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The soaring cost of wigs in the Chareidi community has sparked a growing debate, with some high-end wigs now selling for as much as NIS 40,000 (more than $11,000). Claiming the prices have spiraled far beyond what is reasonable, Chabad attorney Nechama Tzivin has launched a campaign urging rabbinic courts to intervene and regulate the industry, arguing that wigs have become an essential religious necessity rather than a luxury item. Wig manufacturers, however, insist the rising prices simply reflect increased demand, higher-quality materials, and far greater production costs.

Tzivin, a longtime resident of Kfar Chabad and a veteran attorney, recalls a time when quality wigs cost only a few thousand shekels. Today, she says, married women routinely spend tens of thousands of shekels on natural-hair wigs, a trend she believes cannot be justified. She is preparing to submit a formal petition to the Chabad rabbinical court asking it to impose limits on pricing and says she intends to bring similar petitions before other rabbinical courts as well.

Coming from a multigenerational Chabad family, Tzivin argues that wigs should be classified under chayei nefesh—items considered essential to daily religious life under halachah. If that status is granted, she believes rabbinical authorities would have grounds to regulate excessive profits and establish limits on pricing.

“I am not claiming to speak on behalf of Chabad,” she emphasized. “I am simply expressing my opinion as someone who belongs to the movement and lives deeply within it.”

Tzivin noted that the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, gave clear guidance decades ago encouraging married women to cover their hair specifically with wigs.

“There is a categorical directive from the Rebbe that head covering should be with a wig,” she said. “That instruction dates back to the 1950s. The Rebbe encouraged women to purchase wigs and even instructed that financial assistance be provided to women who could not afford them.”

She explained that while wigs were once relatively uncommon and expensive, they gradually became an accepted and expected part of life for married Chabad women.

“Today the feeling is that a woman simply has to cover her hair with a wig,” she said.

According to Tzivin, the dramatic increase in prices has coincided with advances in wig manufacturing that have made them increasingly natural-looking.

“The more realistic wigs became and the more they resembled natural hair, the more dramatically prices climbed,” she said. “We’ve examined the issue, and the production costs simply do not justify these increases.”

She added that many young brides now insist on purchasing the most natural-looking wigs available, making the wig one of the largest expenses associated with a wedding.

“It isn’t only the bride who bears the cost,” she said. “The burden falls on her mother, her sisters, and the entire family.”

Reflecting on her own experience, Tzivin said the changes have been staggering.

“When I got married 50 years ago, wigs looked much less realistic and the prices were perfectly reasonable,” she said. “Even when my daughters married in the early 2000s, buying a wig was a significant expense, but it was still manageable.”

She noted that her most recent wig, purchased three years ago, cost NIS 18,000, compared with roughly NIS 5,000 to NIS 6,000 for the one before it.

“Today, the average wig in Kfar Chabad costs about NIS 30,000, and some sell for NIS 40,000,” she said. “There has always been healthy profit in this business, but today we’re talking about completely different levels.”

Tzivin attributes much of the increase to social media and growing pressure to achieve an ideal appearance.

“The demand for the most natural wigs continues to grow, and that demand is being fully exploited,” she argued. “Psychology plays a huge role. As demand rises, prices keep climbing.”

She recently heard from a friend whose granddaughter is preparing for her wedding.

“Her wig is going to cost NIS 40,000,” Tzivin said. “To me, this is similar to what has happened with other products associated with mitzvos, such as shmurah matzah, tefillin, and talleisim, where prices have also climbed far beyond what seems reasonable.”

She said her frustration ultimately prompted her to take action.

“I say this with pain, but today it feels as though in order to be a Chabad woman—or even a Chareidi woman—you have to be a sucker,” she remarked. “The prices have become outrageous, particularly for products that are an inseparable part of religious life.”

Rejecting comparisons between wigs and luxury consumer products, Tzivin insisted that a wig cannot simply be viewed as an optional purchase.

“People ask why we need to fight this. They say some people buy million-dollar cars while others buy used cars, so why should wigs be different?” she said. “But that’s the wrong comparison. Cars, homes, and cosmetics are not mitzvos. For a Chabad woman, a wig is a basic necessity. In halachic terminology, it is a chayei nefesh item.”

She stressed that her campaign is not directed against wigmakers earning a legitimate profit.

“Our argument is not against making money,” she explained. “If someone wants to buy a simple synthetic wig, they can do that. The issue is that some wigs generate profit margins of hundreds of percent.”

She continued: “We’re not asking anyone to sell at a loss. If a wig costs NIS 20,000 to produce, the seller is entitled to earn the profit permitted by halachah. But you cannot charge NIS 40,000 simply because it’s a mitzvah item and women feel obligated to buy it.”

Tzivin also criticized the high cost of wig maintenance.

“Products that can be purchased online for a few dozen shekels are sold by wig stylists for hundreds,” she said. “In the wig industry, there is a feeling of exploitation from beginning to end. Covering one’s hair is a mitzvah, and fulfilling a mitzvah should be within reach. Our problem is the excessive profits being made by wig manufacturers.”

Her proposal would place all wigs—whether synthetic or natural hair—under the same halachic pricing framework.

“The goal is for wigs to receive the status of chayei nefesh,” she explained. “Once that happens, every wig would be subject to the same rules regarding acceptable profit.”

Based on information she says she has received, profit margins in some cases reach 200 to 300 percent.

“And it doesn’t end with the wig itself,” she added. “After the purchase, customers are encouraged to buy special shampoos, serums, treatment products, and accessories. The ongoing maintenance has become part of the problem.”

According to Tzivin, the issue extends well beyond Israel.

She said women from France and other countries have contacted her to describe similar concerns. One activist from France, Gila Maman, founder of the FairWigs organization, wrote to express support for the campaign.

“I wanted to personally thank you for your courage and the incredible work you’re doing on behalf of women,” Maman wrote. “It was deeply moving to read about your initiative. It is inspiring to see someone willing to stand up to a system that has left so many women feeling unheard and powerless.”

Maman said many women in France have stopped wearing wigs altogether because of the financial burden and frustration surrounding the industry.

“Many women feel trapped, silenced, and alone under the dictatorship of wigs,” she wrote. “You have no idea how many women in France have told me they stopped covering their hair because of all the problems involved.”

She described how FairWigs provides free wigs, free repairs, charitable assistance, and legal help for women experiencing disputes with wig manufacturers, expressing hope that the movement would eventually expand worldwide.

Despite her criticism of current pricing, Tzivin emphasized that she has no objection to women wanting beautiful wigs.

“I have absolutely no criticism of women who want to wear an attractive wig,” she said. “On the contrary, I think it’s wonderful that we live in a generation where women—including religious women—want to feel good about themselves.”

She added that every woman has the right to look her best.

“If someone wants to look like a beauty queen or as though she just walked out of a Louis Vuitton fashion show, that’s her right,” she said. “But covering one’s hair is a mitzvah, and performing that mitzvah must remain affordable. Our problem is with the outrageous profits that have nothing to do with manufacturing costs.”

Tzivin expressed confidence that her effort would ultimately succeed.

“I can say with a high degree of certainty that this campaign to stop runaway pricing will succeed,” she said. “After extensive halachic research and consultations with numerous rabbanim and dayanim, I discovered broad agreement both about the seriousness of the problem and the tools available to address it.”

She noted that only about 20 major wigmakers would ultimately be affected by a rabbinical ruling.

“I cannot imagine they would openly defy a ruling from a beis din,” she said. “They would not risk a customer boycott.”

She called the campaign “a golden opportunity” for rabbinical leaders to address an issue affecting tens of thousands of religious women throughout Israel and around the world.

“Until now, women had no real voice to rescue them from this tremendous financial burden,” she said.

Not everyone in the industry agrees.

Zehava Weitzman, who has owned a boutique wig business for three decades, says rising prices are the natural result of changes in both demand and production.

“Demand has increased, and so have manufacturing standards and quality,” she said. “Customers want the highest-quality hair available.”

She noted that roughly 40 percent of her clientele are not religious at all.

“Many of my customers are women battling cancer, alopecia, or thinning hair,” she explained. “Others are Chareidi women. They all want the same quality. This is simply supply and demand.”

According to Weitzman, natural human hair has become an increasingly scarce commodity.

“Like diamonds, we’re dealing with a rare raw material,” she said. “Only in this case, it’s human hair.”

She said the wholesale cost of hair has risen dramatically.

“Twenty years ago we paid about $400 per kilogram. Today we pay between $6,000 and $7,000 per kilogram just for the raw hair.”

She explained that approximately 70 percent of raw hair purchased cannot be used for Israeli wigs because only long strands are suitable.

Manufacturing has also changed significantly.

“Years ago, most wigs were made in China,” she said. “I used to order thousands of finished wigs directly from factories. Today, most production is done here in Israel, where labor costs are much higher and craftsmanship is on an entirely different level.”

Weitzman believes current retail prices accurately reflect the amount of work involved.

“Think about a wedding gown,” she said. “People understand why a wedding dress can cost NIS 17,000 or NIS 18,000 even though it’s worn for only a few hours.”

She contrasted that with a custom wig.

“A wig requires countless hours of work, and the job doesn’t end after delivery,” she said. “For an entire year customers come back for adjustments, repairs, refinements, and improvements, all of which are included.”

She added that consumers always have options.

“Just as you can buy inexpensive clothing or luxury clothing, you can buy a simpler wig or one that’s handcrafted to look as though the hair is growing naturally from the scalp. People who want that level of craftsmanship pay for quality.”

Weitzman firmly rejected accusations that wigmakers are exploiting religious women.

“I’ve heard the claim that we’re making huge profits off religious women, but that’s simply untrue,” she said. “Yes, religious women today invest more in their appearance, but that doesn’t mean we’re taking advantage of them.”

She also disputed claims of enormous profit margins.

“When I imported finished wigs from China, it was easy to calculate profit,” she explained. “Today, when I produce a wig myself, I often don’t even know what my final profit will be. I spend a year continuing to work with each customer, making adjustments, replacing hair, and refining the wig. Many times I discover in the end that I barely earned anything.”

One notable exception exists within the Chareidi world. In the Gerer community, maximum prices have been established for wigs, while in most other Chassidic communities, prices remain largely unregulated and can reach substantially higher levels.

{Matzav.com}

Israel has significantly tightened its policy governing targeted strikes in the Gaza Strip, with the IDF now requiring personal approval from Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir before carrying out most targeted killings, according to a security source.

The revised procedures were implemented in recent days after a decision by Israel’s political leadership to impose stricter oversight on offensive operations in Gaza.

Under the new guidelines, authority to approve targeted assassinations has been centralized, meaning such operations can no longer be authorized by lower-ranking commanders. Instead, they must receive the direct approval of the IDF chief of staff.

The new policy does not affect situations in which Israeli troops face an immediate threat in the field. According to the security source, soldiers will continue to respond without hesitation to attacks or other imminent dangers, following the same operational procedures currently in place.

The changes apply specifically to preplanned strikes against individuals who are not posing an immediate threat, including terrorists being monitored through intelligence operations. Previously, those missions could be approved by senior field commanders, including regional and division commanders. Going forward, only the chief of staff will have the authority to authorize such operations.

The security source said the directive stems from a decision by Israel’s political leadership and comes as Israel, the United States, and international mediators continue efforts to advance negotiations with Hamas.

According to the source, the stricter approval process is expected to substantially reduce the number of targeted killings carried out in Gaza. That trend, the source said, has already become evident, with the pace of Israeli strikes declining noticeably in recent days.

{Matzav.com}

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Britain’s Reform UK party, is under investigation by Parliament’s standards watchdog over whether he should have verbally disclosed a trip to Israel sponsored by a pro-Israel organization before participating in a House of Commons debate on alleged Israeli influence in British politics.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards opened the investigation on July 28, although the inquiry was not publicly disclosed until Monday. At issue is whether Tice should have made an oral declaration before speaking during a June 22 parliamentary debate that he had traveled to Israel in September 2025 as the guest of Reform Friends of Israel.

The Israel trip had already been properly listed in Parliament’s Register of Members’ Financial Interests.

Tice dismissed the complaint, arguing that it is politically motivated and stems from his outspoken opposition to antisemitism.

“I am being investigated for standing against antisemitism. You could not make it up,” he wrote Monday on X.

In the same post, Tice alleged—without naming the complainant—that the complaint was filed by an “antisemitic anti-Israel lobby group.” Under parliamentary rules, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards does not identify complainants while investigations are ongoing, and no individual or organization has publicly claimed responsibility for filing the complaint.

The September 2025 visit to Israel included airfare, lodging, and hospitality provided by Reform Friends of Israel, an organization that works with Reform UK candidates and elected officials to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and Israel. The investigation will determine whether parliamentary rules required Tice to mention that sponsored trip orally before taking part in the June debate.

The Commons debate was triggered after a public petition surpassed 100,000 signatures, qualifying it for parliamentary consideration. The petition called for an investigation into what its organizers described as “pro-Israel influence.”

During the debate, Tice forcefully rejected the premise of the petition, calling it “antisemitic in its very motivation and at its core.”

He also argued that accusations of excessive Jewish or Israeli influence in politics echoed “the oldest antisemitic trope in the book” and defended the role of parliamentary organizations such as Conservative Friends of Israel and Labour Friends of Israel.

“We should celebrate the extraordinary genius and impact of Israeli scientists, entrepreneurs, and people specializing in medical research and AI applications, the work they do and the innovation they create, whether they are in the State of Israel or living somewhere else, such as London,” Tice said during the debate.

Tice also praised then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to combat antisemitism within the Labour Party and maintained that Parliament should reject claims that Jewish organizations or supporters of Israel wield improper influence over Britain’s political system.

In his X post, Tice further claimed that the same group responsible for filing the complaint against him had not sought an investigation into independent MP Ayoub Khan, whom he accused of failing to disclose a donation from a pro-Palestinian organization. Tice did not identify either the complainant or the organization involved, and Khan has not publicly responded to the allegation.

Mir, Belarus: A delegation from Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim, led by Hagaon Harav Nachman Levovitz, shlita, traveled today to the town of Mir to mark the completion of the newly rebuilt ohel over the kever of his grandfather, the legendary Mashgiach Hagaon Harav Yerucham Halevi Levovitz, zt”l.

The restoration was undertaken as the Torah world commemorates the Mashgiach’s ninetieth yahrzeit. The project included the renovation of the matzeivah and the rebuilding of the ohel that once stood above the kever, creating a fitting makom where talmidim and visitors can come to daven and connect with the enduring legacy of the Mashgiach. The project was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Zevi and Dina Wolmark of Los Angeles, in honor of Rav Nachman and as an expression of appreciation for his decades of devotion to the Mir.

The visit followed a special tribute presented at the Yeshiva’s recent dinner, where Rav Nachman, an einikel of the Mashgiach and one of the Roshei Yeshiva of Mir, was recognized as a living link to his grandfather’s mesorah. For close to fifty years, Rav Nachman has carried significant responsibility for the Torah and continued growth of the Yeshiva, while helping shoulder the burden of its support.

At the new ohel, Rav Nachman and members of the delegation recited Tehillim and tefillos, followed by the first Kaddish in the completed structure. The delegation also visited the historic building of the Mir Yeshiva and davened at the mass grave where 1,592 Jews from Mir were murdered by the Nazis in November 1941.

Just over ninety years after the Mashgiach’s petirah, his teachings continue to shape the Mir and generations of bnei Torah throughout the world. His emphasis on shleimus ha’adam, clarity of purpose and bein adam l’chaveiro remains deeply embedded in the Yeshiva’s chinuch and mesorah.

The rebuilding of the ohel stands not only as a memorial to the past, but as a place of tefillah and connection for future generations, ensuring that the light of the Mashgiach continues to illuminate Klal Yisrael.

A potentially dangerous situation ended safely Tuesday night after a mother and her eight children, who had lost contact with their family during a hike in the Gush Etzion region, were located unharmed following an extensive search.

The family, from Beitar Illit, had set out earlier in the day for an outing near the community of Tekoa in eastern Gush Etzion. According to police, concern grew after several hours passed without any communication from the group and nightfall arrived. Family members eventually contacted Israel Police, fearing they had become lost.

In response, volunteers from the Etzion-Yehuda Police Rescue Unit, together with the security department of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, launched a wide-ranging search of the area.

The missing group consisted of a mother and her eight children, ranging in age from 3 to 18.

During the search, one of the rescue unit’s volunteers spotted the family after they safely arrived in the nearby community of Nokdim. The mother and all eight children were found in good health, bringing the anxious search to a successful conclusion.

Following the incident, Israel Police renewed their annual bein hazemanim safety message, urging families heading out on hikes to prepare carefully before entering the outdoors. Police advised hikers to familiarize themselves with their route, choose trails appropriate for the group’s abilities, carry an adequate supply of water, inform relatives of their plans, and schedule hikes so they conclude before nightfall.

{Matzav.com}

In a move aimed at encouraging additional shidduchim for older bochurim, the Satmar community in Williamsburg has announced a temporary 50 percent increase in the financial incentive awarded to successful shadchanim.

Under the new initiative, anyone who successfully arranges a shidduch for an older bochur will receive a $7,500 bonus, up from the longstanding $5,000 payment. The enhanced incentive will remain in effect through Sukkos, after which the reward will return to its regular amount of $5,000.

The announcement was made during a special trip to Kerestir, where a group of bochurim traveled under the leadership of Rav Yaakov Ber Teitelbaum, the Sigheter Rav of Boro Park and a son of the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Zalman Leib Teitelbaum. The initiative was shared with participants during the visit as part of the community’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and encourage shidduchim.

The incentive is being funded by noted Satmar philanthropist R’ Lipa Friedman, who also sponsors the community’s year-round shadchan bonus program. By temporarily increasing the award during this period, community leaders hope to inspire even greater efforts on behalf of older bochurim who are still awaiting their zivug.

The expanded incentive reflects the continued emphasis placed within the Satmar community on assisting older singles and recognizing the tireless work of shadchanim, whose efforts often require countless hours of dedication behind the scenes. Community members expressed hope that the increased reward will lead to many more simchos in the weeks leading up to Sukkos.

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. military has reportedly depleted nearly all of its inventory of long-range precision surface-to-surface missiles during the five-month conflict with Iran, raising concerns inside the Trump administration about America’s ability to respond to future military crises involving adversaries such as China or Russia.

According to three people familiar with internal military data, the Army has used “virtually all” of its stockpile of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and the newer Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). The extent of the depletion has not previously been reported.

Both weapons are among the Army’s most important long-range precision munitions, allowing forces to strike distant targets with high accuracy while remaining outside the range of enemy defenses. Each missile costs more than $1 million. ATACMS has also been widely used by Ukraine against Russian targets, while the newer PrSM is gradually replacing the older missile because of its greater range and more advanced capabilities.

The sharp reduction in these weapons could leave President Donald Trump with fewer long-range strike options if the United States launches another major offensive against Iran, potentially increasing reliance on manned aircraft and bombing missions that carry greater risks for American pilots.

The sources declined to disclose exactly how many ATACMS or PrSM missiles remain in the U.S. arsenal.

President Trump launched the military campaign against Iran alongside Israel in February, initially predicting the conflict would be brief. However, as fighting has stretched into its fifth month, officials familiar with the matter have reportedly become increasingly concerned that dwindling missile inventories could weaken America’s deterrence against other global rivals.

A fourth source familiar with the situation said U.S. Central Command had nearly exhausted the land-based missile inventory it possessed at the start of the conflict but has replenished supplies by drawing weapons from stockpiles stationed elsewhere around the world.

All four sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the classified information publicly.

Asked about the reported stockpile levels, the White House released a statement from President Trump dismissing concerns over America’s military readiness.

The president said the United States possesses “far more munitions than anyone in the world” and “far more than we need.”

“Our defense companies are, at this moment, making more munitions than they have ever made before, in addition to expanding their plants and equipment at record levels,” Trump said.

Defense analysts generally agree that U.S. production of artillery shells and several classes of missiles has reached record levels. However, many caution that manufacturing may still be insufficient to sustain a lengthy, high-intensity conflict.

Lockheed Martin, which manufactures both ATACMS and PrSM missiles as well as the THAAD missile defense system, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Raytheon, which produces Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot missile interceptors, also declined to comment on reported inventory levels.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell rejected suggestions that the military’s readiness has been compromised.

“America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing. We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests.”

According to the report, internal figures detailing the missile inventories have circulated throughout the federal government over the past week, fueling discussions within the Trump administration about how long military operations against Iran can continue before the shrinking stockpiles begin affecting the nation’s ability to respond to emergencies elsewhere.

One source said the heavy use of ATACMS and PrSM missiles reflected a deliberate strategy by the Trump administration to reduce the risks associated with sending manned aircraft into heavily defended Iranian airspace.

Military experts note that these long-range precision weapons would also play a critical role in any future conflict involving an adversary with sophisticated air defenses, such as China. A March report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said the missiles have already been used to strike targets inside Iran.

The CSIS report also noted that PrSM inventories were relatively limited even before the war because the missile is still entering service. However, the Army has placed substantial orders for additional missiles scheduled for delivery beginning in 2027, while ATACMS production is being phased out in favor of the newer system.

According to two sources, senior military officials have spent weeks warning President Trump that supplies of defensive weapons—including Patriot missile interceptors used against ballistic missiles—have also fallen significantly. Several media reports last week suggested Trump decided against launching another major attack on Iran after advisers raised concerns about the remaining stockpiles.

A U.S. official disputed that account, saying the president’s decision was instead influenced by pressure from Gulf nations.

The conflict has also renewed debate over President Trump’s authority to conduct sustained military operations against Iran without congressional approval. Congress has not received either a declaration of war or a formal authorization for the use of military force.

Last week, CSIS estimated that approximately 65% of America’s Patriot interceptor inventory had been used between February and July, while the nation’s stockpile of THAAD interceptors had declined by at least 38% since the conflict began. Both systems are designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles and are considered among the most advanced missile defense platforms in the U.S. arsenal.

Although Reuters was unable to independently review the classified inventory figures, two sources said the CSIS estimates closely matched internal government assessments.

One source also said the United States has expended just under half of its worldwide inventory of Tomahawk cruise missiles since the start of the war. The sea-launched weapon, fired from Navy destroyers, cruisers, and submarines, has long served as one of America’s primary options for striking heavily defended targets without placing pilots in danger.

As the Pentagon seeks to rebuild its inventories, Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, has reached a tentative multi-year agreement with the Defense Department to significantly increase production of Tomahawk missiles alongside several other critical munitions.

[COMMUNICATED]

There’s a remarkable new initiative making waves across the Jewish world.

The Power of a Million is an unprecedented initiative launched by Keren Tosafos Yom Tov to strengthen Kedushas HaTefillah throughout Klal Yisroel.

The goal is to inspire one million kabbalos, creating one million more focused, heartfelt tefillos. Yidden are committing not to speak during davening and taking on additional kabbalos that bring greater focus, respect, and meaning to every tefillah.

Every participant who accepts a kabbalah is also eligible for the largest prize ever offered in a campaign—a historic $1,000,000 prize toward their shul. The prize can be used for renovations, a new Sefer Torah, a mikvah, or other projects that enhance the beauty and kavod of the Makom HaTefillah.

Thousands of Yidden from every background and community have already joined this powerful movement and taken on Kabbalos to strengthen their tefillah.

Inspired by the powerful Mi Shebeirach of the Tosafos Yom Tov, which describes the extraordinary brachos promised to those who are careful not to speak during davening, this global initiative is bringing renewed respect to our batei medrash and elevating the power of tefillah throughout Klal Yisroel.

There is extraordinary power when Yidden unite in tefillah. Every individual kabbalah becomes part of something far greater, bringing together communities, shuls, and Yidden across the world through one shared commitment.

One million kabbalos means one million opportunities to strengthen our connection to Hashem and create an unprecedented collective zechus for all of Klal Yisroel.

A noted philanthropist funded the historic prize with one goal in mind: to help Yidden strengthen their tefillah and deepen their respect for the shul. At a time when so many are searching for zechusim and brachos, there is perhaps no greater zechus than honoring the Makom HaTefillah and protecting the sanctity of davening.

Be Part of Something Historic

Join thousands of fellow Yidden. Make a kabbalah not to speak during davening, strengthen your tefillah, and help bring Klal Yisroel closer to one million pure tefillos.

Visit KTYT.org and make your kabbalah today.

Likud MK Chanoch Milwidsky issued a stark warning to the Chareidi parties against abandoning their alliance with the right-wing bloc, arguing that a left-wing government would pose a far greater threat to the Torah world. In a wide-ranging interview with Kikar HaShabbat, he also defended the release of coalition funds during the Knesset recess, weighed in on the draft law controversy, blasted Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and the opposition, and acknowledged that the coalition had failed to advance judicial reform during its current term.

Addressing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana’s decision to convene the Finance Committee during the parliamentary recess to approve budget transfers, Milwidsky said the move was necessary to prevent essential funding from being delayed.

“We, together with the Knesset Speaker, are not prepared to allow funding needed for security, settlement projects, Chareidi education, and local authorities to be held up,” he said. “Only the opposition wants things to be bad in the State of Israel over the next three months because they think it will help them in the elections. We will not let that happen.”

Turning to the ongoing debate over military service for bnei yeshivah, Milwidsky rejected suggestions that the Chareidi parties have become a political burden for Likud.

“I don’t think anyone in Likud believes the Chareidim are a burden. The DNA of Likud is rooted in faith,” he said. “There is no disagreement, at least not with us, that someone who is learning Torah should continue learning. But someone who is not learning—why should he receive special treatment over anyone else? Especially today, when the army has created frameworks that allow a Chareidi young man to enter the military as a Chareidi and leave as a Chareidi, with enhanced kashrus, no women, and a lifestyle tailored to his needs.”

Asked why the IDF had not developed such programs before the October 7 attack, Milwidsky said the military’s priorities had changed dramatically.

“A Chareidi soldier in the Hashmonaim Brigade costs the army much more than a non-Chareidi soldier. Before the disaster, the IDF was dominated by the progressive concept of a ‘small and smart army.’ After the massacre, they realized Israel needs a large army. Commanders like Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa understand today that if you want more Chareidim to enlist, you have to show them they can return home as Chareidim and preserve their way of life.”

Milwidsky also launched a blistering attack on Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and opposition leaders, accusing them of using the legal system to undermine the government.

“The attorney general turned 80,000 to 90,000 completely law-abiding people into criminals overnight,” he said. “This is a group fighting for its own political survival because it knows it is losing the demographic and ideological battle.”

He reserved particularly harsh criticism for opposition politicians.

“People like Yair Golan have turned hatred into a political ideology. These are very dangerous people with whom no partnership is possible. This entire group that proudly calls itself ‘The Democrats’ is planning the exact opposite of democracy.”

Milwidsky then added, “Even Ahmad Tibi and Ayman Odeh have more respect for Torah than these people.”

Responding to reports that some figures within United Torah Judaism, including representatives of the Gur chassidus, are exploring alternative political alliances, Milwidsky urged the Chareidi public not to believe that the left would protect the Torah world.

“All the talk that the left will allow Jews to sit and learn Torah is an illusion and a fantasy,” he said. “Their coalition partners will never permit it. MK Gilad Kariv talks about nationalizing Chinuch Atzmai, making arrests, and shutting down media outlets. The old mentality that says, ‘Give the ruler what he wants and we’ll manage with him,’ is a mistake. That ruler will come back and persecute you afterward. They will not leave you alone.”

He insisted that the Chareidim’s natural political partners remain the parties of the national and religious camp.

“We will never harm the Torah world. We will protect it to the best of our ability.”

Milwidsky concluded the interview by candidly admitting that the coalition had failed to achieve one of its central goals—judicial reform.

“We’re not really in control. The entire judicial reform effort didn’t work, and we failed,” he said. “The public now understands that the body sabotaging and blocking everything is the judicial system, which has no meaningful oversight or restraint.”

He ended with a warning to right-wing voters ahead of the next election.

“It’s clear to me, as a Likud member of Knesset who spends time with the public, that if we don’t make this change in the next term, we won’t be able to ask for the public’s trust—because they won’t give it to us. This is our last chance. It’s like soccer: if you had a good season, they’ll extend your contract. If you don’t produce results, they’ll fire you. That’s exactly what they’ll do to us if we don’t deliver results.”

{Matzav.com}

In a major boost for Chareidi education, the Knesset Finance Committee on Tuesday approved sweeping budget transfers totaling nearly NIS 250 million, with the funds designated for a wide range of educational and family support programs. The package includes long-awaited salary parity for Chareidi kindergarten teachers, transportation funding for major school networks, after-school program subsidies, assistance for at-risk youth, and expanded teacher training initiatives.

The broad funding package is designed to strengthen the Chareidi educational system at every level while addressing longstanding disparities in funding for schools, educators, and student support services. Many of the approved measures have been the subject of extensive debate in the Knesset over recent legislative sessions.

One of the most significant provisions provides, for the first time since the establishment of the State of Israel, full recognition of seniority for all Chareidi kindergarten teachers. Under the new funding, their salaries will fully reflect their years of professional experience, bringing them into line with the pay scale of kindergarten teachers in the general public education system and ending a decades-long disparity.

The approved budget also includes substantial funding for student transportation in the Chinuch Atzmai and Bnei Yosef school networks. Transportation has long presented financial and logistical challenges for both parents and school administrators, and the additional funding is expected to ensure safe and reliable transportation for thousands of students.

Additional allocations were approved to subsidize after-school programs in Chareidi schools operating under the exempt and recognized-but-unofficial educational frameworks. The funding is intended to expand access to these programs while reducing the financial burden on families.

Another portion of the budget will strengthen social and educational services, including programs supporting at-risk youth and students who have left the traditional educational framework. Funding was also approved for Jewish cultural programming and for expanding teacher training programs in Chareidi seminaries to help prepare the next generation of educators.

The budget initiative was led by Finance Committee Chairman and Degel HaTorah leader MK Moshe Gafni, who has long championed increased government support for Chareidi education in negotiations with the Finance Ministry and other government agencies.

Commenting on the approval, Gafni said, “Even during these challenging times, when the world of Torah and education is facing significant challenges, it is our duty to continue caring for the children of Israel and for the Chareidi educational system. The budgets approved today are important news for kindergarten teachers, male and female educators, students, and educational institutions, and they will help correct longstanding inequities and close funding gaps that have existed for years.

“I thank everyone who helped advance this initiative. With Hashem’s help, we will continue working tirelessly on behalf of the world of Torah and education, and we will not rest until the Chareidi educational system receives the full rights and resources it deserves.”

{Matzav.com}

Two 17-year-old Jewish teenagers who were arrested in Greece after sheltering Israeli tourists fleeing an anti-Israel mob have been released and allowed to return home. However, despite their release, Greek authorities have ordered them to return to Greece in November as legal proceedings against them continue, according to a report by Mako.

The two teenagers, identified as Liam and Yonatan, were vacationing in the resort town of Malia about two weeks ago when violence erupted after a group of Israelis left a local nightclub and became involved in a confrontation with individuals who reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” at them. According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants chased the Israelis and followed them into their hotel.

As the chaos unfolded, Liam and Yonatan were awakened by Israeli tourists calling for help in the hallway. They opened the door to their hotel room and allowed the fleeing Israelis inside. The attackers then allegedly attempted to force their way into the room and threw objects at the door but were unable to break in. During the incident, cries of “They’re killing us, help us” could be heard, while a lone security guard was unable to bring the situation under control. Local police reportedly arrived only after a delay.

The following morning, the two teenagers were arrested after a hotel housekeeper discovered an axe inside their room. The teens maintain that one of the Israelis they had sheltered brought the axe into the room after taking it from the hotel corridor, intending to use it for self-defense if necessary.

Attorney Nir Yasselovich, who specializes in criminal and international law, later appealed to Israel’s Foreign Ministry to intervene in the case. He argued that continuing the prosecution of the two teenagers could embolden those responsible for the attack and encourage further violence against Israelis and Jews.

According to the attorney, the teenagers were questioned without a translator despite requesting Hebrew interpretation and were required to sign a document written entirely in Greek. In addition, Yonatan reportedly complained during questioning that he was feeling unwell and requested medical treatment, but said his request was ignored.

The teenagers were ultimately released after investigators found no fingerprints belonging to either of them on the axe, concluding that they had no direct or indirect connection to the weapon. Nevertheless, Greek authorities have instructed them to return to the country in November for the next stage of the legal proceedings.

{Matzav.com}

In a ruling expected to significantly reshape election-day campaigning in Israel, Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Solberg ruled Tuesday that party representatives and observers stationed at polling places may no longer report, in real time, which voters have already cast their ballots. The decision is expected to have the greatest impact on the Chareidi parties, which have long relied on such updates to identify supporters who have not yet voted and encourage them to head to the polls.

Justice Solberg ruled that transmitting information about whether a person has voted—as well as details surrounding the vote, such as the time it was cast or the type of polling station involved, including hospital polling stations or those designated for voters with limited mobility—constitutes a violation of personal privacy under Israel’s Privacy Protection Law.

He further determined that while party representatives are permitted to observe the voting process as part of their official duties, Israel’s election laws do not authorize them to relay that information to their political parties for campaign purposes. In the absence of explicit legal authorization, he ruled, such reporting is prohibited.

The decision came in response to a petition filed by attorney Shachar Ben Meir, which was supported by the Privacy Protection Clinic at Tel Aviv University. The petition argued that the widespread practice of party representatives using smartphone apps to instantly report which voters had already cast ballots enabled parties to identify those who had not yet voted and target them with election-day turnout efforts, violating both voters’ privacy and the principle of ballot secrecy.

As part of the proceedings, the Knesset factions were invited to present their positions. Likud, Shas, and United Torah Judaism argued that the longstanding practice did not violate the law, while the Religious Zionism Party joined Likud’s position. The remaining parties did not take a substantive position on the legal question.

In his written decision, Solberg emphasized that information regarding whether someone has voted is private information. He noted that party representatives gain access to that information solely because of their official role at polling stations and may not use it for unrelated political purposes, such as locating supporters who have yet to vote and mobilizing them to the polls. Doing so, he ruled, is inconsistent with the purpose for which the information is made available and therefore violates Israel’s privacy laws.

Justice Solberg stressed that his ruling reflects the current state of Israeli law and should not be viewed as an opinion on what the law ought to be in the future. He also called for a broader legislative review of the relationship between election law and privacy protections, particularly in light of rapid technological advances in recent years.

The ruling does not prevent political parties from using voter information they legally receive from the official voter registry to contact eligible voters. However, that registry does not contain information about whether a person has actually voted on Election Day, meaning parties will no longer be able to rely on live updates from polling stations to identify and contact supporters who have yet to cast their ballots.

{Matzav.com}

While much of the yeshivah world remains in the midst of bein hazemanim, the Sanzer yeshivos in Kiryat Sanz, Netanya, and Haifa have already ushered in Zeman Elul. Hundreds of bochurim returned to their sedorim in an atmosphere of hisorerus and his’alus, beginning the new zeman in temporary batei medrash as extensive renovations continue at the main yeshivah building.

The bochurim, inspired by the legacy of the founder of the yeshivah, the Shefa Chaim of Sanz, zt”l, and under the constant guidance of the Sanz Rebbe, arrived with renewed enthusiasm and a deep sense of purpose. They began the special seder halimud filled with fresh chizuk and anticipation for the holy zeman ahead.

This year’s opening marks a period of renewal for the yeshivah. Because of the ongoing renovations to the central Mesivta building, the bochurim have temporarily relocated to the spacious Rosenberg Hall. They entered the new bais medrash with great excitement, while eagerly awaiting the completion of the renovations, which are expected, b’ezras Hashem, within the coming days, when they will return to their permanent home.

For decades, the batei medrash of the Sanz yeshivos in Kiryat Sanz have been a beacon of Torah and hasmadah. Although the outside world remains in vacation mode, the familiar sound of vibrant kol Torah has already returned to the halls of the yeshivah. For the Sanz bochurim, the arrival of a new zeman is far more than a date on the calendar—it is the beginning of another period of spiritual growth. Many expressed a deep longing to once again immerse themselves in the sugyos, surrounded by the unmistakable sight and atmosphere of open Gemaros filling the bais medrash.

The decision to begin Zeman Elul ahead of most other yeshivos, in order to maximize every precious moment of avodas Hashem, reflects the long-standing Sanz tradition of placing Torah above all else. For the bochurim, the transition from bein hazemanim back to the structured routine of yeshivah life represents a personal recommitment to hasmadah and ameilus baTorah, following the path established by the Rabbeim of previous generations.

After settling into their dormitories and reviewing the yeshivah regulations, which emphasize the tried-and-true path to success in Torah and Yiras Shamayim, the bochurim gathered for a special opening seder, as the halls of the yeshivah once again resonated with the powerful sound of uninterrupted Torah learning.

The centerpiece of the opening was the address delivered by the Rosh HaYeshivah Rav Yosef Moshe Dov Halberstam, Rosh Yeshivos Sanz and Av Beis Din of Sanz-USA.

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{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration is distancing itself from earlier comments suggesting shoppers at the city’s proposed taxpayer-funded grocery stores might need a card resembling identification, following a wave of criticism from Republicans and other opponents.

The controversy began during a July 27 news conference, when Mamdani unveiled plans for five city-subsidized grocery stores that would offer a “core basket of goods” at prices 30% below standard retail rates. Asked how the city would prevent customers from exploiting the discounted prices by purchasing goods for resale, Mamdani turned the question over to New York City Economic Development Corporation President Jeanny Pak.

Pak replied, “We are looking to make sure that we target New Yorkers, whether it be sort of a library card-esque, and also we manage who’s buying and that is focused on everyday New Yorkers.”

Her remarks quickly drew criticism, particularly because Mamdani has supported progressive positions opposing voter ID laws, which many Democrats argue can create barriers to voting.

President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue Monday after being asked in the Oval Office about the proposed grocery card and the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE America Act. The legislation would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot.

“I heard about it. Yeah, well, I wish they’d have an ID to access the voting booth,” Trump said in comments that aired live on Newsmax and the free Newsmax2 streaming platform.

“You know, they don’t want to access the voting booth with any identification. We want voter ID, and we want proof of citizenship.”

Other supporters of the SAVE America Act and Republican officials also criticized the proposal on X.

Elon Musk wrote, “Oh, the irony is too much …”

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida posted: “@NYCMayor Mamdani’s going to require an ID check for his grocery stores, but thinks it’s racist to require one for federal elections?!? We HAVE to pass the SAVE America Act to end this corruption!”

Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt also mocked the apparent contradiction, writing: “Racist Commie Mamdani is going to make you show ID in his markets. You want your government-subsidized arugula? Show your papers! Ask for ID to vote? BIGOT!!! Are you starting to realize what disingenuous lying buffoons these commies are?”

As criticism mounted, the administration sought to clarify its position. According to the New York Post, the city’s request-for-proposals documents state that any savings card program must be “made easily available to any individual requesting” one and would not require proof of residency.

A spokesperson for the administration told the newspaper that the program would function like a supermarket loyalty card administered by the private company operating the store. The purpose, the spokesperson said, would be to help monitor inventory and discourage customers from purchasing discounted products in bulk for resale.

“NYC Grocery stores will be open to everyone,” the spokesperson said. “There will be no system to verify identity, residency, or income, and no one will be asked to show ID to shop.”

An investigation by the Yerushalayim District Fire and Rescue Service has concluded that children playing with an open flame accidentally started the fire that tore through a supermarket in Ramat Beit Shemesh last month. Investigators also found that the business was operating without required fire safety approvals or fire protection systems that could have limited the damage.

According to the findings, the July 19 blaze began inside one of the supermarket’s rooms while the store was open and conducting business as usual. Investigators determined that children playing with fire inside the building ignited the blaze.

The supermarket was located on the ground level of an eight-story residential building. Firefighters succeeded in bringing the fire under control before it spread into the apartments above, preventing what could have become a far more serious tragedy. No injuries were reported.

The investigation further determined that the supermarket was operating without a permit from the Israeli Fire and Rescue Service. Officials also found that the building lacked fire detection and fire suppression systems, which they said could have contained the flames, prevented the fire from spreading, and significantly reduced the damage.

Fire officials said the incident highlights the ongoing problem of businesses and buildings that fail to comply with mandatory fire safety regulations, stressing that meeting those standards is essential to safeguarding both lives and property.

The Fire and Rescue Service also urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of playing with fire and to ensure that matches, lighters, and other ignition sources are kept out of their reach. Officials warned that the combination of children playing with fire and inadequate safety measures can easily lead to catastrophic consequences.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration is simultaneously pursuing a long-term agreement to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program while also working on a separate, short-term arrangement aimed at keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and safe for international shipping.

Speaking about the ongoing negotiations, Rubio emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the administration’s overriding objective.

“I think there’s two things to talk about when there’s a deal,” Rubio said. “There’s the big deal, which is the one that has to do with their nuclear ambitions.”

Rubio reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s position that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

“They can never have a nuclear weapon. The President’s been clear about that. So the denuclearization of Iran is the ultimate deal,” Rubio stated.

At the same time, he explained that the administration is giving immediate attention to protecting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways for global energy shipments.

“I think the immediate deal, the one that you see a lot of focus on, is the Straits,” he said. “There are ships moving through the Straits. There’s oil moving right now through the Straits, and the Straits are open.”

Rubio said the United States is participating in discussions involving Oman and Iran that are intended to improve the security of commercial vessels passing through the strait while negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program continue.

“I think that there’s a conversation and a negotiation that we are involved in between Oman and Iran on how more ships can be able to go through there safely in the short term as we move towards these longer-term talks about denuclearization,” he said.

While cautioning that no agreement has been finalized, Rubio said the negotiations have moved in a positive direction.

“There’s been progress made in those talks, but not finality yet. We’re hoping that will happen very shortly.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s bus fleet now numbers 25,962 vehicles, with Swedish manufacturer Volvo remaining the country’s largest supplier. However, Chinese manufacturers continue to expand their presence, accounting for a significant share of both the overall fleet and new bus registrations.

According to newly released figures, Volvo leads the market with 4,802 buses, representing approximately 18.5% of Israel’s total fleet. Mercedes-Benz ranks second with 4,197 buses, or about 16.2%.

Chinese manufacturers also hold a substantial share of the market. Golden Dragon ranks third with 3,358 buses, followed by Higer with 2,611, underscoring the growing role of Chinese-built buses alongside long-established European brands.

A total of 2,229 new buses entered service during 2025. Higer led all manufacturers with 578 new registrations, followed closely by Mercedes-Benz with 551. Volvo added 258 new buses, while Golden Dragon registered 222. Other Chinese manufacturers also posted notable figures, including Yutong with 135 new buses and BYD with 70.

Of Israel’s nearly 26,000 buses, 24,124 are classified as public transit buses, accounting for almost 93% of the country’s fleet. The remainder includes 1,092 privately operated buses and 746 tour buses.

The average age of Israel’s entire bus fleet is approximately 5.2 years. Public transit buses are slightly newer, averaging about five years old, while privately operated buses have an average age of 6.1 years. Tour buses are the oldest segment, with an average age of more than 10 years.

By seating capacity, the largest category consists of buses with 51 seats or more, totaling 12,308 vehicles, or roughly 47.4% of the fleet. Another 8,609 buses have between 21 and 40 seats, while 3,309 buses accommodate up to 20 passengers.

Among the major manufacturers, Higer has the youngest fleet, with an average vehicle age of less than two years. Golden Dragon also maintains a relatively young fleet. In contrast, buses produced by MAN and Yutong have average ages exceeding seven years.

{Matzav.com}

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has invited former Special Counsel Jack Smith to testify before the committee next month as Republicans intensify their investigation into Smith’s handling of Operation Arctic Frost and what they describe as the weaponization of the Justice Department against President Donald Trump.

Grassley announced Monday on X that he has asked Smith to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 22, saying the American public deserves a full accounting of the investigation.

“Im inviting Jack Smith 2 testify before Senate Judic Cmte on Sept 22,” Grassley wrote. “American ppl deserve nothing less than full transparency+ accountability for Arctic Frost and special counsel lawfare.”

According to Politico, Smith has agreed to testify, provided the Justice Department gives its approval.

In a letter, Smith’s attorneys, Lanny Bruer and Peter Koski, defended his record as special counsel, saying he carried out his responsibilities in accordance with department rules and legal standards.

They wrote that Smith “steadfastly followed Justice Department policies, observed applicable legal requirements, and took actions based on the facts and the law” while serving as special counsel.

The attorneys also said Smith welcomes the opportunity to testify publicly in order to “correct the many mischaracterizations” regarding his work.

Grassley has spent months leading a Senate inquiry into Operation Arctic Frost, the federal investigation that examined efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Republicans have become increasingly critical of the investigation after learning that Smith’s team secretly obtained telephone records and text messages involving Republican lawmakers and other GOP figures.

According to Grassley, investigators subpoenaed the phone toll records of approximately a dozen Republican senators, collected text messages from more than 40 members of Congress, and obtained private communications and financial records involving hundreds of Republican individuals and organizations.

“In the process of a deeply flawed, weaponized investigation, Jack Smith subpoenaed phone toll records from a dozen senators, scooped up text messages from over 40 members of Congress, and subpoenaed the private communications and financial records of hundreds of other Republican entities and individuals,” Grassley said in a statement.

“He needs to answer directly to Congress for his actions,” the Iowa Republican added. “Smith must be honest and forthcoming in his answers, because the American people deserve nothing less than full transparency and accountability.”

The Hill previously reported that Grassley revealed last year that Smith’s investigation sought the phone records of 10 Republican senators and at least one member of the House of Representatives.

Grassley has since disclosed that the Justice Department informed him communications involving 44 lawmakers and White House staff members were also reviewed during the course of the investigation.

Smith last appeared before Congress in January, when he testified before the House Judiciary Committee and defended the criminal investigations into Trump, maintaining that the evidence justified the charges that were brought.

Those federal prosecutions were later dismissed after President Trump won the 2024 election, consistent with longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president.

The Sept. 22 hearing is expected to become another major confrontation over the Justice Department’s investigations into Trump, with Republicans preparing to challenge Smith’s investigative methods while Democrats are expected to argue that the former special counsel acted in accordance with DOJ policy and the rule of law.

Tuesday’s Democratic Senate primary in Michigan is shaping up as a defining moment for the Democratic Party, with a victory by Abdul El-Sayed poised to deliver one of the most significant victories yet for the Democratic Socialists of America and the party’s progressive wing.

If El-Sayed prevails, he would become one of the movement’s most prominent elected officials and could wield considerable influence in the Senate should Democrats regain control of the chamber next year. In a battleground state narrowly won by President Donald Trump in 2024, his nomination would also suggest that the party’s leftward shift has expanded well beyond coastal strongholds and into the Midwest.

Recent surveys indicate El-Sayed, the former public health director for Detroit and Wayne County, has established a sizable advantage over four-term Rep. Haley Stevens. An Emerson College poll found him leading 54% to 39%, while Mitchell Research showed a 52% to 38% edge. The RealClearPolitics polling average places him ahead by roughly 10 percentage points, and prediction markets have also made him the clear favorite.

Much of El-Sayed’s support comes from younger voters and progressive Democrats, while Stevens has maintained stronger backing among older voters and many Black voters.

El-Sayed has secured endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, every member of the congressional “Squad,” the United Auto Workers, and organizers affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, who have invested significant resources in the race.

Although El-Sayed has participated in DSA events and embraces many of the organization’s domestic policy priorities—including Medicare for All, universal childcare, a higher federal minimum wage, and eliminating the Senate filibuster—he has maintained that he is “not technically or practically DSA” and says he supports a regulated capitalist system rather than socialism.

That distinction has done little to quiet critics or diminish enthusiasm within the DSA, whose leaders view the Michigan contest as another test of their strategy of winning Democratic primaries and reshaping the party from within.

One of the campaign’s most contentious issues has been Israel. El-Sayed has repeatedly characterized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide, described the Israeli government as “as evil as Hamas,” called for an immediate and comprehensive arms embargo against Israel, and has declined to explicitly affirm Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. He has also argued that U.S. aid to Israel should instead be directed toward domestic priorities such as education and healthcare.

Those positions earned him the first-ever U.S. Senate endorsement from Jewish Voice for Peace Action.

Stevens, meanwhile, has received strong backing from pro-Israel organizations, including substantial independent expenditures from a super PAC affiliated with AIPAC. The heavy spending has helped make the Michigan contest the third most expensive Senate primary in U.S. history.

Many establishment Democrats and centrist independents argue that El-Sayed’s positions could prove politically damaging in a closely divided swing state. Former Rep. Cheri Bustos warned that nominating a “far-left socialist candidate” could cost Democrats another key election.

Jonathan Cowan, president of the centrist group Third Way, argued that El-Sayed would need to distance himself from the Democratic Socialists of America, affirm Israel’s right to exist, and abandon his previous support for “defund the police” policies if he hopes to defeat Republican Mike Rogers, who is running unopposed for the GOP nomination.

Stevens has also attracted endorsements from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and the Congressional Black Caucus, all of whom argue she represents the party’s strongest option in the general election.

Polling for a potential November matchup generally shows Stevens running even with Rogers, while El-Sayed has often trailed the Republican in hypothetical head-to-head surveys.

Should El-Sayed capture both the nomination and the Senate seat—and Democrats regain control of the chamber—he would emerge as one of the most prominent national advocates for the Democratic Socialists’ agenda, including Medicare for All, wealth taxes, and an anti-Zionist foreign policy, mirroring the influence New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has built in New York.

Democratic leaders worry that such an outcome could further distance moderate voters and independents from the party. Supporters of the Democratic Socialists, however, see the Michigan primary as an opportunity to demonstrate that their movement can win not only in traditionally liberal urban centers, but also in one of the nation’s most competitive battleground states.

Michigan Democrats will decide Tuesday which vision of the party they want to carry into November.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing accusations of hypocrisy after his administration said its proposed city-run grocery stores may use a customer card system to prevent abuse of subsidized food prices, prompting critics to contrast the idea with Democrats’ longstanding opposition to voter ID requirements.

The issue arose after Mamdani was asked how the city would prevent shoppers from purchasing large quantities of discounted groceries and then reselling them for profit.

The mayor said the city’s request for proposals makes clear that the program is intended to help New Yorkers afford food—not create an opportunity for resellers to make money—and invited New York City Economic Development Corporation President Jeanny Pak to explain how the safeguards would work.

Pak said the city is considering a system similar to a library card to ensure the program serves its intended purpose.

“[W]e are looking to make sure that we target New Yorkers, whether it be a sort of a library card-esque thing, and also we manage who’s buying and that is focused on everyday New Yorkers,” Pak said.

“So, we are mindful of that, and so we’re going to make sure that we have all the things in place to ensure that that does not happen.”

The comments immediately drew comparisons from critics to voter ID laws, which Mamdani and many Democrats have opposed. In response, a spokesperson for the mayor rejected the comparison, arguing that the proposed grocery card would not function as an identification system.

“Comparisons to voter ID laws or the SAVE Act simply do not apply. This is not an identification system, nor is it a mechanism to verify who someone is, where they live, or how much they earn,” the spokesperson said.

“It is a practical inventory management tool to ensure affordable groceries remain available for the people who need them instead of being cleared off shelves for resale.”

The spokesperson said the reporter’s question centered on preventing bulk purchases for resale—not restricting shoppers based on where they live—and emphasized that the stores would remain open to everyone.

“To be absolutely clear: NYC Grocery stores will be open to everyone,” the spokesperson said.

“There will be no system to verify identity, residency, or income, and no one will be asked to show ID to shop.”

Instead, the administration said the stores could offer a voluntary customer card similar to loyalty programs used by supermarket chains. According to the mayor’s office, the card would be created by the private company operating the stores and used only to monitor purchases and discourage large-scale reselling of discounted products.

Officials added that shoppers would not need to apply through City Hall or any other government agency to obtain the card.

Critics, however, remained unconvinced.

“ID for government cheese,” Philadelphia radio host Rich Zeoli wrote.

“After all, we have to make sure no one crosses the border and if they do, the police will be called. So it’s good to see Mamdani now supports ID (just not for voting), border control, and law enforcement,” Zeoli tweeted.

Former Texas congressional candidate Nick Plumb also criticized the proposal, writing on X, “Mamdani wants to protect taxpayer funded grocery store[s] from non-NYC residents they’ll need an ID card to enter. You can[t] make this up.”

Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares likewise argued the policy reflected a double standard.

“So let me get this straight: Taxpayer-funded grocery store? Better show a valid ID or you can’t buy milk,” Miyares said.

“Voting for the people who decide how those taxes get spent? A valid ID is somehow ‘racist’ and ‘oppressive’. Unbelievable,” he said.

When asked whether the customer card amounted to a form of identification, the mayor’s office pointed to language in the city’s request for proposals, which states:

“The Operator(s) will create a voluntary free-to-access membership card program to monitor sales activity, and implement the discount program and any associated demand management measures. The savings card shall not be required for physical access to N.Y.C. Groceries site(s) and shall be made easily available to any individual requesting one,” the section read.

Fox News host Sean Hannity also weighed in, writing, “Make it make sense.”

New York Rep. Claudia Tenney echoed the criticism, saying, “So ID for government grocery stores to stop people abusing the system is fine, but requiring ID to vote not? Got it.”

Sen. Jim Banks, a supporter of the SAVE Act, added on X: “Democrats: Are fighting to ensure you don’t have to show an ID before voting in our elections. Also Democrats: Want you to show an ID before entering a supermarket.”

X CEO Elon Musk also commented on the controversy, writing, “Oh, the irony is too much.”