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It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rav Yaakov Sofer zt”l after a difficult illness. Rav Sofer served as the Rav of the Erlau community in Beitar Illit and was the son of the previous Erlauer Rebbe, the Imrei Sofer. He was 77 years old.

Rav Yaakov was born in the town of Erlau, Hungary, on the 10th of Iyar 5708 (1948), to his illustrious father, the Erlauer Rebbe. He was a sixth-generation descendant of the Chasam Sofer. At two years old, he was brought to Eretz Yisroel together with his parents.

He received the foundation of his Torah from his father, learning in the Erlau yeshiva, Ohel Shimon, where his brilliance and diligence were already evident.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he wed Rebbetzin Sofer, the daughter of Rav Mordechai Davidovitz of Beis Meir.

The couple initially settled in Yerushalayim, where they raised their children in the mesorah of their forefathers. In 2003, he accepted the call to serve as the Rav of the Erlau community in Beitar Illit. There he established his beis medrash as a beacon of Torah for the entire region. Residents from all backgrounds flocked to him to hear halachic guidance, seek his counsel, and receive his warm blessings.

Several months ago, he was diagnosed with a severe illness and hospitalized in Hadassah Ein Kerem. His brother, the current Erlauer Rebbe, visited him nearly every day, offering encouragement and heartfelt support. Despite his suffering, Rav Sofer continued learning with remarkable strength and dedication.

Late last night, surrounded by brokenhearted family members and close talmidim standing by his bedside, he was niftar, leaving behind a grieving community and an immeasurable void.

His aron was brought to the Erlauer beis medrash in Beitar Illit.

The levayah took place today at the Erlauer beis medrash on Hisorerus Teshuvah Street in Beitar Illit and proceeding to Har HaMenuchos in Yerushalayim. He was buried beside his father, the previous Erlauer Rebbe.

Rav Yaakov leaves behind a distinguished family carrying forward his legacy, including his sons, Rav Mordechai Yehuda Sofer and Rav Moshe Sofer; his daughters, the wives of the Unsdorf–Modi’in Illit Rebbe, Rav Mordechai Zev Leifer, Rav David Rabinowitz, and Rav Shaul Gelbman; and his brothers, the Erlauer Rebbe, Rav Avraham Shmuel Binyomin Sofer, Rosh Yeshivas Ohel Shimon Erlau, Rav Akiva Sofer, Rav of Erlau in Bnei Brak, Rav Zalman Sofer, Rav of Erlau in Boro Park, and Rav Aharon Sofer, Rav of Erlau in Elad.

He was predeceased by his brother, Rav Shimon Sofer, Rav of the Erlauer community in Tzfas.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

In a decision that has ignited immediate outrage, Stonnington Council in Melbourne, Australia, has voted to delay approval of a Chanukah Menorah at Malvern Town Hall until after the Yom Tov ends, effectively canceling the city’s public celebration. The vote, which split the council 4–4, forced Mayor Melina Sehl to cast the deciding ballot. She […]

BREAKING: James Comey and Letitia James are expected to be indicted again this week after a court dismissed the earlier charges.

The body that was transferred earlier today by Hamas to the IDF was brought a short time ago to the National Center of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir, escorted by Israel Police officers. At the center, the identification process will be carried out by police forensic identification officers.

Netanyahu: We expect Syria to establish a demilitarized zone from Damascus to the buffer zone, especially Mount Hermon. We are holding these areas to ensure the security of Israeli citizens, and this is what obliges us.

An Israeli traveler, 25-year-old Almog Armoza, was attacked in Kathmandu, Nepal, after a group of locals heard him speaking Hebrew. Armoza says he was struck in the head from behind with a metal bar near a hostel, leaving him bloodied and requiring stitches and an MRI at a local hospital. He said nothing was stolen […]

Michael and Susan Dell announced today a $6.25 billion donation to help launch the federal “Trump Accounts” program. Their contribution alone is enough to provide roughly $250 for about 25 million children. The Dells said they hope their support encourages additional donors and companies to join in strengthening the long-term savings and investment initiative for […]

A delegation of senior members of the Nevah Tzion Beis Din traveled to Spain in recent days to personally supervise a special round of sheep slaughter, ensuring the highest standards of kashrus for the bnei Torah community. The mission was carried out under the direction of Rav Masoud Ben Shimon, Gaavad of Nevah Tzion and Chief Rabbi of Bnei Brak.

The trip was part of an ongoing effort by Ashpar, a leading kosher meat company, to provide top-quality meat for consumers seeking the most meticulous levels of supervision. Spanish sheep are widely regarded as among the finest in the world, known for their exceptional taste, texture, and overall quality.

The visiting delegation included Rav Yaakov Ben Shimon, son of the Gaavad and son of the late Rav Shlomo Ben Shimon; Rav Chanoch Cohen, Rosh Yeshivas Be’er HaTalmud; Rav Yitzchak Zayat, a veteran member of the Badatz and son-in-law of Rav Shalom Cohen; and Ashpar CEO Rav Yitzchak Ovadia. Rav Cohen and Rav Ben Shimon are among the newest additions to the Beis Din.

Upon arriving at the Spanish facility, the Badatz members conducted thorough, hands-on oversight of the entire operation. They followed each stage of the slaughtering process, ensuring that all procedures adhered precisely to the strict halachic requirements and meticulously applied standards instituted by Rav Shalom Cohen.

The Gaavad personally assembled and approved the team of shochetim, bodkim, and supervisors after an extensive vetting process. Each team member was evaluated individually to confirm both professional skill and uncompromising yiras Shamayim — qualities the Gaavad emphasized as essential.

After observing the process, Rav Yaakov Ben Shimon and Rav Chanoch Cohen expressed deep admiration for the precision and devotion exhibited by the slaughtering teams. They noted that every element was carried out with the utmost hidur, in full accordance with the rigorous standards long associated with the Nevah Tzion certification.

Rav Chanoch Cohen added, “For years we have known that Badatz Nevah Tzion represents the highest level of mehadrin kashrus for bnei Torah. Since joining the Beis Din, I have been overwhelmed by what I have seen firsthand — the level of supervision, the meticulous observance of every stringency, and the care taken to uphold every halachic detail in the most exalted manner.”

The Spanish slaughter initiative is one component of Ashpar’s broader mission to supply premium-quality, mehadrin kosher meat. The company, together with the Nevah Tzion Badatz, aims to deliver the finest products to the community while maintaining the uncompromising halachic standards for which the certification is renowned.

חברי בד”ץ נווה ציון בביקור במשחטהצילום: באדיבות המצלם חברי בד”ץ נווה ציון בביקור במשחטהצילום: באדיבות המצלם

חברי בד”ץ נווה ציון בביקור במשחטהצילום: באדיבות המצלם

חברי בד”ץ נווה ציון בביקור במשחטהצילום: באדיבות המצלם

חברי בד”ץ נווה ציון בביקור במשחטהצילום: באדיבות המצלם

{Matzav.com}

Emergency crews raced to reach survivors and recover more bodies Tuesday as the death toll from last week’s catastrophic floods and landslides surged past 1,300 in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, with nearly 900 people missing. Days of heavy monsoon rains inundated vast areas, leaving thousands stranded and many clinging to rooftops and trees waiting for help. […]

Saudi Arabia has delivered a fresh infusion of financial aid to the Palestinian Authority, transferring $90 million as an installment of its 2025 support package. The latest grant reflects Riyadh’s continued effort to bolster the PA amid ongoing economic pressure.

The funds were handed over in Amman, where Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Jordan, Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan, met with Estephan Salameh, the PA official responsible for planning and international cooperation. During the meeting, the ambassador emphasized that the new allocation is meant “to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian Arab population, alleviate their suffering, and support vital sectors,” with particular focus on health and education.

Deputy PA chairman Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the financial boost, noting that the assistance helps the leadership in Ramallah navigate severe budgetary strain. He said the contribution ensures that key PA institutions can continue functioning and providing services to the public.

This latest transfer follows high-level engagement between the two sides. In November, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held discussions with PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas, reiterating his intention to maintain strong backing for the Authority. During that meeting, the Crown Prince vowed to oppose what he described as “Israeli aggression,” to promote the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and to support efforts toward releasing PA tax revenues currently withheld by Israel.

Alongside its direct support, Riyadh has also been working with global partners in recent weeks, encouraging other countries to step forward with financial contributions. Its goal, officials say, is to help stabilize the PA’s fragile economy and avert a deeper crisis that could undermine governance in Ramallah.

{Matzav.com}

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was pardoned today by President Trump, ending the 45-year U.S. federal sentence he was serving after being convicted on drug-trafficking charges. He was released from U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton, with his wife confirming the news by posting a screenshot showing his release.

The House unanimously voted yesterday to bar any non-U.S. national tied to Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre from entering the United States. The No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act of 2025 blocks anyone who “carried out, participated in, planned, financed, afforded material support to, or otherwise facilitated” the Oct. 7 massacre. The bipartisan legislation now […]

Friday sermon at the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) in Texas, Islamic “scholar” Abdul Rahman Idris prayed that Allah take revenge upon the enemies of Islam, destroy the “accursed Zionists,” and shake the earth beneath their feet.

El Al and the National Cyber Authority are sounding the alarm over a fresh wave of phishing attempts circulating under the airline’s name. The fraudulent campaign spreads through WhatsApp groups, social media platforms, and SMS messages, offering what appears to be a lavish “prize-winning quiz” with vouchers worth hundreds or even thousands of shekels, a promise officials stress is nothing more than “an impersonation attempt.”

One of the messages, labeled “El Al – Government Subsidies Gift,” offered a cash reward for filling out a brief survey and then pushed users to forward the link through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. With El Al logos and formatting that mimic the company’s style, the scheme was crafted to appear authentic while quietly harvesting personal details that could later be resold or used in additional cyberattacks.

El Al has made it clear that the circulating message is not from the airline, stressing that it is a phishing scam crafted to deceive recipients and that the company has absolutely no connection to the supposed offer or any of its contents.

The airline’s warning highlights a broader trend within the cyber world. Attackers frequently target airline passengers because they are accustomed to receiving time-sensitive travel notices, booking updates, ticket confirmations, and reward alerts — making them more likely to click quickly. Yet the techniques on display here mirror the same strategies deployed daily against companies across all industries: mimicking trusted brands, creating false urgency, driving users to malicious forms, and prompting victims to spread the threat further. {Matzav.com}

Prime Minister Netanyahu visited Sheba Medical Center to meet with IDF soldiers injured in a recent operation.

Today, President Trump is set to hold his ninth Cabinet meeting, with immigration expected to be a major focus as DHS reportedly pushes for a “full travel ban” on certain countries.

President Trump is expected to make an announcement at 2 pm ET.  

Israeli Yamam special anti-terror forces released bodycam footage from a high-risk operation in Nablus, showing the pursuit and arrest of Ahmad Jibril, a 28-year-old Hamas terrorist from the Balata refugee camp. Jibril is accused of plotting IED attacks on IDF patrols and smuggling explosives from Jenin.

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are in Moscow for high-level Ukraine peace talks with Vladimir Putin, as the U.S. delegation heads to the Kremlin.

Serious claims are emerging from soldiers serving in the IDF’s newly formed “Adi” company in Tzeilim, raising doubts about whether the unit is truly functioning as a chareidi framework as originally presented.

The situation came to light Monday night on the main broadcast of Kol Barama Radio, where reporter Mendy Rizel shared testimony from soldiers inside the unit. The company, created less than a year ago to provide security for the Tzeilim base, is officially designated for chareidi recruits, but the soldiers describe something very different.

Several servicemen say that most of the current members of the unit are no longer religious. They describe an environment that looks nothing like the halachically sensitive structure that the IDF had pledged to maintain for chareidi soldiers.

One soldier explained: “Most of the soldiers are formerly chareidi and are not religious at all today. The result: public Shabbos desecration, fitness training with a female instructor, and a Torah class once a month instead of every day, as the regulations require.”

Another soldier shared his pain openly: “For the first time, I started violating Shabbos during my service, because of the environment.”

A different soldier said that when he entered the program and stated that he was not religious, he was simply told, “You’ll strengthen yourself.”

According to IDF regulations, a chareidi-designated company is supposed to maintain a strict religious setting, including daily Torah learning, a fully halachically appropriate environment, and zero compromise on religious standards. The accounts coming out of the unit indicate major departures from that commitment.

In response to the reports, the IDF Spokesperson addressed the issue involving a female fitness instructor: “The incident will be investigated by the relevant command authorities and handled accordingly. In the case in question, the fitness instructor opened the gym for the soldiers but did not run the training. The IDF places great importance on maintaining suitable service conditions for chareidi soldiers and works to preserve them through inspections and ongoing command dialogue.”

The IDF further stated: “Chareidi soldiers in chareidi tracks undergo a screening and affiliation interview with the relevant authorities. The soldiers in the Adi company serve in a designated framework for soldiers from the chareidi sector with all the necessary conditions to maintain their way of life, including set times for prayers, Torah classes, and conversations with rabbanim.”

{Matzav.com}