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Sen. Bernie Sanders on Thursday unveiled a collection of internal Health and Human Services emails that he says show HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. intervening in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine policies and communications.

According to Sanders, the emails suggest Kennedy directed the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee to limit vaccine availability, authorized researchers to examine confidential information in an effort to support the disputed claim that vaccines cause autism, and altered federal COVID-19 vaccine recommendations without consulting the CDC.

Another set of emails indicates that Kennedy’s then-chief of staff, Matthew Buckham, contacted then-CDC Director Susan Monarez in August 2025, instructing that major agency actions undergo political oversight before being finalized.

The email stated there was a need for a “political review of major decisions at CDC … to ensure that [the Immediate Office of the Secretary] and the CDC political leadership all have eyes on the decisions for approval/changes before they go into effect.”

Sanders said Monarez was dismissed less than a week later after refusing to endorse recommendations issued by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

In a statement, Sanders called Monarez’s termination “outrageous,” arguing that she lost her position “for her commitment to public health and vaccines.” The Vermont senator urged Congress to conduct a bipartisan investigation into the firing and renewed his call for Kennedy to step down.

The emails also appear to show that Kennedy ordered the cancellation of federal influenza vaccine advertising campaigns. In one message, a CDC employee informed her supervisor that Andrew Nixon, HHS communications director, had instructed her to immediately halt all flu vaccine promotional efforts.

“He said this request came directly from the Secretary,” the staffer wrote. “I noted that these have been paid for and are in flight and he acknowledged and asked that we work right away on things that are on social/online, magazines, and then will eventually need to do items that may be on bus stops or benches (if it includes those type of things).”

A separate email from Nixon, which Sanders also released, reiterated that the directive “was a direct ask from Secretary Kennedy.”

Sanders said the emails were provided to the Senate committee by Dr. Debra Houry, the CDC’s former chief medical officer.

The senator, who serves as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has repeatedly urged Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to hold hearings examining Kennedy’s statements about vaccines. Kennedy was a longtime vaccine skeptic before being nominated by President Trump to lead HHS, and Sanders has accused him of spreading misinformation while serving as secretary.

In an April letter to Cassidy, Sanders wrote, “The reality is that since Secretary Kennedy has been in office, he has continued his longstanding crusade against vaccines and his advocacy of conspiracy theories that vaccines cause autism — all of which have been repeatedly rejected by scientists,” Sanders wrote in his letter to Cassidy in April.

A federal judge has ordered Tesla CEO Elon Musk to give sworn testimony in two lawsuits accusing him and his political action committee of misleading voters in key battleground states through a high-profile $1 million giveaway ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Hightower of the Western District of Texas ruled Thursday that Musk must appear for a deposition in a lawsuit filed by two Arizona women. The plaintiffs allege that America PAC fraudulently obtained voters’ personal information by promoting a contest that promised to award $1 million each day in the lead-up to Election Day.

The controversy stems from remarks Musk made during an October 2024 town hall event in Pennsylvania, where he announced that participants who signed America PAC’s petition could receive the cash prize.

“The only thing we ask for the million dollars is that you be a spokesperson for the petition,” Musk told a recipient he handpicked from the audience at the time.

According to Reuters, Judge Hightower said there remains a factual question over whether Musk acted recklessly by describing the prize selection as “random.” In her ruling, she cited testimony from America PAC director Christopher Young, who said during a February 2026 deposition that he had been “surprised” by Musk’s characterization of the giveaway.

The plaintiffs, Joy Harvick and Jacqueline McAferty, contend that Musk and America PAC deceived voters in seven battleground states by encouraging them to sign the petition under the impression that winners would be selected at random. They argue that the 19 recipients were instead chosen because, as one of Musk’s attorneys reportedly stated, they would serve as effective spokespeople for the organization.

Musk promoted similar giveaway campaigns in several other states, including Michigan. In October 2025, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner filed suit against Musk and America PAC, alleging the promotions amounted to “illegal lotteries.” Musk subsequently sought to have that case transferred to federal court.

Rick Hasen, a political science professor at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, said federal law draws a distinction between paying someone to sign a petition and paying someone in connection with voter registration.

“If all he was doing was paying people to sign the petition, that might be a waste of money. But there’s nothing illegal about it,” Hasen told the Associated Press in October 2024. “The problem is that the only people eligible to participate in this giveaway are the people who are registered to vote. And that makes it illegal.”

{Matzav.com}

New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board voted Thursday to adopt Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to freeze rents for approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments, handing the new mayor one of the most significant policy victories of his administration.

The independent board, whose members are appointed by the mayor, approved the measure by a 7-1 vote. The freeze applies to rent-stabilized units in buildings constructed before 1974, as well as certain properties that receive qualifying tax incentives.

Under the new policy, rents will remain unchanged beginning October 1 and continuing through September 30, 2027.

Rent freezes are not unprecedented in New York City. The board approved similar measures during the administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio before later authorizing rent increases under Mayor Eric Adams.

Following Thursday’s vote at El Museo del Barrio in East Harlem, supporters celebrated outside the venue. According to The New York Times, activists marked the occasion with music and pizza, while Queen’s anthem “We Are the Champions” played in the background.

Mamdani hailed the decision as a major milestone in his effort to reduce housing costs across the city.

“I’ll continue working to deliver a more affordable city by building and preserving affordable housing, lowering building operating costs like insurance, and ensuring tenants know their rights,” he said.

Keeping rents frozen was a centerpiece of Mamdani’s mayoral campaign as he sought to address New York City’s escalating housing costs. Throughout the race, he repeatedly criticized Eric Adams for approving annual rent increases during his four years in office.

Research from the nonprofit newsroom Community Service Society found that rent-stabilized tenants experienced a cumulative increase of 12.6 percent during Adams’ tenure—exceeding the total rent hikes approved during Michael Bloomberg’s administration.

The rent freeze has also long been a signature priority of the Democratic Socialists of America, which has argued that preventing rent increases is essential to keeping working-class residents from being priced out of the city.

The board’s vote came just days after a series of candidates endorsed by Mamdani defeated incumbent Democrats in congressional primaries across New York.

Among the victors were Democratic socialist candidates Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, both backed by Mamdani. Avila Chevalier’s victory drew particular attention after she unseated Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.). Former mayoral candidate Brad Lander, another Mamdani ally, also defeated Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) by a comfortable margin.

Despite those political successes, Mamdani continues to face resistance from several prominent Democratic leaders, particularly lawmakers who are strong supporters of Israel.

Speaking Wednesday on MS NOW, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged the ideological divisions within the Democratic Party while urging members to unite after the primary season.

“I think for us as House Democrats, we’re just hopeful that everybody recognizes once we get through this primary season, that the enemy is Donald Trump and MAGA extremism,” Jeffries said on MS NOW.

{Matzav.com}

Iran sharply escalated its rhetoric against Israel on Thursday, with a senior military commander warning that Israeli forces must leave Lebanon immediately or face what he described as a humiliating military defeat.

The warning was delivered by Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, in remarks carried by Iranian state media.

“You must leave all of Lebanon,” Qaani said, adding, “This land is a field of steadfastness and resistance, not a playground for occupiers.”

He went on to warn that Israel’s opportunity to withdraw voluntarily is rapidly disappearing.

“If you do not withdraw of your own accord today, tomorrow you will be forced to flee in humiliation and defeat.”

The Quds Force serves as the primary arm of Iran’s efforts to direct and support allied militant organizations throughout the Middle East. Among its most significant partners is Hezbollah, which receives substantial Iranian funding, sophisticated missile and drone technology, as well as strategic guidance from Tehran. Iran considers the Lebanese terrorist organization a central component of its regional deterrence against Israel.

Qaani’s remarks came as Iran continues to press its demands during ongoing diplomatic negotiations with the United States aimed at bringing the conflict to a permanent end.

After Washington and Tehran recently drafted an interim Memorandum of Understanding, Iranian officials insisted that any final ceasefire arrangement must include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Israeli leaders, however, have resisted that demand, maintaining that a security zone in southern Lebanon remains essential to protect northern Israeli communities.

Qaani assumed command of the Quds Force in 2020 after his predecessor, Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport.

Last June, reports circulated claiming that Qaani had been killed by Israel during Operation Rising Lion inside Iran.

Those reports were later contradicted when Iran’s Tasnim news agency released video footage showing Qaani attending a public celebration in Tehran marking what the Iranian regime described as its “victory” over Israel.

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Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik has sharply criticized the legislative process surrounding the proposed Basic Law: Limud HaTorah, warning that the bill was advanced through the wrong committee and that the procedural defects could undermine the legislation as it moves forward.

In a formal letter issued following a heated meeting of the Knesset House Committee, Afik argued that the proposed Basic Law should have remained under the jurisdiction of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee rather than being transferred to the House Committee.

Afik warned that routing the legislation through a different committee could create significant legal and procedural problems.

The controversy stems from a House Committee meeting held on June 22, during which members considered a request by the chairman of the Constitution Committee to transfer the bill to his committee. Instead, the House Committee voted to recommend that the legislation remain under its own jurisdiction, a recommendation that was approved by the Knesset plenum later that same day.

In her letter, Afik made clear that she had advised lawmakers that the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee was the only appropriate body to deliberate on a new Basic Law.

“I made clear that my position was that the committee authorized to discuss the bill was the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, as originally determined,” Afik wrote.

She cautioned that “transferring the bill to another committee would create significant difficulties that would further complicate and cast a shadow over the continuation of the legislative process.”

Afik also rejected the argument that the Constitution Committee’s heavy workload justified moving the legislation elsewhere.

“Workload considerations in the authorized committee are not grounds for transferring the bill, particularly when the Knesset is approaching the end of its term, and especially when we are dealing with a new Basic Law,” she wrote.

Responding to questions raised by MKs during the committee debate, Afik noted that legal guidance for the legislation would nevertheless be provided by Dr. Gur Bligh, the legal adviser to the Constitution Committee, because of “the expertise required in formulating a new Basic Law and his familiarity with the subject.”

At the same time, she stressed that assigning the Constitution Committee’s legal adviser to the bill does not eliminate the underlying procedural concerns.

She wrote that doing so “does not lessen the fundamental difficulty created by holding discussions on the bill in a committee that lacks jurisdiction,” adding that “the continuation of the legislative process must meet an especially high standard of procedural integrity.”

Afik further revealed that after the Knesset approved transferring the legislation, she learned that the House Committee intended to conduct an accelerated series of marathon discussions on the proposal.

She noted that the Constitution Committee is already engaged in deliberations on several major and complex legislative initiatives being handled by Dr. Bligh. Because of that workload, attorney Esther Chen from the Knesset Legal Department will be assigned to assist in the deliberations.

Concluding her letter, Afik urged committee leaders to ensure that the remainder of the legislative process adheres to the highest procedural standards despite the political decision to transfer the bill.

“You will have to exercise even greater care to ensure a legislative process of an especially high standard, both with respect to hearing invited guests, outside representatives, members of Knesset, and diverse viewpoints, as well as regarding the manner in which the meetings are conducted and their frequency… This is necessary in order to remedy the defect and the harm to the legislative process that I pointed out during the House Committee discussion.”

{Matzav.com}

Amid growing public interest and numerous inquiries, Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Meir Bar, has published a comprehensive halachic essay addressing the kashrus status of various types of whiskey, clarifying the significant differences between American, Scottish, Irish, and Canadian whiskeys and explaining the halachic concerns surrounding barrels previously used for non-kosher wine.

The detailed article, published on Rav Bar’s online shu”t website, examines the widespread practice of aging whiskey in barrels that once contained stam yeinam, a subject that has long been discussed by contemporary poskim.

Rav Bar distinguishes between the various categories of whiskey based on the production regulations governing each country.

Regarding American bourbon, he writes that there is generally little cause for concern because U.S. law requires bourbon to be aged exclusively in new oak barrels, eliminating the issue of previously used wine casks.

The primary halachic concern, he explains, involves Scotch and Irish whiskeys, whose producers commonly age their products in used barrels that previously held wines such as sherry and port in order to impart distinctive flavor, aroma, and color.

Canadian whiskey, Rav Bar notes, raises an even greater concern because Canadian regulations permit the addition of flavoring agents that may, in some cases, include actual wine.

The Chief Rabbi then explores the halachic analysis in depth, presenting numerous grounds for leniency cited by leading poskim, including the Minchas Yitzchak and Igros Moshe. Among the issues discussed is the principle that wine absorbed into the walls of a barrel may become batel in a ratio of six—or according to other opinions, sixty—parts whiskey.

He further explains that the objective of barrel aging is not to impart the flavor of the wine itself, but rather to soften the harsh qualities of the wood. As such, the absorbed wine is not considered an ingredient intentionally added for flavor (avid l’taama). Rav Bar also discusses an additional basis for leniency regarding whiskey aged in second-fill and later-use barrels, since much of the absorbed wine has already been extracted by the first spirit aged in the cask.

Beyond the issue of wine casks, Rav Bar cautions that certain industrial additives used in whiskey production—such as blending agents—may contain non-kosher ingredients and therefore warrant careful scrutiny.

He also raises the separate concern of chametz she’avar alav haPesach in the case of distilleries owned by non-observant Jewish proprietors.

In his conclusion, Rav Bar writes that although there are substantial halachic arguments supporting leniency with respect to many whiskeys, “the one who fears the word of Hashem should not, l’chatchilah, rely on these grounds for leniency.”

Accordingly, he urges consumers to purchase only whiskey that bears the certification of reliable kashrus agencies. Rav Bar adds that the Chief Rabbinate will continue its longstanding policy of withholding approval for the importation of alcoholic beverages unless they have undergone thorough kashrus inspection and received proper certification.

A Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court judge on Thursday ordered the release to house arrest of a driver accused of brandishing a handgun at chareidi protesters during Wednesday’s vehicle protest, a decision that drew sharp criticism from chareidi political leaders and protest organizers.

The incident occurred during one of the demonstrations in which protesters blocked roadways to protest the arrest of bnei Torah. Organizers noted that the demonstration had been coordinated with and approved by police.

According to reports, Magistrate Judge Ariel Ehrlich also criticized police in his ruling, pointing to what he described as the unusual circumstances surrounding the incident.

In his decision, Judge Ehrlich wrote: “The circumstances of the incident are unique. The alleged offense occurred in a situation of tension and panic, while law enforcement authorities were not providing a response. The roadblock created a serious hazard, which in itself posed significant danger to the public.”

The judge’s remarks came despite the fact that the demonstration had received prior police authorization.

Shas MK Meir Porush sharply condemned the ruling, arguing that it sends a dangerous message to the chareidi community.

“The release from custody of a person who drew a handgun toward participants in yesterday’s protest is, in essence, a message that the blood of the chareidi public has been deemed permissible.

“There is no doubt that Judge Ehrlich’s approach is influenced by the outlook of Justice Solberg, Attorney General Baharav-Miara, and Police Commissioner Levy, an outlook that has filtered down to the so-called ‘gatekeepers’—the judges and the police officers.

“We all saw on camera last week how police officers, who are supposedly ‘gatekeepers,’ beat chareidim until they bled.

“There is serious concern that officials within the Justice Ministry, who are also called ‘gatekeepers,’ act with the same malice, only behind robes, neckties, and closed doors without cameras.

“Sadly, all of these people are called ‘gatekeepers,’ yet among them are those whose hatred of lomdei Torah leads them to harm the chareidi public—whether through physical violence, judicial decisions, or by abandoning their safety.”

The incident took place during the vehicle protest on Route 1, the main highway connecting Yerushalayim and Tel Aviv. According to protest organizers, one of the drivers allegedly drew a handgun while approaching a group of chareidi demonstrators standing on the roadway.

Video released by protest organizers appeared to show the driver moving slowly in his vehicle while holding what appeared to be a handgun pointed in the direction of several protesters.

Protest organizers described the incident as “a threat of murder” and called on police “to act immediately against those inciting and carrying out violence. Enough with the violence.”

No shots were fired during the incident.

Police later announced the driver’s arrest. Following Thursday’s court hearing, however, the suspect was released to house arrest pending further proceedings.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Judicial Ombudsman, retired Judge Asher Kula, has dismissed complaints filed against Judge Michael Karshan, who signed a court ruling on Shabbos, and Judge Yifat Mishori, whose home was used for a gathering alleged to be political in nature. While rejecting both complaints, Kula recommended that similar situations be avoided in the future and sharply criticized the growing practice of filing public complaints based solely on media reports.

In the case involving Judge Karshan, Kula rejected the complaint concerning the judge’s issuance of a court decision on Shabbos and took the opportunity to criticize what he described as the phenomenon of “public complainants” filing complaints without conducting any independent inquiry or consulting those directly affected.

At the same time, Kula also dismissed the complaint against Judge Mishori, which stemmed from allegations that her husband hosted a political gathering at their home.

Although both complaints were rejected, the ombudsman emphasized that greater caution should be exercised to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Addressing the complaint against Judge Karshan, Kula noted that four nearly identical complaints had been submitted, all based exclusively on media reports and simultaneously circulated to news outlets before any official investigation had taken place. He warned that such coordinated complaints and their publication prior to review undermine the integrity of the complaint process.

Kula wrote that the time has come to apply principles of good faith to complaints filed by members of the public. He proposed that such complaints should meet two conditions before being considered: first, the matter must genuinely raise an issue of significant public importance, and second, where there is a directly affected individual, that person should first be contacted and asked whether he supports the filing of the complaint on his behalf.

Because only one of the complaints included the position of the attorney directly affected by the incident, Kula considered that complaint while dismissing the others outright.

The complaint alleged that Judge Karshan’s decision to sign a ruling on Shabbos violated the sanctity of the day. As part of the review, the ombudsman’s office sought the position of a Shomer Shabbos attorney involved in the case.

The attorney explained that while serving in reserve military duty he was required to keep his phone available. When he received an alert from Israel’s electronic court system on Shabbos, he assumed it related to an operational military matter and opened the notification, only to discover that it was a routine technical court decision. He described feeling hurt that his religious sensitivities had been affected but stressed that he held no personal grievance against the judge and sought only to prevent similar situations in the future.

In his response, Judge Karshan explained that he is not Shomer Shabbos and occasionally works on Saturdays because of his heavy caseload. He said the decision in question was merely technical and that he signed it without realizing Shabbos had not yet ended. He expressed regret that the attorney received the notification during Shabbos and suggested that a system-wide solution be implemented to prevent non-urgent decisions from being distributed on Saturdays.

Kula ruled that the judge should have considered the possibility that Shomer Shabbos attorneys would receive such notifications. Nevertheless, he accepted the judge’s explanation that the incident resulted from an unintentional oversight rather than deliberate conduct.

In his concluding remarks, the ombudsman emphasized the importance of preserving Shabbos within the judicial system and reaffirmed the principle that non-essential judicial decisions should not be issued during Shabbos. However, because the judge apologized, acknowledged the significance of the issue, and accepted the underlying principle, Kula concluded that the complaint should not be upheld. Instead, he recommended that the Director of the Courts once again remind judges not to sign non-essential decisions on Shabbos except when absolutely necessary.

In a separate decision released Thursday, Kula also dismissed the complaint filed against Judge Mishori following reports that a political gathering had taken place in her home.

That complaint likewise relied entirely on media reports. After reviewing the matter, Kula accepted Judge Mishori’s explanation that the event was not political, contained no political elements, and was attended by no political figures. He did note, however, that the Judicial Branch’s public response had not argued that the event was non-political, but only that the judge herself had been unaware it was taking place.

Although he rejected the complaint, Kula observed that, as a general rule, political gatherings should not be held in the home of a sitting judge. He recommended that such events be avoided even in circumstances where the judge neither attended nor participated in organizing them, in order to preserve public confidence in the judiciary’s impartiality.

Concern continues to mount throughout the olam haTorah over the condition of the Brisk Rosh Yeshivah, Rav Avraham Yehoshua Halevi Soloveitchik, as special tefillah gatherings and continuous Tehillim vigils are being held across Eretz Yisroel for his complete recovery.

Since Shacharis on Wednesday morning, uninterrupted tefillah watches have been taking place in Yeshivas Brisk, where Tehillim and the Yud-Gimmel Middos are being recited continuously on behalf of the Rosh Yeshivah, whose tefillah name is Rav Avraham Yehoshua Halevi ben Ettil.

The tefillos are being held in the legendary shiur room where the Rosh Yeshivah has delivered his shiurim for nearly fifty years. The room was once the home of the Brisker Rav, Rav Yitzchok Zev Soloveitchik, and has served as a center of Torah for close to ninety years.

In addition to the continuous tefillos in Brisk, a large public tefillah gathering was held at the Kosel HaMaaravi, while the central event took place late Wednesday night at the kever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai in Meron. Many participants also undertook personal kabbalos and acts of hischazkus in the zechus of the Rosh Yeshivah.

Rav Dovid Miller, one of the roshei yeshivah of Ponovezh and himself a longtime talmid of Brisk from his years as an avreich, was the driving force behind organizing the special tefillah at Meron.

According to the report, Rav Miller noted that the Brisker Rav had referred to the resting place of Rav Shimon bar Yochai as a unique place of tefillah. During the Brisker Rav’s own illness, his talmidim—including Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach—traveled there to daven on his behalf.

In light of that precedent, Rav Miller instructed that a special tefillah gathering once again be held at the holy site, expressing hope that, through the power of the tefillos of the many, Hakadosh Baruch Hu would grant a complete recovery to the Brisk Rosh Yeshivah, enabling him to continue disseminating Torah to his thousands of talmidim for many years to come.

Near midnight, a distinguished group of gedolei Torah and leading talmidim of Rav Avraham Yehoshua arrived at the tziyun in Meron. Among those participating were Rav Dovid Miller, Rosh Yeshivah of Ponovezh; Rav Yitzchak Dov Schechter of Kol Torah; Rav Tzvi Braverman, Raavad of Beitar; Rav Meir Kessler, Rav of Modiin Illit; Rav Aryeh Berenstein, Rosh Yeshivah of Yagdil Torah; Rav Moshe Bunim Kraus, Rosh Yeshivah of Or Elchanan L’Tzeirim; Rav Menachem Krauss of Slabodka; Rav Zalman Dovid Zuckerman, Rav of the Perushim bais haknesses in Givat Shaul; Rav Yerucham Povarsky, Rosh Yeshivah of Slonim; Rav Yaakov Gedalia Waldenberg, Rav of Ezras Torah; Rav Shayeh Gorelik of Ganei Geulah; Rav Chaim Zelaznik; Rav Dovid Holes; the Rosh Yeshivah‘s son-in-law, Rav Weintraub; along with numerous talmidim and alumni of Yeshivas Brisk.

Leading the tefillah was Rav Yerachmiel Toker, one of the senior talmidim of Yeshivas Brisk and the longtime baal tefillah at Yeshivas Chevron during the Yomim Noraim. Over the course of several emotional hours, participants recited chapters of Tehillim with heartfelt fervor, beseeching Hakadosh Baruch Hu to grant the Rosh Yeshivah a complete and speedy refuah sheleimah.

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States intends to use a portion of Iran’s frozen assets to purchase American agricultural products for delivery to the Islamic Republic, describing the move as part of ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking at the White House, Trump expressed confidence that Iran is eager to reach an agreement with the United States while pointing to increased oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran wants to make a deal with us very badly. We probably will. But the Strait is open. Yesterday they took out 19 million barrels of oil, that’s the most in the history of Strait.”

Trump to Farmers: We have a new market coming up, and that's called The Lovely Country of Iran. It's a beautiful place. Would anybody like to go there? They're having a hard time with food and we're going to be taking some of their money and we'll spend it and we're going to be… pic.twitter.com/k2IUXVDZsD

— Acyn (@Acyn) June 25, 2026

The President said recent U.S. military actions had strengthened America’s negotiating position and reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains non-negotiable.

“We knocked the …. out of them, and now we’re negotiating from a position of pure strength, pure strength. They know that…but we had to do that. We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump added.

Trump also claimed Iran is struggling with food shortages and said Washington plans to redirect some of Tehran’s frozen funds toward purchasing American-grown wheat, soybeans, and corn.

“We have a new market coming up, and that’s called the lovely country of Iran,” Trump said, adding, “It’s a beautiful place. Would anybody like to go there? The Islamic Republic of Iran.”

He continued by outlining what he described as a major agricultural initiative.

“They’re having a hard time with food, and we’re going to be taking some of their money and we’ll spend it, and we’re going to be buying wheat, soybeans and corn, a lot of it, and that process is going to be starting soon. It’s going to be pretty big,” he continued.

Iran quickly pushed back against Trump’s remarks. Just hours later, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who headed Tehran’s delegation during recent talks with the United States, denied that any unfrozen Iranian assets would be used to purchase American goods.

“America falsely claims our unfrozen assets will buy their agriculture. Interesting. The only crop we’re harvesting is what you planted: decades of mistrust. It’s organic, abundant, and homegrown. But apparently the US only exports GMO soybeans, broken promises and trash talks,” Ghalibaf wrote on social media.

The exchange comes as the United States and Iran continue negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent agreement after recently signing a Memorandum of Understanding that brought an end to the war between the two countries.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored that the Trump administration expects Iran to fully honor the commitments it made during negotiations in Switzerland.

“We expect them to live up to the commitments they made in Switzerland,” he told reporters. “If they don’t live up to those commitments, the President has a lot of options at his disposal, including, I’m not saying he’s going to do it, I’m saying including reversing these sanctions.”

Rubio stressed that Tehran had made clear promises during the negotiations and said the administration expects those commitments to be fulfilled.

“They’ve made very straight-up commitments in Switzerland, and the President has been very clear they need to keep those commitments.”

He also emphasized that any lasting agreement must be meaningful and enforceable.

“If we’re going to get a deal, it has to be a real deal, and it has to be a good deal,” he said. “If Iran wants to make a good and real deal, the United States is open to that. If they’re not, then, of course, the President has options.”

A day before his latest remarks, Trump cautioned that the United States could rapidly resume military operations against Iran if its leaders failed to act responsibly following the recent agreement.

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

He added, “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.”

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli police officer who was filmed kicking a chareidi protester during last week’s demonstration on Route 4 was questioned Thursday by the Department for Internal Police Investigations (Machash), as authorities continue examining allegations of excessive force during the protest.

The investigation was launched after widely circulated video footage appeared to show the officer kicking a protester who was lying on the ground during the demonstration.

The incident took place during a protest on Route 4 near Bnei Brak against the arrest of bnei yeshivah who failed to report for military service. As police moved to clear the roadway, clashes erupted between officers and demonstrators.

Several videos from the scene sparked widespread public criticism. In addition to the footage showing the officer kicking a protester, another video appeared to show Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan Police Station Commander Superintendent Yuval Shavit dragging a protester across the ground while tearing his clothing.

Shortly after the videos were made public, Israel Police announced that the officer seen kicking the protester had been immediately suspended from operational duty pending an internal review.

At the time, Police Commissioner Danny Levy stated that if the investigation determined that officers or commanders had acted contrary to police procedures, the department would not hesitate to deal with the matter severely, including suspending those involved from operational service.

Police said that during efforts to disperse the demonstration, officers encountered resistance and violence from protesters. According to the department, two police officers were injured and required medical treatment, while five demonstrators were arrested on suspicion of assaulting police officers and disturbing the peace.

Police also emphasized that any incidents found to be inconsistent with departmental regulations or the standards expected of officers would be thoroughly investigated and addressed through disciplinary proceedings.

The footage also prompted sharp criticism from chareidi political leaders. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri appealed to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, urging him to put an end to police violence against bnei Torah, while making clear that he does not support demonstrations of this nature.

With the officer now under formal investigation by Machash, the matter has moved beyond an internal disciplinary review and into a criminal investigative process. No decision has yet been announced regarding the officer, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The Trump administration took a major step toward repairing defense ties with Turkey on Thursday, formally notifying Congress that it intends to move ahead with a military sale valued at more than $700 million. The proposed agreement would provide Turkey with military aircraft propulsion systems, signaling a significant shift in U.S.-Turkish relations after years of tension.

The official notification to lawmakers followed reports that surfaced a day earlier indicating the White House was preparing to move forward with the transaction.

The proposed sale comes despite continuing objections from several members of Congress, who remain uneasy over Turkey’s decision to retain the Russian-made S-400 air defense system it purchased in 2019. Lawmakers have long argued that the system poses security risks to NATO and Western military technology.

Relations between Washington and Ankara deteriorated during President Donald Trump’s first administration after Turkey acquired the Russian S-400 missile defense system. U.S. officials maintained that the platform could potentially be used to gather intelligence on advanced Western defense capabilities.

Following that purchase, the United States imposed sanctions on Turkey’s defense procurement agency and removed Ankara from the multinational F-35 fighter jet program, ending its role in producing components for the aircraft and eliminating its opportunity to receive the stealth fighters.

More recently, however, reports have suggested that Turkey has expressed a willingness to give up the S-400 system, a move that could pave the way for its return to the F-35 program.

Thursday’s announcement was widely viewed as a symbolic gesture toward Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom President Trump has increasingly described as an important strategic ally.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump revealed that he had personally urged Erdogan not to become involved in the conflict with Iran, saying the Turkish leader agreed to stay out.

“You know, he was a prime candidate to go into the war with Iran. Maybe, on Iran’s side because he’s not a big fan of Israel, as you know. And I asked him to stay out. He stayed out,” the President told reporters.

Trump continued by offering warm praise for the Turkish president, emphasizing both his patriotism and leadership.

“Erdogan loves Turkey, right? He’s doing a great job. He loves Turkey. I love the US, but he loves Turkey, and he’s doing a great job. He’s a respected man, a respected leader. He’s been a friend of mine.”

When asked whether his administration would ultimately approve Turkey’s long-sought request to acquire F-35 fighter jets, Trump suggested that such a move remains under consideration.

“I think so. He’s a member of NATO. Some people don’t consider himself, but he really is. He is a strong member of NATO. Yeah, I’m going to probably do something that’s going to make him very happy.”

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli citizen living in the United States has been released after spending nearly a month imprisoned in Northern Cyprus on what his attorney successfully argued were baseless smuggling charges. During his detention, he says he endured physical abuse by prison guards, death threats from fellow inmates, and horrific prison conditions before finally regaining his freedom.

Yisrael Meir Gutthold, 24, who has been living in the United States in recent years, was traveling back to America approximately one month ago carrying medical vials related to his work when he was detained at the airport in Northern Cyprus. Authorities accused him of illegally smuggling sensitive medical equipment.

“I explained to them that they were mistaken,” Gutthold recalled in an interview with Mako. “I showed them all the official documents, the international permits proving everything was completely legal and that I work in the United States and Mexico. But nothing helped. They were completely convinced of their version of events. They confiscated the equipment, arrested me, and threw me into a detention cell.”

Along with Gutthold, a local physician and the manager of a medical clinic who allegedly sold him the equipment were also arrested.

Gutthold said the initial police detention was manageable compared to what awaited him after he was transferred to Northern Cyprus’ central prison.

“The conditions were horrific,” he told Mako. “The food was terrible, and other than fruits and vegetables, I couldn’t bring myself to eat anything. I suffered severe physical and emotional abuse there.”

Housed in an overcrowded cell with 13 other inmates, Gutthold found himself surrounded by prisoners from Iran and Syria. He said the atmosphere became increasingly hostile because he was Israeli.

“They imposed punishments on me and ostracized me. They forbade me from smoking, exercising, or even praying. The war outside only made the way they treated me inside even worse,” he told Mako. “They openly threatened my life. They told me, ‘You’re Israeli. You’re going to stay here for a long time,’ and made it clear they would order me killed if I violated the rules they imposed on me, while they themselves were allowed to do whatever they wanted. I was terrified of them. I sat in the corner, frightened, constantly praying to God to get me out of there. I couldn’t sleep at night because I was afraid they would get up and slaughter me.”

Gutthold said the hostility did not come only from fellow prisoners.

“There was one prison guard who would punch and kick me in the face simply because I’m Israeli,” he said. “He cursed me and spat on me for no reason.”

As time passed, prison officials reportedly realized Gutthold himself was in danger from other inmates. Rather than releasing him, they moved him into solitary confinement, where he spent 11 days in a tiny makeshift cell located in a prison corridor.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Gutthold said he lost approximately 33 pounds during his imprisonment.

“I lost 15 kilograms during that month. It was the nightmare of my life. It’s the kind of place where people lose every bit of hope and simply commit suicide. There were very difficult moments when I was convinced I was going to be buried there for years over something I never did. Every day felt like an entire year.”

Meanwhile, Gutthold’s family enlisted the assistance of Rav Chaim Azimov, the Chabad shliach in Northern Cyprus. They also retained local attorney Mert Ugur, who worked tirelessly to improve Gutthold’s conditions and secure his release.

According to the family, Ugur demonstrated that Gutthold was neither a criminal nor a smuggler, but an authorized courier operating in full compliance with strict international medical standards.

At the same time, relatives organized tefillos for his release. This past Motzoei Shabbos, members of the extended family gathered at the Kosel to daven before the court hearing that ultimately resulted in what they described as a miraculous release.

Gutthold’s brother, Yossi, said that the family’s tefillos had been joined by many others.

“Many people prayed for his release. Every Motzoei Shabbos, friends, acquaintances, and family members gathered to pray for him, and I want to sincerely thank them. Our family is grateful to everyone who was involved in securing his release, and we thank Hakadosh Baruch Hu that he was freed unharmed.”

Five of the senior members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah have formally joined the call of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch urging avreichim throughout Eretz Yisroel to undertake a daily taanis dibbur and intensified hasmadah in response to the escalating gezeiros against the olam haTorah.

In a special letter now being distributed to kollelim across the country, the gedolim expressed their wholehearted support for Rav Hirsch’s initiative, calling on avreichim to devote themselves to uninterrupted learning while observing a taanis dibbur during at least the first half-hour of the morning seder through the Yomim Noraim.

The letter states: “We hereby join wholeheartedly in the call of the Rosh Yeshivah, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, shlita, to establish special siddrei shekidah in all the kollelim throughout Eretz Yisroel, learning with complete continuity and observing a taanis dibbur for at least the first half-hour of the morning seder, until the Yomim Noraim.”

The proclamation bears the signatures of five senior members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah: Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rav Berel Povarsky, Rav Aviezer Piltz, Rav Dovid Cohen, and Rav Eliezer Yehudah Finkel.

Concluding the letter, the gedolim offered a heartfelt berachah: “May this merit stand for Klal Yisroel against the severe persecutions and the renewed troubles brought about by those who oppress us.” The appeal comes amid the increasingly difficult situation facing the olam haTorah due to the ongoing gezeiras hagiyus and the continued withholding of funding from yeshivos.

The publication of the letter follows a special gathering held at Rav Hirsch’s home shortly before his departure to the United States on behalf of the Keren Olam HaTorah campaign. Dozens of roshei kollel from across Eretz Hakodesh participated in the meeting.

At that gathering, Rav Hirsch issued an extraordinary spiritual appeal, urging roshei kollel and avreichim to accept upon themselves a daily taanis dibbur during the first half-hour of every learning seder, beginning immediately and continuing through the conclusion of the Yomim Noraim. He emphasized that it is specifically the difficulty of such a commitment that gives it its power.

“This is something very difficult, and precisely because it is difficult and constitutes a form of mesirus nefesh, it will bring tremendous Kevod Shamayim,” Rav Hirsch wrote in his original letter. “As a result, Hakadosh Baruch Hu will draw closer to us, and we will merit special siyata diShmaya from Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Without that special siyata diShmaya, it will not be possible to prevail against those who are fighting against us.”

Organizers also announced that another gathering of leading gedolim is expected to take place at the home of Rav Dov Landau, where an additional call for spiritual strengthening and renewed kabbalos by avreichim and bnei Torah is anticipated.

A similar letter was recently issued by Rav Moshe Sternbuch, Gaavad of the Badatz of the Eidah HaChareidis, urging increased hischazkus as part of the spiritual battle against Amalek. The parallel calls from leading gedolim across different segments of the olam haTorah underscore the profound sense of urgency for heightened avodas Hashem during this challenging period.

{Matzav.com}

In an encouraging development, the mekubal of Tiveria, Rav Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohen Kook, spoke several words on Thursday for the first time since being hospitalized approximately six weeks ago with severe pneumonia.

Rav Kook was initially admitted to the intensive care unit at North Medical Center (Poriya). Earlier this week, he was transferred to a specialized rehabilitation hospital in Ness Tziona, where his condition has shown steady improvement.

According to those close to the rov, he has made notable progress in recent days. In addition to speaking a few words, he has been successfully weaned off mechanical ventilation, his eyesight has improved, and he is now able to communicate his wishes.

Because speaking remains physically taxing, family members and caregivers are limiting conversation with him to avoid exhausting him. Nevertheless, his ability to speak, even briefly, has been described as a deeply moving and significant milestone in his recovery.

Family members related that during the day the rov was asked to respond to several suggestions presented to him, indicating disapproval of some of them. Ultimately, he expressed a desire to have Mishnayos from Seder Taharos read aloud to him, preferring that over other suggestions that had been offered.

During the visit, the rov‘s father-in-law, Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein, also came to see him. Upon entering the room, Rav Zilberstein recited a Shehecheyanu over a new fruit, thereby exempting the brocha customarily recited upon seeing the rov after an extended absence. Family members observed that Rav Kook repeatedly lifted his head toward his father-in-law during the visit and appeared visibly comforted and uplifted by the encounter.

One of the Rav’s close associates told B’chadrei Chareidim, “This is a tremendous source of encouragement and strength for the public. We can clearly see that the tefillos are having an effect, and we must not stop praying for even a moment.”

Several weeks ago, following the instruction of the mashgiach, Rav Don Segal, and with the blessing of Rav Zilberstein, the name “Chizkiyahu” was added to the Rav Kook’s name in light of his critical medical condition.

All are asked to continue davening for the complete recovery of Rav Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohen ben Shoshanah.

{Matzav.com}

Fox News host Sean Hannity is reassuring viewers that he is recovering well after widespread online speculation about his health prompted questions over changes in his appearance during recent broadcasts.

In a post shared Wednesday on X shortly before his nightly television program aired, Hannity explained that the issue stemmed from a neck injury he suffered while exercising, not from any serious underlying medical condition.

“Thanks to everyone who has checked in. I’ve already addressed this several times on my radio show, but while training, I developed a painful pinched nerve in my neck,” Hannity wrote on the social platform X before his weeknight primetime show on the network aired. “My doctor put me on prednisone to reduce the inflammation, and while it’s helping, it led to laryngitis and some puffiness, which is normal for this medication.”

The longtime broadcaster said he continues to improve and has not slowed down despite the temporary side effects of the treatment. He also poked fun at the amount of attention the issue has generated online.

The conservative commentator said he is “fine, recovering well, and still training,” and he joked that “a few weeks of prednisone has generated more social media commentary than 30 years of ratings success.”

Hannity also thanked those who reached out with words of encouragement, while jokingly acknowledging that some of his critics may have hoped the news was more serious.

“I appreciate all the concern and well wishes—including from members of the left-wing media,” the host continued. “Sorry to disappoint them, but a pinched nerve, a raspy voice, and a puffy face aren’t taking me out anytime soon.”

His statement followed several days of online commentary from critics who had mocked the noticeable swelling in his face and neck during recent television appearances.

Among them was comedian Josh Johnson of “The Daily Show,” who made light of Hannity’s appearance.

“I’m sorry but what is going on with Sean Hannity’s face,” Josh Johnson, a comedian on “The Daily Show,” joked this week. “I mean, I have never seen white cheeks that big that haven’t been rapped about.”

Now 64, Hannity remains one of Fox News’ longest-tenured personalities and one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent media allies.

In addition to hosting his nightly Fox News program, Hannity also anchors a nationally syndicated weekday radio show and recently launched a podcast that regularly features Trump administration officials and other allies of the president.

In an unprecedented move, Yeshivas Mir—the world’s largest yeshivah—will suspend its regular learning schedule on Sunday as thousands of talmidim gather for a massive public tefillah rally in response to the continued imprisonment of one of the yeshivah‘s talmidim in Military Prison 10.

The extraordinary gathering will begin at precisely 12:15 p.m., when all the batei medrash of the yeshivah will empty as the thousands of lomdim proceed to Kikar Zvhil and along Rechov Shmuel Street in Yerushalayim. The rally will be led by the roshei yeshivah.

Organizers said the gathering will conclude promptly at 1:00 p.m., coinciding with the end of the morning seder.

The decision to hold the unprecedented public assembly was made by Mir Rosh Yeshivah Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel after consulting with Maranan Rav Dov Landau and Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch in light of the talmid‘s ongoing detention.

The rally marks a highly unusual step for the Mir, reflecting the growing concern throughout the olam haTorah over the continued arrests of bnei yeshivah.

Because thousands of participants are expected to fill the streets surrounding the yeshivah, significant traffic disruptions and heavy congestion are anticipated along Shmuel Hanavi and throughout the surrounding area during the rally.

Organizers said details regarding road closures and changes to public transportation routes will be released in the coming days.

{Matzav.com}

Over the last few years, an ongoing challenge has become apparent within the STa”M industry. Many completely well-intentioned buyers, who assume they are purchasing 100% kosher scrolls, are finding themselves uncertain about how to verify what is actually coming into their homes. 

This challenge is not a matter of klaf simply degrading over time, but rather a structural vulnerability in how STa”M is produced and distributed globally. Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO of OU Kosher, recently shared an encounter that illustrates this exact issue. A professional sofer checking mezuzos in Lakewood, New Jersey, visited a large residence where the homeowner had spared no expense. Shockingly, every single one of the mezuzos in the home was found to be completely pasul, and they had been pasul from the moment they were written. The homeowners had acted with complete sincerity and spent significant sums, but they didn’t get the kosher mezuzos they had purchased.  

Writing a kosher mezuzah is an intricate, labor-intensive process governed by complex halachos. As Rabbi Ezra Sarna, Director of Halacha Initiatives at the Orthodox Union, explains, the margin for error is tremendous. “Each mezuzah contains over 700 letters, along with multiple other components. In many cases, if even one is off, the entire mezuzah can be pasul.” Furthermore, even if the klaf appears perfectly written, it could still be disqualified due to a sofer’s lack of knowledge or improper kavanah during the writing process – factors that are impossible to verify simply by looking at the finished product. 

Without a centralized quality assurance process, the market is continually flooded with varying qualities of mezuzos that have sadly not been written or checked k’halacha. Buyers are left in the dark, wondering who they can rely on, asking themselves if the bodek is truly reliable, or if the inspection was performed independently of the sofer who wrote the klaf. 

Recognizing this growing communal need, the lay leadership of the Orthodox Union stepped in a few years ago. They turned to the OU’s Kashrus department, the community’s trusted experts in systematic certification, to develop a proactive, long-term solution. The result is the OU STa”M Pikuach Initiative which works with multiple partners and vendors to bring confidence to your doorpost.  

The core vision is straightforward: the OU is doing for STa”M exactly what it has historically done for kosher food. For decades, the frum community has trusted the OU symbol to ensure the highest standards of kashrus in our kitchens. Now, that same level of trust and rigorous oversight is available to protect the doorposts of our homes and shuls.

What does an OU-endorsed mezuzah entail? It replaces uncertainty with a verifiable system of checks and balances. The OU provides direct oversight, ensuring every mezuzah is written by a vetted, certified sofer who maintains active certification. The klaf and dyo (ink) are verified and approved as 100% kosher for mezuzah use. The thorough inspection system requires that a completed mezuzah is checked by a chain of two separate magiim (Mashgichim for STa”M). It is then inspected by rabbonim, examined once again by both magiim, and scanned by a cutting-edge, AI-powered computer program designed to detect even the slightest inaccuracies. Any issues raised during the checks are paskened on by rabbonim. 

Once a mezuzah passes this rigorous process and is deemed strictly kosher l’chatchila, it is packaged in a tamper-proof plastic sleeve bearing the “Endorsed by OU” logo. This provides consumers with unprecedented transparency. The packaging includes a certificate of authenticity detailing exactly who the sofer was, who the magiim were, what materials were used, and when the mezuzah requires its next checking.  

The OU STa”M Pikuach Initiative is committed to educating the frum community on the issues related to acquiring mezuzos confidently. There will be opportunities in communities across the US to learn more through shiurim and public lectures. OU-endorsed mezuzos are currently available for purchase through various trusted vendors. To learn more about this vital initiative and to find an authorized vendor near you, please visit ou.org/mezuzah.