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Media personality Stephen A. Smith sharply criticized both Republicans and Democrats, arguing that neither party is offering strong leadership and raising concerns about a growing political void in the country.

Appearing on “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Smith pointed to what he sees as a lack of direction within the Republican Party, emphasizing its heavy reliance on President Donald Trump while questioning what comes next.

“Look at the Republican Party right now. It’s Trump. You know what I said the other week on my show? I said, ‘Y’all do know he’s leaving in 2028, right?’ Unless he circumvents the 22nd Amendment and runs for a third term, he’s leaving,” Smith said of the GOP on “Real Time with Bill Maher.”

He went on to dismiss other prominent Republican figures as lacking the same influence or appeal.

“JD Vance, you ain’t [Trump]. Don’t think you are. Marco Rubio, thank God he doesn’t try to be. The rest of these people fawning over him in such embarrassing fashion, you ain’t going to be him.”

Turning to foreign policy, Smith also took aim at Democrats for what he described as inconsistent positions regarding Iran, noting that many leaders across administrations have long viewed the country as a threat.

“They’re taking this position that Trump was wrong to go after Iran or what have you, but practically every president before him would complain about Iran and how Iran needed to be dealt with, but then, all of a sudden, he does it, and it’s a big problem,” he said.

While offering some criticism of Trump’s handling of the situation, Smith said the broader reaction from Democrats does not align with their previous rhetoric.

“Now, I’m not saying that he’s handled it entirely correctly. Please don’t get me wrong because he hasn’t,” he said.

“But the flip side to it is that you have got a lot of … nerve to be in the face of the American people saying for numerous administrations, ‘Iran is a problem. They have to be dealt with …’, and then this man deals with them, and then, all of a sudden, you’re complaining about him. Now it doesn’t really make sense.”

Smith also expressed frustration with Democratic leadership more broadly, arguing that the party has yet to produce a figure capable of uniting voters and providing direction.

“The Democrats, my God, please find somebody who can lead,” he said.

He singled out Gavin Newsom, suggesting the California governor has focused more on media appearances than governance.

“Gavin Newsom … he’s being known more for trolling Trump on his podcast or with other interviews than what he’s actually doing in the State of California. They think that’s leadership because they don’t have it.”

Smith, who has previously been mentioned as a possible 2028 presidential contender, has consistently taken a critical stance toward both parties. In past remarks, he indicated he would support Secretary of State Marco Rubio over several leading Democrats, while also making clear he does not intend to run for president himself.

“He’s an adult in the room. There is no questioning his qualifications for the job,” he told Fox News’ Sean Hannity on the new “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast.

Smith added that, despite identifying as a Democrat, he would choose Rubio over prominent figures in his own party, including Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

An American E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft was destroyed during Iran’s latest strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, dealing a major setback to U.S. aerial monitoring capabilities in the region, according to U.S. officials and newly surfaced images.

Photos circulating online and confirmed by AFP show the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft split apart after being hit in Friday’s combined missile and drone attack.

The loss of the aircraft — valued at approximately $270 million — significantly undermines the United States’ ability to track threats and maintain a real-time operational picture in the Middle East, retired Air Force Col. John Venable told The Wall Street Journal.

“It’s a huge deal,” he told the outlet. “It hurts the US’s ability to see what’s happening in the Gulf and maintain situational awareness.”

Before the strike, the U.S. Air Force had 16 E-3 Sentry planes in service, with six of them based at Prince Sultan Air Base, according to Air & Space Magazine.

U.S. Central Command has not yet issued a public statement regarding the attack.

In addition to the destruction of the aircraft, 12 American service members were reportedly injured when the base was hit by an Iranian missile barrage accompanied by drone strikes.

At least two of those wounded are said to be in serious condition, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. and Arab officials.

The attack also caused damage to multiple U.S. refueling aircraft stationed at the base. At least one KC-135 refueling plane was struck and reportedly caught fire, a senior U.S. official told Fox News.

Prince Sultan Air Base has come under repeated Iranian fire in recent weeks. Earlier this month, a separate strike damaged five refueling aircraft. Since the launch of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, roughly 303 U.S. service members have been wounded and at least 13 killed, according to CENTCOM.

{Matzav.com}

Amid the ongoing war and continued rocket alerts, Rav Yitzchok Yosef has released detailed halachic instructions for how to conduct Pesach preparations and the Seder under emergency conditions, addressing scenarios such as sirens during kiddush or achilas matzah, and guidelines for those displaced from their homes.

The guidance was issued with a tefillah that the war should end in a decisive victory before Pesach, allowing families to conduct the Seder without disruption. However, recognizing that hostilities may continue, the Rishon LeTzion outlined practical rulings for those facing these circumstances.

Regarding bedikas chametz, he rules that if a siren sounds after making the brachah, one should quickly check even a small area, such as a drawer, and then proceed immediately to a protected space. In a situation where there is no time at all, one must go straight to safety without speaking. After the danger passes, the search should resume without repeating the brachah.

In shared spaces such as a communal shelter, protected room, or stairwell, there is an obligation to perform bedikas chametz. Residents should appoint a representative, such as a building committee member, to check on behalf of everyone. If some neighbors are not observant, one should have in mind not to acquire any chametz they leave behind.

Someone whose home was damaged by missile strikes and is no longer living there should include any chametz remaining inside in the sale of chametz to a non-Jew. Evacuees staying in hotels are required to perform bedikas chametz with a brachah in their rooms.

If individuals in a shared protected space bring chametz during Pesach while sheltering from a siren, it is proper to gently explain the seriousness of the matter. If they do not listen, one is still permitted to remain there.

Addressing Seder night, the Rishon LeTzion rules that if a siren is heard during kiddush in an area where there are two to three minutes to respond, one should quickly complete kiddush, drink a revi’is while reclining, and then go to a protected area. If there is no time, one must stop immediately—even in the middle of a bracha—and go to safety. Upon returning, the brachah should be restarted from the beginning.

If one needs to relocate during achilas matzah or korech and continue eating in a protected space, no new brachah is required, and the same applies during the meal.

If a brachah was made on matzah or maror and a siren sounds, one should take a small bite and go immediately to safety. Upon returning, one should eat 27 grams while reclining without making another brachah. It is preferable to be stringent and eat two kezaysim while reclining. Speaking during a siren is permitted when necessary—for example, to alert others to go to a protected room—but one should minimize talking, since the brachah on achilas matzah also covers korech, and one should not speak until eating korech.

If a siren interrupts the brachah of “Asher Ge’alanu” and there is no time to delay, one should stop in the middle of the bracha and proceed to a protected space. The brachah may be continued there even without holding the cup, and upon returning, one should drink the second cup while reclining.

If one drinks the second cup or eats a kezayis of matzah in a protected area and cannot recline properly, one should at least tilt slightly to the left while eating or drinking.

If a siren sounds during the reading of the Haggadah, one should stop immediately—even in the middle of a posuk—and go to safety. Upon returning, it is preferable to resume from the beginning of that section.

The Rishon LeTzion concluded his message with a brachah: “With wishes for a kosher and joyous festival, may you merit many pleasant and good years, and with a prayer for the soldiers that they return to their homes for good life and peace for long days and years. With the blessing of the Torah.”

{Matzav.com}

A new communal Rav was officially appointed for the neighborhoods of Ramot Beit Shemesh Daled-3, as Rav Yeshaya Halberstam was named to the position during a l’chaim gathering held on Motzaei Shabbos HaGadol attended by hundreds of residents and local rabbanim.

The appointment followed consultations with leading gedolei Yisroel, culminating in a well-attended and uplifting event marking Rav Halberstam’s new role as Rav of the kehillos in the rapidly growing neighborhood.

The event followed an especially elevated Shabbos, during which Rav Halberstam spent time in the community and delivered drashos in the main batei knesses to large audiences.

After Shabbos, following the mechiras chametz, rabbanim of the city assembled for the celebratory gathering. Among those present were the mara d’asra of Ramot Beit Shemesh Daled, Rav A. Saffner, along with Rav A. Kornfeld and Rav A. Meirovitz. In their remarks, the rabbanim spoke about the significant responsibility resting on the Rav’s shoulders, as well as the privilege granted to the community to be led by a figure of such strong Torah stature.

In recent years, Ramot Beit Shemesh Daled-3 has developed into a vibrant Torah-centered neighborhood, with many bnei Torah and accomplished avreichim relocating there. The area has experienced rapid growth and now hosts prominent yeshivish kehillos that serve as a major center of Torah in the city. With that growth came an increasing need for a Rav of stature to guide the expanding kehillos.

Rav Halberstam serves as rosh kollel of Ateres Shlomo in Modi’in Illit. He is widely recognized in the Torah world for his depth, breadth of knowledge across all areas of Torah, and for his clear and insightful shiurim, as well as his well-known and widely used marei mekomos.

He is also connected to prominent Torah families, as the son-in-law of Rav Avrohom Tzvi Povarsky, son of the rosh yeshiva Rav Berel Povarsky, and the grandson of Rav Yitzchok Halberstam zt”l, who served as Rav of the beis medrash Ahavas Chesed in Givat Yeshivas Ponevezh in Bnei Brak.

Rav Halberstam addressed the crowd, offering words of brachah along with a tefillah that the kehillos should continue to grow and flourish, bringing honor to Torah and strengthening its presence in the neighborhood and throughout the city.

A larger, more formal hachtarah event had been planned in recent days with the participation of leading gedolei Yisroel, but was postponed due to the current situation in the country and safety guidelines. It is expected to take place after Pesach, im yirtzeh Hashem.

{Matzav.com}

The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) has published a preliminary overview of the war with Iran, outlining the scope of the attacks and their consequences for Israel.

The findings indicate that Iran launched more than 396 separate attack waves against Israel. During the fighting, approximately 570 missiles entered Israeli territory, along with more than 765 drones. From Lebanon, there were about 1,224 additional waves of attacks involving over 3,800 missiles and drones. Yemen also contributed to the assaults, with two missiles and one drone fired toward Israel.

According to the report, 24 people in Israel were killed as a direct result of the strikes, including 19 civilians and foreign nationals and five IDF soldiers. Another seven individuals died indirectly, such as in accidents or while rushing to protected areas. Altogether, 6,009 people were injured, among them 835 children and 68 members of the IDF. The conflict also displaced more than 5,300 residents across 43 municipalities, while over 21,500 claims for compensation have been filed.

On the offensive front, Israeli operations reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 6,000 members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including upwards of 55 high-ranking officials. In Lebanon, Israeli forces killed more than 850 terrorists.

The report states that Israeli strikes caused extensive damage to Iran’s military infrastructure. Around 90% of its missile launch systems and ballistic capabilities were disabled, 85% of its air defense network was struck, and 92% of its primary naval forces were either damaged or destroyed. The United States military reportedly eliminated 150 Iranian naval vessels, including ships and submarines. In addition, seven major nuclear facilities in Iran were targeted.

In Lebanon, Israeli forces carried out more than 2,100 strikes on targets, flew over 1,000 combat missions, and deployed more than 2,200 munitions throughout the course of the war.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

Meet the Kaplan family. This year, their youngest, Rivka, is undergoing intensive treatment. Instead of polishing silver and setting their dining room table, the Kaplans are navigating sterile corridors and counting down the minutes between infusions. For them, the four cups of wine are accompanied by the constant hum of medical monitors.

At Darchei Miriam, we believe that cancer should never have the power to steal a family’s joy or their connection to our sacred Pesach tradition.

Darchei Miriam provides funding for treatment, cheer-up events, food cornors and packages, financial aid, and just about anyhing that a family spending Pesach in a hospital may need.

Help Darchei Miriam to be able to continue bringing the Simchas Yom Tov to hundreds of families in desperate need!

$500 – Donate a Pesach Seder
$360 – Donate clothing for Yom Tov
$180 – Donate a Seudah
$100 – Donate a Chol Hamoed trip

Please Donate Here

May the zchus of your donation bring you health always, and a Chag Kosher V’Sameach!

Vice President JD Vance said he intends to dig into the government’s most closely guarded UFO records before leaving office, describing his intense interest in the topic and suggesting he believes the phenomenon has a spiritual, rather than extraterrestrial, explanation.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by conservative commentator Benny Johnson, Vance said he has not yet had the opportunity to examine classified materials on unidentified flying objects but plans to prioritize doing so. When asked whether the administration would make such files public, he indicated his own curiosity runs deep.

“Trust me, anybody who’s curious about this, I’m more curious than anybody, and I’ve got three years of the very tippy top of the classification. I’m gonna get to the bottom of it,” Vance said. He added that he had not been able to spend enough time on the issue but was determined to do so. “Trust me, I’m obsessed with this.”

Vance also noted that he had once hoped to visit Area 51, the secretive military site long associated with alien speculation, as well as locations in New Mexico, though those plans never materialized. He then shared his personal interpretation of the unexplained sightings.

“I don’t think they’re aliens, I think they’re demons anyway, but that’s a longer discussion,” Vance said. He connected that belief to his religious worldview, pointing out that many major faith traditions, including Christianity, have historically interpreted mysterious phenomena as involving spiritual forces of both good and evil.

President Donald Trump has recently encouraged federal agencies to release additional information about UAPs, or Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, even as official reviews have repeatedly found no confirmed evidence of extraterrestrial contact or technology.

A 2024 historical review conducted by the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office concluded that there is no evidence that the U.S. government or private industry has successfully reverse-engineered alien technology.

During the same reporting cycle, AARO Director Jon Kosloski said the office had found “no verifiable evidence of extraterrestrial beings, activity or technology,” while noting that many reported sightings were ultimately explained as balloons, birds, drones, satellites, or conventional aircraft.

Similarly, findings from NASA, including its UAP study and public materials, state that there is no confirmed scientific evidence linking such sightings to extraterrestrial origins.

The renewed attention to the topic follows remarks earlier this year by Barack Obama, who during a podcast appearance said aliens were “real” in a rapid-fire segment, before clarifying the following day that he had not seen any evidence of alien contact while in office.

Interest has also been fueled by recent activity from the White House, which registered the domain names Alien.gov and Aliens.gov, sparking speculation about potential future disclosures.

Public WHOIS records show that alien.gov and aliens.gov were created on March 17 and list the registrant organization as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. A report by DefenseScoop noted that the registrations have added to public curiosity about whether additional UAP-related information could be forthcoming.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

There is a certain kind of language that keeps coming up when community members speak about Givat Hashalvah. Not the language of brochures or floor plans, but the language of people trying to describe why a place feels different. They talk about belonging. They talk about like-minded families. They talk about a community geared toward their lifestyle. And that may be one of the clearest signs yet of what this project is really trying to build.  

For many families considering life in Eretz Yisroel, the question is not only where to live, but how to live. Givat Hashalvah keeps returning to that distinction. The goal is not simply proximity to Yerushalayim, nor only a higher construction standard, nor only a stronger amenity package. It is the effort to bring those things together into a way of life that feels more aligned. Community members describe it as a place that understands what Americans are looking for, not in the sense of importing America, but in the sense of planning carefully for the rhythms, expectations, and daily dignity that matter to frum families.  

That thought process shows up in the details. Walking paths. Biking paths. Nearby fitness. Spaces to gather. Large windows opening out to the hills. A summit location that gives the project both presence and perspective. In another setting, those might read as amenities. Here, they begin to feel like part of a larger idea: that ruchniyus and gashmiyus do not need to compete with one another when a community is planned with intention. They can support one another. They can help create the kind of daily life people actually want to come home to.  

The setting adds another layer. Givat Hashalvah is close enough to Yerushalayim to remain connected, yet removed enough to offer quiet, air, and a sense of relief from the rush. Community members speak about that balance with unusual clarity. They are not looking for the center of the noise. They are looking for a real life near Yerushalayim, with the city still within reach and the home experience shaped by calm, scenery, and space. From the summit, the hills become part of the atmosphere, part of what residents will wake up to and live with every day.  

In that sense, Givat Hashalvah is not only making a real estate pitch. It is making a case for a different kind of neighborhood experience, one built around shared purpose, thoughtful planning, and a clearer sense of what a community can feel like when it is designed from the ground up. If the community members already speaking about it are any indication, that message is beginning to land.

Explore Givat Hashalvah → https://go.lyo.group/3LxM3tz

Emergency teams from Magen David Adom responded Sunday evening to the aftermath of an Iranian missile strike, treating dozens of victims and transporting 31 people to Soroka Medical Center.

According to rescue officials, 11 individuals sustained light injuries from debris and objects thrown by the force of the explosion, while another 20 people were treated for anxiety-related symptoms following the incident.

Residents described scenes of destruction in the impacted neighborhood. “The house is completely destroyed, totally ruined. The ceiling of the second floor collapsed entirely,” said Oleg, who lives in the area that was struck. “It’s a total shock. I still don’t understand. I feel frozen.”

Images from the scene showed a massive plume of dark smoke billowing upward in a mushroom-like shape above the site of the blast.

Rav Avraham Yosef delivered a pointed message to smokers ahead of Pesach, stressing that the health dangers of smoking far outweigh the annual debate over cigarette kashrus for the holiday.

Speaking on the Israeli radio program “Shamor V’Zachor,” the rav addressed the recurring question of whether cigarettes are permissible on Pesach, but made clear that the halachic discussion is secondary to a far more serious issue.

“I’m begging all smokers – not because of Pesach, but for the sake of your health,” he said. “A G-d-fearing person takes care of his health and needs to quit. I know it’s difficult; I also used to smoke, and thank G-d, Hakadosh Boruch Hu redeemed me from it.” He went on to describe cigarettes as something “disgusting” that harms not only the smoker but those around him as well, and encouraged listeners to use the Yom Tov period as an opportunity to break the habit.

From a halachic standpoint, Rav Yosef explained why, strictly speaking, regular cigarettes are not prohibited on Pesach. He noted that tobacco is unfit for consumption and is therefore classified as something that imparts a negative taste. In addition, he explained that people do not smoke for food-related enjoyment, but due to nicotine dependence and the challenge of overcoming the urge.

The rav also referenced his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l, who permitted cigarettes on Pesach for these reasons, and remarked that those who sharply opposed that ruling faced consequences. At the same time, he emphasized that “a G-d-fearing person should refrain as much as possible,” particularly in light of the sanctity of Yom Tov and Shabbos.

When asked about electronic cigarettes that contain flavoring, Rav Yosef criticized those who seek kashrus certification only for Pesach. “Someone who asks for kashrus because of the flavor in an electronic cigarette, why does he only remember on Pesach? If there is a concern of taste, then it requires kashrus supervision all year!”

He suggested that much of the noise surrounding cigarette kashrus on Pesach is sometimes misplaced, stressing that if flavoring ingredients require supervision, that standard should apply consistently throughout the year. He concluded his remarks with a personal appeal to listeners: “Take the message to heart, and you will be blessed—and stop smoking!”

{Matzav.com}

A special Sheva Brachos celebration for the granddaughter of the Boyaner Rebbe took on added significance as prominent chassidim contributed large sums in honor of the Rebbe’s 67th birthday, supporting a new initiative he is launching.

The final Sheva Brachos for the Rebbe’s granddaughter was held this past week in the Boyaner court after the wedding itself could not take place in the main beis medrash due to damage caused by shrapnel from an Iranian missile strike the previous week.

The event was conducted in a unique format at an elegant venue in the Jewish Quarter, overlooking the Kosel, which has remained largely empty amid the ongoing war with Iran.

During the celebration, 30 leading members of the chassidus each donated 68,000 shekels, corresponding to the Rebbe’s 67th birthday, which falls on the 7th of Nissan.

It has been learned that behind the event and fundraising effort is a personal initiative of the Boyaner Rebbe, who has undertaken to establish specialized programs for bochurim in the chassidus who are struggling with the challenges of the current times.

Following Pesach, these dedicated frameworks are expected to be introduced in Boyaner yeshivos across the country, designed specifically for bochurim who find it difficult to keep up with the standard yeshiva schedule.

The initiative reflects the Rebbe’s desire to provide individualized care and warmth to every bochur in the chassidus, including those who are unable to cope with the demands of a traditional yeshiva setting, ensuring that boys who are struggling are not pushed out of the yeshiva system and into the street.

{Matzav.com}

The annual discussion surrounding matzah ashirah continues to generate significant halachic debate, particularly regarding how such products can be produced without any contact with water, which would render the dough chometz. Rav Avraham Yosef addressed the issue at length, explaining both the underlying halachic principles and the practical safeguards involved.

Among Sefardim, there is a longstanding practice to permit matzah ashirah, which is made by kneading dough with fruit juices instead of water. Still, many question how industrial production lines can ensure that not even a trace of water enters the process.

Speaking on the radio program Shamor V’Zachor, Rav Yosef responded to a listener who sought to understand the manufacturing process and the associated halachic concerns.

Rav Yosef described the rigorous standards he personally enforces at the factory: “I personally do not rely on anyone. I am present when the wine arrives and make sure it is pure, without any mixture of water.” He explained that he closely supervises the cleaning of the pipes and ensures that large volumes of wine are run through the system to flush out any possible moisture before actual production begins.

“If necessary, I climb up a dangerous rope ladder to the top to see with my own eyes that everything is clean,” the rav said. “There is not a week that goes by that I don’t visit there. The two mashgichim in the factories are talmidei chachamim and yirei Shamayim, and no worker would dare bring even a drop of liquid into the facility—anyone who is thirsty goes outside to drink.”

During the discussion, Rav Yosef shared a personal exchange with his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l: “I asked my father—why do I need this headache? I gain nothing from it, and I’ve only ‘taken hits’ over this kashrus. My father rebuked me and said: ‘You were born to toil—continue, there is great merit in benefiting the public.’ I continue on this path in order to uphold his sacred legacy.”

The listener also raised a concern about yayin nesech, wine that may have been handled by someone not observing mitzvos. Rav Yosef addressed this by explaining the safeguards in place: exclusive control is maintained by the mashgiach, who alone holds the keys and access to the wine barrels and tanks. In addition, the wine is immediately sweetened with large amounts of sugar upon being transferred, which alters its status and removes the halachic concern of yayin nesech.

Rav Yosef concluded by noting that the same level of supervision extends to all other ingredients, including eggs, which undergo thorough analysis and filtering to ensure that no water comes into contact with the flour, thereby preventing any possibility of chometz during Pesach.

{Matzav.com}

The Pentagon is developing plans for a sustained ground operation inside Iran that could last several weeks, marking a significant step up in President Donald Trump’s effort to dismantle what remains of the Iranian regime, according to a new report.

Under the proposals being reviewed, thousands of U.S. Marines could be deployed to the region to carry out targeted missions involving both Special Operations units and traditional infantry forces, The Washington Post reported, citing individuals familiar with the discussions.

Talks about sending American troops into Iranian territory have been underway for several weeks, as military planners evaluate possible next phases of the conflict.

The ongoing U.S. military campaign entered its second month yesterday. The operation began with coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28 that hit Iranian military targets and leadership figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior officials.

President Trump has not publicly confirmed whether he is considering the Pentagon’s plan or if he intends to authorize any aspect of it.

“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the President has made a decision,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Washington Post.

While the proposed deployment would not amount to a full invasion, it would still expose American forces to potential attacks from Iranian military capabilities.

As part of the planning, approximately 10,000 additional U.S. troops were under consideration for deployment to the Middle East last week. These forces would reinforce the already sizable American presence in the Gulf and provide the administration with a wider range of military options.

If approved, the additional troops would join nearly 5,000 Marines and sailors currently stationed in the region, along with about 2,000 soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

The 82nd Airborne Division is known for its rapid deployment capabilities and is routinely kept on standby to respond quickly to crises around the world, making it a central component in potential escalation scenarios.

It remains unclear where any incoming forces would be positioned. U.S. and allied airstrikes have already struck targets in Tehran as well as key military sites closer to the Persian Gulf, including Kharg Island.

According to former Pentagon official and Atlantic Council fellow Alex Plitsas, establishing a U.S. presence on Kharg Island — Iran’s main oil export terminal — would deal a serious financial blow to Tehran while also preventing attacks on vital infrastructure.

“It’s like taking a chess piece off Iran’s board and putting another bargaining chip in your pocket,” he said.

President Trump also issued a warning Thursday urging Iranian leaders to move quickly toward a negotiated end to the conflict.

“The Iranian negotiators are very different and ‘strange,’” the president posted on Truth Social. “They are ‘begging’ us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only ‘looking at our proposal.’ WRONG!!!

“They better get serious soon, before it is too late,” Trump added, “because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!”

Steven Gruzd, a respected journalist, researcher, and prominent member of Johannesburg’s Jewish community, was abducted and killed over the weekend in a shocking crime that has shaken the city.

Gruzd, 53, led the African Governance and Diplomacy Archives at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and was widely recognized as a leading authority in his area of expertise.

The incident began Friday night, when community security officials were alerted that Gruzd had gone missing. As concerns quickly grew that he had been kidnapped, a coordinated response was launched involving the community security organization, local security teams, and the South African Police, who began a large-scale search effort.

By early Saturday morning, authorities had taken five suspects into custody. Shortly afterward, Gruzd’s body was discovered in a secluded location on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

Liron Sanders, CEO of the community security organization, said initial findings strongly indicate that the crime was an “express kidnapping” — a type of abduction that has become increasingly common in South Africa, typically carried out to extract quick cash or immediate ransom payments. Sanders emphasized that, at this stage, there is no indication that antisemitism or political motives played a role in the killing.

The SAIIA released a statement expressing grief over the loss: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Steven Gruzd, head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Program. Steven, an integral part of the institute, was known for his unwavering dedication to his work and his commitment to the policy community in Africa. We will miss his brilliant mind, his deep friendship, and his gentle spirit.”

{Matzav.com}

Hundreds of Israeli passengers were left stuck at Aqaba Airport on Sunday after Arkia Airlines canceled multiple international departures following an unexpected policy shift by Jordanian authorities.

Arkia said the disruptions came after Jordan abruptly changed its regulations, preventing certain flights — particularly those operated using European aircraft — from receiving the necessary approvals to depart from Aqaba to destinations including Europe and Bangkok.

The sudden move caught Israeli officials off guard, prompting urgent discussions between Israeli security and aviation representatives and their Jordanian counterparts in an effort to resolve the situation quickly.

One Israeli traveler stranded at the airport described chaotic conditions in remarks to Channel 12 News: “There is no Arkia representative here, or any other Israeli personnel, and no water or food. People are sitting on the floor in complete despair, and children are crying. The original flight was to Bangkok and had already been delayed several times. Many have lost thousands of dollars on connecting flights and hotel bookings. I contacted the Foreign Ministry’s operations center, but they don’t know how to help.”

In a statement, Arkia said the cancellations were unavoidable under the new circumstances. “due to the sudden and unexpected policy change, and the absence of real-time regulatory approvals, several flights scheduled to depart from Aqaba Airport are not authorized to operate. As a result, Arkia is forced to cancel some flights from this airport until further notice.”

The airline noted that it is examining alternatives, including shifting some flights to Taba Airport, depending on logistical and regulatory conditions. “We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and emphasize that these decisions are beyond our control, coming at an especially challenging time for the aviation industry.”

A video circulating widely in recent days, showing a non-Jew involved in multiple stages of matzah production, has prompted renewed discussion and concern regarding the kashrus standards of certain matzah bakeries as Pesach approaches.

The clip, which has been shared across various platforms, appears to show a goy actively participating in the matzah baking process—from rolling the dough to perforating it and even handling the baking phase in the oven. For many viewers, the footage has raised serious questions about oversight, halachic integrity, and whether proper standards are being maintained in all facilities.

At the heart of the concern is a long-standing and deeply rooted principle in halacha: the preference—and in many cases, requirement—that the preparation of matzah, particularly matzah shemurah, be performed by Shomrei Torah u’mitzvos who are knowledgeable and careful about the halachos involved.

Matzah baking is not a simple baking process. From the moment water comes into contact with flour, a strict time limit—generally understood to be 18 minutes—begins, within which the dough must be fully prepared and baked to avoid any possibility of chametz. This requires constant vigilance, awareness, and adherence to detailed halachic procedures.

Those who are Shomrei Torah u’mitzvos approach this process with the necessary seriousness, recognizing that even a small lapse—delays, improper handling, or lack of attention—can render the matzah invalid for Pesach use.

Additionally, many have the custom to verbalize l’sheim matzas mitzvah—that the matzah is being made for the sake of the mitzvah—particularly when producing matzah intended for the Seder. This intent, according to many authorities, must come from a Jew who is obligated in mitzvos.

It should be noted that reputable matzah bakeries operate under strict rabbinic supervision, with mashgichim present to oversee every aspect of production. In some cases, non-Jewish workers may be involved in peripheral roles, but the critical stages—especially those directly affecting the dough and baking—are typically reserved for Jewish workers who are trained and observant.

The emergence of this video has prompted questions about certifications and the standards upheld by different producers.

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{Matzav.com}

Steven Dial headed to Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston to stand in security lines Friday afternoon like it was his job. Which, for the day, it was.

“I’ve seen parts of the airport now that I didn’t even know existed,” said Dial, 43, who lives in a suburb of Houston. He started his day waiting on behalf of actual travelers at 6:30 a.m.

By 2 p.m., he was en route to line-sit for his fifth client as Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages led to another day of hours-long waits at the Texas airport.

A partial government shutdown that started Feb. 14 persisted Friday, but TSA agents will start seeing paychecks as early as Monday after President Donald Trump issued an order Friday to pay them using preexisting funds. That should eventually improve wait times, though nearly 500 TSA officers have quit during the shutdown. On recent days, more than 40 percent of security officers called out at some airports.

While the vast majority of travelers have braved lines or missed flights, grimacing at the lemons they were served, some entrepreneurs have set up their own proverbial lemon stands.

Robert Samuel, owner of the New York-based line waiting service Same Ole Line Dudes, said he’s gotten a couple requests for TSA waits since Thursday. The company typically charges $25 per hour, plus a $15 fee if the job starts before 7 a.m., but Samuel said an airport job would run higher.

“Since this line is moving, it’s very different,” he said. “No chair is allowed, and we have to stay on our feet, so the pricing will be $35 per hour.”

No one had locked in a booking as of Friday, but one of the inquiries – from someone who didn’t want their elderly parents to have to trudge through a queue – was pending.

Samuel, who has been waiting in line for paying customers for 13 years, says the lines travelers have been facing are “crazy.”

“They’re missing special occasions, they can’t get to weddings,” he said. “I heard about siblings that couldn’t make it to their dad’s funeral; it’s heartbreaking.”

TSA controls access to secured areas, like ID checkpoints and baggage X-rays, but not waiting areas. That leaves line waiting policies up to airports, which have not endorsed the moves.

“The fact that people are even considering this as an option should serve as a wake-up call to the Democrats in Congress to reopen DHS,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

On Friday, lines for security at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport stretched outside and wrapped around the building’s exterior. Jonathan Dean, the airport’s director of communications, said BWI does “not have an official airport policy” on hiring someone to wait for you, but they “highly discourage it.”

Houston Airports said on its website that it does not endorse “for-hire” line-standing services, asking people to stay with their belongings and only use official airport queues.

“For your security, passengers should not pay individuals offering to hold their place in line, as they are not authorized and have not been vetted,” the airport said. “Passengers who choose to use unauthorized services do so at their own risk.”

Dial, in Texas, owns a business called Dial Signature Solutions offering “executive household support” and mobile notary services. He’s used to waiting around on behalf of people with packed schedules.

“This just seemed like a perfect extension of what I was already offering,” he said. He’s charging $65 an hour, plus airport parking. Dial said he turned some offers down and talked others out of using him because they were planning to be there early enough and he thought his service was unnecessary.

He said three of his clients used his service as a backup, having him wait until they were sure they could get through priority security lines with their airline status. Once the travelers were through, he got out of line. He did not go through a TSA checkpoint or hold anyone’s bags.

The fourth client checked his bags, then traded places with Dial near the ticketing area. Neighboring passengers were “super understanding,” he said; he had told them someone was going to take his place eventually.

“It’s not like anyone’s cutting because at the end of the day, it’s the same number of people in line,” he said.

Dial said that he hadn’t heard of the airport’s warning about line sitters. His hope is that customers will book his company for future needs.

“Likely today is the last day we’re going to have to deal with this,” he said Friday.

There is an official way for travelers to bypass long TSA waits if they’re willing to spend: hiring concierge services to escort them through security.

Perq Soleil is an airport arrival and departure assistance service that can help travelers through TSA in about a minute flat by accessing alternative lines usually reserved for airport staff and airline personnel. The company – which operates in more than 300 airports and 150 countries – charges a base rate that varies by location.

In Atlanta, the base rate during typical hours for a group of four travelers is $450, and $350 at Washington Dulles International Airport. Additional travelers cost $85 each. That rate includes assistance like meeting travelers at their car and helping with their luggage, arranging airport wheelchairs and shopping for them at duty-free shops.

The company SkySquad also offers expedited TSA services in Baltimore, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Orlando, starting at $79 per group.

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Hannah Sampson, Natalie B. Compton 

Israeli travelers heading through the Taba border crossing have been hit with a sharp and unexpected increase in fees, with the cost now reaching $120 per person, a steep jump from pre-war pricing.

Amid ongoing restrictions at Ben Gurion Airport that have made international travel difficult, many Israelis turned to the land crossing near Eilat as a practical alternative. In recent days, however, they were surprised to discover that the entry fee into Taba has surged dramatically. The new rate represents a sixfold increase from the original $20 charge before the war and doubles the more recent $60 fee.

The timing of the hike has added to the frustration, as Israel’s air travel options remain limited due to the security situation and the ongoing conflict with Iran and Hezbollah. For many families, crossing into Sinai had been an accessible and relatively affordable vacation option, but the new pricing structure has turned it into a costly undertaking. According to notices posted at the crossing, the updated fees include $20 for insurance and maintenance, $100 for vehicle passage, and additional charges for each kilometer traveled beyond the first.

The move has sparked strong reactions in Israel. Transportation Minister Miri Regev formally appealed to Egyptian officials, urging them to reconsider the decision and restore the previous pricing. Officials in the Transportation Ministry suggested that the increase appears to take advantage of Israel’s limited air travel capacity rather than reflect any genuine operational need. At the same time, troubling reports have surfaced, including accounts from the Shotzer Rebbe here on Matzav.com, describing harsh treatment and alleged mistreatment of Jewish travelers attempting to cross the border in recent weeks.

There is growing concern that the elevated costs will effectively restrict the crossing to those who can afford it, denying thousands of Israelis the opportunity to take a break from the ongoing tensions at home. The dispute over the fees adds another layer to the already complex regional situation, as Israel’s Foreign Ministry continues to monitor developments and explore possible ways to ease conditions for travelers. Meanwhile, many people attempting to cross report long lines and mounting frustration over the unexpected financial demands imposed upon them at the border.

The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, sending thousands of additional troops to the region in what is being described as the largest buildup in 20 years, as tensions with Iran continue after a month of war.

US Central Command confirmed that 3,500 Marines and sailors arrived aboard the USS Tripoli, adding to the already substantial American force in the area.

“U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.

Images released by CENTCOM showed troops outfitted in combat gear, including helmets and goggles. The newly arrived Marines are reinforcing approximately 50,000 US personnel already stationed across the Middle East.

The USS Tripoli is equipped with a range of military capabilities, including aircraft for transport and combat missions, as well as amphibious assault and tactical systems that support Marine operations.

U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about… pic.twitter.com/JFWiPBbkd2

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 28, 2026

Originally stationed in Japan, the Tripoli and forces from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit had been participating in exercises near Taiwan before receiving orders nearly two weeks ago to redeploy to the Middle East.

In addition to the Tripoli, the USS Boxer and two other naval vessels, along with another Marine Expeditionary Unit, have also been directed to the region from San Diego.

The growing military presence has sparked speculation that Washington may be preparing for a possible ground operation in Iran. Such a move would mark a major escalation, even as President Donald Trump has repeatedly maintained that negotiations are underway with Tehran to bring an end to the conflict.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the purpose of the additional troop deployment is to expand Trump’s range of military options as the war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, continues to unfold. These reinforcements will join thousands of paratroopers and Marines already deployed in the region.

Despite the buildup, Trump has consistently stated that he does not plan to send ground forces into Iran. It is still unclear where exactly the newly deployed troops will be positioned.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the forces are likely to be stationed close enough to strike targets within Iran, including Kharg Island, a key oil export hub located just off the Iranian coastline.

At the same time, Iran’s English-language newspaper, the Tehran Times, issued a stark warning to the United States on its front page, under the headline “Welcome To Hell.” The message declared that any American troops entering Iranian territory would “leave only in a coffin.”

{Matzav.com}

A devastating tragedy struck the city of Elad over Shabbos, as a 9-year-old girl died after suffering a severe panic attack triggered by air raid sirens amid the ongoing security situation.

The child, Rochel Mandel a”h, a student at the local Vizhnitzer School and a member of an Erlauer family in the city, collapsed following an acute anxiety episode that ultimately led to total system failure.

According to sources, since the outbreak of the war with Iran approximately four weeks ago, the girl had been experiencing intense fear and shortness of breath each time sirens sounded in the city. Her condition reportedly worsened as the conflict continued and the frequency of alerts increased.

On Friday night, the girl suffered an extreme panic attack and lost consciousness in front of her family. Emergency responders who arrived at the home immediately began advanced resuscitation efforts before transporting her in critical condition to the hospital.

Despite extensive attempts by medical teams in the trauma unit and intensive care ward to save her life, her condition rapidly declined, and she passed away during the night. Her parents, who had rushed out with her in desperation, returned home in the early morning hours without their child.

The levayah and kevurah were held on Motzoei Shabbos at the Lechaim Cemetery in Elad.

News of the tragedy has left the Erlauer community and the entire city of Elad in deep shock. Rabbanim and mental health professionals have been called in to support the grieving family and the girl’s classmates, helping them process the trauma and difficult questions arising in the wake of the incident.

{Matzav.com}