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A powerful storm kicked up a towering wall of dust that rolled through metro Phoenix on Monday, darkening the sky, blinding drivers, knocking out power and grounding flights at one of the nation’s busiest airports. Bernae Boykin Hitesman was driving her son and daughter, ages 9 and 11, home from school when the storm, known as a haboob, arrived late in the afternoon in Arizona City, about 60 miles (95 kilometers) southeast of Phoenix. She had to quickly pull over as the storm engulfed her car. “I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside,” she said. Boykin Hitesman said she could taste the dust and feel the strong wind rattling her car until it finally passed about 15 minutes later. “I was nervous,” she said. “My kids were really, really scared, so I was trying to be brave for them.” A haboob is a dust storm pushed by the wind produced by a weather front or thunderstorm and typically occurs in flat, arid areas. Heavy rain and wind followed Monday’s haboob, delaying flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and causing some damage to a terminal roof. “Crews have been identifying leaks and attempting to clean up water where it has collected in passenger areas,” Heather Shelbrack, the airport’s deputy aviation director for public relations, said in an email. More than 15,000 people lost power, most in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, according to PowerOutage.us. Richard Filley, a retired university professor who lives in Gilbert, said the dust storm caused the trees to sway and knocked bird feeders to the ground. Fine dust found its way through “every little crack and space” into his house, he said. “The windstorm part of it, I’m glad it’s gone,” he said. “You look at the photos of haboobs and they are a spectacular natural phenomenon. They are kind of beautiful in their own way.” Phoenix has been drier than usual during the monsoon season, while parts of southeast and north-central Arizona have had a fair amount of rain, said Mark O’Malley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. “But that’s typical for a monsoon, very hit and miss,” he said. The forecast for metro Phoenix calls for a 40% chance of rain Tuesday before drying out, O’Malley said. (AP)

President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that his administration is strongly considering changing the name of the Department of Defense back to its original title, the Department of War, which it held until the period following World War II.

Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have both voiced their support for reinstating the department’s “warrior ethos,” signaling their belief that the current name does not fully represent its mission.

“When we won World War I, World War II, it was called the Department of War. And to me, that’s really what it is,” Trump said while addressing reporters from the Oval Office.

The President further explained that he does not want the military’s role limited to defense strategies alone. “I don’t want to be defense only,” he stated. “We want offense too.”

Trump also hinted that he intends to move forward with the proposed change even if Congress does not initially authorize it.

When a reporter pointed out that renaming the department would require congressional approval, Trump responded confidently: “We’re just going to do it. I’m sure Congress will go along if we need that.”

{Matzav.com}

During an appearance on Newsmax Monday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivered strong remarks regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who remains in custody after a judge halted his deportation to Uganda.

“This man is a suspected terrorist known to affiliate and be friends with MS-13 members,” Noem said during her interview on “The Record With Greta Van Susteren.” “He’s an extremely dangerous individual. A known wife-beater. This is someone that should never be free in the United States of America, and bringing him to justice is incredibly important to the safety of the American people.”

Earlier that day, a federal judge issued an order preventing Abrego Garcia from being transferred out of a Virginia detention facility, citing the need to ensure he has access to legal counsel. Noem criticized activist judges and liberal groups for blocking his removal from the country.

They “have gone to the mat defending this terrorist and individual who is out there partnering with other criminals to break the law and to create criminal activities against vulnerable Americans,” Noem said. “They have stood with him and fought for him just to oppose President Trump. I am just shocked every single day by the amount of… extreme liberals who… stand with him because of their opposition to this administration.”

Noem expressed hope that Abrego Garcia will remain behind bars until he faces full accountability.

“He’s off the streets today… which means the American people are safe,” Noem stated. “But we are really hoping that he will continue to face penalties for what he has done. We’ll continue to use every piece of tool in the toolbox that we have to continue to make sure that he isn’t here in this country, endangering individuals who are citizens of the United States.”

She also pointed out that Abrego Garcia had previously been accused of domestic violence by his wife, though she later withdrew her claims.

“This is no Maryland father, no Maryland man,” Noem said. “This is not the average typical person that Democrats and elected officials have said. He is a terrorist. He is a wife-beater. …He’s a horrible individual who needs to be held accountable for his crimes.”

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

By Rabbi Berach Steinfeld In Bereishis, Perek Mem Vov, posuk chof vov, the posuk tells us that Yaakov sent Yehuda ahead to build a yeshiva in the land of Goshen. Why did Yaakov choose Yehuda for this task? The Midrash Tanchuma in Vayigash, siman tes says that Yaakov thought that Yehuda had killed Yosef. Yehuda was the one who brought the bloody Kesones Pasim to Yaakov. As a result of that Yaakov recognized the tunic and said that a wild animal attacked Yosef, referring to the lion, to which Yehuda was compared. In other words, Yaakov thought that Yehuda killed Yosef. This was so, up to the point when Yosef revealed himself to his brothers. Yehuda was in the clear as soon as Yosef revealed himself, therefore Yaakov sent him to show that he is really innocent and worthy of this job of setting up a yeshiva in Goshen. A din Torah was once brought before Reb Chaim Volozhiner between a talmid chochom and a simple Jew. Reb Chaim paskened that the simple Jew was in the right. The talmid chochom accepted the psak. Reb Chaim felt that that there was an underlying tarumos (complaint) in that talmid chochom’s heart against Reb Chaim. A while later Reb Chaim approached this talmid chochom with a request. Reb Chaim said he had to leave town that day but there was a din Torah that came before him. Reb Chaim requested that the talmid chochom take his place and pasken the din Torah instead of him. When Reb Chaim came back, the talmid chochom said that he realizes that Reb Chaim paskened correctly regarding his own din Torah since this din Torah was very similar and he went through the sugya and saw that Reb Chaim’s psak was correct. After Reb Chaim Volozhinerwas niftar this talmid chochom approached the plaintiff that he had found guilty and asked him, “Did you follow through with the psak?” The plaintiff responded, “I don’t understand what happened here.” The day before the din Torah Reb Chaim called both plaintiffs into his room and asked them to be part of a mock din Torah the next day. He taught each side their taanos and even gave them the money in question to be used. He had told the two plaintiffs not to reveal this charade. The plaintiff said, “Now that he is no longer alive, I am sure he would not mind my revealing this.” We learn a wonderful way of judging someone favorably from this story. If someone has a complaint against somebody else, it is best that the person try to put himself in the other person’s position and figure out ways to develop the other person’s view. Reb Chaim was able to put the talmid chochom in an objective position to truly see that the psak given against him was correct. Frequently, we judge people and don’t perceive it from their view causing us to judge others unfavorably. The Chofetz Chaim in Assin Gimmel says that the requirement to judge lekaf zechus is dependent on three types of people. 1. One must judge a person favorably who is muchzak to be a tzaddik, even if it is very far fetched. 2. One must judge an average person favorably if it is fifty/fifty, but it is recommended, not a chiyuv if it is far fetched. 3. There is no chiyuv to be dan lekaf z’chus if a person is known to be a bad person. May we all judge and be judged favorably. {Matzav.com}

On Monday’s broadcast of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, race-baiter Al Sharpton – who famously defended Jesse Jackson referring to New York City as “Hymie Town,” a slur aimed at Jews, and himself called Jews “diamond merchants” – accused President Donald Trump of deliberately targeting cities led by black mayors when threatening to deploy the National Guard, calling it “race dog whistling.”

Sharpton explained, “I preached in Washington, D.C. yesterday at Howard University. People feel they’re under siege. They are being picked on. When you look at the cities the president has named, all of those cities have declining crime rates and all of them have black mayors. There’s a racial element that he’s race dog whistling here.”

He continued by criticizing Trump’s approach, saying, “He would not dare do that to his red state senators. Why wouldn’t he have sat with Mayor Bowser and say, how do we work this out, if he really thought there was a problem? He didn’t think there was a problem. He was trying to create a situation and create some kind of picture that these people cannot run their cities. That is why this is bad for everyone. I rode around Washington after preaching right the areas that there are crimes that have been worked on by Mayor Bowser and others, you don’t even see National Guard. They are down in Georgetown. People are not coming out going to restaurants because they feel intimidated. There’s no winners in this, and the president is going forward rather than saying, let’s retreat and see what we’re doing here, since it’s a 30 day window, and in Washington, unless Congress extends it. He says, I’m going to Chicago, I’m going to Oakland, I’m going anywhere there is a Democrat and a black mayor now is at risk, and that’s no way to run the country.”

{Matzav.com}

A wave of anxiety has swept through the Slonimer chassidus after two grandsons of the Slonimer Rebbe were hospitalized in serious condition, one following the other, just two days apart. The community has been urged to daven fervently for their recovery.

On Motzoei Shabbos, Rav Avraham Berezovsky, the son of the rosh yeshiva, Rav Moshe Berezovsky, suddenly collapsed and was rushed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Yerushalayim. He was admitted to the ICU, where he remains sedated and on a respirator as doctors fight to stabilize his condition.

Tragically, just two days later, another grandson of the Rebbe, Rav Menachem Nachum Berezovsky, son of Rav Yisroel Berezovsky, the Slonim Rov of Beitar, also collapsed and was urgently transported to the hospital. His condition is described as complex, and medical teams are closely monitoring him.

The chassidus has issued an urgent request for tefillos on behalf of the two: Rav Avraham ben Chava and Rav Menachem Nachum ben Sarah Hendel.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Chairman of United Torah Judaism MK Yitzchak Goldknopf has sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, calling on him to expand the government’s developing travel framework for Uman so that it includes additional chassidic groups, particularly Chabad, as well as other chassidic courts.

The current plan, being prepared by the government, is intended to ensure that Breslov chassidim can travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah without being detained at Ben Gurion Airport. In his letter, Goldknopf expressed deep appreciation to Netanyahu for his efforts, writing, “I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the government framework being formulated under your leadership, to assist Breslover chassidim traveling during the holy days of Rosh Hashanah to the resting place of their holy Rebbe in Uman.”

Goldknopf praised Netanyahu’s personal involvement, stating, “Your personal concern and willingness to find an appropriate solution for enabling this elevated spiritual gathering—which serves as a source of inspiration and strengthening for tens of thousands of families from Klal Yisroel for generations—is far from self-evident and commands great appreciation. It reflects the fundamental right of every Jew to celebrate the Yom Tov in the presence of his Rebbe and to pour out his tefillos at his makom kadosh.”

After expressing his thanks, Goldknopf presented his request: “Alongside my gratitude, I must respectfully bring another request raised by numerous inquiries received in my office from roshei yeshiva and prominent rabbonim within Chabad chassidus: to broaden the framework so that it will also include the thousands of Chabad chassidim who travel each year for the Yomim Tovim to be in the presence of their spiritual Rebbe—both those traveling to 770 in New York, and other chassidic courts who reached out on this matter as well, such as Skver, Bobov, and Vizhnitz-Monsey, as well as other gathering places around the world.”

Goldknopf emphasized that for these groups as well, the trips carry immense spiritual significance: “For them, too, this is an elevated spiritual experience that cannot be replaced, and it is our obligation to ensure they are granted the same right afforded to others.”

He concluded his letter with confidence that Netanyahu would respond positively: “I am fully confident that you will provide the proper solution so that additional circles within the chareidi and chassidic public will also be able to spend the Yomim Tovim in the presence of their Rebbe—in an organized, secure, and dignified manner.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Excitement is sweeping through the Vizhnitzer community in London with the announcement that the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of London will soon return to his home in Stamford Hill after an extended stay in the United States for medical care.

The Rebbe is scheduled to arrive the Thursday of Parshas Ki Seitzei, the 11th of Elul, just in time for the Yemei HaRachamim V’haratzon leading up to the Yomim Noraim.

The Rebbe had traveled to America in the middle of Iyar, following his doctors’ recommendations, and spent the majority of his stay in Monsey, as well as in Kiryas Vizhnitz in Kiamesha, where he stayed with his son, Rav Menachem Shlomo.

In preparation for the Rebbe’s arrival, the community is planning a grand kabbalas ponim on the streets of Stamford Hill. Hundreds of tinokos shel beis rabban will line the streets to greet the Rebbe, after which a moving event will take place in the central Vizhnitz Beis Medrash, attended by throngs of chassidim.

The return is especially meaningful for the chassidim, many of whom have not seen the Rebbe for months and are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to receive his brachos during Elul.

With deep gratitude to Hashem, the chassidim are expressing heartfelt thanks for this special moment, while offering fervent tefillos for the Rebbe’s complete and speedy refuah sheleimah — Rav Dovid ben Sima Mirel — together with all other cholei Yisroel.

{Matzav.com}

As the annual pilgrimage of tens of thousands of Breslover chassidim to Uman approaches, preparations are in full swing — but this year’s efforts come amid mounting complications due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and new concerns over young travelers subject to military draft restrictions.

Member of Knesset Meir Porush, who has been deeply involved in coordinating the arrangements, shared details in an interview with Kikar HaShabbat. “We’ve been working on this for many months already,” he said, describing the complex negotiations required to ensure safe passage for the crowds traveling to spend Rosh Hashanah at the tziyun of Rav Nachman in Uman.

Porush explained that the government has approved a special allocation of 10 million shekels from five ministries, primarily to pay Moldova for facilitating flights and transit arrangements. “I started working with R’ Levi Yitzchok Gvirts back in the winter to find solutions to the crisis with flights to Moldova,” he revealed.

Comparing the situation to his experience overseeing the annual Lag BaOmer gathering in Meron, Porush clarified: “In Meron, as the responsible minister, I had authority to decide and implement. With Uman, it’s very different. We’re essentially acting as lobbyists — lobbying Israeli authorities, lobbying countries of transit, lobbying Ukrainian officials. It’s much more complicated to negotiate across multiple governments.”

Porush also noted that before stepping down as Minister of Yerushalayim and Heritage, he personally authorized 2 million shekels from his office’s budget to assist the Foreign Ministry, which is leading the operation under the guidance of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Director-General Eden Bar-Tal.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Sa’ar for their involvement. “I remember two years ago I had to fight to secure just four million shekels, and now, baruch Hashem, we have several ministries coming forward to participate,” he said.

A significant challenge remains with Moldova, which demanded additional funding to accommodate a major increase in landings. Porush confirmed that Romania has also been engaged in negotiations to secure and streamline passage, with its ambassador visiting his office twice in recent months.

However, the biggest remaining obstacle relates to yeshiva-age men who face potential restrictions due to the stalled legislation on the draft deferment law. Discussions involving Netanyahu, Shas leader Aryeh Deri, and senior officials are ongoing, seeking a compromise that would allow eligible travelers to fly for the week of Rosh Hashanah and classify their trip as l’tzorech mitzvah rather than “pleasure.”

Porush warned, though, that approval from the Attorney General remains uncertain: “This issue weighs heavily on us. There is no discussion where it doesn’t come up. Can I say we have good news? Unfortunately, not yet. But we are fighting with all our strength to find a solution.”

If an agreement is not reached, sources close to Breslover leadership say protests may erupt outside the Attorney General’s home, demanding that she allow the young men to travel — a tactic the group has used in the past, even demonstrating outside the homes of prominent politicians, including Deri himself.

Despite the ongoing hurdles, Porush reassured Breslover chassidim: “Traveling through a third country during wartime is never simple and never comfortable, but my duty is to do everything in my power to make it easier for them.”

{Matzav.com}

A young child drowned and lost a pulse late Monday afternoon after drowning at a pool in Jackson, but was revived by Hatzolah of Central Jersey paramedics in a dramatic life-saving effort. The incident occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m., when Hatzolah was called for reports that a child had drowned. Hatzolah paramedics arrived within minutes and found the child unresponsive and without a pulse. After administering advanced lifesaving measures, responders were able to restore a pulse. The child was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where the patient’s condition was later reported as stable — a development nothing short of miraculous. In a separate incident tied to the emergency response, a Jackson Township police officer rushing to the drowning scene was involved in a crash outside the Royal Grove development. Hatzolah also responded to that scene, treating the officer for minor injuries. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

An Israeli man who traveled to daven at Kever Yosef in Shechem narrowly escaped a dangerous situation Monday afternoon after his vehicle broke down and he was attacked by Arab terrorists.

According to the Civil Administration, the incident occurred when the man drove to the holy site to pray and, upon leaving, his car suddenly stopped working. When he stepped out to check the issue, a group of terrorists approached, assaulted him, and stole his vehicle.

Military officials at the Coordination and Liaison Office in Shechem were immediately alerted and acted quickly to secure the man’s safety. He was rescued from the area and transferred into IDF custody.

In a statement, the Civil Administration reiterated the serious dangers of entering Shechem without proper coordination: “Entry into Area A is prohibited by law and poses a life-threatening risk.”

This incident follows a similar episode just a month ago when dozens of Breslover chassidim attempted to reach Kever Yosef without approval. In that case, Palestinian police detained the group and handed them over to IDF forces, who later transferred them to Israeli police.

An IDF spokesperson emphasized at the time: “Approximately 50 Israeli civilians entered Shechem overnight without coordination and against the law. They were taken into custody by Palestinian security forces and handed over to Israeli authorities.”

Security officials are once again urging the public to avoid unauthorized entry into Area A, warning that such actions endanger lives and require significant military resources for rescue operations.

{Matzav.com}

Remarkable drashah for Rosh Hashanah and Shabbos Shuvah of the year 1830, in the holy handwriting of the Chasam Sofer. This particular Shabbos Shuvah drashah is extraordinary, for through the profound sanctity and power of his Torah, the Chasam Sofer successfully intervened to prevent the scheduled coronation ceremony of the emperor from taking place. By doing so, he enabled the Jewish community of Pressburg to observe Yom Kippur properly, free of any interference or halachic complications, a feat to which he subtly alludes to at the conclusion of his drashah.

President Trump dismissed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook on Monday following accusations of mortgage fraud.

In a letter addressed to Cook and shared publicly on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Pursuant to my authority under Article II of the Constitution of the United States and the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, as amended, you are hereby removed from your position on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, effective immediately.”

The decision came after Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte sent a criminal referral to Attorney General Pam Bondi last week, alleging that Cook falsified property documents and bank records in order to obtain more favorable loan terms.

{Matzav.com}

A Jewish patient at University College London Hospital (UCLH) described feeling “vulnerable and scared” after discovering posters plastered on the walls declaring: “Zionism is poison.”

The signs, which were later taken down, accused Israel of committing atrocities in Gaza. They read: “Israel is starving and killing Palestinians in Gaza. Children are being slaughtered beyond measure. We have a voice, they don’t. We are the generation that can influence the system and government.”

The posters continued with a call to action, stating: “Please do your own research and come to your own conclusions. Do not let the mainstream media influence you. It is poison. Zionism is Poison. People are being killed.”

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), a legal advocacy group, was informed about the situation by a patient at the hospital, who said she felt deeply unsettled by what she encountered. The patient explained, “I’m an outpatient, but God forbid [those] in other circumstances to feel so vulnerable already and be surrounded by hostility. [It would be] so scary. I shouldn’t have to remove my Star of David necklace to go to a hospital visit.”

After being contacted by UKLFI, UCLH staff immediately removed the posters and issued reminders to employees that political messaging of any kind is not permitted on hospital grounds.

Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI, commended the hospital’s swift action, saying: “UCLH is a major London hospital frequented by people from all of London’s diverse communities, but it’s particularly close to major north London Jewish communities. Irrespective of their background, any person must feel comfortable and safe in a hospital setting.”

She added: “We welcome UCLH’s prompt, proactive and constructive engagement with this issue. UCLH’s actions will help preserve dignity, equality, neutrality and respect within NHS spaces, particularly for Jewish patients seeking medical care.”

David Probert, Chief Executive of UCLH, also issued a public apology, stating: “Firstly, I would like to apologise on behalf of UCLH for the distress and upset caused by these posters. At UCLH, we value diversity and inclusivity, and we are committed to providing a fair and non-discriminatory service to all individuals, regardless of background.”

Probert said that as soon as UKLFI contacted the hospital, he “promptly made internal inquiries and was informed that [they] were initially noticed last week… and all the posters were removed without delay.”

He further explained that senior hospital officials carried out a walk-through to ensure no additional posters remained on display. “Additionally, the department’s newsletter addressed the incident, reminding staff of the trust’s policy against displaying political messages and encouraging vigilance in identifying and removing any similar materials. Security personnel have also been instructed to remain alert.”

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

Remarkable drashah for Rosh Hashanah and Shabbos Shuvah of the year 1830, in the holy handwriting of the Chasam Sofer.

This particular Shabbos Shuvah drashah is extraordinary, for through the profound sanctity and power of his Torah, the Chasam Sofer successfully intervened to prevent the scheduled coronation ceremony of the emperor from taking place. By doing so, he enabled the Jewish community of Pressburg to observe Yom Kippur properly, free of any interference or halachic complications, a feat to which he subtly alludes to at the conclusion of his drashah.

The chareidi community could soon face another significant financial setback following previous cuts to yeshiva funding and daycare subsidies. In a new development, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara submitted a response to the High Court of Justice asserting that yeshiva students should no longer be eligible for reduced payments to Israel’s National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi).

According to her position, discounts would only be granted to those who individually resolve their personal status with the army. If the High Court accepts her stance, thousands of yeshiva bochurim and avreichim will be required to pay the full amount for National Insurance, placing an additional heavy burden on already strained chareidi households.

This move comes on the heels of a series of steps that have already targeted the world of Torah: the cancellation of daycare subsidies for avreichim and the freezing of yeshiva budgets due to the failure to pass a new draft law.

Now, with the possibility of revoking the National Insurance discount, there is growing concern that the chareidi public will be forced to shoulder an even greater financial cost amid the ongoing battle over the enlistment of yeshiva students.

{Matzav.com Israel}

According to a recent review by Ynet, the situation with the milk supply will not improve for at least two months, leaving the possibility that store shelves will remain nearly empty in the meantime.

The Israel Dairy Board has voiced its opposition to the decision, saying it’s a sweeping, symbolic step that does not truly deal with the specific shortage expected around the upcoming Yomim Tovim.

Last week, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich signed an order allowing milk imports without customs fees. However, despite the new directive, the expected shortage during the Tishrei Yomim Tovim—just weeks away—will likely not be resolved. The problem stems from dairy plants halting production for nine consecutive days in order to comply with kashrus standards during the Yomim Tovim period.

Discussions with importers confirmed that it will take at least two months before any shipments arrive, meaning stores will continue facing significant gaps in supply until then. The Agriculture Ministry had recommended authorizing the limited import of six million liters of milk exclusively for the holiday season, but Smotrich chose instead to approve an open-ended allowance for importing unlimited amounts over the next six months.

Rami Levy and Zvika Williger, the co-owners of Willi-Food-Euro Dairies, explained that proper preparations take time and that milk deliveries won’t be ready for the upcoming Yomim Tovim. “It will take us at least a month and a half,” Levy said, noting his plan to import milk from Poland. Williger, who is preparing shipments from a Western European supplier, added: “It takes about two months to prepare packaging, design and finalize contracts with the dairy. It will not happen until after the holidays.”

Williger further pointed out that even with the reduction in tariffs, importing milk brings in very little profit, making this decision more symbolic than a practical solution. For him, milk serves mainly as a complementary item that his company provides to restaurants, cafés, and supermarket chains alongside cheeses and other dairy products. Levy explained his reasoning as well: “What I gained from importing milk was the customer I served, who didn’t suffer from a shortage.”

The shortage impacting consumers affects only price-controlled milk. Dairies are prioritizing the production of enriched milk, which sells at a higher price, over the regulated product. In addition, Smotrich’s directive does not obligate importers or stores to sell the imported milk at the controlled price. Some importers have indicated they plan to bring in higher-quality milk with 3.5% fat, which is not under price regulation.

The order itself is not yet final, as it is still subject to a public hearing. Meanwhile, both the Israel Dairy Board and the Israeli Cattle Breeders’ Association (ICBA), which represents dairy farmers, remain firmly against the measure, arguing that it unnecessarily allows six months of imports rather than limiting them to the Yomim Tovim season, when the shortage is actually expected.

{Matzav.com Israel}

36 HOURS LEFT!!!! *YES!! Only $36 Dollars!! Grand Prize HONDA ODYSSEY!! + 10 Other Raffles!!* CLICK HERE NOW!!! More Shidduchim – Easier & Faster!LeShadech is a unique organization whose sole purpose is to support, motivate, and encourage lay-people and shadchanim in suggesting shidduchim. CLICK HERE NOW!!! 36 HOURS LEFT!!!! *YES!! Only $36 Dollars!! Grand Prize HONDA ODYSSEY!! + 10 Other Raffles!!* CLICK HERE NOW!!! More Shidduchim – Easier & Faster!LeShadech is a unique organization whose sole purpose is to support, motivate, and encourage lay-people and shadchanim in suggesting shidduchim. CLICK HERE NOW!!!

In a surprising shift from his earlier position, one of the senior Torah leaders of Shas, Rav Moshe Maya, stated on Monday that there could be room for non-bnei Torah to serve in the IDF — provided the army commits to fully protecting their kedushah and way of life.

Speaking on Radio Kol Chai, Rav Maya, a member of Shas’s Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, explained that “if there is an arrangement whereby someone who enlists would not come to desecrate the Shabbos and would preserve his holiness and purity, why shouldn’t he enlist?” He stressed, however, that any such commitment must be formalized: without “an official IDF General Staff order,” he warned, any promises are “worthless.”

Just last summer, Rav Maya took a far stricter approach following the High Court’s ruling that revoked automatic draft exemptions for yeshiva bochurim. Speaking then on Kol Barama Radio, he declared it was “forbidden for those who don’t study to go to the army,” warning that “those who do will end up violating the Shabbos.” At the time, he passionately said, “If not for the Torah students, there would be many more fatalities. We pray and shed countless tears for the soldiers, so the hostages return. Our role in the war is to study and study and the Almighty will strike our enemies with softness, weakness and fear.”

His earlier remarks reflected a widespread concern within the olam haTorah that IDF service — even with frameworks designed for the chareidi community — could expose young men to secular culture and weaken the gedarim that preserve their identity.

Both United Torah Judaism and Shas have been battling intensely to secure legislation allowing the overwhelming majority of bnei yeshiva to avoid military service or any form of national service. Currently, around 80,000 chareidi men between ages 18 and 24 are legally eligible for the draft but remain in yeshiva, a fact that has stirred growing resentment among secular and national-religious Israelis.

This past June, Rav Maya joined other senior Shas rabbonim in signing an open letter opposing any agreement that would compel yeshiva bochurim to enlist. The letter firmly declared it forbidden even to join the so-called “chareidi tracks” within the army. Yet only weeks later, Rav Maya began signaling a softer stance, explaining that while right now “no chareidim at all may enlist,” there could be room for exceptions in the future: “If military frameworks are established with the approval of the rabbonim, which will certainly safeguard every chareidi — and we know that this will have legal validity — then only those who do not study at all should be drafted.”

The IDF already operates several designated frameworks for chareidi soldiers, such as the Netzach Yehuda battalion — widely known as Nachal Chareidi — and the recently launched Chasmonean Brigade.

Rav Maya’s current remarks contrast sharply with the hardline stance of Rav Yitzchok Yosef, who has repeatedly ruled that “it is forbidden to go to the army, even for one who is idle.” Rav Yosef has even warned that if the government starts arresting bnei yeshiva for draft refusal, “the chareidi community will be forced to leave Eretz Yisroel.”

{Matzav.com Israel}