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Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein Responds to Iran Ceasefire: “A Day of Miracles”

Matzav -

Just hours after a powerful tefillah gathering in the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood of Bnei Brak, news broke of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The timing did not go unnoticed by Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, who led the atzeres tefillah, nd whose moving reaction captured the emotion felt by many.

“This is a day of transformation,” Rav Zilberstein said on Tuesday, following the bris of his great-grandson, a grandson of his son-in-law Rav Yosef Tzikinovsky. “Such miracles that HaKadosh Baruch Hu is performing with us—it’s beyond words. All the nations are against us, and Am Yisroel rises like a lion. We ask no questions, we march forward like a lion—undaunted and unafraid.”

The previous night, the central shul in Ramat Elchanan had been packed with hundreds of residents pouring out heartfelt tefillos. The kehillah gathered under the leadership of Rav Zilberstein to cry out to Hashem during an anxious and dangerous time.

Before the event began, Rav Mordechai Blau, a respected mechanech, informed Rav Zilberstein that Iran had launched missiles at a U.S. military base. Rav Zilberstein calmly responded, “Only good will come from this.” Indeed, just hours later, the ceasefire was officially announced.

In his remarks on Tuesday, Rav Zilberstein reflected on the shift from fear to confidence. “This is a great day. Everything has turned around. We are returning to our yeshivos, returning to avodas hakodesh, returning to full trust in Hashem. Boruch Hashem, we are victorious. The resha’im were wiped out. It’s open miracles—one after the next. The nations have decided the war is over.”

He added, with visible joy, “With Hashem’s help we will see wonders. We’re going straight to kollel now. No pause. It’s been too long since we saw our kollel—now we’re going back.”

During the previous night’s gathering, Rav Zilberstein had delivered words of strength and encouragement: “We are part of a community that learns Torah day and night, boruch Hashem. But the world is shaking—talks of a world war. The world is in turmoil. And yet, here we sit, immersed in the Torah of Hashem, unafraid. But we must strengthen ourselves.”

He then shared a moving story about a man who had discovered he was a mamzer. When he turned to Rav Elyashiv zt”l, he was told to go to the Kosel and cry out to Hashem. There, a stranger approached him, learned of his plight, and gave him money to travel to his parents overseas. It was there that he discovered he had been adopted—and was not a mamzer after all. “Whoever did not witness his joy at that moment,” Rav Zilberstein said, “has never seen true joy in his life.”

He turned to the crowd and declared, “To anyone in distress—remember the words of my father-in-law: Cry out loud to Hashem! There is incredible power in such cries, especially at the Kosel. That’s what we must do now—cry out loud!”

He continued with another story about a single older woman who gave all her savings to her younger sister so she could marry. In the end, the older sister was zocheh to marry first—to a wealthy, prominent chassan.

Rav Zilberstein concluded with stirring words: “Let us all now grasp onto rachamim and chesed. We will call out in the Name of Hashem and be saved. We need abundant mercy today… oh, how much mercy we need… but Hashem is with us, I am certain.”

“Here sit talmidei chachamim learning day and night without interruption. Our kollel is not learning in Cholon; we are here, and those who walk through these halls know—no idle chatter, just pure Torah. I am confident we will be saved. Kol Hashem bakoach, kol Hashem behadar, kol Hashem shover arazim—the voice of Torah breaks the strongest barriers. We fear no one.

“In the Name of Hashem, we will ascend and succeed. And with His help, we will all rejoice in the yeshuah. We will witness salvation in the blink of an eye. We will learn Torah, and Hashem will guard us. With His help, we will merit only good, forever.”

{Matzav.com}

$100 Million Fraud Alleged at Nonprofit Serving People With Disabilities

Yeshiva World News -

Two Florida men have been indicted in what prosecutors describe as a scheme to steal more than $100 million from a nonprofit that managed funds for people with disabilities and special needs. Federal authorities this week unsealed an indictment charging Leo J. Govoni, 67, of Clearwater, and John Witeck, 60, of Tampa, with multiple counts including mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted on all counts, they face decades in prison. The case involves one of the nation’s largest administrators of special needs trusts, which are designed to manage funds for people with special needs. The Center for Special Needs Trust Administration in Clearwater, which Govoni cofounded 25 years ago, managed more than 2,000 accounts containing about $200 million for people in Florida and around the nation. Clients were promised that the nonprofit would protect and invest their money, prosecutors say. But Govoni and Witeck, an accountant who worked with Govoni, used the nonprofit as a “slush fund” to enrich themselves, court papers state. Govoni is accused of using money from the nonprofit to travel on private jets, pay living expenses for his friends and family and live a lavish lifestyle “complete with luxury boxes at Tampa Bay Buccaneers games and the Kentucky Derby,” prosecutors said in court records. No lawyers for Govoni or Witeck are listed in court files of the current case. Paul Sisco, a Tampa lawyer who has represented Govoni in the past, said “there is a presumption of innocence which none of us should ever lose sight of here.” “In nearly two decades of knowing Mr. Govoni, I have never sensed any inkling of guile,” Sisco said. Sisco is handling some issues regarding Govoni’s bond and detention. He declined to discuss details of that ahead of a Thursday hearing, when those issues are expected to be addressed in court. Prosecutors accuse the men of concealing the fraud through complex financial transactions, and sending fraudulent account statements with false balances to people with special needs and their families. The nonprofit filed for bankruptcy in 2024 and “disclosed that more than $100 million in client-beneficiary funds was missing from its trust accounts,” federal prosecutors said in a statement announcing the indictment. “The fraud alleged in this nationwide scheme is unfathomable,” U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe said in the statement. The case was investigated by numerous federal agencies, including the FBI, the IRS and the Social Security Administration. “Not only were the organization’s resources drained, but the accused subjects betrayed the trust of the community and ultimately bankrupted a lifeline for vulnerable families,” said Jose Perez, assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. (AP)

HISTORIC SCANDAL: Top Biden Aide Admits She Authorized Autopen Signatures — But Didn’t Know Who Was Approving Them

Yeshiva World News -

A former top aide to President Joe Biden testified under oath Tuesday that she was authorized to direct the use of an autopen to sign critical presidential documents — but claimed she had no knowledge of who in Biden’s inner circle was giving final clearance for the signatures. Neera Tanden, the former White House Domestic Policy Council director and one of Biden’s most senior advisors during the early years of his presidency, appeared for a closed-door, five-hour interview before the House Oversight Committee. The panel is investigating concerns over Biden’s mental fitness and the extent to which he personally executed the duties of his office. According to sources familiar with the testimony, Tanden told lawmakers that while she directed autopen signatures for official documents — including pardons and memos — she was largely in the dark about who ultimately approved their use. She testified that the approval system was inherited from previous administrations but acknowledged she did not know who made the final decisions to affix the president’s signature in his absence. “She described a shadowy process,” one source told Fox News. “Memos were sent up the chain, approvals came back — but she didn’t know who was pulling the trigger.” Tanden, who served as both senior advisor and staff secretary between 2021 and 2023, admitted to having limited interaction with Biden himself and said she never personally discussed his mental or physical health with anyone — even in the wake of his heavily criticized debate performance last summer. Pressed by lawmakers to name any officials she may have discussed Biden’s capacity with, Tanden responded “no” to each, including when presented with a list of top aides and confidants, according to a source in the room. Tanden declined to answer questions from reporters upon arriving at the Capitol but made a brief statement after her interview concluded. “I answered every question, was pleased to discuss my public service, and it was a thorough process,” she said. “I’m glad I answered everyone’s questions.” When asked if there had been any coordinated effort to conceal Biden’s condition from the public, Tanden said firmly, “Absolutely not.” Her testimony comes as the Oversight Committee prepares to interview several additional key figures from Biden’s inner circle, including former White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor, who has been subpoenaed. Also expected to appear: Anthony Bernal, senior advisor to former First Lady Jill Biden; Annie Tomasini, Biden’s former deputy chief of staff; and Ashley Williams, former deputy director of Oval Office operations. Republicans on the committee are also pushing to question former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain and longtime communications advisor Anita Dunn. The inquiry centers on growing concerns — from both lawmakers and the public — about whether President Biden had full control over his office or if a network of aides has assumed de facto authority in critical matters. With the investigation intensifying, GOP leaders say the testimony so far points to a troubling lack of transparency inside the Biden White House. “This isn’t just about the autopen,” one senior Oversight member said. “It’s about whether the President of the United States is actually the one calling the shots.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

From Loss to Leadership: A Bar Mitzvah That Redefined Strength Dancing With Dignity: What One Night Meant to 56 Yesomim

Yeshiva World News -

“They came as orphans. They left as Bnei Torah-with a stage, a siyum, and a future.” A New Chapter for 56 Young Men: Zeh Lazeh’s Bar Mitzvah Gala Transforms Mourning into Momentum Fifty-six boys. Missing a father or mother, to guide them. One night to tell them: You are not broken. You are not forgotten. You are kings. That was the unspoken message echoing through the halls of Binyanei Ha’uma last Thursday, as Zeh Lazeh hosted its annual Bar Mitzvah Gala for boys in its Bnei Melachim program. But this wasn’t a display of pity. Rather, it was a declaration of strength. A Program That Restores Dignity Under the leadership of Rebbetzin Rothenberg—wife of Harav Naftali Hersh Rothenberg and daughter of the Toldos Aharon Rebbe zy”a, Zeh Lazeh has become a national lifeline for widows and orphans across Eretz Yisrael. Its signature Bnei Melachim program pairs these yesomim with hand-picked yungerleit who learn with them, mentor them, and often become their closest role models. These aren’t just chavrusas. They’re anchors. They turn loss into resilience, confusion into growth, and on this night, they stood proudly at the side of their talmidim, celebrating a milestone that every boy deserves. The Hall Was Not Just Full—It Was Full of Purpose This year’s Bar Mitzvah was intentionally public. Families and organizers agreed: these boys deserve a night not of survival, but of celebration. They wore their finest. They stood tall. And they were met with overflowing kavod. Hundreds filled the room. Family, mentors, community supporters, joined by many gedolim from across Eretz Yisrael, Sephardi and Ashkenazi, Litvish and Chassidish, came to honor the occasion, including the Biala, Nadvorna, Dorog, and Pittsburgher Rebbes, and Harav Dovid Cohen of Yeshivas Chevron. There was a full orchestra, the Neshama Choir, and heartfelt niggunim led by R’ Yaakov Yehuda Daskal. It wasn’t just a simcha. It was a statement. More Than Speeches; Moments That Mattered There were powerful divrei chizuk, but the night’s most moving moments weren’t scripted. Musical genius R’ Meir Adler, himself having lost his own father at a young age, offered a hauntingly personal musical presentation that truly captured the emotions of these young men. A Bnei Melachim alumnus who is today a respected yungerman, spoke quietly about what it meant to feel seen again after his father’s passing. Their words weren’t about loss. They were about what came after: growth, healing, connection. Then came the siyum. Each boy completed a Mesechta. As the Kaddish rose, all in unison and in a beautiful achdus of varied accents and voices, there was no feeling of absence. Only presence. The presence of Torah. Of continuity. Of Klal Yisrael refusing to let go. Dancing into the Future And then the music exploded. The boys were lifted onto shoulders as simcha shel mitzvah filled the room. The Pittsburgher Rebbe led a spirited niggun; Harav Shimon Galai shlit”a danced with the boys with a lively and inspirational dance that was extremely lebedig and spirited. For a full hour, the distinction between child and adult, mentor and mentee, was replaced by something higher: Jewish joy. They weren’t being comforted. They were being celebrated. More Than a Gift Each boy went home that night with a silver kiddush becher, which came with a special bracha from Hagaon Harav Moshe Sternbuch shlit”a. […]

Shas Yiden Flatbush Learns 180 Days/Year MORE Than the Average Kollel

Matzav -

[COMMUNICATED]

Over the last 16 years, a new approach and method of limud Hashas has been nurtured and developed in Eretz Yisroel at Reshet Kollelei Shas Yiden. This phenomenon has captured the imagination and electrified lomdei Hatorah throughout the world, and has earned the avid support of Gedolim across the Torah spectrum. 

Shas Yiden in UK & USA

Shas Yiden not only grew from 6 avreichim metzuyonim to 126 avreichim geonim in five kollelim across Eretz Yisroel but, in response to repeated requests from abroad, a Shas Yiden kollel was first established in the UK, in Stamford Hill, London. The Shas Yiden reputation soared in this location and their first Annual Siyum Hashas with Gedolei Torah in attendance reflected the grandeur of those in Yerushalayim.

This foray into Chutz La’aretz has been followed by a long-awaited opening of a Shas Yiden kollel in Flatbush, NY. The Eretz Yisroeldike bren of learning the entire Shas has already had a significant local impact and is a source of inspiration to the local Flatbush kollelim. The incredible devotion to limud gantz Shas and its completion within a year by each avreich at Shas Yiden has encouraged many others to try and emulate this broader study of Shas.

This elevated level of Torah study at Shas Yiden and the ability of the avreichim geonim to face public oral farheren by world recognized Gedolei Torah, together with monthly tests on 225 blatt, is nothing short of remarkable. Shas Yiden has truly raised the bar in the study of Shas. Our unique system of learning, the tight demanding regimen and the motivation emanating from Eretz Yisroel has truly placed Shas Yiden in a Torah league of its own. 

In the Words of Maranan Hageonim

Sar Hatorah, רשכבה”ג Maran Hagadol Harav Chaim Kanievsky, זצ”ל – Nasi, Shas Yiden
I tested them, I know them throughout Shas – a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar partnership 

Rosh Hayeshiva, רשכבה”ג Maran Hagadol Harav Gershon Edelstein, זצ”ל
Shas Yiden has raised the bar of Torah learning in both depth and clarity, and its unique method of ameilus in Torah

The Sanzer Rebbe, שליט”א
A first in 2000 years of Jewish history – never before a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim know kol Hashas kulo, Rashi and Tosfos b’al peh

Over 1.6 Million Blatt at Shas Yiden
This Year Alone!

With each of the 122 avreichim geonim at Shas Yiden required to complete a minimum of 13,555 blatt per year, you are helping support some 1,654,000 blatt! 

At the most recent farheren, the reaction of the Gedolei Torah conducting the testing to the prowess of the Shas Yiden was simply one of amazement at the breadth and detailed knowledge and all-encompassing mastery of Shas – remarking: “They know it like others know Ashrei Yoshvei!” The joy of the avreichim geonim and their clear love of Torah electrifies each farher. (To see the different farheren in action, please click on our website: www.shasyiden.com.) It is no wonder that the overall reaction to the Shas Yiden Network is that in its 15 years it has certainly revolutionized and raised the bar in the learning and mastery of Shas. 

Caring for the Avreichim Families

Despite the difficulties of these last few years, Covid etc., Shas Yiden has made sure to keep our commitment to each of the Shas Yiden families to ensure their menuchas hanefesh to be free to focus on Shas.  Each month their salaries have been paid on time. Further, in Tishrei and, now again, for Nissan, they are all paid full extra salary checks to help them meet the extra Yom Tov expenses. 

That we are able to do so, a big ‘thank you‘ is due to you all. You have an eternal stake in the incredible learning of Shas Yiden. Your on-going interest and support in this unique ‘Entire-Shas’ Torah-learning venture is most sincerely appreciated. Collectively and individually, you are singular partners in changing the way the Torah world views the ability to both learn and master the entire Shas. Whatever you can do to help in defraying their extra Yom Tov expenses will be a great chesed to these Bnei Torah who are true bnei aliyah.

Cargo Ship Carrying 3,000 Cars Sinks in North Pacific After Devastating Fire

Yeshiva World News -

A cargo ship that had been delivering new vehicles to Mexico sank in the North Pacific Ocean, weeks after crew members abandoned ship when they couldn’t extinguish an onboard fire that left the carrier dead in the water. The Morning Midas sank Monday in international water off Alaska’s Aleutian Islands chain, the ship’s management company, London-based Zodiac Maritime, said in a statement. “There is no visible pollution,” said Petty Officer Cameron Snell, an Alaska-based U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson. “Right now we also have vessels on scene to respond to any pollution.” Fire damage compounded by bad weather and water seepage caused the carrier to sink in waters about 16,404 feet (5,000 meters) deep and about 415 miles (770 kilometers) from land, the statement said. The ship was loaded with about 3,000 new vehicles intended for a major Pacific port in Mexico. It was not immediately clear if any of the cars were removed before it sank, and Zodiac Maritime did not immediately respond to messages Tuesday. A salvage crew arrived days after the fire disabled the vehicle. Two salvage tugs containing pollution control equipment will remain on scene to monitor for any signs of pollution or debris, the company said. The crew members of those two ships were not injured when the Morning Midas sank. Zodiac Maritime said it is also sending another specialized pollution response vessel to the location as an added precaution. The Coast Guard said it received a distress alert June 3 about a fire aboard the Morning Midas, which then was roughly 300 miles (490 kilometers) southwest of Adak Island. There were 22 crew members onboard the Morning Midas. All evacuated to a lifeboat and were rescued by a nearby merchant marine vessel. There were no injuries. Among the cars were about 70 fully electric and about 680 hybrid vehicles. A large plume of smoke was initially seen at the ship’s stern coming from the deck loaded with electric vehicles, the Coast Guard and Zodiac Maritime said at the time. Adak is about 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometers) west of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. The 600-foot (183-meter) Morning Midas was built in 2006 and sails under a Liberian flag. The car and truck carrier left Yantai, China, on May 26 en route to Mexico, according to the industry site marinetraffic.com. A Dutch safety board in a recent report called for improving emergency response on North Sea shipping routes after a deadly 2023 fire aboard a freighter that was carrying 3,000 automobiles, including nearly 500 electric vehicles, from Germany to Singapore. One person was killed and others injured in the fire, which burned out of control for a week. That ship was eventually towed to a Netherlands port for salvage. (AP)

Watch: RFK Jr. Clashes with Democrat in House Hearing over Vaccines: ‘You’ve Accepted $2 Million from Pharma’

Matzav -

During a contentious appearance before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. found himself in a heated exchange with Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), who accused the Trump administration official of endangering lives and promoting anti-scientific views, all while ignoring public accountability.

The confrontation unfolded as Kennedy testified in support of the administration’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. Pallone didn’t hold back in his critique. “Secretary Kennedy, quite frankly, I think you’re trying to defend the indefensible. There’s no way that this budget or the actions you have taken thus far as secretary are going to make this country healthier,” he charged. The New Jersey Democrat further claimed Kennedy was advancing conspiracy theories and undermining trust in vaccines. “I just really think that people are going to die as a result of your actions and congressional Republicans’ actions,” he added.

Pallone pressed Kennedy over what he described as an alarming lack of transparency surrounding HHS vaccine policies, taking issue with the department’s decision not to solicit public feedback on recent decisions. “You say you want transparency, but there’s been no public process for any of this. Why?” he demanded.

Kennedy attempted to push back, explaining the existing structure for vaccine policy oversight. “We have a public process for regulating vaccines. It’s called the ACIP committee, and it’s a public meeting that we —”

Pallone interjected, cutting him off. “You fired the committee.”

Kennedy clarified, “I fired people who had conflicts with the pharmaceutical industry. That committee has been a template for medical malpractice for years.”

As Pallone wrapped up his remarks, he issued a scathing conclusion. “The bottom line is here we have no transparency, we have no response. You feel no responsibility to Congress whatsoever, and you just continue this ideology that’s anti-science, anti-vaccine. That’s all I see. I see nothing else. And I don’t think I’m ever going to get a response.”

Later in the hearing, Kennedy circled back to address Pallone’s remarks during questioning from Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL).

“Congressman Pallone, 15 years ago, you and I met,” Kennedy said. “You were, at that time, a champion for people who had suffered injuries from vaccines. You were very adamant about it. You were the leading member of Congress on that issue. Since then, you’ve accepted $2 million from pharmaceutical companies and contribution — more than any other member of this committee, and your enthusiasm for supporting the old ACIP Committee, which was completely rife and pervasive with pharmaceutical conflicts, seems to be an outcome of those contributions.”

Kennedy’s pointed remarks stirred backlash from Democrats on the committee. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) objected, raising a point of order over what she described as a direct attack on a colleague’s character. “The secretary implied that Mr. Pallone would not fight for vaccine victims because he took money from the pharmaceutical industry,” she stated. “He needs to take back those words.”

At the urging of Committee Chairman Buddy Carter (R-GA), Kennedy withdrew his comment.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

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