aircraft’s captain inside the cockpit using an emergency axe. Passengers and crew members subsequently managed to overpower him, preventing him from gaining control of the plane and thwarting the alleged attack.

The latest arrests have raised questions about whether the suspected hijacking attempt involved additional individuals or whether Al-Hamami acted independently.

However, there has been no public confirmation that either of the two Maldivian pilots participated in planning the attack, assisted in its execution, or possessed advance knowledge of the suspect’s intentions.

Authorities have also not specified whether the men are being investigated as potential accomplices or are being held for questioning because of their personal and professional connections to Al-Hamami.

The investigation remains ongoing, with Emirati authorities examining the possibility that other individuals may have been involved in the alleged plot against the Israel-bound aircraft.

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani escalated his attacks on federal immigration enforcement Sunday, comparing the appearance of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer involved in a Bronx shooting to that of a “mass shooter” and accusing ICE of terrorizing New Yorkers.

The mayor’s remarks came days after federal immigration officers shot and wounded Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican national, during an attempted arrest in the Bronx. The incident has triggered a confrontation between City Hall and the Trump administration over the conduct of federal immigration agents and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The confrontation began Thursday when ICE officers attempted to apprehend Belgal while he was inside his vehicle. Federal agents positioned their vehicles to prevent him from driving away, but the encounter escalated into a shooting.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Belgal ignored lawful instructions to get out of his vehicle and attempted to escape by accelerating into two government vehicles before driving toward additional officers.

DHS maintains that the officers discharged their weapons because they believed Belgal’s actions posed an immediate threat to their safety and the safety of others. Belgal sustained what federal officials described as a superficial wound to his neck.

Following the shooting, agents took Belgal into custody, provided medical assistance, and arranged for his transportation to a hospital.

Authorities subsequently disclosed that Belgal’s 5-year-old son had been sitting in the back seat of the vehicle during the confrontation. DHS said the officers did not know the child was inside when the shooting occurred.

After receiving medical treatment, Belgal was moved to an immigration detention facility outside New York City. Investigators are continuing to examine the events leading up to the use of deadly force.

In an interview with MS Now on Sunday, Mamdani accused federal immigration officers of disregarding established law enforcement procedures and operating without appropriate accountability.

“What they have shown time and again is that they view the law as a suggestion,” Mamdani told MS Now. “There is a reason why the NYPD would not be shooting at a moving vehicle. There is a reason why law enforcement agents are supposed to wear identifiable information and uniforms.

“What you could see in that video and in the videos that have been released since is people, bystanders outside unsure as to what they were even seeing. Because in that imagery, it feels as if you’re almost looking at a mass shooter as opposed to seeing someone who’s purportedly representing a federal agency. And that is why so many are so deeply concerned by what ICE does. And the fact that what we’re talking about is but a microcosm of what they do across this country every single day.”

The mayor’s comparison followed an unusually lengthy round of discussions with President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin concerning Belgal’s detention and the possibility of transferring him out of federal custody.

Mamdani spent nearly two hours Thursday engaged in conversations with the president and the homeland security secretary in an effort to secure Belgal’s release from federal detention.

According to CNN, the negotiations included a three-way discussion during which Trump and Mullin proposed transferring Belgal into the custody of the New York Police Department. The parties ultimately failed to reach an agreement, and Belgal remained in federal custody.

Immediately after the shooting, Mamdani publicly condemned the federal operation, describing it as “unconscionable and incredibly serious” and demanding that President Trump halt ICE enforcement activities in New York City.

He also renewed his longstanding demand to abolish the agency, arguing that its officers’ tactics have frightened residents and undermined public safety.

“The city is still dealing with having been terrorized by a rogue federal agency,” Mamdani told MS Now. “And again, just to the points that you laid out, we are talking about a federal agency that shot at a moving vehicle in broad daylight while its agents were wearing construction vests, using long guns and left New Yorkers in terror. That is, as you said, the same experience that so many have had anywhere across this country whenever it comes to ICE.”

The Department of Homeland Security has strongly defended its officers, maintaining that Belgal was a criminal suspect whose actions during the attempted arrest created a dangerous situation.

Federal officials said Belgal was convicted of fourth-degree grand larceny in April 2025 and sentenced to five years of probation. DHS also cited previous arrests involving allegations of robbery, drug offenses, and assault.

The department further alleged that Belgal has connections to the Trinitarios gang and had been investigated in connection with the shooting of a Customs and Border Protection officer. Those allegations were presented by federal authorities as part of their explanation for why Belgal had been targeted for arrest.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin responded Friday by accusing politicians who support sanctuary-city policies of creating conditions that allow criminals to remain in communities and place law enforcement personnel at risk.

“Sanctuary politicians create an environment for criminal activity to thrive, not for American citizens to be safe,” Mullin said Friday. “President Trump made it clear that he would restore law and order in our cities and in our states. When you have sanctuary cities and politicians, you endanger the safety of the public.”

Additional reporting has revealed that the shooting took place in Marble Hill, a Manhattan neighborhood adjacent to the Bronx. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said city police were not involved in the federal arrest operation and arrived only after reports of gunfire.

The NYPD subsequently released body-camera footage showing responding officers at the scene and their efforts to get Belgal to a hospital. Other video recordings of the confrontation have also emerged, although the precise sequence of events and whether the officers’ use of force was justified remain disputed.

A federal judge has also temporarily blocked Belgal’s deportation while legal proceedings continue.

Meanwhile, Mamdani has announced plans for a city investigation into the incident, including the conduct of federal agents and their reported use of a commercial parking lot as a staging area.
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