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Rishon LeTzion Rav Dovid Yosef strongly defended the Chief Rabbinate examinations and sharply criticized both the High Court and a recent letter signed by rabbonim in Bnei Brak, as he urged avreichim to proceed with the exams without hesitation.

Speaking during his weekly shiur on Motzoei Shabbos, Rav Yosef addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s certification exams. He spoke forcefully against the Israeli High Court (Bagatz) over its ruling and dismissed calls by certain rabbonim to boycott the exams.

Referring to a letter published Friday, he expressed frustration that it had been issued without consulting him. “There are those—I don’t know—‘Shamoa bein acheichem u’shefatetem tzedek’—they sign proclamations to cancel all the exams without hearing the other side, without hearing what is being done.”

Rav Yosef emphasized that the integrity of the system would remain intact. “Everything that existed throughout the generations will continue. No one who is not worthy of receiving certification—whether full rabbanus certification or a lower level—will receive such a certificate. It won’t help them. I take responsibility together with my colleague, the Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Ber. We know what we are doing. I carry the responsibility on my shoulders. There are 13,000 avreichim taking these exams.”

He also stressed his commitment to maintaining halachic standards. “My father devoted his entire life to the study of halachah, and today we see more and more people learning halachah. On one hand, we want to strengthen this, but on the other hand, we will not give up even a kutzo shel yud. Let it be clear—no one will teach me hashkafah. We will not give up even a kutzoshel yud. B’ezras Hashem, everything will fall into place.”

Addressing the broader issue, Rav Yosef elaborated on the legal challenge brought before the court. “B’ezras Hashem, we intend to hold the exams. I don’t yet know what will be due to the war, but we are speaking about the end of bein hazmanim. There is a group of women who filed a petition to Bagatz. It has been going on for years. The court ruled that the Rabbinate must examine women. Either we examine women, or we will be forced to stop all exams. At present, six women have registered to be tested on the laws of mourning.”

He sharply criticized the court’s approach. “I want to say some very clear things. First of all, the conduct of Bagatz toward anything sacred—we are familiar with it. They are always against us. They do not like Orthodox Jews, including judges who call themselves religious. They hate us, they are biased all along the way, and they rule against us.”

Rav Yosef called for public protest, though he acknowledged current limitations due to the security situation. “I think we need to hold a major protest against them, a real protest. But right now we are in a מצב של מלחמה. There will yet be a time—we will not remain silent. It is impossible to stay silent when they try to secularize the state. In every matter where we rule according to halachah, they rule against us. We will still hold a major protest. We also have the issue of the Kosel—we will not be silent.”

Returning to the controversy over the rabbonim’s letter, he reiterated his position. “Now, regarding the matter itself—I heard that recently some rabbonim issued a letter not to take the exams, to punish ourselves by not participating. I want to say clearly: I am here, I bear the responsibility. There are 13,000 avreichim taking these exams. I examined everything carefully, weighed the situation, and took several very important steps. Based on those actions, I state unequivocally: everything that existed throughout the generations will continue.”

He continued: “No one unworthy—according to our hashkafah and according to halachah—will receive certification. Not Bagatz and nothing else will change that. There is no reason to worry, no concern that anyone unworthy will receive certification. These matters are clear.”

Rav Yosef expressed surprise that some rabbonim signed the letter without clarification. “I am very surprised how rabbonim sign such a letter. Some gedolei Torah approached me to ask what we are doing, and once I explained, they were reassured. They understand that we know what we are doing and that everything will be fine. But there are those—I don’t know—again, ‘Shamoa bein acheichem u’shefatetem tzedek’—they sign proclamations without hearing the other side.”

He concluded with a direct message to avreichim: “I tell you, I take responsibility together with my colleague, the Chief Rabbi Rav Kalman Ber—we know what we are doing. I repeat: whoever is not worthy will not receive certification, and with Hashem’s help we will continue.”

In closing, he urged participation in the exams. “I call on all avreichim not to be afraid of various claims made by those who do not know the facts. Go take the exams, and we will merit to be mekadeish Sheim Shamayim. Amen kein yehi ratzon, amen, amen, amen.”

{Matzav.com}

Amid mounting American concern and ongoing tensions with Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu convened an urgent security discussion focused on rising nationalist crime in Judea and Samaria, calling for immediate action to curb the incidents.

According to a report by Kan News, the meeting was triggered after a senior U.S. administration official spoke directly with Netanyahu and expressed alarm over the increase in such incidents. Following that conversation, the prime minister quickly organized a special situation assessment, held by phone earlier this week.

The high-level discussion included Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, IDF Chief of Staff Zamir, the head of the Shin Bet, and the acting head of the National Security Council.

During the meeting, Netanyahu stressed the urgency of the issue and its broader implications. “I demand that you prevent nationalist crime, this is diverting our attention from Iran to Judea and Samaria.”

Ben Gvir pushed back during the exchange, arguing that enforcement is uneven. “There is crime in many places, only when it involves Jews do you focus on the issue.”

Netanyahu concluded the discussion with a firm directive, emphasizing the need for law and order. “No one should take the law into their own hands, I expect you to act on this matter.”

WATCH:

A funding standoff in Washington is causing widespread disruption at major airports, with passengers in New York facing wait times of up to three hours just to check in, as understaffed TSA checkpoints struggle to keep up with heavy travel volume, the NY Post reports.

At LaGuardia Airport’s crowded Terminal B, delays quickly tested travelers’ patience. Chip B, a 66-year-old from Texas, described the situation after waiting 45 minutes even in the pre-check line. “It’s insane,” stranded Texas traveler Chip B, 66, said Sunday after spending 45 minutes on the pre-check line at LaGuardia Airport’s packed Terminal B. “If this is about getting short-handed with TSA agents, c’mon, let’s get them hired.”

Other passengers voiced even sharper frustration, directing their anger at lawmakers in Washington. Chris, a 54-year-old Connecticut resident, didn’t hold back as he waited to board a flight to Florida. “Get their [stuff] together,” he snapped. That’s what they need to do.

He also criticized the conditions facing TSA workers, pointing to the lack of pay during the standoff. “My big thing is TSA work isn’t a great job in the first place,” he said while trying to board a flight to Fort Lauderdale.

The disruptions are not limited to New York. Airports across the country are dealing with similar slowdowns, as the dispute in Washington has left TSA officers working without pay. As a result, some agents have stopped reporting to work or resigned altogether, even as spring break travel increases pressure on already strained operations.

Those who have continued working missed their first paycheck last week, further worsening staffing shortages at security checkpoints nationwide.

At the center of the impasse is a political battle between Republicans and Democrats. The disagreement revolves around funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees TSA, with Democrats seeking additional oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of the deal. Each side has accused the other of prolonging the crisis, while travelers bear the consequences in overcrowded terminals.

For many passengers, the situation is unlike anything they’ve experienced. Jared Everett, visiting New York with his wife, said the delays had already impacted his travel plans, pushing back his afternoon flight. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Jared Everett, in New York on vacation with his wife, said the mess has already delayed his 4:30 p.m. flight to Charlotte by 40 minutes.

He added that the situation reflects poorly on lawmakers. “This has been pretty irresponsible of our lawmakers to put us in this position,” said Everett, 53. “We deserve better. They’re not the most functional group of people we’ve seen.”

In response, President Trump announced that ICE agents will be deployed to assist at major airports starting Monday in an effort to reduce delays. Some travelers said they are open to any measure that could ease congestion, though they emphasized that the underlying issue remains unresolved.

“Whatever helps facilitate the movement of people,” Chris said. “It’s not their their job. I’d rather have our government get their act together.”

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Nosson Liebermansh zt”l, a revered Breslover mashpia, who passed away at the age of 88 after a period of declining health.

Rav Liebermansh had been weakened in recent months and was hospitalized several times. About a week ago, he was again admitted to the hospital, where his condition deteriorated.

The levayah is scheduled to take place Monday at 4:45 p.m., departing from the main Breslover beis medrash in the Meah Shearim neighborhood of Yerushalayim and proceeding to Har HaMenuchos, where he will be laid to rest.

Rav Liebermansh was born in 1938 to his father, Rav Zev Liebermansh, who had immigrated from Poland, and his mother, Miriam Mirel. In his youth, he studied at the Slabodka Yeshiva in Bnei Brak.

From a young age—over six decades ago—he began drawing bochurim closer to Breslover teachings by delivering shiurim. Many of those students later became prominent mashpi’im themselves within the Breslover movement. He later married his wife, Henia, nee Cohen, who passed away many years ago.

Rav Liebermansh was considered one of the elder leaders of Breslov and a central figure to whom many turned for guidance. He was among the foremost disseminators of the teachings of Rav Nachman of Breslov, delivering countless shiurim that inspired thousands.

He served as the longtime mashgiach of the Breslover yeshiva in Bnei Brak. At a later stage, he led a group of avreichim to Emanuel, where he helped establish a Breslover community. In his later years, he resided in Beit Shemesh.

His passing has left a deep void in the Breslover world. Reb Dovid Greenwald, a prominent Breslover activist, described his impact: “R’ Nosson brought about a revolution in Breslov, drawing many Litvishe yeshiva students closer to Breslov. Today, they are among the leading mashpi’im in the movement. He was a man of truth in an extraordinary way—one might even say extreme. He feared no one and always spoke his clear daas.”

Throughout his life, Rav Liebermansh worked to foster unity within Breslov and encouraged acceptance of others, while never compromising even the smallest detail of halachah. Many sought his counsel and benefited from his wisdom. He also served as one of the leaders of the Nachal Heritage organization .

Knesset member Meir Porush, chairman of Shlomei Emunim, eulogized him, saying: “A pious man has been lost from the earth. With deep sorrow and a trembling heart, I received the painful news of the passing of this saintly and ascetic figure, a devoted servant of Hashem with heart and soul, one of the elder and most prominent mashpi’im of Breslov, who for decades spread Breslov teachings and served as a beacon of faith for masses seeking Hashem. Rav Nosson was not only a ‘mashpia’ who guided many, but a compassionate father and a listening heart, offering help and counsel to all who were broken and struggling. We merited to see him weeping tears as he offered heartfelt tefillos for the salvation of Klal Yisroel, carrying their pain upon his pure heart with longing and supplication. His passing is a great loss to the chassidishe world in general and to the distinguished Breslov community in particular. May he serve as a melitz yosher on behalf of all of Israel, and may his merit protect us.”

He is survived by a large family, including nine children and many descendants. Among them is his son, Rav Tzvi Liebermansh, a dayan with the Eidah Hachareidis, rav of the Breslover community in Ramat Beit Shemesh Gimmel 2, and rav of the Breslover community in Har Yonah.

Tragedy struck the family in recent years. In June 2024, his eldest son, Rav Chaim Liebermansh, a melamed in a Breslover Talmud Torah in Yerushalayim, passed away at the age of 65 after a serious illness. During his lifetime, Rav Liebermansh also lost a son-in-law, Rav Chaim Binyamin Wertheimer, a prominent Breslover mashpia in the Keren Ohr community, who died suddenly at age 60 after returning from Shabbos in Uman in April 2025.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas is moving toward canceling its internal leadership elections, with sources indicating that mounting pressure from Qatar and shifting regional conditions have brought the group close to a “nearly final” decision to freeze the process and postpone it until later in the year.

According to reports from Hamas sources cited by the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Qatari authorities have recently taken steps against several senior Hamas figures due to positions seen as supportive of Iranian strikes.

Sources both inside Gaza and abroad told the paper that there is a “nearly final” trend within Hamas to suspend the election process for chairman of its political bureau. The move is attributed to a combination of complications, including the evolving security and political landscape in the region, as well as the fact that key candidates are currently outside the territory.

Two Hamas officials said that discussions are underway to cancel the internal vote and instead hold broader elections for the entire political bureau toward the end of the year.

A Hamas source operating outside Gaza pointed to the regional upheaval as a decisive factor, saying that current conditions necessitate delaying the process. “There is broad support for this move, and it is nearly decided,” the source said.

Another source inside Gaza echoed that assessment, noting growing consensus around postponement, in part due to time constraints. “Time is running out, especially with the approach of April, and there is wide agreement that it is not feasible to hold the elections now, and that we must wait until the extension period of the political bureau’s term is completed.”

The IDF has approved plans to broaden its military campaign in northern Israel, following the targeting of more than 2,000 sites in Lebanon. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the fight against Hezbollah is still in its early stages and will continue until the threat is removed.

Zamir convened a high-level meeting with the General Staff, division commanders, and brigade leaders operating in the northern sector to review and authorize the next phase of operations. During the meeting, he praised commanders for their performance and for the gains achieved in recent weeks.

Speaking about the broader conflict, Zamir emphasized the connection between Iran and Hezbollah. “Iran is our primary focus, and the northern front is another central arena. They are interconnected. The Hezbollah terrorist organization is a central arm of the Iranian terror regime, and it made a grave mistake by choosing to join the war against Israel. This decision harms both the organization and the State of Lebanon as a whole.

“The message is clear: there is no safe place for the regime and its proxies. Any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel will be met with a determined, precise, and powerful response.”

He detailed recent operational achievements, noting that Israeli forces have struck over 2,000 targets, including dozens of weapons depots, and have eliminated hundreds of terrorists. “The campaign against Hezbollah has only begun – at the end of the campaign in Iran, Hezbollah will remain alone and isolated. This is a prolonged campaign, and we are prepared for it.”

Zamir said the military is now preparing to intensify both ground maneuvers and airstrikes according to an organized plan. “We will not stop until the threat is pushed away from the border and long-term security is ensured for the residents of the north. Alongside the strikes, the IDF is strengthening the forward defensive line in order to protect northern communities. We are prepared for a long campaign and will continue to act as required – both offensively and defensively – to ensure the long-term security of northern residents.”

{Matzav.com}

A disturbing incident took place shortly before Shabbos in Bnei Brak on Friday, when a woman dressed in chareidi clothing cut the peyos of a ten-year-old boy after claiming that a ball he had been playing with struck her.

According to the boy’s family, he had been playing in the street with a group of children when their ball rolled and knocked over a garbage can that was positioned near the woman.

The boys insisted that the ball did not hit or even touch the woman. Nevertheless, she reportedly reacted by taking out a pair of scissors, approaching the child, and cutting off his peyos.

The boy ran home in tears, clutching the hair that had been cut. His family said he was deeply shaken and frightened by what had occurred.

Video of the incident quickly circulated on social media, triggering widespread reaction. Local residents expressed strong shock over the attack on the young boy, and many called for an investigation and for the woman to be held accountable.

The family of the child is now weighing possible legal steps in response to the incident.

{Matzav.com}

Senior figures in Israel’s aviation sector have advised Transportation Minister Miri Regev to shut down Ben Gurion Airport without delay, as the country continues its military campaign against Iran and faces sustained missile fire from Iran and Lebanon.

The recommendation was made Sunday evening as Operation Roaring Lion remains underway, with ongoing barrages raising serious concerns about the safety of civilian air travel. A key meeting on the issue was scheduled for later in the evening, bringing together Civil Aviation Authority Director General Shmuel Zakai and Airports Authority CEO Sharon Kedmi to weigh next steps.

Roughly 10,000 travelers typically pass through Israel’s main international airport each day. However, aviation professionals now believe the security risks warrant a complete halt to air traffic, aside from flights deemed essential and approved in advance. Their position runs counter to commercial airlines, which had been preparing to expand operations ahead of the upcoming Passover holiday.

At the same time, Minister Regev is under increasing pressure from the International Air Transport Association to formally declare an “aviation emergency.” Such a move would enable airlines to rely on a Knesset-approved provision limiting their obligations to stranded passengers—requiring coverage of only two nights of lodging, without mandating alternative travel arrangements, and allowing refunds of the original ticket instead.

Despite the mounting concerns, officials close to Regev said Sunday night that there has been no shift in current aviation policy.

“contrary to reports, there has been no change in aviation policy.”

“Transportation Minister Miri Regev is holding ongoing situation assessments in order to maintain open skies, while ensuring the security and safety of passengers in accordance with the recommendations of security officials,” her associates said.

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will be deployed to airports across the United States starting Monday to support Transportation Security Administration operations, as staffing shortages worsen during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

In a Truth Social message, Trump said ICE personnel would step in to back TSA officers who have remained on duty despite not receiving pay. He had already cautioned a day earlier that such a move would be implemented if congressional Democrats continued to withhold funding for airport security operations.

White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed the plan, explaining that the additional manpower is intended to ease growing congestion at airport checkpoints during a high-volume travel period. Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Homan said ICE agents would assist in managing crowds as TSA faces reduced staffing levels, with many employees working without pay amid the shutdown.

“It’s a work in progress, but we will be at airports tomorrow, helping T.S.A. move those lines along,” Homan said.

Homan noted that key logistical details were still being worked out, including how many agents would be deployed and which airports would receive assistance. He said priority would likely go to airports experiencing the most severe delays, with wait times in some locations reportedly stretching to three hours. Additional information on the rollout was expected later in the day.

He also explained that ICE agents already assigned to airport locations could shift into support roles such as overseeing exits and other areas outside the main screening process, freeing TSA personnel to concentrate on passenger security checks.

“This is about helping T.S.A. do their mission, and get the American public through that airport as quick as they can, while adhering to all the security guidelines and the protocols,” Homan said.

Democratic leaders quickly objected to the plan. Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York argued that placing ICE agents in airport security environments could create safety concerns, noting that they are not trained to perform TSA duties.

Trump reiterated his stance in additional social media posts, saying ICE officers stand ready to be deployed as long as the funding standoff continues. He added that the effort would also support broader immigration enforcement, including detaining individuals in the country illegally.

The move comes as the partial shutdown has led to significant disruptions at airports nationwide. Although TSA workers are considered essential and have continued reporting to work, they have gone without paychecks, leading to increasing absenteeism and a growing number of resignations since the shutdown began in mid-February.

Talks to resolve the funding dispute remain ongoing. Senate Democrats have sought legislation to ensure TSA workers receive back pay, while Republicans have pressed for comprehensive funding of the Department of Homeland Security. Discussions between lawmakers and the White House have shown signs of movement, though no final agreement has been reached.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned that if negotiations drag on, conditions at airports could deteriorate further as passenger traffic continues to build.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sharply rebuked President Trump on Sunday after the president declared that the Democratic Party has become the nation’s “greatest enemy,” escalating an already heated political standoff.

Responding to Trump’s remarks, Jeffries issued a pointed warning during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Donald Trump should keep his reckless mouth shut before he gets somebody killed,” Jeffries said when asked about the president’s comments earlier that day.

The exchange followed a Truth Social post by Trump in which he argued that, in the wake of the recent military campaign against Iran, Democrats now pose a more serious threat to the United States than any foreign adversary.

“Now with the death of Iran, the greatest enemy America has is the Radical Left, Highly Incompetent, Democrat Party!” Trump wrote. “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Trump had delivered a similar message a day earlier, accusing Democrats of harming Americans through their policies. “Radical Left Democrats have hurt so many people with their vicious and uncaring ways.”

The president pointed in particular to the ongoing dispute in Congress over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have largely opposed approving funds for DHS without revisions to immigration enforcement policies, leading to a partial shutdown that began on February 14.

That impasse has caused major disruptions at airports across the country, where long security lines have formed amid staffing shortages. Some Transportation Security Administration officers have stopped reporting to work after missing paychecks, worsening the delays.

Blaming Democrats for the situation, Trump said, “What they have done to the Department of Homeland Security, our fantastic TSA Officers, and, most importantly, the great people of our Country, is an absolute disgrace.”

“The Fascist Democrats will never protect America, but the Republicans will,” the president raged, as he announced his intention to deploy ICE agents to airports to help out TSA. Some on the left, including prominent Democrats, have long accused Trump of being a “fascist.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that conditions at airport security checkpoints are expected to worsen significantly as the partial government shutdown stretches into its 41st day, raising concerns about staffing shortages and longer wait times nationwide.

Speaking in an interview on ABC’s “This Week,” Duffy said the situation could escalate in the coming days as more TSA workers face financial strain. “I think you’re going to see more TSA agents, as we come to Thursday, Friday, Saturday of next week, they’re going to quit or they’re not going to show up,” he said, pointing out that many officers are about to miss their second consecutive paycheck.

He added that the lack of pay is already taking a toll on the workforce. “But without getting paychecks, it’s even that much more challenging,” Duffy said. “They’re going to take other jobs to put food on the table and pay the rent. So, I do think it’s going to get much worse. And as it gets worse, I think that puts pressure on the Congress to come to a resolution.”

Across the country, a growing number of TSA employees have been calling out of work as negotiations to restore funding for the Department of Homeland Security remain stalled. Travelers have already begun to feel the impact, with extended security lines reported at multiple airports.

Officials have also raised the possibility that some smaller airports may be forced to temporarily shut down operations if staffing shortages continue to deepen. According to DHS figures, more than 360 TSA officers have resigned since the shutdown began in late February.

Despite the mounting challenges, Duffy said he is encouraging TSA personnel to continue reporting for duty, emphasizing that they will ultimately receive their back pay. “I’m asking for them to come [to work], and we’ve asked them to come to work,” he said. “They make family decisions that are right on behalf of their finances. But we want them to come.”

In an effort to ease the strain, President Trump announced Saturday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers would be deployed to airports across the country beginning Monday to help support operations during the shutdown.

Details of how that plan will be implemented remain unclear. Duffy said the ICE agents are expected to assist with certain security-related functions, while White House border czar Tom Homan could play a role in managing passenger flow and reducing congestion at checkpoints. Homan indicated in a separate interview that officials are working to finalize the approach before it is rolled out.

“[ICE officers] run those same type of security machines at the southern border, right?” Duffy said. “Packages come through or people come through. They run similar assets.”

“And again, even if we’re … look at the line there. To manage the through flow of people and even administratively, they’ll be helpful,” he continued. “But again, we have ICE agents who are trained and can provide assistance to agents.”

Rav Yitzchok Yosef addressed the tense security situation during his weekly shiur, emphasizing both the need for hishtadlus and tefillah. He also called on the public to add specific chapters of Tehillim to their daily routine and to recognize the efforts of the security forces.

Opening his remarks last night, the former Rishon LeTzion praised the soldiers operating Israel’s air defense systems and urged the public to show appreciation and daven on their behalf. “We are now in a matzav shel milchamah and first and foremost we must pray for the soldiers. Everything they are doing with Iron Dome and the Arrow missile system—fortunate are they and fortunate is their portion. We must show them gratitude and pray for them.”

He then addressed the fear gripping the public in light of the ongoing missile barrages, stressing the obligation to follow safety instructions everywhere. “All of Klal Yisroel is in distress because of all these missiles; people are afraid. Even in Bnei Brak one must be careful and not take any risks. When there is an alert, go to a protected space.”

On the spiritual front, the Rav established a special daily seder tefillah for the days of Chodesh Nissan. He instructed that immediately after the daily recitation of the Korbanos HaNesi’im, three chapters of Tehillim should be added: Yoshev B’Seiser Elyon (91), Mima’amakim Kerasicha (130), and Esa Einai El Heharim (121). “In every place, one should not rush away,” he said, encouraging people to take the time to daven on behalf of the entire nation.

Rav Yosef also expressed astonishment at the intense hostility of the Iranian regime toward Israel. “In the past we had wars with Jordan, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon—those who are close to us. But Iran—do we share a border with Iran? What do they want from us? To destroy, to kill, and to annihilate. And who knows if the Houthis will join them—the Yemenites are stubborn.” He added that despite the heavy missile fire, clear nissim are being seen. “We are seeing miracles and wonders. So many missiles have been fired at us. I know there were some injuries, but still there have been many miracles and wonders.”

Concluding his remarks, the Rav addressed the issue of military service, emphasizing the Torah world’s love and appreciation for the soldiers. “We love the soldiers and pray for them. We increase in ahavas Yisroel.” He explained that continued learning in the batei medrash serves as the true protection of the nation during wartime: “Why do we not go to the army? Because our Torah protects the people of Yisroel. All the missiles that fall without fatalities—it is in the merit of our Torah.”

It is with great sadness that Matzav.comreports the passing of Rav Shalom Meir HaKohein Wallach zt”l, a renowned maggid meisharim and prolific author from Bnei Brak, who was niftar on Motzaei Shabbos after a prolonged illness. He was 78.

Rav Wallach was born in southern Tel Aviv on Sukkos 5708 to his father, Reb Mordechai HaKohein Wallach z”l, a Vizhnitzer chossid. In his youth, he learned in Yeshivas Slabodka in Bnei Brak.

After his marriage, while continuing his learning in kollel, he began developing his unique voice in Torah literature. With the founding of the newspaper Yated Ne’eman by Rav Elazar Menachem Shach zt”l, Rav Wallach was invited to serve as editor of its Torah supplement, where he helped shape a new style of Torah writing.

Over the years, his name became a fixture in Jewish homes through the hundreds of seforim he authored, spanning all segments of the chareidi world. With unusual talent, he bridged different communities, writing about the gedolim of both the Litvishe and chassidishe worlds, as well as producing well-known series dedicated to the heritage of Sephardic Jewry.

His works became widely popular and helped transform the landscape of Jewish storytelling. He was especially known for his haggados, publishing a new one each year that gathered the teachings of gedolei hadoros.

Alongside his vast literary output, he served for decades as the rov of the central shul in Shikun Gimmel in Bnei Brak. Residents recall a warm and radiant figure, a talmid chochom whose door was always open to those in need, and whose derashos—woven with stories and parables—drew large crowds eager to hear words of Torah.

He is survived by a distinguished family, with children and grandchildren following in the path of Torah and mitzvos.

The levayah was held last night at his home at 10 Rav Ami Street in Bnei Brak. The procession passed by his beis medrash at 74 Chazon Ish Street in Shikun Gimmel on its way to the Vizhnitzer cemetery in the city for kevurah.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

Tensions flared sharply over Shabbos in the Achisamach neighborhood of Lod after dozens of chareidi residents blocked a main road in an effort to prevent chillul Shabbos, prompting a forceful and controversial response from the city’s mayor, Yair Rebibo.

The unrest unfolded over the latest Shabbos, when residents organized to stop vehicular traffic through their neighborhood. Protesters erected physical barriers across the main street, aiming to preserve the sanctity of Shabbos. The move angered other local residents and quickly drew the attention of municipal authorities.

Mayor Rebibo reacted immediately after Shabbos with unusually strong language, making clear that he would not tolerate what he described as a disruption of public order and illegal obstruction of traffic. He warned that the community from which the demonstrators emerged could face sweeping consequences, stating that it would be removed from access to municipal resources currently allocated to it as a form of collective penalty for what he called harm to the city’s daily functioning.

In a highly unusual step, the mayor also announced a financial incentive to identify those responsible for organizing the protest. “I remembered another important thing: a reward of 1,800 shekels will be given to the first person who provides me with the exact name of the organizer, who, among other things, produced professional notices and arranged for them to be posted in all the buildings on Friday afternoon,” Rebibo wrote in a message to residents.

He emphasized that he is specifically seeking the individual behind the planning, advertising, and logistics of the demonstration, and pledged complete confidentiality to anyone who comes forward with information. “I guarantee full confidentiality—please contact me privately. Thank you very much!” he added.

The atmosphere in Achisamach remained tense into the evening, with members of the chareidi community expressing concern over the potential loss of municipal funding and services in response to the protest. City officials, for their part, stressed that they will not allow any group to dictate traffic patterns in violation of the law and the existing status quo.

It remains to be seen whether the once-quiet neighborhood will become a regular flashpoint of confrontation each Shabbos, or whether city leaders will come to recognize that while chillul Shabbos may not be preventable everywhere, there is little justification for allowing its open violation in a chareidi area.

{Matzav.com}

Iran sharply intensified its confrontation with the United States on Friday by launching two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, a major U.S.-U.K. military installation in the Indian Ocean, in a move that signals a dramatic expansion of Tehran’s strike capabilities.

The attempted strike, aimed at a base located roughly 2,500 miles from Iran, suggests that the regime now possesses missile range far beyond what it had previously acknowledged publicly.

Prior to the launch of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had insisted that Tehran had deliberately limited its missile program. “We intentionally kept the range of our missiles below 2,000 kilometers so we don’t have that capability. And we don’t want to do that because we do not have hostility against the United States people and all Europeans.”

Israeli officials said the latest attack tells a very different story. On Saturday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir stated, “Just yesterday, Iran launched a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of 4,000 kilometers [2,500 miles] toward an American target on the island of Diego Garcia. These missiles were not intended to hit Israel. Their range reaches the capitals of Europe — Berlin, Paris and Rome are all within direct threat range.”

IDF spokesman Nadav Shoshani accused Iran of misleading the world about its capabilities. Writing on X, he said, “Just 3 days before the war, the Iranian regime said they don’t obtain long-range missiles. Today, their lies were exposed once again, when missiles were fired 4000km away from Iran. They hoped to lie their way into becoming a force that can terrorize the world. We didn’t buy it.”

Policy analysts say the development reinforces longstanding concerns about Iran’s refusal to curb its missile ambitions. Jason Brodsky of United Against Nuclear Iran told Fox News Digital, “The Trump administration, in citing Iran’s missile threat as a rationale for Operation Epic Fury, was therefore justified in its decision to undertake military action as Iran has consistently refused to negotiate over its missile program.

“It also shows how dangerous it is to solely rely on Iranian nuclear weapons fatwas and the supreme leader’s public rhetoric in formulating U.S. policy. As long as Iran retains the technical capability beyond public pronouncements, it is a threat.”

Brodsky also pointed to a possible shift in power dynamics within Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. “I think it’s a message that the IRGC is in charge in Iran after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death,” Brodsky said. “When Khamenei was alive, he limited the range of Iran’s missile program to 2,000 kilometers. Khamenei recounted in 2018 how he had rejected overtures from IRGC commanders seeking to increase the range to as much as 5,000 kilometers.

“But now that he has died, those voices in the IRGC seeking to increase the range are likely driving the agenda. The launch of the missiles was likely meant as a signal of the IRGC’s capabilities to threaten U.S. allies beyond the Middle East. For example, this threatens Europe.”

Although neither missile struck its target, the attempted attack marked a significant escalation. One of the missiles reportedly malfunctioned mid-flight, while a U.S. naval vessel fired an SM-3 interceptor at the second. Officials have not yet confirmed whether that interception was successful. Diego Garcia remains a critical hub for U.S. strategic operations, including bomber deployments and nuclear submarine activity.

Ilan Berman of the American Foreign Policy Council said the launch underscores the urgency of addressing Iran’s growing threat. “The launch hammers home the president’s point about Iran being an imminent threat. It’s easy for casual observers to ignore, but the increasing maturity of Iran’s strategic programs, plural, has been exponentially expanding the threat that the Islamic Republic poses beyond the Middle East.

“That is what Epic Fury is seeking to address. The administration believes, absolutely correctly in my view, that these types of capabilities cannot be left in the hands of a radical, predatory regime.

“Despite its public denials, it’s been clear that the Iranian regime has been working on expanding the range of its ballistic missile capabilities for years. The launch toward Diego Garcia confirms that it has made real progress toward that goal and is already able to put targets in the same range as Central and Eastern Europe at risk. Moreover, it’s clear that the regime is seeking still greater capabilities and that, if left intact, Iran’s ballistic missiles would attain intercontinental range soon.”

Berman also highlighted the connection between Iran’s missile work and its broader strategic programs. “The parallel development Iran has been carrying out on its space program is significant. The booster used to put payloads into orbit can be married onto a medium-range missile to create intercontinental range capabilities. Before the war, we were seeing a clear convergence of the regime’s strategic programs: its ballistic missile work, its space capabilities and its nuclear program.”

He warned that Europe is now firmly within range. “Europe is absolutely at risk as the recent launch makes clear,” Berman said. “I wouldn’t say that a failure to recognize this to date has been due to a grand deception by Tehran, though. It is more attributable to willful blindness on the part of European elites about the extent of the threat that the Iranian regime poses as well as undue faith in diplomacy and arms control in containing it.”

The United Kingdom issued a sharp condemnation following the attempted strike. “Iran’s reckless attacks, lashing out across the region and holding hostage the Strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies,” the U.K. Ministry of Defense said in a statement. “RAF jets and other U.K. military assets are continuing to defend our people and personnel in the region.

“This government has given permission to the U.S. to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations.”

{Matzav.com}

Podcaster Joe Rogan drew criticism after appearing to entertain unfounded online rumors suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is dead, even floating the idea that Netanyahu’s brother may have been killed in a recent missile strike during a new episode of his show.

The remarks were made on episode #2471 of The Joe Rogan Experience, featuring comedian Mark Normand, which was released between March 20 and 21, 2026. In a widely circulated clip, Rogan responded to questionable videos spreading online amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

His comments quickly gained traction across social media, where pro-Israel users accused him of echoing Iranian disinformation and veering into conspiracy theories.

The speculation had already been publicly debunked days earlier, when Netanyahu shared a verified video of himself casually ordering coffee at a café in Yerushalayim, poking fun at the false claims that had been fueled by Iranian state outlets and AI-generated content.

Netanyahu’s brother Iddo Netanyahu remains alive and active. The only brother who was killed was Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu, who died during the 1976 Entebbe rescue operation nearly five decades ago. There have been no credible reports of any recent attack involving members of the Netanyahu family.

Rogan’s comments come amid a surge in online conspiracy discussions centered on altered or distorted “AI videos” of Netanyahu, with some users citing visual irregularities, such as “six fingers,” as supposed evidence of manipulation. Rogan did not fully dismiss the claims, instead appearing to consider them as potentially plausible.

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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu toured the site of a recent missile impact in Arad, where he sharply accused Iran of intensifying attacks on civilian areas and cautioned that the danger now reaches far beyond Israel’s borders.

Standing at the location of the strike, Netanyahu said the events of the past two days have made clear that Iran represents a global threat. He pointed to the missile that hit a residential area, describing it as a deliberate attempt to inflict mass casualties, and noted that the absence of fatalities was purely incidental.

He also referenced additional developments, including reported strikes near religious locations in Jerusalem and a long-range missile launch, which he said demonstrates Iran’s expanding operational range and its ability to threaten regions far outside the Middle East.

“Iran is putting everyone in its sights,” Netanyahu said, adding that its actions against international shipping routes further demonstrate an effort to destabilize global security and exert pressure on the international community.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is coordinating closely with the United States under Donald Trump to counter what he described as a “terrorist regime,” and urged other nations to take a more assertive stance in confronting the threat.

Discussing Israel’s military response, he said the IDF is operating “with great force,” while making clear that its targets are regime elements rather than civilians. He explained that operations are directed at Iran’s leadership, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as key infrastructure, strategic facilities, and financial assets tied to the regime.

The prime minister outlined two central goals guiding the campaign: eliminating Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, and fostering conditions that could allow the Iranian public to challenge the current leadership.

When asked about possible joint action with the United States in future operations, particularly in light of Trump’s comments regarding potential steps if shipping lanes remain obstructed, Netanyahu declined to elaborate on specifics but underscored the close coordination between the two countries.

“We act together, and as much as possible, we do so discreetly,” he said.

An Israeli man killed Sunday morning when a missile struck his vehicle has been identified as Ofer Moskowitz, who managed the avocado groves at Kibbutz Misgav Am.

Although he and his family had relocated to Kibbutz Ginosar during the fighting in northern Israel, Moskowitz continued traveling back frequently to Misgav Am to care for the orchards and the kibbutz’s chicken coops near the Lebanese border, despite the ongoing security risks.

Only days before he was killed, Moskowitz openly acknowledged the danger he was living with, saying, “At any moment a missile or a UAV could hit me. It’s like Russian roulette.”

Kibbutz Misgav Am issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over his death, remembering him as “an orator, farmer, friend, and a symbol and legacy for all of us.” The statement continued, “For years he was a central voice among us. We send our deepest condolences and a strong embrace to his family and to the entire Misgav Am community. The Galilee will not look the same without him. May his memory be blessed.”

In an interview conducted in July, Moskowitz described how he tried to protect the orchards during earlier attacks. “I opened all the irrigation taps so the water would flood the area, and that’s what stopped the fire from spreading,” he said. Even so, approximately 400,000 square meters of fruit trees were lost in the blaze.

Despite the devastation, Moskowitz spoke about rebuilding with optimism and determination. “With great joy and excitement, we are replanting. We are planting not only trees, but also hope, faith, and renewal.”