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[Video below.] As he prepared to travel to the United States on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah, Rav Dov Landau received a special visit from Rav Dovid Cohen, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, and shared the personal difficulty he feels about undertaking the demanding journey.

The meeting took place ahead of Rav Landau’s planned departure on Motzaei Shabbos as part of a major fundraising effort aimed at supporting yeshivos and Torah institutions facing significant financial challenges. The two gedolim discussed the mission and the urgent needs confronting the Torah world.

During the visit, Rav Landau made an unusual request, asking Rav Cohen to bentch him with Birchas Kohanim before the trip. Rav Cohen readily agreed and offered heartfelt blessings for a successful journey, good health, and continued strength in carrying the burden of leadership on behalf of Klal Yisroel.

Rav Cohen said, “May Hakadosh Baruch Hu give the Rosh Yeshivah the strength to endure the trip, with health and with vigor, to sustain the Torah world and establish Torah throughout Klal Yisroel.”

Rav Landau responded emotionally, expressing both gratitude and the weight he feels regarding the upcoming mission.

“Amein, thank you very much for the brachos and good wishes. It is very difficult for me, very, very difficult. It is impossible to describe how difficult it is.”

As the conversation continued, Rav Landau spoke more openly about the personal challenge involved in leaving Eretz Yisroel and undertaking the extensive fundraising campaign.

“For me, it is doubly difficult. There is no alternative.”

When Rav Cohen emphasized the importance of strengthening the Torah world during this critical period, Rav Landau replied that despite the hardship, the responsibility leaves him with no choice.

“It is impossible to describe what it means for me personally. And I have no solution. We must do it.”

Those present said the remarks reflected the profound sense of responsibility Rav Landau feels toward the yeshivah world and the future of Torah learning.

As the meeting drew to a close, Rav Cohen once again offered words of encouragement and blessing.

“Hashem should help that the Rosh Yeshivah have the strength, that there be success, that it be beneficial, and that there be siyata d’Shmaya.”

Rav Landau thanked him warmly for coming.

“Amein, thank you. I appreciate that you took the trouble to come and bentch me.”

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{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump declared that any agreement ending hostilities between the United States and Iran would include the removal and destruction of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, emphasizing that Washington will ensure the material is eliminated regardless of Tehran’s level of cooperation.

Speaking during an appearance on NBC News’s Meet the Press, Trump said that if relations improve through a negotiated settlement, the two countries could jointly oversee the dismantling of Iran’s uranium reserves.

“If we make a deal that now we’re friendly, we’ll all go together. It’ll be our equipment. We’ll take it out and destroy it,” Trump told NBC News’s Meet the Press. He added that the material could be destroyed either on-site or after being removed.

The President made clear, however, that the uranium would be dealt with even if Iran refused to participate in the process.

“And we will go with them, or without them. But we won’t have people shooting at us,” he said. “Now, if we don’t make a deal, then we’re going to take them out militarily very harshly.”

Trump indicated that negotiations have made substantial progress and suggested that the two sides are nearing a final understanding. Nonetheless, he said he remains focused on tightening the language of the agreement to ensure Iran is permanently barred from obtaining nuclear weapons.

According to Trump, Iranian officials have already agreed that they will not possess nuclear arms. He said his concern centered on broadening the restrictions to cover every possible avenue by which Iran might seek to acquire such capabilities.

“I want to put the word, if they buy, purchase, or acquire,” Trump said. “They don’t have the right to develop or purchase, acquire or buy.”

Trump noted that Iranian negotiators were initially reluctant to accept those additional provisions but ultimately agreed to the expanded wording.

The President also highlighted the extensive surveillance capabilities available to the United States, saying Washington is fully capable of monitoring Iran’s nuclear facilities through sophisticated technology.

“You know, we have cameras on it, all over it,” he said. “These are cameras up in space. It’s pretty amazing technology.”

Addressing the American military presence in the region, Trump said U.S. forces would remain in place for the foreseeable future. He argued that now is not the time for a withdrawal and expressed confidence that current conditions do not place American troops in immediate danger.

“I would say it would be foolhardy” to withdraw them now, Trump said, adding that troops would remain “until such time as we have a completion.”

Asked about Iran’s new leadership following recent upheaval in the country, Trump said he views the current regime as more pragmatic than its predecessor and would be open to direct communication with the nation’s supreme leader.

“I would if he’d like to,” Trump said. “But I have not spoken to him directly.”

Trump further stated that Iran should not expect immediate access to frozen assets as part of any future agreement. He said financial concessions would come only after Iran demonstrates compliance and responsible conduct.

“That comes after,” he said. “Yeah, if they behave, if they do a good job, we start talking.”

While discussing the broader confrontation between the two countries, Trump argued that military actions have significantly reduced Iran’s capabilities. Nevertheless, he stressed that the overriding objective of American policy remains preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“The main thing is we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “Can’t do it. And we won’t do it.”

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani renewed his call to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing that the agency’s practices are fundamentally flawed and cannot be fixed through reforms.

Speaking on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Mamdani was asked about reports that detainees at New Jersey’s Delaney detention facility had launched a hunger strike to protest conditions inside the center.

Co-host Eugene Daniels raised the issue by asking, “Just over the river here in new Jersey, there’s the Delaney facility. There are folks there that are on hunger strike over the conditions. What’s your reaction? And I guess, more importantly for New Yorkers, what prevents a facility like that from opening here in New York?”

Mamdani responded by expressing concern over the conditions reportedly faced by detainees and said the situation reinforced his belief that ICE should be dismantled altogether.

“I think there are a few things. One is a reaction of pain and seeing what people have to go through in these kinds of facilities. And these are conditions that they offend the conscience of so many, not just here in New York City but frankly, across the country. This is partially why I have put forward a vision alongside so many others to say that ICE should be abolished, that there is no way to reform this kind of cruelty that we’re seeing endemic in the way that immigration is being enforced across the country. When it comes to our city, we are proud of our sanctuary city policies. We are proud of the policies we’ve put forward, and also the executive orders we’ve put forward to ensure that every single agency is complying with those policies.”

Mamdani also defended New York City’s sanctuary-city policies, saying city leaders remain committed to limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts and ensuring local agencies follow those directives.

Daniels then questioned whether calls to abolish ICE could hurt Democrats politically, noting that some party leaders in Washington have warned against using such rhetoric.

“What do you say to people who say language? And there’s Democrats in DC who say language like, abolish ICE or unhelpful for the political health of the Democratic Party?”

Mamdani dismissed those concerns, arguing that Democrats should embrace a clearer and more aggressive ideological vision.

“I think if we we’ve listened to them before and look where we are. I think it’s time to develop a new vision for this party, one that is unflinching in its beliefs and also uncompromising in its principles.”

The remarks place Mamdani among the most outspoken progressive voices on immigration policy, as debates continue nationwide over border security, detention facilities, sanctuary-city policies, and the future role of ICE under President Trump’s administration.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu used the opening of Sunday’s Cabinet meeting to address the deadly terror attack in the Sharon region, while also outlining Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. He praised the security personnel who responded to the attack and emphasized that Israel continues to wage an aggressive campaign against terrorist threats on multiple fronts.

Referring to the shooting attack that left one Israeli dead and several others wounded, Netanyahu said Israel’s security forces work constantly to thwart terrorist activity, even though not every attack can be prevented.

“We are fighting terrorism on all fronts. In Judea and Samaria and along the seam line, the IDF, ISA, and the Israel Police foil hundreds of attacks every year, though unfortunately not all of them. This morning, an abhorrent terrorist set out, reached Kochav Yair, and unfortunately managed to murder an Israeli citizen and wound others before being neutralized. First and foremost, I praise the rapid-response teams that acted immediately against the terrorists. I praise the officers of the Israel Police who neutralized the terrorist and also apprehended his accomplice,” Netanyahu stated.

The prime minister also provided an update on the war against Hamas, asserting that Israeli forces are steadily increasing their control over territory throughout Gaza while continuing to target the terror group’s leadership and military infrastructure.

He also revealed that Israel is continuing to expand its control over the Gaza Strip. “In the Gaza Strip, we are squeezing Hamas from all sides. We currently hold over 60% of the Strip’s territory, and we will soon reach 70%. We are not allowing them to rearm or harm us, and we are also eliminating their senior commanders.”

Turning to the northern front, Netanyahu highlighted recent military successes against Hezbollah, saying Israeli forces have inflicted significant losses on the terror organization and uncovered major underground facilities used for terrorist operations.

Regarding Lebanon, the Prime Minister stated: “Our forces have eliminated 350 terrorists in the past week alone. They captured the Beaufort Ridge, where they discovered a massive underground infrastructure. We are completing the elimination of the terrorist villages adjacent to our border. We are striking them very hard, and we know that Hezbollah is on the run. We will not allow firing at our territory or our communities, and we will act accordingly.”

{Matzav.com}

One person was killed and five others were wounded in a deadly shooting spree across the Sharon region, as Israeli security forces launched a large-scale manhunt and ultimately neutralized a terrorist believed to have carried out the attacks. The shootings occurred at several locations, including Kochav Yair, Tzur Yitzhak, and the area near Tzur Natan, triggering a massive emergency response.

The violence began at a gas station near Kochav Yair, where two men in their 30s were shot. Magen David Adom teams rushed to the scene and provided emergency treatment before evacuating the victims for further care.

Minutes later, reports emerged of another shooting in Tzur Yitzhak, where a 31-year-old man was wounded. MDA paramedics treated him at the scene and transported him to Beilinson Hospital in moderate condition.

As emergency crews responded to the unfolding situation, additional casualties were reported at other nearby locations, raising concerns that all of the shootings were connected.

MDA Paramedic Lior Zilberberg said: “We received reports at MDA’s 101 Emergency Dispatch Center regarding several casualties at different scenes, including reports of people injured in a shooting. At the scene at a gas station near Kokhav Yair, we began providing medical treatment to a man approximately 50 years old who was in serious condition, and to a man approximately 30 years old who was in moderate condition. At another scene in Tzur Yitzhak, we provided medical treatment to a man approximately 30 years old who was injured in his hand. At an additional scene on Route 5533, we treated another man in critical condition, as well as an additional casualty who was evacuated in serious condition. We continue to provide medical treatment at the various scenes.”

Another paramedic, Eyal Drori, described the extensive emergency operation that followed the attacks.

“We arrived at several scenes after calls were received at MDA’s 101 dispatch regarding shooting incidents at multiple locations. Large numbers of MDA responders were quickly dispatched to the various sites, and at each of the scenes, we reached the injured and immediately began providing medical treatment to stabilize their condition. We continue to operate at the scene and provide medical treatment to the casualties.”

Zilberberg, who manages MDA’s Kfar Saba station, said the response teams had been participating in a nearby training exercise when the first alerts came in.

“We were in a large training exercise in a nearby community when we received reports via the MDA 101 dispatch center about gunshot casualties at several scenes close to us. We immediately stopped the exercise and set out with intensive care units and ambulances to the gas station in Kochav Ya’ir, Tzur Yitzhak, and Tzur Natan. At the gas station, MDA EMTs and paramedics provided medical treatment to two injured individuals who were evacuated to hospital in serious and moderate condition. At the entrance to Tzur Yitzhak, we saw two casualties: a man in his 30s who suffered a gunshot wound to his arm, and a 61-year-old woman who was in a vehicle and was injured by gunfire to her upper body. We provided both of them with medical treatment, and they were evacuated in MDA mobile intensive care units to hospital in moderate condition. I continued driving toward Tzur Natan, where we received reports of active gunfire. During the drive, civilians signaled me to stop and called me to provide medical treatment to an unconscious casualty inside a vehicle. He was pulseless and not breathing, with gunshot wounds to his body, and after medical assessments we were forced to pronounce him dead. Near the vehicle, another injured person was lying conscious, suffering gunshot wounds to the upper body. After initial medical treatment at the scene, he was evacuated in an MDA mobile intensive care unit to hospital in moderate-to-severe condition.”

As security forces swept the area, another victim was discovered along the road connecting Tzur Natan and Sal’it.

One of the victims who had initially been listed in critical condition later succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead.

The terrorist fled following the attacks, prompting police and security forces to launch an intensive search operation. Authorities later announced that one suspect had been neutralized, while efforts continued to determine whether an additional assailant had been involved.

The IDF stated: “Following reports of multiple shooting incidents, IDF soldiers, in coordination with the security forces, were dispatched to the areas of Sal’it and Tzur Yitzhak a short while ago. The terrorist was neutralized at the scene. The soldiers, together with additional medical personnel, began extensive searches for additional terrorists and are providing medical treatment to the injured. Additional soldiers are on their way to the scene.”

{Matzav.com}

A federal appeals court appeared unconvinced Friday by the Trump administration’s argument that courts lack the authority to halt construction of the new White House ballroom, even if the project were ultimately found to violate federal law.

During a hearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, two judges repeatedly questioned administration attorneys over their claim that the project has advanced too far to be stopped, particularly after the demolition of the East Wing and the commencement of large-scale construction.

Judge Patricia Millett pressed government lawyer Yaakov Roth on whether there were any limits to the administration’s position.

“When did it become a fait accompli?” Judge Patricia Millett asked. “If this were complete lawlessness by the government … it couldn’t be stopped?”

Roth responded bluntly.

“On these theories, I think that’s right,” replied Yaakov Roth, a Justice Department attorney.

Millett continued to challenge the administration’s reasoning, questioning whether the government could effectively shield any project from judicial review simply by acting quickly enough.

“If the government decides, very quickly, to bulldoze the Statue of Liberty — the people whose ancestors that was the first thing they saw coming to this country, but the government moved too fast — nothing can be done?” the judge asked.

“I think that’s right, yes,” Roth responded.

The dispute stems from President Trump’s ambitious White House renovation plan, which includes construction of a large ballroom that has become one of the administration’s highest-profile building projects. While a federal district judge temporarily blocked the work in March, the D.C. Circuit later suspended that ruling, allowing construction to proceed while the legal battle continues.

Friday’s arguments highlighted the administration’s aggressive defense of the project, which Trump has repeatedly championed as part of a broader effort to reshape and modernize portions of Washington’s most iconic buildings.

Millett was not alone in expressing concern. Judge Bradley Garcia also appeared skeptical of the administration’s sweeping legal arguments.

Judge Neomi Rao, meanwhile, focused much of her questioning on whether the lawsuit should be allowed to proceed at all. Rao suggested the National Trust for Historic Preservation may lack standing, particularly given the administration’s contention that the ballroom serves important security functions in addition to hosting events.

Roth argued that preservation concerns raised by opponents pale in comparison to the security considerations involved in the project.

“The balance of harms and public interest are so lopsided in favor of this project,” Roth said. “It’s an architectural preference on one hand and the safety and security of the president of the United States on the other hand.”

The administration also maintained that courts should not intervene even if the project were eventually determined to be unlawful. According to Roth, any corrective action would need to come from Congress rather than the judiciary.

“Congress can figure out how to deal with that, given the fact that we have these national security imperatives,” Roth said. “It’s well along. They’ve installed like 3 million pounds of steel rebar. … Congress would be the appropriate entity to decide: How do we balance these considerations at this juncture?”

Attorneys for the National Trust for Historic Preservation argue that the White House grounds are part of a federally protected national park and therefore cannot be substantially altered without congressional approval. They contend that the administration lacks authority to make such sweeping changes on its own.

“They just don’t want to go to Congress,” the trust’s attorney, Tad Heuer said, stressing that, under the Constitution, “Congress controls federal property.”

Heuer acknowledged that smaller additions to the White House over the years—including recreational facilities such as tennis courts and swimming pools—may also have been installed without explicit congressional authorization. However, he argued that the ballroom project is fundamentally different because it required the complete removal of the East Wing.

President Trump has repeatedly mocked the lawsuit and questioned the legitimacy of those challenging the project.

In a social media post, Trump claimed the lawsuit was “brought by a woman walking her dog, who has absolutely No Standing to bring such a suit.”

The National Trust, however, says its legal standing is based on historian and retired professor Alison Hoagland, who has served on preservation boards and frequently visits the White House area.

Notably, Hoagland’s sworn court declaration makes no mention of a dog.

The case now presents a significant test of executive authority, judicial oversight, and congressional control over federal property, as construction of Trump’s signature White House ballroom continues while the courts weigh whether it was authorized in the first place.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Former Vice President Mike Pence said Friday that individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers or damaged government property during the January 6 Capitol riot should never have been pardoned and should not receive any financial compensation.

Speaking during an appearance on HBO’s “Real Time,” Pence discussed the events of January 6 with host Bill Maher and drew a distinction between those who were simply present that day and those who engaged in violence or criminal conduct.

Maher suggested that Americans might be able to find common ground regarding the events at the Capitol.

“OK, so, I mean, it seems like we could, so many of these things we could come to some agreement with the middle, like January 6, like, Trump, pardon everybody. Could we say that, yes, some people were there just for reasons of who knows, they weren’t exactly tourists, but they weren’t t having horrible intent. Other people? Can we say some bad people were here, like the ones who wanted to hang you? Can we say those were bad people?”

Pence responded by reiterating a position he has expressed before, saying he did not object to pardons for some individuals caught up in the day’s events, but strongly opposed clemency for those who committed violent acts or attempted to interfere with the constitutional process.

“Bill, I made it clear I had no problem with the president pardoning people who got caught up in that day. But for anyone who assaulted a police officer, anybody that violated and vandalized the seat of our government and sought to disrupt the counting of electoral college votes, those people never should have been pardoned, and they should never get a dime.”

Maher then shifted the conversation to the threats directed at Pence during the riot, asking, “So, no ill feelings about the hanging thing?”

Pence replied, “You know, I get, you know…”

Maher followed up by pressing him on whether he feared for his life as the situation unfolded.

“Did you ever fear for your life? Do you, did you actually fear that they would, that that could happen?”

Pence answered by emphasizing his determination during the crisis rather than any personal fear.

“Well, to be honest with you, I never felt a greater sense of resolve any day in my life than on January 6.”

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{Matzav.com}

With the New York Knicks preparing to host their first NBA Finals game in nearly three decades, Madison Square Garden is implementing heightened security measures ahead of Monday night’s pivotal Game 3.

The organization announced a series of special protocols for fans attending the matchup, including a strict ban on bags and enhanced screening procedures modeled after airport security checkpoints. Officials are urging spectators to arrive well ahead of the 8:30 p.m. tip-off to avoid delays and ensure they are seated before the opening quarter begins.

“A strict no-bag policy will be in effect, and fans should make every effort to limit personal items to an absolute minimum,” the team wrote. “Fans should expect enhanced security measures when entering Madison Square Garden, including TSA-style screening procedures. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at least two hours before tip-off to allow additional time for screening and entry.”

In addition, attendees have been advised to review the U.S. Secret Service’s list of prohibited items before arriving at the arena.

Under normal circumstances, Madison Square Garden permits small bags that fit beneath a seat and do not exceed 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, according to arena guidelines. Those rules will be significantly tightened for Monday’s contest.

The increased security comes as President Donald Trump is expected to be among those in attendance for the highly anticipated game.

After reports surfaced this past week that Trump planned to attend the Finals at Madison Square Garden, the president later confirmed the plans himself.

The visit will mark the first time a sitting U.S. president has attended an NBA Finals game.

“[The Knicks] find a way to do it,” Trump told reporters Thursday. “They’re really great, a great team. I’m happy for [Knicks owner] Jim [Dolan] because Jim has really been fighting hard to produce such a team.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also welcomed the president’s attendance, noting Trump’s longstanding ties to New York and his history as a Knicks supporter.

“We’re seeing that in New York, and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I’m thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knick team,” Silver said this week.

The Knicks enter Game 3 riding tremendous momentum after victories in the first two games of the series, giving them a commanding 2-0 advantage over the Spurs. New York now stands just two wins away from capturing its first NBA championship since 1973—and will attempt to take another major step toward ending that 54-year title drought on its home floor Monday night.

{Matzav.com}

The $2 bill remains one of the most unusual pieces of American currency, and despite being legal tender, many Americans rarely encounter one. While some collectors prize certain versions for their rarity and value, anyone hoping to obtain a freshly printed $2 bill this year is likely to be disappointed.

Although the denomination has been produced on and off for more than 160 years, federal officials have decided not to print any new $2 bills this year.

Despite their reputation as a rarity, $2 bills are far from extinct. An estimated 1.8 billion are currently circulating throughout the United States. By comparison, there are roughly 2.4 billion $10 bills and approximately 3.7 billion $5 bills in circulation.

Federal Reserve figures indicate that the current supply of $2 bills is the largest seen in the past two decades, helping explain why no additional notes are being ordered.

As a result, the Federal Reserve’s printing request for $2 bills this year falls within a range of zero to zero, meaning none will be produced.

This is not the first time the denomination has faced a lengthy pause. Between 1966 and 1976, federal authorities stopped printing $2 bills altogether. At the time, demand had fallen sharply, and officials hoped that suspending production for a decade might renew public interest in the note.

The strategy produced mixed results. When the bills returned in 1976, many people chose to save them rather than spend them. Some collectors even had the newly issued notes postmarked on April 13, the day the U.S. Postal Service offered commemorative stamps marking the denomination’s return.

While those commemorative bills may hold interest for collectors, other rare $2 notes have become far more valuable, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars.

The decision about how much currency to print each year originates with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which receives annual estimates of how many notes are needed to satisfy domestic and international demand. Those calculations take into account existing supplies, spending habits, and the number of worn-out bills that need replacement.

According to a 2017 episode of the U.S. Currency Education Program podcast, replacing damaged notes is generally the primary reason new currency is printed. The program also noted that the $2 bill is unique because it does not require annual production.

In recent years, federal officials have repeatedly chosen not to order new $2 bills. No new notes were requested in 2013, 2017, 2018, 2020, or 2023, largely because previous production runs had already supplied more than enough bills to meet demand.

With between 307.2 million and 416 million new $2 bills scheduled for production in 2025, the absence of a new printing order this year comes as little surprise.

One reason the existing supply lasts so long is that $2 bills change hands less frequently than other denominations. Many cash registers do not even have designated slots for them, and people often save them as keepsakes, gifts, or collectibles instead of spending them. Because they experience less wear and tear, fewer notes need to be replaced.

Think back to the last time you saw a $2 bill. If you encountered one at all, chances are it was being saved, collected, or given away rather than actively circulating through stores and banks.

The notes are also relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Each bill costs roughly two-tenths of a cent to print, significantly less than the nearly four cents it once cost to produce a penny before the one-cent coin was discontinued last year.

Although collectors will not be able to obtain newly printed 2026 $2 bills, there will still be several new currency items attracting attention this year.

Among them are special quarters and other commemorative coins—including pennies—celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Collectors may also encounter paper currency bearing President Trump’s signature, as well as continued discussion about a potential $250 bill featuring Trump.

{Matzav.com}

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