Feed aggregator

Porush to Police Chief: End Yeshiva Arrests or Lose Access to Chareidi Communities

Matzav -

MK Meir Porush delivered a fiery address in the Knesset on Monday, warning Police Commissioner Danny Levy that continued arrests of yeshiva students could lead to a complete breakdown in cooperation between police and Chareidi municipalities across Israel.

Porush pointed to a letter sent earlier in the day by the chairman of the Forum of Chareidi Local Authorities, Meir Rubinstein, informing the police that Chareidi municipalities were suspending cooperation with law enforcement over what they described as the targeting of Torah learners.

“Today, nine local authority heads in the State of Israel placed a bright red warning sign before the Inspector General of the Israel Police,” Porush began his speech.

He said the message conveyed by the municipal leaders was unmistakable and accused police leadership of pushing the country toward instability.

“A warning sign carrying a clear message: You, the Police Commissioner, are leading the country toward anarchy. The Forum of Haredi Local Authority Heads, led by the Mayor of Beitar Illit, Rabbi Meir Rubinstein, sent a letter to the Commissioner informing him that they will have no choice but to cancel all cooperation with the police.”

Porush emphasized that municipal leaders did not arrive at the decision lightly and understood the far-reaching consequences that could result from severing ties with the police.

“But when the police have effectively become the enforcement arm of the infamous Attorney General-a bureaucrat who has decided to inflame tensions and trample every reasonable understanding-we have no choice but to fight back with full force.

“The reality in which Israeli police officers, instead of combating the rising crime in the streets, are occupied with hunting yeshiva students-married scholars and young men whose only offense is studying Torah-is a distorted reality that has no place in a properly functioning state.”

Continuing his criticism, Porush argued that law enforcement has alienated an entire sector of the population and jeopardized years of cooperation between police and Chareidi communities.

“In a country governed by Jews, the police have turned themselves into the enemy of an entire public simply because it studies Torah-a public numbering more than one million people over the age of 18. In doing so, they are erasing decades of coordinated work, daily coexistence, and basic trust that was an asset to all of us. Our message today to the Police Commissioner is sharp and clear: the responsibility for dismantling this framework of cooperation rests solely on your shoulders.”

Porush then issued what he described as a final warning, insisting that the arrests must stop immediately or relations between the police and the Chareidi public would continue to deteriorate.

“There is a final ultimatum here: if these arrests are not stopped immediately, if you do not cease this persecution that is leading the country toward complete anarchy, we will leave you with no foothold in our communities. The Haredi public will not remain silent while its sons are being persecuted, nor will it file reports with a police force that has lost its trust and legitimacy.

“Mr. Commissioner, regaining your senses is your immediate duty-before it becomes too late to turn the clock back,” concluded MK Porush.

{Matzav.com}

Captain Doctor Ori Yosef Silvester Killed in Combat in Lebanon

Matzav -

The IDF announced Monday evening that Captain Dr. Ori Yosef Silvester, 30, of Tel Aviv, was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon. Silvester served as a physician in the Shaked Battalion (424) of the Givati Brigade.

The fallen officer was killed during an incident that also left several other Israeli soldiers wounded. According to the IDF, two officers and one soldier sustained serious injuries in the same engagement, while another soldier was moderately wounded.

In addition, two more officers and another soldier suffered light injuries during the incident.

All of the wounded troops were evacuated from the battlefield and transported to hospitals for medical treatment.

{Matzav.com}

Netanyahu After Call With Trump: If Hezbollah Attacks Us, We Will Strike Dahieh

Matzav -

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu said Monday evening that Israel has not changed its policy toward Hezbollah, responding to President Donald Trump’s claim that he intervened to prevent an Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahieh district.

In a statement issued after speaking with Trump, Netanyahu stressed that Israel remains prepared to attack Hezbollah targets if the terror group continues launching attacks against Israeli civilians.

“I spoke this evening with President Trump and told him that if Hezbollah does not cease attacking our cities and civilians, Israel will strike terrorist targets in Beirut. This position remains unchanged. At the same time, the IDF will continue operating in southern Lebanon as planned,” Netanyahu said.

Earlier in the day, Trump announced what he described as a breakthrough arrangement involving both Israel and Hezbollah, saying his conversations with representatives from both sides had prevented a further escalation of the conflict.

“I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, and there will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back. Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop – That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Later, Lebanese officials released additional details regarding the reported understanding, describing a series of diplomatic contacts involving Washington, Beirut, and Israel 27aimed at preventing a wider conflict.

“As part of the efforts undertaken by the Lebanese government to preserve stability and prevent further escalation in Lebanon, and following a telephone conversation between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Lebanese authorities received confirmation that Hezbollah had agreed to an American proposal providing for a mutual cessation of attacks.

“Under the proposed arrangement, Israel would halt strikes on southern Beirut’s Dahieh district, while Hezbollah would refrain from carrying out attacks against Israel. Subsequently, the ceasefire agreement would be expanded to apply throughout Lebanese territory.”

The Lebanese statement further claimed that Trump personally helped secure Israeli approval for the proposal through additional diplomatic contacts.

“Later, President Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Mawad, and informed her that he had obtained the agreement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the proposed arrangement. Ambassador Mawad conveyed the results of the discussions to President Aoun, who in turn updated Hezbollah on the details.”

The reported understanding immediately drew criticism from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who urged Netanyahu not to back away from military action against Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut.

“Mr. Prime Minister, you said that a strong prime minister tells the President of the United States ‘yes’ when possible and ‘no’ when necessary,” Ben-Gvir wrote.

Calling for a tougher approach, Ben-Gvir argued that Israel should continue its offensive regardless of American pressure.

He emphasized his position: “This is the time to tell our friend, President Trump, ‘no.’ Now is the time to do what is necessary and required to strike Hezbollah, free the hands of our fighters, and restore security to the north,” Ben-Gvir wrote on his account on X.

The differing statements from Israel, Washington, and Beirut underscored the uncertainty surrounding the reported arrangement, even as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent the fighting from expanding into a broader regional confrontation.

{Matzav.com}

New Charlie Kirk Assassination Evidence Set to Be Made Public at Bombshell Court Hearing, Judge Rules

Matzav -

A Utah judge has cleared the way for the public release of new evidence in the murder case involving conservative activist Charlie Kirk, ruling that next month’s preliminary hearing will remain open to cameras and live coverage.

The decision came Monday after attorneys for defendant Tyler Robinson attempted to block media access to the five-day hearing scheduled for July. Prosecutors are expected to use the proceeding to present key evidence against the 23-year-old suspect.

District Judge Tony Graf denied the defense request, allowing journalists to continue covering the case from inside the courtroom.

The prosecution of Robinson has generated widespread public attention and fueled numerous conspiracy theories. Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has consistently advocated for maximum transparency throughout the legal process.

Prosecutors allege that Robinson shot and killed the Turning Point USA founder during a Sept. 10 appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem. They further contend that Robinson later admitted to the killing in text messages sent to his romantic partner.

Defense attorneys argued that prosecutors have improperly influenced public opinion by sensationalizing the case, advancing political narratives, and portraying Robinson negatively in violation of a court order governing pretrial publicity.

Although Judge Graf declined to hold the Provo County District Attorney’s Office in contempt, he scheduled a June 12 hearing where both sides will have an opportunity to present additional arguments on the matter.

Graf also ruled that cameras will be permitted during the highly anticipated July hearing, which is expected to feature some of the prosecution’s strongest and most significant evidence against Robinson.

Defense lawyers have repeatedly maintained that extensive media coverage could prejudice potential jurors and effectively expose them to anti-Robinson messaging before a trial even begins.

The judge disagreed that restricting media access was necessary, noting that much of the information at issue has already entered the public domain and received widespread attention.

“Several methods remain available to protect the defendant’s right to a fair trial, including enlarging the veneer of potential jurors, utilizing detailed juror questionnaires, and conducting thorough voir dire,” Graf said.

{Matzav.com}

Trump Claims Breakthrough With Hezbollah, Says Israel Halts Planned Lebanon Offensive

Matzav -

President Donald Trump announced Monday that indirect communications with Hezbollah had resulted in a commitment from the Lebanese terror group to cease attacks against Israel, while Israel, he said, has agreed to cancel plans for additional military action in Lebanon.

According to Trump, he also held discussions with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, after which Israel agreed to pull back forces that had been positioned for a possible operation in southern Lebanon.

If confirmed, the contact would mark an unprecedented development. No sitting U.S. president has ever publicly acknowledged communicating with Hezbollah, either directly or through intermediaries. The organization remains designated as a terrorist group by the United States.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the conversations as productive and said both sides had agreed to step back from further escalation.

“I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, and there will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

“Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop.”

A Lebanese official told Reuters that Hezbollah conveyed a similar message to Washington through Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. According to the official, the group indicated its willingness to halt attacks on northern Israel if Israel refrains from targeting Beirut and surrounding areas.

The conflict in Lebanon has become the largest regional extension of the ongoing confrontation involving Iran. Since March 2, when Hezbollah began launching rockets and drones at Israel in support of Tehran, Israeli military operations and evacuation directives have displaced more than 1.2 million Lebanese civilians.

The announcement comes amid continued military activity in southern Lebanon. On Saturday, the IDF reported that its forces had captured the historic Beaufort Castle, a fortress dating back approximately 900 years, along with a strategically important ridge overlooking parts of southern Lebanon.

The operation followed one of the most intense days of Hezbollah rocket fire since the ceasefire reached in April. The barrage prompted school closures and other emergency restrictions across parts of northern Israel, underscoring the fragile security situation despite renewed diplomatic efforts.

{Matzav.com}

Singer Yonatan Razel Hospitalized After Suffering a Stroke

Matzav -

Singer and composer Yonatan Razel was admitted to Shaare Zedek Medical Center after suffering a stroke and is currently listed in serious condition.

Family members have asked the public to daven on his behalf and to include his name in their tefillos. His name for davening is Yonatan Adi ben Chaya Rochel.

News of his hospitalization quickly reverberated through the music community, prompting an outpouring of concern from fellow performers, friends, and admirers who have followed his career over the years.

Razel is part of a family long associated with Jewish music and artistic expression. He is the brother of musician Aharon Razel, with whom he has frequently shared the stage and collaborated on numerous musical projects and recordings.

{Matzav.com}

Shas Draws a Line: Pass Torah Study Law or Coalition Support Ends

Matzav -

Shas delivered a sharply worded ultimatum Monday evening to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, demanding that the proposed “Basic Law: Torah Study” be brought before the Knesset for a preliminary vote this Wednesday.

The party warned that passage of the legislation is now a non-negotiable condition for its continued backing of coalition initiatives. The bill seeks to establish Torah study as a constitutional value of the State of Israel, a move intended to override legal challenges stemming from rulings by the High Court of Justice and positions taken by the Attorney General.

Shas made clear that failure to secure a majority for the proposal would trigger a dramatic response. The party said it would stop supporting coalition legislation and oppose all government-backed bills brought to the Knesset floor.

“The Shas faction held a lengthy discussion today in light of the unprecedented and cruel persecution by the dismissed Attorney General against Torah scholars, unlike anything seen before,” the letter states. “Faction members expressed deep pain over a situation in which our finest sons, those devoted to Torah study and the Tribe of Levi of our generation, have become targets of persecution and humiliation. Woe unto us that this has come to pass in our days.”

Party leaders argued that constitutional protection is now essential to shield yeshivos and Torah learners from financial harm, including the potential loss of government funding and tax-related benefits. According to Shas, the legislation would place full-time Torah study on equal legal footing with military service, thereby removing arguments that the current arrangement constitutes discrimination.

“The time has come for a clear and unequivocal statement by the coalition regarding the central place of Torah in the State of Israel,” the party explained, reminding Netanyahu that this was an explicit commitment signed between Shas and the Likud in their coalition agreements. “The vote is a value-based, moral, and national statement, and it is essential at this time, in accordance with the worldview of the majority of the Jewish people and all components of the faith-based bloc.”

In an effort to intensify pressure on the prime minister, Shas concluded its message by citing Netanyahu’s own remarks from a previous Knesset address, in which he spoke passionately about the role of Torah in Jewish survival throughout history.

“The world of Torah has preserved us throughout all the years of exile. Torah study and the preservation of our heritage are what protected the Jewish people, and without them the Jewish people would not have survived. Without the Torah world, we would not exist here, nor would we have a future.”

Shas ended the letter by emphasizing the significance of those remarks, declaring: “Words of great force.”

{Matzav.com}

Jill Biden Defends Hunter Pardon, Blames Trump Era for Family’s Fears

Matzav -

Jill Biden is defending the decision to grant Hunter Biden a sweeping pardon, arguing that circumstances changed after President Donald Trump’s election and left the family convinced that their son would be singled out for prosecution.

Speaking with CBS News’ “Sunday Morning” ahead of the publication of her new memoir, View from the East Wing, the former first lady contended that Hunter Biden did not receive fair treatment from federal authorities.

“The Justice Department changed, and the process was not fair to Hunter,” Jill Biden told CBS News “Sunday Morning” ahead of the release of her memoir, “View from the East Wing.”

She maintained that the political climate shifted dramatically after Trump returned to office and said the family feared Hunter would become a target.

“When Trump was elected, things changed,” she went on, “and we knew that he would target Hunter. And we just could not let our son go to jail on a charge that no one would go — I mean, no one has ever gone to jail for.”

When asked whether she personally encouraged her husband to issue the pardon, Jill Biden stopped short of saying she pressured him but made clear that she backed the decision.

“Oh gosh, I truly supported it. I wanted him to pardon Hunter at that point, and I agreed with Joe.”

Hunter Biden, now 56, was found guilty in June 2024 on three federal firearm-related charges stemming from statements he made about his drug use when purchasing a gun in 2018. Several months later, in September, he admitted guilt in a separate federal tax case in Los Angeles involving $1.4 million in unpaid taxes.

Both prosecutions were pursued during Joe Biden’s presidency by special counsel David Weiss, who was appointed by the Justice Department. The cases moved forward after Hunter Biden initially agreed to a plea arrangement in June 2023 that would have avoided prison time. That agreement later collapsed when his legal team sought broader immunity protections, including protection from potential Foreign Agents Registration Act violations that critics argued could have drawn scrutiny toward Joe Biden.

At roughly the same time, IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler accused Justice Department officials of shielding Hunter Biden from aggressive investigation. Among their allegations were claims that prosecutors warned Hunter’s attorneys about a planned search and restricted efforts to examine Joe Biden’s connection to his son’s overseas business dealings.

Jill Biden’s assertion that individuals do not typically receive prison sentences in cases similar to Hunter Biden’s firearm conviction has been challenged by critics who point to other examples. One of the most notable is rapper Kodak Black, who received a 46-month federal prison sentence in 2019 after admitting that he provided false information, including an incorrect Social Security number, when purchasing firearms.

For years, White House officials publicly stated that Joe Biden would not use his pardon power on behalf of his son. Nevertheless, on Dec. 1, 2024, the president issued an expansive pardon covering Hunter Biden for any offenses committed between Jan. 1, 2014, and the date the pardon was signed, including conduct that had never resulted in criminal charges.

In the final moments of his presidency on Jan. 20, 2025, Biden also granted preemptive pardons to several members of his family, including his brothers James and Frank Biden, his sister Valerie Biden Owens, and their spouses.

Jill Biden said Sunday that her husband issued those pardons “I suppose for the same reason, that he felt that they would be targeted.”

James Biden had long drawn scrutiny over business ventures that critics said capitalized on his family connections dating back to Joe Biden’s decades in the U.S. Senate. House Republicans uncovered records showing that James Biden transferred $240,000 to Joe Biden in 2017 and 2018 using funds they linked to alleged influence-peddling activities. James Biden has maintained that the payments were simply repayments of personal loans.

Republican lawmakers also accused James Biden of providing false testimony to Congress and urged prosecutors to pursue criminal charges. In addition, they raised questions about whether some of his business activities amounted to unregistered lobbying work on behalf of foreign interests.

{Matzav.com}

The Rachmastrivka Rebbetzin a”h

Matzav -

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rebbetzin Miriam Twersky a”h, widow of the Rachmastrivka Rebbe zt”l of the United States. She passed away at the age of 92.

Rebbetzin Miriam was born in Romania in 1933 to her father, the Skverer Rebbe, Rav Yaakov Yosef Twersky zt”l, and her mother, Rebbetzin Traina a”h, daughter of Rav Pinchos of Ustila zt”l, who was a son-in-law of the Belzer Rebbe, the Maharid of Belz.

Following the war, the family immigrated to the United States in 1958. They initially settled in Boro Park before later relocating to Williamsburg.

Upon reaching marriageable age, she married Rav Chaim Yitzchok Twersky, the Rachmastrivka Rebbe of the United States, who was niftar in Av 5783. He was the son of Rav Yochanan of Rachmastrivka.

Their regal wedding took place on 20 Adar I, 5714, in Manhattan. Among those in attendance were some of the leading rebbes of the generation, including the Satmar Rebbe, the Vayoel Moshe, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, the Imrei Chaim, and many other prominent admorim.

The couple established their home in New Square and were among the earliest residents of the chassidic village founded by her father.

Throughout the many stages of their lives—in Williamsburg, New Square, and later Boro Park—the Rebbetzin stood faithfully at her husband’s side and played a central role in supporting his work and leadership.

She was renowned for her deep familiarity with the customs and traditions of Skverer chassidus and possessed an extraordinary memory for its practices and conduct.

During her lifetime, she endured significant personal losses. Her eldest son, Rav Mordechai Twersky zt”l, passed away in 1992. In Teves 5784, her daughter, Rebbetzin Malka Halberstam a”h, passed away at the age of 66. In Elul 5785, she lost another daughter, Rebbetzin Faiga Shprintza Hager a”h, wife of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Kiamesha Lake who was 70 at the time of her petirah.

She is survived by her sons, the Rachmastrivka Rebbes of Boro Park, Monsey, Lakewood, Williamsburg, Linden, and Airmont; her sons-in-law, including the Baranover Rebbe of Monsey, the Vizhnitz-Kiamesha Lake Rebbe, Rav Mordechai Twersky, eldest son of the Chernobyler Rebbe, Rav Menachem Nochum Twersky, son of Rav Yehoshua Heshel zt”l, and Rav Mordechai Aharon Twersky, son of Rav Menachem Nochum zt”l.

Her brother is the Skverer Rebbe, and among her grandchildren are the Rachmastrivka Rebbe of Spring Valley and the Zvhiller Rebbe.

The levayah is scheduled to take place today, departing at 1:30 p.m. from the Rachmastrivka beis medrash on 45th Street in Boro Park. At 4:00 p.m., the procession was to continue to New Square and then to Har Shalom Cemetery in Monsey, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband, the Rebbe zt”l.

Yehi zichrah boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Trump: Iran Did Not Inform US Before Suspending Talks

Matzav -

Iran announced Monday that it is suspending its indirect negotiations with the United States, pointing to Israel’s widening military campaign in Lebanon as the reason for the move, according to a report published by the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The report said Iran’s delegation would stop participating in “talks and the exchange of texts through mediators,” adding another obstacle to efforts by Washington and Tehran to advance a wider diplomatic understanding.

Speaking to NBC News, President Donald Trump said his administration received no prior warning that Tehran intended to halt the discussions.

“It’s an appropriate thing to say, because they’re better negotiators than they are fighters,” Trump said. “But they haven’t informed us of that.”

Trump also indicated that Iran’s decision would not automatically trigger an escalation by the United States.

“It doesn’t mean we’re going to go and start dropping bombs all over there,” he told NBC News. “We’ll keep the blockade.”

Tasnim further reported that Iranian officials are weighing more aggressive measures, including a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on passage through other critical maritime routes such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in an effort to increase pressure on Israel and countries aligned with it.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also weighed in on the developments, posting a message on X in which he linked any understanding with Washington to the broader regional situation.

A “ceasefire between Iran and the US is unequivocally a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”

“The US and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation,” he added.

At the same time, Reuters reported that Tehran is attempting to secure a limited interim arrangement with Washington as it grapples with severe economic challenges while seeking to avoid major compromises regarding its nuclear activities.

According to Reuters, which cited three Iranian sources familiar with internal discussions, Iran is pursuing a temporary deal that would lower tensions with the United States, unlock access to financial resources, and ease economic hardship without settling the most contentious disputes surrounding uranium enrichment and other aspects of its nuclear program.

The report said Iranian officials view such a temporary understanding as a practical way to obtain economic breathing room and shore up domestic stability while delaying decisions on more politically sensitive nuclear issues.

Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, told Reuters that Iranian leaders appear to believe “that dialogue, even limited dialogue, is preferable to entering an open-ended period of economic attrition and uncertainty.”

Reuters added that Iran’s leadership is increasingly worried about worsening economic conditions at home, including persistent inflation, a weakening currency, and falling standards of living. Officials reportedly believe that even short-term access to additional funds could help ease public frustration and reduce the risk of renewed domestic unrest.

{Matzav.com}

Chief Rabbi Rav Kalman Ber Issues Strong Warning Against Ascending Har Habayis and Bowing There

Matzav -

Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Meir Ber, has published a comprehensive halachic essay strongly warning against ascending Har Habayis and engaging in acts of prostration there in contemporary times, emphasizing that such conduct may involve serious Torah prohibitions in addition to the longstanding ban on entering the area itself.

Rav Ber opens his discussion with the pasuk, “Hishamru lachem alos bahar u’negoa b’ktzeihu — Beware of ascending the mountain or even touching its edge.”

The article comes amid the growing phenomenon of organized groups ascending Har Habayis and publicly encouraging participants to bow and prostrate themselves there. It also follows recent public discussion sparked by reports regarding statements attributed to the Amshinover Rebbe concerning the subject.

In his essay, Rav Ber stresses that beyond the fundamental prohibition against ascending Har Habayis—a position upheld by gedolei Yisroel from across the Torah spectrum and by successive generations of Israel’s Chief Rabbinate—there is an additional and severe halachic concern regarding the act of bowing on the mountain itself.

The Chief Rabbi writes that entering the precincts of Har Habayis in our times constitutes an extremely serious prohibition and notes that the guidance of gedolei Yisroel and the chief rabbis throughout the generations has been unequivocal: Jews should not ascend any area of Har Habayis.

Rav Ber then addresses the separate issue of hishtachava’ah upon a stone surface. The Torah prohibits full prostration upon a stone floor, as the pasuk states, “V’even maskis lo sitnu b’artzechem l’hishtachavos aleha — You shall not place a stone surface in your land upon which to prostrate yourselves.”

While such prostration was permitted in the Beis Hamikdash itself, Rav Ber explains that a significant halachic question remains as to whether that dispensation applied only within the Azarah or extended to other areas of Har Habayis as well.

The Chief Rabbi notes that a number of later halachic authorities discussed the issue and remained uncertain about its parameters. Among those cited is the Minchas Chinuch, who treats the matter as unresolved.

Because the question involves a possible Torah prohibition, Rav Ber warns that individuals who prostrate themselves on the stone surfaces of Har Habayis may be placing themselves into a situation involving a serious safek issur d’Oraisa.

The article presents additional halachic arguments against prostration on Har Habayis beyond the general prohibition of ascending the site. Rav Ber emphasizes that the matter is not merely a theoretical discussion concerning the boundaries of the mountain or questions of ritual purity, but also involves a practical action that may itself constitute an independent and severe halachic violation.

In his concluding remarks, Rav Ber urges the public to distance itself from the growing trend of ascending Har Habayis and bowing there. He writes that the various guides, instructions, and public campaigns encouraging such behavior run contrary to the position maintained by gedolei Yisroel and the Chief Rabbinate throughout the generations.

According to Rav Ber, the halacha is clear: Jews should refrain from ascending Har Habayis and avoid placing themselves into serious halachic uncertainties at the holiest site of the Jewish people.

{Matzav.com}

As Number of Imprisoned Bnei Yeshiva Nears 50, Rav Dovid Zucker Calls for Public Support

Matzav -

A passionate call for greater public involvement was issued Sunday evening by Rav Dovid Zucker of the Peleg HaYerushalmi, who expressed alarm over the growing number of bnei yeshiva and avreichim being held in military prison and urged the chareidi public to rally behind them.

Speaking on Kol Chai’s flagship news program hosted by Avi Mimran, Rav Zucker described the situation as intolerable, arguing that dozens of bnei Torah are currently incarcerated because of their commitment to Torah learning while much of the public remains insufficiently engaged.

According to Rav Zucker, approximately 40 bochurim and avreichim spent the past Shabbos in military prison, and that number has since risen, approaching 50 detainees.

He claimed that the arrests are far from random.

“I have unequivocal intelligence information,” Rav Zucker said, asserting that authorities are deliberately conducting arrests in more remote areas where they believe protests and public opposition will be slower to materialize.

At the same time, he said that the chareidi public has demonstrated an ability to mobilize even in those locations.

Recalling a recent incident at the Kiryat Yearim interchange, Rav Zucker said he was summoned late at night and initially assumed that few people would respond.

“I thought I would be the first and only one there,” he related. “When I arrived, there were already ten vehicles on the scene. Within minutes there were more than 200 people. Not only members of the Peleg HaYerushalmi, but people from across the entire chareidi community.”

A central theme of his remarks was the need to fundamentally change how the public views arrested bnei yeshiva.

According to Rav Zucker, a ben yeshiva who is arrested should not be viewed as a victim or as someone deserving pity. Rather, he said, such individuals are carrying the honor of the entire olam haTorah on their shoulders.

“He is not a victim,” Rav Zucker declared. “He is a kiddush olam. We stand behind him and admire him on the highest level.”

Rav Zucker sharply criticized what he described as the relatively muted response to the fact that dozens of bnei Torah are currently incarcerated.

“Fifty bochurim in prison, and it sounds normal? Where are we living, North Korea?” he exclaimed.

He argued that the chareidi public must respond not only through statements and condemnations, but through concrete action—visiting detainees, encouraging them, supporting their families, and participating in public protest.

Rav Zucker also called upon elected officials, community activists, roshei yeshiva, and the broader chareidi public to stand visibly alongside those who have been arrested.

“Where are the members of Knesset who can enter military prisons? Where are all the chareidi leaders who know how to organize and mobilize?” he asked.

He added that simply knowing they are not alone can have a profound impact on the morale of imprisoned bochurim.

Rav Zucker further argued that those who enter prison with a sense of purpose and pride in their commitment to Torah are far less likely to be broken by the experience.

Drawing on the experience of Peleg HaYerushalmi detainees over the years, he said that imprisonment does not intimidate those who are mentally and emotionally prepared for it.

“We will enter the prisons with joy, with a smile, and with strength,” he declared.

Host Avi Mimran responded that insofar as the discussion centered on supporting imprisoned bnei yeshiva and standing with the olam haTorah, he shared those concerns. At the same time, he emphasized that broader public policy questions and practical decisions remain matters for the gedolei Yisroel.

Rav Zucker replied that he was not challenging the authority of the gedolim, but rather calling upon the entire chareidi public to shake off its complacency and provide unwavering support for the bnei yeshiva currently behind bars.

{Matzav.com}

“Aharaleh Deserves the Same Treatment as a Kaplan Protester”: Kikar FM Hosts Examine the Growing Draft Crisis

Matzav -

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions surrounding the enforcement of military service requirements for yeshiva bochurim, Israel’s Kikar FM hosts Eli Guthelf and Yehuda Glickman held an extensive discussion examining the legal, constitutional, and societal ramifications of the current situation.

As northern Israel continues to face rocket attacks and security threats from Hezbollah, a different battle has been unfolding within the chareidi community. Arrests of yeshiva bochurim, mass demonstrations, court intervention, and increasing involvement by law enforcement have fueled concerns throughout the Torah world.

Seeking to understand the forces driving the crisis, Guthelf and Glickman sat down for what they described as a candid, analytical conversation focused not on politics, but on the mechanisms and decisions shaping events behind the scenes.

How the Police Became Involved

Guthelf opened by questioning why Israel Police has become so deeply involved in enforcing draft-related arrests.

“The police are not the army,” he noted. “The military answers to the government and carries out directives from the political leadership. The police are charged with enforcing the law. How did they become such a central player in the pursuit of yeshiva bochurim?”

Glickman responded that many people fail to appreciate the legal realities confronting police officials.

“The fundamental role of the police is law enforcement and maintaining public order,” he said. “Historically, this wasn’t their arena. Military police handled these matters, while regular police served primarily as a support force when public disturbances occurred.”

According to Glickman, the situation changed dramatically after the expiration of the draft law and subsequent legal developments.

“Once the law expired and the Attorney General presented her position to the Supreme Court, the police found themselves in a legally binding situation. Senior police officials are caught between conflicting pressures. They have little desire to be drawn into a direct confrontation with the chareidi public, but when a person is flagged in the system as a draft evader, the law requires them to detain him and transfer him to military authorities. At the moment, their primary strategy appears to be slowing the process because they simply do not have the manpower to carry it out on a large scale.”

“They Are Arrested, But They Don’t Become Soldiers”

Guthelf questioned whether the policy is accomplishing its stated objective.

“The military itself does not appear eager to launch a large-scale campaign against yeshiva bochurim,” he observed. “If someone is arrested, sits in prison for a week or two, and then is released, he has not become a soldier. What exactly has been achieved?”

Glickman agreed.

“In the overwhelming majority of cases, the individual is released after a short period and returns either to the street or to the yeshiva,” he said. “The objective is not necessarily enlistment. The goal is to create public pressure or encourage others to volunteer.”

He pointed to the example of Belz, where a structured framework exists for those who choose to serve.

“There are exceptional cases. We recently saw a Belzer chossid who was arrested and then continued with the enlistment process under the guidance of the Rebbe. Belz has developed an organized system and hundreds have enlisted through it. That serves both the military and the community because it demonstrates that solutions can be achieved without coercion. But that does not reflect the broader reality.”

According to Glickman, many members of the so-called “hard core” are fully prepared to endure imprisonment rather than enlist.

“For them, a prison sentence is something they are willing to accept. The policy therefore fails to achieve its intended goal.”

Claims of Targeted Enforcement

The conversation then turned to allegations that enforcement efforts disproportionately affect bochurim from Sephardic backgrounds and from communities outside the major chareidi centers.

Guthelf noted that many respected rabbonim and community figures have raised concerns about selective enforcement.

Glickman rejected claims of blanket discrimination but suggested that military planners have adopted a highly calculated approach.

“The military has analyzed the data carefully,” he said. “They appear to be focusing on individuals whose families have military backgrounds—fathers, brothers, brothers-in-law, or uncles who served. Their assumption is that pressure will be more effective in those cases.”

He added that the rapidly growing Sephardic yeshiva world includes many first-generation bnei Torah whose parents served in the military.

“That may make them more likely targets, not because of ethnicity but because of family background.”

Glickman also claimed that chareidi reservists serving in advisory roles may have helped military planners understand community dynamics.

“They were not trying to harm the Torah world,” he said. “But they provided insights that may have influenced how these policies were developed.”

Guthelf expressed concern over that possibility.

“If someone from within the chareidi community is helping direct pressure toward a Sephardic ben Torah simply because his father served in the army—even though there is no difference between him and a bochur learning diligently in Bnei Brak—that raises serious questions.”

Others, Glickman noted, argue that there is no sophisticated targeting at all and that enforcement is simply easier in outlying communities where authorities face less organized resistance than in densely populated chareidi centers.

“If This Happened in Kaplan, It Would Lead Every News Broadcast”

One of the most emotional portions of the discussion focused on the conduct of police during protests.

Guthelf admitted that he initially sympathized with law enforcement.

“I wasn’t among those immediately crying foul,” he said. “I believed much of the responsibility rested with the political leadership for failing to solve the problem.”

However, he said his perspective shifted after meeting an avreich who was injured during a demonstration.

“I met Aharaleh, a sweet avreich and father of fourteen children. He attended a protest and came home with a broken arm in a cast after being struck by a police officer. This is a person who never hurt anyone in his life.”

Guthelf argued that similar incidents involving anti-government demonstrators in Tel Aviv would generate national outrage.

“If a Kaplan protester left a demonstration with a broken arm, it would dominate the headlines and spark endless discussion about civil rights and police conduct. But Aharaleh will quietly wear his cast, and no one will tell his story.”

While emphasizing that he understands the pain felt by many Israelis whose relatives are serving in the military, Guthelf said the response toward chareidi demonstrators often appears excessive.

“There is a level of force being used here that raises serious concerns.”

Glickman suggested that officers have been drawn into an impossible situation.

“The police have been pulled into this crisis because of legal pressure. Unfortunately, some officers view the chareidi public as a red line. There is demonization on both sides. But people need to understand that these are not individuals looking to exploit the system. For them, this issue is deeply tied to their identity and beliefs.”

Civil Disobedience Being Discussed

Toward the end of the conversation, the hosts discussed possible responses being debated within parts of the chareidi community.

One idea involved individuals declining to provide full identification when temporarily detained by police, thereby making it more difficult for authorities to determine whether they are listed as draft evaders.

Another proposal was far more dramatic.

Guthelf suggested that if tens of thousands of individuals classified as draft evaders were to appear at a police station simultaneously and request to be arrested, the system would be unable to cope.

“What would happen if thirty thousand people showed up in one day and said, ‘We’re all here—arrest us’?” he asked.

Glickman responded that versions of that idea are being discussed seriously in some circles.

“The concept of mass civil disobedience and collective surrender is absolutely being talked about,” he said. “People are discussing it seriously in various groups, both in Eretz Yisroel and abroad. I don’t know whether it has reached every leadership forum, but it is certainly a topic of conversation.”

Concluding the discussion, Guthelf stressed that the current controversy extends far beyond the question of military service.

“Even those who believe that young men who are not learning should enlist need to understand that this is about much more than a dispute between chareidim and secular Israelis,” he said. “This is a moral, constitutional, and legal test case whose implications affect the entire country. Nobody likes seeing eighteen-year-olds being taken into detention cells.”

Glickman closed by expressing hope that calmer days lie ahead and offered a brief prayer for Divine assistance in resolving the crisis.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Dov Landau’s Powerful Cry: “The Decrees Against Torah Are Unbearable; Those Persecuting Torah Should Be Ashamed”

Matzav -

HaGaon Rav Dov Landau delivered a powerful and emotional address in which he spoke forcefully about the mounting pressures facing the Torah world, lamenting what he described as the ongoing persecution of Torah and its learners and calling upon Jews around the world to strengthen their support of yeshivos and kollelim.

The rosh yeshiva addressed a special gathering attended by hundreds of rabbonim, roshei yeshiva, and admorim from across the Torah spectrum. The event was convened in response to the growing challenges confronting bnei Torah in Eretz Yisroel.

In particularly sharp remarks, Rav Landau condemned those responsible for the current policies targeting the Torah community.

“Throughout the generations, the Jewish people—and especially those who learn Torah—have endured cruel persecution and devastating decrees. Yet Torah is eternal. Torah and its learners have always remained strong, even in circumstances that defied the natural order, because Torah is truth and Torah endures forever.

“But you—how are you not ashamed? You are Jews descended from Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov, yet you wage war against Torah and those who learn it in Eretz Yisroel. If your fathers and grandfathers, who stood steadfast against those who persecuted the Jewish people throughout the generations, could rise from their graves, what would they say to you? They would cry out: Be ashamed. You are continuing the path of those who persecuted Torah. Be ashamed. Your path will not succeed.”

The following is the full text of Rav Landau’s address as translated and transcribed by Matzav.com:

“With the permission of the assembled rabbonim and Torah leaders.

“We find ourselves in a very difficult situation. Anyone who possesses even the slightest connection to Torah can feel it wherever he may be. Torah and those who dedicate their lives to it have become targets of attack and contempt.

“For several years already, Torah and its learners have been pursued in a disgraceful manner. The situation continues to worsen, and no one knows how far it may go.

“The decrees being imposed against Torah have become unbearable. They affect many areas of life, both spiritual and material. Yet Hakadosh Boruch Hu remains faithful to His covenant and His promise that He will never abandon His people.

“At the same time, we stand in awe of the extraordinary strength displayed by those who learn Torah. Despite every challenge, bnei yeshiva and avreichei kollel continue to immerse themselves in Torah learning. Not only have they remained steadfast, but we continue to witness the growth of Torah institutions, the increase of Torah learners, and countless Jews drawing closer to Torah and its scholars.

“All bnei Torah, whether in Eretz Yisroel or abroad, share deeply in the pain of the avreich who struggles under the weight of financial sanctions and economic pressures that disturb his peace of mind day after day. New restrictions continue to emerge, creating a sense that, according to the natural order, he may not be able to provide for his family.

“We pour out our hearts before the Ribbono Shel Olam, the Giver of the Torah, pleading for mercy upon His Torah learners.

“Our hearts bleed and our eyes shed tears over the tremendous anxiety experienced by avreichei kollel, yeshiva bochurim, and their families because of the fear of arrests, the threat of conscription, and the burden of these decrees. We feel the pain of their families. We see before us the worry and tears of the wife of an avreich and the mother of a yeshiva bochur, fearful every time her husband or son leaves home lest he, chas v’shalom, be seized.

“We have complete faith in the Creator’s promise that Torah will never depart from the Jewish people. Nevertheless, the fear and pain being experienced are very real and very deep.

“With Siyata D’Shmaya, generous and righteous benefactors from the United States and throughout the Jewish world have stepped forward. For more than two years, they have undertaken the responsibility of replacing the funds that yeshivos and kollelim have lost as a result of these decrees. There is no doubt that bnei Torah feel tremendous gratitude toward these supporters, and their assistance enables Torah learners to continue devoting themselves to Torah despite the difficulties.

“We are now preparing to travel once again to the United States together with other gedolei Torah in order to appeal to the open hearts of those who care about the plight of the Torah world in Eretz Yisroel. These donors are asked and they give; they are asked again and they give again; and now they are being asked a third time and continue to respond. They even encourage others to join them in supporting Keren Olam HaTorah.

“There is nothing more inspiring than this. Through their generosity, the Name of Heaven is sanctified. Their efforts on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah are extraordinary. It is not easy, but they understand that this is their responsibility, their privilege, and their obligation.

“Fortunate are the supporters of Keren Olam HaTorah. Fortunate are those who sustain and uphold the Torah world in Eretz Yisroel. Through your steadfast support, you not only strengthen Torah learners materially, but also lift their spirits and encourage them in the face of every challenge. There is no limit to the reward awaiting you in this world and in the next.

“From here we call upon the Jews of the United States and Jews throughout the world: Participate with all your strength on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah. Even those who cannot contribute large sums should undertake to support at least one avreich. Every person should give according to his ability—and beyond his ability.

“And to those who persecute Torah we say: The Jewish people, and especially those who learn Torah, have endured cruel persecution throughout history. Terrible decrees have been enacted against them. Yet Torah is eternal. Torah and its learners have always remained strong because Torah is truth and Torah will endure forever.

“But you—how are you not ashamed? You are Jews descended from Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov, yet you fight against Torah and those who learn it in Eretz Yisroel. If your fathers and grandfathers, who stood courageously against the enemies of the Jewish people throughout the generations, could rise from their graves, what would they say to you? They would cry out: Be ashamed. You are continuing the path of those who persecuted Torah. Be ashamed. Your path will not succeed.

“The people of Torah will continue learning Torah. Jewish communities throughout the world will continue to burn with the fire of Torah. May we merit the final redemption speedily in our days. Amein.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Military Police Preparing Major Arrest Operation in Central Israel as Police Seek Delay

Matzav -

Israel’s Military Police is preparing to launch a large-scale enforcement operation this week targeting dozens of individuals classified as draft evaders, with coordinated raids planned across several cities in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. However, Israel Police officials have reportedly asked that the operation be postponed due to mounting security demands and the expanding rocket threat from Lebanon.

According to information obtained by Matzav.com, the operation is expected to involve simultaneous raids on dozens of homes throughout Gush Dan. Military authorities are preparing to carry out multiple arrests at the same time as part of what officials have described as a significant enforcement effort.

The planned operation is aimed at dozens of individuals for whom arrest warrants have already been issued. The primary focus is expected to be on the cities of Tel Aviv, Givatayim, and Ramat Gan.

Sources within the Military Police reportedly characterized the initiative as a “test run” for future operations, with the goal of refining procedures ahead of additional large-scale arrest campaigns expected in the coming months.

The plan, however, has encountered resistance from Israel Police. On Sunday, discussions took place between senior officials from both agencies, during which Israel Police representatives requested that the operation be delayed.

According to the report, police officials cited the increasingly complex security situation in northern Israel and the growing rocket fire from Lebanon as reasons for seeking a postponement.

During those discussions, Israel Police officials reportedly explained that the force is currently facing substantial operational pressures on multiple fronts. Among the challenges cited were ongoing efforts to combat crime and violence in the Arab sector, addressing the security implications of the widening northern threat posed by attacks from Lebanon, continuing operations against serious criminal activity, and a range of additional homeland security and traffic enforcement responsibilities.

The developments follow an announcement by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who revealed on Sunday that the IDF and Israel Police had reached a formal agreement to carry out proactive and significant enforcement actions against draft evaders, including arrests expected in the near future.

The agreement was reached following the 14th monitoring hearing regarding implementation of court rulings related to the enlistment of yeshiva bochurim.

In a document released by the Attorney General’s Office, officials noted that the operational plan has been classified in order to preserve the element of surprise and maximize its effectiveness. As a result, the state intends to present the details of the operation to the Supreme Court in an ex parte proceeding, without public disclosure.

{Matzav.com}

TURNING THE TABLES: Porush Targets Iran Spies With Same Sanctions Framework Used Against Yeshiva Bochurim

Matzav -

A new bill introduced by MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism would impose far-reaching economic penalties on individuals convicted of working with Iranian agents, drawing directly on the same legal reasoning that has been used to justify sanctions against yeshiva bochurim who refuse to serve in the IDF.

The legislation would strip those convicted of spying for Iran of a wide range of government benefits and financial incentives. Among the measures outlined in the proposal are the loss of academic scholarships, income tax credit points, National Insurance payments, housing discounts, daycare assistance, reduced fares on public transportation, and government aid programs for purchasing a home.

Porush based the proposal on positions previously advanced by the Attorney General’s Office before the Supreme Court. In those proceedings, the state presented a list of “personal enforcement measures” aimed at yeshiva students, arguing that the withholding of financial benefits constitutes a lawful and proportionate deterrent.

The bill’s explanatory notes directly invoke that rationale. “If the legal counsel believes that denying daycare subsidies is a legitimate enforcement tool, then all the more so it should be applied to those who act to harm the State,” the bill’s explanatory notes state.

Porush also delivered a pointed jab at the Attorney General’s Office while promoting the measure. “I am certain that the Attorney General’s Office will support the proposal,” he said sarcastically, “since it is clear that the bodies responsible for law enforcement wish to stop espionage on behalf of Iran no less than they wish to persecute Torah learners.”

{Matzav.com}

Thousands of Lives. Hundreds of Talmidim. One Extraordinary Yeshiva.

Matzav -

[COMMUNICATED]

Every bochur deserves someone who sees what he can become before he sees it himself.

For nearly 30 years, Yeshiva Ohr Simcha of Englewood has been built on that belief—not as a slogan, but as a daily reality in the beis medrash. With intentionally small classes, every talmid is known by name, and the relationship with his rebbi stays close, consistent, and personal.

We work with boys who may have struggled earlier on in elementary school—not because they lack ability, but because they needed a different setting to unlock it. A warm, structured yeshiva environment where they’re given individualized attention, real encouragement, and the tools to realize: I can do this.

Time and again, that approach builds solid, confident bnei Torah—many of whom go on to become successful rabbeim, baalei batim, and community leaders.

On June 1–2, Yeshiva Ohr Simcha will launch its annual Rayze-It campaign (Click Here to Join), giving friends, parents, alumni, and supporters an opportunity to partner in its mission. Funds raised will help the yeshiva continue providing the exceptional chinuch, dedicated rebbeim, and a nurturing atmosphere that has impacted generations of talmidim. 

To participate in the campaign and support the Yeshiva’s mission, please visit: https://www.rayze.it/ohrsimcha

Thousands Gather for the Fifth Adirei HaTorah Maamad

Matzav -

Thousands converged on the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Sunday night for the fifth Adirei HaTorah maamad in support of the yungeleit of Lakewood, NJ. Those who couldn’t get tickets to the primary venue filled the Cure Arena in Trenton, NJ, joining the full program via live hookup.

From cities and towns across the tri-state area, busloads and carloads of attendees arrived with one shared purpose: to proclaim the honor and centrality of limud haTorah and to pay tribute to those who dedicate their lives to it.

The arena’s doors opened at 3 p.m. Gone were the sports banners and celebrity endorsements. In their place were powerful declarations of kavod haTorah, with mottos and visuals emphasizing the preciousness of those who carry the spiritual burdens of Klal Yisroel. As guests entered, they were offered refreshments, while inside the arena they were met with a magnificent sight: a round majestic dais on the floor of the arena constructed for the hundreds of roshei yeshiva, rabbonim, and roshei chaburah in attendance.

The air was charged with anticipation and uplifted by the sweet sounds of music. Keyboardist Meir Adler, flown in from Eretz Yisroel, was joined by singers Yanky Daskal, Hershy Weinberger, Duvid Berger, Shaya Lebron, and the Yedidim and Yingerlach Choirs. Their stirring melodies provided the evening with an atmosphere of joy and reverence.

Tehillim was recited for acheinu Bnei Yisroel by Rav Chaim Ginsburg, senior rosh chaburah at Bais Medrash Govoah.

Mincha was led by Rabbi Moshe Schepansky, father of Eli Schepansky z”l, a bochur who was recently niftar in a tragic accident.

As the roshei yeshiva entered the arena, accompanying the esteemed guest from Eretz Yisroel, Rav Yitzchok Soloveitchik, the crowd rose in a unified, thunderous display of kavod haTorah.

Rav Nochum Binder, who served as the evening’s emcee, opened the program by reflecting on the current state of Klal Yisroel and the many challenges that seem to abound.

Tehillim was then recited, led by Rav Dovid Schustal, rosh yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah, who first delivered divrei chizuk.

Rav Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, rosh yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah, was then introduced to address the maamad.

A video was then shown featuring a song to the tune of Shlomo Zolty’s Vahaviyosim, followed by a second song to Chaim Banet’s Machnisei Rachamim, sung by Boruch Levine, as well as V’ahavascha, Moshe Goldman’s Ani Maamin, and Yisgadal V’yisgadash.

The special guest from Eretz Yisroel, Rav Yitzchok Soloveitchik, was then introduced.

Following Rav Soloveitchik’s drasha, a poignant video was shown in memory of Rav Shimon Frank zt”l, an outstanding yungerman who was niftar during the past year. The video about this dedicated ben Torah painted a picture of a life steeped in Torah and kedusha.

The singing of Avinu Av Harachaim and several other niggunim was led by Yanky Daskal, who was joined by special guest singer Naftali Kempeh, who sang his own composition, Baavur Avoseinu.

A Siyum HaShas on Talmud Bavli and Talmud Yerushalmi, learned b’iyun by the yungeleit of Bais Medrash Govoah, was made, with the Hadran recited by Rav Yisroel Neuman, rosh yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah. After Rav Neuman recited the Hadran, the Kaddish for the siyum was recited by relatives of lomdei Bais Medrash Govoah who were niftar during the past year.

With the response of the final amein and a cry of “Mazel tov!” the crowd erupted with pure joy and simchas haTorah.

Rav Uri Deutsch, rov of the Forest Park Shul, then delivered the keynote drasha.

After an uplifting medley, the thousands joined together in Kabbolas Ohl Malchus Shomayim, led by Rav Yeruchom Olshin, rosh yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah, who first delivered divrei chizuk.

A brief final round of singing and dancing followed, bringing the program to a close shortly after 9 p.m.

As the crowd began to file out, with music still echoing through the cavernous arena, the prevailing feeling was that the Adirei HaTorah maamad had once again fulfilled its mission—with a resounding reminder that the lomdei Torah remain the crown jewels of our people.

PHOTOS:

{Matzav.com}

Ateres Shlomo Bochur Arrested, Released Following Brief Detention

Matzav -

A dramatic incident sent shockwaves through the olam haTorah Sunday evening after a bochur from Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo was detained by authorities, prompting concern among family members and sparking warnings of a public response from the yeshiva if he was not released.

The bochur, Uriel Rosenfeld, reportedly left his home at approximately 6:00 p.m. and was scheduled to attend a wedding. When he failed to arrive and his family was unable to determine his whereabouts, concern quickly grew.

Family members contacted attorney Shlomo Chadad, who immediately began efforts to locate him.

After making inquiries, Chadad learned that Rosenfeld was being held at the Anatot police station.

Sources within Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo warned that if the bochur was not released immediately, the yeshiva would launch a public campaign on his behalf, including demonstrations and possible road blockages.

A short time later, Rosenfeld was released, bringing the immediate episode to an end.

The incident nevertheless heightened concern throughout the yeshiva world amid the ongoing arrests of bnei yeshiva and the growing tensions surrounding enforcement measures directed at those whose military status has not been regularized.

The arrest drew particular attention due to Rosenfeld’s association with Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, one of the largest and most prominent yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel, headed by Rav Sholom Ber Sorotzkin, who was in the United States last night for the Adirei HaTorah event and the wedding of Reb Lipa Friedman’s child. Rav Sorotzkin previously led the historic gathering of the olam haTorah that drew hundreds of thousands in a public display of support for bnei yeshiva and lomdei Torah.

{Matzav.com}

Dramatic Night in Beit Shemesh: Protesters Breach Police Station Following Arrest of Yeshiva Bochur

Matzav -

Violent disturbances erupted overnight in Beit Shemesh after the arrest of a yeshiva bochur classified by authorities as a draft evader, leading hundreds of demonstrators to gather outside the local police station. The unrest escalated as dozens of protesters forced their way into the station compound, set fires, and clashed with police officers and Border Police personnel.

According to police, the arrested individual, a yeshiva bochur from Beitar Illit, was detained during a routine inspection conducted under a recently implemented enforcement policy. Authorities said he was transferred to military police custody before protesters arrived at the scene.

As the night progressed, tensions intensified. Police reported that a group of demonstrators breached the station grounds, ignited several fires in the area, and engaged in confrontations with security forces attempting to restore order.

The disturbances come amid growing controversy surrounding a directive issued by Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy instructing officers to proactively locate and arrest yeshiva bochurim who have not regularized their military status.

Police said the protest initially began outside the Beit Shemesh station in response to the bochur’s detention by military police. Although the detainee had not been brought to the station itself, the gathering quickly grew. At a certain point, authorities said, dozens of rioters turned violent, stormed the station compound, and set nearby vegetation ablaze.

Yerushalayim District police officers and Border Police troops were deployed to disperse the crowd and push demonstrators away from the facility. Police said several separate fires broke out in the adjacent wooded area during the disturbances. Fire and Rescue Services responded to the scene and succeeded in extinguishing the blazes.

Later in the night, security forces managed to clear protesters from the police station grounds and surrounding roads. However, clashes continued in the vicinity of Route 38, where demonstrators allegedly hurled stones at police and attempted to block traffic.

Several individuals were arrested on suspicion of rioting and assaulting police officers. Jerusalem Region Commander Chief Superintendent Shlomi Bachar arrived at the scene and oversaw the police response.

Police said forces remain deployed in the area and are continuing efforts to restore calm and prevent additional disturbances.

{Matzav.com}

Pages

Subscribe to NativUSA Portal aggregator