By D. Stein, Matzav.com
With Zohran Mamdani poised to win the mayoral race in New York City, the Jewish community is confronting a very unsettling reality. Mamdani has long flagged himself as a radical critic of Israel and repeatedly taken positions deeply at odds with the concerns and security of Jewish New Yorkers.
For years, Mamdani has placed himself at the forefront of the far-left movement that vilifies Israel while refusing to acknowledge the suffering of Jews targeted by terrorism and hate.
His statements and actions have painted a clear picture of a man whose worldview is defined by hostility toward the Jewish state and indifference to Jewish security.
Refusal to Recognize Israel as a Jewish StateMamdani has refused to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, insisting instead that he supports a single state “with equal rights” rather than one defined by Judaism. In doing so, he has aligned himself with those who view the very concept of a Jewish homeland as illegitimate, a position long rejected by both American and Israeli leaders across the political spectrum. To millions of Jews, the idea of dismantling the Jewish character of Israel is not “progressive”; it is existentially threatening.
Branding Israel an “Apartheid” RegimeMamdani has repeatedly accused Israel of practicing “apartheid,” parroting the most inflammatory rhetoric of anti-Israel activists. He claimed that “the path toward a just and lasting peace can only begin by ending the occupation and dismantling apartheid.” Such language deliberately erases decades of history, demonizes the world’s only Jewish state, and fuels hatred toward Jews under the false guise of human rights.
These accusations mirror the propaganda used by groups that justify violence against Israel and its citizens, framing a nation fighting for its survival as a colonial oppressor.
Refusing to Denounce Calls for ViolencePerhaps most disturbing is Mamdani’s refusal to denounce the slogan “globalize the intifada,” a rallying cry that explicitly glorifies violent uprisings against Jews in Israel and, by extension, Jews everywhere. When pressed, Mamdani declined to condemn the phrase, dismissing concerns that it promotes bloodshed. For Jewish New Yorkers — many of whom still remember seeing that slogan spray-painted on city walls during anti-Israel protests — his silence speaks volumes.
A mayor who cannot bring himself to condemn violence against Jews abroad raises serious doubts about his willingness to protect Jews at home.
Threatening to Arrest Israel’s Prime MinisterIn one of his most extreme declarations, Mamdani vowed that he would seek to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu if he were ever to visit New York. The statement was not a slip of the tongue; it was a calculated display of ideological extremism meant to score points with anti-Israel activists. Such rhetoric has no precedent in New York politics and no place in a city that prides itself on being a haven for Jews from around the world.
Support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions MovementMamdani has been an outspoken supporter of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaign targeting Israel — a movement condemned by the U.S. Congress, opposed by every major Jewish organization, and widely recognized as antisemitic in intent and effect. BDS seeks to isolate Israel economically, culturally, and diplomatically, with the ultimate goal of dismantling it altogether. Mamdani’s alignment with this movement underscores his broader hostility toward the Jewish state and the millions who cherish its existence.
Zohran Mamdani’s own words tell a story of disdain — for Israel, for Jewish self-determination, and for the values of fairness and decency that New York City has long stood for. If his rhetoric is any indication, Jewish New Yorkers may soon find themselves living under a mayor whose sympathies lie not with them, but with those who demonize their people and their homeland.
May Hashem protect Am Yisroel. Im Hashem lo yishmor ihr shov shokad shomer.
{Matzav.com}
In a sweeping and candid interview aired Sunday night on CBS’ 60 Minutes, President Donald Trump recounted his central role in freeing Israeli hostages from Gaza, orchestrating a ceasefire with Hamas, and authorizing airstrikes that crippled Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
When asked directly by interviewer Norah O’Donnell if he was the one who secured the release of the remaining Israeli captives, Trump didn’t hesitate. “I did,” he said. “I got all the hostages out. But I always said the last 10 or 20 are gonna be tough. But we were tough also, and they let ’em all out.” He spoke with a tone of pride and determination, portraying the mission as a test of both grit and strategy.
Pushing back on skepticism about the ceasefire’s durability, Trump insisted that the truce was holding strong. “It’s not fragile. It’s a very solid – you know, I mean, you hear about Hamas, but Hamas could be taken out immediately if they don’t behave. They know that.” His words suggested that deterrence, not diplomacy alone, had kept the peace.
Pressed on how he would ensure Hamas’ disarmament, Trump’s response was characteristically blunt. “If I want ’em to disarm, I’ll get ’em to disarm very quickly. They’ll be – they’ll be eliminated. They know that.” The statement reflected his broader approach to the Middle East — projecting power to maintain control.
Trump became visibly emotional when speaking about the recovery of the remains of murdered hostages. “A lot of the parents… they knew they were dead, in some cases. Do you know that they were as anxious or even more anxious of getting their child out, even though they knew it was a body… than the people that had a living child?” His empathy toward the bereaved families contrasted with his otherwise hard-edged tone throughout the interview.
Addressing his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, Trump described a dynamic mix of respect and assertiveness. “He’s a wartime prime minister. I worked very well with him… I had to push him a little bit one way or the other… He’s a guy that- has never been pushed before, actually.” Trump’s remarks hinted at the behind-the-scenes pressure he applied during key negotiations.
He also condemned the legal proceedings against Netanyahu. “I don’t think they treat him very well… we’ll be involved in that to help him out a little bit, because I think it’s very unfair,” Trump said, suggesting that his administration might step in diplomatically.
Turning to Iran, Trump described the precision strikes he had ordered on the regime’s nuclear facilities. “We knocked the hell out of Iran… with those beautiful B-2 bombers… every single missile hit every single air shaft.” He lavished praise on the American pilots who carried out the mission, calling them “very brave people… they’re real American heroes… I gave ’em all a medal.”
According to Trump, the operation was the culmination of decades of preparation by the U.S. military. “They told me something I didn’t know. They said, ‘Sir, for 22 years we’ve been practicing this route… and you were the only president that let us do our job.’” He claimed the result was decisive: “They have no nuclear capability, no.”
As the interview drew to the broader geopolitical picture, Trump reflected on what he sees as his unmatched success in the region. “I made Middle East peace. For 3,000 years they couldn’t do it. I did it.” He framed the Abraham Accords as a cornerstone of his presidency and a lasting legacy of stability.
When asked about Saudi Arabia’s potential entry into the accords and whether it depended on a two-state solution, Trump replied with his characteristic confidence: “No. I think [they are] gonna join… I don’t know if it’s gonna be two-state. That’s gonna be up to Israel and other people, and me.”
{Matzav.com}
Rep. Buddy Carter sharply criticized Democrat mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, accusing the New York City candidate of steering America toward socialism.
The Georgia lawmaker linked Mamdani’s campaign to what he described as a broader decline in New York’s leadership under previous Democrat mayors, including Bill de Blasio, whose administration he blamed for devastating the city’s economy and alienating businesses. According to Carter, those failures have left New Yorkers desperate for new direction — but not the kind Mamdani represents.
“They, unfortunately, are looking at it and finding an antisemitic, Islamist, socialist. And that is not what they need. They don’t need more taxes. They need less taxes,” Carter declared.
He warned that electing Mamdani would plunge New York deeper into economic ruin. “And I can assure you, socialism is nothing more than just mutually shared poverty. And that’s what New Yorkers are going to get when they – if they elect Mamdani,” he said.
Carter projected optimism about the upcoming midterm contests, telling CNN that Tuesday’s results would mark “a great victory for Republicans.” He also commented on a controversy in Virginia, where Democrat attorney general candidate Jay Jones had reportedly made violent remarks about his opponent.
Carter expressed disbelief that Democrats have not condemned the statement. “How can you accept that? That’s so hypocritical with Democrats not to call that out,” he said.
WATCH:
{Matzav.com}California Governor Gavin Newsom unleashed a blistering attack on President Donald Trump during an interview Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” charging that Trump is actively working to manipulate the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections.
Newsom portrayed Trump as a deeply unpopular leader whose promises have failed to materialize. “This is a historically unpopular president. His policies are even more unpopular than the president himself. In every core category he’s under water. And he’s the guy who promised to make us wealthier and healthier we are poorer and sicker,” Newsom said, adding that Americans are now paying more “across the board” for basic goods and services.
He went on to argue that Trump’s administration has not delivered on its commitments. “Across the board people are starting to realize not only is coffee more expensive, beef is more expensive, the cost of an automobile is more expensive, utilities and all of the things he promised to solve day one he hasn’t solved,” Newsom said. “His recklessness aside and his style aside, his substance he hasn’t delivered and that’s why we’re here, Prop 50 because he knows he’ll lose the midterms and he’s trying to rig the election before one vote is cast.”
The governor also accused Trump of manipulating key political levers to protect his allies. “He’s been very open and honest including right outside the White House just last week saying incumbents are likely to lose the midterms and that’s why he called Greg Abbot. That’s why he said he’s quote, unquote, entitled. Think about that, entitled to five seats,” Newsom said.
He detailed what he viewed as Trump’s effort to tilt the playing field by intervening in state races and pushing for special sessions. “It’s why he sent J.D. Vance to Indiana shortly thereafter and why he moved in Missouri. He moved the folks in North Carolina and now we have a special election in Indiana, rather, a special session. He is not screwing around. He’s changing the rules and he’s rigging the game because he knows he’ll lose if all things are equal,” Newsom charged.
WATCH: {Matzav.com}In a dramatic overnight development, police arrested the IDF’s chief military prosecutor, Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, and the army’s recently retired chief military prosecutor, Colonel Matan Solomesh, on suspicion of leaking classified information and committing other serious criminal offenses.
The arrests came roughly a week after details of the investigation were first exposed. Tomer-Yerushalmi, who had been missing for several hours before being found alive on Sunday, was taken into custody late last night. Solomesh was detained shortly afterward. Both are expected to appear today before the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court for a remand hearing.
According to police, the arrests were made amid growing suspicions that Tomer-Yerushalmi was behind the leak of a video allegedly documenting abuse at the Sde Teiman detention facility. Investigators believe she later filed a false affidavit to the High Court of Justice, claiming it was impossible to determine who had leaked the footage.
Authorities suspect that Tomer-Yerushalmi may have staged her disappearance to dispose of her cellphone, which allegedly contains crucial evidence related to the investigation. Her apparent disappearance triggered a large-scale search operation after she left a note at her home and could not be reached. Later in the evening, she reportedly contacted her husband from another phone, but her personal device has not yet been recovered.
Police confirmed the arrests in an official statement early Monday morning: “As part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by a special police unit, on suspicion of a leak and other serious criminal offenses, two key suspects in the case have been taken into custody. Depending on the progress of the investigation, the two are expected to be brought before the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court tomorrow for an extension of their detention.”
The scandal has shaken Israel’s military and legal establishment. Just hours before the arrests, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu opened the weekly cabinet meeting by condemning the damage caused by the Sde Teiman video leak. “The incident at Sde Teiman caused enormous harm to Israel and to the IDF, to our soldiers. It may be the most severe propaganda attack Israel has faced since its founding. I don’t recall anything with such intensity,” Netanyahu said. “This requires an independent, impartial investigation, and I expect that such an inquiry will be carried out.”
{Matzav.com}
American Islamic Forum for Democracy founder Dr. Zuhdi Jasser says a Mamdani win in New York City would be similar to Islamist extremism taking hold in London on ‘Life, Liberty, & Levin.’
WATCH:
Israel announced early Monday morning that the remains of three Israeli soldiers who had been held in Gaza have been identified and returned to Israel for burial. The fallen are Col. Asaf Hamami z”l, Capt. Omer Maxim Naotra z”l, and Sgt. Oz Daniel z”l.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the identification process was completed by the National Center of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir, in coordination with the Israel Police and the IDF Rabbinate. “Representatives of the IDF have informed the families of the hostages and fallen soldiers… that their loved ones have been returned to Israel and identified,” the statement read.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences and demanded that Hamas uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement. “The Hamas terror organization is required to fulfill its commitments to the mediators and return them as part of the agreement’s implementation. We will not compromise on this,” he said. “The government and all the relevant security bodies of the State of Israel are determined, obligated, and working tirelessly to bring back all our fallen hostages for proper burial in their homeland.”
According to the IDF, Col. Asaf Hamami z”l, commander of the Southern Brigade in the Gaza Division, was killed in battle at Kibbutz Nirim on the morning of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched its deadly attack. His body was taken into Gaza by terrorists. Col. Hamami, 40, was among the first to arrive at the front lines that morning. He is survived by his parents, brother, wife, and three children.
Capt. Omer Maxim Naotra z”l, who immigrated to Israel from the United States as a lone soldier through the Garin Tzabar program, served as a platoon commander in the 77th Battalion of the Golan Storm Brigade. He was killed while defending the border communities on October 7, 2023, and his body was abducted to Gaza. His death was officially confirmed on December 1, 2024. Capt. Naotra, 21, is survived by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.
Sgt. Oz Daniel z”l also served in the 77th Battalion of the Golan Storm Brigade. He fell in battle on the same day, defending the southern communities. His death was declared on February 25, 2024. Sgt. Daniel, 19, was taken into Gaza by Hamas and is survived by his parents and twin sister.
In its statement, the IDF said, “The IDF shares in the grief of the families, continues to invest all efforts in bringing back the bodies of the fallen hostages, and is preparing for the continued implementation of the agreement. Hamas must fulfill its part of the agreement and make every effort necessary to return the hostages for proper burial.”
Israeli officials confirmed that, in addition to these three soldiers, Hamas is still holding the remains of six Israelis and two foreign nationals in Gaza.
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After being informed that his request for a reduced sentence was denied, Ariel Shamai, a yeshiva bochur from Ateres Shlomo, reached out from prison to seek comfort and encouragement from the Slabodka rosh yeshiva, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch. The resulting conversation was deeply emotional and filled with words of chizuk and emunah.
Rav Hirsch took the call while traveling and immediately sought to strengthen the young man. Ariel described the pain and fear he was experiencing in prison, admitting that he was struggling to focus on learning and was worried about his spiritual state.
“I heard the difficult news,” began Rav Hirsch, his voice heavy with concern. “It must be that you are a very, very strong bochur to be able to withstand this. It’s very hard, very hard, but b’ezras Hashem, it will pass.”
The rosh yeshiva continued to reassure him, saying, “This is an extremely difficult nisayon, but it will pass if Hashem wills it. In the meantime, strengthen yourself as much as possible. Remember that everything comes from Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and that thought itself will give you strength to succeed in your learning — far more than before.”
He then added words that moved many who later heard the recording: “Because you are suffering for the sake of Torah, the Torah itself will come before Hashem and say, ‘He suffered for me — give him all the secrets of Torah.’ That’s what will happen. Through this, you will reach new levels in Torah.”
As Ariel poured out his heart, Rav Hirsch sighed deeply and said, “I understand your pain very well. But you must strengthen yourself with the knowledge that Torah speaks before Hashem and says, ‘He toiled for You, he sacrificed for You — give him the secrets of Torah.’ That’s what will happen.”
Concluding the conversation, the rosh yeshiva offered final words of encouragement: “What you are going through now will raise you higher and higher. Keep thinking of HaKadosh Baruch Hu constantly, and you will not be influenced by your surroundings. Even if you can’t concentrate, just saying the words of Torah is also valuable. Learn however you can, even without focus. Hashem will help you. Kol tuv, kol tuv.”
{Matzav.com}
