Feed aggregator

Following the widely felt shortage of walnut oil, chareidi communities in Eretz Yisroel are now facing a significant lack of matzah in supermarkets, with empty shelves reported just one day before Shevi’i Shel Pesach. Consumers say the shortage has been driven by unusually large-scale hosting this year, along with reports of massive army purchases.

Pesach 5786 will likely be remembered not only for the scarcity of walnut oil in chareidi neighborhoods—where many rely exclusively on it despite its higher cost compared to canola oil—but now also for a growing shortage of matzah.

It has emerged that part of the walnut oil shortage stemmed from a decision by the company Taaman to limit production this year, while other suppliers experienced delays at ports due to the ongoing war. Several major retailers informed customers that they would only be able to fulfill part of their orders, and in practice, shortages were recorded across many chareidi grocery chains.

In addition to the oil issue, over the past two days, consumers began reporting that matzah supplies were running out. Families who hosted more guests than usual this year, along with tens of thousands who remained home instead of traveling, found themselves unexpectedly short on matzah. Attempts to purchase more were often unsuccessful, as reports from stores and local groceries confirmed that supplies had been depleted.

Online groups in chareidi cities have been buzzing with requests and offers related to matzah throughout the Yom Tov. Some sources said that the army, due to a large-scale reserve mobilization, collected matzah from food chains ahead of the chag, an action they claim contributed to the widespread shortage seen across the country.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu conveyed serious concern during a phone call with President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of a ceasefire arrangement with Iran, according to a report by Channel 12 News. He warned that such a move could carry significant dangers when dealing with the Iranian regime.

According to the report, Netanyahu used the conversation to outline the potential risks of entering into any agreement with Tehran, emphasizing the implications of easing pressure on the ayatollah leadership.

The discussion, which was described as “warm and positive,” began with Netanyahu offering congratulations to Trump for what he called a heroic mission that successfully rescued an American F-15 crew member from Iranian territory.

During their exchange, Trump told Netanyahu that a ceasefire could be implemented if Iran agrees to meet American conditions. At the same time, he made clear that there would be no compromise on key demands: Iran must hand over all enriched uranium currently in its possession and would be permanently prohibited from resuming enrichment activities.

Separately, Trump addressed the situation publicly on Monday after Iran rejected his proposal for a temporary ceasefire.

In remarks to the press, Trump sharply intensified his rhetoric, warning, “The entire country [of Iran] can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.” He reiterated the administration’s central objective that Iran must be not allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.