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Tel Aviv — Starting Wednesday, Israel Railways will implement one of its largest temporary service disruptions in years, announcing a six-day suspension of train operations across most of Tel Aviv. The shutdown — which includes the complete closure of the Tel Aviv HaShalom station — is expected to cause significant delays for thousands of daily commuters.

The suspension will last from Wednesday, August 20, until Tuesday, August 26, with service expected to gradually resume afterward. Free shuttle buses will operate frequently to assist passengers during the closure.

During the shutdown, travel between the north and south of the country through Tel Aviv will not be possible. Israel Railways released the following route adjustments: trains from the south will operate only up to Lod; trains from Yerushalayim and Modi’in will terminate at Ben Gurion Airport; and trains from the north will operate only up to Tel Aviv Savidor Central. The affected area covers the central stretch of the network between Tel Aviv HaHagana and Tel Aviv Savidor Central, where the infrastructure upgrade works will take place.

According to Israel Railways, the closure is necessary for critical safety and infrastructure upgrades designed to prevent future breakdowns and improve overall service quality. The company explained that the current disruptions, caused by a significant electrification failure, created an opportunity to advance major works originally scheduled for September. “Given the existing disturbances, we decided to accelerate essential safety works now, rather than shut down services twice. These upgrades are vital for the network’s reliability and passenger safety,” the railway authority stated.

The work will include upgrades to key infrastructure components, including the “heart valves” of the system — critical junctions that allow trains to switch tracks and handle heavy travel demand.

To minimize inconvenience, free shuttle services will run every five minutes between the affected Tel Aviv stations: Tel Aviv HaHagana, Tel Aviv HaShalom, and Tel Aviv Savidor Central. Additional service representatives will be stationed at all major stops to assist travelers with information and guidance.

Israel Railways announced that train services are expected to resume gradually starting Tuesday, August 26, first from the southern routes and later reopening connections to the north.

Passengers are advised to stay updated via the Israel Railways website, the official mobile app, or the customer service hotline at *5770. For further assistance regarding alternative public transportation, the Ministry of Transportation hotline is available at *4515.

{Matzav.com Israel}

At least 18 Hamas terrorists attacked an IDF encampment in Khan Younis this morning, according to an updated military probe. The terrorists emerged from a tunnel, firing machine guns and RPGs as they advanced. Some managed to breach the encampment, where heavy exchanges of fire took place with soldiers from the Kfir Brigade. At least 10 of the attackers were eliminated by IDF troops and in airstrikes directed by the forces, while 8 fled back into the tunnel. Three IDF soldiers were wounded in the attack, including one in serious condition. The army says it is continuing efforts to track down the remaining terrorists. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Israeli Ministry of Health issued an urgent announcement on Tuesday warning the public about potential measles exposure after it was discovered that a confirmed measles patient traveled on public transportation between Bnei Brak and Beit Shemesh during the infectious period.

Health officials are urging anyone who may have been near the patient to verify their vaccination status and follow ministry guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.

Travel Details Released by the Ministry

The Ministry of Health has provided the following details regarding the patient’s bus rides on Egged line 681:

• August 15, 2025 — From Bnei Brak to Beit Shemesh, between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM

• August 16–17, 2025 — From Beit Shemesh to Bnei Brak, between 11:30 PM and 12:45 AM

Anyone who was on these buses during the specified times is strongly advised to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles.

Rising Measles Cases in Israel

The announcement comes amid a growing measles outbreak in Israel. Since the start of the surge roughly three months ago, 618 cases have been confirmed nationwide, 236 of which remain active.

The majority of hospitalized patients are unvaccinated children. Tragically, two infants who were not vaccinated have died from the illness in the past week.

As of today, 21 patients are currently hospitalized, most of them children under the age of six, along with one adult. Two patients are in intensive care, including one connected to an ECMO machine for life support.

Symptoms and Risks

According to the Ministry of Health, measles typically begins with:

• High fever

• General fatigue and weakness

• Runny nose

• Rash

The disease can lead to severe complications and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions.

Health Ministry Recommendations

The Ministry is urging parents to:

• Vaccinate their children with two doses of the measles vaccine according to the standard immunization schedule.

• In high-risk areas — including Yerushalayim, Beit Shemesh, and Bnei Brak — infants aged six months to one year are advised to receive an additional early dose to enhance protection.

Officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection and stop the spread of the disease.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Manhattan, NY — Thousands of Chassidim gathered on Monday outside the Israeli Consulate in Manhattan to protest the draft of bnei yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel. The rally, held under the banner of “Milchamah LaHashem B’Amalek” (“A War for Hashem Against Amalek”), was organized at the directive of the Satmar Rebbe and coordinated in partnership with the Hisachdus Harbbonim (Satmar) of the United States and Canada.

The protest drew thousands from across the U.S., many of whom traveled long distances to attend. Despite it being the height of the summer vacation season, participants left their camps and summer residences to stand in solidarity with their brethren in Eretz Yisroel.

Gathered outside the consulate, demonstrators expressed their deep anguish over the arrests of yeshiva bochurim and voiced a unified outcry against government efforts to enforce conscription laws that threaten the uninterrupted study of Torah.

Throughout the rally, rabbonim delivered impassioned speeches about the centrality of Torah learning to the survival of the Jewish nation. Speakers emphasized the urgent need to safeguard the purity and sanctity of the Torah world and called upon participants to intensify their tefillos and commitments in support of bnei yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel.

{Matzav.com}

After years of setting the gold standard for luxury living in Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Estates offers The Bronze Collection — nineteen impeccably furnished suites representing the final chapter of their residential offerings at this sought-after address. Located moments from the pulsing energy of Malchei Yisrael, these fully appointed suites offer something unique: the ability to be a part of the authentic Yerushalaymi experience while enjoying complete privacy and luxury amenities. Living the vibe Step onto your private terrace and watch Geula come alive below. Morning minyanim, children hurrying to cheder, the bustle and rhythm of daily Jewish life in Yerushalayim — all visible from your own sophisticated space. Slide the door closed and swish the drapes when you crave tranquility. Sound-insulated doors provide a peaceful sanctuary where you can savor coffee or sip your whiskey in luxuriant privacy. This duality — Jerusalem live, hush inside — captures what makes these residences special. Feel connected to the community’s heartbeat, enjoy easy access to neighboring conveniences but relish your beautiful, personal space. Enduring Value Each Bronze Collection suite comes completely furnished by Jerusalem Estates’ design team, featuring gourmet kitchens, custom window treatments, designer lighting, and bespoke bathroom fixtures. No contractors, no decorating decisions, no months of preparation required. “These suites represent our commitment to creating not just luxury accommodations, but meaningful connections to Yerushalayim,” explains a Jerusalem Estates spokesperson. “Each residence is a complete work requiring no additional investment.” Residents enjoy full access to Jerusalem Estates’ prestigious facilities and services, maintaining the same uncompromising standards that have made the development Jerusalem’s most sought-after address. Your JE Opportunity With only nineteen suites available, the Bronze Collection offers families their last opportunity to own within the Jerusalem Estates community. The location in Geula provides easy access to minyanim, chassidic centers, shopping and busses to the Kosel in the sophisticated and rarefied atmosphere of Jerusalem Estates reknown.  Ready to own your vacation home in Yerushalayim? Now’s your chance to make this sound investment in Jerusalem’s most exclusive address.Arrange for a private viewing of available suites. Visit bronze-je.com or call +972-2-5343841.

El Al Airlines announced that it will restart flights this winter between Tel Aviv and the southern resort city of Eilat, marking the first time in more than ten years that the route will be back in operation.

Beginning October 21, Israel’s national airline will run two daily flights on the Tel Aviv-Eilat route — one in the morning and another in the evening — “despite complex operational challenges.”

One-way fares will begin at NIS 139 (approximately $41) and will include both a trolley and a backpack. Residents of Eilat will have access to subsidized tickets priced at NIS 99 per trip.

The decision to resume service to Eilat follows a request from the Transportation Ministry and is part of a broader initiative to boost the number of flights on the domestic route, improving connectivity between the Red Sea resort city and central Israel.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Peleg Yerushalmi declared war on Wednesday morning in the wake of the recent arrest and imprisonment of bnei yeshivos. A statement from Peleg’s Va’ad for the Hatzalah of the Olam HaTorah states, “Due to the persecution of the Torah world in Eretz Yisrael and the imprisonment of lomdei Torah for the sin of learning Torah, rachmana litzlan, the Va’ad’s Rabbanim were called to the home of HaGaon HaRav Ezriel Auerbach and heard the decisive instruction to embark on a relentless ‘battle of rage’ against the authorities until the understanding sinks in that loosening the reins of persecution and oppression of Lomdei Torah has a price.” “Masses of Bnei Torah are gathering today at 5 p.m. near Prison 10 to declare a relentless war against the persecution of the Torah world, and with a message that leaves no room for misinterpretation—whoever declares war on the Torah world will encounter a determined struggle.” On Tuesday, HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau and HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch called for a mass atzeres tefillah on Thursday. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Frum families from the UK vacationing in the French village of Châtel, located near the Swiss border, discovered on Wednesday morning that their cars had been defaced with antisemitic graffiti. The perpetrator(s) used orange paint to spray “Free Palestine” in large letters across the bodies of at least four cars. The local police were called to the scene, and they launched an investigation, including checking nearby security cameras in the area. The incident joins a concerning wave of antisemitic incidents in France, in Europe and throughout the world. The number of antisemitic incidents in France in 2024 rose by 73% from the previous year. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Presented here is a particularly significant and early manuscript, written in Austria in the 15th century, containing new discoveries. It was written by a highly authoritative scribe, a direct disciple of one of the leading sages of Ashkenaz (see below).

More details about the IDF’s plan to conquer Gaza City, approved on Tuesday by Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, were revealed on Wednesday morning. The IDF said it views the operation, named Operation Gideon’s Chariots B, as a direct continuation of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which led to the defeat of Hamas in most areas of the Strip and severely damaged its terror infrastructure. Five IDF divisions and 12 brigade combat teams, along with two Gaza Division brigade teams, will take part in the operation to conquer Hamas’ last major stronghold in Gaza City. The IDF is preparing to operate in the very heart of the city, including in areas where forces have not yet entered. Katz noted that following the completion of the operation, “the face of Gaza will be changed and will no longer look as it did in the past.” As part of the plan, 60,000 reserve soldiers will be called up in several stages, with the majority receiving orders to appear for duty on September 2. The operation will begin with humanitarian efforts, including an evacuation of Gaza City’s one million residents toward the south of the Strip and the establishment of additional field hospitals in the south. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

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Presented here is a particularly significant and early manuscript, written in Austria in the 15th century, containing new discoveries. It was written by a highly authoritative scribe, a direct disciple of one of the leading sages of Ashkenaz (see below).

A new poll suggests that support for socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani may be slipping among New Yorkers, even as he continues to maintain a strong lead in the crowded mayoral race.

The Gotham Polling & Analytics survey, conducted for AARP and released this week, polled 1,400 likely voters and revealed a sharp divide in public opinion about Mamdani, a proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

According to the results, 47% of voters reported having an unfavorable opinion of Mamdani, while the exact same percentage — 47% — viewed him favorably.

This marks a notable shift from earlier surveys, where Mamdani’s unfavorable ratings ranged from the low 30s to the low 40s, indicating a growing number of voters who are turning against him.

Still, the August 11 poll showed the Queens assemblyman holding a sizable advantage, with nearly 42% support among likely voters. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo followed with 23%, GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa came in at 16%, and Mayor Eric Adams trailed with just 9%.

The poll results come nearly two months after Mamdani’s stunning upset victory in the Democratic primary, where he defeated Cuomo and upended his early comeback bid.

Since then, Cuomo — now running as an independent in the November general election — has failed to gain momentum and continues to lag behind in multiple polls.

Adams, who skipped the June Democratic primary but is seeking re-election on an independent line, has similarly struggled to secure significant support, remaining stuck in the single digits.

Despite Mamdani’s continued lead, cracks are beginning to show in his dominance.

He has faced challenges uniting the Democratic Party behind him, with many establishment figures distancing themselves from his progressive platform and far-left policies.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has so far refused to endorse Mamdani, publicly criticizing some of his proposals, including his plan to impose higher taxes on businesses and wealthy residents.

Over the weekend, Hochul — who faces her own re-election campaign next year — also slammed Mamdani’s proposal for city-run grocery stores, stating that she supports “free enterprise” and opposes government overreach into private markets.

Mamdani’s lack of institutional backing extends beyond Hochul. Two of the most influential Democratic leaders in Washington, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both from Brooklyn, have also withheld their support.

The poll also tested a series of hypothetical scenarios in which candidates dropped out, measuring who voters would support if their first choice exited the race.

In every scenario, Mamdani still maintained his advantage, securing over 42% of support regardless of which rivals were removed from contention.

“Mamdani sits on a hard floor around forty percent but likely to have a firm ceiling below a majority – in a split field that’s enough to stay ahead,” said Stephen Graves, president of Gotham Polling & Analytics.

“Cuomo has the best path of the challengers, but even in a hypothetical one-on-one in an election that often favors lower-turnout, older electorates, he still trails by double digits,” Graves added.

“A disciplined persuasion campaign could still make this a race.”

{Matzav.com}

A group of religious soldiers from the IDF’s 77th Battalion in the Armored Corps have sent a sharply worded letter to their commanders, accusing the army of failing to uphold commitments to accommodate their religious lifestyle during a recent battalion vacation.

According to a report published Tuesday on Arutz Sheva, the letter was addressed to the battalion commander, Lt. Col. D., and the battalion’s sergeant major, Y., following a two-day recreation event.

The soldiers said that while the overall arrangements for the trip were impressive, they felt deeply hurt after discovering that the promises to maintain proper separation between men and women were not kept. “We were promised that the battalion event would be held with separation and with full respect for our way of life, and we were deeply hurt to find that these were empty promises,” the soldiers wrote.

They explained that the event was mixed and not conducted with the gender separation they had been assured beforehand. They added that female soldiers were present around the hotel pool dressed in ways that conflicted with their religious standards. “This severely harmed our faith, our values, and our way of life. We expected the battalion — entrusted with the value of comradeship — to look after the needs of soldiers who keep mitzvos. Instead, we left with feelings of hurt and disappointment because of the lack of trust that was created.”

The letter, signed by dozens of soldiers from the battalion, demanded an appropriate response from their commanders.

A source familiar with the details said the event was held at the Dan Hotel in Yerushalayim and was designed as a two-day refresh session for the battalion’s fighters. He noted that soldiers were informed in advance that they were expected to adhere to respectful dress codes during the trip.

The source explained that on the first day, a battalion fair was held on a terrace near the hotel pool but not directly alongside it, so that those uncomfortable could choose to avoid the area. The fair featured food stands, sweets, and an ice bath attraction, which he said was conducted in full clothing and with separation between men and women, though without a full visual barrier.

He added that the soldiers were initially informed that the hotel pool would have designated, separate swimming hours for men and women, but this plan was not implemented due to “operational constraints” and the fact that the facility is civilian-run. “Every effort was made to include all soldiers in a respectful and dignified manner. There was no intent to offend or cause discomfort,” the source stated.

In response, the IDF said: “The IDF regrets the incident and the discomfort caused to the soldiers and emphasizes that the matter is known and lessons will be learned. The purpose of the event was to provide a meaningful break for the fighters and was not intended to cause harm.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that Prime Minister is a war hero, telling conservative media host Mark Levin, in part, “I guess I am.” Trump made the comment while talking to Levin, a staunch pro-Israel advocate, about working with Netanyahu to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Trump called Netanyahu “a good man,” adding that “he’s in there fighting.” The U.S. president went on to say that although some want Netanyahu to be put in jail, “he’s a war hero.” “He’s a war hero because we worked together,” Trump told Levin. “He’s a war hero. I guess I am, too. Nobody cares. But I am, too. I mean, I sent those planes.” When he told Levin on Tuesday that he “sent those planes,” he was referring to ordering airstrikes in June targeting three critical uranium enrichment facilities in Iran. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The dispute over the rotation agreement between Degel HaTorah and Agudas Yisroel has intensified, with new signs of division emerging inside Agudah itself.

In a letter sent Tuesday night, MK Yitzchak Goldknopf, chairman of Agudas Yisroel, and MK Yaakov Tesler responded to Degel leader MK Moshe Gafni’s demand to enforce the agreement. In their statement, they declared that they are prepared to take the matter to rabbinic leadership or enter formal arbitration but made it clear that they “will not be dragged into unnecessary delays.”

Goldknopf and Tesler also distanced themselves from fellow Agudah members MK Yisroel Eichler and MK Meir Porush, accusing them of causing deliberate delays in deciding whether to comply with the agreement.

According to the two MKs, Rav Moshe Shifman proposed resolving the matter through either a single arbitrator or a zabla panel, in which each side appoints a rabbinic representative and both choose a third together. They said that the entire Agudah faction initially agreed to this approach, but efforts to create a list of mutually accepted names for arbitration have repeatedly been met with “excuses and repeated postponements,” giving the impression of intentional stalling.

In their letter, Goldknopf and Tesler stressed that they are willing to accept any arbitration plan proposed by Gafni, as long as “the names being considered are approved by all members.”

The current conflict stems from the resignation of MK Yitzchak Pindrus, who had served under the Norwegian Law. His departure left the United Torah Judaism alliance — composed of Agudah and Degel — uneven, with Agudah holding four seats and Degel only three. Degel then sent a formal demand that one Agudah MK resign to allow Pindrus to return.

Degel’s position is based on a rotation agreement signed prior to the elections, which stipulates that if United Torah Judaism receives an odd number of seats, the final candidate on the list must resign midway through the term to allow the next candidate to enter, maintaining an equal split.

Agudah sources rejected Degel’s request, arguing that “the eighth seat has already served for more than half a term. If the seventh seat resigns now, the eighth seat would end up serving longer than the seventh. What kind of equality is that? It makes no sense.”

Agudah officials also accused Degel of inconsistency, pointing to a recent dispute over the Committee for Appointing Dayanim. “How are they not embarrassed in Degel? Just a few months ago, we demanded that Degel step aside on the committee for a rotation that was signed in the agreement, but nobody from Degel responded. MK Boruchy remained on the committee and appointed dayanim. We never got an answer. Now suddenly, they remember that there are agreements.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum denied her administration had an agreement with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Tuesday, hours after the U.S. agency announced “a major new initiative” to collaborate in the fight against drug cartels. Sheinbaum was referring to “Project Portero,” an effort announced Monday by the DEA, calling it a “flagship operation” against smuggling routes that move drugs, guns and money across the border. “The DEA put out a statement yesterday saying that there is an agreement with the Mexican government for an operation called Portero,” Sheinbaum said during her morning news briefing. “There is no agreement with the DEA. The DEA puts out this statement, based on what we don’t know. We have not reached any agreement, none of the security institutions (have) with the DEA.” The U.S. embassy in Mexico and the DEA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Sheinbaum said the only thing happening was a workshop in Texas attended by four members of Mexico’s police force. The DEA statement mentioned that workshop, saying it had brought Mexican investigators to one of its intelligence centers to train with U.S. prosecutors, law enforcement, defense officials and members of the intelligence community. The visibly annoyed president made her comments just days after generally positive exchanges between the two governments following another extension to ward off threatened U.S. tariffs and another shipment of 26 drug cartel figures to the U.S. from Mexico. Mexico had seemed to be repairing the security relationship with the United States after six years of tension under Sheinbaum’s predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who had reined in DEA agents operating in Mexico and accused the agency of wholesale fabrication when it arrested Mexico’s former defense secretary. Sheinbaum’s administration had taken a more aggressive stance toward pursuing Mexico’s drug cartels and sent dozens of cartel figures sought by U.S. prosecutors to the United States. Sheinbaum did say that members of her administration had been working for months with U.S. counterparts on a broader security agreement that was practically finished. She said that agreement was based on four principles her administration has stressed for months: sovereignty, mutual trust, territorial respect and coordination without subordination. The thing that seemed to have her bristling Tuesday was the DEA sending out a statement without proper coordination. Sheinbaum said she asked the DEA to respect Mexico, to follow agreed-upon protocols for such announcements, and emphasized that Mexico only signs agreements with the U.S. government, not with individual agencies. The DEA statement included a comment from agency administrator Terry Cole, who was recently tapped to lead the Trump administration takeover of the Washington D.C. police. “Project Portero and this new training program show how we will fight — by planning and operating side by side with our Mexican partners, and by bringing the full strength of the U.S. government to bear,” Cole said in the Monday statement. (AP)

Walmart has recalled frozen, raw shrimp sold in 13 states because federal health officials say it could have potential radioactive contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked Walmart to pull three lots of Great Value brand frozen shrimp from stores after federal officials detected Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and a sample of breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia. The products could pose a “potential health concern” for people exposed to low levels of Cesium-137 over time, FDA officials said. “If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away,” FDA officials said in a statement. The risk from the recalled shrimp is “quite low,” said Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University. Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear reactions, including nuclear bombs, testing, reactor operations and accidents. It’s widespread around the world, with trace amounts found in the environment, including soil, food and air. The level detected in the frozen breaded shrimp was far lower than FDA intervention levels. However, the agency said that avoiding potentially contaminated products could reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could lead to health problems over time. The FDA is investigating reports of Cesium-137 contamination in shipping containers and products processed by P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, doing business as BMS Foods of Indonesia. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials alerted FDA that they found Cesium-137 in shipping containers sent to U.S. ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Savannah, Georgia. FDA officials collected several product samples and detected contamination in one sample of frozen breaded shrimp. The shipping containers and products were denied entry into the U.S. However, the FDA then learned that Walmart had received potentially affected products imported after the first detection, from shipments that did not trigger contamination alerts. Walmart immediately recalled the products, a company spokesperson said. They include Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1 and 8005539-1, all with best-by dates of March 15, 2027. The shrimp was sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia. Consumers should discard the products or return them to any Walmart store for refund. (AP)

The deadly Legionnaires’ disease outbreak gripping Harlem has claimed its fifth life, sickened more than 100 New Yorkers, and triggered outrage over lax oversight—yet Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday brushed aside questions about whether the city has done enough to prevent the crisis. City health officials confirmed Tuesday that at least 108 people have been infected across five ZIP codes in Upper Manhattan, with 14 hospitalized and five dead. The surge comes after 12 cooling towers in Central Harlem—including four atop government-owned buildings—tested positive for live Legionella bacteria. The towers were drained, disinfected, and declared safe only after the outbreak was already underway. “This is a challenge for the city. Of course responsibility and mitigation are solely within their purview,” Hochul said when pressed on whether the city failed to protect residents. Speaking at an unrelated event in Rome, NY, she insisted officials were “all over this” and said she would support them, even as she admitted, “I’m concerned. I’m concerned.” Critics point to a collapse in city inspections as a key factor in the outbreak. Health Department data show that only about 1,200 cooling towers were tested for Legionella in the first six months of this year—down sharply from nearly 5,100 inspections at the same point in 2017. Despite the drop, Hochul sidestepped calls for tougher regulations and harsher penalties for building owners who flout testing laws. “I don’t know how you can prevent it,” she said, suggesting that outbreaks “happen in communities unexpectedly” and hinting at only vague legislative fixes. Harlem residents erupted last week after city officials admitted they had withheld building addresses tied to the outbreak, even as cases mounted. Officials initially disclosed only ZIP codes—10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039—despite weeks of rising infections. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse defended the decision, arguing that “all New Yorkers” needed to remain vigilant regardless of location. Morse confirmed the fifth death linked to the outbreak occurred last month, with the cause of death only recently attributed to Legionnaires’ disease. She insisted remediation efforts are working and said new cases are declining. The Harlem outbreak follows a grim history of Legionnaires’ flare-ups in New York City. In 2022, five residents of a Manhattan nursing home died in a cluster of cases. In 2015, a South Bronx outbreak tied to cooling towers at the Opera House Hotel sickened over 100 people and killed 12. Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is spread through inhaling contaminated water droplets but cannot be transmitted person to person. It is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Symptoms include fever, cough, chills, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, typically appearing two to 10 days after exposure. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Elad is facing a storm of controversy after the city’s chief rabbi, Rav Shlomo Zalman Grossman, submitted an urgent petition to the Supreme Court against the Elad Municipality, Mayor Yehuda Botbol, and the Ministry of Religious Services following the city’s decision to end his tenure as the chief rabbi.

In his petition, Rav Grossman warns of the dangerous precedent being set, saying: “What will we answer if, in the future, a secular mayor in another city decides to dismiss the city’s rabbi? He will point to Elad as an example, and no one will know how to respond.”

According to sources, the conflict has roots going back several years, beginning during the tenure of former mayor Yisroel Porush. At the time, it became apparent that the city’s rabbonim were nearing the retirement age of 75. To avoid leaving Elad without rabbinic leadership, Porush convened the city council at the end of 2022 and proposed extending the rabbonim’s tenure as long as they were capable of serving.

This proposal was accompanied by a legal opinion from Professor Aviad Hacohen, a leading authority in the field, who stated that the rabbonim could remain in their positions after reaching the age of 75, receiving 60% of their current salary. Subsequently, in mid-2023, the city council revisited the issue and approved full continuation of their salaries at 100%.

Both decisions were passed unanimously, with the support of then-deputy mayor Yehuda Botbol and all members of the Shas faction at the time.

However, recently it was discovered that the words “100 percent” had been mysteriously removed from the official council protocols, and the recording of that meeting has also vanished from the municipal archives. This omission left the question of the rabbis’ salaries and employment status unresolved.

This summer, Rav Grossman turned 75. Expecting the municipality to uphold its prior commitments, he reached out to Mayor Botbol to confirm that his position was secure. Instead, according to those close to the matter, Botbol began avoiding communication and, when pressed, responded that there were “legal issues” preventing him from authorizing the continuation of the rabbi’s full tenure.

Botbol, citing advice from the municipality’s legal department, reportedly claimed that the previous approval only applied to keeping the rabbis in their positions but excluded salaries and associated benefits. Under this interpretation, the rabbonim would continue serving without pay, without an active office, and without assistants — a situation that Rav Grossman’s supporters have called “unthinkable.”

In recent weeks, Rav Grossman contacted members of the 2022 council session, and many signed statements confirming that the city council had indeed approved his continued service. A renewed legal opinion from Professor Hacohen also clarified that, even if the decision had not been finalized previously, the council could resolve the matter immediately by holding a vote to reconfirm his status.

Despite this, Mayor Botbol has repeatedly declined to bring the issue back to a vote, rejecting numerous requests from Rav Grossman’s representatives. Last month, the rov was informed that his municipal salary was being stopped immediately and that he must return the city-issued vehicle he had been using.

After exhausting all attempts to resolve the matter directly and following consultations with leading rabbonim, Rav Grossman filed an urgent petition with the Supreme Court demanding the immediate restoration of his status and full authority as chief rabbi of Elad.

Rav Grossman, a prominent talmid of Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach zt”l, is one of the founders of Elad and has served as its chief rabbi since the city’s establishment over 25 years ago. Together with Rav Mordechai Malka, he helped build the city’s entire religious infrastructure, including kashrus services, mikvaos, batei din, batei horaah, tzedakah systems, and more. For decades, his home has been open around the clock to assist residents of the city.

Residents who spoke with us expressed shock at the developments. “It’s unthinkable that in a chareidi city, the mayor would act to dismiss the city’s rov,” one local said. “If this stands, what will we say when a secular mayor elsewhere points to Elad and does the same? No one will have an answer.”

The municipality responded, denying claims of wrongdoing. “The statements are incorrect,” the city said. “Mayor Botbol and the municipality are acting carefully and in full coordination with leading rabbonim regarding the tenure of the mara d’asra, out of deep respect for his contribution to the city. By law, his tenure ended at age 75, and Rav Grossman petitioned the High Court only after the Ministry of Religious Services determined that an extension was not legally possible. The city is preparing for all scenarios and will ensure that matters of religion in Elad remain under the oversight of the city’s rabbonim. We regret that such a sacred matter is being used as a political tool that disrespects the Torah and the rabbonim.”

However, Rav Grossman’s representatives countered that the municipality is ignoring a binding decision from November 3, 2022, when the city council — including then-mayor Porush, deputies Yehuda Botbol and Avraham Stern, other council members, the city treasurer, legal advisor, and CEO — unanimously passed a resolution stating: “We value and appreciate the work of the city’s rabbonim, who have faithfully served since Elad’s founding, were chosen with the approval of Gedolei Yisroel, and have tirelessly dedicated themselves day and night to strengthening and developing all religious services in Elad. Based on the legal opinion of Professor Aviad Hacohen, attached to the protocol, we hereby resolve that both of the city’s rabbis shall continue to serve, with Hashem’s help, until 120, in accordance with their wishes.”

The resolution passed unanimously, but Rav Grossman’s camp argues that the municipality is refusing to honor its own decision, forcing the matter into a legal battle now unfolding in Israel’s highest court.

{Matzav.com Israel}

An extremist protest in Crown Heights on Tuesday sought to inflame racial tensions between Black and Jewish residents on the anniversary of the infamous 1991 riots, but the event drew only a small crowd and ended with minor scuffles. The rally, organized by a fringe group calling itself Crown Heights Bites Back, was billed as a “vigil” for Gavin Cato, a Black child who was killed in 1991 when a car driven by a Jewish motorist jumped a curb. That accident ignited three days of violence in Crown Heights, leaving Yankel Rosenbaum hy”d murdered and dozens injured. Ahead of Tuesday’s demonstration, organizers accused “Jewish supremacists” of “murdering” Cato — incendiary language that local officials blasted as antisemitic. Around 20 masked protesters dressed in black assembled at the site of the crash, surrounding a small table with Cato’s image and handing out fliers. The leaflets accused Lubavitch Jews of killing Cato, warned of “white supremacist Zionists” seeking to “exploit” the community, and urged residents to “rise up to tear it all down.” The demonstrators blocked local Jews from approaching the display, at one point shoving a Jewish man until police intervened. However, the confrontation stopped short of wider violence. The protest drew sharp rebukes from city leaders. Mayor Eric Adams and three Black lawmakers representing the area denounced the event as a deliberate attempt to resurrect racial divisions in a neighborhood that today is home to both the Lubavitch kehilla and a large Caribbean diaspora. Despite the group’s heated rhetoric, the rally remained small, subdued, and short-lived. There were no speeches, chants, or large-scale clashes — only a reminder of the deep scars left by the 1991 riots. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)