Feed aggregator

Legendary singer Avraham Fried revealed this week that a remarkable moment of hashgachah pratis during a recent visit to the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in New York inspired him to launch an unexpected new musical project — recording Jewish lullabies for children.

Fried shared the story during an in-depth interview with journalist Binyamin Lipkin on the debut episode of the “L’Binyamin Amar” podcast on the COL website, where he discussed personal moments from throughout his celebrated musical career.

The singer recounted that during a recent visit to the Rebbe’s kever, he davened for continued success in his music and performances.

“I asked for brachah and hatzlachah in singing, to continue performing and singing, etc.,” Fried recalled.

After leaving the Ohel, Fried entered an adjoining room where videos of the Lubavitcher Rebbe are continuously shown.

To his astonishment, the particular video playing at that exact moment featured the Rebbe speaking publicly about music during a farbrengen decades earlier.

“How many clips are there of the Rebbe speaking publicly about singing at farbrengens?” Fried asked rhetorically. “There aren’t many.”

Fried described the timing as extraordinary and deeply personal.

“Tell me this isn’t hashgachah,” he said. “I’m looking at the video, and the Rebbe says: ‘Before babies begin to speak, it was customary to lull them to sleep, according to the custom of elderly Jewish women, with a lullaby, Torah di beste sechora [the best merchandise]. And it is known what the Rashba writes regarding the customs of elderly Jewish women in Israel, how carefully they must be preserved.’”

Fried said he felt at that moment as though the Rebbe was speaking directly to him.

Inspired by the experience, he immediately decided to move forward with a completely new type of project.

“On the spot I decided: I’m going to make lullaby albums now,” Fried announced.

A new Channel 13 poll published Monday night shows former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s new political party losing momentum, while Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu’s bloc continues edging closer to a governing majority.

According to the survey, Bennett’s “Together” party dropped three seats compared to the previous Channel 13 poll, while the Netanyahu-led bloc together with the chareidi parties now stands at 56 seats, compared to 54 seats for the anti-Netanyahu bloc.

If elections were held today, Netanyahu’s Likud party would emerge as the largest faction in the Knesset with 25 seats, the poll found.

Bennett’s “Together” party fell sharply to 23 seats, down from 26 mandates in the previous survey.

Meanwhile, the “Yashar” party headed by Gadi Eisenkot continued gaining strength and is now projected to become the third-largest party in the Knesset with 14 seats — an increase of two seats from the network’s earlier poll.

Among the chareidi parties, the numbers remained unchanged. Shas, led by Aryeh Deri, held steady at 10 seats, while United Torah Judaism remained stable with 7 mandates.

Religious Zionism, headed by Bezalel Smotrich, narrowly crossed the electoral threshold with 4 seats, while Otzma Yehudit under Itamar Ben Gvir received 10 seats.

The Democrats party, led by Yair Golan, was projected to win 9 seats, while Yisrael Beiteinu under Avigdor Lieberman gained one additional seat and rose to 8 mandates.

Among the Arab parties, Hadash-Ta’al was projected to receive 6 seats, while Ra’am, led by Mansour Abbas, dropped to just 4 seats.

According to the poll, the Netanyahu bloc together with the chareidi factions now stands only two seats short of the 61-seat majority needed to form a government.

The anti-Netanyahu bloc was projected to receive 54 seats, while the Arab parties collectively accounted for 10 mandates.

{Matzav.com}

Qatar has reportedly provided Iran with massive financial assistance in recent weeks, according to sources cited Tuesday, as Tehran struggles under mounting economic pressure and the lingering effects of the American naval blockade.

The report, published by Yisroel Hayom, claims the Qatari government transferred significant sums of money to the Iranian regime following a series of contacts between Doha and Tehran over the past several weeks.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Monday with Iranian Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati in a meeting that, according to the report, highlighted Qatar’s increasingly deep involvement in supporting Iran economically — far beyond its previously known role as a mediator in negotiations.

According to the report, Iran’s financial situation has deteriorated sharply due to the U.S. maritime blockade. The country is reportedly facing severe difficulties paying public-sector salaries, financing food and goods imports, and maintaining financial support for members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Sources quoted in the report said Qatar transferred substantial financial aid to Iran after diplomatic contacts intensified in recent weeks.

According to those sources, relations between Doha and Tehran expanded significantly following the ceasefire reached more than a month ago.

The report claimed one of Qatar’s main motivations was to prevent another Iranian strike against its territory after Qatar came under attack during the war.

Israel Hayom noted that following the ceasefire, both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia were reportedly targeted in separate incidents, while Qatar remained untouched.

One source cited in the report said the two countries are also engaged in secret discussions aimed at reaching a broader arrangement that could include Qatari assistance in developing the enormous shared natural gas field jointly controlled by Iran and Qatar.

{Matzav.com}

Shas faction chairman Yinon Azoulay launched a sharp attack Tuesday against Israel’s attorney general and several coalition lawmakers following the decision to revoke yeshiva students’ eligibility for the government’s “Discounted Apartment” housing lottery program.

Azoulay accused the officials of effectively increasing the chances that terrorists and their families would benefit from the subsidized housing initiative while excluding Torah learners.

The Shas MK directed criticism at Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara along with coalition lawmakers Yuli Edelstein, Dan Illouz, Ofir Sofer, and Sharren Haskel over the controversy surrounding the housing program.

According to Azoulay, “The families of terrorists are thanking the attorney general today, along with those members of Knesset who call themselves ‘right-wing,’ who joined forces with the dismissed attorney general and with their own hands increased the chances of terrorists winning ‘Discounted Apartment’ lotteries by excluding Torah learners from participating.”

He continued by condemning what he described as a reversal of priorities in the Jewish state.

“It is unbelievable that in the Jewish state, instead of strengthening those who dedicate their lives to Torah study and to the Jewish identity of the state, they are strengthening terrorists.”

Azoulay also made clear that Shas does not intend to retreat from the fight over the issue.

“It won’t help you — we will not surrender. ‘The more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and spread.’ Torah learners will continue to sit and learn, because money does not interest them.”

{Matzav.com}

Shin Bet chief David Zini met in the United Arab Emirates with former senior Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, according to a report Tuesday by Kan News citing Israeli and regional sources.

The meeting has drawn attention because Dahlan has repeatedly been mentioned in international discussions as a leading candidate to play a major role in governing Gaza after the war.

Responding to the report, the Shin Bet issued a brief statement saying: “We do not comment on the schedule of the head of the service.”

Dahlan, once one of the most powerful figures in Fatah, previously headed the Palestinian Authority’s Preventive Security apparatus in Gaza. For years, he has lived in exile in Abu Dhabi.

In July 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that American, Israeli, and Arab officials had identified Dahlan as the leading candidate to oversee Gaza in the postwar era.

At the time, Dahlan rejected the idea publicly. Speaking to Sky News Arabia, he said: “I have stated more than once my refusal to accept any security, ministerial or executive role, and I call for the formulation of a realistic and practical international work plan that will lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

Earlier this year, it was also reported that former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with Dahlan in Abu Dhabi.

The revelation comes weeks after reports surfaced that Shin Bet director David Zini made a rare and highly unusual visit to the UAE amid the ceasefire and rising tensions involving Iran, signaling increasingly close security coordination between Jerusalem and Gulf states.

The Wall Street Journal reported this month that Mossad chief Dedi Barnea also traveled to the UAE during the war with Iran.

According to the newspaper, Barnea visited the country at least twice during the 40-day conflict in order to coordinate security matters related to the fighting.

Arab officials and another informed source told the Journal that the secret visits took place during March and April.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Former National Security Adviser John Bolton sharply criticized the Trump administration’s negotiations with Iran on Monday, arguing that any pause in military pressure gives Tehran valuable time to regroup and rebuild after weeks of Israeli attacks.

Appearing on CNN’s “The Lead,” Bolton said he believes the ongoing diplomatic effort should collapse rather than produce a ceasefire agreement.

“I hope the negotiations break down, because every day that goes by is a gift to Iran. It gives them 24 more hours to recover from the pummeling they took during the six weeks of Israeli attack. It gives them time to try and reconstitute their government, which increasingly looks dysfunctional and decision-making capability. And it postpones the day of reckoning. Ultimately, when the threat that they posed to control over the Strait of Hormuz is resolved in a way that they never come back and do it again, I think the ceasefire was a mistake.”

Bolton warned that the Trump administration risks squandering strategic gains achieved through military action against the Islamic Republic.

“I think these negotiations are a mistake. I think we’re on the verge of something that ultimately history will decide was a catastrophic loss for the United States. We have we have done significant damage to the Islamic Republic of Iran. And right now, we’re letting them undo the damage. And that that is a real tragedy, not just for us, but for the people in the region.”

CNN host Pamela Brown pressed Bolton on whether he would still oppose a deal even if Iran agreed to major American demands involving its nuclear program.

“So you think even if a deal is reached and, Iran commits to some of the sticking points that the U.S. wants, like moving all the enriched uranium out, that that would still be a failure.”

Bolton responded skeptically, saying the details of the negotiations appear to shift constantly and accusing Iran of deliberately dragging out the process.

“Well, the it’s very hard to know what the terms they’re discussing are since they change day by day. But but it seems a constant that the uranium issues kicked down the road for at least 60 days. This is what Iran wants. They want more time. 60 days turns into six months and then it turns into more than that. I don’t think Donald Trump is analyzing what America’s strategic interests are here. I think he’s looking at the price of gas at the pump, and he’s doing whatever he can to bring it down.”

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sharply criticized Israel during a phone conversation Monday with Israeli President Isaac Herzog over Israel’s interception of a pro-Gaza flotilla last week, intensifying growing diplomatic friction between Ottawa and Israel.

According to AFP, Carney condemned Israel’s handling of activists aboard the vessel and accused Israeli authorities of mistreating those involved in the maritime confrontation.

An official statement released by the Canadian government said Carney denounced what he called the “appalling treatment” of activists on the ship and described the actions taken by Israeli forces as “unacceptable.”

The discussion came amid mounting international backlash over National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s filmed confrontation with participants aboard the anti-Israel flotilla headed toward Gaza. Among those aboard were 12 Canadian citizens.

During the call with Herzog, Carney pushed for an independent probe into the naval operation and also “strongly condemned” comments made by Ben Gvir, according to the government statement.

The diplomatic dispute marks the latest step in Canada’s increasingly confrontational response to the incident. Ottawa announced last week that it would summon Israel’s ambassador to formally seek answers regarding the treatment of Canadian nationals involved in the flotilla.

The controversy has also spread into Europe. France has barred Ben Gvir from entering the country, while French officials are reportedly working alongside Italy and Spain to encourage the European Union to impose sanctions on the Israeli minister.

Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau as both Liberal Party leader and Canadian prime minister, has previously drawn criticism for remarks viewed as hostile toward Israel.

During a campaign appearance in Calgary last year, Carney responded after a protester shouted, “Mr. Carney, there is a genocide happening in Palestine,” pausing to reply, “Thank you…I’m aware. Which is why we have an arms embargo.”

Afterward, Carney attempted to clarify the exchange, telling reporters he had not actually heard the word “genocide” and had instead been referring generally to Canada’s existing restrictions on arms exports.

“I didn’t hear that word,” Carney said. “It’s noisy. If you’re up there you hear snippets of what people say and I heard Gaza, and my point was I’m aware of the situation in Gaza.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forcefully responded at the time, criticizing Carney’s rhetoric and defending Israel’s war effort.

“Canada has always sided with civilization. So should Mr. Carney. But instead of supporting Israel, a democracy that is fighting a just war with just means against the barbarians of Hamas, he attacks the one and only Jewish state. Mr. Carney, backtrack your irresponsible statement!”

Last summer, Carney also announced plans for Canada to recognize a Palestinian state, a move that sparked concern among several Jewish and multicultural organizations.

B’nai Brith Canada and a coalition of community leaders later sent Carney a letter warning against the decision. The letter stated that such recognition “could embarrass Canada, compound the crisis in the Middle East, and further push Israelis and Palestinians away from establishing a two-state solution.”

{Matzav.com}

As high-stakes negotiations over Iran’s nuclear material continue behind closed doors, President Donald Trump used Truth Social once again to underscore what he portrays as a dramatically tougher approach toward Tehran compared to previous administrations.

On Monday, Trump shared a viral-style image contrasting his handling of Iran with that of President Barack Obama, reinforcing his administration’s message that military pressure and uncompromising demands — not financial incentives — define current U.S. policy.

The image, formatted as a side-by-side “split-panel” meme, juxtaposed “Obama’s Iran Policy” against “Trump’s Iran Policy,” highlighting what Trump allies describe as a complete break from earlier diplomatic approaches toward the Islamic Republic.

One side of the graphic displayed massive bundles of money stacked on pallets and labeled “Pallets of Cash,” an apparent reference to the controversial cash payments delivered to Iran during implementation of the Obama-era nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA.

In sharp contrast, the second panel showed the U.S. Navy destroyer DDG 50 launching missiles during an intense naval confrontation, symbolizing overwhelming American military strength and Trump’s preference for forceful deterrence rather than economic concessions.

The post appeared shortly after Trump publicly declared that no final nuclear agreement with Iran would move forward unless international inspectors directly observe the destruction of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

In a Truth Social message, Trump outlined the conditions he expects for eliminating Tehran’s nuclear materials.

“The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote.

Trump said Saturday that details surrounding a possible agreement with Iran would be made public “shortly.”

Soon afterward, The New York Times reported that negotiations between Washington and Tehran are centered around one major condition involving Iran’s nuclear stockpile.

According to two American officials cited by the newspaper, the tentative framework being discussed would require Iran to surrender its highly enriched uranium reserves entirely — a condition the report said Iranian officials had tentatively agreed to.

Still, American officials acknowledged Sunday that the completion of the memorandum of understanding between the two sides may not happen immediately.

A senior U.S. official quoted by CNN said bureaucratic delays inside Iran’s government are slowing the process as Tehran works through internal approval procedures tied to the precise wording of the agreement.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

For years, liberal and Reform organizations have presumed to speak on behalf of Diaspora Jewry, including American Jews, while advancing their agenda at the Kotel.

This week, that changed.

A bill was introduced in the Knesset’s Constitution Committee that would grant the Chief Rabbinite official jurisdiction over the Kotel, designating it as a formal Makom Kodosh. The legislation would prohibit Nashot HaKotel from conducting protest activities at the site.

As expected, liberal and Reform representatives appeared at the committee –  loudly proclaiming, in the name of American Jewry, that such a move would sever the bond between the Jewish people and their holiest site.

For the first time, they were not the only voice in the room.

Our voters brought us into the WZO, and it was that representation that gave us the ability to walk into the Knesset and speak on their behalf. Standing before the Constitution Committee, we made a historic declaration: This is what American Jews actually want. This is what Diaspora Jewry wants. Stop speaking in our name.

“We are the ones who speak in our name,” said Rabbi Nechemya Malinowitz, a member of the leadership of Eretz HaKodesh, at the committee. “And what we want is a Kotel that remains kodesh.”

Also present was Esther Jacobs, who stood before the committee and spoke powerfully in the name of the women, declaring where they truly stand.

For the first time in an official capacity, the authentic voice of American Orthodox Jewry was heard in the halls of the Knesset, standing firm to protect the kedusha of the Kotel for generations to come.

WATCH:

LISTEN:

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.