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A violent eruption in downtown Chicago Friday night — where a protest spiraled into a full-scale riot — had President Donald Trump sharply condemning the city’s Democratic leadership yesterday. His criticism came less than 24 hours after his unexpectedly warm Oval Office meeting with democratic socialist New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

Trump took to Truth Social as reports of shootings and injured officers poured in. “Massive crime and rioting in the Chicago Loop area,” he wrote. He added grim details: “Multiple Police Officers attacked and badly injured. 300 people rioting, 6 victims shot, one critical and one DEAD.”

According to ABC7, gunfire erupted in two different parts of the Loop, prompting crowds of visitors to flee. One teenager was fatally struck after being hit by at least one bullet. The scenes of confusion and panic quickly reignited debate over Chicago’s approach to public safety.

Trump seized on the unfolding violence to accuse Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson of allowing disorder to spiral by rejecting federal support. “In the meantime, Governor Pritzker and the Low IQ Mayor of Chicago are refusing Federal Government help for a situation that could be quickly remedied,” Trump wrote, finishing with a jab at local leadership: “The people are chanting, BRING IN TRUMP!!!”

Early reports described up to 300 teenagers flooding the Loop, instigating confrontations that escalated into attacks on police. Alderman Brian Hopkins, who was on the ground, shared what he saw: “300 juveniles rioting in the Loop now, at least 5 victims shot, one critical with life threatening gunshot wound to torso.” He then added, “Multiple police officers attacked and injured with mace and stun guns, at least one PO hospitalized.”

ABC7 noted that investigators believed two separate shooting incidents unfolded in the area. The Loop — Chicago’s central business district named for the elevated trains encircling it — saw ambulances racing to tend to a range of injuries. Fox 32 reported victims included a 13-year-old girl, shot in the leg and listed in fair condition, and a 17-year-old boy also treated for a leg wound.

Authorities had not released details about the teen who died, and by yesterday afternoon, Chicago police had not confirmed whether the two shootings were linked. No arrests or suspect descriptions had been announced as detectives worked to piece together the night’s eruption of violence.

{Matzav.com}

When Russians look back at 2025, they might remember it as the year when the government took even tighter control of the internet. Credit cards that won’t buy a ticket on public transport. ATMs that don’t connect to a network. Messaging apps that are down. Cellphones that don’t receive texts or data after a trip abroad. Mothers […]

Border Police forces were astounded to find a high-ranking IDF officer in uniform after stopping a suspicious vehicle at the Ofer checkpoint near the security barrier on Motzei Shabbos. The incident began when reconnaissance soldiers from a combat intelligence unit spotted a suspicious car stopping near the security barrier on Highway 443. Two suspects entered the […]

A Washington state resident is believed to be the first person to die from a rare strain of bird flu, but state health officials said Friday the risk to the public is low. The person, an older adult with underlying health conditions, was being treated for a bird flu called H5N5 after becoming seemingly the […]

In this episode, Rabbi Reinman relates the story of the translation of the Torah into Greek, and he explains why the Sages considered that event a day of darkness.

WATCH:

Read full chapter and earlier chapters at www.rabbireinman.com.

Chapter Thirty-nine: Dark Days in Alexandria

For two decades after his death, Alexander’s generals fought each other for control of Alexander’s vast empire in a series of four wars, known as the Wars of the Successors. In 302 b.c.e., the final division of the Alexandrine Empire emerged.

Lysimachus became king of the lands in Europe and Asia Minor. Seleucus became the king of the Near East and Mesopotamia. Ptolemy became king of Egypt. These states were politically independent and militarily aggressive. Each of them was driven by the ambition to become dominant over the others and reconstitute Alexander’s world empire under their leadership. And so, they fought each other endlessly with none of them ever emerging fully victorious.

Judea sat at the crossroads of the Greek world. After the division of the empire, Judea came under the control of the Egyptian Greeks. But the Syrians Greeks also coveted this small but important prize. The two kingdoms would fight over Judea for over a hundred years …

Ptolemy I Soter was the first Greek king of Egypt. For its entire centuries-long existence centuries, the kings of this dynasty would almost always be called Ptolemy but with an added epithet. The capital city of his kingdom was the cosmopolitan port of Alexandria, which was founded by Alexander. The city had become populous even during Alexander’s lifetime as people poured in from all parts of the empire, including many thousands of Jewish immigrants. In the decades after his death, it became a great commercial and industrial center. The Gemara relates that craftsmen in Alexandria were commissioned to manufacture the ornate doors of the Heichal and that Alexandrian expert bakers and perfumers were consulted in the Beis Hamikdash.

Ptolemy Soter aspired to make Alexandria the cultural and intellectual center of the Hellenistic world. One of his ideas was to build a library that would be a repository of all the knowledge of the civilized world. It was an enormously ambitious plan. Ptolemy Soter did not live long enough to execute it, but Ptolemy II Philadelphus, his son and successor, made the dream come true.

The library of Alexandria was a stunning achievement. At that time, books came in the form of handwritten papyrus scrolls, with some spanning several scrolls. All scrolls were copied by professional scribes.  Agents of the library scoured the world for books worthy of a place in the library. They also boarded all ships docking at the port of Alexandria and took possession of any books they found. Their scribes would copy the books, keep the originals and return the copies to the owners. In this way, the library amassed hundreds of thousands of different books, a phenomenon unheard of in the ancient world …

In the year 250 b.c.e. or thereabouts, Ptolemy II Philadelphus ordered a copy of the Torah in the Greek language for his magnificent library. The story behind this command is told by Josephus, a Jewish historian who lived three hundred years later. The works of Josephus are among the richest sources for the history of the ancient Western world. He will be discussed at length in the chapters on the first century of the common era when he lived and wrote.

According to Josephus, one of Ptolemy’s ministers urged him to acquire for his library a copy of the Jewish Bible. The absence of this important book was a glaring omission. Although the book is written in a different language and different writing, it would be worthwhile to have it translated into Greek so that it would be available to the rest of the world. In order to ensure that the translation was accurate, Ptolemy brought seventy elders from Judea and installed them in separate rooms on the island of Pharos, each to make his own translation. In the end, all the translations were essentially identical, and the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Torah, was born.

The Greek translation was welcomed with rejoicing in the great Jewish community of Alexandria … The Sages, however, had a different reaction to the translation. The day of the completion of the translation is remembered as one of three days of darkness in the month of Teves. On 8 Teves, the Torah was translated to Greek. On 9 Teves, Ezra died, and prophecy came to an end. On 10 Teves, the Babylonians breached the walls of Yerushalayim.

We can easily understand why 9 Teves and 10 Teves are considered days of darkness, but what was so monumentally tragic about the translation of the Torah into Greek? …

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bitachon4Life-Shiur-1637-Chikuy-Part-37-Advance.mp3

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

 

 

Hamas’s military intelligence unit, numbering about 2,500 terrorists, spent five years systematically collecting information in preparation for the October 7 attack, Army Radio reported. According to IDF assessments, Hamas began this effort in 2018, monitoring nearly 100,000 soldiers and officers on social media. Hamas didn’t limit itself to public accounts. It created fake “avatar” profiles […]

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stories4Life-Shiur-504-Chased-Brisker-Rav.mp3

Ministers in Israel’s security cabinet have warned that if Hamas’s military buildup continues, Israel will have no choice but to launch another operation in Gaza. According to a Kan News report, defense officials presented evidence of Hamas’s increased military and political strength at a cabinet meeting on Thursday. A senior Israeli official told Kan, “If […]

A major initiative proposed by the IDF together with the Finance and Defense Ministries—intended to cancel extended emergency call-ups (known as “Tzav 8”) and cap annual reserve service at approximately 70 days—is now at risk of collapse. The plan has been halted by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Meara, who insists that no change to the reserve system can move forward unless it is directly tied to a new draft law that requires equal military service for chareidim.

According to officials involved in the discussions, the attorney general warned that pushing through a quick amendment to the Reserve Duty Law as part of the government’s economic legislation would violate constitutional principles of equality set by Israel’s High Court.

Legal Dead End: Reserve Duty Law Linked to Draft Law

In meetings between government ministries and the Attorney General’s Office, legal advisers said that there is a severe legal obstacle to modifying the reserve system without addressing the long-standing exemption for chareidi men.

The attorney general’s position is firm: allowing reservists to be called for up to 70 days a year—far longer than the norm in most Western armies—cannot be justified while one segment of the population remains fully exempt from service. In her view, increasing the burden on those who currently serve while maintaining a sweeping exemption for chareidim is unconstitutional.

Budget Battle: 60,000 Reservists and a Massive Cost Dispute

This legal confrontation is unfolding alongside a fierce budget fight between the Defense and Finance Ministries over the needs of the 2026 fiscal year.

The IDF is asking for funding for 60,000 reservists, estimating the cost at 37 billion shekels. The Finance Ministry argues the number is inflated, noting that only 50,000 were planned for 2025, and claims the real cost should be between 10 and 15 billion shekels.

The National Security Council is now reviewing the numbers. Whatever number they settle on will determine how many days each reservist will need to serve—bringing the question of unequal burden back to the center of the debate.

Smotrich Attacks: “A Political Decision With No Authority”

In response to the attorney general’s refusal, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launched a blistering attack, accusing her of overstepping her authority and harming national interests.

He stated that “in a political decision she is harming the army, harming reservists, and harming the state budget and the country’s economy, without having any authority.”

Smotrich added that “there is not a single serious legal expert who believes the Knesset lacks the authority to legislate limits on reserve duty.” He claimed the attorney general’s position would force Israel to continue unlimited emergency mobilizations, asking, “How does she dare take responsibility for the economy and security when she has no authority?”

He vowed to bring the law to the cabinet and the Knesset despite her objections, arguing she has “gone beyond her authority.”

Headed Toward a Supreme Court Showdown

With the attorney general blocking the reform, the changes to reserve duty will likely be removed from the government’s economic legislation package. That will force the Finance Ministry to find another immediate path to move the plan forward.

The disagreement now seems poised to end up before the Supreme Court, which may need to untangle an unprecedented clash involving military needs, economic pressures, and the long-running issue of chareidi enlistment.

{Matzav.com}

A growing number of yeshivos across the tri-state area in particular are reshaping their academic calendars this year, choosing to end the spring/summer period earlier and begin the next school year in mid-August, weeks ahead of the traditional start.

The shift, which is beginning to emerge in yeshivos both large and small, appears to be driven by a mix of logistical concerns, curriculum planning needs, and feedback from administrators and parents alike. While each institution has its own reasoning, the pattern points to a noticeable change in how mosdos are structuring their yearly cycle.

One example comes from Yeshiva Orchos Chaim, which informed parents this week of a significant adjustment to the yeshiva’s summer timeline. The announcement stated that, after much deliberation, the yeshiva decided to modify its summer calendar, officially ending the school year on Thursday, July 9th (כ”ד תמוז). The notice further explained that the new school year would begin on Wednesday, August 19th (י’ אלול), markedly earlier than in previous years. Families were urged to jot down this change on your long-term calendar and plan your summer accordingly.

Sources in several communities say these changes are not isolated. Administrators from multiple yeshivos indicate that starting the new year earlier allows for a more consistent and uninterrupted Elul zman, giving talmidim additional time to settle in before the Yamim Noraim. Others noted that the unusually early Rosh Hashanah on the calendar this year left limited space for a meaningful zman unless adjustments were made.

Parents have expressed mixed reactions. Some appreciate the more structured summer and the smoother transition into Elul, while others are scrambling to adjust travel plans and camp schedules that were arranged months in advance.

Yeshiva leaders say the decision to bump up the calendar was not taken lightly. Several roshei yeshiva and principals describe long internal discussions about balancing academic goals with family needs. Nevertheless, more institutions are concluding that the benefits outweigh the complications.

{Matzav.com}

A group of senators pushed back hard today against claims that President Donald Trump is behind a leaked 28-point proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, insisting the document came straight from Moscow and not from the administration.

According to PBS NewsHour’s Nick Schifrin, Sen. Mike Rounds said Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally reached out to several lawmakers, stressing that what they received was simply a transmission of someone else’s ideas. As Rounds put it, Rubio wanted it “very clear to us that we are the recipients of a proposal that was delivered to one of our representatives. It is not our recommendation, it is not our peace plan.”

Rounds emphasized that the document wasn’t crafted or released by U.S. officials, describing it as something that arrived through diplomatic channels and was passed along only because Ukraine deserved to see it. “It is a proposal that was received. And as an intermediary, we have made arrangements to share it. And we did not release it. It was leaked. It was not released by our members or our representatives… This is an opportunity to receive it and that it has been utilized and delivered to the Ukrainians, and that they will have an opportunity to respond. And in doing so, you now have one side being presented and the opportunity for the other side to respond.”

Independent Sen. Angus King echoed that point, saying — according to Schifrin — that the document does not reflect the White House’s stance at all, describing it instead as “essentially the wish list of the Russians.”

The senators made these remarks on the sidelines of the Halifax International Security Forum, where the leaked plan dominated much of the conversation. Secretary Rubio has so far remained silent publicly, offering no clarification on X or in other statements.

Their remarks arrived in the wake of an Axios report from November 18 claiming the administration “has been secretly working in consultation with Russia to draft a new plan to end the war in Ukraine,” a report that cited both American and Russian officials. A Washington Post story published Friday added fuel to the controversy, saying the proposal called for Ukraine to give up large portions of territory — including areas of Donetsk — and to significantly shrink its military. President Zelensky hinted in his Friday national address that he is far from enthusiastic about the terms.

Speaking to reporters this morning, President Trump did not deny that he has encouraged Ukraine to consider the deal in the near term. He remarked that if Zelensky refuses the terms, he can “fight his little heart out.” And when asked whether this proposal represented his “final offer,” the president responded, “No, we’d like to get to peace.”

{Matzav.com}

Candace Owens has ignited a political firestorm by unveiling an explosive allegation aimed directly at French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, escalating an already tense legal battle over her commentary regarding Brigitte Macron’s gender identity.

Owens said she decided to go public after receiving what she described as a startling message from a senior figure inside the French government. According to her, the individual approached her privately, and after confirming “this person’s position and proximity to the French couple,” she believed their warning was too grave to ignore. “In short, this person claims that the Macrons have executed upon and paid for my assassination,” she wrote, insisting that the threat was real and imminent.

The commentator claimed the source told her that a covert unit within the National Gendarmerie had allegedly been given approval to carry out the operation, and that foreign personnel were involved. “More specifically, that the green light was given to a small team in National Gendamarie Intervention Group. I am told there is one Israeli that is on this assassination squad and the plans were formalized.”

Owens said the whistleblower also offered “concrete proof” of their role within the government, giving her confidence to continue publicizing the claims. She went further, asserting the threat extended beyond her. “Again, this person provided concrete proof that they are well placed within the French government apparatus. Further to this point, this person claims that Charlie Kirk’s assassin trained with the French legion 13th brigade with multi-state involvement.”

She added that another target was at risk as well: “Journalist Xavier Poussard’s life is also at risk. This is deadly serious. The head of state of France apparently wants us both dead and has authorized professional units to carry this out.”

In her appeal, Owens urged the public to ensure the information spreads widely, expressing distrust in U.S. officials who she says have been informed. “I ask that every person RETWEET and share this. I do not know who in the American government can be trusted, since this source claims our leaders are aware. But I have more specific information which is definitively verifiable, should they care to reach out to me.”

She ended her message by addressing the insider she claims risked everything to expose the alleged plot: “To the brave official in France who did this because they were so moved by the evil of Charlie’s public execution to risk their own life— May God bless you. Truly. Let all be revealed.”

{Matzav.com}

The political truce that unfolded in the Oval Office on Friday ignited outrage from Curtis Sliwa, who wasted no time accusing both President Donald Trump and Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani of staging a grand performance. Calling their friendly exchange a scripted act, Sliwa insisted the entire city had been duped by “two thespians.”

Appearing on CNN shortly after the meeting, Sliwa told Laura Coates Live that the sudden pivot from months of hostility to cheerful camaraderie showed that voters had never been given an honest picture of the candidates’ relationship. “Everyone in the world, everyone in the country, everyone in New York City, got played by these two thespians, these actors,” he said. “Because remember, eight months ago, we thought it was Godzilla versus King Kong.”

What unfolded in Washington bore little resemblance to the tense back-and-forth of the campaign season. Trump had repeatedly warned he would choke off billions in federal aid if the city backed Mamdani, while the mayor-elect routinely blasted Trump as a “fascist.” But when reporters pressed Mamdani on Friday about his past remarks, Trump brushed away the sting himself. “That’s okay, you can just say, ‘yes’ … It’s easier than explaining it, I don’t mind,” the president quipped, prompting the clip to spread quickly online.

Sliwa — who finished the race far behind the top contenders, earning only 7% of the vote — argued that the easy rapport on display proved the supposed ideological war had been an illusion. His own campaign collapsed when Trump threw his support behind Andrew Cuomo, framing the former governor’s independent bid as the only effective way to block Mamdani. For Sliwa, Friday’s friendly atmosphere was nothing short of betrayal. “There was Zohran Mamdani calling Donald Trump a fascist — he’s not. And then Donald Trump calling Zohran Mamdani a communist — he’s not,” Sliwa said, insisting the country had been treated like “suckers.”

Though he acknowledged that cooperation between City Hall and the White House might help New Yorkers, Sliwa said the speed of the reconciliation was unacceptable. “They went into that meeting today, ‘Oh, all is forgiven. All is forgotten,’” he complained. “Don’t you think [they] owe the American people… an apology?”

Others, however, saw the meeting very differently. Andrew Yang, speaking with Kayleigh McEnany on Fox News, expressed relief rather than indignation. He said the “tenor” of the sit-down was exactly what anxious New Yorkers needed to hear. “One of the major pitfalls potentially for a mayor like Mamdani was getting crosswise with this administration, having resources pulled, having ICE officials downtown,” Yang noted.

Yang, who stayed out of the city’s general election endorsement fray, argued that practical governance outweighed campaign-season ideology. “The fact that Zohran and Donald Trump seem to be on the same page, so many New Yorkers today are breathing a huge sigh of relief,” he said. “I hope it holds up.”

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

A prestigious East Coast university is seeking a full-time Mashgiach to join its kosher supervision team beginning January 2026. This role is ideal for someone who is committed, reliable, and passionate about maintaining the highest standards of kashrus in a busy campus environment. Start Date: January 2026 The position offers: Preferred 2+ years of experience in […]

Great anticipation is building in Vizhnitzer communities in both Israel and the United States as the Vizhnitzer Rebbe prepares to travel to America to participate in the weddings of two granddaughters, set to take place this week in Skver and Monsey.

In advance of the trip, the chassidus has issued clear instructions urging chassidim not to gather at the airport or at the Rebbe’s residence, emphasizing the need to preserve his strength.

The Rebbe is scheduled to depart for the United States overnight despite a year marked by significant illness and weakness.

On Shabbos, without prior notice, the Rebbe announced that he would go up to the main beis midrash at 7:30 p.m. for a special forshpiel held in honor of his upcoming trip.

The first wedding will take place on Monday in Skver. The kallah is the youngest daughter of the Rebbe’s son-in-law, Rabbi Yitzchok Twersky, son of the Skverer Rebbe. She will be marrying the son of Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Shlomo Gross, son of Rabbi Avraham Moshe Gross, Av Beis Din of Kerestir–Obervish, and the grandson of Rav Shmuel Goldman of Zvhil.

The second wedding will be held Wednesday in Monsey. The kallah is a daughter of the Rebbe’s son-in-law, Rav Naftali Tzvi Teitelbaum, son of the Av Beis Din of Valva. She will be marrying the grandson of Rav Yekusiel Zalman Motzen, son of Rav Shimon Motzen.

In public notices, leaders of the chassidus wrote: “We ask our community to follow all updates and strictly abide by the guidelines without exception, for the complete health of our master and Rebbe shlit”a and his honorable participation in these events. May the joy of the home of tzaddikim bring blessings, salvation, healing, and goodness to all of Klal Yisroel.”

Askonim are working to arrange opportunities for chassidim to receive a brachah from the Rebbe in an orderly manner. To facilitate this, the Rebbe’s aide, Rabbi Shaul Greenberger, will be writing kvittlach for Monsey residents on Sunday evening and for the general chassidus on Monday immediately after the chuppah in Skver.

{Matzav.com}

A horrifying act of destruction was discovered over Shabbos in a Yemenite shul in the town of Kadima-Tzoran, where unknown perpetrators desecrated Sifrei Torah, tore seforim, and wrecked nearly everything inside.

Worshippers arriving on Friday evening to the shul — located in a bomb shelter on Ben-Zvi Street near the local community center — were stunned to find the site devastated. Vandals had shredded chumashim and siddurim, scattering the ripped pages across the floor. Even more shocking, they had removed Sifrei Torah from the aron kodesh and hurled them onto the ground, leaving them sprawled amid widespread damage.

Residents described the scene as unlike anything they had ever witnessed. One shaken mispallel said the destruction resembled a full-scale pogrom.

The attack sparked immediate outrage from the community and drew sharp condemnation from elected officials. MK Michael Malchieli said he was appalled by the desecration and called on law-enforcement authorities to identify those responsible without delay and bring them to justice. He expressed solidarity with the Yemenite mispallelim and pledged to stand with them in whatever they need.

Police launched an urgent investigation tonight. Officers from the Shdot station said that upon arriving at the scene, they did not initially find signs of forced entry, and therefore all investigative angles are being considered. Forensic teams collected evidence and documented the damage in detail.

Police emphasized the seriousness of the crime, adding that harming religious items and violating a place of worship is considered a severe offense. They said all technological and forensic tools are being deployed to uncover who carried out the desecration and to ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

{Matzav.com}

it is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the heartbreaking news that Menachem Mendel Luk, a well-known singer from the Sanzer community, has passed away. He was 55.

The announcement came from Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, where Menachem Mendel succumbed to a severe stroke after collapsing last week. He fell ill in the middle of the levayah of Rabbi Gershon Lider z”l, the director of Laniado Hospital, and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Despite doctors’ efforts over the following days, he was niftar on Shabbos.

The levayah was held tonight at the Ohel Nechemiah Shul in Kiryat Sanz, Netanya, and he was laid to rest in the Sanz section of the Shikun Vatikim cemetery.

Menachem Mendel was born on 7 Nisan 5730 (1970) to his father, Rabbi Ben Zion Luk, a respected member of the Sanz Chassidus, and to his mother, Mrs. Matil. He grew up within the educational institutions of Sanz and later married the daughter of Rabbi Yisrael Shafer.

A gifted vocalist, he earned his livelihood as a popular wedding singer and was a member of the renowned Sanzer choir together with his brothers, known collectively as “The Luk Brothers.” In times of sorrow, he also served the community by announcing levayos in Kiryat Sanz.

Menachem Mendel held a special role within Sanz: he was the designated ba’al chazakah who lifted the Sanzer Rebbe during korim on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

He leaves behind a distinguished family, a legacy of joy through music, and a community mourning the loss of a true mesameach Elokim v’anashim.

יהי זכרו ברוך

{Matzav.com}

The United States is shaping a sweeping proposal for managing and rebuilding Gaza once all hostages are returned, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The developing blueprint outlines a reorganization of the Strip, the establishment of temporary population centers for displaced Palestinians, and a new security framework designed to stabilize the area before eventually transferring authority to an agreed-upon Palestinian entity.

Under the plan, Gaza would be divided into two primary zones. The first, designated the “red zone,” would include areas where Hamas remains active or where there is still a significant risk of military confrontation. The second, termed the “green zone,” would be cleared for humanitarian and reconstruction activity, allowing international and local teams to begin restoring basic services and infrastructure.

In the green zones, the U.S. envisions clusters of temporary towns featuring emergency housing, schools, clinics, and essential utilities. These sites could only be built after engineering crews remove rubble and unexploded ordnance, ensuring the areas are safe for civilian use.

On the security side, Washington is weighing several models. One option would train and deploy vetted Palestinian forces under international oversight. Another proposal would involve an external protection mechanism to secure the territory. A more gradual approach is also on the table, where security responsibilities are slowly handed over to Palestinian institutions as they demonstrate stability and reliability.

American officials emphasized that they oppose turning security over to militias, warning such groups could undermine stability. Hamas has already rejected the plan outright, calling it an attempt to impose foreign trusteeship on the Palestinian people.

Egypt and other regional governments have also expressed concerns — particularly about the possibility that new population centers near Rafah could trigger long-term demographic shifts.

U.S. officials stress that the proposal is intended as a temporary measure aimed at preventing humanitarian collapse and maintaining basic civil governance in the immediate aftermath of the war. They insist that permanent civilian control must ultimately be handed to a Palestinian leadership acceptable to all relevant parties.

{Matzav.com}

Germany’s top official tasked with combating antisemitism is pushing for a new law that would outlaw slogans like “From the river to the sea,” arguing that such chants increasingly function as calls for Israel’s destruction. Felix Klein said his proposal — already endorsed by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt — is now in the hands of the Justice Ministry for review.

Klein explained that the meaning of the chant shifted dramatically after the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7. “Before Oct. 7, you could have said that ‘From the river to the sea’ doesn’t necessarily mean kicking Israelis off the land, and I could accept that,” he said. “But since then, Israel has really been facing existential threats, and unfortunately, it has become necessary here to limit freedom of speech in this regard.”

He noted that even if critics challenge the legislation on constitutional grounds, he believes Germany must move forward. Klein has served since 2018 as the country’s first “Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism,” and he said the measure is essential given the current climate.

The aftermath of Oct. 7 forced Germany to confront deep tensions between its post-Holocaust commitment to Israel and the protections of a democratic society. The war in Gaza and Hamas’ massacre inside Israel prompted spikes in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents, while also generating disputes about the country’s identity and obligations.

Current law offers little uniform guidance on pro-Palestinian speech. Courts must decide, case by case, whether someone shouting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” supports a peaceful vision or promotes terror. In August 2024, German-Iranian activist Ava Moayeri was convicted of condoning a crime for leading that chant during a Berlin demonstration on Oct. 11, 2023.

Immediately after the attacks, authorities across Germany rolled out broad restrictions on pro-Palestinian protests. In Berlin, schools were even permitted to ban keffiyehs and slogans like “Free Palestine,” part of a sweeping effort to curb what officials said could lead to unrest.

The clampdown reached Jewish critics of Israel as well. One Jewish Israeli woman was arrested after displaying a sign reading “As a Jew and Israeli: Stop the genocide in Gaza.” Police also blocked an event organized by “Jewish Berliners against Violence in the Middle East,” claiming it could spark disorder or “inflammatory, antisemitic exclamations.”

This year, immigration authorities ordered four non-German nationals — three Europeans and one American — to be deported over their alleged activities at pro-Palestinian rallies. Officials cited “Staatsräson,” the doctrine that Germany’s commitment to Israel is fundamental to its own legitimacy. But attorney Alexander Gorski, who represents the individuals facing deportation, dismissed that reasoning. “Staatsräson is not a legal concept,” he said. “It’s completely irrelevant. It’s not in the German Basic Law, it’s not in the constitution.”

Jewish leaders have emphasized that the atmosphere created by widespread criticism of Israel has emboldened antisemites. Charlotte Knobloch, president of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria and a Holocaust survivor, argued that fury at Israel has become a convenient mask. “It is sufficient cause in itself to fuel the hatred,” she said.

Recent incidents underscored how far the hostility has spread. A shop in Flensburg posted a sign declaring “Jews are banned here,” a violation of German anti-discrimination law. But a restaurant in Fürth that declared “We no longer accept Israelis in our establishment” may not face punishment, because national origin is not currently a protected category. Anti-discrimination commissioner Ferda Ataman confirmed that the law does not cover discrimination based on nationality. Klein said he has already begun work on legislation to close that gap.

Klein’s relationship with Jewish communities dates back to his earlier role in the Foreign Office, where he liaised with international Jewish organizations and helped draft the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s “working definition” of antisemitism in 2016. That definition has been heavily debated, with critics arguing it blurs the line between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitism.

For Klein, the distinction is indeed narrow. “I think in most cases it is — it’s just a disguised form of antisemitism,” he said. “When people say they’re anti-Israel, what they really mean is Jews.”

{Matzav.com}