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Two young chareidi women from Israel were arrested at Poland’s Krakow Airport after authorities allegedly discovered approximately 50 kilograms of khat in their luggage, exposing what advocates say is a growing pattern of young Israelis being recruited as drug couriers by smuggling networks.

The women, ages 23 and 24, arrived on a direct flight from Israel and were detained immediately upon landing Friday, according to a report published Tuesday. They now face criminal proceedings in Poland, which is considered among the strictest European countries when it comes to the importation of khat, a substance classified there as an illegal drug.

The incident has once again drawn attention to criminal organizations that reportedly target young men and women—often from the chareidi community—and persuade them to transport khat into Europe, where demand for the plant remains high and profits can be substantial.

According to reports, recruiters entice potential couriers by offering free airfare and promising cash payments of roughly 5,000 shekels in exchange for carrying luggage containing the substance.

To ease concerns, the organizers allegedly assure participants that the risks are minimal, claiming that even if they are stopped by customs officials, the worst outcome would be the confiscation of their luggage or a relatively small fine that the smuggling network would cover.

Attorneys familiar with such cases say those promises bear little resemblance to reality.

Attorney Mordechai Tzivin, who has represented Israelis arrested in Europe on khat-smuggling charges, told Ynet that “the concept of ‘at worst they’ll confiscate my suitcase and send me home’ has completely collapsed in recent years.”

According to Tzivin, Poland and several other European countries treat the importation of khat as a serious criminal offense. Once suspicious luggage is discovered, suspects are often arrested immediately and held in detention facilities for extended periods—sometimes weeks or even months—before formal legal proceedings begin.

Legal experts say Polish authorities intentionally employ lengthy pretrial detention as both a deterrent and a punitive measure aimed at discouraging future smuggling attempts from Israel.

For those who agree to participate in such operations, the consequences can be devastating. Many find themselves isolated from their families, incarcerated in a foreign country under difficult conditions, and confronting an unfamiliar legal system, only to realize too late that they were lured into a scheme that may permanently alter the course of their lives.

{Matzav.com}

Supreme Court Deputy President and Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Solberg said that postponing national elections during an extreme emergency could be justified under certain circumstances, while emphasizing that any such move would require strict safeguards and oversight.

Speaking at a closed conference hosted by Hebrew University, Solberg disclosed that election officials are actively examining emergency scenarios in which free and accessible elections may become impossible to conduct. In such cases, he said, a limited and carefully supervised postponement of elections could be warranted.

The remarks came during a presentation of a joint academic paper authored by Solberg and Central Elections Committee Acting Director-General Attorney Din Livneh. The paper examines how democratic elections should be managed during severe national crises and emergency situations.

According to Solberg, any decision to postpone elections must be governed by six strict principles designed to ensure that such an extraordinary measure cannot be exploited for political purposes. He stressed that the primary objective is to prevent election delays from becoming a tool that allows a government to prolong its time in power.

Under the first principle, which Solberg referred to as the “principle of necessity,” the burden of proof rests entirely on those seeking to postpone elections. He explained that the existence of a national crisis alone would not be sufficient justification. Rather, it would need to be demonstrated that the emergency substantially impairs the ability to hold free, fair, and equal elections.

Solberg also outlined what he called the “principle of temporariness,” under which any postponement would have to be limited in duration and accompanied by a specific and clearly defined replacement election date.

One of the most important standards, according to Solberg, is the “principle of last resort.” Before considering a postponement, authorities would be required to exhaust every available alternative, including early voting, mobile polling stations, and special voting arrangements for soldiers, evacuees, and other affected populations.

He emphasized that because delaying elections is such a significant step, any decision would have to be accompanied by complete transparency, including publicly available facts and explanations that would allow for rigorous public and judicial scrutiny.

Toward the end of his remarks, Solberg revealed that the Central Elections Committee has already begun preparing for a range of emergency scenarios behind the scenes.

“To minimize harm and prepare properly, we are thinking in the committee, and practicing, different scenarios and responses, including elections during an emergency.”

He explained that the committee is examining some of the most complex constitutional and logistical questions that could arise during a national crisis. At the same time, Solberg expressed hope that Israel would never find itself in a situation requiring such contingency plans to be implemented.

{Matzav.com}

A legislative initiative championed by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri to end the arrest of bnei yeshivah is facing significant legal obstacles, with senior legal officials reportedly expressing skepticism that the proposal can withstand judicial scrutiny.

According to a report by Kan News, legal experts believe the proposed legislation fails to meet the legal standards and principles required for proper lawmaking. As a result, there is growing speculation that the Knesset’s legal advisers will decline to support the measure.

“This legislative move has no legal viability and is not expected under any circumstances to withstand a High Court challenge,” legal sources reportedly assessed. Based on that evaluation, officials believe the Knesset’s legal counsel is unlikely to back the proposal, which is expected to be advanced as a temporary emergency measure.

The issue of arrests has become a central point of contention between the chareidi parties and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. On Monday, a high-stakes meeting took place between Deri, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni, and Netanyahu, during which the two chareidi leaders demanded rapid advancement of both the Basic Law protecting Torah study and legislation designed to halt the arrests of Torah learners.

During the meeting, Deri and Gafni reportedly pressed Netanyahu for an explicit commitment that sufficient support would be secured to pass the legislation in the Knesset. The two leaders also warned that if the government failed to move forward immediately on the chareidi legislative agenda, their parties would support dissolving the Knesset and triggering new elections.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Deri and Gafni issued a joint statement declaring: “Today we met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and conveyed to him, in the name of the Gedolei Yisroel, an unequivocal demand to immediately advance the Basic Law of Torah Study and the law to halt the arrests of Torah learners, by convening the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and the House Committee already this week.

“We made it clear that if we do not see practical action as we demanded, we will support dissolving the Knesset as early as next week. The Prime Minister made clear during the meeting that he is committed to approving the laws and will act to advance them quickly.”

As previously reported, Deri has spent recent weeks promoting a plan aimed at stopping the arrests by separating portions of the draft law and advancing temporary transitional provisions through expedited legislation.

Under the proposal, the draft law currently before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee would be split, with a one-year temporary measure enacted containing only the transitional provisions. Those provisions would preserve existing economic sanctions while ending arrests and criminal enforcement actions.

According to the Shas proposal, criminal proceedings against Torah learners would be frozen, addressing the situation in which many bnei yeshivah have become classified as lawbreakers due to the absence of legislation regulating their status. Supporters of the plan argue that, given the current political reality, no comprehensive draft law is likely to pass during the coming year and that the issue will ultimately be left for a future government formed after elections.

Deri hopes to advance the temporary measure by splitting it from the broader draft legislation already moving through the legislative process. By doing so, supporters believe the proposal could proceed directly to its final readings in the Knesset rather than beginning an entirely new and potentially lengthy legislative process.

Conservative commentator Mark Levin, known as “The Great One,” launched a fierce attack Tuesday against the new U.S.-Iran agreement, arguing that the deal would funnel enormous sums of money to Tehran while weakening Israel’s position and security.

In a social media post, Levin contended that the financial benefits Iran stands to receive under the agreement far exceed the aid Israel receives from the United States over an extended period.

“The Iranian regime will now receive more money from this deal in a single year than Israel receives in 10 years (nearly all of which buys military equipment from American companies),” Levin wrote in a post on social media.

Levin went on to praise Israel’s efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign support, while expressing frustration with what he views as the country’s treatment by allies and critics alike.

“Israel is actively and aggressively focused on complete economic and military independence. It does not want to be treated as a sterling partner in war but a belittled punching bag the rest of the time.”

He also voiced concern over what he described as growing hostility toward Israel from various political and media figures, while warning about closer ties with several Middle Eastern countries involved in regional diplomacy.

“Just listen to what’s said about Israel by Democrats, Woke Reich podcasters, TV hosts, and even some of our friends. I fear we will regret this as we grow closer to countries like Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan and go down a narrow and dark path,” concluded Levin.

Earlier in the day, Levin directed his criticism at diplomatic discussions involving Hezbollah, questioning why Israel and Lebanon were reportedly not participating directly in talks that could significantly affect their future.

“Has anybody ever heard of a negotiation where the two countries directly affected, Israel and Lebanon, are left out of the negotiation?” Levin wrote, referring to what he described as a Hezbollah renewal negotiation involving Qatar, Pakistan, and the United States.

According to Levin, any agreement reached through such negotiations would effectively be imposed on Israel and Lebanon without their direct involvement. He also questioned the wisdom of pressuring a democratic ally to accept outcomes that could threaten its citizens.

“Have we ever forced a democratic ally to endanger its own citizens by supporting a terrorist organization that has murdered Americans?”

Levin did not hide his outrage over the reported diplomatic efforts.

“Honestly, this is an abomination. What kind of [rubbish] is this,” he continued.

The longtime broadcaster further accused negotiators of disregarding Israel’s security concerns while allowing Iran to maintain and expand its influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah.

“Even worse, we are smearing Israel for refusing to abandon its security, we ensure Iran’s control over Lebanon via Hezbollah, and we have done absolutely nothing over the 45 year period Hezbollah has slaughtered Americans,” he wrote. “Only Israel has. Why are we helping Hezbollah? Pure appeasement to Iran.”

Levin also suggested that lawmakers in Washington should closely examine the negotiations and their implications, expressing skepticism that the matter would avoid congressional scrutiny.

“I wonder how many congressional Republicans support this? No way this escapes scrutiny. Something is going on here that stinks to high heaven,” he wrote.

{Matzav.com}

A large-scale vehicle protest in support of imprisoned bnei Torah is set to take place this afternoon, with thousands of drivers expected to depart from 19 locations across Israel and travel in organized convoys toward Military Prison 10.

Organizers say the demonstration will begin at 4:00 p.m. and is intended as a show of solidarity, protest, and unity on behalf of those they describe as “prisoners of the Torah world.” Participants will carry the message: “Enough is enough! There is no path without the path of Torah!”

Calls to participate have been issued by numerous major chassidic courts and organizations. The Eidah HaChareidis has also encouraged participation. Within Shas, senior Moetzes member Rav Moshe Maya stated that participation was obligatory, while party officials themselves have refrained from endorsing the event.

According to organizers, the protest’s objectives are clear: the immediate release of all detained bnei Torah, an end to what they describe as unjust arrests, and the cancellation of all government measures targeting lomdei Torah and their families.

“We will not remain silent while our brothers sit behind bars for the ‘crime’ of learning Torah, and while bnei yeshivah and avreichim are pursued in the streets,” organizers said, urging the broader public to join the demonstration and voice opposition to what they characterize as the persecution of Torah learners in Eretz Yisroel.

Thousands of drivers have already registered through the protest’s internal hotline. Organizers said detailed instructions have been distributed to participants ahead of the journey to the military prison.

In recent hours, the organizing committee reported an unusually high volume of registration requests. The surge in calls from drivers seeking to finalize their participation reportedly caused temporary technical disruptions and a partial system crash, which communications teams were working to resolve.

Ahead of the event, organizers released a comprehensive set of guidelines for participants and encouraged drivers to decorate their vehicles with signs, banners, and informational materials supporting the cause. Volunteers will be stationed at departure points to assist with the installation of flags and signage in a safe and secure manner.

Participants have also been instructed to connect to the protest’s internal command hotline before departure. Organizers emphasized that all official updates, route changes, and emergency instructions will be communicated exclusively through that channel.

The committee stressed that the convoy has been fully coordinated with Israeli police and urged participants to avoid confrontations with law enforcement officers, bystanders, or other motorists. Drivers were specifically instructed not to engage in arguments, provocations, or any behavior that could lead to conflict.

Organizers further emphasized that roadways and intersections must not be blocked under any circumstances. The goal, they said, is to express protest in a dignified and lawful manner while avoiding physical or verbal altercations. Drivers were also instructed to cooperate respectfully with police officers and comply calmly with any requests made during the event.

The convoys are expected to travel at a steady speed of approximately 50 kilometers per hour, subject to traffic and road conditions. Participants have been instructed to maintain greater-than-normal following distances to reduce the risk of accidents and sudden braking.

Drivers were warned not to stop their vehicles along the route, as doing so could create dangerous conditions and potentially expose participants to fines or enforcement actions. Organizers also instructed participants to remain in the right lane, noting that slow travel in the left lane would violate traffic regulations and interfere with normal traffic flow.

Because the demonstration could last several hours and may involve extended delays, participants have been advised to prepare accordingly by bringing water, food, a full tank of fuel, and Torah study materials or other appropriate activities for waiting periods.

Organizers added that a central command center will remain available throughout the event to assist with emergencies, technical issues, and logistical needs. They noted that all operational guidelines and legal instructions for the protest were reviewed and approved by attorney Nosson Rosenblatt.

{Matzav.com}

Fresh off his primary victory over Rep. Dan Goldman, New York Democrat Brad Lander argued Tuesday night that voters are demanding a more aggressive Democratic Party, including a fundamental shift in the party’s approach toward Israel and its relationship with the United States.

Appearing on CNN’s The Source, Lander framed his victory as part of a broader movement within the Democratic Party, saying voters are looking for leaders willing to challenge both President Donald Trump and powerful economic interests.

“want leaders who are going to fight, not just Donald Trump, but the billionaires who are rigging the economy against us. And that’s what I think tonight’s election is about.”

Lander said recent primary results demonstrate growing support for progressive candidates who reject major corporate donors and advocate a more confrontational political style.

“who say we want to see a Democratic Party that’s fighting harder. We shouldn’t be taking corporate PAC money from Wall Street and crypto and AI and AIPAC, we’ve got to fight harder for working families and have people see us fighting for them, and we have to reset the U.S. relationship with Israel.”

Discussing his campaign against Goldman, Lander said voters were looking for change across a range of issues, including campaign financing, healthcare, housing, and U.S. support for Israel.

“a corporate incumbent Democrat to say voters want change on a range of issues, on corporate money, on fighting, on housing, and healthcare, and yes, on not sending any more money for Netanyahu’s wars.”

According to Lander, the divide within the Democratic Party is not primarily ideological but rather comes down to determination and political will.

“fighters and folders.”

CNN host Kaitlan Collins then raised comments made by Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who has referred to the progressive wing of the party as the “dirtbag left.”

When asked whether Fetterman was wrong, Lander responded with a remark that quickly drew attention.

“I’m not sure if Fetterman is in our party any more, to be honest. Democrats are having primaries to determine what kind of candidates we want to put on the field, and there’ll be a diverse array of candidates because they reflect and represent a diverse array of districts. Primaries are a time to have those fights out, and then, as we head toward the fall, it’s a time of unity. I will try to be a force of unity. I hope Sen. Fetterman will stop attacking other Democrats and decide to rejoin the fold, but if he wants to leave the party, we’ve got a lot of great fighters who can show up and fight for working families.”

After CNN formally projected Lander as the winner, Collins asked what message he believed the election results sent about the Democratic Party.

Lander replied that voters are increasingly rejecting candidates tied to major outside political organizations and want leaders focused on everyday concerns.

“Look, I think it says people want fighters, they want people who reject corporate PAC money from private equity, Wall Street and crypto and AIPAC, it wants people who center the real felt needs of working families and go out and fight and deliver for them, like I’ve been doing for 30 years, protecting tenants and building affordable housing. And I do think it says Democratic voters want to reset the U.S. relationship with Israel, they don’t want a foreign policy that compromises on anyone’s humanity.”

Collins then asked whether positions on Israel were becoming a litmus test within Democratic politics.

Lander suggested the issue remains far from settled but said he believes voters are increasingly pushing the party in a new direction.

“Well, I don’t know that it’s a litmus test. There’s still a majority of Democratic members of Congress who take money from AIPAC, and a majority of Democrats, in the House at least, have continued to vote for military aid. I think it says Democratic voters want to see that change.”

The conversation then turned to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his criticism of AIPAC during the campaign.

Asked whether he agreed with Mamdani’s characterization of the pro-Israel organization, Lander broadened his criticism to include other large political action committees that operate with substantial financial influence.

“Look, there are voters who have a lot of concerns with AIPAC and the way, but it’s — that’s true of other super PACs as well, that spend money in dark ways, that don’t even talk clearly about the issues that they’re focused on. So, it was an important part of my campaign. At the same time, like, I’m a proud Jewish New Yorker. Antisemitism is surging. It is important for us to be clear that the Democratic Party is not going to compromise on anyone’s human rights, not Palestinians in Gaza, and not Jews in New York City or the United States of America, like, that’s not two separate jobs. That’s the same job.”

{Matzav.com}

Sen. John Fetterman blasted a rising group of progressive Democratic candidates in New York on Tuesday, accusing them of harboring hostility toward Israel, embracing radical policies, and steering the Democratic Party in a dangerous direction.

Speaking on Fox News Channel’s Hannity, the Pennsylvania Democrat expressed alarm over the success of several left-wing candidates in New York and suggested that traditional Democrats are being pushed aside by a more extreme faction.

“These are the kind of people that are trying to run out of office, I mean, they’re just good traditional kinds of Democrats. You would have expected it in New York City. And now this has just become really, it’s just the dancing days of the dirtbag left. You know, with some of these outrageous candidates. You know, you have candidates. They’re here to abolish ICE, abolish the police, abolish the border, and she even said, F Kamala Harris and more of these outrageous kinds of things.”

Fetterman went on to argue that many of the candidates gaining momentum within the party represent a deeply anti-Israel movement that is increasingly at odds with mainstream Democratic voters.

“I mean, these are the emerging full pro-Hamas wing. You know, a lot of these candidates that very likely are going to win tonight, just declaring a war on just regular Democrats.”

Host Sean Hannity then asked Fetterman why he believes some progressives display such strong opposition to Israel.

“Let me ask this: Why the deep hatred for Israel? Why?”

In response, Fetterman linked anti-Israel sentiment to broader opposition toward the United States and Western values.

“Because I mean, you have such contempt for Israel, I mean, of course, you’re also anti-American, and you’re anti-Western civilization. And you’re anti-capitalism and the American way of life.”

The senator also criticized what he described as the growing embrace of socialist, communist, and Marxist ideologies among some figures on the political left.

“Now, I mean, they’re all socialists, of course. Now there is communists and now Marxists and now they’re proud of this.”

{Matzav.com}

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called Tuesday for a sweeping increase in global climate spending, urging governments, development banks, and financial institutions to dramatically expand investments aimed at combating climate-related challenges and supporting developing nations.

Speaking during London Climate Action Week, Guterres argued that the world is not investing enough to address the growing effects of climate change and warned that communities across the globe are already experiencing its consequences.

“We must do far more to protect people and communities from the here-and-now effects of climate chaos,” Guterres said. “Because even at full speed, we cannot outrun climate change. Its impacts are already here, compounding and cascading.”

The U.N. leader also focused attention on Africa, describing the continent as rich in energy resources but largely overlooked by international investors despite its enormous potential.

“Africa is home to 60% of the world’s best solar resources, 30% of critical minerals, 1/5 of humanity,” Guterres continued. “Yet it receives just 2% of global clean energy investment. At the same time, more than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity. This is unjust and a lost opportunity for Africa and the world.”

Guterres called on wealthier nations to fulfill their climate-financing obligations and significantly increase support for developing countries, arguing that existing commitments must be transformed into far larger long-term investments.

“Developed countries must keep their promises, including support to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage and the Green Climate Fund. The $300 billion pledged to developing countries must be delivered with concrete steps to mobilize the $1.3 trillion a year by 2035,” Guterres said. “In a world of shrinking aid, we must also unleash the catalytic role of multilateral development banks and the wider development finance system to help fund long-term infrastructure such as grids, mass transit, and water systems.”

The secretary-general further pressed international lending institutions to take a more aggressive role in funding major infrastructure projects and climate adaptation efforts, arguing that recent reforms have given them the financial capacity to do much more.

“Recent reforms and policy decisions have increased the lending capacity of multilateral development banks by 600 to 800 billion U.S. dollars. They must use it aggressively to finance the infrastructure of the future and climate adaptation,” Guterres continued. “They must also adapt their instruments to match the scale and time frame of the challenge, including 50-year finance where needed.”

Guterres’ remarks reflected the United Nations’ continuing push for large-scale international funding commitments as global leaders debate how to finance climate initiatives, energy transitions, and infrastructure projects in developing regions over the coming decades.

Why is there so much more Beis Yosef meat available today? What does “glatt” really mean? And are all glatt and Beis Yosef standards the same? Rabbi Zvi Fishbane, Rosh HaShochtim of the cRc, takes us inside the world of shechita, tracing the evolution of kosher meat standards and explaining what consumers should know.

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Transcription

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Hello everyone and welcome back to Let’s Talk Kashrus, presented by the Kashrus Awareness Project in conjunction with the CRC of Chicago. Today I am privileged to be joined by Rabbi Zvi Fishbane, long-time Rosh Hashochtim at the CRC of Chicago. Rabbi Fishbane, welcome. 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: Thank you, Shalom. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: I’ve been privileged in the past to talk to your son, Reb Sholem. 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: Yes, Baruch Hashem, we’re very proud. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: And today we are zocheh to have you after all this time. 

So you’ve been the Rosh Hashochtim at the CRC of Chicago. You’ve basically seen everything in the field of shchita. 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: I joined the world of shchita more than fifty years ago. And Baruch Hashem, I’ve seen a transition of the shchita standards from fifty years ago from the old time until today, and I’ve seen the transition to be on a higher and going on a higher, higher madreiga, then always looking for more hiddurim and more availability on a higher standard of kashrus, Baruch Hashem. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Very often when we hear people reminisce about the old times, they like to say how great things were back then. In the field of kashrus and specifically shchita, what do you see as the primary difference, or at least maybe even take us down memory lane, walk through what it was like five decades ago and then gradually to where we are today? 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: Well, it’s just very simple is that today, Baruch Hashem, the Olam HaTorah and even the Olam HaChassidus is much more learned and much more broaderthan it was for the people who were living in America before the war. And because they are such on a higher and they’re more learned with such a higher learning background, they understand more and they are demanding more. Once you’re demanding more, so therefore the industry has to keep up with the demands. 

I’ll give you a very simple example is that when there was a controversy of nikur or a controversy of chalav Yisrael, what happened? People would rather abstain from eating than get into shailos and look for heterim. So mimaila that itself was a reason that they upgraded the standards to supply the demands of the tzibur, Baruch Hashem. And that’s when I started the shchita world over fifty years ago, the idea of Glatt Kosherwas just very didn’t wasn’t the norm. But like I say, the demand became bigger, so they had to find a higher standard of Glatt Kosher. 

But this is where the problem comes in. Was there enough to supply the tzibur for everything that they were asking for? So then already you have to look on the other side to find more Glatt Kosher. And that’s where the standard already became a little lenient to find more Glatt Kosher. For example, there is there was a when we started out, real Glatt Kosher was 100% Glatt Kosher, there was nothing more or less, you had to have Glatt Kosher if there was a request for it. 

Today, everything has to be Glatt Kosher and so they use the term today as being commercial glatt. It’s not the real glatt, it’s just called commercial glatt. Now you can stretch that to whatever it means. There is a sefer called Mateh Asher that people use to say up to three—I’ll explain what that is—three ririn, which is basically three sirchos, whatever it may be. 

We can still call that Glatt Kosher. So it became lenient. All of a sudden, the olam woke up to that and said, hey, this is not what we want. We want the real thing or else we’re just not interested in eating your product. 

We don’t need it. We’d rather have what we want. So we start asking for Bais Yosef. Bais Yosef is supposed to mean that the Bais Yosef said that we don’t take anything, so therefore the Bais Yosef is supposed to be without anything, nothing on it, no rir, no sircha, nothing, you didn’t play around with the lungs, you didn’t look at it. 

Okay, all of a sudden the demand for this Bais Yosef standard became higher. So we got to supply the Klal Yisrael with BaisYosef. Right. Once again, we had to find heterim. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: So let’s start at first base for listeners who are watching—listeners are listening, watchers who are watching—who are not shochtim, they don’t know anything about shchita, they’re relying on wonderful hashgacha. like the CRC and others for their, for their meat. What, what does glatt kosher mean in layman’s terms? 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: Let’s, let’s go back and discuss the origin of what glatt kosher means. There’s basically, without going into all the background of all the lomdus in the Gemara, basically we’re talking about a machlokes of Rashi and Tosafos. 

It goes like this. If you find a something in the on the lung, it’s called a sircha. Sircha is somewhat of a thin membrane that develops and it’ll develop on the lung. So the question is, why as Chazal say, we don’t take this. 

If it’s in a certain position on the lung, we cannot accept this as kosher. So it’s a machlokes Rashi and Tosafos as to why we don’t accept it. Rashi says because anything you find on the lung, it’s indicative, it shows that there must be a hole inside the lung, and we know that a nekev mashehu is going to passul the, is one of the treifos, it’s in the nekev mashehu in the reiya, in the lung, it’s going to passul. Tosafos is cholek on Rashi and says if you find something on the lung, it’s not necessarily there’s a hole in the lung, it means that there is a, it’s going to eventually, since the lung is breathing and it’s expanding and it’s detracting, so because of the movement of the lung, it’s going to eventually make a hole, sof lei l’nakev. 

That’s why certain sirchos you would find on the lung, which would be 100 percent muttar because it’s not part of the expansion of the lung. So that’s already extended halacha in Yoreh Deah. But this machlokes of Rashi and Tosafos, how does, how does it affect, is that affect everything you find on the lung or not? So there was a time there was called the BeisYosef and the Rema were talking about a certain procedure that they saw a adhesion, a sircha, an adhesion on the lung, and they would determine if this is what Chazal meant. Meaning like this: they would take this sircha in their hands and they would rub it and expand it, and if it dissolved, oh, it dissolved, so it’s going to eventually dissolve anyway, and we’re going to call it a sircha bas yoma and it’s anyways going to dissolve anyway, so mi-mah nafshach according to Rashimeans it never made a, it was never a nekev there in the first place because something that’s going to dissolve on its own, it’s not, it’s indicative there’s nothing really there, and according to Tosafos it’s going to dissolve anyway, it’s, once you make this miyuch u-mishmush on this reiya, so then we’re going to, it’s not going to be sof lei l’iparek. 

So this idea of miyuch u-mishmush, it became a machlokesbetween the Beis Yosef and the Rema. The Beis Yosef says, no, we can’t accept such a bedika. And the, and that’s where the idea of Beis Yosef means it has to be completely clean without follow up with any type of bedika. The Rema says, no, our minhag in Klal Yisrael to do miyuch u-mishmush. 

That was fine and dandy, that was beautiful until about approximately 150 years ago, whatever it may be, that they discovered a different way of being bodek the lung. It’s called klipa. Klipa means that they took the sircha and with an expert way they can peel the sircha, the adhesion off the lung and check it: is there a hole underneath it or is there not? So that became the norm of how to check. The idea is, if you want to put it in layman’s term, the miyuch u-mishmushprocess was a bedika on the sircha, is this what Chazalwanted, were referring to. 

And the bedika of klipa is not a bedika on the sircha but it’s a bedika on in the lung, what the lung is once you peel it off. Once you peel it off, we’re checking the lung. So that’s the major difference of klipa and miyuch u-mishmush and it makes a whole difference in what kind of sircha, what’s a sircha, how it, but that’s, that would be the difference. The problem really is that hayos that it’s a machlokes Rashi and Tosafos what the origin of the sircha is, so this idea of klipa is only according to Rashi because what are you doing you’re checking for the hole in the lung but according to Tosafos that says it’s soifa liporek you’re not accomplishing anything with this kleipa. 

You don’t know what’s going eventually what’s going to happen. And the Simla Chadasha who is the of course the posek acharon in Hilchos Shechita and Bedika says since it’s a machlokes Rishonim we have to be machmir like both. So here we got a problem over here that everybody’s doing kleipaand that became the minhag in Klal Yisrael but it’s not according to all the shitos so it doesn’t fit in according to Tosafos mostly according to Tosafos because of this reason because of soifa liporek. So everyone’s that’s where glattkosher comes in. 

Glatt kosher comes in and says listen we’re going to we’re going to not have anything on the lung so you don’t have a problem with Rashi and Tosafos and everybody will be happy. That’s good if the glatt kosher is nothing on the lung. But if there’s something a little bit on the lung and you’re finding a heter is this a sircha this is what the Beis Yosef meant and go through that whole procedure of thought how does it fit in according to Rabbeinu Tam? That’s how it that’s where the major problem comes in. So what became a glatt kosher standard lowered itself to commercial glatt which you find something there and maybe we can take it maybe we can’t. 

People woke up to that. That’s not what we’re looking for. We want nothing on the lung. Okay we’ll give you Beis Yosef. 

The demand for Beis Yosef was overwhelming. 

All of a sudden the market is flooded with Beis Yosef. What’s going on here? I had the opportunity to speak to one of the rabbonim machshirim and he explained to me not every BeisYosef is the way I explained it. Vos heist? What’s the makorBeis Yosef? It’s from the acheinu haSephardim they have their masorah. And according to their masorah you can do certain things and you can accept certain things and certain sirchosyou could accept it according to their masorah. 

I’m not familiar with it but this is the way it was explained to me. So according to their masorah this is called Beis Yosef. Oh we could go with their masorah and call things Beis Yosef. I looked at him I said that’s what you’re doing? We’re talking about yungeleit we’re talking about people who are choreidlidvar Hashem they don’t want anything and you’re giving you’re saying I’m only giving it to a masorah. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: It’s like a chumra habah lidei kulabecause not only that if you would try and sell kitniyos on Pesach and not put on it Sephardim only try that it doesn’t work. 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: So mimmiela that’s what’s happening basically right now. I’m not saying all the machshirim have this lenient standard but if you find a influx of Beis Yosef meat in the market and on the shelf you have to be choshesh for it. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Choshesh for what? What practically? 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: That they’re not using the standard that you want but rather a standard let’s say that this acheinuhaSephardim have a masorah for and they would take certain things off the lung. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: So are you better off not buying BeisYosef or is that what you’re insinuating? 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: I’m not saying what better off what to do. I’m telling you everyone has to go and determine what where the meat is coming from what they want have be educated and follow accordingly. I’m not here to. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: But if people who are not shochtimthey’re not experts at shechita they don’t know the minutiae of or they don’t know the details so what should someone do? If they want to be machmir betachlis hahiddur they want to get the?

R’ Zvi Fishbane: There is a standard in the slaughterhouse today it’s called Shaish Beis Yosef Shaish. So the sellers are developing what Beis Yosef is this is for the hamon am but the Shaish means Shaish is the highest standard Beis Yosef highest standard and there is a they do mark that but the question how much can you get? Shaish you can’t play around with. Once you’re calling something Shaish it means it’s complete. It’s perfect. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: It’s perfect. So the question is if you’re able to get that upon your request or not depending on the. And obviously you might have to pay the price for it because if well I’m not going yeah it’s gonna cost perhaps more depending on what the market could supply. Or else this community they keep it for themselves. 

Let’s say you have a certain community that has their own shechita they’re rest assured they’re going to take care of their own community before although like you say they can get a better price. So you mentioned acheinu hasfaradim. When you’re referring to our Sephardic brethren with regard to BeisYosef and standards of shechita, are you talking about all Sephardim, are you talking about certain segments of Sephardim, if you could clarify that? 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: I’m, well let’s put it this way, I know that Hacham Rabi Ovadia was very makpid in what you call BeisYosef. This is what we were saying was shaish Beis Yosef. 

He wouldn’t settle for anything less and that’s the way he instructed his talmidim and his tzibur. But there are other mesoras. I’m not familiar, I didn’t go personally, I didn’t interview other people, but this is what we’re told in the industry, that there are machshirim from acheinu hasfaradimthat said in that’s the they have a different mesora and this is what they’re transmitting and telling our machshirim who are copying that standard and giving using that as a standard for Beis Yosef. So it’s not necessarily by everyone. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: It’s only by certain ones. Now, to clarify also, tell me if I’m right about categorizing like this. Our whole conversation here is about a mehadrin level. We’re talking about those who desire the highest level of purity in shechita. 

So we shouldn’t mislead people. We’re talking about people who want Beis Yosef because it’s a higher level. And within Beis Yosef what you’re saying is because there became such a high demand for Beis Yosef, so whatever the providers of meat have found ways for the meat to be considered Beis Yosef. So we’re talking about within that realm of mehadrin, what is mehadrin, what may be mehadrin min hamehadrin and things of that sort, if you could elaborate on that? Exactly. 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: I just want to explain before the shechitastandards have definitely been improved. The quality, the standard of the shochet himself that should be on a ben Torah-dik level at least. I know by the Chassidish communities they have to meet their standards as being a representative of their community and a representative of Torah and what they stand for. 100%. 

It’s on a but to say that it’s not acceptable, chas veshalom, everything is beautiful according to but I’m just bringing out this nekuda because the demand is so great as compared to years before, so this demand has brought them to want to supply the tzibur and in that nekuda the hiddur demand has lessened the standard that people may want to accept. But it’s 100% there’s no problem, it’s 100% beautiful kosher shechitaon all the basically in all the machshirim today and it’s a kavod for the tzibur that the machshirim are well aware of the to keep everything on a higher standard with higher chumrasand aderaba yochlu anavim veyisbau. Right. So, you know, we like to provide a takeaway for those who listen and watch Kashrus Awareness, let’s talk Kashrus. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: And so I’d like to distill everything that you said into perhaps a practical takeaway. If someone wants the highest level of shechita today, so a two-part question: should they look specifically for Beis Yosef and if they should, how do they determine that it’s the highest level of Beis Yosef? What would you say? 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: I would say basically learn through the sugya. No, basically I would… 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: No, on a serious note, people are not necessarily able to learn through the sugya. 

Those who learn Chullin in Daf Yomi may have a little more knowledge of what we’re talking about, but on a serious note, if someone really wants the highest level, what should they look for? 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: So basically what I’m saying is since the standards differ from one community from one shlachtoisfrom one hechsher to the other, it would be a responsibility of the rav of a community to be able to advise his tziburaccordingly. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Aha. So you go to your rav and you say to your rav I want the highest level of shechita, he’ll tell you which specific shechita, which store, which shlachtois and so on. Yes, I would think that should be the derech, yes. 

Rabbi Fishbane, thank you for being here. 

R’ Zvi Fishbane: It’s been my honor. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: It’s a zechus to be able to sit with you and on behalf of all those who have benefited from your dedication and devotion to the world of shechita for half a century, we say thank you, thank you for enhancing the world of kashrus as you have and for all your wonderful avodas hakodesh, thank you so much.

{Matzav.com}

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez easily secured another term Tuesday night, turning back a Democratic primary challenge from a former Wall Street executive who argued that the congresswoman had become more focused on national prominence than the day-to-day concerns of her constituents.

Marty Dolan attempted to unseat Ocasio-Cortez in New York’s 14th Congressional District, which spans portions of Queens and the Bronx. Despite positioning himself as a more moderate alternative, he struggled to gain traction against one of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable figures.

The outcome came amid a broader political environment in New York City that has increasingly favored progressive candidates. Following the election of socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Dolan’s centrist message failed to resonate strongly enough to threaten the incumbent.

Ocasio-Cortez entered the race with substantial advantages, including a formidable fundraising operation, widespread name recognition, and a loyal political base that has repeatedly propelled her to victory.

The latest win further solidifies her standing in Congress and extends a political rise that began in 2018, when she stunned the Democratic establishment by defeating then-House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley in a historic primary upset.

Dolan’s campaign emerged at a time when Ocasio-Cortez’s influence within the Democratic Party continues to expand. The New York lawmaker has become one of the leading voices of the party’s progressive wing and one of the most outspoken critics of President Donald Trump and Republican initiatives.

Although some Democrats have expressed concern that the party has shifted too far to the left, Ocasio-Cortez—widely known simply as AOC—has maintained a commanding position in her heavily Democratic district, where challengers have repeatedly failed to mount a serious threat.

Her victory also arrives as attention increasingly turns to her political future beyond Congress, with growing speculation about whether she may eventually seek a higher office.

When asked by Fox News Digital in June about the possibility of a presidential campaign in 2028, Ocasio-Cortez declined to close the door on the idea.

“Could I be president? Could I not be president? Maybe, maybe not,” she replied coyly.

That response intensified discussion about her potential role in the next Democratic presidential contest, which is expected to feature a crowded and competitive field following the conclusion of President Trump’s second term.

Among the Democrats frequently mentioned as possible contenders are California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump celebrated the primary defeat of Rep. Dan Goldman on Tuesday, taking a victory lap after one of his most outspoken congressional adversaries was unseated by a progressive challenger in New York.

Goldman, who gained national prominence for his role as a lead House manager during Trump’s first impeachment trial, lost the Democratic primary in New York’s 10th Congressional District to former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.

Trump reacted quickly to the outcome, posting a scathing message on social media in which he ridiculed Goldman and suggested voters had rejected him because of his efforts against the president.

“Weak and pathetic Congressman Dan Goldman just lost, BIG! I guess people didn’t like him illegally targeting President TRUMP. In any event, this jerk is finally GONE! President DJT”

The loss marked a significant setback for Goldman, who had been viewed as one of the Democratic Party’s rising figures since arriving in Congress. Throughout his time in office, he frequently positioned himself as a leading critic of Trump and remained closely identified with the impeachment proceedings that helped make him a national political figure.

Lander’s victory was widely seen as another win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who endorsed the former comptroller and has become an increasingly influential force in city politics.

The race also highlighted ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly over Israel and the direction of the party’s future leadership. Goldman enjoyed support from much of the Democratic establishment, while Lander drew backing from progressive activists and organizations seeking to reshape the party.

For Trump, however, the political implications of the race appeared secondary to the personal nature of Goldman’s defeat. The president has long viewed Goldman as one of the architects of congressional efforts against him and made clear that he viewed Tuesday’s result as a measure of political vindication.

With the primary now behind him, Lander enters the general election as the overwhelming favorite in the heavily Democratic district, while Goldman’s congressional career appears to have come to an abrupt end.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani scored a major political victory Tuesday night as three candidates he endorsed emerged victorious in Democratic congressional primaries, including two races in which sitting members of Congress were defeated.

One of the most closely watched contests saw former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander unseat Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th Congressional District, which spans portions of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.

In another upset, Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the 13th Congressional District, covering upper Manhattan and sections of the Bronx.

Meanwhile, Claire Valdez, the third candidate backed by Mamdani, secured the Democratic nomination in the open race for the 7th Congressional District, which includes parts of Brooklyn and Queens. The seat is being vacated by Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who chose not to seek another term.

Chevalier and Valdez also received support from the Democratic Socialists of America, which has played an increasingly influential role in New York City politics.

The victories come roughly a year after the DSA helped propel Mamdani to a stunning upset over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary, a victory that reverberated far beyond the city and was followed by a successful general election campaign.

Speaking Tuesday, Mamdani framed the results as part of a broader effort to reshape the Democratic Party.

“It’s not just a question of electing more Democrats. It’s a question of electing better Democrats, ” Mamdani said Tuesday, according to The Associated Press.

He added that the successful candidates share a commitment to prioritizing the concerns of ordinary Americans.

“When I look at these candidacies, I see in them a willingness to also put working people back at the heart of our politics,” Mamdani said.

Another high-profile race unfolded in Manhattan’s 12th Congressional District, where state Assemblyman Micah Lasher won a crowded primary to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler.

Lasher prevailed over fellow Assemblyman Alex Bores and several other contenders, including Jake Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy.

The race attracted extraordinary outside spending, with two political action committees linked to major artificial intelligence companies pouring a combined $20 million into efforts either supporting or opposing Bores.

Given the overwhelmingly Democratic makeup of the districts involved, the winners of all four primaries are widely expected to prevail in November’s general election and head to Washington next year.

A newly released federal investigation has concluded that the collapse of Florida’s Champlain Towers South was not a sudden event, but rather the culmination of a structural breakdown that had been unfolding for weeks before the building came crashing down and killed 98 people.

The findings, published Monday by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), determined that the 12-story beachfront condominium in Surfside suffered from critical structural weaknesses dating back to its original construction.

According to investigators, the chain of failures appears to have started in early June 2021 when two vital connections between columns in the underground parking garage and the concrete slab supporting the pool deck failed. Because the building’s original design did not comply with accepted engineering standards and decades of alterations further compromised the structure, the remaining sections of the deck were unable to withstand the redistribution of weight.

“When building structures are designed and built to required codes and standards, they have margins against failure, meaning they should be able to support much more load than they are expected to bear,” explained Judith Mitrani-Reiser, an investigation co-lead, in an accompanying video release. “In the case of Champlain Towers South, these margins against failure were too narrow from the start.”

The federal report adds significant detail to the growing body of evidence that emerged after the tragedy, pointing to longstanding design deficiencies and progressive structural deterioration. The building ultimately collapsed at approximately 1:22 a.m. on June 24, 2021, while most residents were asleep inside the oceanfront complex just north of Miami.

Among the 98 victims were members of the local Orthodox Jewish community, as well as relatives of Paraguay’s first lady, including her sister, family members, and their nanny.

The legal aftermath of the disaster resulted in a settlement exceeding $1 billion after a Miami judge approved a class-action agreement resolving numerous wrongful death and personal injury claims.

Mitrani-Reiser said investigators determined that the building failed to meet applicable structural requirements even under the standards in place when it was built in the late 1970s. In addition, portions of the completed structure differed from the original architectural plans. Among the unapproved changes were large decorative planters installed throughout the pool deck area.

Subsequent renovations added substantial weight to the structure. Sand and paving stones installed around the pool increased the load on what Mitrani-Reiser described as an “already structurally inadequate” platform. Investigators also confirmed extensive corrosion in reinforcing steel embedded within the pool deck and parking garage slabs.

Photographs taken in the weeks before the collapse provided further warning signs. Investigators identified a major crack running through a planter wall on the pool deck, along with additional fractures where the planter connected to a structural enclosure. The planter itself detached from the deck less than a day before the building failed.

The report also documented worsening water infiltration in the underground garage. Roughly a week before the collapse, investigators traced a growing leak from the garage ceiling. Witnesses later told officials that the flow had intensified to the point where it resembled a “water faucet” in the hours leading up to the disaster.

As the collapse began, residents reported seeing portions of the pool deck fail before the building itself came down. Mitrani-Reiser said witnesses described the deck collapse as occurring “one bay at a time as if dominoes were falling in a sequential chain reaction.” Others recalled a powerful blast of air moving through the lobby, accompanied by a deafening sound that survivors compared to a “jet engine.”

The tragedy led to major changes in Florida condominium law. In 2022, state lawmakers enacted requirements forcing condominium associations to maintain reserve funds for critical structural repairs and maintenance. After many property owners were hit with steep special assessments to address years of deferred upkeep, legislators later approved additional measures designed to provide associations and homeowners with greater flexibility in meeting the new financial obligations.

Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman was defeated in New York City’s Democratic primary on Tuesday, with former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander emerging victorious in a race that underscored growing divisions within the party over Israel and highlighted the expanding political influence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Lander’s victory in New York’s 10th Congressional District marked another success for candidates aligned with Mamdani, whose supporters have increasingly challenged incumbent Democrats as the mayor seeks to reshape the city’s political landscape following his breakthrough electoral success last year.

The loss made Goldman the fifth sitting member of the U.S. House to be unseated in a primary election during the 2026 cycle, reflecting broader dissatisfaction among many Democratic voters with the party’s established leadership.

Goldman had long been viewed as one of the Democratic Party’s emerging figures, gaining national attention for serving as lead counsel during President Donald Trump’s first impeachment proceedings. Since narrowly capturing a crowded primary contest in 2022, he had become a prominent critic of the Trump administration, particularly on issues such as immigration and abortion rights. His campaign also benefited from substantial personal financial resources and support from prominent Democrats, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and several influential labor organizations.

Despite those advantages, Goldman faced mounting opposition within a district that stretches into rapidly changing neighborhoods of Brooklyn, where his positions on Israel became a central issue. Goldman, who is Jewish, received support from both the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and J Street, a more liberal pro-Israel advocacy organization that also endorsed his candidacy.

Throughout the campaign, Goldman attempted to present himself as both progressive and supportive of Israel, arguing that criticism of Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and opposition to aspects of the war against Hamas in Gaza could coexist with continued American military support for Israel.

Lander, who is also Jewish, took a markedly different approach. He has sharply criticized Israel’s leadership and its handling of the Gaza conflict, describing the war as a “genocide.” He pledged to support legislation imposing additional limits on U.S. military assistance to Israel and repeatedly highlighted Goldman’s backing from AIPAC in an effort to appeal to Democratic voters who have grown increasingly critical of Israel.

The challenger also benefited from a close political alliance with Mamdani. During Lander’s unsuccessful mayoral campaign, the two forged a partnership that continued into this race. Lander further strengthened his standing among progressives by securing endorsements from prominent national figures, including Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Another key theme of Lander’s campaign was opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. He frequently appeared in federal immigration court to advocate for defendants and drew national attention last year when he was arrested following a confrontation with federal officers. Earlier this month, a judge acquitted him of misdemeanor charges stemming from that incident.

Lander also pointed to his years of experience on the New York City Council and his tenure as the city’s comptroller, arguing that his record in government positioned him to take office immediately and respond to what many Democrats view as an urgent need to challenge the Trump administration.

{Matzav.com}

As thousands of protesters prepare to take part in Wednesday’s large-scale vehicle demonstration against the arrest of bnei yeshivah and yungeleit, new details have emerged about a possible confrontation between organizers and law enforcement over access to Military Prison 10.

According to reports, police officials are considering a dramatic move that would prevent protest convoys from reaching the prison complex near Kfar Yona and instead redirect participants to a parking area outside the city.

The planned demonstration is scheduled to begin Wednesday at 4:00 p.m., with convoys departing simultaneously from numerous locations across the country before converging on the military prison.

The protest is being organized in response to the ongoing arrests of bnei Torah, and organizers estimate that approximately 2,500 vehicles will participate, making it one of the largest vehicle-based demonstrations the chareidi community has seen in recent years.

Sources familiar with the discussions said that police are also considering issuing traffic citations to drivers who deliberately travel at unusually slow speeds as part of the protest.

Meanwhile, Kfar Yona Mayor Albert Taieb announced that he intends to organize a “human wall” to prevent demonstrators from entering the city.

“This has nothing to do with chareidim,” Taieb said. “The coalition includes chareidim as well. We saw a similar situation during the protests surrounding Sde Teiman. In the name of democracy, you cannot shut down an entire city. We will not allow it.”

The mayor added that municipal officials and residents are prepared to block access to the city if necessary.

“We will block Kfar Yona at the Givat Alonim and Yefeh Nof neighborhoods if protests indeed take place,” he said.

Organizers have designated 19 departure points throughout the country, including Elad, Ashdod, Tiberias, Beitar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Givat Ze’ev, Haifa, Chatzor HaGlilit, Yerushalayim, Modiin Illit, Nof HaGalil, Netanya, Emanuel, Afula, Arad, Tzfas, Kiryat Gat, and Rechovot.

The convoys are expected to merge into a single procession en route to the prison while carrying the slogan: “Enough! There is no path without the path of Torah!”

Earlier reports indicated that the Eidah HaChareidis would officially join the protest following guidance from the Badatz. If confirmed, the development would mark an unusually broad coalition of participation, bringing together Agudas Yisroel, the Eidah HaChareidis, and other segments of the chareidi community in a joint public demonstration.

President Donald Trump cautioned Tuesday that the United States stands ready to return to military action against Iran if Tehran fails to honor the terms of the newly reached agreement, signaling that Washington’s patience will depend on the Islamic Republic’s conduct in the weeks ahead.

Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump praised Iran’s behavior since the agreement was reached but made clear that the situation could change quickly if the regime does not act responsibly.

“Iran has been great – IF Iran is reasonable, IF they’re smart. Otherwise, we’ll have to finish the job,” Trump said at the event.

.@POTUS: "Iran has been great — IF Iran is reasonable, IF they're smart. Otherwise, we'll have to finish the job." pic.twitter.com/PSFh593afe

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 23, 2026

Trump also highlighted what he described as a landmark diplomatic achievement, emphasizing that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remained the central objective of the agreement.

“As you know, we just achieved a historic peace agreement with Iran to end the conflict… and most importantly, we are ensuring one thing very importantly- because this is why I did it… Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, and they’ve agreed to that.”

His remarks followed a warning issued a day earlier in which he similarly threatened consequences if Iran failed to comply with its commitments.

“If Iran doesn’t live up to their agreement or they’re not behaving, I will do what I have to do.”

Trump also addressed American leverage in the region, particularly regarding the strategic waterway through which much of the world’s energy supply passes.

“As long as they respect us – I don’t want to use the word ‘fear’ because it’s inappropriate – as long as they respect us, we’re not going to have any trouble. We have total control of the strait,” Trump added.

When asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position that Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon, Trump suggested that he may become involved in the issue and expressed confidence in his ability to broker solutions.

“We are going to take a look at it. I am a problem solver. I can solve problems fast, including with Bibi.”

The comments came after an intensive 18-hour negotiating session concluded early Monday. In a joint statement, Qatar and Pakistan announced that discussions between American and Iranian representatives had ended on a positive note.

According to the statement, the talks were conducted in a “positive and constructive atmosphere”.

The two mediating countries further reported that “encouraging progress” had been achieved and said a framework had been established to facilitate additional technical negotiations moving forward.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also offered an optimistic assessment of the discussions, crediting the mediators with helping advance efforts to end regional tensions.

“Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran.”

Araghchi indicated that the next major challenge will involve implementing arrangements related to Lebanon and preventing renewed escalation there.

{Matzav.com}

A storm erupted Tuesday evening within the chareidi political world after senior Shas leader Rav Moshe Maya publicly urged participation in Wednesday’s planned vehicle protest, while a spokesman for the party later declared that Shas would not be taking part in the demonstration.

The protest, organized by broad segments of the mainstream chareidi community, including elements of Agudas Yisroel and other groups alongside the Eidah HaChareidis and Peleg Yerushalmi, is scheduled to take place Wednesday and is expected to be conducted in an orderly fashion through slow-moving vehicle processions.

One of the strongest endorsements of the protest came from Rav Moshe Maya, the senior member of Shas’s Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah. Speaking on a community hotline operated by Itche Dzalovsky, Rav Maya called on the public to participate, describing the demonstration as a religious obligation.

“This is excellent. This protest is an obligation. Perhaps through it we will merit to fulfill our obligation to protest.”

Rav Maya praised the nature of the demonstration, emphasizing that it would not involve road blockages or property damage.

“This is excellent because it does not block roads and does not damage vehicles on the side. As you publicized in the media, it involves driving at a slow speed, and it is the strongest protest with the least amount of harm. It is excellent. Not only is it excellent, it is an obligation. From the very first moment they arrested a yeshivah student and put him in prison, I have not been able to sleep at night. Even today I do not sleep well. How can we remain silent? If we are supposed to protest and do not, then we share responsibility for the same sin.”

Quoting the Rambam, Rav Maya argued that failing to protest would carry serious spiritual consequences.

“The Rambam rules, and I am quoting his exact language, that ‘Anyone who disgraces Torah scholars has no share in the World to Come.’ A person must understand one thing: We believe that our entire World to Come is at stake. If we do not protest properly, it is a sin.”

At the same time, outrage spread among supporters and organizers of the protest after Shas spokesman Asher Medina publicly stated that the party would not participate in the event.

According to journalist Avi Moskoff, Medina said during an interview on Kol Barama radio that despite Rav Maya’s endorsement, both Shas and Degel HaTorah would refrain from joining the protest.

“We will not participate in tomorrow’s protest. Shas and Degel are avoiding participation in such actions at this time, whether they involve vehicles or horses, and we will invoke the name of Hashem our G-d.”

The comments sparked strong criticism from those involved in the protest effort, many of whom viewed the statement as a public contradiction of the position expressed by one of the senior members of Shas’s rabbinic leadership.

Sources familiar with the matter said that the remarks were deeply troubling.

“This is a shocking crossing of a red line. The party spokesman is allowing himself to publicly oppose an explicit directive from the senior member of the Moetzes. If the party chose not to participate officially for its own reasons, then at the very least he should have remained silent rather than issue provocative statements that undermine the honor of Torah.”

The controversy comes as organizers make final preparations for the vehicle protest, which they say is intended to express opposition to the arrest and imprisonment of yeshivah students while avoiding the road closures and confrontations that have characterized some demonstrations in the past.

{Matzav.com}