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Eric Adams is set to attend the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, but unlike other prominent figures, he won’t have the honor of addressing the gathering, a notable slight for the mayor of the country’s largest city, according to political insiders.

The cold reception Adams is expected to receive during his visit to the DNC on Wednesday and Thursday stems from his clashes with President Biden over the migrant crisis and the ongoing federal corruption investigation involving City Hall, sources suggest.

“This is a snub. This is a slap in the face,” remarked Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic political consultant who was involved in Bill Clinton’s re-election campaign.

“This is punishment for Adams criticizing the administration on the migrant crisis. It’s not just bad for him. It’s bad planning by the party.”

A source close to Adams expressed surprise that New York City’s black mayor has been sidelined as the Democrats rally around Vice President Kamala Harris as their candidate.

{Matzav.com}

by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Sefas Tamim Foundation QUESTION:  I have some very expensive medications even after my health insurance kicks in.  My Brilinta costs $418.54 for 30 days worth of pills.  I can get my American doctor to call the prescription in to a Canadian pharmacy and the pharmacy can ask a Canadian doctor to look it over and they can ship it to the USA.  The price for buying Brilinta this way is only $122.89.  My Farxiga is $365 per month as a co-pay, but in Canada the whole bill is only $99.76. My Entresto copay in the United States is $639.45. In Canada, the entire cost of it is $139.94.   Is this enabling a lie, because I am sure that both AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP who manufactures the first two and Novartis who manufactures Entresto probably made Canada promise that they wouldn’t sell to Americans? ANSWER:  There are three issues here.  Firstly, is it a violation of American law? Our research shows that it is not.  Secondly, is it a violation of US Customs law? Our research shows that it depends on the class of drugs – these three drugs are legal to mail because they are not considered a narcotic.  The third issue is are you allowed to purchase something from a gentile who may be in violation of his initial agreement?  The answer to the third question is further broken up into two sections and is somewhat complex – the first part involves defining what is called a clear and defined mekach ta’us in the first sale.  If that would be the case, then it would be forbidden to do so because the Brilinta and the Farxiga would not belong to the pharmacy.  It would seem, however, that in this case – the first party would be fine with the sale because of two factors 1] They know about it anyway and 2] It would be too much of a pain in the neck to stop those sales.  The second part involves the issue of Lifnei Iver on lying. WHY NOT SUBSCRIBE? Each week the Sefas Tamim Foundation publishes a parsha sheet with four columns.  To subscribe please send an email to the author at yairhoffman2@gmail.com Although there is a prohibition of lifnei Iver regarding non-Jews as well, here there are two mitigating factors:  1] We are not sure if these companies made this arrangement with Canada in the first place, thus rendering it a safaik and thus permissible (see the author’s sefer, “Misguiding the Perplexed”) and also there is a three way debate as to how we understand this pasuk of MiDvar Sheker Tirchak. The Chofetz Chaim rules in his ahavas chessed that there is an out and out prohibition to lie. This is in accordance with the view of many Rishonim. Other Rishonim hold that the verse is merely good advice, but not halacha. A third opinion holds that it is applicable to judges adjudicating law. Generally speaking, the view of the Chofetz Chaim is normative halacha but for gentiles this may not be the case.  It would therefore be entirely permitted. There is also a Mitzvah in saving money, when you can.  Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher, author of the Tur, in the Choshen Mishpat section of Shulchan Aruch, chapter 35) discusses a person who […]

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Chareidi extremists held a protest next to the recruitment center in Jerusalem on Wednesday, the day 200 bnei yeshivos were scheduled to report to the center for their first summons. According to Army Radio, the IDF instructed soldiers not to report to work at the center on Wednesday. Instead, a large number of Border Police and Israel Police officers were stationed in the area. As the protesters streamed to the area, they began blocking the surrounding streets as well as the nearby light rail station on Rechov Yaffo, leading to skirmishes between the protestors and police. The police declared the protest illegal due to the disturbance of public order and began forcibly removing the protesters. Five protesters were arrested. Some of the passersby began arguing with the protesters and one man punched a protester in his face. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

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

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Rocket alert sirens blared across the Golan on Wednesday morning as Hezbollah fired a barrage of about 50 rockets and drones at northern Israel. The yishuv of Katzrin absorbed most of the fire. Ynet reported that Hezbollah directly targeted the yishuv rather than military bases – considered a serious escalation as Hezbollah fired directly at civilian targets. The IDF’s defense systems intercepted some of the projectiles but others scored direct hits on the yishuv, moderately injuring one man and causing heavy property damage. Several fires broke out and firefighters are currently fighting the flames at several sites. The injured victim, a man in his 30s, was at home when the rocket hit and was injured by shrapnel and the impact of the blast. MDA paramedics administered emergency medical aid at the scene and evacuated him to Ziv Hospital in Tzfas. Two others were treated for shock. Ynet military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua wrote: “It was a targeted barrage of 40 rockets at Katzrin. The Iron Dome defense system successfully intercepted about 90% of the barrage. There is no airtight defense and there certainly won’t be during an all-out war. Therefore: 1. It’s required to heed the directives of the Home Front Command, they’re life-saving. 2. Defense is not enough. We must exact a price from Hezbollah and create deterrence. In the video below, Uri Kellner, head of the Golan Regional Council, says: “We were sure that there were people trapped in their homes. The State allows miracles to happen instead of taking the initiative and providing security. We cannot allow Hezbollah to win.”   (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

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With the Democratic National Convention ongoing in Chicago, Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois is rolling out the red carpet for Jewish visitors. The Chabad Jewish Center of South Loop, led by Rabbi Mordechai and Mushky Gershon, has set up a vibrant “Chabad Hub” near the McCormick Place Convention Center, offering a range of amenities and services. Daily minyanim, kosher breakfast and meal options, and a welcoming space for connection and community are just a few of the highlights. And, at Booth #213 within the Convention itself, Chabad is sharing Jewish resources, promoting the Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach, and encouraging acts of kindness through customized ARK charity boxes. “The ARK encourages daily acts of giving, turning each of us into giving people and changing the world,” said Rabbi Meir Moscowitz, Regional Director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois, which partnered in sponsoring the initiative. “As elected officials and guests from around the world gather in Chicago, we look forward to inspiring a heightened sense of moral and purposeful living.” Visit JewishattheDNC.com for more information on the Chabad Hub and services for Jewish DNC attendees. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In a swift and covert operation early Tuesday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully recovered the remains of six Israeli hostages from the southern Gaza Strip. These hostages had been abducted nearly ten months ago by Hamas terrorists, and their deaths had been feared for months.

This recent mission, which marks the fastest recovery operation to date during the ongoing conflict, reflects the IDF’s evolving capabilities in gathering and acting on intelligence, and efficiently maneuvering within Hamas’s intricate tunnel network.

The six Israelis whose bodies were retrieved have been identified as Alex Dancyg, 75; Yagev Buchshtav, 35; Chaim Peri, 79; Yoram Metzger, 80; Nadav Popplewell, 51; and Avraham Munder, 78. The IDF had previously confirmed the deaths of Dancyg, Buchshtav, Peri, Metzger, and Popplewell, while Munder was presumed alive, albeit with significant concerns for his health and safety.

Sources within the IDF highlighted that this rapid recovery underscores the military’s ability to regain control over areas from which it had previously retreated. The IDF had conducted extensive operations in Khan Younis for several months earlier in the year before withdrawing from the area.

The recovery was part of an ongoing, broader offensive by the IDF’s 98th Division in Khan Younis, which was intensified over the past week. The division swiftly shifted its focus to a different sector of the city, securing operational control over a neighborhood believed to house the hostages’ bodies.

While the IDF had gathered reasonably accurate intelligence regarding the tunnel where the hostages were being held, pinpointing the exact location required further investigation. Combat engineers were dispatched to explore four different sites within the neighborhood.

Within less than 24 hours, troops identified a 10-meter-deep shaft that led to an extensive tunnel system. According to IDF officials, one team observed telltale signs that indicated the likely location of the hostages’ remains.

The recovery of the bodies took place during the night between Monday and Tuesday, marking the most expedient operation of its kind since the conflict began. Previous efforts to recover hostages’ bodies have typically spanned several days.

Hamas had gone to great lengths to conceal the hostages’ remains, placing them in a hidden underground passage obscured behind a false wall within the tunnel system. During their search, IDF troops discovered a loose panel in the tunnel wall, which led them to the concealed passage where the bodies were located.

Combat engineers from the elite Yahalom unit, alongside Shin Bet security agency operatives, managed to breach reinforced doors and other obstacles within the tunnel. In addition to the bodies, they uncovered weapons, explosive devices, and other materials belonging to Hamas operatives.

The operation was executed following intense clashes in the vicinity, during which IDF forces conducted building searches, eliminating several gunmen and quickly establishing control over the area. Some of the terrorists who had been guarding the tunnel managed to escape, while others were killed in combat with IDF troops, according to military sources.

Several dead Hamas operatives, likely tasked with guarding the tunnel, were found within a few hundred meters of the shaft where the hostages’ bodies were hidden. Their weapons were also recovered, and their remains were transported to Israel along with the hostages’ bodies for identification.

All six hostages had initially been captured alive during the Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023, only to be killed over the course of the ensuing ten months of conflict.

Dancyg and Buchshtav were confirmed dead by the IDF in late July, while the deaths of Peri, Metzger, and Popplewell were confirmed in early June. The five were believed to have been killed in Khan Younis in early 2024, although the exact causes of their deaths remain undetermined.

Munder, who had not previously been confirmed dead, was listed among the presumed living hostages until the recovery of his body on Tuesday. The IDF will now investigate the circumstances of their deaths, including whether any of the six were killed by Israeli military actions during previous operations in Khan Younis.

Currently, it is believed that 105 of the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 remain in Gaza. This figure includes the bodies of 34 hostages whose deaths have been confirmed by the IDF. Additionally, Hamas is still holding two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015, as well as the remains of two IDF soldiers who were killed in 2014.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Delta Airlines revealed on Tuesday that it has postponed the resumption of its flights to and from Israel until October, contrary to its previous plans to restart operations in early September.

This move by Delta means that El Al will remain the sole airline offering flights between Israel and the United States for an additional month.

The airline initially suspended its flights to Israel following threats from Iran to launch a major attack on Israel, a retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran at the end of July.

In related developments, Delta had previously announced on August 5 that its flight suspension would extend through August.

Other airlines, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, Fly Dubai from the UAE, British Airways, Air India, and Wizz Air, have also halted their flights to Israel due to the current security concerns. Additionally, American Airlines has stated that it will not resume flights to and from Israel until Spring 2025.

{Matzav.com}

Agudath Israel hosted an event on the sidelines of the DNC in Chicago bringing together elected officials and stakeholders from federal, state, and local government including, Senator Debby Stabenow (D- Michigan), NJ Governor Phil Murphy, NJ Congressman Josh Gottheimer, NY Congressman Pat Ryan, Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiss, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, and numerous state and local officials from across the country to highlight the alarming rise of antisemitism and the growing electoral strength of Orthodox Jewish community. Agudah Chairman Shloime Werdiger opened the jammed packed event with a straightforward explanation: “The Jewish people are living though very trying times. As the banners around the room sadly show, the rise of antisemitism is extremely alarming. The identifiable Orthodox Jewish communities we represent have been subjected to an unprecedented level of antisemitic incidents over the past few years. “You may have noticed that outside of this convention, not too far away from here, there are thousands of anti-Israel protesters. Perhaps they thought they could intimidate us so that we would not be here so that our voices would be silenced. And that’s exactly why we are here. We are the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, and we will never cower or be silenced. On the contrary, we intend to stand up for our rights and for our freedoms, and we need you to stand with us now against this hate and antisemitism.” Despite the event not being advertised and tightly controlled by invitation only, anti-Israel protestors nearly crashed the gathering before being repelled by the heavy security, ironically adding an exclamation point to the event meant to highlight antisemitism. The most emotional moment of the afternoon came from the parents of hostage Omer Neutra, who made an emotional bipartisan plea to bring their son, held hostage by Hamas for over 10 months, home. Tehillim was led by Mr. Neutra. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israeli troops have killed approximately 40 gunmen in the Gaza Strip over the past day, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The clashes and airstrikes took place in various locations across southern and central Gaza. In the Tel Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, troops with the 162nd Division engaged in fierce battles with gunmen, resulting in the deaths of around 40 terrorists. In one incident, the military directed a drone strike on a building where a cell of RPG-wielding operatives was spotted, eliminating the threat. Further north, in Khan Younis, troops with the 98th Division killed several terror operatives and destroyed sites belonging to terror groups, including rocket launchers used in recent attacks. In the Netzarim Corridor, reservists with the 252nd Division directed airstrikes, killing several terror operatives. Additionally, reservists from the Jerusalem Brigade foiled an attempt by two gunmen to plant a bomb near troops in central Gaza, killing both operatives as they emerged from a tunnel. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Two bochurim, aged 19 and 21, were safely found this morning after going missing during a hike on Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills, located in Shandaken.

The pair had set out from their homes at around 3:00 PM yesterday to embark on the hike. However, after several hours passed without any communication, their concerned families contacted Chaveirim to initiate a search.

The young men managed to briefly obtain cell service at approximately 7:00 PM, during which they called their families to inform them of their location on a specific trail and that they planned to stay put. This call provided a crucial lead for the search teams.

A coordinated effort was quickly organized, involving several agencies, including the Catskills Hatzalah Search and Rescue team, Rockland Chaveirim, New York State Police, Matzil Search & Rescue, Shandaken Police, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers, and the New York State Police Drone Unit. These teams worked tirelessly throughout the night.

At around 9:00 AM this morning, after an extensive and intensive search, bechasdei Hashem, the two bochurim were located in good condition, bringing relief to their families and the broader frum community.

{Matzav.com / Photo: Rockland Daily}

U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Turner warned on Sunday that Iran may declare itself a nuclear weapons state by the end of this year, citing rapid advancements in the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. Turner blamed the Biden administration’s policies for reversing gains made during former President Donald Trump’s tenure. Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Turner noted the impact of Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, which included economic and military measures. “Donald Trump… put the most pressure on Iran that they have had in any administration. Both economically, militarily, they were on the ropes,” he told host Margaret Brennan. “What we see now with this administration, they might declare themselves a nuclear weapons state by the end of this year.” “The flexibility and freedom that [Iran has] had under the Biden administration has given them the ability to… continue their nuclear weapons and nuclear enrichment programs,” he added. Recent reports from Iran International, a London-based opposition media outlet, indicate that Tehran is advancing its secret nuclear program. According to three independent sources, Iran is restructuring its Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), resuming tests to produce nuclear bomb detonators, and retaining Mohammad Eslami as the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. In response to these developments, the Biden administration issued private warnings to Tehran in June regarding its nuclear research activities, according to Axios. Both U.S. and Israeli officials have detected suspicious activities by Iranian scientists, fueling fears that Iran may use the period around the U.S. presidential election to push closer to nuclear weaponization. American and Israeli officials met in Washington in mid-July to discuss coordinated efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The White House confirmed that these discussions focused on measures to ensure Iran never achieves nuclear weapon status. The mounting tension has also triggered debates within Iran’s leadership, with some officials advocating for nuclear weapons as a deterrence strategy. Iranian lawmaker Mohammad-Reza Sabbaghian voiced his support for such a path during a parliamentary session, asking, “What logic or law dictates that arrogant powers should have nuclear weapons, but Iran should not?” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Say it like you mean it, Nance…

During night one of the Democratic National Convention, former Speaker of the House and Biden back-stabber Nancy Pelosi was caught lazily chanting “We Love Joe” and holding up a sign with the same message during Biden’s remarks.

Reports of tensions between Biden and Pelosi began to surface shortly before Biden was forced out of office. Last night, Biden denied those tensions, but Pelosi’s face tells a different story.

From The New York Post:

Pelosi (D-Calif.), 84, was spotted brandishing a “We [heart] Joe” sign alongside fellow Democrats who were heard adamantly showing their love for the aging chief executive during his speech in Chicago late Monday.

However, the former House speaker was caught with a half-hearted expression on her face — and appeared to be mouthing the chant quietly.

Earlier in the evening, Pelosi defended herself against speculation that Biden has been frustrated over her role in the alleged mutiny against him.

“Sometimes you have to take a punch for the children,” she told CNN. “I did what I had to do.”

The California Democrat declined to confirm if she had spoken to Biden since he dropped out of the race last month, but told the outlet her “concern was not about the president, it was about his campaign.”

She then grew uncomfortable with the direction of the questioning and asked, “Why are we even talking about it?”

 

 

New York Times columnist Maureen Down said in an op-ed over the weekend that “Party leaders whitewashed the coup by ornately extolling Biden,” in her piece titled “The Dems are delighted. But a coup is still a coup.”

{Matzav.com}

Outgoing President Joe Biden addressed anti-Israel protests during a keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Monday, asserting that demonstrators “have a point” regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Biden’s comments came after four protesters were arrested for attempting to breach security at the United Center, where Biden delivered his speech. “Those protesters out on the street, they have a point,” the 81-year-old president said to the crowd, following his introduction by First Lady Jill Biden and their daughter, Ashley. “A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides.” Biden reaffirmed his administration’s efforts to address the conflict. “We’ll keep working to bring hostages home and end the war in Gaza and bring peace and security to the Middle East,” Biden said. He highlighted his recent proposals aimed at brokering a ceasefire and emphasized ongoing efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Earlier in the evening, dozens of anti-Israel protesters attempted to disrupt the event, with some breaching an outer security fence before being pushed back by Chicago police in riot gear. “At no point was the inner perimeter breached,” the Chicago Police Department later stated, emphasizing that no protectees were at risk. Footage of the protest showed demonstrators carrying antisemitic signs and supporting Hamas. One protester was seen waving a Hezbollah flag, according to Israel’s Channel 12. Inside the United Center, Biden’s speech was briefly interrupted when attendees unfurled a “Stop Arming Israel” banner, which was swiftly removed by other audience members. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A new analysis by the Pew Research Center reveals that one in five Jews globally live outside their birth country, making Jews the most migratory major religious group by percentage. The findings are based on data from 2020 and include both adults and children living outside their native countries, regardless of when they migrated. While Christians make up the largest religious migrant group at 47% worldwide, Jews are the most likely to have migrated, despite being one of the smallest religious groups at just 1% of the global migrant population. According to Pew, 20% of Jews have migrated, compared to 6% of Christians, the next most likely group to move abroad. Israel is the leading destination for Jewish migrants, with 1.5 million Jews, or 51%, having moved there from other countries as of 2020. The United States follows with 400,000 Jewish migrants, and the United Kingdom ranks third with 120,000. Pew’s analysis highlights that former Soviet republics, including Ukraine (170,000) and Russia (150,000), are among the top sources of Jewish migrants to Israel. Morocco also ranks high on the list, contributing 160,000 Jewish migrants. Between 1990 and 2020, the global Jewish migrant population grew by 28%, from 2.3 million to 3 million. This increase represents the smallest growth among major religious groups during that period, with the religiously unaffiliated (67%) and Hindus (48%) experiencing the largest growth, according to Pew. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)