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Israeli President Isaac Herzog will award President Trump the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, the highest civilian honor in Israel, formally notifying him of the decision during their meeting at the Knesset today, with the presentation scheduled in the coming months at a time and place to be determined.

Hostage Bar Kuperstein will return home to an incredible surprise: his father, who had been paralyzed and unable to speak following an accident, has spent the past two years learning to walk and talk again—determined to be able to hug his son and tell him he missed him.

THE FOLLOWING WAS POSTED ON EREV YOM KIPPUR: As Yom Kippur approaches and we all seek to increase our zechusim so that we may be zocheh b’din, YWN would like to inform our readers of an incredible opportunity to help tip the scales in our favor. YWN has only twice before promoted a specific tzedakah, but our team is now raising funds for three families – one of whom is very close to the YWN family. We have personally and exhaustively verified the authenticity and urgency of their respective plights. HaRav Elya Brudny, the Rosh yeshiva of the Mirrer Yeshiva, personally knows two of them, and knows the situation first hand. All three of these families truly require our assistance, and providing them with it will surely present a powerful zechus for us in Shamayim. We know that we all have a ton of Tzedkaha requests, but YWN doesn’t charge for our service, providing breaking news 24 hours a day for 22 years. In turn, please open your generous hearts for this cause! The first family is one in which the father, an incredible talmid chochom, is suffering from a multitude of serious health issues. Due to his illness, he has been unable to provide sufficient income for his family. The second family is one that has been a close friend of YWN for many years. The father has multiple health issues for many years and is unable to work – and and his wife (who was the one making the Parnassah) has now been diagnosed with a dreaded illness.  The situation is desperate – and literally have no money for basic necessities. Their bills are in the tens of thousands, and they are long past their credit line! The third is also a family close to YWN who are Marbitzei Torah, who have devoted their lives to Chinuch. One of the parents was recently diagnosed with a serious illness, and half of their income has been lost. Hundreds of thousands of people trust YWN to deliver them the news – appropriately, sensitively, and free-of-charge. Now, we are simply making one request: Please help us help these three pure families who are silently suffering. Please open your hearts before Yom Kippur and provide them with much-needed reprieve. In doing so, we have no doubt that the Ribono Shel Olam will make our lives easier and better, as well. The words of U’nesaneh Tokef call to us: U’Teshuva U’Tefillah U’Tzedakah Maavirin Es Roah Hagezeirah. Let us not let this opportunity pass us by. Wishing you all a Gmar Chasima Tova. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO HELP THESE THREE PEOPLE

Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad charged that Israel was altering the names of Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release as part of the developing ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. Speaking from Cairo on Sunday night in an interview with Al Jazeera, Hamad alleged that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu would “return to aggression” in Gaza unless sustained pressure was applied by the international community.

He appealed to Arab governments and mediating nations to “restrain the Zionist madness” and guarantee the agreement was fully carried out.

According to Hamad, Hamas was working with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, and staying in contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to implement the exchange “as stated in the agreement.” However, he claimed that Israel’s slow response to verifying names in the submitted documents was hindering progress.

Despite these accusations, Hamad maintained that the situation was “moving in a good direction” and vowed that Hamas would “do everything we can” to ensure that both the prisoner exchange and the broader ceasefire arrangement succeed.

His remarks came as disputes intensified over the list of prisoners. Israel’s Justice Ministry publicly released 250 names of Palestinian detainees designated for release, while Palestinian representatives insisted that no definitive list had been finalized, reflecting persistent disagreements over who qualified for release and in what order.

Al Jazeera Arabic echoed the Palestinian position, reporting that Israel was attempting to dictate terms of the prisoner releases. The outlet cited sources saying that Hamas was still working through Cairo, Doha, and Ankara to revise the list issued by Israel.

The ICRC, emphasizing its neutrality, reaffirmed that any exchange of prisoners and hostages must take place in a manner that guarantees safety and dignity, with careful oversight of transfers and reunifications under the ceasefire structure.

These statements coincided with Israel and Hamas preparing to advance to the next step of the accord. Israeli and international sources indicated that 20 Israeli hostages were set to be freed on Monday, alongside a large-scale Palestinian prisoner release, within a framework facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.

Hamad’s comments also echoed Hamas’s past rhetoric describing Netanyahu as a “war criminal,” language the group has routinely used in rejecting Israel’s conditions linked to disarmament or future governance in Gaza.

As part of the truce arrangements reported over the weekend, Israel began transferring detainees in anticipation of the releases while humanitarian groups ramped up aid operations within Gaza. Yet arguments over specific names and classifications of prisoners persisted, including some last-minute modifications sanctioned by Israel’s cabinet to the initial groups approved for release.

{Matzav.com}

On the road to Nova along Route 232, people are already gathering at the site. Hundreds are engaged in prayer, learning, and song, with thousands more expected to arrive.

Crowds have gathered in the Re’im parking area ahead of the anticipated release of the hostages, breaking out in songs from Hallel.

Footage shows a convoy of Israel Prison Service vehicles heading to the facilities where Palestinian prisoners will be released as part of the hostage-prisoner exchange deal.

Raymond Kelly, New York City’s longest-serving police commissioner, is warning that if mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani wins the upcoming election, the NYPD could see a mass departure of officers.

Appearing Sunday on WABC 770 AM’s The Cats Roundtable with host John Catsimatidis, Kelly — who led the police department under both Michael Bloomberg and David Dinkins — said that Mamdani has been attempting to reposition himself politically.

According to Kelly, however, the city’s police force won’t be fooled by what he sees as a strategic move toward the political center.

“He is a problem. He is antisemitic. He is someone who has a lot of crazy ideas,” Kelly said, describing the NYPD as a “target” in Mamdani’s political rhetoric.

Kelly pointed to a years-long decline in police morale and staffing that began early in Mayor Eric Adams’ term and said a Mamdani administration would only worsen the situation.

“They started leaving in big numbers at the beginning of Mayor Adams term as mayor and its continued. And of course, with a socialist mayor, I think there is a real challenge to keep the numbers of the police department where they should be,” Kelly explained.

Mamdani has faced heavy criticism over past remarks in which he labeled New York police officers “racist” and “a threat to public safety” following the 2020 killing of George Floyd. Despite calls for an apology, his response has been described as vague and evasive.

Kelly, who has long supported Mayor Adams’ appointment of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, urged Mamdani to keep her in the role if elected.

“She’s doing a great job and I’d certainly like to see her stay in the department as a commissioner. But we don’t know what her relationship will be with a socialist mayor, a Muslim mayor. We just don’t know,” Kelly said.

Governor Kathy Hochul echoed Kelly’s recommendation last week, telling reporters she’s also lobbying Mamdani to retain Tisch.

“I have highly recommended that he retain Jessica Tisch,” Hochul said.

{Matzav.com}

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TODAY!! Missed The First One? Hoshana Raba MAAMAD HASHAVA!!! A second MAAMAD HASHAVA!! by Neki Kapayim will be held this Hoshana Raba!! Forgotten Debt?* Damaged A Car? *Return An Item?? Click HERE to join the Neki Kapayim annual Maamad Hashava! Keren Neki Kapayim is an innovative halachic solution developed by Gedolei Haposkim for the return of unknown debts and misplaced assets. Join the thousands who have come clean and your Tefillos will soar this Yom Kippur. Click HERE to join the Neki Kapayim annual Maamad Hashava! As upstanding, committed Shomrei Torah Umitzvos, our life is all about observing the dictates of Torah and halacha to the utmost of our abilities. Obviously, we each have our shortcomings in different areas, and for this reason the Torah gives us the opportunity of Teshuva – to come clean and make good on our failings. There is one area though, for which the ordinary process of Teshuva, do not suffice to clear us of our misdeeds – that is the real of bein odom l’chaveiro – sins between man and fellow man. When it’s simply a question of a personal offense – one has to ask for forgiveness. If it’s a monetary obligation the debt must be paid up. Click HERE to join the Neki Kapayim annual Maamad Hashava! But what happens when we don’t even know to whom we owe whom to pay? This is indeed a dilemma! Are our hands completely clean? Is there anything in our hands or in our possession that’s not 100% our own? Perhaps, we don’t know who the owner is, but does that make it ours? The thought is frightening! Click HERE to join the Neki Kapayim annual Maamad Hashava! Click HERE to join the Neki Kapayim annual Maamad Hashava! Can we stand before Hashem pleading for mercy; asking for brachos for ourselves and our loved ones, when our hands are sullied by money that’s not ours?The Gemara (Beitza 29a, Bava Kamma 94b) discusses the issue of returning unknown debt. Click here for halachic overview The solution developed by the dayanim of Keren Neki Kapayim is a new and innovative idea to achieve a complete and immediate return to the true owner of the money, whoever and wherever he might me Click HERE to join the Neki Kapayim annual Maamad Hashava!

Jake Sullivan, who served as National Security Adviser under Joe Biden, reluctantly acknowledged that President Trump succeeded in achieving what his predecessor could not — a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.

In a measured tone, Sullivan argued that “time and circumstance” were major factors in allowing Trump to finalize the accord, suggesting that the deal’s structure resembled the plan the Biden administration had previously envisioned.

“It’s only now, after all that time, that we have gotten to a deal,” Sullivan said on CNN’s State of the Union Sunday when asked why the Biden administration had failed to reach a breakthrough during its tenure.

“In April and May and June, July, August, September, it didn’t happen,” he continued. “I think it’s also a question that the Trump administration has to grapple with, because, of course, they have been in charge for quite some time now.”

Last week, Hamas formally accepted a peace outline introduced by Trump, which was subsequently ratified by Israel’s cabinet the next day. Trump had unveiled his 20-point peace initiative on September 29.

During Biden’s term, Sullivan was one of the chief architects of Washington’s earlier push to bring the conflict to an end. His previous post is now held by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“I’m still holding my breath, because I want to see those hostage families reunited with the hostages who have just been going through hell for almost two years,” Sullivan said, expressing cautious optimism about the deal’s success.

“I’m feeling very good this morning, although I won’t feel totally comfortable until we actually see this thing fully implemented.”

As part of the agreement, Hamas is slated to release 20 living hostages by Monday, coinciding with the arrival of large-scale humanitarian aid shipments bound for Gaza.

Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday morning to address the Knesset, before traveling to Egypt to commemorate what he has described as a historic diplomatic achievement.

Throughout most of his interview, Sullivan stopped short of giving Trump any personal recognition. But when CNN host Dana Bash pressed him directly on whether Trump deserved credit, he conceded.

“I give credit to President Trump. I give credit to [special envoy Steve] Witkoff and [Jared] Kushner and Rubio. These are hard jobs,” Sullivan said.

“Now the question is, can we make sure this sticks as we go forward?” he added.

Sullivan maintained that the substance of Trump’s peace framework was similar to what Biden’s team had envisioned before leaving office.

“In concept, it’s pretty similar. Hamas cannot remain in power. We need to see the rebuilding of Gaza funded by the international community, including the Gulf states,” he explained. “We need an interim governance structure. We need strong support from the Arab countries.”

“All of those elements have been with us for quite some time now,” Sullivan concluded. “I think one of the things that’s changed, obviously, is all the circumstances.”

{Matzav.com}

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was nowhere in sight when the state declared a state of emergency last night, leaving Lt. Governor Tahesha Way to issue the order in his absence as a dangerous nor’easter approached the Garden State.

“In preparation for this storm, I am issuing a State of Emergency for all 21 counties out of an abundance of caution, authorizing our state’s emergency services personnel to activate as necessary,” Acting Governor Way announced in a statement.

Murphy, who is nearing the end of his term and has gained a reputation for his frequent getaways — often to his lavish villa in Italy — made no public mention of his latest overseas trip, even as forecasters warned that the storm could cause widespread flooding and wind damage across New Jersey.

According to the governor’s public schedule, distributed to reporters on October 8, Murphy and his wife Tammy departed for Europe on October 9 and were slated to return October 14.

“Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy are out of state this weekend to attend a close family friend’s wedding in Europe. The Governor has been in close communication with his team and emergency response officials regarding the nor’easter storm impacting the East Coast,” Murphy spokesman Tyler Jones told The Post Sunday evening.

When pressed on whether Murphy would return early due to the storm, Jones declined to comment.

Way, who also serves as New Jersey’s secretary of state, became lieutenant governor in September 2023 following the passing of Sheila Oliver. Oliver herself had been acting governor at the time of her death — during another of Murphy’s international vacations.

Murphy’s frequent travel habits have repeatedly drawn scrutiny.

In December 2021, he was criticized for spending eight days in Costa Rica with his family as New Jersey experienced record-breaking COVID-19 infection rates. The Murphys had also spent the Christmas holiday in Costa Rica in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

After Way announced the state of emergency on social media, confused residents quickly took to the comments to question the governor’s whereabouts.

“Where is the governor?” one user asked.

“Who are you?” another replied.

{Matzav.com}

Left-wing mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani’s campaign has come under scrutiny after records revealed it received nearly $13,000 in potential illegal contributions from abroad — including one from his mother-in-law in Dubai, according to a report by The New York Post.

An examination of filings from the New York City Campaign Finance Board showed that 170 of the more than 54,000 donations made to Mamdani’s campaign came from individuals listing addresses outside the United States. Under federal, state, and city election laws, only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are allowed to donate to political campaigns or political action committees. Candidates must return any donations found to be in violation of these rules, and knowingly accepting foreign contributions can result in severe financial penalties and even jail time.

Despite those regulations, records show that Mamdani’s campaign has yet to return 88 of the foreign contributions, which total $7,190.

The campaign has raised $4 million from private donors and received another $12.7 million in matching public funds. With less than a month before election day, Mamdani’s team reports having nearly $6.1 million on hand. After being confronted with details of the unreturned foreign donations, the campaign released a statement on Saturday saying, “we will of course return any donations that are not in compliance with CFB law.” A spokesperson declined to explain why so many of the foreign donations had not yet been refunded.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa sharply criticized the revelations. “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, so I would be very concerned,” he said upon hearing the report. “There is probably a lot more in terms of foreign money.”

Sliwa, who has long accused Mamdani of benefiting from hidden financial support, previously urged the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate what he called “dark money” being channeled into super PACs through foreign nationals. “It’s very problematic, not just for Zohran Mamdani, but anybody who has these kinds of PACs, because it’s a license to illegally funnel money,” he told The Post. “And foreign countries know you don’t have to go to war against America. All you gotta do is manipulate the election.”

According to filings, Mamdani’s campaign has refunded only $5,608 so far, including a $500 contribution from Bariah Dardari — the mother of Mamdani’s new wife, Rama Duwaji. Dardari, who works as a pediatrician at a hospital in Dubai, made the donation in January, and records show the money was returned that same day.

The surge of foreign donations began around June, during the lead-up to the Democratic primary, when Mamdani scored a surprise victory over both Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The donors ranged widely in profession — from software engineers and academics to doctors and students — contributing anywhere from $1 to the maximum legal amount of $2,100.

Among the largest donors was James Furlaud, an environmental scientist at the University of Tasmania in Australia, who gave $2,100. Furlaud, whose research focuses on the effects of climate change on forests and fire risk, did not respond to requests for comment. Another notable donor was Ada Diaz Ahmed, identified as a Dubai-based investor, who also contributed $2,100 in September.

Other contributors included Jun-Dai Bates Kobashigawa, a Montreal-based software developer for GoDaddy who grew up in San Francisco and attended Bard College. He donated $250 in July but did not respond to inquiries. Ugur Macit, a German computer engineer living in Mühlheim am Main, contributed $250 in August. He also could not be reached. A Canadian doctor, Ahmed Enbya of Calgary, donated $100 in September, according to filings.

One donor, Nupur Amin Marquardt, a U.S. citizen working as a consultant in Hamburg, Germany, legally contributed $50 to Mamdani’s campaign. She explained to The Post why she supported him despite having no ties to New York City. “It’s the only campaign I’ve seen that’s not trying to win by convincing a group of people to hate another group of people,” she said.

Filings also show that most of Mamdani’s campaign contributions have originated outside New York City. In recent weeks, the Democratic Socialist candidate collected $1.05 million — more than double the $507,000 raised by Cuomo during the same period.

The New York City Campaign Finance Board declined to comment on the matter, saying that all campaigns are currently under audit as part of the citywide election review process.

{Matzav.com}

On the eve of the hostages’ return to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivered a heartfelt and somber address to the nation, reflecting on the profound emotions surrounding this historic moment while cautioning that significant challenges still lie ahead.

“Citizens of Israel, my brothers and sisters, this is an emotional evening, an evening of tears, an evening of joy. Because tomorrow, children will return to their border,” Netanyahu began. “This is a historic event that blends sorrow over the release of murderers – and joy over the return of hostages. This is a historic event that some did not believe would happen. But our fighters believed. Many among the people believed. And I believed.”

Acknowledging the divisions that have long characterized Israeli society, Netanyahu urged the public to unite in the spirit of shared triumph and resilience. “I know there are many disagreements among us. But on this day, and I hope also in the period ahead, we have every reason to put them aside. Because through joint efforts we achieved enormous victories. Victories that astonished the entire world. And I want to say: Everywhere we fought – we won.”

The prime minister, however, made it clear that Israel’s struggle is far from over. “But in the same breath, I must tell you: The campaign is not over. There are still very great security challenges ahead of us. Some of our enemies are trying to rebuild themselves to attack us again. And as we say – ‘We’re on it.’”

Netanyahu expressed cautious optimism about the road ahead, noting that Israel’s recent victories have also opened new doors for progress and opportunity. “There are also great opportunities that we have never known before – precisely because of the victories we brought. I am convinced that through joint efforts we will overcome the challenges and realize the opportunities.”

He shared personal reflections on his encounters with the families of the abducted during the war, describing the emotional weight of their stories and how their suffering guided his decisions. “During the war, my wife and I met many times with the families of the abductees. We saw their pain, their yearning, their tears. These meetings were with me in every decision I made during the war. We embraced the families, and I promised them: ‘I will not rest until I bring your loved ones back.’”

Netanyahu expressed deep gratitude to the soldiers, commanders, and security forces who fought for the hostages’ return, as well as to the bereaved families and the broader Israeli public for their strength and unity. “I wish to thank the IDF soldiers and commanders, the security forces, the bereaved families who lost what is most dear to them, our heroic wounded who carry their pain in body and soul, and I wish to thank you, citizens of Israel. You who stood strong, day after day, with love for our country and faith in the justice of our path.”

Concluding his remarks with a message of hope and national renewal, the prime minister declared, “Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of building, a path of healing, and I hope – a path of uniting hearts. Together we will continue to strengthen our country. Together we will continue to win, and with G-d’s help, together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump confirmed that he will deliver an address to Israel’s Knesset after accepting a formal invitation from Speaker Amir Ochana.

“Thank you for your historic invitation to address the nation of Israel before your esteemed legislative body. I am honored to accept,” Trump wrote to Ochana.

In his letter, Trump reflected on his administration’s achievements in advancing peace in the Middle East, pointing in particular to the Abraham Accords. “In my first term, we brokered a momentous diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East—the Abraham Accords—which laid the foundation of stability in a region marked by centuries of conflict. We have built upon that incredible achievement since I returned to the White House earlier this year, and are proving that nations across the globe can move beyond longstanding challenges of the past,” he wrote.

Trump also highlighted recent milestones, referencing the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023 terror attacks. “This week, we marked two years since the abhorrent attack of October 7, 2023. We have worked tirelessly since that horrific day to return all hostages to their homes, defend the sovereignty of Israel, and end the violence that has tragically plagued one of the most cherished areas of the world for far too long. Now, we stand on the doorstep of one of the greatest diplomatic achievements in history—and we cannot rest until peace is fully realized and sustained. Together, we will forge a future of security, prosperity, and peace in Israel, the region, and beyond and blessed are the peacemakers!”

The letter concluded with Trump expressing gratitude and anticipation for his upcoming visit. “Thank you, again, for your invitation. I look forward to seeing you soon,” he wrote.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump hinted that California Senator Adam Schiff could be the next Democrat to face criminal prosecution, following the recent indictments of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

In a fiery Truth Social post, Trump called on the “necessary authorities” to reexamine his first impeachment, which was spearheaded by then-Representative Schiff. That impeachment centered on claims that Trump had pressured Ukraine to investigate the Biden family—allegations he has consistently rejected as baseless.

“The Ukraine Impeachment (of me!) Scam was a far bigger Illegal Hoax than Watergate,” Trump wrote on Sunday. “I sincerely hope the necessary authorities, including CONGRESS, are looking into this! Adam ‘Schiffty’ Schiff was sooo dishonest and corrupt.

“So many laws, and protocols, were violated, and just plain broken!!!”

Trump was impeached in early 2020 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress but was acquitted by the Senate weeks later.

Schiff, a leading House manager during that first impeachment, also played a key role in Trump’s second impeachment at the end of his presidency, which stemmed from the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.

The first impeachment case revolved around claims that Trump’s administration delayed $391 million in military aid to Ukraine while urging Kyiv to assist Rudy Giuliani’s probe into the Biden family.

In recent weeks, Trump has publicly expressed frustration over what he perceives as inaction by the Justice Department regarding investigations into Comey, James, and Schiff—all of whom deny any wrongdoing.

“Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam ‘Shifty’ Schiff, Leticia??? [sic],” Trump vented on Truth Social.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, that message was originally meant to be sent privately to Attorney General Pam Bondi, but Trump accidentally posted it publicly.

Of the three individuals Trump named, Schiff remains the only one who hasn’t been indicted. Comey was charged on September 25 with lying to Congress and obstruction of justice.

Meanwhile, NBC reported that prosecutors are preparing to file charges against former National Security Advisor John Bolton as early as next week.

Federal investigators have reportedly been scrutinizing Schiff’s activities for several months.

In August, Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Ed Martin as Special Attorney to oversee a Justice Department investigation into Schiff over possible bank, mortgage, and wire fraud.

The inquiry centers on accusations that Schiff listed a Maryland residence as his primary home while simultaneously claiming a California condominium as his main residence for tax and mortgage purposes.

The allegations involve federally insured loans dating back to 2003 and running through 2019, during which Schiff allegedly received financial benefits including lower interest rates and property tax breaks.

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte referred the matter to prosecutors in April.

Schiff, who once chaired the House Intelligence Committee, was also at the forefront of pushing unsubstantiated allegations of collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia—a campaign that ultimately resulted in his censure by Congress.

CNN first reported on the mortgage fraud accusations against Schiff in 2023.

{Matzav.com}