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More than 4 million Americans have already dropped off the nation’s food stamp program as President Donald Trump’s sweeping overhaul of SNAP begins to take effect, according to preliminary U.S. Department of Agriculture figures cited in an NPR report.

Before Republicans approved the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provided monthly benefits to approximately 42 million people. USDA data indicate that enrollment had declined to about 37 million recipients by April.

The Trump administration has said the changes are designed to return SNAP to its original role as a temporary safety net, tighten work requirements for able-bodied adults, reduce improper payments, and ensure benefits are reserved for those who meet eligibility requirements.

The White House has argued that SNAP had become “bloated” and was no longer serving its intended purpose of helping people through temporary financial hardship. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has also attributed the declining enrollment to a stronger economy as well as efforts to remove ineligible recipients from the program.

“A lot of it is people taking the program that shouldn’t have been, and then a lot of it is just a better economy,” Rollins said during an April interview on Fox Business.

Opponents of the overhaul contend that the drop in participation reflects tougher eligibility standards and additional administrative barriers rather than an actual decline in need.

The Congressional Budget Office has projected that expanded work requirements alone will reduce average monthly SNAP participation by approximately 2.4 million people over the next decade.

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, work requirements now apply to additional categories of recipients, including certain veterans, homeless individuals, adults between the ages of 55 and 64, some parents of children ages 14 through 17, and young adults who have aged out of foster care. Most affected beneficiaries must document at least 80 hours each month of employment, job training, or volunteer work to remain eligible.

The legislation also eliminates SNAP eligibility for several categories of noncitizens, including many refugees, asylees, and certain victims of human trafficking or domestic violence who had previously qualified.

According to NPR, the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that Arizona has experienced one of the nation’s largest declines in SNAP participation, with more than 400,000 fewer recipients than a year ago. The organization also estimates that more than 1 million children across 19 reporting states have lost benefits.

The USDA has cautioned against attributing the enrollment decline to any single policy, noting that participation in the program naturally rises and falls over time.

Another significant change is scheduled to take effect in October.

Beginning then, states will be responsible for a substantially larger share of SNAP’s administrative costs, as the federal government’s contribution will fall from 50% to 25%. Starting in October 2027, states with payment error rates exceeding federal thresholds may also be required to help cover the cost of benefits themselves.

Supporters of the law argue the changes will increase accountability and incentivize states to reduce improper payments, which the USDA estimated reached approximately $10 billion last year.

NPR reported that anti-hunger advocacy groups and state officials warn the additional financial burden could force some states to tighten eligibility even further, reduce benefit levels, or make cuts in other areas of their budgets.

The National Grocers Association estimates that lower SNAP enrollment could reduce grocery sales by nearly $88 billion through 2034, while food banks warn they do not have the capacity to replace the lost assistance if participation continues to decline.

The IDF says chareidi enlistment rose sharply during the 2025 recruitment year, with new figures presented to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara showing that 4,298 chareidim joined the military—a 53% increase over the previous year.

The updated statistics were presented Monday during a follow-up meeting convened by the attorney general, where military officials outlined the latest enlistment data and trends regarding the chareidi community.

Brig. Gen. Shay Taib, head of the IDF’s Planning and Personnel Management Division, reported that 4,298 chareidim enlisted during the 2025 recruitment year, compared with 2,811 during the 2024 recruitment year—an increase of 53%.

According to the IDF, the figures continue a steady upward trend. Annual chareidi enlistment totaled approximately 1,700 to 1,800 recruits between 2018 and 2022, climbed to roughly 2,200 in 2023, and increased again to about 2,800 in 2024 before reaching this year’s total.

The military said that 69% of those who enlisted entered programs designated specifically for chareidim, representing an increase of approximately 1,200 recruits over the previous year. The breakdown further showed that 22% were assigned to combat units, 58% entered technological positions, combat support roles, and other military training programs, while roughly 20% have not yet received permanent assignments.

The IDF noted that this year’s total brings the military close to the target of 4,800 chareidi recruits that had been included in the coalition’s proposed draft framework. The new figure also exceeds Brig. Gen. Taib’s estimate given to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in late June, when he projected that only about 3,500 chareidim would enlist.

Despite the increase in enlistment, military officials reported that approximately 72,000 chareidim are currently classified as draft evaders. According to the data presented, the 4,298 recruits represent roughly 30% of the average annual chareidi draft-age population, estimated at about 14,000 18-year-old young men.

The IDF also reiterated that its manpower needs remain significant, estimating that it requires an additional 12,000 soldiers each year, with approximately 60% of those positions needed in combat units.

Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey on Monday sharply criticized Israel over continued IDF strikes against Hamas terrorists in Gaza, claiming the operations jeopardize the current ceasefire and threaten efforts to advance the next phase of President Donald Trump’s peace initiative.

In a joint statement, the three mediating nations accused Israel of escalating tensions through what they described as “the ongoing Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip.” They further alleged that Israel was responsible for “particularly the targeting of healthcare facilities and medical infrastructure, and the resulting civilian casualties, including women and children, which constitute a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”

The three countries also argued that Israel must adhere to both international law and the ceasefire commitments already in place. “The mediators stress the need for Israel to comply with all of its obligations under international law and to fully uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement, affirming that the continuation of these violations constitutes a breach of the agreement and undermines the efforts aimed at implementing its second phase, particularly following Hamas and the Palestinian factions’ announcement of their acceptance of the roadmap, especially the provision concerning the confinement of weapons,” the statement read, adding that “these violations threaten the path toward de-escalation and exacerbate the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip.”

The mediators also called on the international community to increase pressure on Israel. They urged world powers “to assume its responsibilities and exert the necessary pressure on Israel to fulfill its obligations under international law and the ceasefire agreement, in a manner that ensures the completion of President Trump’s peace plan”.

The statement concluded by stressing “the need to prevent any undermining of the efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable de-escalation, leading to a permanent ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip.”

The diplomatic criticism came shortly after senior Israeli officials met with representatives of the Board of Peace for extensive discussions on implementing the next stage of the Gaza framework. According to the board, the talks focused on dismantling Hamas’ terrorist infrastructure, transitioning Gaza to civilian administration, and creating long-term security for both Israeli citizens and Gaza’s Arab population.

Following the meeting, the Board of Peace described the discussions as productive and said all sides remain committed to the same ultimate objective.

“The goal is clear and is not in question: the complete decommissioning of weapons in the Strip and the transition away from rule by the gun to civilian governance. Reaching it will be a process. And that process will be set out in the next phase of the work,” the board stated.

The board also sought to clarify reports regarding a future Israeli military withdrawal, stating, “Contrary to inaccurate reports, we note that the withdrawal of the IDF beyond the Yellow Line will take place only once decommissioning is complete, as Hamas committed to the mediators. This applies to light weapons, heavy weapons, and the tunnels alike.”

According to the framework, supervision of Hamas’ disarmament would be carried out by the International Stabilization Force together with the Implementation Verification Committee, whose members include representatives from the United States and the Board of Peace.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued carrying out counterterrorism operations across Gaza. In recent days, the IDF announced that it eliminated several senior Hamas terrorists who were involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and in holding Israeli hostages.

Those operations have coincided with the broader U.S.-backed initiative unveiled by President Trump, which seeks the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other terrorist organizations operating in Gaza.

Speaking on Friday, Trump expressed optimism that the initiative has Israel’s full support, saying, “Israel is very happy about it. Israel helped us, and they’ve been very good”.

He added, “Most people said that would be a deal that would be undoable. Will it go through its ups and downs? It’s a very complex situation over there… But it’s a great breakthrough. Nobody’s ever thought that it would be possible to disarm Hamas.”

{Matzav.com}

Dozens of kannaim gathered Monday evening outside the home of Hershy Landau in the moshav of Komemiyus to protest reports that he is expected to assume leadership of the Maalos Tzur program following the passing of its founder, R’ Yaakov Aharon Farber z”l.

The demonstration took place just one day after the conclusion of the shivah for R’ Yaakov. Protesters claim that Landau, who currently works with Maalos Tzur, is expected to become the organization’s new director.

Organizers of the protest issued a statement saying, “In light of the information received that Maalos Tzur intends to appoint Hershy Landau of Moshav Komemiyus as the new CEO of the Maalos Tzur military track, a massive protest, the likes of which has never been seen before, is being held outside his home with the participation of masses from across the country.”

According to reports, members of the Landau family appealed to the rav of the community, Harav Mendelson, asking him to intervene and use his influence to stop the protests, but their request was reportedly declined.

R’ Yaakov Aharon Farber, one of Belz’s prominent askanim, was niftar last week after a prolonged illness at the age of just 32.

He had battled a serious illness over the past year and was the subject of widespread tefillos for his recovery. In his final days, his condition deteriorated, and he was niftar late Sunday night as family members stood at his bedside reciting Pesukei Yichud and Shema Yisroel.

R’ Yaakov was widely respected and admired throughout the tzibbur. In recent years, he became especially well known for founding the Maalos Tzur program, an initiative designed to enable chareidim to serve in specially tailored military frameworks while maintaining a Torah-true lifestyle, including regular tefillah and shiurim.

Friends and acquaintances describe him as a deeply yerei Shomayim individual with boundless energy who devoted his life to serving the klal with extraordinary mesirus nefesh, humility, and warmth toward every person.

{Matzav.com}

Police announced Monday that 16-year-old Efrat Menachem of Kochav Ya’akov has been found safe after being missing for 11 days, bringing an extensive search effort to a successful conclusion.

In a statement, police confirmed that the teenager had been located “safe and sound” and said she is doing well. Authorities also thanked the public for widely sharing the missing-person alerts and assisting in the search.

Efrat was last seen on the morning of July 24 at approximately 8:00 a.m. near the community of Beit Elazari. After all contact with her was lost, police launched an intensive search amid growing concern for her safety.

Throughout the operation, officers from the Binyamin Police Station in the Judea and Samaria District worked together with additional security agencies while repeatedly asking the public for information that could help locate the missing teen.

Following her safe recovery, police announced that the search has officially ended and expressed appreciation to everyone who participated in the efforts to find her.

A new Channel 12 poll released Monday night shows the political map remaining highly unfavorable for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s coalition, with Likud and Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party tied as the country’s largest factions at 23 seats each. The survey also found Shas slipping to just seven seats, while the coalition would secure only 50 Knesset seats compared to 70 for the opposition.

According to the poll, Likud gains one seat compared to last week’s survey, reaching 23 mandates and tying Yashar, which also stands at 23.

Yachad halts its recent decline and remains steady at 14 seats. The Democrats also hold their ground with 10 mandates, while Yisrael Beytenu remains unchanged at nine.

United Torah Judaism maintains its strength with eight seats. Shas and Otzma Yehudit each lose one seat, dropping to seven mandates apiece, while Religious Zionism gains one seat to reach five.

At the lower end of the Knesset standings, Hadash-Ta’al and Ra’am each receive five seats, while the new party led by Chili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel again clears the electoral threshold with four mandates.

Failing to cross the electoral threshold are Blue and White, polling at 1.4%, and Balad, with 0.8%.

The overall bloc picture remains unchanged from last week’s poll. Parties opposed to Netanyahu would control 70 seats, including 60 held by Zionist opposition parties and 10 by the Arab parties. The coalition, by contrast, would command only 50 seats.

The survey also examined a scenario in which Hadash, Ta’al, and Balad run together on a joint list while Yoav Segalovich joins Mansour Abbas’ Ra’am party, following recent reports of such discussions.

Under that scenario, only minor changes occur within the anti-Netanyahu bloc. The Democrats would fall by one seat to nine, while Ra’am would rise to six seats, shifting one mandate from Zionist opposition parties to the Arab parties. No other changes were projected.

The poll also measured public preference for prime minister. After leading Netanyahu in several recent surveys, Eisenkot is now tied with him, with each receiving 37% support. Another 21% said neither candidate is suitable for the position, while 5% were undecided.

In a head-to-head matchup between Netanyahu and Naftali Bennett, Netanyahu narrowly leads with 38%, while Bennett receives 37%. Twenty-one percent said neither man is fit to serve as prime minister, and 4% were undecided.

Against Avigdor Liberman, Netanyahu holds a wider advantage, leading 38% to 27%. Thirty percent said neither candidate is suitable for the position, while 5% responded that they did not know.

The survey also examined public reaction to Defense Minister Yisroel Katz’s televised announcement that he intends to replace Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth. Overall, 34% rated Katz’s performance positively, while 57% gave him negative marks. Among coalition voters, 75% approved of Katz’s performance, compared to just 11% of opposition voters.

A majority of respondents also believe Katz’s actions were politically motivated. According to the poll, 52% said his conduct was driven by political considerations, while 28% believed he acted for professional reasons. Another 20% were undecided.

Asked specifically about Katz’s decision to dismiss Bluth, 47% said the move was inappropriate, compared with 17% who supported it. Thirty-six percent said they did not know. Among coalition voters, roughly one-third (32%) said the dismissal was justified.

Respondents were also asked whether Israel’s security situation has changed since the Oct. 7 massacre. Thirty-six percent said Israel’s security has deteriorated, while 35% believe it has improved. Another 23% said the situation has remained unchanged.

The poll found widespread skepticism about whether Israel has achieved victory after nearly three years of war. Sixty-two percent said Netanyahu has not led the country to victory, while 28% said he has. Among coalition voters, however, 68% said Netanyahu has led Israel to victory.

Asked which national leader they trust most on security matters, Eisenkot ranked first with 30%, followed by Bennett at 17% and Liberman at 13%. Thirty-three percent said they trusted none of the three, while 7% were undecided.

The survey also found that most Israelis do not believe the country will ever achieve the often-stated goal of “complete victory” in Gaza. Sixty-two percent said they do not believe such an outcome will be reached, compared with 25% who said they do. Among coalition voters, 55% still believe Israel will ultimately achieve “complete victory,” while 34% do not.

Similarly, the public expressed little confidence that Hamas will ever disarm or cease posing a threat to Israel. Seventy-two percent said they do not believe Hamas will lay down its weapons, while only 18% said they believe it will. Among coalition voters, 59% said they do not believe Hamas will disarm, compared with 31% who said they do. Among opposition voters, 87% expressed disbelief that Hamas would ever disarm.

Regarding Lebanon, 63% of respondents said they do not believe the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon will ultimately lead to peace or to Hezbollah giving up its weapons. Twenty-three percent said they believe it will, while 14% were undecided.

On Iran, 35% of respondents believe Netanyahu’s handling of the various rounds of fighting has reduced the Iranian threat to Israel. By contrast, 27% believe the threat has actually grown, while 28% said it has remained unchanged.

Finally, the survey found majority support for renewing military action against Iran. Overall, 51% favor resuming the war, while 34% oppose doing so. Support is especially strong among coalition voters, where 74% back renewed military action, while 48% of opposition voters also expressed support.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Israel’s Diplomatic-Security Cabinet, reaffirmed his support for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s position on the enlistment of the chareidi community, saying that only those whose full-time occupation is Torah learning should remain in yeshiva. He also discussed the proposed Draft Law, the war against Iran, the future of Gaza, and the question of a Palestinian state.

Speaking in an interview with Kan Moreshet, Cohen said the Likud’s position has been consistent for years, declaring, “Anyone whose Torah study is not their full-time occupation should enlist.” He said the Draft Law should have been approved during the current Knesset but expressed hope that it will be passed after the elections in a manner that both protects the value of Torah learning and addresses the IDF’s operational needs.

Cohen argued that if the legislation had moved forward earlier, it could have prevented disputes surrounding related proposals, including the Basic Law: Torah Study. He attributed the delay to the prime minister’s focus on leading the country throughout the war.

Addressing the chareidi community’s position, Cohen said that based on his conversations with gedolei Yisroel and chareidi leadership, he believes there is agreement that those who are not learning in yeshiva should perform military service.

Turning to the upcoming elections, Cohen defended Likud’s decision to allow the prime minister to reserve several places on the party’s slate while noting that the overwhelming majority of candidates will still be selected through party primaries. He described the election as one of historic importance because of the battle against the creation of a Palestinian state and the effort to complete judicial reform.

Cohen also said he believes the Israeli public has moved significantly to the right since the Oct. 7 massacre, even if current polling does not fully reflect that shift. He criticized Yashar! chairman Gadi Eisenkot, Yisrael Beytenu leader MK Avigdor Liberman, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, while urging right-wing voters to unite behind Likud.

Discussing Iran, Cohen said the regime has refrained from launching direct attacks against Israel because it understands the consequences of an Israeli military response. He added that President Donald Trump is still allowing diplomacy another opportunity but stressed that Israel does not trust agreements reached with the Iranian regime.

Cohen also expressed confidence that the United States would take action if Iran continues violating its commitments, adding that lasting stability throughout the Middle East will only come after the current regime in Tehran is no longer in power.

“A regime that oppresses its own people and drives them into economic collapse cannot continue to exist,” he warned.

On the war in Gaza, Cohen said Israel remains willing to pursue a diplomatic solution if it includes Hamas laying down its weapons, though he said he believes the terrorist organization is unlikely to agree voluntarily.

“If that doesn’t happen, we have the ability to do it ourselves,” he said.

Concluding the interview, Cohen discussed plans for Gaza after the war, saying Israel has learned an important lesson from past experience. “Experience has proven that where there is no settlement, there is no security.”

Referring to proposals to reestablish Jewish communities in northern Gaza, Cohen pledged, “There will be only one state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea – the State of Israel.”

A widespread power outage struck the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Monday afternoon, bringing amusement rides to an abrupt stop and forcing visitors to evacuate several attractions while crews worked to restore electricity.

The outage began at approximately 3 p.m. Although the exact cause has not yet been determined, PSE&G said the disruption stemmed from “an issue with equipment internal to American Dream’s electrical system” and stated that crews are working to restore service.

Mall officials said all guests were safely removed from the affected rides. Firefighters from the East Rutherford Fire Department assisted in evacuating several riders who had initially been stranded. One individual reportedly experienced difficulty breathing during the incident.

In a statement, American Dream said, “Due to a localized power outage, some areas of the center are currently without power. We are working closely with the utility company to restore service as safely and quickly as possible.”

Videos shared on social media showed a relatively orderly scene inside the mall, with shoppers walking through dimly lit corridors and visitors calmly waiting near the pool area after being instructed to exit the water. One witness said the largest crowd formed near customer service, where many people appeared to be seeking refunds.

For many visitors, the unexpected outage turned an anticipated day of entertainment into a frustrating experience.

One guest recalled that all the lights suddenly went out, followed by a “really loud noise,” after which the amusement rides immediately stopped operating.

Tourist Tony Rodgers, who had traveled from Florida, expressed his disappointment, saying, “I go to the mall and there’s no power. Everything’s all blacked out. I’m like, there’s no way. I came all the way from Florida and today is the day there is no power.”

Another visitor said, “We were waiting for a ride. We were about to get on when the power went out.”

{Matzav.com}

Simon & Schuster is facing mounting criticism after one of its publishing imprints signed a Palestinian author who has repeatedly posted inflammatory anti-Jewish rhetoric online, praised acts of terrorism, and made statements celebrating violence against Jews and Christians.

According to the Washington Free Beacon, author Susan Abulhawa has reached an agreement with Atria Books, a Simon & Schuster imprint, to republish two of her novels this September. Abulhawa has previously referred to Israelis as “Jewish Supremacist Vampires” and described Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre as “a spectacular moment.”

Jessica Laino, a spokeswoman for Simon & Schuster, announced the publishing deal in a July press release sent to the Free Beacon, praising Abulhawa’s “signature lyrical voice” and “nuanced characters.”

Under the agreement, Atria Books will republish Abulhawa’s novels Mornings in Jenin and The Blue Between Sky and Water on Sept. 29, 2026.

Atria is one of Simon & Schuster’s flagship publishing imprints and is known for releasing books by bestselling authors including Colleen Hoover, Brad Thor, Janet Evanovich, and Philippa Gregory.

Abulhawa drew renewed public attention after the Free Beacon reported that Rama Duwaji—the wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has faced criticism over past remarks about Israel—created illustrations for an essay included in Abulhawa’s book Every Moment Is a Life.

That essay appeared in February through Everything Is Political, a project affiliated with Slow Factory, an organization that describes itself as an “environmental & social justice nonprofit organization.”

Long before that collaboration, Abulhawa had established a lengthy record of incendiary social media posts targeting Jews and Israel.

In one post published on X in December 2025, she described Israelis as “rootless, soulless ghouls.” Months earlier, in September, she called Israel a “cultureless, rootless human aberration in the form of a manufactured ‘nation,'” and added that “we live in the time of jewish supremacist demons.”

That same month, Abulhawa referred to a pro-Israel commentator as a “lying Jewish supremacist cockroach” and criticized what she called “Dual loyalty zionists.”

In other posts, she labeled Israelis “demonic parasite[s],” declared that “Israel must be dismantled if humanity is going to have any chance at a moral future,” and wrote that “we will have our revenge someday” against the “sons of satan.”

The rhetoric became so controversial that even Mamdani, a frequent critic of Israel, publicly distanced himself from Abulhawa after questions arose regarding his wife’s artistic collaboration with the author.

“I think that that rhetoric is patently unacceptable. I think it’s reprehensible,” Mamdani said of Abulhawa at a March 13 press conference, when asked about his wife’s artistic collaboration with the writer. Mamdani has maintained that Duwaji was unaware of the author’s social media posts.

The criticism has continued even after Simon & Schuster announced the publishing agreement. In a July 31 post on X, Abulhawa wrote that the Holocaust had “lost its meaning” and claimed that “the whole world is sick of hearing about it.”

She continued, “These clowns invoke that genocide with every perceived slight,” adding, “There is an extreme overrepresentation of Jews in every branch of government, media, and culture.”

Earlier in July, Abulhawa also suggested that Jews bore responsibility for the circumstances that led to the Holocaust and implied history could repeat itself.

In a July 24 post on X, she wrote, “The way zios keep boasting about the extraordinary power they wield reminds me of how they also boasted and took credit for Germany’s defeat in the First World War that culminated in the Treaty of Versailles and led to the rise of extreme anti-Jewish sentiment. History will rhyme.” The post has since been accompanied by a community note stating that it repeats the Nazi-era “stab-in-the-back” blood libel against Jews.

The following day, Abulhawa praised Kozo Okamoto, writing, “Rest in power Comrade Kozo Okamoto. You were an inspiration to all who knew you and all who knew of your heroic life. You were an embodiment of solidarity and love of the people.”

Okamoto was the last surviving participant in the 1972 Lod Airport Massacre, in which 26 people were murdered, including 17 Christian pilgrims from Puerto Rico. Lod Airport, where the attack took place, is now known as Ben Gurion International Airport.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration has approved a massive extension of the city’s hotel shelter program, renewing a contract worth as much as $1.86 billion that will allow hotels throughout the five boroughs to continue housing homeless individuals and families through 2029.

According to the New York Post, the renewed agreement with the Hotel Association of New York City Foundation, which represents nearly 300 hotels, covers the period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The arrangement allows the city to place people seeking emergency shelter in hotel rooms when additional space is needed to comply with New York City’s legal right-to-shelter requirement.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeless Services said, “Over the last 15 years, DHS has faced numerous crises that forced it to rely on commercial hotels to temporarily house clients.”

The spokesperson continued, “DHS is focused not only on upholding New York City’s right to shelter but improving outcomes for all the New Yorkers we serve. As such, we continue to work to transform the city’s shelter system by opening new, high-quality shelters while gradually phasing out the use of commercial hotels for families with children.”

City officials said the extension is intended to preserve enough emergency shelter space while the city transitions to more permanent housing facilities. Under New York City’s right-to-shelter law, officials are required to provide housing to anyone who requests it.

As of July 31, the Department of Homeless Services reported that 82,929 adults and children were staying in shelters across New York City.

Explaining the decision, the department said, “By exercising the renewal option of the agency’s master contract with HANYC, DHS will be able to retain critical hotel capacity, as needed, while we work to bring more traditional capacity online, reduce reliance on hotels, and rightsize our shelter footprint over the coming years.”

Officials emphasized that while the agreement authorizes spending of up to $1.86 billion, the city is not expected to necessarily use the full amount because hotel rooms will only be utilized when additional shelter capacity is required.

New York City dramatically expanded its reliance on hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to reduce overcrowding in traditional shelters. The same approach was later used during the migrant crisis, when thousands of asylum seekers arrived in the city.

At the height of that influx, approximately 150 hotels, motels, and inns were converted into temporary shelters.

The Hotel Association of New York City Foundation said it was awarded the original contract in January 2025 after prevailing in a competitive bidding process.

“It is a continuation of HANYC’s well-documented role as a responsible stakeholder since the COVID crisis when the organization moved, pro bono, over 18,000 people from shelters to hotels on an emergency basis from May 2020 to December 2021,” said the organization’s chief executive officer, Vijay Dandapani.

Beyond the hotel agreement itself, the Department of Homeless Services also approved more than $87 million in contracts through its Integrated Commercial Hotels Program to provide services for homeless residents housed in those facilities.

Housing Works received a $47.2 million contract, while Neighbors 4 Neighbors was awarded $40.28 million to provide on-site support and assist homeless individuals and families with their daily needs.

The city’s continued use of hotels as shelters has sparked criticism from those who argue that removing thousands of hotel rooms from the tourism market contributes to New York City’s already high lodging prices.

Homelessness advocates, however, contend that the program remains necessary because the city still lacks sufficient shelter space and affordable housing to meet existing demand.

Nine people, including seven children, were injured Monday afternoon after a vehicle transporting students from a special education school crashed into a tree on the Palisades Interstate Parkway between New York and New Jersey.

The accident occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. local time in the southbound lanes of the Palisades Parkway near Exit 11, prompting a large emergency response from multiple agencies.

Numerous emergency personnel responded to the scene, including Hatzalah volunteers, Spring Hill EMS, Rockland County paramedics, and several law enforcement units. First responders treated the injured, secured the crash site, and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

According to sources, the vehicle was transporting seven children and two adults from a special education school when it veered off the road and struck a tree. One child sustained serious injuries, while the remaining passengers were reported to be in stable condition.

All nine occupants of the vehicle were transported to Westchester Medical Center for treatment. No additional information has been released regarding the condition of the child who was seriously injured.

The accident caused major traffic delays in the southbound lanes of the Palisades Parkway, and motorists were advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes while emergency crews remained on the scene.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is calling on Israel to stop its ongoing air campaign in Gaza, arguing that the continued strikes are putting a U.S.-backed peace initiative at risk. The appeal comes after Hamas agreed to a proposed framework, though Israel has not fully accepted the plan.

According to the Washington Examiner, Israeli warplanes continued carrying out airstrikes throughout the Gaza Strip over the weekend despite Hamas’ acceptance last week of a framework that would require the terrorist group to demilitarize in exchange for a broader ceasefire and political agreement.

The Examiner reported that Board of Peace Director-General Nikolay Mladenov met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday in an effort to persuade Israel to immediately halt the military operation.

Mladenov argued that the continued strikes are damaging prospects for peace while further worsening the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“The Israeli strikes have killed civilians and destroyed medical supplies that people depend on,” Mladenov said Sunday.

He further stated that both Israel and Hamas remain bound by the Comprehensive Plan and the Sharm El Sheikh agreement, which led to the release of the remaining hostages and established the foundation for the current diplomatic process.

The Board of Peace maintains that Israel is obligated to follow the framework because of commitments made during last year’s Gaza peace summit.

Israeli officials, however, have voiced concerns about key elements of the proposal, citing questions about security guarantees, how the agreement would be implemented, and whether Hamas will actually fulfill its obligations before Israel is expected to take additional steps.

The disagreement comes as renewed fighting has cast fresh doubt on hopes of reaching a lasting ceasefire.

Although the United States and regional mediators continue working toward a diplomatic resolution, Israel has pressed ahead with strikes against what it says are Hamas military targets. Israeli leaders have insisted that operations will continue until the country’s security objectives are achieved.

Hamas has said it is willing to proceed with the demilitarization framework, provided Israel also carries out its commitments under the proposed agreement.

The Board of Peace has cautioned that further military action by either side could derail implementation of the broader peace plan and postpone efforts to rebuild Gaza.

For its part, Israel has given no indication that it plans to suspend military operations, maintaining that Hamas must first prove it is fully complying with the agreement before Israel considers making additional concessions.

Iran on Monday denied President Donald Trump’s assertion that negotiations with the United States were about to begin, insisting that no meetings are planned and that no diplomatic contacts with Washington are currently taking place.

The denial came after Trump announced that he had decided against authorizing military strikes on Iran and instead would pursue a diplomatic path.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said, “Would I rather make a deal? I’m not looking to kill people.”

He also declared, “Now what we’re doing is talking to them, in the form of a negotiation. It begins tomorrow afternoon,” though he did not specify where the discussions would take place or who would participate.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei dismissed Trump’s statement, saying there are no negotiations underway with the United States and no meetings scheduled. He added that Iran has no intention of receiving foreign delegations or sending its own negotiators abroad in the coming days.

Baghaei said all of Iran’s negotiating officials are currently inside the country, with the exception of Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who is on a religious pilgrimage in Iraq. He added that the only ongoing diplomatic discussions involve Oman and are focused on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.

A senior Iranian official also told Reuters that no negotiations with the United States are planned and said Araqchi is expected to remain unavailable until at least the end of the week.

The latest exchange follows a pattern that has emerged since Trump launched “Operation Epic Fury” alongside Israel more than five months ago, in which threats of U.S. military action have repeatedly been followed by renewed efforts to pursue diplomacy.

Despite those efforts, Iran has consistently refused to resume negotiations with Washington since a memorandum of understanding intended to end the conflict fell apart in early July.

The Trump administration has said its goals include dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, weakening Tehran’s ability to threaten neighboring countries, and creating conditions that could lead to political change within the Islamic Republic. Analysts continue to debate how much progress has been made toward those objectives.

The military confrontation has produced repeated cycles of escalation and retaliation involving U.S. forces, Iran, America’s Gulf allies, and commercial shipping, with periods of fighting alternating with diplomatic outreach.

One of the central sticking points remains the Strait of Hormuz. The United States maintains that the June memorandum required Iran to keep the strategic waterway open, while Iranian officials contend the agreement explicitly preserved Tehran’s authority over maritime traffic through the strait.

Some analysts believe such an interpretation would leave Iran with greater influence over the shipping lane than it had before the conflict, a result they argue would represent a setback for the Trump administration.

Iran has continued to reject U.S. demands concerning the Strait of Hormuz, and the uncertainty surrounding the vital waterway has contributed to rising global oil prices and politically sensitive increases in gasoline prices in the United States.

Oil markets reacted positively on Monday after Trump opted not to proceed with military action, with Brent crude prices falling by more than 4% to roughly $84 per barrel.

Meanwhile, the British maritime security agency UKMTO reported that the captain of a vessel traveling through the Strait of Hormuz observed an explosion in the water near the ship overnight. No injuries were reported.

The British government is facing sharp criticism after new figures revealed it plans to spend more than £130 million more on aid for “Palestine” than on security measures to protect Britain’s Jewish community, prompting opponents to accuse Labour of putting the wrong priorities first.

According to the Daily Express, the Labour-led government has committed £381 million in funding for “Palestine,” compared to £250 million designated for security measures protecting Jewish individuals and institutions amid a sustained wave of antisemitic attacks. The allocation means spending on “Palestine” exceeds funding for Jewish security by roughly 50%.

Opposition leaders blasted the disparity, arguing that the government should be prioritizing the safety of British citizens before increasing overseas assistance.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel said: “Labour’s priorities are all wrong. This extraordinary funding, some of which will likely end up in the hands of the undemocratic and unaccountable Palestinian Authority, exceeds funding recently pledged for protecting British Jews from antisemitic violence and hatred.”

Patel added: “Labour Ministers must focus on using British leverage to help disband the abhorrent terrorist organisation Hamas and ensure reform of the Palestinian Authority, to provide a peaceful future for the people in the region.”

Reform UK MP Richard Tice also condemned the funding decision, calling it “yet another example of Labour prioritising foreign citizens above our own. While British Jews are being threatened and attacked on our streets, we are expected to stump up 50% more to Palestinians.”

The criticism comes as Britain continues to grapple with a surge in antisemitic violence. Among the most serious incidents was the stabbing of two Orthodox Jewish men in Golders Green in late April.

Following that attack, British authorities raised the national terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe,” marking the first such increase in more than four years.

In May, a German citizen assaulted Jewish worshippers outside a London shul during the Yom Tov of Shavuos.

That same month, a chareidi Jewish woman was attacked with a belt in London’s Stamford Hill. Also on that day, a Jewish child was assaulted outside a school in Amhurst Park after a woman allegedly shouted antisemitic slurs and punched the child.

In a separate incident during May, an Israeli man was reportedly attacked by five individuals after they heard him speaking Hebrew.

Statistics released for 2025 showed that the United Kingdom recorded the highest per-capita rate of violent antisemitic attacks anywhere in the world, documenting 121 serious assaults against a Jewish population of roughly 300,000.

Then-British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has since resigned, addressed the growing wave of antisemitism in May, saying: “It is not enough to simply declare ‘we stand with Jewish communities’ – we must show it and act.” He added that “only by working together can we eradicate antisemitism from every corner of society.”

A new study by researchers at Tel Aviv University has found that Israel’s elevated emigration trend continued through 2025, marking the third consecutive year in which record numbers of Israelis left the country for extended periods, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the nation’s economy and security.

According to the report, 90,922 Israeli citizens spent at least three consecutive months outside Israel during 2025. That figure is nearly identical to the 91,499 recorded in 2024 and slightly above the 86,509 departures documented in 2023.

Over the three-year period from 2023 through 2025, a total of 268,509 Israelis left the country for three months or longer. Researchers noted that this is dramatically higher than the 183,219 departures recorded during the comparable period between 2013 and 2015.

The study was prepared by Prof. Itai Ater, who heads the Economists for Democracy forum, Prof. Nati Bergman, head of Tel Aviv University’s School of Economics, and Doron Zamir, a doctoral student in the university’s Faculty of Management. Their analysis is based on data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics.

Because official migration figures based on 12 consecutive months abroad have not yet been released for 2025, the researchers relied on data tracking Israelis who remained outside the country for at least three months. They said the two measurements have an exceptionally strong correlation—0.96—making the shorter-term data a reliable indicator of longer-term migration trends.

Based on that methodology, the researchers estimate that between 45,000 and 50,000 Israelis will ultimately qualify as official emigrants for 2025 under the government’s 12-month definition.

Prof. Ater said, “Even in 2025 we see very troubling numbers of Israelis leaving the country for a significant period. These figures do not yet pose an immediate danger to Israel’s resilience, but if the trend continues without change, there is a real risk of harm to Israel’s security and economy.”

The researchers noted that public debate over emigration has intensified since late 2022 amid Israel’s political turmoil, widespread protests, and the war that followed the Oct. 7 massacre. They said the purpose of the study is to provide an updated assessment using official government data.

The report also points to previous research showing especially sharp increases in emigration among physicians, PhD holders, engineers, academics, and higher-income earners.

Despite the concerning numbers, the researchers said the greatest threat lies not in the current level of departures but in the possibility that the trend accelerates. They warned that additional political instability, security challenges, or economic difficulties could trigger a “snowball” effect, in which continued emigration encourages even more Israelis to leave, potentially inflicting lasting damage on both the economy and Israeli society.

A terrible tragedy struck during bein hazemanim on Monday evening when 21-year-old bochur Meir Shaar z”ל, a talmid of Yeshivas Ponevezh in Bnei Brak, was killed in a RZR rollover accident in an open area near Neveh Erez in the Binyamin region.

Meir, who had become engaged just last week, was preparing to marry his kallah from the Har Nof neighborhood of Yerushalayim. ZAKA volunteers responded to the scene and are tending to kavod hameis.

The fatal accident occurred shortly before 7:35 p.m., when ZAKA’s 1220 emergency dispatch center received a report of an overturned off-road utility vehicle in an open area near Neveh Erez. Emergency medical teams rushed to the scene but were forced to pronounce the 21-year-old bochur deceased.

Volunteers from ZAKA’s Judea and Samaria District, Binyamin Region, were dispatched to the site and are handling kavod hameis while collecting all necessary remains for proper kevurah.

Asaf Baruchi, deputy commander of ZAKA’s Binyamin Region, and Baruch Zakbach, a ZAKA volunteer, described the scene: “We arrived at a difficult scene in an open area, where we found the off-road vehicle after it had overturned. MDA paramedics were forced to pronounce the young man’s death. ZAKA volunteers from the Binyamin team are working at the scene, ensuring kavod hameis and collecting all findings for burial.”

Moti Bukchin, ZAKA’s spokesman, noted that this was the second fatal tragedy during bein hazemanim in a short period of time. “Within a short time, we are dealing with two difficult tragedies that occurred during bein hazemanim—a two-year-old child who drowned in a swimming pool in Moshav Sdot Micha, and a young man who was killed in an ATV accident. This period brings many outings and recreational activities, but along with the enjoyment comes responsibility. We call upon the public to exercise extra caution.”

ZAKA volunteers from the Judea and Samaria District, under the command of district commander Gil Bismut, are overseeing kavod hameis at the scene and gathering all necessary remains. The body will then be transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir to complete the identification process.

Levayah arrangements have not yet been announced.

Meir was born in Bnei Brak on the 3rd of Teves 5765 (2005). He was the son of Harav Avraham Harel Shaar shlita, gabbai of the Nesivos Shalom Bais Medrash of the Edas Teiman community and a R”M at Yeshivas Derech HaTorah in Kiryat Herzog, Bnei Brak, and Mrs. Ora Shaar.

As a youth, Meir learned in Yeshivas Ponevezh L’Tzeirim before continuing to Yeshivas Ponevezh, where he became known as an exceptional masmid. He earned the admiration of the roshei yeshiva and his fellow talmidim for his diligence and devotion to learning.

He was also active in the Ohr Yisraeli youth movement, headed by Harav Yitzchak Dovid Grossman, where he helped bring two young men closer to Yiddishkeit. Those two are today fully observant bnei Torah learning in yeshivos.

Just a few weeks ago, Meir became engaged to the daughter of the Kahelet family of Har Nof. Only last week, the couple had gone to register for their upcoming marriage in preparation for the wedding.

The tragedy has left the talmidim and hanhalah of Yeshivas Ponevezh in deep shock.

Earlier on Monday, Meir had gone on an outing with a friend near Neveh Erez. It was there that the tragic accident claimed his life.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

A terrible tragedy struck on Monday afternoon when a two-year-old child drowned in the swimming pool of a tzimmer in Moshav Sdot Micha, located in the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts by emergency personnel and an airlift to the hospital, the child was later niftar.

Emergency responders from Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah rushed to the scene and immediately began advanced lifesaving measures, performing CPR after finding the child in critical condition.

The child was flown by MDA helicopter to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Yerushalayim while medical teams continued resuscitation efforts en route. Despite every attempt to save him, doctors were forced to pronounce him niftar upon arrival.

MDA EMTs Rafael Toledano, Eliya Binyamin, and Ari Rabinovitz said: “We received a report of a toddler who had drowned in a swimming pool at a private residence. We arrived quickly and were brought a two-year-old child who was unconscious, with no pulse and not breathing.”

They added: “We immediately began advanced resuscitation procedures, including chest compressions, assisted ventilation, and the administration of medication. While continuing medical treatment, we evacuated him by MDA-Hatzalah Air helicopter to the hospital in critical condition as we fought to save his life.”

United Hatzalah EMTs Yissachar Yaakovzon, Mordechai Friedman, and Itzik Fuchs, members of the organization’s Koach Hatzalah unit, said: “His family told us that he had drowned and was pulled unconscious from the pool at the vacation rental where they were staying. We performed CPR, after which he was evacuated by helicopter to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in critical condition.”

President Donald Trump said he remains willing to authorize a massive military operation against Iran if necessary, but made clear that he would rather see Tehran agree to a deal that permanently prevents it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Speaking about the ongoing standoff, Trump said he is still giving Iran an opportunity to avoid military action. “I think we’re going to maybe get something, but I want to give them every last chance before decapitation,” Trump said. “Very tough to do what we have planned, still planned. We’ll see what happens, but it’s a very, very tough thing to do.”

The president stressed that while the United States is prepared for a significant strike, diplomacy remains his preferred path. “I think I’m very proud of the fact that I will give people a chance,” Trump said. “This is a big move to do an attack that big on a country. I’d rather not do it.”

Trump added that although the U.S. has carried out major military operations in the past, the plans currently under consideration would be on a different level. “We’ve already gone through lots of large attacks, but they were normal large,” he said. “Hopefully they’ll come to their senses because what happened-they cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

According to the president, Iranian leaders have already reached out in hopes of preventing a military confrontation. “They called me and they said, ‘Please don’t attack, we’ll make a deal,'” Trump stated. “That’s the real truth, and everyone knows it. And who wouldn’t call?”

Trump also lashed out at those he said disclosed details about the potential operation, arguing that leaks weaken the country’s national security. “They found out through leaks and sleazebags,” Trump said. “Leakers should be put in jail. They should. They have to strengthen up the laws for leakers.”

Even so, Trump suggested that in this particular case, the leaked information may have strengthened America’s position by making Iran aware of the magnitude of the planned response. “In this case, leakers helped because they said the severity of the attack, and Iran knew it.”

Dear Matzav Inbox, 

The sheer chutzpah of asking for money from the very Jews New Square considers too problematic to live near, or expose to its children, cannot be ignored.

A fundraising letter from Merkaz Hakollelim Dshikun Square recently arrived in mailboxes throughout the Monsey community.

The appeal describes kollel families struggling “to clothe their children, put food on the table, and cover the huge daily expenses.” With Yom Tov approaching, it asks outside donors to help these families celebrate with dignity.

The need is real. These families deserve help.

But the letter raises an unavoidable question:

Why is New Square asking surrounding communities to pay for food and clothing while enormous sums are being spent purchasing houses around the village for the so-called “mile”?

There Is Plenty of Money, Just Not for This!

New Square’s leadership has spent years advancing a policy designed to prevent other frum families from settling near the village.

Within the Mile has documented numerous properties connected to that campaign, homes acquired to preserve New Square’s claimed “isolation” and protect its supposed spiritual “purity.”

These are not inexpensive properties.

Consider 6 Durante Court, purchased for $810,000. Article HERE

The property sits directly across the street from a neighborhood shul. Local residents view the purchase not merely as another acquisition within the mile, but as a deliberate attempt to interfere with and disrupt the surrounding Jewish community.

That is one house.

How many struggling families could receive food, clothing and Yom Tov assistance from $810,000? How many children could be properly dressed, refrigerators filled and worried parents given room to breathe?

Instead, the property was purchased across from a shul serving the very community New Square wishes to keep away, and now a fundraising letter is being sent to those same Jews asking them to finance food and clothing inside New Square.

Do Not Blame the Families

The struggling kollel families are not responsible for these priorities.

They should not be shamed, and they should not be left without food or clothing.

The responsibility belongs to the leadership and wealthy supporters who can apparently mobilize extraordinary resources whenever another house becomes available within the mile, but then turn to outsiders when families inside New Square cannot afford basic necessities.

No one is claiming that this particular Yom Tov fund purchased these houses.

The issue is communal priorities. Article HERE

When $810,000 can be found to purchase one property across the street from a neighborhood shul, it is difficult to accept that the surrounding community must then be asked to cover food and clothing, especially while being told that its own families must stay away to protect New Square’s “purity.”

You cannot treat neighboring Jews as a spiritual contamination and then address your fundraising appeal to them as “Dear Friend.”

Return the Envelope to the Ashpa like the dead Sheretz it is!

Anyone receiving this appeal should not simply throw it into the garbage.

Keep the return envelope.

Send it back with a respectful note explaining why you will not participate until New Square changes its priorities.

The note can say:

> I fully support helping families afford food, clothing and Yom Tov necessities. However, New Square-linked buyers continue spending enormous sums purchasing properties around the village as part of the so-called mile policy.

6 Durante Court, located directly across the street from a neighborhood shul, was purchased for $810,000.

Before asking surrounding families for donations, please sell this property, or another property acquired for the mile, and use the proceeds to support your own struggling families.

The same Jews being asked to finance your charitable needs should not simultaneously be treated as too impure to live near you.

Send the envelope back.

Let them see the address. Let them see the purchase price. Let them explain why $810,000 was available to purchase a house across from a shul, while outside donations are needed to provide their own families with food and clothing.

Feed the families. Clothe the children. Sell the houses. *End the mile.*

A Resident

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President Donald Trump is pushing back against recent public opinion surveys, declaring that his actual approval ratings are stronger than ever and accusing news organizations of publishing misleading polling data.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump argued that “my REAL polling numbers, not those made up by the Fake News Media, are the best they have ever been, and why wouldn’t they be with the biggest tax cuts and employment numbers EVER, the biggest outside investment in America in world history, a totally secure border, a giant victory in Venezuela, the denuclearization of Iran, unparalleled respect and success throughout the world, and much more?”

Looking ahead to this year’s midterm elections, the president urged voters to support Republican candidates, calling on Americans to “vote Republican for greatness in America.”

Trump also rejected polling results that have shown declining approval, writing, “Don’t believe the Radical Left’s Fake Poll numbers. They are Crooked and Corrupt, just like the Country Destroying Dumocrats are Crooked and Corrupt.”