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Rabbi Yitzchak Biton, who lost all three of his children in a direct Iranian missile strike near his home in Beit Shemesh, delivered a deeply emotional and faith-filled account in a powerful interview with Kikar HaShabbat, describing the moments of terror, loss, and the strength that has carried him forward. Matzav.com shares portions of the interview, which was conducted in Hebrew.

In the interview, Rabbi Biton recalled the day his world was shattered, when a missile struck near his home and changed everything in an instant. His children—Yaakov, Avigail, and Sarah—were killed, leaving behind a grieving family and a father determined not to fall into despair.

“We continue forward with Hashem’s help. We try to involve ourselves in good deeds, to move ahead, and not to dwell on the past,” Rabbi Biton said at the outset, his voice reflecting both profound pain and remarkable acceptance. Since the tragedy, the family has left their home. “At the moment we are in the Jewish Quarter. We are not returning to Beit Shemesh. We are simply not emotionally capable.”

Despite the devastating loss, Rabbi Biton said he remains committed to continuing his life’s work. “Of course we will continue to deliver Torah classes. I have already returned to the rabbinical court in Beit Shemesh, and it is not easy—not for me and not for my wife—but immediately after the shiva I tried to return to teaching, to giving Gemara shiurim as I have done for decades. My wife also gives classes in seminaries. We must go on—for ourselves, for the Jewish people, and for our remaining daughter. We must accept the Heavenly judgment with love.”

Recounting the moments leading up to the strike, he described a troubling intuition he could not ignore. “I had a difficult feeling in my heart,” he said. “I had just finished giving a Gemara shiur to avreichim, including my son Yaakov. I returned home, and Yaakov was delayed a bit. When he arrived, the siren sounded. At that moment I told him, ‘Yaakov, maybe you should stay here with me?’ But he, Avigail, and Sarah were somewhat afraid and decided to go down to the shelter.”

Moments later, disaster struck. “The house collapsed. Windows flew out. By open miracles I am standing here speaking—I, my wife, and our daughter were literally thrown into the air from the force of the blast. As soon as I stood up, my first thought was of the children. I was afraid to even think that they might have been harmed. My wife urged me to go to the area, and I saw black smoke rising near the shul. I understood that something very serious had happened.”

What he encountered at the scene was unbearable. “I saw complete destruction. The shul was destroyed, everything was on fire, and the shelter took a direct hit. I stood there waiting, trying not to interfere with the rescue forces, but my heart already sensed the worst. Slowly I saw that bodies were being taken out,” he said through tears. “I saw my son Yaakov. They quickly covered the bodies, saying they were being taken for treatment, but late at night, when the notification team arrived, we already understood where things were heading.”

When asked where he finds the strength to go on, Rabbi Biton pointed to a perspective rooted in Torah and faith. “If a person understands that he is in good hands, that Hashem runs the world, he understands that we are all loyal soldiers. The eye cries bitterly, but the heart rejoices in knowing that the children are in a very high place.”

He rejected the notion that the tragedy represents unjust suffering. “This is not ‘the righteous who suffer.’ The moment I understand that my children were chosen to be the most elite unit, in the sense of offerings of Israel, I understand that this has supreme value. We are guests in this world. These children accomplished in a short time what others do not accomplish in a long time. These are special souls who came to sanctify Hashem’s name in their lives and in their deaths.”

Concluding his remarks, Rabbi Biton expressed a message of unwavering belief. “In the end I came to understand the meaning that the passing of the righteous leaves an impact. The children completed their mission in this world, and in their lives and in their deaths they were not separated. They merited to be buried on Har Hazeisim. There is pain that a human being cannot comprehend, a very difficult test, but Hashem did what is best for us and for them. He wants to lead us to a better reality, and we must accept things with faith.”

{Matzav.com}

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sparked a political storm Monday after outlining a series of positions on religion and state that drew strong reactions across Israel’s political spectrum, with left-wing figures welcoming his remarks and chareidi parties responding with sharp criticism.

In what some observers described as an effort to regain political support amid declining poll numbers, Bennett—who currently leads the “Bennett 2026” party and is positioning himself for a potential return to leadership—made comments addressing public transportation on Shabbos and the issue of marriage in Israel.

Speaking in an interview with Army Radio, Bennett said, “It is necessary to allow cities to choose whether they want to operate public transportation on Shabbos.” He also expressed support for broader access to marriage, stating that he supports marriage “for anyone who wants.” He added, “My compass on this issue is common sense and fairness.”

Expanding on his position regarding transportation, Bennett said, “I am in favor of every Israeli being able to get where they need to go. I think we should allow each city to decide its character. For example, in a chareidi city like Bnei Brak there will not be public transportation, and in a city like Tel Aviv it will be decided that there will be public transportation—that is respect.”

His remarks were quickly embraced by Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, who wrote in response: “Bennett, welcome. Civil marriage in a liberal democratic state is something that is required. This is our Judaism, and we will demand it in the guiding principles of the next government. You have come a long way from the Jewish Home to here. It is nice to see that even in politics there are positive surprises and that even on the right they understand that only a strong liberal Israel will prevail.”

Golan added, “I hope Bennett’s journey continues one more step toward the necessary understanding that diplomatic moves, separation from annexation fantasies, and courageous decisions are the right and only path to real security.”

Chareidi parties responded forcefully, accusing Bennett of abandoning core Jewish values for political gain. The Shas party stated: “Someone who, for the sake of politics, is willing to sell the Jewish identity of the state—the holy Shabbos and marriage according to the law of Moshe and Israel—it will not be long before he also sells the Land of Israel and the settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria.”

Yitzchak Goldknopf, chairman of United Torah Judaism, also dismissed Bennett’s statements, saying: “I would not be impressed by Bennett’s promises of civil marriage and Shabbos desecration. He also promised not to sit with Mansour Abbas and signed on air that he would not allow Lapid to become prime minister. Even on the left they know that this is someone who misleads the public and votes.”

{Matzav.com}

Rav Yitzchak Yosef, the former Rishon LeZion, issued a powerful letter to yeshiva bochurim at the opening of the summer zman, urging them to remain strong in their Torah study despite mounting external pressures and internal challenges.

The message comes at a sensitive time, as a ceasefire in the war with Iran holds, tensions continue along Israel’s northern border, and legal battles and government actions affecting yeshiva bochurim remain ongoing.

In his letter, Rav Yosef emphasized the tremendous privilege of being part of the yeshiva world, describing bochurim as soldiers in Hashem’s army who carry the banner of Torah. He stressed that even those who feel they are not succeeding in their studies are still part of this mission and play a vital role.

He warned that the yetzer hara seeks to weaken bochurim, especially during uncertain times, including the current security situation. Nonetheless, he called on them to strengthen themselves and recognize the immense value of every individual who dedicates himself to Torah study, even when progress feels limited.

Addressing the growing criticism directed at yeshiva bochurim, Rav Yosef wrote: “We have many enemies from within and without, and there are those who spread contempt and hatred against yeshiva students out of a lack of understanding of their eternal greatness. Those unfortunate individuals have not merited to see the light, and deep down they know they are in darkness.”

He urged bochurim to appreciate the importance of Torah learning, particularly during difficult times, and called on those studying abroad to return to Israel. “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Torah is the greatest protection,” he wrote, encouraging them to return to the study halls as soon as possible.

Citing the Rambam, Rav Yosef explained that those who dedicate themselves to Torah are comparable to Shevet Levi, who were set apart for spiritual service and exempt from military duty. He quoted: “All the tribe of Levi is warned not to inherit… because they are set aside to serve Hashem… therefore they are separated from the ways of the world; they do not wage war like the rest of Israel.”

He added that this concept extends beyond that tribe, applying to anyone who chooses to devote his life to serving Hashem through Torah study, thereby attaining a uniquely elevated status.

To illustrate the impact of Torah learning, Rav Yosef shared a well-known story about the Chofetz Chaim. At a fundraising event for a hospital, wealthy donors pledged to sponsor beds. When asked how many beds yeshiva bochurim had contributed, the Chofetz Chaim replied that each student had donated fifty beds, explaining that through the merit of their Torah learning, they prevent illness and suffering.

Rav Yosef concluded by encouraging continued support for Torah study and praising the rabbanim who dedicate themselves to guiding bochurim with patience and care, emphasizing that the entire world exists in the merit of those who learn Torah.

Two suspects were arrested Tuesday evening in Beit Shemesh after being caught tearing down Israeli flags that had been placed throughout the city ahead of Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers.

According to a police statement, officers observed the pair in the act of removing and desecrating the flags, disrupting public order. Police units at the scene quickly identified the suspects and apprehended them.

The two were taken to the local police station for questioning, and authorities will later determine whether to request an extension of their detention in court.

Police strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “a disgraceful and despicable act,” and emphasized the severity of the offense given the timing—on the eve of Memorial Day, when citizens across Israel pause to remember those who fell in the country’s wars.

Authorities added that they will continue to act decisively against any harm to state symbols or disturbances of public order, particularly during such sensitive days.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yehoshua Betzalel HaKohen Kaplan zt”l, a longtime menahel at Yeshivas Or Somayach, who was known for his lifelong dedication to Torah, chesed, and his unwavering commitment to Birchas Kohanim. He was 88.

The niftar, who lived on Rechov Panim Meiros in the Matersdorf neighborhood of Yerushalayim, served for decades as one of the מנהלים of Yeshivas Or Somayach, where he played a key role in sustaining the mosad through tireless fundraising and devotion.

Rav Kaplan, a son of Rav Yisroel Isaac HaKohen Kaplan zt”l, was deeply connected to Torah from a young age. In his youth, he learned at Yeshivas Telz in Cleveland. Upon reaching marriageable age, he married the daughter of Rav Tzvi Yaakov HaKohen Isbee zt”l.

Throughout his life, he remained closely connected to his rabbeim from Telz Cleveland, from whom he also received semichah.

He invested tremendous effort in raising funds for Ohr Somayach with true mesirus nefesh. He was known as a rodef tzedakah v’chesed, quietly assisting many and dedicating himself to helping others.

He was particularly meticulous in his עבודת התפילה, ensuring to daven vasikin regularly. Most notably, he was known for never missing an opportunity to participate in Birkas Kohanim, traveling between multiple minyanim in order to both give and receive the brocha. For many years, he was careful that no brachah would leave his lips without others answering amein.

In recent months, his health declined, and he was hospitalized several times due to pneumonia. In his final days, his condition worsened, with increasing weakness and difficulty breathing, until he was niftar Monday morning.

He is survived by a distinguished family of children and sons-in-law who continue in the path of Torah and mitzvos. Among his sons-in-law is the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Keter Torah, Rav Avrohom Moshe Ziskind.

He was also the brother of Rav Shlomo HaKohen Kaplan zt”l, a R”M at Yeshivas Aish HaTorah.

The levayah was held at his home at 5 Rechov Panim Meiros in Matersdorf, proceeding to Har Hazeisim for kevurah.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

An antisemitic sign reportedly posted at a hotel in the city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, declaring that entry is forbidden to both animals and Jews, has drawn strong condemnation from Israeli officials.

According to a report by Ynet, the sign explicitly stated that “no entry is allowed for animals and Jews,” and included images of a dog and a Star of David crossed out.

Israel’s embassy responsible for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan issued a sharp response, denouncing the display and its offensive message.

In an official statement, the embassy described the sign as a deeply offensive and unacceptable expression that contradicts fundamental principles of human dignity, equality, and tolerance. The statement emphasized that the message contained clear antisemitic content and labeled it “a serious act that harms universal values.” Officials stressed that any form of discrimination—whether based on ethnicity, religion, or any other factor—must be met with a firm and unequivocal response.

The embassy also stated that Israel expects local authorities in Kyrgyzstan to take appropriate action to address the incident and ensure that similar occurrences do not happen again.

Osh, the country’s second-largest city, has a predominantly Muslim population. Israel does not maintain a permanent embassy in Kyrgyzstan, with diplomatic relations handled through its embassy in Kazakhstan.

{Matzav.com}