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UPDATE: Catskills Hatzalah Transports Alert 5-Year-Old from Near-Drowning to Harris Medical Center
Chareidi Organizations to Be Exempt from New Law Taxing Foreign Donations
A controversial new bill aimed at taxing foreign donations to left-wing NGOs in Israel will not apply to chareidi organizations, according to a report broadcast Sunday evening on Channel 13.
The legislation, dubbed the “NGO Law,” seeks to impose an 80% tax on donations from abroad received by organizations deemed to be involved in political advocacy—particularly those promoting left-wing agendas. When the bill was first introduced, it sparked concern among chareidi parties, who feared that it could severely impact the many Torah, welfare, and charitable organizations in the chareidi sector that rely heavily on overseas contributions.
However, according to journalist Yoeli Brim, those fears have now been allayed following behind-the-scenes negotiations between the chareidi factions, the Likud party, and MK Simcha Rothman, chairman of the Knesset Constitution Committee. As part of the agreements reached, chareidi organizations will be officially categorized under non-political designations such as “education,” “welfare,” “healthcare,” and “Holocaust remembrance.” These classifications will exempt them from the steep tax outlined in the bill.
On the other hand, the law will target groups labeled as “political,” including women’s rights organizations and advocacy groups focused on democracy and freedom of information, which will still face the 80% tax on donations from foreign entities.
Just two months ago, news of the proposed legislation caused widespread alarm among chareidi lawmakers and activists. The concern was that it would drastically reduce the viability of organizations that fund shiurim, support avreichim, preserve batei knesses, and provide charitable aid—all efforts that depend significantly on financial backing from Jewish communities around the world.
{Matzav.com Israel}IDF Issues Urgent Evacuation Warnings for Yemen Ports and Power Station Ahead of Strikes
Australian Minister Calls Melbourne Synagogue Arson an ‘Attack on Australia’
VIDEOS: Lakewood Community Rallies Outside City Hall in Support of R’ Binyomin Kubani
Hundreds of members of the Lakewood, NJ community gathered today outside Lakewood City Hall/Lakewood Police Headquarters in a passionate show of support for R’ Binyomin Kubani, a beloved ben Torah and father who was recently arrested under troubling circumstances, as Matzav.com has reported on extensively.
Chanting in solidarity and reciting Tehillim, the gathered crowd called for justice and transparency, expressing outrage over what is a grave misjudgment by authorities.
The demonstration remained orderly, with community leaders and askanim urging continued advocacy on R’ Binyomin’s behalf.
VIDEOS:
{Matzav.com}
BPJCC to Open Expansive New Community Center in the Heart of Boro Park
PM Fires Spokesman On Eve of US Trip, Reportedly Amid Spats With Sara Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has dismissed his spokesperson, Omer Dostri, just as he prepares to travel to Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump.
Reports of Dostri’s termination first surfaced Saturday from sources close to the prime minister. Later that evening, the Prime Minister’s Office officially confirmed the move, though their version claimed Dostri had chosen to resign. “Informed the prime minister of his intention to end his role and embark on a new path,” the statement read.
Channel 13 reported that Dostri, who had been serving in the position for the past year, had clashed with Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister’s wife, which ultimately contributed to his immediate departure. Another insider told The Times of Israel that Sara Netanyahu’s attitude toward Dostri played a significant part in the decision.
Still, Netanyahu’s office pushed back strongly on that claim in a Sunday statement. “The decision to terminate his employment was made in coordination between the prime minister, his chief of staff, and Dostri,” the statement read. “The media is quick to turn Mrs. Netanyahu into its punching bag whenever it can.”
The Times of Israel also cited sources who said that Dostri’s likely successor, Ziv Agmon, has a particularly close relationship with Sara Netanyahu.
However, associates of Netanyahu told Ynet that the firing stemmed not from family dynamics, but from dissatisfaction with Dostri’s performance. “This was a bad fit,” the sources said. “He didn’t have experience. He had never been in this profession. He was essentially pushed out. He was told this wasn’t working. Two days ago, he was informed he wouldn’t be traveling to Washington. It wasn’t connected to Sara. The prime minister was unsatisfied with him.”
According to Ynet, Agmon—who was born in the United States—is also closely aligned with Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahu’s chief of staff. Channel 12 highlighted Agmon’s close ties to Sara Netanyahu as well.
Other individuals familiar with the situation told Ynet unequivocally: “Dostri was unequivocally fired by Netanyahu,” again insisting that the matter was not related to his dealings with the prime minister’s wife.
Back in February, several Hebrew media outlets reported that Netanyahu had frequently scolded Dostri for his behavior on the job.
One particularly serious lapse occurred in October, during an Israeli military operation against Iran. Dostri shared uncensored photographs of Netanyahu at a military base, breaching IDF censorship rules and inadvertently exposing sensitive details to the press.
Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, reported that another issue was the criticism Netanyahu received for remaining in Washington during the return of hostages from Gaza, many of whom were found to be in poor condition—an event that reflected poorly on his leadership.
Kan also referenced a communications error during the February ceasefire, when the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement suggesting that Israel had deemed a proposed hostage list from Hamas “acceptable.” That phrase was later corrected to say Israel had merely “received” the list. “Instead of the writing ‘this list is acceptable to Israel,’ it should have read ‘this list was received by Israel,’” the correction explained, noting that the Hebrew root of both words is identical. “This is a purely factual description that does not reflect any reference by Israel to the issue,” the revised statement continued.
Despite the internal tensions and public missteps, the Prime Minister’s Office offered a gracious farewell in its statement, commending Dostri for his service “during one of the most turbulent and complex years… amid a multi-front war.” The office added that Netanyahu “thanked Dostri for his principled, dedicated, and professional work… in one of the most challenging and complex periods Israel has ever known.”
Dostri, for his part, reflected positively on his experience. According to the PMO, he said he “had the opportunity to see up close how the prime minister makes fateful decisions for Israel and the entire Jewish people,” and expressed his belief that Netanyahu “will continue to steer Israel safely toward a bright future.”
Before serving as Netanyahu’s spokesperson, Dostri earned a doctorate in international relations and worked as a researcher at two right-leaning think tanks—the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security and Israel’s Defense and Security Forum. He also contributed opinion pieces to various Israeli publications.
{Matzav.com}
Report: Trump to Press Netanyahu for Clear Post-War Gaza Plan During White House Meeting
As Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu prepares to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, sources say that Trump intends to push for a definitive plan for managing Gaza once the war against Hamas concludes.
According to a report by Barak Ravid on Channel 12 News, senior officials in the U.S. administration have said that President Trump views a serious discussion on “the day after” as essential for advancing any long-term ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The upcoming meeting is expected to focus heavily on formulating a mutually agreed-upon framework for governing the coastal enclave once Hamas is ousted.
Trump officials want to ensure that Israel and the U.S. are aligned on key issues such as security arrangements, governance, and strategies to prevent Hamas from reestablishing control. The report notes that if a hostage deal and a 60-day ceasefire are reached in the near future, understandings between Trump and Netanyahu on the post-war scenario could serve as the foundation for subsequent negotiations with Hamas.
Initial discussions on the topic have already begun, with Israeli Minister Ron Dermer holding early talks last week with senior White House officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff.
“We want to reach an agreed-upon framework with Netanyahu regarding what happens in Gaza after the war,” said a senior American official.
One indication of Israeli flexibility is a shift in its stance on the expulsion of Hamas leaders. Israel is now willing to settle for the symbolic removal of a few top military commanders, rather than pushing for the mass exile of Hamas leadership. An Israeli source commented wryly, “There aren’t many senior Hamas officials left in Gaza. You don’t need a ship to exile them—just a surfboard will do.”
Another point on the agenda is the disarmament of Hamas. Israel continues to demand the dismantling of the terrorist group’s military wing but has shown openness to discussing amnesty for those militants who surrender their weapons.
The most sensitive and complex issue remains who will control Gaza on the civilian level. Netanyahu is adamantly opposed to any return of Hamas to power and is equally resistant to the involvement of the Palestinian Authority. Instead, he favors handing over governance to Arab states in collaboration with local Palestinian figures unaffiliated with either Hamas or the PA.
However, Arab nations have so far rejected that approach, insisting that the Palestinian Authority play a central role and demanding a clear political horizon for the Palestinian people. The Trump administration’s precise stance on this matter remains undefined.
{Matzav.com Israel}
Mass Protest in Yehud Over Grave Desecration Ends in Chaos as Mounted Police Storm Dais of Rabbonim
Thousands of Yidden from across Eretz Yisroel gathered in Yehud this past Thursday for a large-scale protest against the continued desecration of an ancient Jewish cemetery. The event, held near a construction site operated by Aura Israel, was led by prominent rabbinic leaders from the Yishuv HaYashan and members of the Badatz of the Eidah HaChareidis.
Protesters state that the site contains burial grounds dating back to the Second Beis Hamikdash era, and that for the past six weeks, construction activity has been disturbing ancient graves. Despite a recent ruling by senior rabbinic authorities halting all excavation, the building has allegedly continued with forceful security tactics.
Leading the event were distinguished rabbonim, including Rav Yehoshua Dovid Turchin, the Rebbe of Mishkenos HaRoim, the Rebbe of Kehillas Chassidei Yerushalayim, the Chernobyl Rebbe, Rav Dovid Schmidel, and members of the Eidah HaChareidis Beis Din.
The protest opened with the recitation of Tehillim and selichos, followed by impassioned speeches. Among those who addressed the crowd were Rav Avrohom Yitzchok Ullman and Rav Yehoshua Rosenberger. A letter from the Raavad of the Eidah, Rav Moshe Sternbuch, was read aloud by Rav Yehuda Fisher.
Rav Dovid Schmidel, who for more than sixty years has led the fight to preserve kevorim through his leadership of the Asra Kadisha organization, also delivered remarks. The rosh yeshiva, Rav Yehoshua Dovid Turchin, and the Rebbe of Kehillas Chassidei Yerushalayim also spoke, while the kabolas ol Malchus Shamayim was led by the Rebbe of Mishkenos HaRoim.
In a shocking turn of events, police blocked the vehicles of some of the rabbonim, forcing them to walk a considerable distance to reach the protest. Later, during the speech of the Rebbe of Kehillas Chassidei Yerushalayim, police officers—some mounted on horses—stormed the area and used aggressive force against the demonstrators. This occurred despite the protest being fully licensed and legally sanctioned.
עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר) עצרת מחאה ביהוד (צילום: שלומי טריכטר)PHOTOS: Hagaon HaRav Shraga Shteinman At Kever Rochel (Photos Via Shuki Lerer)
Rav Zilberstein Warns Against ‘State-Chareidi’ Schools in Rishon Letzion
Over the weekend, Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein, renowned posek and rov of Ramat Elchonon, issued a forceful letter condemning the recent push to increase the number of state-run chareidi schools in Rishon Lezion.
The letter, which was widely shared throughout the local Torah community, warned parents about schools that, in his words, present themselves as authentic chareidi institutions while straying from the guidance of gedolei Yisroel. He referred to these schools as “posing as chareidi.”
Rav Zilberstein emphasized the profound duty parents have in ensuring their children receive a Torah-true education. “The Creator has entrusted us with a most precious deposit — our sweet children,” the rabbi wrote.
In his message, he encouraged families to send their children “only in institutions that operate according to the guidance of the leading chachmei Yisroel.” He singled out the Chinuch Atzmai and Bnei Yosef school systems as exemplary models, noting that they are under the direct leadership of senior rabbinic figures.
He maintained that only institutions with such rabbinic oversight are “filled with Divine assistance,” provide a truly elevated level of education, and are able to prepare their students to thrive in both their ruchniyus and gashmiyus as they grow.
{Matzav.com Israel}
Netanyahu Departs Israel For US After Hours-Long Delay Due To Chareidi Draft Crisis
Netanyahu Before Leaving To US: There Is An Opportunity To Broaden The Circle Of Peace
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu addressed reporters prior to flying to Washington, DC, where he is scheduled to hold talks with US President Donald Trump.
“I am heading out for a very important visit to Washington, where I will meet with President Trump. This is my fifth meeting with the President since he was elected, and I will also meet with senior administration officials and representatives from both parties. I will thank President Trump for his strong support of Israel. There has never been such a friend in the White House. This support led to a tremendous victory over our rival, Iran,” Netanyahu stated.
He went on to underline the strategic goals of the visit, emphasizing the continued vigilance required in the face of Iranian threats. “The commitment is to stand guard and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. There is an opportunity to broaden the circle of peace. There is an opportunity and an ability to bring a great future for the people of Israel and the Middle East. We are determined to bring back all the hostages. However, we insist on eliminating Hamas’s military capabilities,” he added.
Joining Netanyahu aboard the official Israeli government jet, the Wing of Zion, was US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Speaking briefly before takeoff, the ambassador remarked to the media: “I don’t want to make any predictions, but I expect it will be a good visit.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Olam HaTorah Under Attack: Bnei Yeshivos To Be Arrested At Roadblocks, City Entrances
“A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE”: Beth Medrash Govoha Issues Official Statement on R’ Binyomin Kubani’s Incarceration
Lakewood, NJ – Beth Medrash Govoha has released a powerful statement in response to the arrest and imprisonment of R’ Binyomin Kubani, a devoted ben Torah, husband, and father of eight, who was taken into custody following what many have called a baseless and unjustified accusation.
The official letter, signed by Rabbi Yosef Heinemann, CEO of Beth Medrash Govoha, describes the situation as a “travesty and miscarriage of justice” and denounces the circumstances surrounding R’ Binyomin’s detention as evidence of a “disturbing failure of the system.”
“It is with deep sorrow and grave concern that we address the recent events surrounding the unjust detention and incarceration of one of Beth Medrash Govoha’s respected students,” the letter states.
BMG makes it clear that the yeshiva is fully behind R’ Binyomin, declaring: “Beth Medrash Govoha stands firmly and unequivocally behind our student. We are actively engaged in using every resource and tool at our disposal to clear his name and secure his immediate release.”
The letter further urges the community to unite in tefillah and activism, asserting that “we will not rest until justice is fully served, and this terrible wrong is righted.”
The release of the letter comes as protest efforts continue to intensify. A short while ago, hundreds gathered at BMG’s Bais Yitzchok for an atzeres tefillah, to be followed, at 2 p.m., by a mass protest and tefillah rally outside the Lakewood Police Department headquarters. Footage of the incident that led to R’ Binyomin’s arrest has since emerged, clearly contradicting the police report and reinforcing the community’s assertion that the arrest was entirely unfounded.
As of now, R’ Binyomin remains in custody, but the pressure on authorities to reverse course and correct what many are calling a blatant injustice is growing by the hour.
{Matzav.com}
WSJ: “Iran’s Response To Operation Rising Lion Was Shaped By The Iran-Iraq War”
IDF Orders Immediate Evacuation of Western Khan Younis After Rocket Attacks on Israel
BMG CEO Rabbi Yosef Heinemann Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Yungerman R’ Binyomin Kubani’s Arrest
GO TO THE VIDEOTAPE: Surveillance Footage Clearly Exonerates R’ Binyomin Kubani, Sparks More Outrage Over Arrest
[Video below.] Lakewood, NJ – Footage in the case of R’ Binyomin Kubani has sent shockwaves through the Lakewood community, as surveillance video from the incident in question has emerged — and it clearly tells a story at odds with the one presented by law enforcement.
The video, seen below, documents the moments surrounding the interaction that led to R’ Binyomin’s arrest. The footage exonerates R’ Binyomin and paints a damning picture of a system that jumped to conclusions without due process.
The incident began when R’ Binyomin, a respected ben Torah, father of eight, and kollel yungerman learning in Bais Medrash Govoha, stopped at a Route 88 car wash with his young child in the car. Days earlier, meat had leaked in the vehicle, leaving behind a strong odor. As he had done before, he approached a Hispanic teenager working at the location and asked whether he’d be willing to come clean the carpets at his home — a routine and innocent request.
But what happened next defied logic. The teen stepped away, snapped a photo of R’ Binyomin, and flagged down a passing Lakewood police car. R’ Binyomin left the premises, unaware that this brief and seemingly unremarkable exchange would result in his arrest, booking, and imprisonment.
According to the police report, the teen claimed to have fled after being “solicited.” However, the video clearly shows that R’ Binyomin departed before the teen did, directly contradicting the allegation. The footage exposes the inconsistency at the heart of the prosecution’s case and raises serious questions about why R’ Binyomin’s account was never heard, and why he was denied the opportunity to defend himself.
Community members are furious.
“This isn’t just a mistake,” said one askan who reviewed the clip. “It’s a travesty. The video proves what we’ve said all along — that R’ Binyomin did absolutely nothing wrong. He was well within his rights.”
R’ Binyomin remains behind bars at Ocean County jail. Calls are mounting for immediate action, not only to secure his release but also to hold accountable those who rushed to judgment without investigation.
This turn of events adds new urgency to today’s community response. At 1:15 PM, an Atzeres Tefillah will take place at Bais Yitzchok of Bais Medrash Govoha. Following that, at 2:00 PM, a mass protest and tefillah rally will be held outside the Lakewood Police Department headquarters, located at 231 3rd Street.
WATCH THE FOOTAGE:
{Matzav.com}
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