Feed aggregator

A tragic incident unfolded Friday at Tzanz Beach in Netanya when two brothers were caught in the water, leaving one in critical condition and the other unaccounted for as rescue teams continue searching.

ZAKA’s diving unit was called in to aid efforts to locate the missing teen, as emergency crews intensified their operations along the shoreline and surrounding waters.

Paramedics from Magen David Adom treated the brother who had been pulled from the sea after he was found unresponsive. He was transported to Laniado Hospital in Netanya while undergoing ongoing life-saving measures.

Senior MDA medic Yosef Friedman described the scene, explaining that emergency personnel reached the beach using a specialized off-road ambulance and discovered the victim lying on the sand after being removed from the water, unconscious and without vital signs. “We began advanced resuscitation efforts and continued CPR during evacuation to the hospital,” he said.

Authorities are still working to determine exactly what led to the brothers being swept into danger, even as search teams remain focused on finding the missing sibling.

The incident follows another recent drowning tragedy, in which a 48-year-old father lost his life in the Jordan River after trying to save his 9-year-old son, who had been carried off by powerful currents. Rescue personnel later declared the father deceased, while the child was taken to Ziv Hospital in Tzefas in light condition.

The Artemis II mission was set to conclude Friday with a dramatic splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, bringing to a close humanity’s first crewed journey to the moon in more than half a century.

Inside Mission Control, tension steadily increased as the spacecraft carrying four astronauts drew closer to Earth. Engineers and flight teams focused intently on the capsule’s heat shield, a critical component designed to endure extreme temperatures during reentry. During a previous uncrewed test in 2022, the shield returned heavily scarred, raising heightened attention for this mission.

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen approached Earth traveling at roughly Mach 32, a speed not experienced since the Apollo era. Their Orion capsule, named Integrity, was designed to operate autonomously, with the crew prepared to intervene only in the event of an emergency.

As the spacecraft entered its final phase, mission leaders braced for the most nerve-wracking moments of the descent, including a communications blackout lasting several minutes before parachutes were expected to deploy. Lead flight director Jeff Radigan acknowledged the anxiety surrounding that period, saying he expected some of that “irrational fear that is human nature.” Recovery teams, including the USS John P. Murtha and supporting aircraft, stood ready to retrieve the astronauts upon landing.

The return marked the first collaboration between NASA and the U.S. military for a lunar crew recovery since Apollo 17 in 1972. The capsule was expected to reenter at speeds exceeding 23,000 miles per hour before slowing dramatically to a controlled splashdown.

Since launching from Florida on April 1, the crew had successfully completed a series of milestones, demonstrating key capabilities for NASA’s renewed lunar program aimed at eventually establishing a sustained presence on the moon.

Although Artemis II did not land on the lunar surface or enter orbit, it surpassed previous records, traveling farther from Earth than any human mission before it. At its peak, the crew reached a distance of 252,756 miles. During one of the mission’s most emotional moments, the astronauts requested permission to name two lunar craters in honor of their spacecraft and Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll.

The mission also provided rare and stunning views of the moon’s far side, along with a total solar eclipse visible from space. Reflecting on the experience, Glover said the eclipse “just blew all of us away.”

Images captured during the mission captivated audiences worldwide, including a view of Earth setting behind the lunar horizon, echoing the iconic Earthrise image from Apollo 8. The crew’s reflections and discoveries reignited global fascination with space exploration.

“It just makes you want to continue to go back,” Radigan said on the eve of splashdown. “It’s the first of many trips and we just need to continue on because there’s so much” more to learn about the moon.

The mission drew attention and praise from global leaders and public figures, including President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Britain’s King Charles III, and prominent actors such as Ryan Gosling, Scarlett Johansson, and William Shatner.

Despite its successes, the nearly 10-day journey encountered several technical challenges. Issues arose with the spacecraft’s water and propulsion systems, and a malfunctioning toilet forced the crew to rely on backup methods for much of the flight.

The astronauts downplayed the difficulties, emphasizing the importance of pushing forward despite setbacks. “We can’t explore deeper unless we are doing a few things that are inconvenient,” Koch said, “unless we’re making a few sacrifices, unless we’re taking a few risks, and those things are all worth it.”

Hansen echoed that sentiment, noting, “You do a lot of testing on the ground, but your final test is when you get this hardware to space and it’s a doozy.”

Looking ahead, NASA’s Artemis program will continue to build on this mission. Artemis III is expected to involve docking exercises in Earth orbit, while Artemis IV aims to land astronauts near the moon’s south pole by 2028.

For Wiseman and his crew, the mission carried a deeper purpose beyond its technical achievements. “But we really hoped in our soul is that we could for just for a moment have the world pause and remember that this is a beautiful planet and a very special place in our universe, and we should all cherish what we have been gifted,” he said.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Chanoch Friedman zt”l, a distinguished talmid chochom and marbitz Torah who served as Rosh Kollel and Av Beis Din of Beis Yechiel in Har Nof.

Rav Friedman zt”l devoted his life to harbotzas haTorah and psak halacha, guiding talmidim with clarity, depth, and unwavering dedication to the truth of Torah. In his role at Beis Yechiel, he helped shape a generation of bnei Torah, instilling in them a love for learning and a commitment to living lives guided by halacha. As Av Beis Din, he was sought after for his wisdom and fairness, adjudicating matters with sensitivity and precision.

Rav Friedman grew up in Chicago, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Yosef Friedman, and later learned at Bais Medrash Govoah in Lakewood under Rav Aharon Kotler.

Those who knew him describe a figure of quiet greatness, whose anavah matched his scholarship. He carried himself with dignity and warmth, offering guidance and encouragement to all who turned to him. His influence extended far beyond the walls of the kollel, reaching mishpachos and communities both in Eretz Yisroel and abroad.

Rav Friedman was the brother of Rav Avraham Friedman, Rosh HaYeshiva Emeritus of Hebrew Theological College, as well as Mrs. Debbie Greenspan.

The levaya will take place today, Erev Shabbos, Friday, April 10, at 2:00 p.m. at Congregation Adas Yeshurun, located at 3050 West Touhy Avenue in Chicago, and on Sunday in Lakewood. From there, arrangements will be made for kevurah in Eretz Yisroel.

Yehi zichro boruch.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris indicated Friday that she is considering another run for the White House in 2028, telling attendees at a major civil rights gathering that the idea is very much on her mind.

Speaking at the 2026 National Action Network Convention, Harris responded to a question from Rev. Al Sharpton about her future political plans by saying, “Listen, I might, I might. I’m thinking about it. I’m thinking about it.” Harris previously served as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential race.

Her remarks come as speculation intensifies regarding her next steps following the release of her campaign memoir in late 2025 and a nationwide tour promoting the book.

Harris is also expected to participate in a series of Democratic Party events across four Southern states later this month, according to prior reports.

Although she told CBS host Stephen Colbert in August 2025 that she did not “want to go back in the system,” Harris later suggested she had not closed the door on future ambitions, telling the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: “I am not done.”

At Friday’s event, Harris was met with enthusiastic support from the audience, with chants of “run again” breaking out and briefly interrupting her speech.

“I am thinking about (running again) but let me also say this. I served for four years being a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States,” Harris said. “I spent countless hours in my West Wing office, footsteps away from the Oval Office. I spent countless hours in the Oval Office, in the Situation Room. I know what the job is. And I know what it requires.”

As she weighs a potential third presidential bid, Harris outlined what she described as urgent national priorities, noting dissatisfaction among many Americans.

“I’ve been traveling the country the last year, I’ve been spent a lot of time in the south and many other places. And the one thing I’m really clear about also, is the status quo is not working, and hasn’t been working for a lot of people for a long time,” the former nominee said.

Vice President JD Vance departed Friday for high-stakes negotiations with Iran, cautioning Tehran against attempting to manipulate the United States as efforts intensify to bring the ongoing war to a close.

President Donald Trump has assigned Vance—who has often expressed reservations about the conflict—to spearhead the diplomatic push aimed at ending the six-week war and avoiding the realization of Trump’s stark warning about destroying Iran’s “whole civilization.”

Known for his skepticism toward prolonged foreign military involvement, Vance is now leading mediated discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan, as part of a renewed diplomatic effort.

As he boarded Air Force Two en route to Pakistan, Vance struck a cautiously optimistic tone, telling reporters, “We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s gonna be positive. We’ll of course see.”

Referencing Trump’s position, he added, “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand.” At the same time, he issued a warning: “If they’re gonna try and play us, then they’re gonna find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

Vance said the president had provided “pretty clear guidelines” for the talks, though he declined to offer specifics and did not take further questions from reporters traveling with him.

His trip comes at a moment when the fragile ceasefire appears increasingly unstable, with deep disagreements between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance over key terms. Domestically, Vance also faces growing political and economic pressure to help bring the conflict to an end.

Joining him in the negotiations are Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, both of whom participated in earlier rounds of indirect discussions with Iranian representatives before the war began on February 28. Those talks focused on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs as well as its backing of regional proxy forces.

The White House has offered few details about how the upcoming negotiations will be structured, including whether they will involve direct engagement or continue through intermediaries, and has not outlined clear expectations.

Still, Vance’s presence marks a rare instance of senior U.S. officials engaging directly at a high level with Iranian counterparts, something largely absent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The last comparable contact occurred in 2013, when President Barack Obama spoke by phone with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani regarding Tehran’s nuclear program.

Tensions over the ceasefire emerged almost immediately after it was announced Tuesday evening, with conflicting interpretations of its scope.

Iran has maintained that halting Israeli military activity in Lebanon was part of the agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump both stated that Lebanon was not included, and Israeli operations there have continued.

At the same time, Washington has insisted that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran had shut down in response to intensified Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Trump voiced frustration Thursday over Iran’s handling of shipping traffic, saying the country was “doing a very poor job” and posting online, “That is not the agreement we have!”

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said that Vance, Witkoff, Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “have always been collaborating on these discussions,” adding that Trump remains hopeful a lasting agreement can be reached during the two-week ceasefire.

“President Trump has a proven track record of achieving good deals on behalf of the United States and the American people, and he will only accept one that puts America first,” Kelly said.

The negotiations represent a significant test for Vance, who until recently played a quieter role within the administration as other senior figures took more visible advisory positions.

However, his responsibilities have expanded rapidly—from tackling domestic issues like government fraud to now taking a leading role in resolving a complex international conflict.

Despite his military service in Iraq as a Marine and his time in the Senate representing Ohio, Vance has relatively limited diplomatic experience.

Addressing speculation earlier in the week that Iran had requested his involvement, Vance dismissed the idea, saying, “I don’t know that. I would be surprised if that was true. But, you know, I wanted to be involved because I thought I could make a difference.”

Analysts say his selection could be strategic. Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury official and current executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that Vance’s skepticism toward foreign interventions might appeal to Iranian negotiators.

“I think they probably prefer him knowing that his perspective on foreign intervention is one of skepticism,” Schanzer said of the Iranians. “I do think that he’s going to need some help. I don’t think he’s ever been engaged in negotiations with this kind of weight, this kind of seriousness. This is as serious as it gets.”

The White House has rejected suggestions that Iran specifically sought Vance’s participation, framing such claims as potentially harmful to the negotiation process.

While officials have confirmed that Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner will attend, Kelly said personnel from the National Security Council, State Department, and Pentagon will also “play a supportive role.”

Earlier rounds of talks drew criticism from Democrats and nuclear policy experts, who questioned whether Kushner and Witkoff possessed sufficient technical expertise. The administration has not clarified whether nuclear specialists were involved.

Experts note that vice presidents have occasionally been tasked with significant diplomatic missions, but rarely in circumstances involving active wartime negotiations.

Joel Goldstein, a law professor at Saint Louis University who studies the vice presidency, said, “I don’t recall a situation where a vice president has been sent to negotiate a ceasefire or peace in connection with a war the United States was involved with.”

Vance, along with Rubio, is widely viewed as a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, though neither has publicly committed to a run.

According to a source familiar with internal discussions, Vance’s team is focused on the immediate diplomatic mission rather than any future political considerations.

Still, his visible role in the negotiations could carry long-term implications. As Goldstein noted, “The fact that he’s involved in the negotiations in a very visible way, that means that, if things go south, that people will be pointing fingers at him.”

At the same time, he added, “If things go well, then it will be something that he could point to.”

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri delivered a sharp critique of Israel’s legal system and political opposition during a radio interview, addressing the ongoing draft crisis and expressing anguish over the arrests of yeshiva students, while insisting that the Olam HaTorah continues to grow despite mounting pressure.

In remarks during the “Central Edition” program on Kol Chai, Deri focused heavily on what he described as a campaign against the Torah world. He pointed to the arrests of bnei yeshiva and financial threats to institutions, but emphasized that these challenges have not weakened the strength of Torah learning. “Olam HaTorah does not live off their kindness,” he said. “They can shut off the funding, they can threaten arrests — Olam HaTorah flourishes. The more they oppress it, the more it grows and expands.”

At the same time, Deri made clear his deep frustration with the current legal and political climate, particularly over images of yeshiva students being detained. “It is a terrible pain to see a picture of a ben Torah, one of the finest of our sons, being arrested because he learned Torah, and for no other reason,” he said. “This is a terrible accusation against Am Yisrael at a time when we need the greatest miracles.” Addressing the proposed draft law, Deri said the coalition is prepared to advance legislation in the summer session, but stressed that the final decision rests with Gedolei Yisrael. “It now depends only on the guidance and decision of Gedolei Yisrael.”

Deri also launched a direct attack on the attorney general and the Supreme Court, criticizing what he described as their conduct and priorities. He pointed specifically to a recent decision to convene on Shabbos. “When you see a court that convenes on Shabbat over what they claim is their own pikuach nefesh, in order to permit a protest against the Home Front Command — who do you rely on? Who do you trust?” He added, “The attorney general will not protect us,” and argued that the legal system is driven by clear political considerations.

When asked about Shas’s continued alliance with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Deri dismissed the idea of alternative political partnerships. “There are not two sides here,” he said. “Do you see yourself partnering with Yair Golan and everything he represents? Can you sit with Bennett when his first step would be to cancel laws for the sake of Judaism?” He said that Israel’s traditional community understands what is at stake. “Anyone who kisses a Sefer Torah with simple faith understands what talmidei chachamim are. They know that all the incitement in the media is political.”

Deri concluded by reaffirming his belief that Torah learning is the foundation of protection for the Jewish people, even in times of war. “Can we, the small ones, stand alone against all these challenges? When the President of the United States stands with you, is it not because of our Torah?” He ended with a note of certainty despite ongoing threats and sanctions. “The Torah will not be forgotten from Am Yisrael. No one can take it away from us.”

A heavy cloud of mourning has descended upon the city of Ashdod following the petirah of Rav Avrohom Altman zt”l, the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ateres Tzvi, who was niftar at the age of 94.

In recent days, his condition had weakened, though over Pesach he was still able to daven in his bais medrash as usual. On Thursday, he suddenly collapsed at his home in Ashdod, and despite resuscitation efforts by emergency responders, he was niftar.

The levayah was held at Ateres Tzvi on Rechov HaAdmor MiGur in Ashdod’s District Zayin, and proceeded to Har Hamenuchos in Yerushalayim, where he wa slaid to rest.

Rav Altman zt”l was born in Argentina on the 9th of Shevat 5692 to his father, Reb Chaim Altman zt”l, and his mother, Mrs. Sheindel a”h.

During his youth in Argentina, he learned under Rav Tzvi Zeidel Semiaticky zt”l of Yeshivas Toras Emes in London, who would travel to Argentina as part of his efforts to strengthen Torah learning worldwide.

After going to Eretz Yisroel in the 1970s, he settled in Ashdod, where he established a mesivta for young talmidim. Over time, he founded Yeshivas Ateres Tzvi, initially for bochurim of Sephardic background, and later expanded it to include hundreds of avreichim in a flourishing kollel. The yeshiva was first located in District Aleph before later relocating to District Zayin.

He established the yeshiva in memory of his revered rebbe, Rav Semiaticky zt”l, naming it Ateres Tzvi in his honor.

Today, hundreds of avreichim are shteiging in the yeshiva, and the rosh yeshiva dedicated himself tirelessly to sustaining the kollel, traveling across the globe to secure its support, to which he devoted himself completely.

Over the decades, the yeshiva produced many talmidim who went on to become rabbonim and leaders of kehillos in both Eretz Yisroel and abroad. Even after transitioning into a kollel, the framework retained the structure and spirit of a traditional yeshiva, with the rosh yeshiva continuing to deliver shiurim and shmuessen.

In addition to being a marbitz Torah, Rav Altman was counted among the prominent rabbonim of Ashdod. From time to time, he would publish words of chizuk and hisorerus on matters requiring attention, often joined by other rabbonim of the city.

He is survived by a distinguished family, led by his son, Rav Eliyahu Meir Altman, rosh kollel of Ateres Tzvi in Ashdod.

Tehei nishmaso tzrurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

Amid ongoing heavy fighting in Lebanon, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told commanders in southern Lebanon that Israeli forces remain fully engaged in combat against Hezbollah, emphasizing that despite a ceasefire with Iran, operations on the northern front are continuing at full intensity.

Speaking during a visit near Bint Jbeil, Zamir made clear that the situation on the ground has not changed in terms of active combat. The IDF remains at war in this sector and continues its operations. “The IDF is in a state of war, we are not in a ceasefire, we are continuing to fight here in this sector, this is our main combat front.” He added that while there is a ceasefire with Iran, that could change at any time. “In Iran we are in a ceasefire, and we can also there at any moment return to fighting, and in a very powerful way.”

Zamir said that Israeli forces are continuing to build on their gains in Lebanon, stressing the strategic importance of the current area of operations. He highlighted the significance of the location and the scale of IDF capabilities being deployed. “The place where you are is very important, this is in Lebanon, this is facing Hezbollah. Here we are operating, we are employing many means, many of our capabilities. The achievements of this war so far are historic.”

He also linked the damage inflicted on Iran to Hezbollah’s current weakened position, explaining that Tehran’s setbacks have directly impacted the terror group. He noted that Iran has emerged significantly weakened from the conflict. “Iran before this war is not the same Iran, it is much weaker.” He added that this has left Hezbollah increasingly isolated. “The blow that Iran has taken is a blow that affects Hezbollah, because Hezbollah understands that it is now isolated. It is isolated within Lebanon, it is isolated from its strategic rear, from those who fund it, who supply it with weapons, and therefore this is a very significant achievement.”

Referring to recent Israeli strikes, Zamir said that major blows had been delivered across key Hezbollah strongholds, leaving the organization reeling. “Yesterday we delivered a general staff-level operational blow in Beirut, in the Bekaa, and I tell you, the organization is in deep shock.” He added that Hezbollah operatives have fled from their traditional strongholds. “They left the Dahieh, went to other places, to northern Beirut and to various other neighborhoods, and from there they managed the battle.”

Zamir further described the pressure being applied on Hezbollah forces both along the front lines and deep inside Lebanon. He said Israeli forces are systematically dismantling threats to Israeli communities. “Hezbollah encounters our fighter jets, both at the front and in depth. It encounters our ground forces, we are removing the direct threat from our communities. This is a very significant event, this is a very important achievement.”

He concluded by highlighting the broad deployment of IDF forces across multiple fronts and their mission to protect Israeli communities. He said IDF forces are actively positioned to block enemy threats. “We are in all places, as we are in Gaza, as we are in Syria, also here in Lebanon. We are positioned forward, and we are separating through our forces, our armored vehicles, our soldiers, between the enemy and the communities. This is our role, this is the mission.”

Closing his remarks, Zamir praised the troops and commanders on the ground, commending both their spirit and capabilities. “I think this mission is a very clear mission. A lot of appreciation to the people, simply the best people in the world, with tremendous spirit, and afterwards come also the best capabilities in the world. I think I do not remember in the history of the IDF combined task forces, infantry, armor and engineering with such strong capabilities. So much appreciation, take care of yourselves and meet the missions. Good luck.”

{Matzav.com}

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday sharply criticized President Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, holding them responsible for rising and unstable energy costs impacting households across the United Kingdom, and said he has grown increasingly frustrated with how global conflicts are driving oil prices.

“I’m fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy businesses bills go up and down on energy because of the actions of Putin or Trump across the world,” Starmer told ITV News on Thursday.

Starmer has repeatedly taken aim at Trump in recent weeks, arguing that the ongoing war with Iran has contributed to global instability and driven up costs for ordinary families, even as critics point out that his own government has taken limited direct action to ease the burden.

During the interview, Starmer reiterated that Britain would not be drawn into the conflict, stressing that UK military infrastructure would not be used for broader offensive operations, particularly those targeting civilians.

“From the get-go, we’ve been monitoring this situation. So I’m pretty clear in my own mind about what we’ve agreed and what the use of the bases are,” he said. “I’ve been saying we are not going to be dragged into this war because I say there must be a lawful basis.”

“That matters if you’re going to commit our service personnel to risk their lives,” he added.

His comments come as King Charles III prepares for an upcoming state visit to the United States later this month, a trip that Trump has welcomed but that is viewed in Britain as placing the monarch in a delicate position amid the growing tensions between the two leaders.

Starmer, who is currently traveling in the Middle East, had already angered Trump earlier this year when he rejected a US request to use a British military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for operations related to the conflict with Iran.

Aside from calling for “de-escalation” and encouraging diplomatic engagement, critics say Starmer has not taken significant steps to reduce tensions, instead focusing on coordination with allies and strengthening long-term economic and security resilience.

His administration has prioritized closer cooperation with European partners and efforts to protect key shipping routes, rather than direct military involvement.

Starmer was not alone among British officials in expressing frustration. Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper also criticized Iran’s proposal to impose fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Countries cannot simply hijack those kinds of international transit routes and unilaterally apply tolls,” she told the BBC. “They cannot do that as part of the laws of the sea and the United Nations arrangements.”

Trump has voiced support for the idea and has even suggested that the United States could take a share of the revenue generated from such tolls.

Before the conflict with Iran escalated, ships were able to pass through the strategically vital strait — a key route for oil and goods moving between the Middle East and Europe — without charge.

Iran has since proposed a fee of $1 per barrel of oil transported through the waterway, a move that could significantly increase costs given that large tankers often carry more than a million barrels per shipment.

Britain is currently leading a coalition of roughly 40 countries working on both military and diplomatic strategies to secure and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though progress has so far been limited.

Cooper emphasized the broader importance of maintaining open maritime routes, telling the BBC that the freedom of navigation is a “principle that applies right across the globe, and it’s crucial for the cost of living back here at home. It’s crucial for the global economy.”