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Organizers of President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 celebration say vandals deliberately damaged event equipment, causing a fuel leak that contaminated underground rainwater collection tanks beneath the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

According to Freedom 250 spokeswoman Rachel Reisner, the incident occurred after someone cut a fuel line connected to a generator powering temporary lighting installed for a May 17 event. The damaged line allowed fuel to escape and enter underground cisterns used to collect rainwater.

“Following the Freedom 250 team’s installation of temporary lighting on the National Mall, our equipment has been repeatedly targeted by vandals. The recent fuel leak was the direct result of that tampering,” she said.

Reisner said organizers responded immediately after discovering the problem and worked with federal authorities and contractors to address the contamination.

“Upon discovering damage to a generator fuel line, Freedom 250 and our vendors mobilized within minutes, coordinated an immediate cleanup response, and fully remediated the site in close partnership with the National Park Service,” Reisner went on.

She added that the organization is treating the incident seriously and is cooperating with investigators.

“We take our responsibility as stewards of the National Mall seriously and are working closely with the appropriate law enforcement authorities regarding these acts of vandalism.”

Initial reports suggested that approximately 30 gallons of fuel may have spilled beneath the National Mall. However, sources later indicated that the actual amount appears to have been significantly smaller.

Officials said the leak did not affect any drinking water supplies.

The lighting equipment had been installed in preparation for “Rededicate 250,” a large gathering featuring prayer services and musical performances, along with appearances by religious and political leaders, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Cleanup efforts remained visible this week. On Monday, a mobile command vehicle operated by an environmental remediation company was stationed on the National Mall near the affected area.

Freedom 250 was created by the Trump administration as a public-private partnership to help coordinate events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The initiative is distinct from America250, a congressionally established nonprofit organization launched a decade ago and overseen by a bipartisan coalition of elected officials and private citizens.

Administration officials said concerns about vandalism have prompted heightened vigilance as preparations continue for upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations.

“Just last week, an individual cut a fuel line to a light tower in an attempt to stop the great work being done to celebrate our nation’s 250th,” a spokesperson for the US Department of the Interior told The NY Post.

Federal officials vowed that such actions would not derail the anniversary events or broader efforts underway in the nation’s capital.

“This is unhinged behavior that will not be tolerated. To be crystal clear: We will not be stopped,” the DOI spokesperson added. “This administration continues to revitalize the city at record speed. Our nation’s capital has never been this safe and beautiful, and it’s all thanks to President Donald J. Trump.”

{Matzav.com}

A prominent conservative healthcare policy organization is raising concerns that millions of Americans may be enrolled in subsidized Obamacare plans without meeting eligibility requirements, a situation it says could cost taxpayers up to $25 billion this year alone.

In a newly released study, the Paragon Health Institute, headed by former Trump economic adviser Brian Blase, estimates that approximately 6.2 million individuals who obtained coverage through Affordable Care Act exchanges in 2025 may not qualify for the subsidies they received.

According to the report, those potentially ineligible enrollees account for roughly 25 percent of all people currently covered through ACA marketplace plans.

The findings arrive as the Trump administration continues its campaign to identify waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs. The report is likely to intensify scrutiny of Obamacare, a law President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized.

Drawing on federal enrollment figures and Census Bureau data, Paragon argues that the number of Americans receiving subsidized marketplace coverage substantially exceeds the number who appear eligible based on income information.

“Obamacare enrollment over the last few years has been inflated by improper and phantom enrollees, and those enrollees are expensive to the taxpayer,” Blase told The Washington Post.

Blase said the issue appears especially pronounced in certain states, including Florida and Texas.

“The problem is more severe in states that did not expand Medicaid, because in those states there’s incentives to overestimate income and claim a subsidy,” Blase said.

Federal health officials have previously acknowledged concerns about enrollment accuracy within the ACA system.

A spokesman for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services told The Washington Post that agency estimates indicated as many as 4.4 million enrollments during 2024 may have been improper.

The Government Accountability Office has also highlighted vulnerabilities in the program. In a report released in December, investigators said they were able to exploit weaknesses in the system.

“For example, we were able to get subsidized insurance for fake enrollees.”

Even experts who question some of Paragon’s conclusions have acknowledged that abuse of the enrollment process exists.

“There is clear evidence that, in 2024, rogue brokers improperly enrolled or switched the enrollment of a few hundred thousand people without their permission,” Jason Levitis of the Urban Institute testified before the Senate Finance Committee.

The Trump administration has already begun implementing measures intended to tighten eligibility standards and improve oversight of ACA enrollment.

During an April interview with Blase, CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz commended Paragon’s work investigating potential fraud and abuse within the healthcare program.

“I like using a scalpel, but there are some times you have to use a meat cleaver because the whole system is in such shock that you need to be able to fix it,” Oz said at the time.

Blase credited the administration with taking meaningful steps to address weaknesses in the system and remove questionable enrollments.

“The Trump administration has come in and is trying to clean up some of the obvious stuff,” Blase said.

As part of a broader effort to protect taxpayer funds, the White House’s fraud task force is also expected to review enrollment practices within the Affordable Care Act marketplace and examine whether additional safeguards are needed.

{Matzav.com}

As Russia’s war in Ukraine drags on, new reports suggest that senior economic officials in Moscow are raising alarms over the mounting financial burden of the conflict, creating rare signs of disagreement within Vladimir Putin’s government.

According to a Bloomberg report published Tuesday, officials from Russia’s Finance Ministry and central bank have urged the Kremlin to consider reducing military expenditures as budget pressures intensify and economic performance weakens.

The concerns are emerging as Russia moves deeper into the fifth year of its large-scale war against Ukraine. Official figures indicate that by the close of 2025, the federal budget deficit had climbed to 5.9 trillion rubles, or approximately $81 billion, far exceeding original projections. At the same time, expectations for economic growth have been significantly lowered.

Economic policymakers reportedly fear that continuing to pour resources into the war effort will worsen long-term challenges, including inflation, sluggish growth, and increasing strain on Russia’s financial system.

Despite those warnings, the Defense Ministry is reportedly pushing in the opposite direction, seeking up to 3 trillion additional rubles—about $41 billion—to maintain and expand military operations.

Putin has thus far shown little willingness to reduce defense spending and has instead directed government officials to find cuts elsewhere in the federal budget.

The debate over wartime spending comes as Russian forces launched another major assault on Kyiv early Tuesday. Ukrainian officials said the attack killed at least 18 people, including children.

The latest strike signaled that Moscow remains committed to pursuing its military objectives despite growing economic pressures at home.

Authorities in Ukraine reported a barrage of drones and missiles targeting Kyiv and other locations across the country. The attacks were part of an ongoing campaign aimed at weakening Ukraine’s air-defense capabilities, damaging critical infrastructure, and undermining civilian morale.

The developments have highlighted an increasingly difficult balancing act for the Kremlin. While Russian forces continue to intensify operations on several fronts, economic officials are becoming more vocal about the long-term cost of sustaining the war.

Although there is no indication that Putin is considering a change in strategy, the internal discussion suggests that Russian leaders are increasingly grappling with the consequences of funding a lengthy military campaign while operating under sanctions and economic restrictions.

The war has largely settled into a prolonged battle of endurance for both countries.

Ukraine continues to depend heavily on military and financial assistance from Western allies, particularly the United States, while Russia has relied on massive government spending and defense manufacturing to support both the war effort and broader economic activity.

{Matzav.com}

The White House Correspondents’ Association announced Tuesday that its annual dinner has been rescheduled for July 24, nearly three months after the event was postponed following a violent security incident that rattled Washington.

The prestigious black-tie event had originally been set for April 25. Organizers delayed the gathering after alleged would-be assassin Cole Tomas Allen reportedly charged a security checkpoint carrying a rifle and shot a Secret Service agent, whose bulletproof vest prevented a more serious injury.

According to investigators, Allen later outlined his intentions in a manifesto, stating that he sought to assassinate President Donald Trump along with as many members of his Cabinet as possible. He remains in custody while awaiting trial.

In a message sent to members of the White House press corps, WHCA President Weijia Jiang said the organization remains committed to the principles the event is meant to honor.

“The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has served as a celebration of a free press and the vital role of journalism in our democracy for over a century,” WHCA president Weijia Jiang said in an email to members of the press corps.

Jiang said the violence surrounding the original event date only reinforced the importance of the organization’s mission and the constitutional protections journalists rely upon.

“When gunfire interrupted this year’s event, it further clarified the WHCA’s mission to advocate for the freedoms that are protected in the First Amendment. We will not allow an act of violence to have the last word, especially during a year when we are reflecting on the 250th anniversary of America and everything we stand for.”

It remains unclear whether President Trump will attend the rescheduled dinner, as no announcement regarding his plans has yet been made.

{Matzav.com}

Singer and composer Bentzi Stein found himself at the center of a humorous radio prank after receiving an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be a senior police officer investigating him over songs he performed in support of lomdei Torah and opposition to the enlistment and imprisonment of bnei yeshiva.

The prank aired on Menachem Toker’s popular Kol Chai radio program Zman Avir and provided listeners with an entertaining segment that quickly became a topic of conversation.

To carry out the stunt, Kol Chai broadcaster and impressionist Yehuda Shukrun posed as “Chief Superintendent Avner Moualem,” allegedly the head of a cybercrime and incitement unit within the Israel Police.

During the call, Shukrun informed Stein that he was being investigated for remarks and songs he had performed at a recent event.

According to the fake officer, “Yesterday you made statements that constitute incitement,” and as a result, Stein was required to report for questioning.

At the time of the call, Stein was reportedly busy picking up his children from an educational program. Although surprised by the conversation, he remained calm and good-natured throughout the exchange.

When the supposed police commander attempted to schedule an interrogation and asked what time would be convenient for him to appear, Stein jokingly suggested “7:30 in the morning.”

As the conversation continued, Stein hinted that he suspected something was amiss and suggested that the caller might be using artificial intelligence or participating in a prank, indicating that he was not entirely convinced by the officer’s story.

A short time later, Toker revealed the truth live on the air, informing Stein that the call had actually been a prank orchestrated by Yehuda Shukrun.

The revelation triggered laughter in the studio, with Toker complimenting Stein for recognizing the joke almost immediately.

“Bentzi figured you out from the very beginning,” Toker told Shukrun as the participants laughed about the failed attempt to fool the singer.

Even after the prank was exposed, the conversation continued in a lighthearted atmosphere. Toker, Shukrun, and Stein exchanged friendly jokes and playful barbs, providing listeners with an unusual and memorable radio moment that ended with laughter and mutual compliments all around.

{Matzav.com}

A senior Shas official says the party is abandoning its previous approach to the draft crisis and preparing for a much more aggressive campaign on behalf of bnei yeshiva, following what he described as a breakdown in efforts to reach an agreement with coalition partners.

Speaking after a Shas faction meeting that lasted nearly four hours, MK Chaim Biton said party leaders concluded that existing strategies had run their course amid mounting arrests of yeshiva students and growing pressure on the Torah world.

“I don’t remember such a long faction meeting,” Biton said, explaining that the discussion focused almost entirely on the challenges facing the chareidi community and the detention of bnei yeshiva.

According to Biton, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri spent years attempting to resolve the issue from within the government and the right-wing coalition framework. However, he said recent developments have convinced party leaders that a new approach is necessary.

“I think this is where the realization finally came that this is no longer possible, and that we need to go out and pursue new courses of action,” he said.

Biton stressed that the effort to advance a Basic Law protecting Torah study is not merely symbolic but part of what he described as a comprehensive strategy designed to strengthen the status of lomdei Torah in Israeli society.

He acknowledged that many within the chareidi public feel frustrated with political leadership, but argued that much of the struggle has taken place behind closed doors and therefore remained invisible to the public.

“The most frustrating thing is when something is happening in a closed room and you want to scream about it, but you can’t,” Biton said.

According to him, concerns over legal intervention and actions by the Attorney General frequently prevented public disclosure of efforts being made to find solutions.

“Only a few days ago it was decided that there will be no draft law, period.”

One of the most significant announcements during the interview involved plans for a broader and more coordinated public campaign.

Biton revealed that Shas is working with United Torah Judaism to establish a joint command center that would coordinate future responses to the crisis.

“We want to establish a joint command center together, and that command center will deal with all of these issues,” he said.

He indicated that the public should expect concrete action in the coming days rather than additional statements or declarations.

“From now on, you are going to see a determined, tough struggle here that, with Hashem’s help, will also produce results.”

Biton also leveled sharp criticism at law-enforcement authorities over the handling of arrests involving yeshiva students.

He described a reality in which avreichim fear even routine interactions with police officers because of concerns that such encounters could lead to detention.

“He is afraid that a police officer will stop him for a traffic violation, because then he will arrest him for learning Torah,” Biton claimed.

At the same time, he praised several Likud lawmakers—including Dudi Amsalem, Tally Gotliv, Galit Distel, and Avichai Boaron—for what he said has been their consistent support for lomdei Torah and their willingness to defend the Torah world publicly.

Concluding the interview, Biton delivered a direct message both to the chareidi public and to coalition partners.

While acknowledging that the chareidi parties have thus far failed to achieve their objectives regarding the draft issue, he insisted that a new phase has now begun.

“There will never be a situation in which we abandon our bochurim,” he declared.

“We tried everything. It’s over. Now we are working with a new method, a new path.”

Biton said the decisions reached during the lengthy faction meeting mark the beginning of a broader campaign aimed at restoring what he described as the dignity and sense of security of lomdei Torah, which he believes have been severely damaged in recent months.

{Matzav.com}

The father of a yeshiva bochur who has been held in military prison for more than a week says his family continues to live with uncertainty and anxiety as they await news of when their son will finally appear before a military court.

Meir Levy, whose son Yosef Levy remains incarcerated, spoke Monday night in an interview with Kol Chai Radio, describing the emotional toll the detention has taken on the family and recounting a recent visit with his son inside the prison.

According to Levy, family members have maintained regular contact with Yosef since his arrest and were recently granted an in-person visit after eight days in custody.

“We met with him, spoke with him, talked together, and strengthened one another. His nephew also came to cheer him up,” Levy said.

The father described the difficult conditions faced by many bnei yeshiva in military detention, saying the environment is far removed from the atmosphere to which they are accustomed.

“There is a lot of shouting, a style that is not suitable for a ben Torah,” he said.

Levy explained that after the initial shock of imprisonment wore off, the detainees have been trying to adapt by maintaining learning schedules and preserving as much normalcy as possible.

“After the initial shock, they try to adjust, learn, and continue their routine as much as they can,” he said, adding that “it is not easy at all.”

Discussing the circumstances of the arrest, Levy said military authorities arrived at the family home with a formal arrest warrant and took his son into custody there.

“They came to him with a proper arrest warrant,” he said.

News of the arrest spread quickly through the community, and within a short time hundreds of bnei yeshiva and avreichim reportedly gathered outside the police station where Yosef was initially being held.

“Within 20 minutes, 500 bochurim and avreichim arrived,” Levy recalled.

The father said he has been spending much of his time near the prison and has become acquainted with the families of other detainees being held there.

According to Levy, the prison population includes Sephardic, Chassidic, and Litvish yeshiva students, all facing similar uncertainty regarding their legal proceedings.

He said the lack of information about when Yosef will appear before a judge has been among the most difficult aspects of the ordeal.

“We are simply waiting,” Levy said, noting that the family still has not been informed when a hearing will take place.

Toward the end of the interview, Levy described the atmosphere of anxiety that now hangs over his household.

He said his wife recently told him, “Every knock on the door makes my heart tremble.”

Levy also called for unity within the chareidi community and expressed gratitude to the organizations, activists, and public officials who have been assisting families of detained bnei yeshiva.

He singled out MK Moshe Abutbul for special appreciation after the Knesset member visited him near the prison to offer support and encouragement.

“It really lifted my spirits,” Levy said.

Abutbul later raised the family’s situation during remarks in the Knesset, where he publicly shared Yosef Levy’s story and offered words of support to the family as they continue waiting for his release.

{Matzav.com}

As the wave of arrests involving yeshiva bochurim continues to stir concern throughout the Torah world, Rav Avraham Salim, a member of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, personally reached out to the mother of a bochur currently being held in military prison, offering words of encouragement and support during a difficult time.

The phone call was made to the mother of Meir Sabag, a talmid of Yeshivas Darchei Ish in Moshav Tirosh, who is presently incarcerated in a military detention facility. According to reports, the conversation was arranged through the Chayei Olam organization.

During the call, Rav Salim sought not only to be mechazeik the family, but also to convey what he described as the importance of the sacrifices being made by lomdei Torah in the current climate.

Earlier, speaking at a gathering focused on the challenges facing the Torah world, Rav Salim sharply criticized government policy regarding the draft issue.

“Israel’s government has surrendered to the left because of political considerations and is persecuting Torah learners in every possible way. Haba litamei poschin lo—they have chosen to descend to the point of causing others to sin.”

He continued with an emotional appeal directed at government and law-enforcement leaders.

“I say from here to the leaders of the government and the police: It shall not be. Chas v’shalom, not a single hair from the head of a Torah learner should fall to the ground.”

Rav Salim also emphasized what he sees as the unique role of Torah learners within Klal Yisroel.

“Although we are citizens living in the State of Israel, we are not the property of the State of Israel. Those who learn the holy Torah are the spiritual treasure of all of Klal Yisroel throughout the world. From this wellspring people draw Torah, yiras Shamayim, and the mesorah of Israel. The Torah is our life. It preserved us and accompanied us throughout the long years of exile, and through its light we continue forward. Torah learners are a permanent possession of Klal Yisroel everywhere, and this has been demonstrated by the generosity of Jews throughout the world who have dedicated their resources to support the holy Torah in Eretz Yisroel so that it should never, chas v’shalom, fall.”

During his conversation with Sabag’s mother, Rav Salim stressed that her son’s imprisonment should be viewed within the broader context of what he called the struggle of Torah learners throughout the country.

“Your son and all the Torah learners who have been arrested are making a great Kiddush Hashem.”

The rav added that at a recent gathering dedicated to strengthening the Torah world, he spoke at length about what he described as the extraordinary mesirus nefesh being displayed by Sephardic yeshiva bochurim.

He said that rather than weakening their resolve, the current pressures have only strengthened their commitment.

“Even when they are arrested and all these decrees are directed against them, nothing moves them. They are giving up of themselves so that Torah can continue and endure.”

Rav Salim concluded the conversation with words of encouragement and a heartfelt tefillah for Meir Sabag and other detained yeshiva students.

“The entire Torah world is davening for him and for all the yeshiva bochurim who have been arrested. B’ezras Hashem, Meir will be released soon. May you merit a complete recovery, much nachas, and may the salvation come במהרה.”

Sabag was arrested last week during what supporters described as a planned police operation on the road between Beit Shemesh and Moshav Tirosh. According to accounts from those involved, officers initially told the bochurim that no arrests would take place and that only summonses would be issued. Approximately fifteen minutes later, detectives reportedly arrived, placed Sabag in handcuffs, and transferred him to military custody.

Rav Salim’s phone call joins a series of recent efforts by senior Torah leaders to support arrested yeshiva bochurim and their families.

Several months ago, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch and members of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah visited Military Prison 10 to encourage imprisoned bnei Torah, a visit that left a strong impression on many participants.

More recently, Rav Moshe Sternbuch warmly received a bochur who had been released after serving twenty days in military prison, referring to him as a “partner of the Ribbono Shel Olam” and offering him special words of blessing.

Within the yeshiva world, many viewed Rav Salim’s personal outreach as a powerful expression of leadership and responsibility toward the families of detained bnei yeshiva. Community leaders said the conversation provided significant encouragement not only to the Sabag family, but also to many others facing similar challenges.

The call comes amid a noticeable increase in arrests involving yeshiva students. Last Friday, two talmidim from Yeshivas Maalos HaTorah were detained on Route 6, an incident that sparked widespread concern throughout the chareidi community and led to calls for emergency gatherings and additional public action.

{Matzav.com}

Conservative commentator Mark Levin is calling for a federal investigation into the leak of details from a reported phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, arguing that the disclosure harmed U.S. and Israeli interests while benefiting Iran and Hezbollah.

The controversy erupted after Axios reported Monday that Trump had a heated phone exchange with Netanyahu. According to the report, which cited anonymous sources, the president expressed anger over Israel’s actions in Lebanon and reportedly accused Netanyahu of acting recklessly and showing a lack of appreciation. The report claimed Trump demanded to know, “What …. are you doing?” during the conversation.

The article appeared shortly after Iranian state media reported that Tehran had suspended negotiations with the United States, blaming Israel’s military activity in Lebanon following Hezbollah rocket attacks against Israel.

Levin responded forcefully on X, directing his criticism at the leak itself and the individuals who provided information to Axios reporter Barak Ravid.

“THE LEAK IN AXIOS WAS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW AND PROVIDED SUPPORT TO THE IRANIAN REGIME AND ITS HEZBOLLAH PROXY,” he wrote. “Whomever leaked that story to [Barak] Ravid at Axios did a grave disservice to our country, to our president, to Israel, and to Israel’s prime minister. The Iranian regime will benefit from that leak, viewing us as weak and desperate for a deal — even coming to Hezbollah’s defense. The Israeli people will also be furious. The missiles are aimed at them, not Washington.”

Levin further argued that the publication of details from a private discussion between world leaders could undermine both military and diplomatic objectives. He maintained that the fallout extends beyond Israel and could negatively affect American strategic interests as well.

“And for 100 other reasons, what was thought to be a devastating political hit on Netanyahu by the leakers about a private call between heads of state has done much damage to us and our military and our diplomatic strategy,” Levin continued. “And if the leakers or others believe Israel should abandon its survival for some deal, they will have a very hard lesson to learn. If the substance of the call is accurate, it is bad enough in my view. Will there be an FBI investigation to determine who leaked? If not, why not?”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump announced Tuesday that Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte will serve as acting director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who is set to leave the position at the end of June.

Trump revealed the appointment in a Truth Social post, highlighting Pulte’s experience overseeing major financial institutions and government-backed mortgage enterprises.

“William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago,” Trump wrote on Truth Social in revealing the surprise pick.

“During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Congratulations to Director Pulte!”

The selection caught many by surprise, as Pulte’s background is rooted primarily in finance and housing oversight rather than intelligence or national security. Even while taking on the temporary intelligence post, he will continue leading the Federal Housing Finance Agency and serving as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

If Trump ultimately chooses to nominate Pulte to hold the intelligence position permanently, the appointment would require confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

Gabbard’s tenure as director of national intelligence is scheduled to conclude on June 30. She announced last month that she would be stepping down after her husband, Abraham, was diagnosed with bone cancer.

At 38, Pulte is best known as the founder of Twitter Philanthropy, the CEO of Pulte Capital, and the grandson of renowned homebuilding and real estate businessman William J. Pulte.

Pulte has also drawn attention during his time at the housing agency for aggressively pursuing allegations against several political figures aligned against Trump. Among those actions were criminal referrals involving New York Attorney General Letitia James and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over claims of mortgage fraud.

{Matzav.com}

A newly released national survey points to a significant transformation in how Israelis view themselves, with a growing majority now identifying first and foremost as Jews rather than simply as Israelis.

The findings, contained in the 2026 Diaspora Index presented this week to President Isaac Herzog, indicate a sharp strengthening of Jewish identity across Israeli society. According to the survey, 57 percent of Israelis now say they view themselves as Jewish before they view themselves as Israeli, a substantial increase from 34 percent who gave that answer just one year ago.

The report also found widespread pride in Jewish identity among the Israeli public. Eighty-seven percent of respondents said they are proud of their Jewish identity, while 85 percent said they view Judaism as belonging to a people united by a shared history and collective heritage.

Perhaps most notably, the trend extends well beyond the traditionally religious sectors. According to the survey, 82 percent of secular Israelis view Judaism as an important source of identity and values.

Researchers behind the study described the phenomenon as a process of “identity convergence,” arguing that many Israelis are reconnecting with their historical and national roots while simultaneously feeling a stronger bond with Jewish communities around the world.

Presenting the report, President Isaac Herzog emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties between Israel and Diaspora Jewry.

He described the relationship with Jewish communities abroad as “a value of the highest order” and an inseparable part of the Jewish people’s collective future.

In an effort to strengthen those connections, the Israeli government has already approved programs totaling more than 100 million shekels aimed at expanding Jewish education and deepening engagement with Jewish communities throughout the world.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said the survey’s findings underscore the importance of investing in Jewish identity for future generations.

“The most important investment is in Jewish education—the foundation of identity and the future of the Jewish people,” Shikli said.

{Matzav.com}

A yeshiva bochur who was recently released from military detention visited leading Torah figures this week to receive their brachos, including a widely discussed meeting with Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, during which the rosh yeshiva questioned him extensively about the circumstances surrounding his arrest and release.

Reuven Lamnatzeach, a talmid of Yeshivas Kibbutz Givat Ze’ev, was detained late last week while traveling to yeshiva on Route 1. After being stopped by police, he was transferred to military authorities and held in military prison until his release on Sunday.

Immediately after leaving custody, Lamnatzeach traveled to Bnei Brak together with his rosh yeshiva, Rav Dovid Boaron, to seek the blessings of senior Torah leaders.

Their first stop was the home of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, where the rosh yeshiva listened carefully as Lamnatzeach described the details of his arrest.

During a conversation that was recorded and later circulated widely, Rav Hirsch sought to understand exactly how the incident unfolded.

“Where did they catch you?” the rosh yeshiva asked.

“On the way to yeshiva,” Lamnatzeach replied.

Rav Boaron added that the arrest occurred on Route 1 and involved an unmarked vehicle.

“On Route 1, an undercover car—you couldn’t tell it was police,” he explained.

Lamnatzeach then described the arrest itself.

“I was in a car with a friend. Suddenly they stopped us and then they took me away in handcuffs.”

Rav Hirsch immediately asked what had happened to the other passenger.

“And what about your friend?”

“No, they released my friend,” the bochur responded.

The exchange then took an unexpected turn.

“Is your friend Ashkenazi?” Rav Hirsch asked.

The bochur answered: “No, he looks Ashkenazi, and because of that they released him.”

Rav Boaron responded with a sigh, saying, “Unfortunately, that’s what is happening. When will this end?”

Rav Hirsch continued asking about the arrest and sought additional details regarding the officer involved.

“The police officer who arrested you, was he Sephardi or Ashkenazi?”

“I think Sephardi,” the bochur replied.

Rav Boaron again asked emotionally, “Until when, Rosh Yeshiva? When will this end?”

Rav Hirsch’s answer was brief but striking.

“It has not even begun yet.”

The conversation took place amid a series of recent arrests involving yeshiva students. Last week, two talmidim from Yeshivas Maalos HaTorah were detained on Route 6, including Michoel Petrov, the son of the yeshiva’s rosh yeshiva, Rav Yosef Petrov.

In a separate incident, two additional yeshiva bochurim from Yeshivas Mishkan Dovid were reportedly transferred to military authorities after being detained by officers from the Shaar Binyamin police station.

After meeting with Rav Hirsch, Lamnatzeach and Rav Boaron continued their visits to other leading Torah figures, including the Belzer Rebbe, to receive additional brachos.

The arrests have prompted increasingly forceful responses from rabbinic leaders. Rav Ezriel Auerbach, leader of the Yerushalmi faction, recently issued a public call urging protests against the arrests.

“It is not a time to remain silent, and every ben Torah has a doubled and redoubled obligation to protest the humiliation of Torah and its learners,” Rav Auerbach wrote.

Large demonstrations organized by the Yerushalmi faction were held Sunday in Yerushalayim, Bnei Brak, and other locations across the country in protest of the recent arrests.

At the same time, reports have emerged that the Military Police are preparing for another large-scale arrest operation in the Gush Dan area in the coming days. According to reports, Israel Police requested that the operation be delayed because of operational demands and ongoing security concerns in northern Israel.

Rav Boaron previously delivered an emotional address in which he described learning of his talmid’s arrest only hours after parting from him at the end of the evening seder.

“I said goodbye to him at the end of third seder around 11:00 at night,” the rosh yeshiva recalled. “The next morning I woke up to a phone call from activists informing me that my student had been arrested.”

“We are living through the darkest of times, like the period of the Romans,” he declared in remarks that generated significant discussion throughout the yeshiva world.

{Matzav.com}

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri has called on United Torah Judaism to establish a joint command center to coordinate the chareidi parties’ response to the ongoing draft crisis and the growing pressure facing bnei yeshiva.

In a message directed to UTJ leaders, Deri urged the parties to work together in a unified effort to defend the interests of the olam haTorah.

“Let us join hands, establish a joint command center, and together handle all the operational steps and management of the struggle in order to achieve real results for the Torah world,” Deri said.

According to the proposal, the two parties would launch a broad public-relations and advocacy campaign aimed at strengthening support for bnei yeshiva and improving public understanding of the Torah world’s position. The initiative would seek to ensure that every ben yeshiva can continue to walk proudly and confidently despite the current atmosphere.

Deri expressed confidence that the present tensions are temporary and would eventually pass.

“What is happening in the streets right now is only a temporary period of hester panim, and very soon matters will return to their proper place,” he said.

In an official communication sent by Shas to United Torah Judaism, the party described the current situation as an unprecedented challenge facing lomdei Torah throughout the country.

“Due to the grave situation facing Torah learners in our country and their daily persecution by the dismissed Attorney General through increasingly harsh sanctions and the arrest of cherished yeshiva students who are engaged in Torah study, the Shas faction held a lengthy and in-depth meeting on the matter today and, in light of the complexity of the situation, decided to call upon your faction to establish a joint command center for the struggle and for operational solutions to the situation. Our strength lies in our unity.”

The proposal comes amid escalating tensions over the arrest of bnei yeshiva classified as draft evaders and growing calls within the chareidi community for a coordinated political and public response.

UTJ chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf responded to Deri’s proposal with a pointed statement, welcoming the initiative while criticizing what he described as years of delay by Shas.

“We welcome Aryeh Deri’s blessed awakening, which comes three years late. It is good that Shas has finally reached the painful conclusion that United Torah Judaism has been warning about for a long time: Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu must understand that commitments must be honored, and that he cannot continue with delays and repeated excuses while the Torah world is forced to pay the price.”

{Matzav.com}

Yanky Goldhaber, a popular social media personality and a chareidi soldier serving in a special IDF unit that encourages chareidi enlistment, says he was spat on by a chareidi man while traveling on a bus. Goldhaber shared details of the encounter in a post on social media, describing what he said was a painful experience that reflected the deep tensions surrounding the draft issue within the chareidi community.

According to Goldhaber, the incident occurred while he was traveling to central Israel in uniform.

“I was sitting in my uniform on the way to the center of the country, and he spat on me. Literally.”

Despite the encounter, Goldhaber said he did not view the individual who spat on him as an extremist and expressed sympathy for the environment that may have shaped his views.

“The truth is that I have no complaints against him. He didn’t seem like one of the extremists,” Goldhaber wrote.

He argued that many people have come to view soldiers negatively because of the broader conflict surrounding the enlistment of bnei yeshiva.

“Still, he spat on me because we, as a country, as an army, and as citizens, have caused him to hate every type of soldier.”

Goldhaber said that in the eyes of some within the community, every chareidi soldier is automatically labeled a Chardak and viewed as part of a system perceived as hostile to lomdei Torah.

“Every soldier to him is a Chardak (chareidi kal daas),” he wrote.

He continued by explaining what he believes motivates such hostility.

“He thinks that we are persecuting Torah learners, chas v’shalom, sending some of them to detention and prison, so is it any wonder that they hate us?”

Addressing the broader debate over the enlistment of chareidim, Goldhaber said the issue is complex but stressed that the animosity he witnessed was rooted in larger societal tensions rather than personal hatred.

“Should a solution be found for the enlistment of chareidim? Maybe yes and maybe not, but the hatred that I saw in his eyes was definitely not personal hatred. It’s only because a tango requires two sides.”

Goldhaber concluded by calling for an end to hostility and emphasizing that violence will not resolve the dispute.

“Let’s just say that nothing will be accomplished through violence. I promise!”

{Matzav.com}

A 25-year-old yeshiva bochur was seriously injured Monday evening after being struck by a motorcycle during a Peleg Yerushalmi protest on Route 4 near the Ganot Interchange in central Israel. He was transported to the hospital in serious condition.

The incident occurred during one of several anti-draft demonstrations held across the country. Emergency responders treated the injured protester at the scene before evacuating him to Sheba Medical Center.

Magen David Adom volunteers Avi Raymond, Naftali Halberstadt, and Moshe Weinman described the scene upon their arrival.

“We saw the pedestrian lying on the side of the road in a semi-conscious state and suffering from severe injuries after being struck by a motorcycle at the protest site. We provided lifesaving medical treatment and evacuated him to the hospital in serious condition.”

According to MDA, the initial report was received by its 101 emergency dispatch center at 6:46 p.m. Medics and paramedics quickly arrived and administered emergency treatment before transporting the victim to the hospital. He remained conscious but suffered injuries to his head and limbs.

The demonstration at the Ganot Interchange took place simultaneously with large anti-draft protests in several areas of Yerushalayim. Police officers moved in to clear demonstrators from the roadway, and the protest caused major traffic congestion along one of Israel’s busiest highways.

As a result of the demonstration, Route 4 was shut down in both directions.

In a statement, police said officers were operating “to clear the roadway, as the protesters are not complying with police instructions. A police officer declared the gathering an unlawful demonstration prior to the use of force and crowd-control measures.”

At the same time, police implemented traffic diversions and attempted to redirect motorists to alternate routes while urging drivers to follow instructions from officers on the scene.

Responding to the broader demonstrations, police emphasized that while the right to protest is respected, public safety remains a priority.

“Israel Police views the right to protest as a cornerstone of a democratic state and permits demonstrations as long as they are conducted within the framework of the law. At the same time, police will not allow disturbances of public order of any kind, violations of freedom of movement, or any conduct that could endanger public safety.”

{Matzav.com}

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a stark warning Monday that antisemitism has reached unprecedented levels in Canada, declaring that the country is failing its Jewish community and unveiling a new federal initiative aimed at confronting anti-Jewish hatred and extremism.

Addressing an audience at Holy Blossom Temple, a Reform synagogue, Carney described the surge in antisemitic incidents as a national emergency that requires direct and focused action from the government.

“The crisis of antisemitism in Canada today is specific, it’s severe and it demands a targeted response,” Carney said. “Canada’s civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians.”

Government figures underscore the severity of the problem. Of the 1,342 religion-based hate crimes reported across Canada in 2024, nearly 70 percent were directed against Jews, despite Jewish Canadians comprising only about 1 percent of the nation’s population.

In response, Carney announced the formation of a new body known as the Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion, which will study antisemitism alongside other forms of hatred and extremism. The council will be led by Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller.

According to Carney, the new council has been tasked with evaluating the causes and scope of antisemitism in Canada, improving the tracking and reporting of hate-related incidents, and reviewing whether current government investments in education, prevention programs, and security measures are producing meaningful results.

The prime minister pointed to a series of attacks targeting Jewish institutions and individuals across the country, including shootings directed at Jewish schools, firebomb attacks on shuls, assaults on Jewish community facilities, vandalism targeting Jewish-owned businesses, and intimidation of Jewish students on university campuses.

“The horror and shame are global. Our actions must be local,” Carney said.

Canada has experienced a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the war that followed in Gaza, mirroring trends seen throughout much of the Western world.

While acknowledging similar developments in Europe, Australia, and the United States, Carney argued that Canada must develop its own strategy to confront the problem at home.

The prime minister also outlined six anti-hate and public-safety initiatives his government has advanced. Among them is legislation designed to strengthen protections for houses of worship, schools, and community centers while creating a specific criminal offense for hate-motivated crimes. The measure passed the House of Commons in March and is currently awaiting action in the Senate.

Carney also highlighted a previously announced commitment of C$75 million to improve security at religious institutions, including synagogues and Jewish day schools. The funding is intended to support enhanced physical security infrastructure and additional protective personnel.

“It pains me that we had to commit $75 million to this, any dollar to this,” he said.

In addition, the federal government directed more than C$36 million last year toward programs aimed at combating violent extremism.

Carney emphasized that efforts to combat antisemitism must not come at the expense of legitimate political debate or free speech.

“I want to be clear about what these potential measures are, and what they are not,” he said. “They are not curtailments of freedom of expression. They are not constraints on legitimate criticism of any government on any subject anywhere.”

He added that the goal is to ensure that all Canadians can participate safely in public life without fear of harassment or exclusion.

“They are the basic standards we owe one another, in our shared public institutions, to ensure that no Canadian community is driven from those institutions by hatred.”

Among those welcoming the speech was Harley Finkelstein, president of Shopify and one of Canada’s most prominent Jewish business leaders, who praised the prime minister’s remarks on social media.

“Canada finally said the quiet part out loud.”

Before Carney delivered his address, Noah Shack, chief executive of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said government leaders must continue strengthening security measures and intensify efforts to combat antisemitism nationwide.

{Matzav.com}

British authorities have denied entry to left-wing media figures Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, preventing both men from traveling to the United Kingdom for scheduled speaking engagements, according to statements they made Monday.

Uygur, the Turkish-American founder and co-host of the popular online program “The Young Turks,” and his nephew, political commentator and livestream personality Hasan Piker, both claimed the decision was tied to their criticism of Israel.

Britain’s Home Office confirmed that travel authorization for the two individuals had been revoked, saying only that “their presence in the UK may not be conducive to the public good.” The government’s statement did not reference Israel or provide additional details regarding the decision.

Both men had been scheduled to appear at the SXSW London festival later this week and were also expected to participate in events at the University of Oxford over the weekend.

After being prevented from traveling, Uygur publicly blamed the decision on his views regarding Israel.

“I’ve been banned for criticizing Israel. Are we free ⁠anymore?” Uygur posted, after he said he tried to board a flight.

Piker likewise accused British authorities of acting on behalf of Israeli interests.

“The UK has revoked my visa as well. All at the behest of Israel.”

According to festival organizers, Piker was slated to participate in a discussion titled “How the American Left Learned to Speak the Internet.”

Uygur, meanwhile, had been scheduled to speak on a panel called “Techno-Feudalism is Here. Who Are the Lords?”

Neither speaker’s event description on the SXSW London website referenced Israel. The festival describes itself as a gathering focused on business, technology, and creativity.

The controversy comes amid ongoing debate over free speech policies in Britain. Over the past year, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have repeatedly expressed concern about what they characterize as restrictions on freedom of expression in the United Kingdom.

The British government has previously taken similar actions against foreign speakers. In May, authorities barred 11 individuals described as “foreign far-right agitators” from entering the country to participate in an event organized by anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson.

Uygur, 56, commands a substantial online audience through “The Young Turks,” which the SXSW London website says generates more than 200 million views each month.

He also briefly sought the Democratic presidential nomination during the 2024 election cycle.

Piker, 34, has become one of the most prominent political personalities on the livestreaming platform Twitch, where, according to SXSW organizers, he regularly draws an audience of approximately 30,000 viewers per day.

{Matzav.com}

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