Israel is poised to launch one of its most ambitious immigration incentives in years, as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich rolled out a new tax reform aimed at easing the financial burden for olim chadashim (new immigrants). The plan, part of the upcoming state budget, is expected to receive swift approval and deliver major tax benefits to Jews moving to Israel.
At its core, the reform seeks to make aliyah more attractive by offering generous tax relief while fostering smoother integration into the workforce and business landscape. The initiative arrives at a time of intensifying global antisemitism and shifting tax climates abroad, such as in the United Kingdom. Israel’s economic planners view this as a golden opportunity to draw skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who can strengthen the nation’s economy and deepen its Jewish character.
The reform was presented at a joint event organized with Nefesh B’Nefesh and attended by top officials across the finance and aliyah sectors. Among them were Minister Smotrich, Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer, Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich, Finance Ministry Director-General Ilan Rom, Aliyah and Integration Ministry Director-General Avichai Kahana, Jewish Agency aliyah head Eran Berkowitz, and Nefesh B’Nefesh CEO Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. Speakers at the gathering described the new policy as a powerful expression of Zionism in action — one that would not only bolster Israel’s economy but also renew the national mission of bringing Jews home.
Under the proposed tax framework, benefits will start at up to 0% in 2026 and 2027, rise to 10% in 2028, 20% in 2029, and reach 30% by 2030. The exemptions will apply to income of up to ₪1 million annually.
In addition to the new tax brackets, olim will continue to enjoy existing incentives — including a 10-year exemption on foreign income and the established tax credit points already available to new immigrants and returning residents.
Smotrich, who has repeatedly framed economic reform as part of a broader Zionist vision, praised the initiative in bold terms. “Zionism has always been built on three pillars: settlement, security, and aliyah. Over the past two years, we have invested heavily in security, and thank God, Israel is in a different place today. In settlement, we are leading a revolution – in Judea and Samaria, the South, the North, the Negev, the Galilee, and the Golan.”
He continued, “The year 2026 will bring a revolution in aliyah – not as a slogan, but as a practical plan of action.” Calling on Jews abroad to take advantage of the opportunity, he added, “I call upon Jews in the Diaspora and Israelis abroad: come home. My thanks to Minister Ofir Sofer for his partnership, to Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich for leading the professional work, and to Nefesh B’Nefesh for its years of dedication to encouraging Aliyah and strengthening Israel’s Jewish identity.”
Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the long-term national impact of the move. “Over the past three years, we have strengthened and rebuilt Israel’s aliyah and integration infrastructure. Today we are adding a major and meaningful component to our national effort to encourage aliya.”
He went on to thank his colleagues, adding, “I am grateful to Minister Smotrich and all our partners for their productive collaboration. This is a data-driven and comprehensive initiative, designed to ensure optimal absorption for new olim, create real opportunities for their integration into Israeli society, and contribute to economic growth.”
Sofer concluded by underscoring the broader purpose of the reform: “Aliyah holds profound Zionist, social, and economic significance for the State of Israel. It strengthens our social fabric, brings high-quality human capital, and boosts growth, innovation, and national development.”
With this landmark reform, Israel is not merely adjusting its tax code — it is signaling a new chapter in the country’s historic commitment to building a homeland for every Jew who wishes to call it home.
{Matzav.com}
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has announced that she will withdraw from direct involvement in the ongoing Sde Teiman investigation, handing responsibility for supervision of the case to the State Prosecutor’s Office.
Her decision came in the wake of an internal legal opinion issued by Yael Kotik, the Justice Ministry’s legal adviser, who concluded that Baharav-Miara’s continued participation could present a serious conflict of interest.
Kotik explained her reasoning in a formal letter to the Attorney General, writing: “At this stage, the Attorney General must refrain from participating in the oversight and supervision of the ongoing investigation. This cautious position in no way casts doubt or expresses any stance regarding the Attorney General’s involvement in the process, but is solely intended to ensure the independence of the investigation, even in terms of public perception.”
The ruling intensified an already heated public debate. Critics and petitioners have pressed Israel’s Supreme Court to disqualify Baharav-Miara from the case, arguing that her oversight could compromise the impartiality of the probe.
Adding to the procedural developments, Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Sohlberg earlier on Wednesday approved Baharav-Miara’s request for extra time to respond to those petitions. She was granted until 10:00 p.m. Thursday to submit her formal reply.
The Attorney General’s recusal marks a significant shift in a case that has already drawn intense scrutiny and political controversy, as the justice system seeks to reassure the public of its independence and transparency.
{Matzav.com}
[COMMUNICATED]
Chavra D’Hilchisa marked a major milestone this week with an uplifting siyum and recognition evening celebrating a year of structured, accountable limud Halacha Lemaaseh, and immediately launched its second year with great excitement and momentum.
Under the leadership of Rav Daniel Glatstein, the program has emerged as a premier framework for baalei batim seeking disciplined growth, clarity, and real achrayus in Halacha. The first year culminated in a heartfelt gathering where participants reflected on how consistency, exams, and guided learning transformed their daily schedules and spiritual lives.
Rabbi Rafi Amar, Mashgiach of the program, praised the extraordinary commitment of participants who balanced demanding work and family lives with steady Torah study. “This was a life-shaping decision,” he said. “They built limud HaTorah with structure and accountability into their everyday lives, and that’s where true growth begins.”
Program Director Rabbi Yonason Rosenblum highlighted how incremental effort in learning Torah brings profound transformation. “Even small steps in disciplined learning change who a person is,” he said. Participant testimonials echoed that theme, sharing how the program reignited their love for learning and reshaped their entire week.
Delivering the keynote, Rav Glatstein urged attendees to continue “disrupting” their routines for Torah. “You are trailblazers,” he said. “Ohev Hashem she’arim ha’metzuyanim ba’halacha mikol mishkenos Yaakov—Hashem loves those who make Halacha their gateway to Him.”
Just days later, Chavra D’Hilchisa opened its second year with the inaugural shiur in Hilchos Taaruvos – Issur V’Hetter, again led by Rav Glatstein. Participants joined from across the United States and abroad, eager to begin another year of clarity and kinyan in Halacha. With its blend of structured learning, rigorous standards, and warm chizuk, Chavra D’Hilchisa continues to attract serious lomdim who want to master Halacha and live it more fully.
As the new cycle begins, excitement is building—and there are still a few spots available for this year’s program. For information or to register, visit chavra.net, call 347-459-7352, or email admin@chavra.net.
As Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu pushes to pass the new draft law within a month to stabilize his coalition, deep divisions are emerging among the chareidi factions, with Agudas Yisroel MK Yitzchok Goldknopf expected to vote against the legislation.
Netanyahu has instructed senior coalition leaders and MK Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, to expedite the passage of the bill regulating the status of yeshiva students. The prime minister’s goal is to pass the law through its second and third readings within four weeks, a key step to prevent the coalition from fracturing and triggering early elections.
Over the past few days, the heads of the chareidi parties — Shas, Degel HaTorah, and Agudas Yisroel — have been holding consultations with their respective rabbinic leadership. According to political sources, Shas and Degel HaTorah are expected to approve the new version of the bill, including several legal modifications required by the Knesset committee’s legal advisor, Miri Frenkel-Shor.
Shas insiders reveal that despite initial hesitation, the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah will support a bill that “protects Yavneh and its scholars — those who truly learn — even if it results in the enlistment of those who are not learning, as long as it is within frameworks suited to the chareidi sector.”
The legal aspect of the legislation, however, remains a sticking point. Lawmakers from the chareidi factions acknowledge that without Frenkel-Shor’s approval, the High Court is likely to strike down the bill or issue an injunction preventing it from taking effect. To that end, representatives of Shas and Degel HaTorah are currently negotiating with the committee’s legal team to reach a mutually acceptable draft.
Meanwhile, in Agudas Yisroel, the picture is far less unified. Senior officials from the party say that the faction is likely to split its vote when the bill reaches the Knesset floor. MK Yitzchok Goldknopf and MK Yitzchok Tesler are both expected to oppose it.
A source close to Goldknopf explained his stance: “We will not support a law that includes quotas and sanctions. This is an unprecedented bill, with recruitment targets reaching half of each draft cycle — completely against the position of our gedolei hador. We will vote against it.”
{Matzav.com}
Camp Achim has announced that its 2026 summer session will be slightly shorter than in previous years due to the early arrival of Rosh Chodesh Elul, which falls out on August 13.
Because of the way the calendar aligns, the camp season will last about two and a half days less than usual. Traditionally, the program includes four Shabbosos during the summer. However, this coming summer, the schedule will include only three Shabbosos, with camp running for three full weeks.
Despite the shortened season, the administration emphasized that the full camp program and year-round operations will continue as always. “Of course, we still have to run the full camp program and keep everything going throughout the year, no matter how long the season is,” the announcement stated. “Still, since it’s a bit shorter this summer, we felt it would be nice to do something a little different — and we hope you’ll agree.”
That “something different” comes in the form of a fee reduction. Camp Achim is lowering tuition by $150 compared to last year’s rate.
Kol hakavod.
The 2026 summer season at Achim will run from Tuesday, July 21, through Wednesday, August 12 (7 Av to 29 Av). The camp fee has been set at $3,345.
{Matzav.com}
WATCH:
A fascinating halachic dialogue has captured the attention of the Torah world over recent days, as Rav Dov Landau, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, and the Sanzer Rebbe, have engaged in a rare and remarkable written exchange of Torah ideas.
The debate began during Chol Hamoed Sukkos, when Rav Dov Landau hosted a major Torah gathering in his sukkah on Rechov Harav Sher in Bnei Brak. Present were leading roshei yeshiva, dayanim, and rabbanim, who joined the Rosh Yeshiva in animated discussion and deep halachic analysis for more than an hour and a half. The event, broadcast live, drew throngs of bnei Torah of all ages who surrounded his sukkah to witness the electrifying ahavas haTorah and hear the Rosh Yeshiva’s insights.
During the gathering, Rav Landau posed several sharp questions and halachic difficulties, raised in the midst of passionate rischa d’oraysa, as he interwove fascinating stories from the yeshiva world of Poland and Lithuania.
Shortly after, in response to one of the questions raised, the Sanzer Rebbe published a thoughtful letter in the weekly Torah publication Ohaley Moed. The Rebbe delved directly into one of Rav Landau’s points, articulating his own well-reasoned halachic position. The fact that a leading Chassidic Rebbe formally published a scholarly response to a Litvishe Rosh Yeshiva’s query sparked enormous interest across the Torah world, reflecting the deep mutual respect shared between these two Torah giants.
This week, Parshas Vayeira, Ohaley Moed has published Rav Dov Landau’s full written response to the Rebbe’s letter, bringing the fascinating halachic dialogue to its current peak.
In a striking conclusion, Rav Landau ended his reply with a line expressing both humility and admiration: “Kach mistabra k’mo shekasav rum maalaso shlita — It appears to be as written by his exalted honor, shlita.”
Beyond its intellectual depth, the correspondence serves as a model of Torah unity—two towering gedolim, representing distinct traditions, engaging in a search for emes with reverence and grace.
{Matzav.com}
After days of public protest and widespread outcry, yeshiva student Ariel Shamai — who was jailed for refusing to enlist in the IDF — was released on Wednesday and made his first stop at the home of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshivas Slabodka, to personally thank him for his support.
As previously reported extensively here on Matzav.com, Shamai, a talmid at Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, became a symbol of the fight against the imprisonment of yeshiva bochurim for Torah study. Just hours after leaving the military prison, he visited Rav Hirsch’s home in Bnei Brak to express gratitude for the encouragement he had received during his detention, including the shiur Rav Hirsch delivered outside the prison gates and the massive public rally that followed.
The rosh yeshiva greeted Shamai warmly, shaking his hand and listening as those accompanying him described the circumstances of his early release. “It was unusual,” they explained. “He and three others were told today that they were receiving the mutsmedet — meaning those scheduled for release on Friday were permitted to leave two days early. That almost never happens. This time, they implemented the special procedure and released him.”
“He looks a hundred percent,” Rav Hirsch said with a smile.
Reflecting on his days behind bars, Shamai admitted, “It was very difficult,” but said that Rav Hirsch’s shiur and personal visit deeply strengthened him. “It really encouraged me,” he said.
Those present told the rosh yeshiva that during his time in prison, Shamai spent many hours learning and even wrote Torah essays and answers to questions posed by his fellow inmates.
Earlier in the day, MK Moshe Gafni, head of Degel HaTorah, spoke with Shamai by phone following his release. “We will do everything possible to ensure this never happens again — that no bochur is ever arrested for learning Torah,” Gafni told him. “I strengthen you and bless you. Return to your learning.” Gafni had also visited Shamai in military prison several days earlier to express solidarity.
{Matzav.com}