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A man carrying a hammer entered the grounds of a Jewish day camp in Queens on Tuesday, triggering a frightening incident that ended with a child suffering a minor injury before a security guard subdued the intruder and turned him over to police.

The incident occurred at Ohr Avner Day Camp, located at the Jewish Institute of Queens (JIQ) in Elmhurst, New York. Camp officials informed parents of the incident in a detailed letter sent Tuesday, emphasizing that staff members acted quickly to protect campers and that authorities believe the episode was random rather than a targeted attack.

According to the camp, the individual, who “appeared to be mentally unwell,” entered the camp property and walked into the front yard, where children were playing under staff supervision. He then lay down on the ground and asked for a drink of water.

Camp staff immediately approached him to offer assistance while simultaneously ensuring that campers remained supervised and out of danger, the letter stated.

A staff member soon noticed that the man had a hammer lying beside him. The counselor calmly asked the individual to hand over the hammer, and he complied without incident.

Moments later, as campers were leaving the building to board buses for a scheduled trip, the situation suddenly escalated.

According to the camp, the man unexpectedly got up and attempted to enter the building, pushing his way through several children. During the commotion, one camper was knocked into a fence and sustained what the camp described as a minor injury. The child received immediate medical attention.

The camp credited its building security officer, Anthony, with preventing the situation from becoming far more serious.

“As the individual attempted to enter the building, our building security officer, Anthony, who was at his post, immediately intervened,” the letter stated. “With remarkable courage, professionalism, and presence of mind, Anthony restrained the individual and held him until the NYPD arrived and took him into custody, preventing any further harm.”

Camp administrators praised Anthony’s “heroic actions,” saying they “undoubtedly helped to prevent what could have been a far more serious situation until law enforcement arrived.”

The camp also commended its counselors and staff members, saying they remained with the children throughout the incident, acted quickly and calmly, and helped keep campers safe.

Ohr Avner stressed that, based on everything known so far, “this was a completely random incident” and that there is “absolutely no indication that our camp, our campers, or our staff were specifically targeted.”

The New York City Police Department confirmed that officers arrested the suspect and said that investigators are examining the incident as bias-related while continuing to determine a motive. Police said the man entered the camp, behaved erratically, and, while leaving the area, bumped into a child, who suffered minor lacerations to the head after striking a fence.

Camp officials acknowledged that many children witnessed portions of the incident but said the overwhelming majority were doing well afterward.

Recognizing that some campers may nevertheless be shaken, the camp said it has already consulted mental health professionals for guidance and will continue monitoring the emotional well-being of every child. Families were encouraged to speak with their children about what they experienced and to contact the camp if additional support is needed.

“The safety and security of our campers and staff remain our highest priority,” the camp stated, adding that administrators are reviewing the incident and evaluating whether additional security measures should be implemented.

The camp concluded by expressing gratitude to Hashem for protecting the camp and thanking the staff for their calm and decisive response.

“We thank Hashem for watching over our camp today and are profoundly grateful for the calm, courageous, and decisive actions of our staff, whose dedication ensured that our campers remained as safe as possible throughout the incident.”

{Matzav.com}

[Videos below.] A major outdoor concert at Sultan’s Pool in Yerushalayim featuring some of the biggest names in Jewish music was brought to an abrupt halt tonight after Israel Police ordered organizers to end the event, despite thousands of fans packing the venue for what had been billed as one of the summer’s premier musical performances.

The concert featured Mordechai Ben David, the Miami Boys Choir, Shmulik Sukkot, and a surprise guest appearance by Yaakov Shwekey, accompanied by an orchestra conducted by Yoily Dikman.

The unexpected shutdown stunned concertgoers, many of whom had traveled from across Israel and abroad to attend the event. The performance had been underway for more than two hours when organizers were instructed to stop the show.

In a statement posted during the event, organizers said that after “we made history with a one-time performance” and despite “many agreements reached in advance with the Israel Police,” they had originally been told the show could continue until at least 11:15 p.m.

According to the organizers, “The officer in charge in the field suddenly ordered the performance stopped at 11:00 p.m., contrary to the agreements.”

They added that “it’s disappointing to bring an end to a huge performance after two-and-a-half hours of a giant show and without allowing the audience to enjoy the final quarter-hour and the concluding segment planned with the police.”

Organizers told Matzav.com that they had expected the police to show greater flexibility, especially since, according to them, the event was nearing its conclusion.

Audience members reacted with disappointment as the music stopped before the planned finale.

As of tonight, Israel Police had not publicly responded to the organizers’ claims regarding the decision to end the concert early.

As Israel’s High Court of Justice considered petitions challenging the law suspending the arrest of bnei Torah over the draft, Shas’ Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah issued a forceful proclamation declaring that the enlistment of yeshivah bochurim is categorically prohibited according to halachah.

Released on Tuesday during the High Court proceedings, the statement lays out the Moetzet’s unwavering opposition to drafting those whose lives are devoted to Torah learning, while making clear that the issue is one of immutable halachah rather than public policy.

The statement opens by emphasizing that the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah does not recognize the authority of the High Court to rule on such matters. It explains that the declaration was issued solely “for the sake of making the eternal divine truth known.”

According to the Moetzet, the High Court has spent years waging what it describes as a “campaign of persecution” against lomdei Torah, repeatedly striking down legislation intended to protect their legal status. The statement further asserts that the Court is “as far removed from justice as east is from west,” maintaining that its rulings “have no validity,” including, according to the document, under international law.

The Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah states unequivocally that drafting yeshivah bochurim whose full-time occupation is Torah learning is “absolutely forbidden under halacha.” It characterizes efforts to compel their enlistment as “a campaign of religious coercion,” arguing that mandatory military service infringes upon religious freedom and even violates commitments contained in Israel’s Declaration of Independence.

To support its position, the statement cites numerous ma’amarei Chazal and the rulings of the great poskim. Among the sources quoted are passages from Maseches Nedarim and Maseches Sotah, which teach that Avraham Avinu and King Asa were punished for drafting talmidei chachamim into battle, despite those wars being fought to save Klal Yisroel. The Moetzet says these sources demonstrate that lomdei Torah do not participate in warfare, even when it is considered a milchemes mitzvah.

The document also focuses extensively on the Rambam’s Hilchos Shemittah V’Yovel, where he explains that Shevet Levi did not take part in the wars of Israel because its mission was dedicated to serving Hashem and teaching Torah. The Moetzet highlights the Rambam’s well-known ruling that “not only the Tribe of Levi,” but anyone who dedicates himself entirely to the service of Hashem and the study of Torah attains the same status. Based on that principle, the statement concludes that yeshivah bochurim and kollel yungeleit are exempt from military service according to halachah.

Addressing the frequently raised argument of “sharing the burden,” the Moetzet firmly rejects the premise, asserting that the greatest burden carried by Klal Yisroel is the constant labor of Torah learning. It states that the nation’s true security depends first and foremost upon the uninterrupted study of Torah.

The statement reinforces that position by citing pesukim and the teachings of Chazal emphasizing that Jewish military success comes through the merit of Torah learning, including the verses, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord,” and, “Five of you shall chase a hundred.”

The Moetzet further argues that Israel’s victories in modern wars themselves testify to unmistakable Hashgachah Pratis, maintaining that the nation’s successes cannot be attributed solely to military strength. According to the statement, the spiritual protection generated by the Torah learned in the batei medrash safeguards Klal Yisroel, and any effort to remove yeshivah bochurim from their shtenders for military service directly weakens that protection.

Concluding its declaration, the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah states that throughout Jewish history it has been the talmidei chachamim who preserved the Torah and ensured the survival of the Jewish people. The statement ends with a passionate warning: “Woe to us if דווקא here in the Land of Israel, in a Jewish state, Torah scholars are trampled upon and attempts are made to silence the voice of Torah.”

{Matzav.com}

In an unprecedented move, every Rav in London’s Golders Green neighborhood has signed a joint letter directing all mosdos haTorah not to begin the upcoming school year until every child has been accepted into an appropriate educational institution. The extraordinary directive comes amid an ongoing placement crisis that has left more than 20 children without schools for the new academic year.

The letter, addressed to principals and administrators of the community’s mosdos, instructs that neither the boys’ Talmudei Torah nor the girls’ schools may open their doors as long as even one child remains without a proper educational placement.

Widely viewed as a historic step within Britain’s Chareidi community, the directive calls for postponing the start of the zeman until every student has secured a suitable place to learn. The Rabbanim said the decision reflects their commitment to stand with families who have spent months enduring the anguish of not knowing where their children will study.

The letter opens by expressing profound appreciation to the principals and administrators who devote themselves tirelessly to maintaining the community’s educational institutions, praising their unwavering dedication to the chinuch of the community’s children and to strengthening its mosdos haTorah.

The Rabbanim then explain the reason for their extraordinary ruling. They note that more than 20 children, for various reasons, still have not been accepted into an appropriate school for the coming academic year. They write that these children and their parents have spent months waiting in deep distress for a solution that has yet to come. Therefore, acting together under the authority of the city’s Rabbanim, they are instructing that the doors of the schools and Talmudei Torah for the new classes remain closed until every child has found a suitable place to learn.

The Rabbanim openly acknowledge that postponing the opening of schools will inevitably result in lost Torah learning for thousands of other students. Nevertheless, they explain that the severity of the situation justifies such a step, writing that this is a time when extraordinary measures are required for the sake of Heaven.

The letter concludes with a heartfelt tefillah that peace and truth will prevail within the community, that every child will merit an education according to his or her proper path in the traditions of Yisroel Saba.

{Matzav.com}

The Belzer community is mourning the petirah of the dayan Rav Shmuel Pinchas Traube zt”l, who passed away Tuesday morning in Bnei Brak after enduring nearly two decades of severe illness. He was 64.

Rav Traube served for many years as the dayan of the Belzer Bais Medrash Beis Pinchas in Bnei Brak and as the senior rav hamachshir for the Machzikei HaDas kashrus organization in Eretz Yisroel.

He was also one of the foremost talmidim of the late posek, Rav Shmuel Halevi Wosner, author of Shevet Halevi, who held him in exceptionally high regard.

The levayah was held at Beis Pinchas Belz on Rechov Yoel in Bnei Brak. A second procession was held at the Sanhedria Funeral Home in Yerushalayim, passing the Belzer bais medrash in Kiryas Belz before continuing to the Machzikei HaDas section of Har HaMenuchos for kevurah.

Rav Traube was born on the 10th of Adar 5722 (1962) to Rav Ephraim Traube z”l, affectionately known in Belz as “Reb Ephraim Krakover.” His father served as a trusted aide to the Belzer Rebbe, Rav Aharon Rokeach zt”l, and for many years was the baal tefillah and baal koreh in the Belzer court.

He was educated in Belzer educational institutions in Yerushalayim before continuing to the Belzer yeshivah on Rechov Agrippas, where he quickly distinguished himself as one of the outstanding bochurim. At just 14 years old, while still in the Belzer yeshivah ketana, he was tested on the entire Maseches Chullin.

After his marriage to a daughter of Rav Shmuel Tzvi Greenwald z”l, one of the veteran and respected Belz Chassidim of Bnei Brak, Rav Traube’s extraordinary scholarship became even more evident.

He initially served as rosh kollel for Belzer avreichim before studying practical hora’ah under Rav Wosner. The famed posek later remarked during a visit to the Belzer Rebbe that throughout the many years he had examined and ordained dayanim and rabbanim, he had never encountered anyone who grasped complex halachic matters as quickly as Rav Traube. Rav Wosner predicted that he was destined to become one of the leading poskim of his generation.

For many years, Rav Traube headed the special beis din overseeing the Machzikei HaDas kashrus organization, serving as its chief rav hamachshir and supervising food production facilities throughout the country.

When the Beis Pinchas Belz bais medrash opened on Rechov Yoel in Bnei Brak, the Belzer Rebbe personally appointed Rav Traube to serve as its dayan. He fulfilled that role for many years while also serving as the congregation’s baal tefillah and baal koreh.

Approximately 20 years ago, Rav Traube was diagnosed with a debilitating muscular degenerative disease. His condition steadily deteriorated over the years. At the Belzer Rebbe’s instruction, his children and family began accepting Shabbos from midday each Friday as a zechus on his behalf, and those close to him credit that practice with extending his life for many years.

In recent weeks, his condition worsened significantly. He was hospitalized two weeks ago after developing a severe infection, and on Tuesday morning he passed away.

Rav Traube is survived by children who are accomplished talmidei chachamim, maggidei shiur, and mashpi’im within the Belzer community.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A longstanding bein hazemanim tradition in Kiryat Sanz, Netanya, is facing an unprecedented downturn this summer, as widespread financial pressures and government sanctions have dramatically reduced the number of Chareidi families able to rent vacation apartments during the annual break from the yeshivos.

For decades, families living in Kiryat Sanz routinely rented out their apartments during bein hazemanim to visitors from other Chareidi communities. Depending on the size of the apartment and its proximity to the beach, daily rental prices typically ranged between ₪1,000 and ₪3,000, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement for homeowners and vacationing families alike.

This year, however, residents say the market has virtually dried up.

According to a report, telephones that would normally ring constantly with rental inquiries have remained largely silent. Even when prospective renters do call, homeowners quote the same prices they have charged in previous years—only to hear the same painful response.

“We simply have no way to pay those prices. They’ve cut us from every direction, our financial situation is extremely difficult, and we have no money at all.”

Some families attempt to negotiate, offering only ₪300 or ₪350 per day for apartments that ordinarily command several times that amount. Yet even at those sharply reduced prices, many deals never materialize, as the financial impact of sanctions and budget cuts has left many avreichim unable to afford even modest vacations.

As a result, many apartments throughout Kiryat Sanz are remaining vacant this summer, while both homeowners and would-be renters are grappling with an economic reality that has upended the familiar rhythm of bein hazemanim.

One resident of the neighborhood told the publication that the trend has become impossible to ignore.

“I know several families—even in my own building there are two or three families that were accustomed to renting out their apartments for the entire vacation period. Right now they have tenants for only a few days, and even then it’s at much lower prices.”

He added that the situation appears to be worsening with each passing day.

“Every day you see more and more families who simply can’t rent out their apartments.”

According to the resident, the slowdown extends well beyond the summer vacation season.

“Even on Shabbos you can see there aren’t nearly as many guests as there used to be. Many people say it’s become too expensive for them, so they prefer renting apartments a couple of blocks away from Kiryat Sanz rather than paying the much higher prices inside the neighborhood itself.”

{Matzav.com}

Retired Brig. Gen. Erez Winner is warning that Israel faces a growing and potentially catastrophic security threat in Judea and Samaria, arguing that the country’s greatest danger does not come from Iran, Gaza, or Lebanon, but from a dangerous combination of terrorism, weapons smuggling, criminal networks, and the Palestinian Authority. He cautioned that unless Israel changes course, the next October 7-style attack could be even more severe.

As Israeli security forces continue battling an increase in terrorist attacks throughout Judea and Samaria, Winner, who chairs the Israel Defense and Security Forum (HaBitachonistim), said the deteriorating situation reflects a much deeper strategic failure rather than isolated operational shortcomings.

Winner rejected the widespread characterization that Israel is experiencing a “new” wave of terrorism, insisting the violence has been building steadily for many months while authorities failed to confront its root causes.

“Everyone is talking about a new wave of terror,” Winner told Arutz Sheva-Israel National News. “But I believe that this is not a new wave. For many months, there have been attempts to set farms on fire, poison livestock, and attack shepherds. The recent incidents simply received greater public attention, but this reality has existed for a long time.”

According to Winner, the October 7 massacre initially transformed the IDF’s approach in Judea and Samaria. He said the military reacted aggressively, particularly through reserve forces, adopting a policy of responding decisively to every act of violence, no matter how small.

“There was shock, and the IDF responded with force, primarily through reserve forces. We did not ignore any incident – not even a single stone-throwing attack. This determined policy significantly reduced the level of violence and friction.”

But Winner said that once security conditions improved, Israel gradually relaxed that aggressive posture, allowing hostile forces to regain momentum while incitement from the Palestinian Authority continued unabated through schools, the media, and public messaging.

He also argued that intensified debate over expanding Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria has fueled even greater Palestinian incitement. At the same time, he said, international organizations and Israeli advocacy groups have amplified allegations of so-called “settler violence,” creating an atmosphere that encourages additional attacks.

“The stronger the communities became, the more intense the Palestinian incitement against them became as well. At the same time, there is a broad campaign focused on ‘settler violence,’ promoted by Israeli organizations together with international NGOs and various UN bodies. All of these factors create an environment that fuels further violence.”

Winner called on Israel to return to the assertive security doctrine it employed immediately after October 7, combining military operations with civilian initiatives designed to restore deterrence.

“We must restore the firm approach that characterized the period following October 7 – not only through raids and arrests, but also through civilian measures. Ultimately, we are judged by the response we elicit from the other side.”

He maintained that the Palestinian leadership views control of territory as its overriding objective and argued that Israel should no longer continue operating under assumptions rooted in the Oslo Accords.

“If Abu Mazen has already declared that the Oslo Accords are dead, there is no reason that only Israel should continue operating as though those agreements still exist. We must understand that the Palestinian Authority is not a partner, but a hostile actor.”

Winner further accused the Palestinian Authority of actively promoting and financing terrorism while criticizing those who continue advocating for strengthening it or restoring its control over Gaza.

“This is an armed authority that incites terrorism, supports terrorism, and funds terrorism. And yet there are still those who continue to advocate strengthening it – and even returning it to power in Gaza. It is time to call things by their proper name.”

He added that numerous members of the Palestinian Authority’s own security forces have allegedly participated in terrorist activity over the past two years, saying Israel should abandon the notion that the PA serves as a security partner.

Drawing lessons from October 7, Winner warned against dismissing those who sound alarms before disaster strikes.

“Before October 7, there were people who warned about Hamas, but many dismissed them as extremists or alarmists. In hindsight, they were proven right. We must not repeat the same mistake with the Palestinian Authority.”

Addressing arguments that the IDF’s manpower shortages are limiting its ability to respond effectively, Winner said the real problem lies in strategy rather than troop numbers.

“The issue is not the number of forces, but the way they are used. We are spreading too few soldiers across too large an area. When forces operate offensively, with focus and initiative, they can achieve far more even with fewer personnel.”

He proposed concentrating military operations in selected areas, working closely with local Jewish communities, and launching focused campaigns to seize illegal weapons instead of attempting to tackle every challenge simultaneously.

“We do not need to do everything at once. We can begin in one area, or launch an operation to collect illegal weapons in a single city. The important thing is to make a decision and begin acting.”

Winner concluded with a stark warning that Israel must not underestimate the growing dangers developing closer to home.

“The real threat facing the State of Israel is not only Gaza, Lebanon, or Iran. It is also the hundreds of thousands of weapons smuggled into the region, the criminal organizations, and the Palestinian Authority. If we fail to address this in time, October 7 may prove to have been only a preview of what is still to come.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu held what Israeli officials described as a highly successful and productive meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, with the two leaders focusing heavily on Iran and reaffirming their shared determination to prevent the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons.

A senior Israeli official traveling with the prime minister described the Oval Office meeting as a “very good and very positive meeting.”

“The two talked about all arenas — primarily Iran — and reiterated the joint commitment to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons,” says the official.

Following the meeting, another senior Israeli official told Channel 12 that the discussions come at a pivotal moment, as the Trump administration weighs its next steps regarding Iran.

“We are in a critical period,” a senior Israeli official told Channel 12.

“President Trump will make a decision soon where he is heading,” says the official. “We are not pushing him, but also aren’t burying our heads in the sand. Netanyahu presented [Trump with] the Israeli perspective.”

According to the report, Netanyahu provided President Trump with fresh Israeli intelligence assessments regarding Iran’s nuclear activities and military capabilities, seeking to underscore the urgency of the threat.

The senior official said Netanyahu believes military action against Iran may once again become necessary.

“Netanyahu believes there is no choice” but to attack Iran again, the Channel 12 report continues, apparently still quoting the senior Israel official. These need to be “significant attacks — on nuclear facilities, capabilities that have been rebuilt, and sites that weren’t previously hit.” Such strikes, Israel believes, would have the potential to “shake the stability of the regime.”