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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu outlined a new national defense strategy on Sunday, describing a plan focused on strengthening Israel’s military capabilities while ensuring long-term independence in its security posture.

Opening his remarks, Netanyahu stressed Israel’s current strength and the need to maintain a decisive advantage over its adversaries. He said: “Israel is stronger than ever, and Israel must always be much stronger than our enemies. Therefore, I believe in two principles: military buildup and independence.”

As part of the initiative, Netanyahu revealed that Israel will acquire two new squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets to bolster the capabilities of the Israeli Air Force.

Highlighting the importance of the procurement, Netanyahu stated that “these aircraft strengthen Israel’s overwhelming air superiority – superiority that was demonstrated both in ‘Rising Lion’ and now in ‘Roaring Lion.’ Our pilots can reach anywhere in Iranian airspace, and they are prepared to do so if required. We have tremendous aircraft, and we have tremendous pilots.”

{Matzav.com}

With just two days remaining until the Lag BaOmer gathering at Meron, police have begun closing off access routes to the area, even as uncertainty continues over how — or if — the annual event will take place this year in any way, shape or form.

Despite recent changes in Home Front Command guidelines, the site has not been officially declared a closed military zone. However, authorities have not issued entry permits to the mountain, and no public transportation is operating to the location.

Even with those restrictions in place, an estimated 20,000 people were present in Meron over Shabbos. Since the area has not been formally designated as a military zone, officials currently lack the legal authority to evacuate those already there.

Security officials are now preparing to block additional arrivals by shutting down surrounding roads and preventing buses from reaching the site. At the same time, there are concerns that many people will attempt to access Meron on foot through nearby forests — a scenario that has previously led to clashes and unrest. It remains unclear how police intend to handle such developments.

According to a notice circulated to drivers on Motzoei Shabbos, “National traffic police have set up checkpoints on all roads leading to Meron — including Ein Zeitim, Gush Chalav, and the area between Parod. Passage is permitted only to Meron residents or those with special authorization. Pedestrian entry into Meron and to the kever of Rashbi is still allowed without restriction.”

Meanwhile, residents of a nearby moshav have expressed anger over what they say is a new police policy preventing even approved guests from entering. According to residents who spoke with local media, individuals who had rented vacation units in the area were turned away at roadblocks despite the moshav having submitted an organized list of approved guests to authorities. Locals say the decision is causing significant financial losses.

{Matzav.com}

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett renewed his warning against the politicization of public service after senior Israel Police officers attended a birthday celebration for National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Saturday night.

The event, marking Ben Gvir’s 50th birthday, drew attention both for the list of attendees and for its controversial imagery, including themed cakes featuring nooses and firearms.

Ben Gvir, who oversees the police, hosted the gathering at a venue in Moshav Emunim near Ashdod. Among those present were high-ranking politicians, far-right activists, and members of the Israel Police’s General Command Staff.

The minister has already faced scrutiny over alleged attempts to exert influence over law enforcement, including legal challenges filed with the High Court of Justice seeking his removal. The decision by Police Commissioner Danny Levy to permit senior officers to attend the event intensified criticism, with opponents arguing it could compromise the independence of the police.

Bennett, who is campaigning in the upcoming election against the current government, addressed the issue in a post on X, sharing what appeared to be a copy of the invitation and sharply criticizing the approval granted to police leadership. He reiterated his position that public officials must not use their roles for political purposes.

“Tens of thousands of dedicated and good Israeli police officers deserve honest, efficient and statesmanlike command that sets a personal example,” Bennett posted. “Any public servant, in any role and in any government agency, who breaches his fiduciary duty to the country and exploits his role in a political and non-statesmanlike manner, will be immediately dismissed.”

Ben Gvir responded briefly on social media, writing, “Naftali has no friends, and also no work relationships — send him a cake from the party.”

Yesh Atid lawmaker Yoav Segalovitz, a former senior police investigator, also criticized the decision to allow officers to attend, describing it as a “grave incident in the moral and ethical sense.”

Soon after, senior police officials and prominent political figures were seen arriving at the celebration. Among the attendees were far-right personalities, including Yoav Eliasi, known as “The Shadow,” Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, and Bentzi Gopstein, a follower of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane who leads an organization opposing intermarriage.

Reports also indicated that Foreign Minister Yisroel Katz, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Education Minister Yoav Kisch, and Energy Minister Eli Cohen were in attendance.

Senior police leadership was also represented, including Deputy Commissioner Avshalom Peled, Jerusalem District Commander, Southern District Chief Haim Bublil, Israel Prison Service Central District Commander Sagi Shlomi, Southern District Commander Yuval Erlich, and Northern District Commander Shmuel Lavi.

An internal directive from Levy, reported by Hebrew media, clarified that attendance was limited strictly to senior command staff.

“Police officers who are not members of the senior command and have been invited to the event are not permitted to attend,” the memo read.

The controversy extended beyond attendance, with images circulating from the event showing a large three-tier birthday cake presented to Ben Gvir, topped with a golden noose—widely interpreted as a reference to legislation mandating the death penalty for Palestinian terrorists, a policy long championed by Ben Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party and approved by the Knesset in March.

The cake’s lower tier featured two firearms pointed toward a map of Israel, including Gaza and the West Bank, reflecting the minister’s controversial approach to firearm policy, which has been significantly expanded during his tenure.

Additional footage from the event showed Ben Gvir’s wife, Ayala, presenting him with a smaller cake also decorated with an image of a noose.

The inscription on the cake read: “Congratulations to Minister Ben Gvir. Sometimes dreams come true.”

Bennett had first outlined his position earlier in the week during a series of television interviews, following his political alliance with Yair Lapid of the Yesh Atid party as part of efforts to challenge the current government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking to Channel 12, Bennett said public officials would be judged “not on the intentions [of their appointment] but on their performance, what they are doing” in office.

Without naming specific individuals, he added that he had observed troubling developments within the police force.

“They’re becoming political,” he said. “I suggest now and say to all the police leadership and every government employee, you are now under my scrutiny.”

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Podcaster Joe Rogan pushed back Friday against criticism aimed at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, dismissing the outrage over a recent joke as overblown and only fueled by the attempted attack on President Donald Trump.

The controversy stems from a segment aired on Kimmel’s show days before a gunman allegedly tried to target Trump and other officials at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. During a mock roast, Kimmel joked that first lady Melania Trump had the “glow” of “an expectant widow.” Rogan argued that the remark drew little attention until after the shooting attempt later that same weekend.

“No one cared on Saturday until Saturday night when the assassination attempt, and then all the sudden, everyone’s blaming Kimmel,” he said during a episode of the “Joe Rogan Experience.”

First Lady Melania Trump responded on Monday, accusing Kimmel of promoting “hateful and violent rhetoric” intended to “divide our country,” and urged ABC to “take a stand” by removing him from the air. The president also renewed calls for Kimmel to be dismissed, describing the joke as “very shocking” and suggesting it could incite violence.

“He was there for a very obvious and sinister reason,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to the suspected gunman, identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen, who has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president.

“I appreciate that so many people are incensed by Kimmel’s despicable call to violence, and normally would not be responsive to anything that he said but, this is something far beyond the pale,” he added.

Kimmel addressed the controversy multiple times on his program this week. On Monday, he explained that the remark was intended as a “very light” reference to the age gap between the president, 79, and the first lady, 56.

He revisited the issue on Tuesday after airing footage of the Trumps meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House. In the clip, the president joked with his wife of 21 years that they would not match his parents’ 63-year marriage, prompting Kimmel to respond:

“My god, he should be fired for that,” Kimmel reacted on Tuesday. “Only Donald Trump would demand I be fired for making a joke about his old age, and then a day later, go out and make a joke about his own old age.”

The dispute has also drawn attention from federal regulators. The Federal Communications Commission announced an expedited review of broadcast licenses for several Disney-owned local television stations. Disney is the parent company of ABC, which airs Kimmel’s show.

The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, has faced criticism over what some view as efforts to pressure media outlets seen as critical of Trump. Carr said the latest review was not influenced by the White House.

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, a Democrat, strongly criticized the move, calling it “the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date.”

“As part of its ongoing campaign of censorship and control, the White House called publicly for the silencing of a vocal critic, and this FCC has now answered that call,” Gomez said in a statement. “This is an unprecedented and politically motivated attempt to interfere with how broadcasters operate, and this unlawful overreach will fail.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said last night that he plans to examine a newly submitted proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, though he expressed doubt that the terms would meet U.S. expectations.

“I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can’t imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

.@POTUS on restarting military strikes against Iran: "I can't tell that to a reporter. If they misbehave, if they do something bad — but right now, we'll see. It's a possibility that could happen, certainly." pic.twitter.com/bf9Jmgf7M8

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 2, 2026

The statement came shortly after Trump was asked by reporters whether the United States might resume military action against Iran.

The President replied, “I can’t tell that to a reporter. If they misbehave, if they do something bad – but right now, we’ll see. It’s a possibility that could happen, certainly.”

Reports from Iranian outlets Tasnim and Fars indicated that Tehran submitted a 14-point proposal through Pakistan, responding to an earlier nine-point plan presented by the United States.

According to those reports, the Iranian framework calls for a comprehensive resolution of the conflict within 30 days, rather than the two-month ceasefire previously proposed by Washington. Additional elements reportedly include demands for assurances against future military strikes, a withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran, lifting of the naval blockade, release of frozen Iranian funds, financial compensation, removal of sanctions, cessation of fighting in Lebanon, and the establishment of a new system governing the Strait of Hormuz.

On Friday, Trump had already dismissed an earlier version of Iran’s proposal, telling reporters he was not satisfied with it and casting doubt on the prospects for a final agreement.

“They want to make a deal,” Trump said, adding, “I’m not satisfied with it.”

He did not specify which aspects of the proposal were unacceptable, but suggested internal divisions within Iran’s leadership could hinder progress.

“They’ve made strides, but I’m not sure if they ever get there,” Trump said, describing “tremendous discord” among Iran’s leaders.

A report in The Wall Street Journal indicated that Iran had shown some willingness to adjust its position in the version rejected on Friday.

Sources familiar with the discussions said Tehran proposed that negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz could take place simultaneously with U.S. commitments to halt military operations and ease its blockade of Iranian ports.

That approach marked a shift from Iran’s earlier stance, in which it had insisted the United States first end its blockade and reach terms to conclude the conflict before addressing broader issues.

{Matzav.com}

Apple Inc. has agreed to pay a total of NIS 10 million to customers in Israel as part of a court-approved settlement in a class-action lawsuit over allegations that older iPhone models were intentionally slowed down. Eligible users may receive compensation of up to NIS 1,890 per device through a dedicated website that is expected to launch soon.

The Tel Aviv District Court approved the settlement, bringing an end to legal proceedings stemming from the “Batterygate” controversy. The lawsuit alleged that Apple deliberately reduced the performance of certain older iPhones through software updates without adequately informing users.

The issue first surfaced in 2017, when Apple acknowledged that software updates had slowed down devices such as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7. The company said at the time that the changes were implemented for engineering reasons, specifically to prevent unexpected shutdowns caused by aging batteries. However, the lack of transparency drew widespread criticism, with many users claiming the move was intended to push customers to upgrade to newer models. These allegations led to lawsuits in multiple countries, including the case now resolved in Israel.

Under the terms of the settlement, compensation will be available to users who owned the relevant devices prior to December 2017 and were registered with Apple services in Israel. Eligible models include the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, iPhone 7, 7 Plus, and the first-generation iPhone SE. Customers who experienced performance slowdowns may be entitled to payments of up to NIS 1,890 per device, depending on the circumstances, regardless of where the phone was originally purchased. Claims will be submitted through a designated website expected to go live soon.

In response, Apple said: “We have never—and would never—do anything intended to deliberately shorten the lifespan of Apple products or degrade the user experience in order to encourage customers to upgrade. Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and ensuring the longest possible lifespan for the iPhone is a central part of that. While we strongly disagree with the claims that were made, we agreed to reach a settlement to avoid continued legal proceedings.”

{Matzav.com}

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Airlines across the country are moving quickly to assist travelers left without flights after Spirit Airlines ceased operations overnight, collapsing after failing to secure a federal bailout.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlined a series of steps aimed at helping affected passengers rebook travel on other carriers at reduced or capped fares.

“We’ve activated our airline partners to ensure passengers are not stranded, communities maintain route access, fares do not skyrocket, and Spirit’s workforce is connected to new job opportunities,” Duffy said.

Passengers holding Spirit tickets can present proof of purchase to access discounted fares on several major airlines, including JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, and United, though each carrier is offering the relief for a limited window.

JetBlue’s discounted fares will be available for 72 hours. Southwest is offering a similar 72-hour option, but bookings must be made in person at airport counters. Delta’s program will run for five days, while United is extending its offer for up to two weeks.

Allegiant Air, which serves many smaller markets, said it will hold prices steady on overlapping routes and is offering 50 percent off base fares through May 10.

Airlines are also helping displaced crew members, offering “spare jump seats” to Spirit pilots and flight attendants who are stranded away from home.

Duffy also pointed to earlier federal decisions as a contributing factor in Spirit’s collapse, criticizing the Biden administration for blocking a merger between Spirit and JetBlue in 2024. He noted that President Donald Trump had recently suggested the possibility of the government stepping in to purchase the struggling airline. However, Duffy pushed back on the idea of a bailout.

“What we don’t want to do is put good money after bad,” he said.

Spirit’s president and CEO, Dave Davis, pointed to rising fuel costs as the key factor behind the shutdown.

“Everybody burning cash—we just had a smaller pile to start with,” he told the Wall Street Journal. “They’re not that far behind us in the race.”

In a statement posted to X early Saturday morning, the airline informed customers that while it could not assist with rebooking, refunds would be issued automatically for credit card purchases.

“while we are not able to help rebook your flight on another airline, we will automatically process refunds” the company said. “We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry for the last 33 years and had hoped to serve our Guests for many years to come.”

The airline confirmed that its final flight, number 1833, traveled from Detroit to Dallas, landing shortly after midnight on Saturday.

Spirit, which operated for 34 years, becomes the first U.S. airline to collapse due to financial pressures in a quarter century.

The company had been struggling for some time, filing for bankruptcy protection twice, most recently in August, following an earlier Chapter 11 filing in November of the previous year.

As part of the wind-down process, the airline is expected to sell off its remaining aircraft, parts, and other assets in the months ahead. Its 11-acre headquarters campus near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, along with additional real estate holdings, will also be sold to repay creditors.

{Matzav.com}

An Orthodox Jewish mother from Brooklyn has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Department of Motor Vehicles employees of forcing her to remove her religious head covering for a license photo, an experience she says left her deeply shaken and humiliated, Matzav.com has learned.

Sara Fellig claims she felt compelled to comply with what she described as a violation of her religious practice, and says the incident has continued to affect her emotionally. In her complaint filed in Brooklyn Federal Court, she details the distress she experienced during and after the encounter.

“Forcing Ms. Fellig — or any married, ultra-Orthodox Jewish woman who wears a head covering — to remove [their] head covering in public is akin to forcing a secular person to strip naked in front of strangers, carrying all the same shame, humiliation, and abasement,” she said in the court papers filed against the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

According to the filing, Fellig arrived at the Atlantic Avenue DMV office in downtown Brooklyn for a scheduled appointment in November while caring for her young children. Two of her three daughters were unwell at the time, and she brought one of them with her to the office.

As is her regular practice in public, Fellig was wearing a partial shaitel along with a small hat.

When she was called for her photograph, a DMV employee instructed her to remove her head covering. Although state regulations prohibit images that obscure facial features or interfere with identification, Fellig maintains that her hat and wig did not cover her face.

She objected to the request, leading the employee to ask whether the head covering was worn for religious reasons. After she confirmed that it was, the worker allegedly responded, “Well you still can’t wear your hat,” according to the lawsuit.

A second DMV employee did not step in to address the situation, despite provisions in state law allowing exemptions for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs.

“Ms. Fellig was so disturbed by the prospect of removing her head covering in public that she contemplated calling her rabbi to discuss the unlawful circumstances she was facing,” she said in the legal claim.

The lawsuit notes that Fellig hesitated to seek help at the time due to prior incidents of harassment. In 2020, she was verbally attacked on Empire Boulevard, and in 2023 she encountered another antisemitic outburst in the same area.

With nearly 100 people present at the DMV office, and “mindful of shifting sentiments against the Jewish community due to the war in Gaza . . . Ms. Fellig decided not to call her rabbi, worried that onlookers would believe her to be an angry Jewish person seeking to make trouble.”

She ultimately removed her head covering and posed for the photo, an action she says left her emotionally overwhelmed and filled with regret. In her lawsuit, she is seeking damages, the destruction of the existing license image, and a replacement license at no cost.

“Each time someone views the photograph, Ms. Fellig experiences a renewed desecration of her religious beliefs,” according to the lawsuit.

“Ms. Fellig’s emotional damages will continue and multiply until a new photograph is taken and a new license issued,” she said in the court papers, adding, “she fears condemnation from her Chabad community — and her rabbi — if they discover that her official New York State ID depicts her without appropriate headgear.”

Her attorney, Emma Freeman, argued that the issue stems from a failure to apply existing policy.

“The DMV has the right rule in place — but, for no reason at all, it wasn’t followed in Ms. Fellig’s case,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

During a nichum aveilim visit to the Karadi family following the killing of young Nesia Hy”d in a missile strike, powerful words of emunah and hisorerus were shared first by the grieving father and then by the Yenukah.

The father spoke about the profound spiritual impact his daughter had in the short time since her passing. “I sit and think about what I’ve gained in these three and a half weeks… what merits she brought into the world,” he said. He added that even those distant from Yiddishkeit were moved to change: “Three people who heard her story took upon themselves to keep Shabbos.”

He described how, amid the immense pain, a wave of teshuvah and strengthening had emerged, with Nesia’s story touching hearts across many circles.

The Yenukah then addressed the family with deeply emotional words. “I don’t even know how to begin… how do you begin to thank for what you’ve received,” he said. He described the girl as a “holy soul,” adding: “A holy child. She died sanctifying Hashem’s Name. She brought sanctification of His Name throughout the world.” He also expressed awe at the father’s faith, saying, “I sit with him and tremble from his words—how he praises Hashem.”

At one point, the Yenukah addressed a painful question troubling many: how such a tragedy could happen davka in Bnei Brak, a city of Torah. “Missiles never fell here. The Chazon Ish, Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, all the holy ones here gave their lives for Torah—and suddenly we see what happened,” he said.

He stressed that such events are not random. “This is meant to shake us—where have we come to,” he said. He explained that even places of kedusha are not immune when there is a breakdown in achdus: “If there is lashon hara, it breaks down all the walls.” Citing Chazal, he noted that even when Klal Yisroel struggled spiritually, unity protected them, but division brought harm. He added with pain: “Missiles don’t fall for nothing… swords come down into the world, and no one knows who they will strike.”

The Yenukah called on the ציבור to strengthen in ahavas Yisroel. “We need to stop all the disputes… to love one another, to support one another,” he said, emphasizing that the responsibility extends beyond the immediate family. “This is pain for all of us,” he added, urging continued support even after shivah: “Not just now—also afterward, to come, to help, to strengthen the mother and the father.”

He concluded with words of comfort, speaking about the elevated place of pure souls: “Such souls are in the highest places… with tzaddikim and with angels.” He ended with a tefillah: “May Hashem give strength and comfort, and may we merit the complete redemption, the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash, and the resurrection of the dead במהרה.”

A major Shabbos gathering for hundreds of leading supporters of Belz took place at the David Citadel Hotel in Yerushalayim, drawing widespread excitement among chassidim in Eretz Yisroel and abroad after the event had been postponed from the previous week.

The Belzer Rebbe arrived at the hotel already on Thursday night and took part in a special program marking Pesach Sheini, after which the assembled donors were received for personal greetings and brachos.

During the preparations, the Rebbe also offered warm words of appreciation to the Bobover askan, Reb Dovid Aryeh Roth, recognizing his role in helping organize the large-scale Shabbos.

Throughout the Shabbos, the Rebbe devoted exceptional attention to the many guests, elevating the atmosphere of the gathering. For Mincha on Erev Shabbos, the Rebbe entered a specially prepared shul at the hotel shortly after candle-lighting time. His eldest grandson, Rav Sholom Rokeach, served as shliach tzibbur for Mincha, while the Rebbe himself led Kabolas Shabbos. During “Lo Sevoshi,” the niggun “Hatov Ki Lo Cholu Rachamecha” was sung, and during “Bo’achem L’Sholom,” the Rebbe encouraged extended singing, with the melody repeated for several minutes. Following the tefillah, the Pinsk-Karliner Rebbe, who was staying nearby, came to wish him a Gut Shabbos, after which the assembled tzibbur exchanged greetings.

The Friday night tish began at 11:00 p.m. in a large hall prepared for the occasion. The honor of lifting the kos for Kiddush was given to Reb Moshe Koenig. During the meal, the renowned chazzan Reb Yitzchok Meir Helfgot performed a moving piece of chazzanus with the composition “Ezras Avoseinu,” originally composed by Reb Moshe Stern in honor of Pesach Sheini. The niggun “Vehi She’amda” was then sung for several minutes by the participants.

For Birchas Hamazon, the Rebbe instructed that Reb Pinchos Lerner, CEO of the central Belzer offices in the United States, be honored with leading the bentching. This was followed by a Sholom Zochor celebration and a special Peiros Tish. At the height of the gathering, Rav Pinchos Friedman delivered an emotional address, speaking about the privilege of seeing the distinguished supporters maintaining their full chassidishe levush and remaining deeply connected to the spirit of the chassidus. He also spoke passionately about continuing tefillos for the Rebbe’s strength and complete recovery, leaving many in the room visibly moved. The niggun “Ki Orech Yomim U’Shnos Chaim” was then sung.

On Shabbos morning, Pesukei D’Zimra were led by Rav Avrohom Shmuel Rokeach, while Rav Pinchos Friedman served as shliach tzibbur for Shacharis, with a niggun sung to “Mimkomcha.” During the Torah reading, the honored guests were called up for aliyos, and the Rebbe himself led Mussaf.

Following davening, the Rebbe returned to the main hall for a Kiddusha Rabba and the daytime seudah with the assembled guests. The kos was lifted by Reb Elimelech Landman. Chazzan Reb Sholom Lemmer performed “Rozo D’Shabbos,” composed by Reb Pinchos Pinchik, and Reb Yitzchok Meir Helfgot added further selections, including “U’v’Menucha Yomar,” composed by Reb Yossele Rosenblatt. Musical accompaniment was provided by Shaya Lebron and Reb Moshe Daman, who had traveled from abroad for the occasion. Reb Shimon Faivush, a member of the Belzer central administration, was honored with Birchas Hamazon.

For Seudah Shlishis, the Rebbe once again gathered with the hundreds of supporters and guests. After delivering Torah thoughts, the niggun “Bar Yochai” was sung, followed by “Omar Rebbi Akiva.” The kos for bentching was lifted by Reb Yisroel Lewinger, chairman of the Belzer building fund.

After Maariv and Sefiras HaOmer, the Rebbe conducted Havdalah. The kos was lifted by senior members of the Belzer administration, Reb Yosef Meir Horowitz and Reb Rafael Klein. The niggun “Hamavdil” was then sung in chazzanus by Reb Yirmiyah Daman and Reb Yitzchok Meir Helfgot, after which the ציבור passed by to wish each other “A Gut Voch.”

Over the course of Thursday night, Friday, and Motzoei Shabbos, hundreds of supporters arrived with substantial contributions, with the Rebbe presenting each donor with a gold goblet and a leather-bound Tehillim for their household.

At the time of this report, preparations were underway for a major dinner in the hotel’s grand ballroom honoring those supporting the construction of new Belzer buildings, scheduled to begin shortly.

{Matzav.com}

A bipartisan group in the House, including dozens of Republicans, joined Democrats to defeat a proposal that would have prevented recipients of federal food assistance from using benefits to buy sugary drinks, prompting criticism from fiscal conservatives and public health advocates.

The measure, introduced by Rep. Keith Self, sought to disqualify soda and other sweetened beverages from eligibility under SNAP, the federal nutrition assistance program serving more than 40 million Americans. In a 238-186 vote, the amendment failed, with 183 Democrats and 55 Republicans opposing it.

SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, currently allows recipients to use benefits for a wide range of food items, including sugary beverages. Critics of the program’s current structure note that roughly $9 billion is spent annually on soda purchases, accounting for about 10% of total SNAP expenditures and making it the most commonly purchased item.

Opponents of the House vote argue that subsidizing soda consumption places a financial burden on taxpayers while contributing little to nutritional needs and potentially worsening health outcomes tied to diet-related diseases.

Reaction to the vote was swift, with several lawmakers voicing frustration over the outcome.

“The House just voted against banning soda from SNAP,” Rep. Nancy Mace wrote on social media. “Why should the government fund your soda purchases?”

She added, “If SNAP recipients want to buy sugary drinks, they can do it on their own dime, not on the backs of a taxpayer-funded nutrition program.”

Some Republicans also questioned why members of their own party broke ranks on the issue.

“It’s so disappointing that 55 Republicans can’t take the first step in stopping something so obviously wrong and that hurts the moral fiber of the country,” Rep. Glenn Grothman told Newsmax.

Policy analysts and nutrition researchers have pointed to studies suggesting that consumption patterns among SNAP participants may be linked to higher rates of chronic illness, increasing long-term healthcare costs.

One frequently cited study conducted by researchers at Stanford University and the University of California examined data from more than 19,000 SNAP participants and concluded that restricting purchases of sugary beverages could lead to measurable improvements in public health.

The study found that removing sugary drinks from SNAP eligibility would reduce calorie intake and lower rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes among recipients.

Researchers estimated that such a policy could cut obesity prevalence by nearly one percentage point and reduce diabetes incidence by approximately 1.7%, translating to about 240,000 fewer cases nationwide.

“The logic behind SNAP policy changes is that taxpayers are potentially subsidizing unhealthy food consumption and paying for its downstream health consequences,” the study noted.

Public health advocates argue that the broader impact extends beyond individual choice, emphasizing the cost burden on government healthcare programs.

“This is not just about personal choice — it’s about public cost,” one nutrition policy analyst said.

“When the government subsidizes unhealthy consumption, taxpayers ultimately pay twice: once at the grocery store, and again through healthcare.”

The research also found that SNAP recipients consume more calories from sugary beverages than from fruits and vegetables.

Despite these findings, critics of the proposed restriction—including some lawmakers and anti-hunger organizations—argued that implementing such a ban could complicate program administration and limit consumer autonomy.

Industry groups representing beverage manufacturers and bottling companies were also reported to have lobbied lawmakers heavily in opposition to the amendment.

“It makes me very worried about the country’s future when an anti-family program like this is backed by so many Republicans,” Grothman said.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah over Shabbos of Rabbi Chaim Abadi zt”l, a beloved mechanech, visionary leader, and guiding force for countless young people, who was niftar after a lifetime devoted to Torah, chinuch, and boundless ahavas Yisroel.

As the founder and longtime head of Minyan Shelanu in Lakewood and a widely respected figure in the field of chinuch, Rabbi Abadi leaves behind a legacy that reshaped how an entire generation understands and approaches struggling youth.

For decades, Rabbi Abadi stood at the forefront of one of the most sensitive and misunderstood challenges facing the community: reaching teens who felt disconnected, overlooked, or adrift. Long before the term “at-risk” became widely recognized or addressed, he was already quietly, persistently, and compassionately building bridges. At a time when others struggled to understand the phenomenon, Rabbi Abadi saw not labels, but neshamos, precious souls yearning to be understood, embraced, and guided.

He was a true pioneer. While many were still grappling with what this emerging crisis meant, Rabbi Abadi was already deep in the trenches, forging relationships, developing approaches, and creating environments where young people felt safe, respected, and valued. His work was not theoretical. It was deeply personal. He knew his talmidim. He listened to them. He fought for them. And above all, he believed in them, often long before they believed in themselves.

As the driving force behind Minyan Shelanu, Rabbi Abadi created far more than a place to daven. He built a makom of belonging, a haven where boys who felt alienated elsewhere could reconnect to Torah, to tefillah, and to their own inner greatness. The warmth of his smile, the sincerity of his words, and the depth of his care transformed lives in ways that cannot be measured.

Those who worked alongside him describe a man of extraordinary patience and unwavering dedication. There were no “off hours.” Late nights, difficult conversations, and endless emotional investment were simply part of his avodah. He carried the burdens of others as if they were his own, and he never gave up on a child—ever. His approach combined firmness with compassion, clarity with sensitivity, and above all, a deep, unshakable belief that every Yid has a place.

Rabbi Abadi’s impact extended far beyond Lakewood. Educators, rabbonim, and parents from across the country sought his guidance, recognizing that he possessed a rare understanding of the complexities facing today’s youth. He helped shape not only individual lives, but an entire field. Much of what is now taken for granted in dealing with struggling teens—concepts of connection, validation, and individualized attention—were ideas he was already implementing years earlier, often without recognition or fanfare.

Yet despite his influence, Rabbi Abadi remained humble and unassuming. He did not seek honor or acclaim. His satisfaction came from seeing a boy return to shul, from a quiet conversation that restored hope, from knowing that another neshamah had been brought closer rather than pushed away.

His talmidim span the spectrum, many now building beautiful batei ne’emanim b’Yisroel, raising families, and living lives of Torah and yiras Shamayim. Each one carries a piece of Rabbi Abadi within them, a testament to the enduring power of his work.

The loss is immeasurable. A giant in chinuch, a trailblazer in reaching at-risk youth, and a man whose heart encompassed so many, Rabbi Chaim Abadi’s absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him and by countless others who may never know just how much they owe him.

Rabbi Abadi is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Fraidy Abadi, and a wonderful family following his ways, as well as numerous talmidim and admirers whose lives have been forever changed thanks to his impact.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

The Pentagon has confirmed plans to remove roughly 5,000 American troops from Germany, a move that comes as relations between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have grown increasingly strained over policy disagreements, particularly regarding Iran.

A Defense Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the redeployment was ordered following a broader evaluation of military positioning in Europe.

“The Secretary of War has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany,” said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.

“This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground.

“We expect the withdrawal to be completed over the next six to 12 months.”

The United States currently maintains about 38,000 service members in Germany, including at Ramstein Air Base, which serves as a major headquarters for U.S. Air Forces in Europe. American installations in the country have long functioned as central hubs for operations across Europe and the Middle East.

The American military footprint in Germany has been a recurring point of contention in Washington. In 2020, Trump directed the removal of approximately 12,000 troops, though that effort was met with opposition from both parties in Congress and was not fully carried out before Joe Biden assumed office.

Merz, speaking earlier this week in Marsberg, voiced criticism of U.S. policy toward Iran, saying Washington was being “humiliated by the Iranian leadership” and expressing hope that the conflict would conclude “as quickly as possible.”

Those remarks drew a sharp response from Trump, adding to a series of disagreements between the two leaders on matters such as tariffs and defense contributions.

In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump said his administration was “studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany,” noting that a decision would be reached “over the next short period of time.”

He also directly criticized Merz’s stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday.

“He doesn’t know what he’s talking about! If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage.

“I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago. No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise!”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the billions of dollars owed by the United States to the global body must be paid without conditions, rejecting reports that Washington is tying the funds to a series of demanded reforms.

According to a report by Devex, U.S. officials circulated diplomatic communications outlining nine proposed “quick-hit” changes that would need to be implemented before additional funding is released. These proposals reportedly include budget reductions and steps aimed at limiting China’s role within the organization.

“The money we are talking about is referred to as assessed contributions,” Guterres told reporters when asked about the reports. “Assessed contributions are an obligation of member states. They are non-negotiable.”

Guterres, who has been advancing internal reforms amid mounting pressure from member countries—particularly the United States—said the organization remains committed to improving efficiency and accountability.

He stated that the U.N. would continue working “to make sure that we make this organization as effective and as cost-effective and as able to deliver for the people we care for.”

“But these are two separate things,” he added.

The Devex report indicated that the proposed U.S. conditions include significant cost-cutting measures, such as restructuring the U.N.’s pension system, eliminating long-distance business-class travel for certain staff members, reducing senior-level positions, and cutting 10% from longstanding peacekeeping operations deemed ineffective.

Additional proposals reportedly seek to curb China’s financial influence, including blocking its ability to direct tens of millions of dollars annually into a discretionary fund within the secretary-general’s office.

The U.S. mission to the United Nations has not publicly responded to the report. However, American officials have repeatedly emphasized that they intend to continue pressing for reforms, following decisions to withdraw from numerous U.N.-affiliated bodies this year and reduce funding in the previous year.

Earlier this year, Guterres warned that the organization was nearing a financial crisis due to unpaid dues, with the majority of the outstanding amount attributed to the United States. In February, the U.N. reported that Washington had paid approximately $160 million of the more than $4 billion it currently owes.

{Matzav.com}

Spirit Airlines announced on Shabbos that it has ceased operations after more than three decades in business, abruptly halting all flights and beginning an immediate shutdown process.

The low-cost carrier, known for its bright yellow planes and large domestic network, said it had “started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately,” bringing an end to a company that once ran hundreds of daily flights and employed roughly 17,000 workers.

A notice posted on the airline’s website confirmed that every scheduled flight has been canceled and that customer service operations have been shut down entirely.

“We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our guests for many years to come,” the announcement said.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Shabbos that a reserve fund is in place to reimburse passengers who booked directly through the airline, while those who purchased tickets through travel agencies or third-party platforms will need to pursue refunds through those providers. He also warned travelers not to come to the airport.

“If you have a flight scheduled with Spirit Airlines, don’t show up at the airport. There will be no one here to assist you,” Duffy said.

Duffy added that several major carriers — including United, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest — are offering limited-time one-way fares of $200 for stranded passengers who can show proof of a Spirit booking. He also said airlines are stepping in to assist displaced employees, including offering expedited hiring opportunities.

Spirit said it is working to reposition more than 1,300 flight crew members to their home bases. The airline noted that its final flight landed at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport after departing from Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Customers were informed that refunds would be issued, but the company made clear it would not provide assistance in rebooking travel with other airlines.

Despite the shutdown, airport boards still showed several Spirit departures listed as “on time” early Shabbos morning in Atlanta, one of the airline’s smaller hubs.

Some travelers who had not yet heard the news continued arriving at airports, including Joshua Sigler, who purchased a ticket on Friday for a Shabbos flight to Miami.

“I’m just going to go back home,” said Sigler, who didn’t try to take advantage of deals some other airlines were offering to displaced Spirit passengers.

He said he had received no notice from the airline, which he had used multiple times before. “They get you there,” he said of past flights. “It was cheap.”

Former Spirit flight attendant Freddy Peterson was aboard one of the airline’s final flights, traveling from Detroit to Newark late Friday night. He said that even as rumors of a shutdown spread online, the flight appeared routine, carrying more than 200 passengers.

“All our aircraft were packed,” he said.

Peterson, 60, said he woke up early Shabbos morning to check the company’s website amid speculation that operations would cease.

“I said, OK, well, since all this going on, they said Spirit is supposed to close at 3, I’m going to bed. I set my alarm clock for 3 o’clock, went onto the website and it said, ‘Spirit flights have been canceled,'” Peterson said.

He said Delta Air Lines flew him and another crew member back to Atlanta on Shabbos morning, after which he planned to drive to his home in Shellman, Georgia.

“I’ll probably do my boo-hoo crying and all that other stuff once I get in the car.”

Peterson, who worked for Spirit for a decade, said the airline had been meaningful to him personally. He also said its reputation for disorder was overstated, though he criticized leadership for failing to communicate clearly with employees in the days leading up to the shutdown, including canceling a promised staff town hall.

The Trump administration had explored the possibility of a federal bailout to keep the airline afloat, but negotiations did not produce an agreement. Addressing the idea, Duffy said on Shabbos that “we often times don’t have half a billion dollars laying around.”

President Donald Trump had raised the possibility of intervention the previous week after the airline entered bankruptcy proceedings again, its second filing in less than two years, amid soaring fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict.

As recently as Friday afternoon, Trump said that “we’re looking at it” and described offering the airline a “final proposal” that would have involved a taxpayer-backed takeover.

Spirit has faced mounting financial trouble since the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with higher costs and increasing debt. By the time it filed for Chapter 11 protection in November 2024, the airline had accumulated more than $2.5 billion in losses since early 2020.

The carrier returned to bankruptcy court in August 2025, reporting $8.1 billion in liabilities against $8.6 billion in assets, according to filings.

Officials in the Trump administration placed responsibility for the airline’s collapse on policies from the administration of Joe Biden. Biden had opposed a proposed merger between Spirit and JetBlue in 2023, a move critics say contributed to the airline’s financial decline.

On Shabbos, Duffy also directed blame toward Biden and his predecessor in the transportation role, Pete Buttigieg.

“Many at the time said that this was a disaster. This merger should have been allowed,” he said.

Supporters of intervention, including labor unions representing pilots, flight attendants, and ground crews, warned that a shutdown would eliminate thousands of jobs and reduce competition in the airline industry, potentially driving up ticket prices. About 17,000 positions are affected, according to Spirit attorney Marshall Huebner.

Travelers who rely on low-cost options are expected to be hit hardest, particularly in destinations where Spirit had a strong presence, such as Las Vegas and Florida cities including Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium showed that the airline carried approximately 1.7 million domestic passengers in February, a drop of about 500,000 compared to the same month a year earlier. Capacity has also been cut significantly, with about half as many seats available this month as in May 2024.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated again over the weekend after a senior Iranian military official warned that a return to hostilities is “likely,” just hours after President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Tehran’s latest proposal in ongoing negotiations.

According to Iranian state media, a new draft proposal was delivered Thursday evening through Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, though no details were released about its contents.

The conflict, which began in late February with military action by the United States and Israel, has remained largely paused since April 8. One attempt at negotiations in Pakistan has already failed to produce an agreement.

“At this moment I’m not satisfied with what they’re offering,” Trump told reporters, blaming stalled talks on “tremendous discord” within Iran’s leadership.

“Do we want to go and just blast the …. out of them and finish them forever — or do we want to try and make a deal?” he added, saying he would “prefer not” to take the first option “on a human basis”.

On Shabbos morning, Mohammad Jafar Asadi, a senior commander in Iran’s Central Command, said “a renewed conflict between Iran and the United States is likely,” according to remarks published by Fars News Agency.

“Evidence has shown that the United States is not committed to any promises or agreements,” he added.

Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, said Friday that while Tehran remains open to diplomacy, it will not accept terms imposed upon it.

The White House has not disclosed specifics of the Iranian proposal, but Axios reported that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff submitted revisions to an earlier draft that would bring Iran’s nuclear program back into the scope of discussions.

Those proposed changes reportedly include requirements that Iran refrain from transferring enriched uranium from previously targeted facilities or restarting operations at those sites during negotiations.

Markets reacted briefly to news of the proposal, with oil prices dropping nearly five percent before stabilizing. Prices remain significantly elevated, roughly 50 percent higher than before the war, due largely to the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, Iran has effectively blocked the strategic waterway, disrupting major shipments of oil, natural gas, and fertilizer. In response, the United States has enforced its own blockade on Iranian ports.

Speaking at a rally Friday, Trump referenced a previous U.S. operation targeting an oil tanker during the standoff, saying “we’re like pirates”.

Despite the pause in large-scale fighting in the Gulf region, violence has persisted in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have continued strikes against positions linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, even as a separate ceasefire remains in place.

Lebanon’s health authorities reported that 13 people were killed in southern strikes, including in the town of Habboush, which had been under an evacuation warning from the Israeli military.

Meanwhile, Washington confirmed late Friday that it approved significant new arms deals for regional allies, including a $4 billion Patriot missile system agreement with Qatar and nearly $1 billion in precision-guided weapons for Israel.

Back in Washington, lawmakers are grappling with a legal question over whether the administration missed a deadline requiring congressional approval for continued military action.

Officials in the administration maintain that the ceasefire effectively pauses the 60-day clock that would otherwise trigger the need for congressional authorization, a position disputed by Democratic lawmakers.

Trump is also facing mounting political pressure at home, with inflation rising, no decisive outcome in the conflict, and midterm elections approaching.

“There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026,” Trump said in letters to congressional leaders, adding that the hostilities “have terminated”.

Inside Iran, the economic consequences of the war are becoming more severe.

The United States has introduced additional sanctions targeting three Iranian currency firms and warned companies against paying a “toll” demanded by Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the U.S. military, its blockade has prevented approximately $6 billion in Iranian oil exports. Inflation in Iran, already high before the conflict, has now climbed above 50 percent.

“Everyone is trying to endure it, but… they are falling apart,” 40-year-old Amir, a Tehran resident, told an AFP reporter based outside the country.

“We still have not seen much of the economic effects because everyone had a bit of savings. They had some gold and dollars for a rainy day. When they run out, things will change.”

Separately, Iran’s judiciary announced that two men convicted of spying for Israel were executed today, marking the latest in a series of such cases in recent weeks.

One of the individuals had been found guilty of assisting Israel during a 12-day conflict last June.

{Matzav.com}

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York issued a sharp response to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after he condemned Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla, accusing him of ignoring a recent antisemitic incident in Brooklyn.

Mark Treyger, who heads the organization, criticized Mamdani for speaking out about the maritime incident while remaining silent on reports of antisemitism at the Park Slope Food Coop earlier in the week.

“This week, it was reported that Jewish New Yorkers were subjected to vile antisemitism at a prominent Brooklyn institution…conduct that likely violates state and local human rights laws and warrants public attention and a response from your administration, including the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Yet I have not seen a word from City Hall about that incident,” wrote Treyger.

“Leadership in New York requires the ability to show up consistently for all communities, especially when hate targets them here at home,” he pointed out.

“Foundational to advancing any mayoral agenda is ensuring that New Yorkers of every background feel seen, heard, and protected by their mayor, which includes Jewish New Yorkers,” stated Treyger.

Mamdani had earlier criticized Israel’s detention of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing the action as unlawful and contrary to international law.

“Last night, Israeli forces intercepted and boarded a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza in international waters off the coast of Greece – unlawfully detaining more than 175 people, including several New Yorkers,” Mamdani wrote in a post on social media.

“My team has been in direct contact with State and Federal partners as we work to confirm the whereabouts and conditions of these New Yorkers,” he added.

“This is a brazen violation of international law. Those detained must be released.”

The Israeli Navy stopped the flotilla Wednesday night, determining—similar to past incidents—that the vessels were not transporting the humanitarian supplies organizers had claimed.

Mamdani has faced ongoing criticism over his positions on Israel. During his campaign, he declined to repudiate the phrase “globalize the intifada,” drawing backlash from critics.

He also came under fire for comments he made on October 8, 2023, one day after the Hamas attack in southern Israel, when he publicly criticized Israel.

In subsequent remarks, Mamdani has repeatedly accused Israel of committing war crimes in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza and has pledged to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit New York City.

Controversy also erupted at the start of Mamdani’s tenure when he rescinded executive orders enacted by his predecessor, Eric Adams, related to Israel.

Among the measures reversed was an order formally adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, as well as a directive barring city officials from participating in boycotts or divestment efforts targeting Israel.

Mamdani has continued to face scrutiny over antisemitism-related issues during his time in office. Reports recently surfaced indicating that his wife, Rama Dawaji, had engaged with social media posts that praised or appeared to support the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

Additional criticism followed last month when Mamdani was introduced at a Ramadan gathering by an individual who publicly called for Hamas to carry out an attack on Tel Aviv.

{Matzav.com}