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Gedolei Yisroel Visit Geneva for Historic Keren Olam HaTorah Mission

Matzav -

For the first time, gedolim of Eretz Yisroel traveled to Geneva this week as part of the Keren Olam HaTorah mission, a powerful initiative to strengthen Torah learning and support kollelim and yeshivos in the Holy Land.

The visit to Switzerland began Monday morning in Zurich, where the delegation of Gedolim davened Shacharis before departing by air for Geneva. Upon arrival, they embarked on a full day of gatherings, inspiration, and meetings aimed at bolstering support for Torah institutions.

Their first stop was Talmud Torah Sinai, where hundreds of excited children greeted them with singing and joy. The Gedolim addressed the students and faculty, offering heartfelt words of chizuk and encouragement, before meeting privately with numerous philanthropists who came seeking guidance and an opportunity to partner in this sacred cause. Many of the participants pledged substantial contributions to Keren Olam HaTorah.

At 6:00 p.m., a central dinner for Geneva’s benefactors took place at the InterContinental Hotel. The event featured stirring addresses from Rav Yosef Chevroni, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Chevron; Rav Mendel Pevzner, rov of Geneva; and Mr. Reuven Wolf, chairman of Keren Olam HaTorah. Each speaker emphasized the immense merit of supporting Torah scholars in Eretz Yisroel and the vital role of the fund in sustaining Torah learning worldwide.

Following the dinner, the Gedolim entered a neighboring hall filled to capacity with thousands of local residents and guests from surrounding French communities who had arrived by bus to attend the momentous gathering.

A special video message from Rav Dov Landau, rosh yeshiva of Slabodka, was screened, as he was unable to attend in person. Rav Yitzchok Toledano read a heartfelt letter from Rav Berel Povarsky, rosh yeshiva of Ponevezh, in which he described the serious challenges facing Torah institutions in Eretz Yisroel and praised the establishment of Keren Olam HaTorah by devoted Jews committed to increasing kavod Shamayim throughout the world.

The keynote address was delivered by Rav Avraham Salim, rosh yeshiva of Maor HaTorah, who spoke passionately about the responsibility to uphold Torah in these trying times. The evening concluded with inspiring words from Rav Shimon Galai, whose fiery message of spiritual upliftment left a deep impression on the audience.

After the gathering, the Gedolim departed for the airport, returning to Eretz Yisroel and concluding a remarkable journey of chizuk and hisorerus for Swiss Jewry, marking another milestone in the global work of Keren Olam HaTorah.

מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק

מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק ע

{Matzav.com}

Tensions Rise as Son of Prominent Rebbe’s Aide Arrested for Army Desertion

Matzav -

A new storm may be brewing in the chareidi world after the son of a close aide to one of Yerushalayim’s leading Rebbes was arrested Monday night on charges of desertion from the IDF and transferred to a military prison.

The young man, a ben Torah who was planning to travel with his family to the United States for his brother’s wedding, was detained when he arrived at the draft office to handle paperwork ahead of his trip abroad. During the visit, military police reportedly took him into custody and transferred him to a detention facility. Before being taken away, he managed to make a brief phone call to his wife, informing her of his arrest and that he would be held for the coming days.

Within the chassidus, efforts are underway to resolve the matter discreetly. Senior community figures and influential askanim have been mobilized to negotiate behind the scenes and prevent the situation from escalating publicly. For now, the leadership has imposed a media blackout, preferring to deal with the authorities quietly.

However, voices inside the group warned that the restraint might not last if the matter isn’t resolved swiftly. “If we don’t see a change within the next 24 hours, Eretz Yisroel will burn,” one source said. “What happened in Ateres Shlomo will look like child’s play compared to what’s coming.”

{Matzav.com}

New Bill Could Allow Monetary Disputes to Be Settled in State-Recognized Rabbinical Courts

Matzav -

A groundbreaking piece of legislation advanced in the Knesset Monday night could soon give Israelis the option to bring civil and monetary disputes before rabbinical courts — with legal recognition from the state.

The Arbitration Law Amendment, sponsored by MKs Moshe Gafni and Yisrael Eichler along with several other lawmakers, passed its first reading in the Knesset plenum with 63 votes in favor and 43 against.

The proposal seeks to formally enshrine in Israeli law the authority of rabbinical courts to act as arbitrators in civil matters — but only with the consent of both parties. This means that business or financial disputes could be adjudicated by a Beis Din under a din Torah, and the resulting ruling would carry the same binding legal force as any other arbitration award recognized by Israeli courts.

According to the bill’s explanatory notes, “The rabbinical courts have for many years adjudicated civil disputes with the consent of the parties. However, a previous Supreme Court ruling determined that in the absence of a legal basis, the rabbinical courts are not authorized to handle such disputes.”

The new proposal aims “to anchor in law the authority of the rabbinical courts to serve as arbitrators, with the consent of the parties, in civil matters that may be subject to an arbitration agreement between parties, thereby allowing those who wish to resolve their disputes according to Torah law to do so through the rabbinical courts.”

The timing of the vote followed a political arrangement between the chareidi parties and the coalition. The bill was brought to the floor immediately after the chareidi factions voted in support of Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s controversial media reform — in exchange for coalition backing of the arbitration bill.

If passed in its second and third readings, the law would mark a historic shift, granting state-backed recognition to rabbinical courts in handling civil financial cases, so long as both sides agree to the process.

The move has been met with enthusiasm among the chareidi parties, who see it as a long-overdue step toward strengthening the role of Torah-based jurisprudence within Israel’s legal framework.

{Matzav.com}

After Hundreds of Delays of Chareidi Travelers in Hungary, Israel’s Foreign Ministry Issues Warning

Matzav -

Following a year marked by numerous reports of chareidi and Israeli travelers being detained or questioned at Budapest Airport, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has issued a special advisory urging passengers to comply with Hungary’s strict customs regulations to avoid delays and fines.

According to the ministry, hundreds — and possibly thousands — of Israeli travelers, the majority from the chareidi community, have been stopped at the customs checkpoint upon entering Hungary. Many of them were unaware of the country’s strict limits on the import of cigarettes and alcohol, which allow no more than two cartons of cigarettes or a single bottle of liquor per person.

Customs officials reportedly began routinely inspecting ultra-Orthodox travelers, suspecting that many were carrying tobacco or alcohol in excess of the permitted amount. “Almost every chareidi traveler entering Hungary has been delayed,” one local source said, describing the pattern as both frustrating and avoidable with proper awareness.

The Foreign Ministry’s statement, released Monday evening, warned: “Travelers found in possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or cash exceeding the amounts permitted under Hungarian law may be detained at the airport, fined, and have the goods confiscated by the authorities.”

The ministry also drew attention to regulations concerning the importation of medications: “Prescription drugs may only be brought into Hungary together with a doctor’s prescription and proper documentation. Medicines containing controlled substances may require additional permits,” the statement said.

Officials advised Israeli citizens traveling to Hungary “to refrain from carrying prohibited products or quantities that exceed the legal limit and to ensure that each traveler carries only the permitted amount per person according to local law.”

The statement further noted that the Israeli Embassy in Budapest “has no authority to intervene or expedite procedures handled by local authorities.” Travelers were urged to verify updated information before departure “through the Hungarian Embassy in Israel or the Hungarian customs authorities.”

The advisory follows a growing number of complaints from travelers who reported lengthy interrogations, confiscations of goods, and in some cases, financial penalties. The Foreign Ministry’s notice aims to help prevent further incidents and ensure smoother entry for Israeli and chareidi travelers visiting Hungary.

{Matzav.com}

Touro’s Medical Honors Pathway Sets Sophia Up for Success

Yeshiva World News -

Sophia Greenblatt always knew she wanted to become a physician. Growing up in Teaneck, New Jersey, as one of six siblings—including a set of triplets—Sophia was deeply inspired by her mother, a practicing psychiatrist. Witnessing firsthand the difference her mother made in patients’ lives sparked Sophia’s early interest in medicine and set her on a […]

Rav Hershel Schachter Urges Jews to Vote: “Every Vote Counts – Even One Must Cut Seder to Vote”

Matzav -

In a powerful handwritten note released this week, Rav Hershel Schachter, rosh yeshiva at Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchonon, issued a clear call for civic responsibility ahead of today’s election, stressing that participation at the ballot box is a halachic and communal obligation.

“According to the media, the election this week is very close and every vote counts,” Rav Schachter wrote. “Everyone who is legally entitled to vote is obligated to do so. Even if need be, one must cut Seder to vote. Kol Yisrael areivim zeh bazeh — all Jews are responsible for one another.”

The message, written in Rav Schachter’s own hand and circulated widely on Monday, highlights the significance of Jewish voter turnout in what is expected to be a tightly contested race in New York.

{Matzav.com}

NASTY NANCY: Pelosi Calls Trump ‘Vile Creature’ and ‘Worst Thing On the Face of the Earth’

Matzav -

Nancy Pelosi unleashed a torrent of criticism toward President Donald Trump during a CNN interview released Monday, calling him “a vile creature” and “the worst thing on the face of the earth.”

“He’s just a vile creature. The worst thing on the face of the earth,” she said.

When pressed by interviewer Elex Michaelson — “You think he’s the worst thing on the face of the earth?” — Pelosi did not hesitate. “I do, yeah. I do,” she replied.

The remarks came as California voters cast ballots on Proposition 50, a special-election measure that could reshape the state’s congressional map and potentially tip the balance of power in the House. The proposal has been slammed by Republicans as a partisan “power grab,” but Pelosi insisted that the real danger to American democracy lies with Trump himself.

Michaelson noted that Pelosi has repeatedly linked the redistricting initiative to her broader campaign to counter Trump’s influence. Asked why she chose such severe language, she pointed to what she sees as his violations of core American principles.

“Because he’s the president of the United States, and he does not honor the Constitution of the United States,” Pelosi said. “In fact, he’s turned the Supreme Court into a rogue court. He’s abolished the House of Representatives. He’s chilled the press. He’s scared people who are in our country legally.”

Pelosi sidestepped questions about whether she plans to run for re-election but made clear that she has no concerns about her political standing at home. “I have no doubt that if I decided to run, I would win. That isn’t even a question. It isn’t arrogant, it’s confident,” she said.

She emphasized that her current focus is not on her own seat but on helping Democrats reclaim control of the House — something she argued is vital to protect the nation from what she described as Trump’s “poison.”

“My only reason I’m in Congress this term is to win the House for the Democrats, to protect us from the poison of the Trump administration,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

Trump: Any Jewish Person Who Votes For Mamdani ‘Is A Stupid Person’

Matzav -

President Donald Trump issued a blistering statement this morning, targeting Jewish voters who back New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, calling the socialist politician “a proven and self-professed JEW HATER.”

In a post shared on Truth Social at 9:46 a.m., Trump wrote, “Any Jewish person that votes for Zohran Mamdani, a proven and self professed JEW HATER, is a stupid person!!!”

The Muslim Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has long drawn outrage from the Jewish community for his harsh anti-Israel rhetoric, vocal support for the BDS movement, and refusal to condemn chants such as “globalize the intifada,” a call for violence against Jews.

Mamdani has fostered hostility toward Israel and endangered Jewish New Yorkers through his extreme positions.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas Says It Will Hand Over Body of Hostage At 8 P.M. Tonight

Matzav -

The military arm of Hamas announced that it intends to transfer the body of an Israeli hostage this evening at 8 p.m.

According to the statement released by the terror group, the remains were located earlier today during excavation work in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City. Hamas claimed the discovery occurred “inside the Yellow Line,” referring to a zone currently under Israeli control.

No immediate confirmation has been issued from Israeli authorities regarding the alleged recovery or the planned handover.

{Matzav.com}

Ben Shapiro Blasts ‘Intellectual Coward’ Tucker Carlson Amid Staff Shakeup At Heritage

Matzav -

A bitter rift within conservative circles deepened Monday as Ben Shapiro launched a blistering attack on Tucker Carlson, denouncing him as “the most virulent super-spreader of vile ideas in America.” The remarks came during an episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, where Shapiro condemned Carlson for platforming Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes without challenging his extremist views.

“The issue here isn’t that Tucker Carlson had Nick Fuentes on his show last week. He has every right to do that, of course,” Shapiro said. “The issue here is that Tucker Carlson decided to normalize and fluff Nick Fuentes and that the Heritage Foundation then decided to robustly defend that performance.”

Carlson’s interview with Fuentes — who lauded Stalin and described “organized Jewry” as America’s “big challenge” — has fractured the right, setting off a fierce debate over the limits of free speech within the conservative movement. Carlson, whose audience remains large even after his exit from Fox News, accused pro-Israel Republicans of having a “brain virus.”

Reaction across the conservative landscape has been starkly divided. The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board condemned the episode as an alarming flirtation with antisemitism, while Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts defended Carlson, railing against a “venomous coalition” trying to “cancel” him. “I disagree with and even abhor things that Nick Fuentes says, but canceling him is not the answer, either,” Roberts said, later adding that he explicitly opposed antisemitism and Fuentes’ ideology.

Shapiro rejected that framing, insisting that moral clarity is not “cancellation.” “It is not cancellation to draw moral lines between viewpoints,” he said. “In fact, we used to call that one of the key aspects of conservatism.”

The fallout quickly reached Heritage itself. Ryan Neuhaus, the longtime chief of staff to Roberts, resigned from the organization on Monday after reposting comments defending the think tank’s stance. “NeuhausNeuhausNeuhaus is a good man, we appreciate his service, and we have no doubt he will serve the movement in another capacity,” a Heritage spokesperson confirmed, as first reported by The Hill.

Carlson’s sit-down with Fuentes adds to a string of controversies involving antisemitism on the political right. In recent weeks, a nominee for a top federal watchdog post withdrew after boasting of his “Nazi streak,” a leaked Young Republicans chat revealed members praising Hitler, and a Nazi symbol was discovered in a GOP congressional office.

Shapiro, who has previously hosted fundraisers for Donald Trump and other Republican candidates, accused Carlson of legitimizing extremists who are poisoning the party from within. “The main agent in that normalization is Tucker Carlson, who is an intellectual coward, a dishonest interlocutor, and a terrible friend,” he charged.

At last weekend’s Republican Jewish Coalition summit, GOP leaders tried to separate Carlson’s views from the broader party identity. “Antisemitism is a very small, limited problem in our party,” RJC CEO Matt Brooks told reporters, while attendees waved signs reading, “TUCKER IS NOT MAGA.”

A proud Orthodox Jew himself, Shapiro closed with a grim warning about the GOP’s trajectory. “The left followed its radicals to electoral hell,” he said. “Apparently, many on the right wish to do the same.”

{Matzav.com}

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