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In a landmark decision, Israel’s cabinet unanimously approved a resolution formally recognizing the Armenian Genocide, marking a significant shift in Israeli policy and setting the stage for a final vote in the Knesset.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who introduced the proposal, announced the cabinet’s decision immediately after the vote, saying, “Just a short while ago, the Government of Israel approved the resolution I brought before it to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide.”

The measure will now be brought before the Knesset plenum, where lawmakers will cast the final parliamentary vote.

Sa’ar said the decision reflects Israel’s moral responsibility as the Jewish state to acknowledge one of history’s greatest atrocities. “This horrific genocide, which took place more than a century ago and whose historical facts are no longer seriously disputed, claimed the lives of 1.5 million people and destroyed an ancient cultural and historical heritage,” he said. “As Jews, and especially as the nation-state of the Jewish people, I believe it is our moral duty to make this decision.”

The cabinet resolution also denounces any effort to deny, minimize, or distort the historical record of the genocide. With the vote, Israel joins 32 United Nations member states—including the United States, Canada, Russia, and Germany—that have officially recognized the Armenian Genocide. The European Parliament and the Holy See have likewise extended formal recognition.

For decades, Turkey has rejected characterizing the mass killings, deportations, and imprisonment of Armenians during the final years of the Ottoman Empire as genocide, despite extensive historical evidence. Critics have accused Ankara of maintaining an “institutionalized campaign of denial and minimization” that includes the “manipulative rewriting of history books.”

The move, however, is expected to carry diplomatic consequences. Israel’s recognition of the genocide could complicate its close relationship with Azerbaijan, an important strategic ally that has received Israeli military support during its conflicts with Armenia. The decision is also widely expected to provoke a sharp response from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

George Soros and his son, Alex Soros, have already funneled more than $102 million into the 2026 midterm elections, making the billionaire family one of the Democratic Party’s most powerful financial forces as it continues its move toward the progressive left.

With more than four months remaining before Election Day, George Soros is on pace to surpass the personal record he set during the previous midterm elections, when he contributed $128 million and ranked as the largest individual political donor in the country.

“Money talks, and Soros money says the most insidious, unconstitutional, costly tax hikes in American history are on the table,” said Douglas Kellogg, state projects director for Americans for Tax Reform.

Kellogg also described Soros as a “wannabe Bond villain,” blaming him for what he called the Democratic Party’s radical transformation.

Federal Election Commission filings show that only $793,800 of the family’s political giving this cycle was donated directly under George Soros’ own name.

Instead, the overwhelming majority of the money—roughly $102 million—flowed through Democracy PAC, the super PAC George Soros established in 2020 that now serves as the family’s principal political fundraising vehicle, making it more difficult to determine exactly which candidates benefit from the spending.

Campaign records indicate that approximately $52 million was transferred from George Soros through his private company, Geosor, while another $50 million came from the Fund for Policy Reform, a nonprofit whose tax documents identify Alex Soros as its director.

Those figures also exclude the activities of the family’s Open Society Foundation and its lobbying affiliate, the Open Society Action Fund. Critics have accused those organizations of financing efforts to loosen drug laws, expand immigration policies, and reduce policing. Because the Action Fund operates as a nonprofit advocacy organization, it is not required to publicly disclose its political expenditures.

During previous election cycles, the Open Society Action Fund supported organizations aligned with progressive lawmakers including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Ilhan Omar. Financial disclosures for its 2025 activities, however, have not yet been released.

The family’s political operation underwent a significant leadership change before the 2024 presidential race, when George Soros formally handed control of Democracy PAC and much of his political network to his son Alex, whom he has described as being even more politically engaged.

“He wants to be more political than his dad, this is the first midterm cycle where he is in control,” Parker Thayer, investigative researcher at Capital Research Center, told The Post.

“George is not in control, he hasn’t been in control in some time.”

Although Alex Soros now oversees the family’s political operation, both father and son have largely supported the same slate of Democratic candidates. Alex also contributed an additional $140,525 from his personal funds during this election cycle.

Both George and Alex Soros each donated the maximum allowable amount of $7,000 to Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, bringing their combined support to $14,000. Platner has faced allegations of misconduct involving women while also criticizing wealthy Americans despite his own privileged background and financial backing from billionaire donors.

Alex Soros also gave the maximum legal contribution of $7,000 to Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has faced criticism over allegations that she knew about widespread fraud involving members of the Somali community in her Minneapolis district. Omar has denied wrongdoing. He also donated the maximum $7,000 to Rep. Ro Khanna of California, the Silicon Valley congressman who is reportedly considering a presidential campaign in 2028.

The Soros family also directed maximum contributions to two additional Democrats viewed as possible White House contenders. Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff of Georgia each received a combined total of $14,000 from George and Alex Soros.

Campaign finance records show that the Soros family has already deposited 52% more into Democracy PAC than it did during the 2024 election cycle, when it contributed approximately $67 million.

George Soros, whom President Trump highlighted in September when directing the FBI to intensify efforts against what he called “left-wing terrorism,” has long been a central financial backer of progressive causes both in the United States and internationally.

Critics say Soros contributed more than $15 million to organizations that supported pro-Hamas campus demonstrations, financed groups that equipped anti-ICE protesters outside Delaney Hall with military-style equipment, and spent more than $7 million advocating for criminal justice legislation that opponents argue could allow dangerous offenders—including the notorious “Son of Sam”—to seek release.

“The Soros family is angrier than ever at American politics,” said Thayer. “They would prefer to remake America into something entirely different.”

The Open Society network has rejected accusations linking it to terrorism, maintaining that its purpose is to strengthen democratic institutions around the world.

George Soros matched his son’s maximum contribution to Graham Platner, and the pair also each donated $7,000 to Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, who last month acknowledged traveling to Cuba with oil despite the longstanding U.S. embargo.

“There are two guarantees in life — death and George Soros writing a blank check for Democrats,” lambasted Republican National Committee Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar.

“They don’t have the cash or resources that Republicans have, which is why they are turning to antisemitic dark money from a billionaire.”

An analysis by The Washington Post found that George Soros currently ranks as the largest individual donor of the 2026 midterm election cycle, outpacing dozens of other major political contributors.

Born to a Jewish family in Budapest, Soros survived the Nazi occupation of Hungary before relocating to the United Kingdom. He later founded a hedge fund and earned worldwide recognition after making approximately $1 billion betting against the British pound during the 1992 financial crisis known as “Black Wednesday.”

Hungary enacted its controversial “Stop Soros” legislation in 2018, prompting the Open Society Foundation to relocate its European headquarters to another country.

Alex Soros, a graduate of New York University, married longtime Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin in a high-profile Hamptons ceremony last summer. The guest list included Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, as well as Bill and Hillary Clinton.

{Matzav.com}

An IDF officer was killed early Sunday during combat operations in southern Lebanon after a Hezbollah terrorist lying in wait inside a building opened fire at close range. The attacker escaped, prompting an ongoing manhunt and Israeli airstrikes against terrorist targets in the area.

The fallen soldier was identified as Capt. David Hazutt, 21, of Ashkelon, who served as a platoon commander in Battalion 12 of the Golani Brigade.

Another soldier was lightly wounded in the same attack. He was evacuated to a hospital for treatment, and his family was informed of his condition.

According to the IDF’s preliminary findings, the incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. when troops from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit entered a structure in the village of Deir Siriane, located within Israel’s security zone in southern Lebanon, roughly five kilometers from the border opposite the Ramim Ridge. The force had entered the building to conduct operational searches.

Investigators believe a terrorist concealed in the building’s stairwell waited for the soldiers to approach before opening fire from close range. Capt. Hazutt was killed in the attack, while another soldier sustained light injuries.

The gunman managed to flee immediately after the shooting. In response, the Israeli Air Force struck Hezbollah infrastructure in Deir Siriane, while ground forces launched an extensive search for the fleeing terrorist.

Security officials said the pursuit remains ongoing, with IDF troops continuing operations throughout the area.

Capt. Hazutt’s death follows another painful week for the IDF. Seven soldiers killed in separate incidents in Lebanon were laid to rest in recent days. Among them were Lt. Col. Dor Ben Shimon, commander of Battalion 52, who was killed when his tank exploded along with three members of his unit: Staff Sgt. Naveh Havshush, Staff Sgt. Liav Kabavia, and Staff Sgt. Yoav Klein. Sgt. Maj. (res.) Alexander Filin, 29, was killed by an explosive device in the village of a-Taybeh. Sgt. Maj. Nir Ben Ari, 21, was killed in a Hezbollah rocket and explosive drone attack, while Sgt. Maj. (res.) Basel Sweid, 32, lost his life when a military fuel truck overturned.

The latest casualty brings the number of IDF soldiers killed since fighting resumed in northern Israel approximately three months ago during Operation Rising Lion to 38, including 24 who have fallen since a ceasefire was declared. Since the war began, 963 Israeli soldiers have been killed, including 473 in combat in the Gaza Strip and 85 during operations in southern Lebanon.

{Matzav.com}

By Rabbi Zalman Mendelsohn

MONSEY, N.Y. — Throughout the days of shiva for Rabbi Shmuly Altein, the doors of the family home seemed never to close.

From morning until late at night, a steady stream of visitors arrived to offer condolences, share memories, and pay tribute to a man whose impact reached far beyond the boundaries of any single community. Friends, colleagues, students, supporters, and admirers traveled from near and far, filling the home with stories, tears, laughter, and heartfelt reflections on a life that inspired so many.

The atmosphere was, naturally, one of profound sadness. The loss was palpable. Yet amid the mourning, there were also moments of joy as visitors recounted Rabbi Altein’s warmth, humor, determination, and unwavering dedication to others. Again and again, conversations turned from grief to gratitude as people reflected on the privilege of having known him.

A man named Mark reflected on when Reb Shmuly was very sick he offered him his sports car for a drive around town and Rabbi Altein gladly accepted the offer. Shorly after they started driving, Reb Shmuly out the petal to the metal and took off with the biggest smile on his face.

What became clear over the course of the week was that the gathering itself told the story of Rabbi Altein’s life.

Friends from the Chabad community sat alongside Modern Orthodox colleagues who had driven in from the Five Towns. Frum friends from Monsey shared memories with secular friends who had flown in from Winnipeg. Jews of every background and affiliation came to pay their respects. Non-Jewish friends, neighbors, and acquaintances joined them as well. The remarkable diversity of those who passed through the home was a testament to Rabbi Altein’s unique ability to connect with every person he encountered.

In many ways, the crowds reflected the very qualities that defined him. Rabbi Altein possessed a rare gift for meeting people where they were. Whether speaking with a scholar, a business leader, a young student, or someone taking their first steps into Yiddishkeit, he approached each person with the same humility, compassion, sincerity, and respect. People felt seen in his presence. They felt valued. They felt inspired to become better versions of themselves.

Throughout the week, visitors spoke about the countless projects Rabbi Altein championed and the extraordinary energy he devoted to helping others. Stories emerged of quiet acts of kindness performed without recognition, of lives transformed through his encouragement, and of the communities he lived in – Winnipeg and Monsey – strengthened through his leadership. Many recalled his unwavering commitment to Jewish education, outreach, and communal growth. Others spoke about the personal guidance and friendship he offered during pivotal moments in their lives.

The conversations often evolved into spirited Torah discussions, reflections on faith, and recollections of lessons Rabbi Altein had shared over the years. Groups would gather, exchange memories and revisit teachings that had shaped their relationships with him. In this way, even amid mourning, Rabbi Altein’s voice and influence continued to animate the room.

Family members and visitors alike remarked on the constant flow of people. Hour after hour, the home remained filled. One group would leave and another would arrive. The stories never seemed to end because the lives Rabbi Altein touched were so numerous. Each visitor carried a unique memory, yet together those memories formed a consistent portrait of a man whose life was dedicated to serving others.

Many noted that Rabbi Altein exemplified the teachings and example of the Rebbe on who’s Yahrtzeit, Gimmel Tammuz, Reb Shmuly passed away. He led not through status or authority, but through personal example. He listened before speaking. He encouraged rather than judged. He inspired action through genuine care for every individual he encountered.

As the days of shiva came to a close, one impression remained unmistakable.

The remarkable gathering of people from every background, community, and walk of life was more than a response to a tragic loss. It was a living reflection of Rabbi Shmuly Altein himself.

The thousands of conversations, shared memories, tears, embraces, and words of Torah revealed the legacy of a man who spent his life building bridges between people, strengthening communities, and bringing light wherever he went. The crowds that filled his home during shiva were, in many ways, his final lesson: that kindness transcends differences, that genuine leadership unites rather than divides, and that a life devoted to others leaves an imprint that endures long after one is gone.

Iranian officials are reportedly considering an unusual airborne funeral procession for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as preparations continue for what is expected to be one of the largest public mourning events in the country’s history.

Khamenei, 86, was killed at his residence on Feb. 28 during “Operation Epic Fury,” the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The conflict continued for four months before Washington and Tehran agreed to an uneasy ceasefire two weeks ago.

According to The New York Times, Iranian authorities expect approximately 20 million mourners to participate in the six-day series of funeral ceremonies honoring the longtime supreme leader.

The newspaper reported that the official ceremonies are scheduled to begin on July 4 with a 24-hour memorial service in Tehran.

The funeral procession is expected to conclude on July 9 in Khamenei’s hometown of Mashhad, where he will be laid to rest, according to Iran International.

While few details have been released about the proposed airborne procession, the idea reportedly emerged after security officials raised concerns about crowd control and safety. The funeral had originally been planned for March but was repeatedly postponed because of the ongoing war between Iran and the United States.

Iran International reported: “Authorities are considering holding slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral procession airborne to reduce crowding and improve security, the governor of Razavi Khorasan province said on Saturday. Gholamhossein Mozaffari said the proposal, put forward by the provincial security council, was likely to be implemented because it would ease crowd management and provide safer conditions. Officials have announced that Khamenei is due to be buried in the northeastern city of Mashhad on July 9.”

In addition to ceremonies in Tehran and Mashhad, the funeral procession is also expected to pass through the holy city of Qom, according to Al Jazeera.

Khamenei is slated to be buried at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who reportedly succeeded him as supreme leader but has remained largely out of public view since assuming power, is expected to oversee the final ceremonies.

{Matzav.com}

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President Donald Trump responded last night to former President Barack Obama’s recent claim that he occupies “a suite” in Trump’s mind by posting side-by-side photos comparing the two men during their younger years.

The social media exchange came after Trump shared several posts on Truth Social, including an AI-generated image depicting himself holding the Earth while carrying an American flag over his shoulder. He also posted a photo from the recent UFC event held outside the White House before turning his attention to Obama.

Among the posts was a pair of vintage photographs—one showing Trump during his years at the New York Military Academy and another showing Obama in his college days holding a cigarette.

Trump captioned the images simply: “D. Trump, 20” and “B.H. Obama, 18.”

Critics quickly questioned the accuracy of the age listed for Trump’s photograph. His niece, Mary Trump, who has frequently criticized him publicly, noted that Trump attended the New York Military Academy as a teenager and graduated in 1964 at age 17.

Trump’s post followed comments Obama made earlier in the week during an appearance on the All the Smoke podcast, where he joked that Trump’s repeated criticism of him reflects an ongoing fixation.

“The obsession,” Obama told the podcast this week. “I obviously have a room in his head. A suite in his head.”

Obama added that he approached the presidency differently.

“First of all, when I was president, the last thing I had time to do was worry about what somebody said or my predecessor did. They’re gone. I’ve got work to do,” he added.

Trump has frequently criticized Obama during campaign rallies and public appearances. More recently, he has also used AI-generated images to mock the former president, including posts depicting Obama’s presidential center as a giant dumpster.

{Matzav.com}

Senior officials in the chareidi parties are dismissing Isreli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s latest assurances regarding legislation aimed at preventing the arrest of bnei yeshivah, insisting that only concrete action—not public statements—will restore their confidence.

A senior source within the chareidi factions responded to Netanyahu’s recent remarks and to a letter issued by Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs outlining proposed arrest legislation. “We’ve had enough words and promises,” the official said. “Netanyahu will be judged only by his actions.”

The sharp criticism reflects growing frustration among chareidi lawmakers over what they view as repeated delays in advancing legislation important to the Torah community. On Friday, Fuchs sent a formal letter to Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Boaz Bismuth detailing a proposal intended to prevent the arrest of lomdei Torah who are studying under what he described as “effective supervision.”

The senior official argued that Netanyahu has made similar commitments before, only to abandon them when it mattered most.

“We’ve seen him stand at the Knesset podium several times explaining why the draft law had to pass, but when the decisive moment came, he was the one who buried the draft law,” the source said. “He did the same thing with the daycare law—plenty of talk, but in practice nothing happened.”

The source then delivered a blunt warning to the coalition, saying the patience of the chareidi parties has run out.

“Now we’ve had enough words and promises. We want to see action. Until we see action, no legislation will move forward in the current Knesset until it is dissolved, including the bill to split the attorney general’s position and the communications law.”

Additional senior chareidi officials reportedly said this past week that although they generally support changes to the office of the attorney general, they will not back legislation dividing that position unless the coalition first delivers on two key priorities: passage of the Basic Law: Torah Study and the proposed law preventing the arrests of bnei yeshivah.

The latest dispute follows a high-level meeting reported last week between Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni, and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

During that meeting, Deri and Gafni reportedly demanded immediate progress on the two flagship pieces of legislation sought by the chareidi community—the Basic Law: Torah Study and the arrest bill.

According to the report, the two party leaders also insisted that Netanyahu personally guarantee a parliamentary majority to pass both measures. They reportedly warned that if the coalition failed to move forward with the legislation promptly, the chareidi parties would seek the immediate dissolution of the Knesset.

At a press conference Friday, Netanyahu addressed the arrests of lomdei Torah, expressing strong opposition to the current policy.

“If they told you that Torah learners were being arrested in Europe, you would be horrified,” Netanyahu said. “We are arresting young men inside the yeshivah. That cannot happen. I strongly oppose it.”

In his letter, Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs explained that the proposed legislation would apply only to bnei yeshivah studying under “effective supervision” by their yeshivos.

Fuchs wrote that, following the High Court’s ruling, government funding was cut off to yeshivos enrolling students subject to military service, while those students and their families were also subjected to various financial sanctions. He added that the Attorney General subsequently instructed the IDF to carry out repeated arrest operations “without distinguishing between yeshivah students who are actively learning and those who are not.”

According to Fuchs, the current situation has created significant unrest even among chareidi families whose sons serve in chareidi combat units or attend hesder yeshivos. The report noted that if the coalition intends to advance the arrest bill, the legislation must be formally circulated immediately—a step that, as of now, has yet to take place.