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The body of Sgt. First Class Tzvi Feldman, H’yd, who fell in battle at Sultan Yacoub in June 1982, during the first Lebanon War, was returned in a special operation by the Mossad and IDF. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced the news on Sunday morning: “For decades, Tzvi was missing, and the efforts to locate him, alongside the others missing from that battle, never ceased,” he said. “About six years ago, we returned Sgt. First Class Zachary Baumel, H’yd, to Kever Yisrael. Today, we returned Tzvi, z’l, and we will not stop working to return Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz, H’yd, who is still missing from that battle.” “Over many long years, I approved many covert operations to locate the missing from Sultan Yacoub, and I promised the Feldman family that I would never stop working to bring Tzvi home.” “His dear parents, Penina and Avraham, never ceased to act on the matter, but sadly, they have already passed away. But today we are returning dear Tzvi to his siblings – Itzik, Shlomo, and Anat – and to the land of Israel that he loved so much.” “I would like to thank the Mossad, the IDF, the Shin Bet, and the Coordinator for POWs and MIAs, Gal Hirsch, for decades of efforts and for their valuable, determined, and courageous work to return Tzvi and to return all those missing and abducted – the living and dead alike. “The State of Israel and the Government of Israel, under my leadership, are fully committed to this.” As the Navi Yirmiyahu says: ״ויש תקווה לאחריתך נאום ה׳, ושבו בנים לגבולם״. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yechezkel Shraga Dovid Halpern zt”l, who served as the Rav of the Sanzer Beis Medrash in the Ramot neighborhood of Yerushalayim. He was 59 years old.

Rav Halpern passed away at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital after battling illness.

Born in London, Rav Halpern came from an illustrious rabbinic dynasty. His father, Rav Yitzchok Aryeh Leibush Halpern, is the Gaavad of Radomishla, and his grandfather, Rav Elchonon Halperin, served as the Gaavad of Radomishla in Golders Green.

His mother, Rebbetzin Liba Freidel, is a daughter of Rav Shmuel Alexander Unsdorfer, author of Sifsei Shmuel who led the Reishis Chochma kehillah in Montreal and served as a Sanzer Rav in Petach Tikvah.

His birth occurred on the yahrtzeit of the Shinover Rebbe, the Divrei Yechezkel, and he was named Yechezkel Shraga Dovid—Yechezkel Shraga after the Shinover Rebbe and Dovid after his paternal grandfather.

As a bochur, Rav Halpern learned at Yeshivas Sanz in Kiryat Sanz, Netanya. Upon reaching marriageable age, he married Rebbetzin Faiga Baila, daughter of the Stropkover Rebbe.

For many years, Rav Halpern served as the mashgiach ruchani at the Sanzer Yeshiva Ketana in Yerushalayim and gave regular shiurim there. He was later appointed Rav of the Sanzer Beis Medrash in the Ramot neighborhood, a position he held with tremendous devotion.

Known for his refined character, warmth, and yiras Shomayim, Rav Halpern was beloved by his talmidim and kehillah alike. His influence was felt far beyond his shul, through his shiurim and personal example of avodas Hashem.

Despite his illness, Rav Halpern remained a source of strength and inspiration until his final days.

He leaves behind a beautiful family of bnei and bnos Torah.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump’s administration asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to allow it to end humanitarian parole for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from four countries, setting them up for potential deportation. The emergency appeal asks the justices to halt a lower-court order keeping in place temporary legal status for more than 500,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The Republican administration argues that the decision wrongly intrudes on the Department of Homeland Security’s authority. “The district court has nullified one of the administration’s most consequential immigration policy decisions,” Solicitor General John Sauer wrote. The order from U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston blocked the Trump administration from putting an early end to the migrants’ temporary legal status. Her ruling in mid-April came shortly before their permits were due to be canceled, opening them up to removal from the country. Talwani, who was appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama, said that people in the program faced the option of “fleeing the country” or staying and “risk losing everything.” She said the government’s explanation for ending the program was “based on an incorrect reading of the law.” The Justice Department went to the Supreme Court after an appeals court refused to lift Talwani’s order. Sauer argued that the judge was instead wrong on the law, including her finding that any revocations of parole must be made on a case-by-case basis. He argued that ending the program early allows the federal government to remove people from the country more quickly, in line with the Trump administration’s policy goals. The case is the latest in a string of emergency appeals the administration has made to the Supreme Court, many of them related to immigration. The government asked the court to strip temporary legal protections from 350,000 Venezuelans last week, and it remains locked in legal battles over its efforts to swiftly deport people accused of being gang members to a prison in El Salvador under an 18th century wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act. Trump promised on the campaign trail to deport millions of people who are in the country illegally. His administration has also sought to dismantle policies from President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration that created new ways for people to live legally in the U.S., generally for two years with work authorization. Biden used humanitarian parole more than any other president, employing a special presidential authority in effect since 1952. Beneficiaries included more than 500,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who flew to the United States with financial sponsors on two-year permits since late 2022, with authorization to work. Advocates have called the Trump administration’s move to end the program “unprecedented” and argued that it violated federal rule-making. (AP)

President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between India and Pakistan, following U.S.-brokered negotiations aimed at ending the most dangerous military standoff between the two nuclear powers in recent decades.

“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Both nations later confirmed the ceasefire deal, crediting the United States for helping mediate the breakthrough.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations issued a joint statement urging both countries to step back from the brink and immediately dial down tensions. The group also condemned the April 22 militant assault in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir, which triggered the current escalation.

“We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides,” the ministers stated. “We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the breakthrough and pledged to convene broader peace discussions aimed at long-term stability.

“Over the past 48 hours, Vice President Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik,” Rubio told Newsmax.

“I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.”

The ceasefire follows weeks of mounting violence, marked by cross-border rocket fire, drone attacks, and heavy artillery exchanges, set off by a brutal attack on tourists in Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan for orchestrating the massacre, an accusation Islamabad denies. Civilians on both sides have been caught in the crossfire.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar publicly confirmed the ceasefire on Geo News, noting that Saudi Arabia and Turkey had also helped facilitate the diplomatic progress.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealed that senior military commanders from both nations spoke earlier in the day. “It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, and in the air and sea. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding.” He said the military leaders planned to speak again on May 12.

The ceasefire brought a swift halt to an escalation that had spiraled overnight. India claimed it struck Pakistani air installations early in the day after Islamabad had fired a barrage of high-speed missiles at both military and civilian targets in India’s Punjab state. Pakistan, for its part, said it intercepted most of those missiles and retaliated with its own strikes.

In New Delhi, Indian defense officials accused Pakistan of aiming at medical facilities and schools near three airbases in Kashmir. “Befitting reply has been given to Pakistani actions,” Indian Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stated.

Pakistan’s military responded by saying they had launched medium-range Fateh missiles that hit Indian air bases and an ammunition depot in Pathankot and Udhampur. Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, a spokesman for Pakistan’s army, said their air force remained intact despite the Indian assault.

Tensions flared after the April 22 massacre of 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists, at a crowded site in India-controlled Kashmir. The incident plunged the region into days of tit-for-tat strikes.

On Friday, Pakistani military officials said Indian missiles had struck multiple locations, including Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, Murid air base in Chakwal, and Rafiqui air base in Jhang district. The extent of the damage in Rawalpindi, one of Pakistan’s most densely populated cities, was not immediately known.

Meanwhile, crowds in Pakistani cities like Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi expressed joy over what they saw as a forceful response to Indian aggression. “Thank God we have finally responded to Indian aggression,” said Muhammad Ashraf, who was out for breakfast in Lahore.

Back across the border, residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir described being shaken by a fresh wave of explosions in the cities of Srinagar, Jammu, and Udhampur following Pakistan’s retaliation.

“Explosions that we are hearing today are different from the ones we heard the last two nights during drone attacks,” said Shesh Paul Vaid, a former top police officer from Jammu. “It looks like a war here.”

He said the blasts seemed to come from military zones, suggesting army installations were under attack. Locals near Srinagar’s airport — which doubles as an air base — also reported being jarred awake by the blasts and the roar of fighter jets.

“I was already awake, but the explosions jolted my kids out of their sleep. They started crying,” said Mohammed Yasin, a resident of Srinagar. He said he clearly heard at least two major blasts.

The explosions left behind widespread damage in parts of Indian-controlled Kashmir, where powerful shockwaves blew out windows, collapsed walls, and riddled homes with shrapnel holes.

In Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, residents and first responders spent Friday morning digging through the remains of homes destroyed by overnight Indian shelling. Some carried out the dead, while others searched for anything left to salvage amid the devastation.

{Matzav.com}

Pakistan shows footage of its JF-17 Thunder jet taking off to hit Indian S-400 air defence system with Chinese-origin CM-400AKG hypersonic missiles in anti-radiation variant.

A sitting member of Congress has given the public a glimpse of a secret staircase beneath the U.S. Capitol.

President Trump, together with a number of top European leaders, issued a clear demand to Vladimir Putin: agree to a 30-day cease-fire in Ukraine starting Monday, or face heavy sanctions and expanded military backing for Ukraine.

The announcement followed high-level talks in Kyiv, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hosted French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to deliberate over a U.S.-driven cease-fire initiative.

According to Zelensky, more than 30 other nations, along with officials from the European Union and NATO, joined the conference via remote link. Discussions also included plans to significantly escalate military assistance to Ukraine, with pledges of more tanks, drones, munitions, and long-range weaponry.

Following the in-person summit, and reportedly at Macron’s suggestion, the leaders placed an early-morning call to President Trump in Washington, D.C., to bring him into the loop.

“As President Trump has repeatedly stated, if both parties agree to a cease-fire, the United States will continue to help ensure longstanding peace,” a White House official told The Post, confirming the leaders’ outreach.

Zelensky characterized the conversation with Trump as “positive and concrete,” while Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, described it as a “fruitful” dialogue focused on advancing peace efforts.

President Trump had previously renewed his call for a one-month cease-fire on Thursday via a Truth Social post, warning that noncompliance would result in punitive action against Moscow.

“Ukraine and all allies are ready for a full unconditional ceasefire on land, air, and at sea for at least 30 days starting already on Monday,” Sybiha said in a post on X.

Zelensky emphasized that any cease-fire must be “full and unconditional,” warning that otherwise, European nations were prepared to implement sweeping new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors.

After the summit concluded, Prime Minister Starmer cautioned that “new and massive” sanctions would follow if Putin continued to delay. He added that it was time for “no more ifs and buts, no more conditions and delays.”

The Trump administration has grown increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress in securing peace, with Vice President JD Vance stating earlier this week that Moscow was making “unreasonable” demands—including territorial claims to regions it doesn’t control.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that Russia was open to the temporary truce, but insisted that many “nuances” still needed to be addressed.

“As soon as it was advanced by [the Trump administration], it was supported by President Putin with the reservation that it is very difficult to discuss this in detail if no answers are found to a large number of nuances around the notion of a cease-fire,” Peskov explained on Friday through Russian state media.

Even after the initial U.S.-brokered cease-fire talks held in March—talks Ukraine accepted—the Kremlin has continued launching deadly attacks. Reports indicate that since then, over 117 civilians, including at least nine children, have been killed and more than 1,000 people injured in Russian airstrikes.

Although Moscow declared a three-day unilateral cease-fire to mark Victory Day, which commemorates the end of World War II, the bombings didn’t stop. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched over 100 precision bombs just since Thursday.

One of those attacks struck Sumy, a northeastern city near the front lines. An 85-year-old woman lost her life, and three others were wounded. The Ukrainian Air Force noted that nearly 20 homes and 10 additional buildings were obliterated.

Elsewhere in Donetsk, two people were killed in drone attacks on Friday. Local news sources reported that the strikes also set two apartment buildings ablaze.

{Matzav.com}

Mike Herzog, who until recently represented Israel in Washington, criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu on Friday for allowing chances to secure a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia to slip away—some as recently as a few months ago.

In an interview with Kan News, Herzog reacted to reports that President Donald Trump had dropped the requirement that Saudi Arabia recognize Israel as part of a major nuclear deal with the kingdom. “Since Israel is planning to widen the operation in Gaza, normalization is getting farther away,” he said.

Herzog stressed the strategic importance of forging ties with Saudi Arabia. “I think Israel should make [normalization] a very high priority. I don’t think Netanyahu doesn’t want it, but he probably isn’t willing to pay the price. I think it’s a missed opportunity,” he said. However, he acknowledged that earlier openings had fallen through due to a range of contributing elements.

During Joe Biden’s presidency, talks about civil nuclear collaboration between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia were part of a broader push for normalization, with the Saudis also pressing for a formal security agreement with the United States.

Riyadh has consistently made it clear that diplomatic recognition of Israel would only be possible if progress is made toward the creation of a Palestinian state—a stance that has complicated efforts by the Biden administration to build on the Abraham Accords negotiated under Trump. Those agreements brought Israel into normalized relations with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.

Efforts to bring Saudi Arabia into the fold have stalled, in large part due to outrage across the Arab world over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Additionally, the nuclear discussions have faced obstacles due to American hesitations surrounding nuclear proliferation.

{Matzav.com}

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller says President Donald Trump is looking for ways to expand its legal power to deport migrants who are in the United States illegally. To achieve that, he says the administration is “actively looking at” suspending habeas corpus, the constitutional right for people to legally challenge their detention by the government. Such a move would be aimed at migrants as part of the Republican president’s broader crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border. “The Constitution is clear, and that of course is the supreme law of the land, that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended in a time of invasion,” Miller told reporters outside the White House on Friday. “So, I would say that’s an option we’re actively looking at,” Miller said. “Look, a lot of it depends on whether the courts do the right thing or not.” What is habeas corpus? The Latin term means “that you have the body.” Federal courts use a writ of habeas corpus to bring a prisoner before a neutral judge to determine if imprisonment is legal. Habeas corpus was included in the Constitution as an import from English common law. Parliament enacted the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, which was meant to ensure that the king released prisoners when the law did not justify confining them. The Constitution’s Suspension Clause, the second clause of Section 9 of Article I, states that habeas corpus “shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it.” Has it been suspended previously? Yes. The United States has suspended habeas corpus under four distinct circumstances during its history. Those usually involved authorization from Congress, something that would be nearly impossible today — even at Trump’s urging — given the narrow Republican majorities in the House and Senate. President Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus multiple times amid the Civil War, beginning in 1861 to detain suspected spies and Confederate sympathizers. He ignored a ruling from Roger Taney, who was the Supreme Court chief justice but was acting in the case as a circuit judge. Congress then authorized suspending it in 1863, which allowed Lincoln to do so again. Congress acted similarly under President Ulysses S. Grant, suspending habeas corpus in parts of South Carolina under the Civil Rights Act of 1871. Also known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, it was meant to counter violence and intimidation of groups opposing Reconstruction in the South. Habeas corpus was suspended in two provinces of the Philippines in 1905, when it was a U.S. territory and authorities were worried about the threat of an insurrection, and in Hawaii after the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor, but before it became a state in 1959. Writing before becoming a Supreme Court justice, Amy Coney Barrett co-authored a piece stating that the Suspension Clause “does not specify which branch of government has the authority to suspend the privilege of the writ, but most agree that only Congress can do it.” Could the Trump administration do it? It can try. Miller suggested that the U.S. is facing “an invasion” of migrants. That term was used deliberately, though any effort to suspend habeas corpus would spark legal challenges questioning whether the country was facing an invasion, let alone presenting […]

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rabbi Aryeh Zak z”l, a longtime resident of Lakewood, NJ renowned for his deep ahavas haTorah, his boundless generosity, and his lifelong dedication to spreading Torah through the seforim he cherished and sold.

Originally from Eretz Yisroel, Rabbi Zak, 74, was the esteemed proprietor of Torah Treasures in Lakewood, as well as a popular seforim store in Florida. But to describe him merely as a storeowner would be to overlook the heart and soul he poured into his avodah. Every sefer on his shelves was loved, appreciated, and offered to customers with sincerity, passion, and ahavas haTorah. His knowledge of seforim, combined with his deep humility, drew people in, not just to make a purchase, but to engage in heartfelt discussions about Torah, life, and community.

More than a businessman, Rabbi Zak was a quiet but powerful baal chesed and baal tzedakah. His stores were famous not only for offering the lowest prices, but for being places where everyone enjoys visiting.

He helped countless individuals and families discreetly, with respect and dignity, and his chesed extended far beyond the walls of his stores. Whether someone needed help with a simchah, a discount they didn’t have to ask for, or just a listening ear, Rabbi Zak gave—generously, selflessly, and lovingly.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Rivka Zak, and a beautiful family of bnei and bnos Torah who carry forward his legacy of Torah, chesed, and yiras Shamayim.

Levayah details will be announced as they become available.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

The Sheraton Crossroads hotel in Mahwah, a towering 24-story structure and recognizable landmark off Route 17, was demolished in a controlled implosion on Saturday, May 10, ending a 36-year chapter in the region’s architectural history.

NJ Democrat Mayor Ras Baraka says Trump is creating an “authoritarian” government after being arrested for breaking the law: “In a time where if you are opposed to ideas, you can be threatened… Turning it into an authoritarian government.”

Pakistani Border Guard fighters are shelling Indian forward positions along the Punjab international border with 81mm mortars.

During an interview with Kan News, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued a stern message to the Iran-backed Houthi militia, warning that continued aggression toward Israel could draw serious consequences from the United States.

“Israel may not be a formal party to the U.S. agreement, but the Houthis understand what’s at stake,” Huckabee said. “If they continue to attack Israel, they are potentially attacking America, since there are 700,000 Americans living in Israel. If they harm an American, they are essentially attacking America.”

Huckabee made it clear that the security of American citizens abroad—especially in regions threatened by terror—is of utmost importance to the U.S. government, and any escalation would be taken seriously.

Addressing the ongoing hostage crisis involving Israeli citizens held by Hamas, Huckabee underlined the urgency with which the administration is working to bring them home. “I worry every day about the hostages. This is my highest priority, and the highest priority of President Trump regarding Israel. Whatever happens to the hostages will be on Hamas’s head. That’s the only thing they hold onto. It’s a shame they don’t behave like civilized and normal people.”

He noted that international channels are being leveraged fully to secure their release. “No stone is going unturned. There are many factors working on this together.”

Huckabee also delivered a resolute message about Hamas’s future, asserting that their days are numbered. “Whatever is being done is being done first for the hostages, second to end the conflict, and third to end Hamas forever. No one I know will say that Hamas has a future.”

When it came to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Huckabee reiterated the administration’s strong opposition. “The president has been clear that they will not have nuclear weapons. They don’t need enriched uranium for energy anyway. There are other ways to produce energy.”

Commenting on Saudi Arabia’s evolving posture in the region, he acknowledged the complexities while noting a shift in perception regarding Israel. “They are not a democracy yet, and can only go as far as their people are willing. I think the Crown Prince was wise to take this into account. Israel is not looked at as a threat anymore – no one says that Israel wants to take a piece of Saudi Arabia.”

Though Huckabee has previously expressed strong support for Israeli development in Judea and Samaria, he took a more measured tone in his current diplomatic capacity. “As ambassador, my role is to represent the administration, not my personal views,” he said. Yet he refrained from condemning Israeli building efforts in disputed territories. “America will not make the decision on how Israel will act in Judea and Samaria,” he concluded.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH: The moment Pakistan attacked India with the launch of Operation “Solid Structure”

As President Donald Trump prepares for his first significant overseas visit of his second term, with the Middle East as a primary destination, Jared Kushner is once again playing a key role, according to a report by CNN on Friday.

Though he is not part of the official travel team, Kushner has been actively advising on diplomatic efforts with Arab nations behind the scenes. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that his outreach includes ongoing discussions with leaders in countries such as Saudi Arabia.

Kushner’s renewed involvement draws on the deep ties he built with Middle Eastern leaders during Trump’s previous term. His contributions have been particularly valuable in talks centered on expanding diplomatic normalization between Israel and Arab states—a continuation of the Abraham Accords initiated during Trump’s first time in office, CNN reported.

A main objective of Trump’s upcoming journey is to finalize economic agreements with nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These deals are intended to channel new investments into the American economy. At the same time, Trump’s team, with Kushner’s guidance, is pursuing the larger goal of bringing more Arab countries into the fold of the Abraham Accords.

Although Kushner won’t be traveling with the president, his strategic input remains crucial. He played an essential role in brokering the 2020 normalization agreement between Israel and the UAE and is now offering critical insight as the administration shapes its approach to talks with Saudi leadership.

Insiders say they don’t expect a dramatic breakthrough with Riyadh during this trip, but stress the importance of the discussions. “We fully expect other countries to sign (agreements) first before Saudi,” said one senior administration official, emphasizing the long-term nature of the effort.

White House officials continue to credit Kushner’s diplomatic skills and regional knowledge. “When it comes to the Middle East, Jared is an expert,” one senior official stated. “He knows all the players and is one of the few people who has the ear of the Arab leaders, as well as the Israelis.”

CNN noted that Kushner’s close rapport with the Saudi Crown Prince remains a potential asset. He is reportedly reviewing proposals that might pave the way for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords—contingent on progress toward a Palestinian state.

Even though Kushner doesn’t hold an official title in the delegation, his close contact with key figures involved in the trip, including Steve Witkoff, reflects his continued influence. He remains actively engaged in strategy discussions and offers guidance based on his familiarity with both regional dynamics and the individuals involved.

“Jared’s been able to help Steve (Witkoff) get connected with folks there, he gives Steve input,” a senior official told CNN. “He’s comfortable being in the background, but he’s been Witkoff’s biggest champion.”

This report aligns with CNN’s coverage from November, shortly after Trump’s return to the White House, which described Kushner as central to shaping the administration’s vision for the Middle East—even though he is not expected to assume a formal government role.

In a related note, Kushner’s wife Ivanka Trump announced in 2022 that both she and Kushner would be stepping away from political life to focus on their family. “While I will always love and support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena,” she said at the time.

{Matzav.com}

Minister Yitzchok Wasserlauf of the Otzma Yehudit party has made clear that he and his fellow party members will not back any initiative that would place the historic Tiferes Yisroel Shul under the control of groups who might choose to eliminate tefillos for the welfare of IDF soldiers from the services held there.

In a statement posted to social media, Waserlauf said, “I grew up in the Jewish Quarter of Yerushalayim, on the ruins of the historic Tiferes Yisroel Shul. Words cannot describe the emotion I felt when I first entered the restored synagogue building. In the government’s Yerushalayim decision, I, along with others, worked for the restoration and rehabilitation of this important shul.”

He went on to stress his opposition to a potential handover of the site’s administration to elements who may remove nationalistic prayers. “Now, some want to transfer its management to parties that might remove the prayer for the welfare of the State and the welfare of IDF soldiers. I will not support this, nor will my party leader, Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and neither will any member of Otzma Yehudit.”

Earlier this week, cabinet discussions addressed the possible transfer of authority over the Tiferes Yisroel Shul in Yerushalayim’s Old City, a move that has sparked quiet yet growing concern.

According to insiders, the plan is being pushed forward with little resistance, framed as a response to current security concerns. The lack of public outcry is attributed to the fact that many who might oppose it are preoccupied—either directly engaged in military operations or bearing the brunt of the ongoing national crisis.

One high-ranking source denounced the initiative, calling it “a cynical exploitation of the situation.” He added, “Our children are being killed in Gaza right now, and there are those who choose to seize more and more spiritual and physical assets and hand them over to chareidi hands. It is absurd that during this entire war, with the funerals of our children, and the economic situation in the economy, the government finds time to make decisions on a single shul in Yerushalayim, important as it may be. We will fight this decision.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A 4.1-magnitude earthquake in Tennessee woke up families and rattled homes as far away as Atlanta as it spread tremors across portions of the southern U.S. on Saturday morning. No injuries or major damage were immediately reported. The website for USGS said the earthquake originated shortly after 9 a.m. EDT about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Greenback, Tennessee, which is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Knoxville. More than 23,000 reports from the public were received by USGS in the first hour after the earthquake, USGS spokeswoman Ayesha Davis told The Associated Press in an email. Meteorologists at television news stations serving Georgia and North Carolina reported feeling the tremors as well. There is a 5% chance of a magnitude 4 or larger aftershock in the next week, according to USGS. Gabriela Reilly was making waffles with her husband when they felt their entire home shake in Braselton, Georgia, which is northeast of Atlanta. “Our ceiling fan started shaking for about 10 seconds,” she said. “I thought a giant aircraft had flown low right over the neighborhood, but my husband said, ‘No, that was definitely an earthquake!’” Jason Pack was still in bed at his home outside Knoxville when he felt the walls shaking and heard a rumbling that was loud enough to wake up his family and for the dog to start barking. “In east Tennessee, you’re used to tornadoes and floods, that kind of thing,” Pack said. “It’s unusual to have an earthquake.” Pack has experienced tremors before, although this one is probably the strongest he’s felt in Tennessee. “Even though this one was small, it’s a good reminder — if it had been a big quake, would you know what to do? Drop, cover, and hold on if you’re inside,” said Pack, a retired FBI agent who now works in crisis communications. “Stay clear of buildings if you’re outside.” Damage does not usually occur from earthquakes until they reach a magnitude of somewhere above 4 or 5, according to USGS, although it depends on variables such as building construction, soil and distance from the epicenter. The southeastern U.S. carries a significant earthquake risk, particularly around the New Madrid Seismic Zone to the west and in the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, which is where Saturday’s earthquake occurred, said Davis. Since 1950, 15 other earthquakes of magnitude 4 or larger have occurred within 155 miles (250 kilometers) of Saturday’s earthquake, Davis said. The largest of those was a magnitude 4.7 earthquake near Knoxville in November 1973. More recently, two tremors struck the seismic zone in December 2018. One was a 4.4 magnitude earthquake that was centered in Decatur, Tennessee, which is south of Knoxville. It shook homes as far away as Atlanta. Another earthquake struck a few days later with a magnitude of 3.0. Its epicenter was about two miles (four kilometers) southeast of Mascot, near Knoxville. It also was felt in parts of Georgia, Kentucky and North Carolina. Seismic waves from earthquakes spread more efficiently in the Eastern U.S. compared to the West because of the region’s geology, Davis said. “Earthquakes in the East are felt over a much larger distance and by more people,” she said. (AP)