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The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany on Wednesday settled with Germany’s Finance Ministry a $1.08 billion increase in home-care funding for Holocaust survivors for 2026, the largest budget for survivor home care in the organization’s history.

The supplemental payments will go to more than 127,000 Holocaust survivors around the world, according to the Claims Conference.

With the average age of survivors increasing from 86 in 2018 to 88.5 in 2024, the health needs of the survivors have become greater, with increased costs.

“This historic increase to home-care funding reflects the complex and growing needs of Holocaust survivors worldwide. While we are losing survivors at a rapid pace each year, those who remain are older, frailer and in greater need than ever before. This budget is critical in providing each of them the opportunity to age in place, a dignity that was stolen from them in their youth,” said Claims Conference President Gideon Taylor in a press release.

Special negotiator for the Claims Conference Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat remarked: “This funding increase is occurring against a backdrop of challenging fiscal policy. Germany is facing higher energy expenses and an enormous increase in military spending.

“Despite very real budgetary constraints, the German government remains steadfast in its support for Holocaust survivors and Holocaust education,” he added.

Additionally, the German government has extended its support for Holocaust education through 2029, for a total commitment of $205 million.

“It is imperative that we invest in the future of Holocaust education while we still have living witnesses who can share their first-hand testimonies of survival. Building strong curricula, forging new partnerships and employing cutting-edge technology to preserve and share survivor testimonies will ensure the lessons of the Shoah are not forgotten,” said Greg Schneider, executive VP of the Claims Conference.

The Claims Conference is a nonprofit organization with offices in New York, Israel, Germany and Austria. Founded in 1951 by representatives of 23 major international Jewish organizations, it secures material compensation for Holocaust survivors around the world.

It moreover seeks the return of Jewish property stolen during the Holocaust.

Since 1952, the German government has paid more than $95 billion in indemnification to individuals for suffering and losses resulting from persecution by the Nazis. JNS

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

Israeli authorities have rearrested a Palestinian terrorist released from prison a few months ago as part of a hostage deal with Hamas, the Israel Police Spokesperson’s Unit said on Thursday. He was taken into custody on suspicion of bomb-making.

Detectives from the Judea District Crime Fighting Unit and National Counterterrorism Unit officers from the Shai (Judea and Samaria) District raided his Bethlehem home on Wednesday night and detained him for questioning.

The terrorist was initially arrested about a year ago after being caught with 25 explosive devices that he had made and supplied to terror operatives, prompting a major criminal investigation, according to the statement.

Bomb-making parts seized by Israel Police during a raid on the Bethlehem home of a Palestinian suspect released from prison as part of a hostage deal, Oct. 29, 2025. Source: Israel Police.

In exchange for releasing hostages kidnapped during the Hamas-led attack on the northwestern Negev on Oct. 7, 2023, Jerusalem has let thousands of Palestinian security prisoners go free, including some convicted of mass-casualty terror attacks.

According to Palestinian Media Watch, an Israel-based media research institute, 160 of the 250 Palestinian terrorists released as part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas that began Oct. 10 became millionaires during their incarceration via the Palestinian Authority’s “pay-for-slay” program. Total payments to the group by the P.A. amounted to at least 229.5 million shekels, excluding family stipends that likely raised the figure further, according to PMW.

Egyptian officials have evacuated from a Cairo luxury hotel more than 150 Palestinian terrorists freed under President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace initiative, following an investigation by The Daily Mail published on Oct. 25 exposing their presence among British airline crews and Western tourists at the Renaissance Marriott facility.

As part of the hostage deal, Jerusalem agreed to free 1,950 Palestinian security prisoners, including 1,700 Palestinians arrested since Oct. 7, 2023. Among them were 250 serving life sentences for deadly attacks.

David Mencer, a spokesman for Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office, told the Daily Mail on Oct. 25: “These men are terrorists, convicted of bombing buses, murdering students and kidnapping teenagers. Israel freed them not to reward evil but because we value human life above all.”

“A bitter price, but one our people have paid across the ages to reclaim kin from the hands of Jew-haters,” the government spokesman added. JNS

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump unleashed a fiery tirade on Truth Social today, seemingly calling for Joe Biden to be imprisoned as he slammed reports exposing alleged flaws in the origins of the Biden administration’s “Arctic Frost” investigation into him.

“He is a CRIMINAL AND SHOULD BE IN JAIL. A MAJOR LOWLIFE AND FAILURE. An ugly person, both inside and out! I beat him badly, and love watching him squirm now,” Trump wrote, taking direct aim without mentioning Biden by name.

The outburst came as Trump reposted a Just the News report detailing claims from former prosecutors and FBI officials who reportedly questioned the legitimacy of the case. The story alleged that the Justice Department’s Arctic Frost inquiry was launched on “shaky grounds,” raising new doubts about its foundation and motives.

The Arctic Frost investigation targeted Trump and his associates for their post-2020 election efforts to submit alternate slates of electors to Congress, part of a broader push to challenge the election’s certification.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced that the United States and China have struck what he called a landmark deal following his highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the summit as extraordinarily successful. “On the scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the best, I would say the meeting was a 12,” he said.

The nearly two-hour discussion took place Thursday at a South Korean air base and led to a broad agreement covering trade relations, fentanyl trafficking, and the export of rare earth minerals — three areas that had long strained ties between Washington and Beijing. “We have a deal. Now, every year we will renegotiate the deal. But I think the deal will go on for a long time,” Trump told reporters, highlighting what he described as a turning point in U.S.-China relations.

Among the commitments, Xi agreed to lift for one year China’s new export limits on rare earth and other critical minerals — materials essential for advanced technology and defense industries. Trump said the concession removes a looming obstacle to global manufacturing. “There’s no roadblock at all on rare earth,” he said. “It’s a one-year deal that I think will be very routinely extended.”

In exchange, Trump said he would cancel the 100% tariff increase on Chinese imports that was scheduled to take effect on November 1. Overall, tariffs on Chinese products will decline from an average of 57.6% to 47.6%. The president noted an additional adjustment on items related to fentanyl, saying Washington will reduce those specific tariffs from 20% to 10%.

The fentanyl issue, Trump emphasized, was central to the talks. Xi, he said, promised direct action to stem the deadly drug’s flow into the United States. “On fentanyl, we agreed that he was going to work very hard to stop the flow,” Trump said. “I think you’re going to see some real action taken.”

As part of the agreement, China will resume large-scale imports of American soybeans, a key export for U.S. farmers, and begin buying American energy products. “China also agreed that they will begin the process of purchasing American Energy,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “In fact, a very large scale transaction may take place concerning the purchase of Oil and Gas from the Great State of Alaska.”

Trump celebrated the meeting as “historic,” saying in his online statement: “There is enormous respect between our two Countries, and that will only be enhanced with what just took place. We agreed on many things, with others, even of high importance, being very close to resolved.” He said the arrangements would “deliver prosperity and security to millions of Americans,” adding confidently that “our Farmers will be very happy,” and even encouraging them to “go out and buy more land and larger tractors.”

Although Taiwan was not discussed, Trump noted that the leaders spent “a long time” talking about the conflict in Ukraine and potential ways to bring it to an end. Reflecting on the overall meeting, Trump said, “I thought it was an amazing meeting,” revealing plans to travel to China in April and expressing his expectation that Xi will make a return visit to the U.S. later this year.

“Hundreds of billions of dollars are being brought into our country because of them,” Trump wrote afterward. “Our Nation is strong, respected, and admired again — and the best is yet to come.”

{Matzav.com}

 

Rabbi Mendy Kenig and Menucha V’Yeshua Bring Unprecedented Mission of Comfort

In what is being described as a historic and unprecedented event, approximately 170 bereaved Israeli mothers and their children, survivors of the ongoing war, will be arriving in New York for an extraordinary healing journey. Led by Rabbi Mendy Kenig, founder of Menucha V’Yeshua, this mission represents the largest gathering of its kind, bringing together families who have suffered unimaginable loss in defense of Israel.

A Historic Moment: 170 Families, One Mission

This gathering is truly unprecedented. Never before have 170 bereaved mothers and their children traveled together from Israel for such an extensive healing mission. Their journey includes:

A Healing Weekend in Orlando – An opportunity for rest, rejuvenation, and connection.

Visits Throughout Multiple Cities – The families will be visiting many communities.

A Special Shabbos in Deal New Jersey – With an incredible and inspiring program from beginning to end. Watch what Rabbi YY Jacabson says about the upcoming Shabboton:

Watch how Rabbi YY Jacobson describes the upcoming Shabbaton:

The Mothers’ Greatest Fear: Being Forgotten

Now that all hostages have returned home, Baruch Hashem, these mothers face a profound challenge: the fear of being forgotten. Their sacrifice, having given their children in defense of the Jewish people, is permanent. Their pain doesn’t end when the headlines fade.

This is precisely where Menucha V’Yeshua steps in. For the past several years, Rabbi Kenig’s organization has been hosting Shabbatonim and simchas, creating spaces where bereaved families can find comfort, community, and the assurance that they will never be forgotten.

A Mission Born from Personal Struggle

Rabbi Kenig, a Biyana Chassid from Modiin Illit and father of five, knows firsthand the challenges facing families with special needs. Six years ago, when his wife was severely injured, he realized the enormous difficulty of managing medical crisis and special needs children. That experience showed him his calling: to help other families experiencing trauma find moments of peace and respite.

Since the October 7th attacks, Menucha V’Yeshua has focused on bereaved families who have lost loved ones defending Israel, hosting multiple shabbatonim and creating bonds of understanding during their darkest moments.

The Power of a Hug

When asked about his goals, Rabbi Kenig’s answer is both simple and profound: “My only goal is to give them, the widows, children, mothers, fathers, a hug and to feel loved. That’s it.”

At his events, Rabbi Kenig shares his personal story to break down barriers. “People see me in my black-and-white garb with a shtreimel and assume I’m here to try to make them religious,” he explains. “The message is simple: All I care about is listening and offering support. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Join Us: A Unique Shabbos Experience in Deal, NJ

During this historic visit, there will be a special Shabbos in Deal, New Jersey for donors and supporters, a warm and uplifting experience featuring:

Rabbi YY Jacobson, a Renowned speaker and Torah educator, will be joining for Shabbos

Sivan Rahav-Meir – Special guest adding to the meaningful atmosphere

Hachnosas Sefer Torah – A deeply moving ceremony in honor of the bereaved families

Bar Mitzvah Celebration – Sharing in simcha together as a community

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Meet the bereaved mothers and their children personally • Hear their stories of courage and resilience • Show tangible support for those who have sacrificed everything • Experience the power of Jewish unity and chesed firsthand

This is more than a fundraising opportunity; it’s a chance to be part of Jewish history and demonstrate that Am Yisrael truly cares for its heroes.

Opening Our Hearts

As these 170 bereaved mothers and their children arrive for this historic healing journey, our communities have the profound privilege of showing them that they are not forgotten, that their sacrifice is recognized, honored, and forever etched in our collective memory.

Rabbi Mendy Kenig brings the most important message of all: You are not alone. You are not forgotten. Am Yisrael embraces you.

How you can Get Involved

Join the unique Shabbos experience in Deal, NJ where you can meet the families personally • Support the mission financially to ensure continued programming for bereaved families • Reach out to Rabbi Mendy Kenig and the Menucha V’Yeshua team to participate

The Message is Clear: These mothers need to know they will never be forgotten. Their children’s sacrifice will never be in vain. And the Jewish community stands with them, today and always.

For more information about participating in the Shabbos in Deal or contributing to this historic mission, please reach out to Rabbi Kenig directly.

He can be reached at +972 52-715-1169

Click here for more information

Am Yisrael Chai. We Remember. We Stand Together.

Loudspeakers are blaring, urging those still on cranes and rooftops to come down: “Anyone who is in a place where they fear something could happen should hold on tightly where they are and wait for security forces to arrive.”

A heartbreaking tragedy occurred in Yerushalayim this afternoon during the massive atzeres tefillah, when a 15-year-old boy fell from a high-rise building and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident took place near the construction site along Sderot Shazar, close to the area where the rally was being held. Passersby who witnessed the fall immediately called emergency services.

Magen David Adom teams arrived within minutes but found the teenager with no signs of life, suffering from severe multi-system trauma. Despite their best efforts, they were forced to declare his death at the scene.

MDA paramedic Lishi Shemesh and EMT Daniel Elaikim described the scene: “The boy was lying at the foot of a high-rise construction site, unconscious, pulseless, and not breathing, with very severe multi-system trauma. We were told he fell from a significant height. We carried out medical examinations, but his injuries were critical, and sadly, we had no choice but to pronounce him dead.”

United Hatzalah volunteers Yosef Gabay, Moshe Fordsham, and Eliyahu Lapidot also responded to the scene. “We were informed that the boy fell from a great, — from a construction site where he had been during the rally,” they said. “Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injuries, his death was confirmed at the scene.”

Police forces quickly arrived and opened an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

United Hatzalah issued a renewed call for caution, urging atzeres participants to observe all safety regulations and to refrain from climbing onto roofs, construction sites, or bus stops, in order to prevent further injuries or tragedies resulting from falls.

{Matzav.com}

HORRIFIC TRAGEDY: The teenager who fell from the frame of the tallest building in Jerusalem — forty stories high – was pronounced dead by emergency personnel. It is unknown how high he fell, but eyewitnesses state he was at the top.

The Trump administration is forging ahead with plans to eject some nonprofits from a popular student loan forgiveness program if their work is deemed to have a “substantial illegal purpose” — a move that could cut off some teachers, doctors and other public workers from federal loan cancellation. New rules finalized Thursday give the Education […]

A terrible tragedy occurred at the atzeres in Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon when a 20-year-old yeshiva bochur fell to his death from a crane at a high-rise construction site on Shderot Shazar, near the entrance to Jerusalem. He fell from the tallest building in Jerusalem—a 40-story building—and was killed instantly. He was later identified as […]

Hamas’ military wing announced Thursday afternoon that it will hand over the remains of two Israeli hostages to Israel later in the day, setting the transfer time for 4:00 p.m. local time.

Israeli forces have already begun logistical and medical preparations to receive the bodies. Once transferred, the remains will be taken to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir, where experts will conduct official identification procedures.

At present, Hamas continues to hold the bodies of thirteen hostages in Gaza, a grim reminder of the human toll of the ongoing conflict.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday morning, Hamas reversed an earlier commitment to return one hostage’s body. The group claimed the change came after an IDF strike in Gaza that followed gunfire by Hamas operatives targeting Israeli troops engaged in engineering work in Rafah.

The same day, confusion arose over a previous transfer. The body that had been delivered to Israel the night before was initially believed to belong to one of the hostages whose remains had yet to be recovered. However, it was later discovered that the remains were those of hostage Ofir Sarfati, whose body had already been returned to Israel two years earlier.

Forensic testing conducted at the Abu Kabir Institute confirmed the identity of the remains, clarifying the mix-up and highlighting the sensitive and painstaking nature of the identification process.

{Matzav.com}

The Belzer rebbe on a balcony as Shofar was blown at the massive Atzeres tefillah in Yerushalayim.

Minutes before the Atzeres began, HaRav R Shalom Ber Sorotzkin was giving chizuk to imprisoned Ateres Shlomo Yeshiva Bochur Arirel Shami.

Billionaire businessman and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg is once again throwing his weight behind Andrew Cuomo, declaring that the ex-governor is the only candidate with the grit and know-how to handle what he called “the second toughest job in America.”

“Four months ago I endorsed @AndrewCuomo because I thought his management experience and government know-how made him the best choice for New Yorkers,” Bloomberg posted on X. “I still do. And today, with early voting underway, I wanted to reiterate my support for Andrew Cuomo.”

Bloomberg, who led New York City from 2002 to 2013, stressed the challenges facing the next mayor. “Being Mayor of New York City is the second toughest job in America, and the next mayor will face immense challenges. Andrew Cuomo has the experience and toughness to stand up for New Yorkers and get things done. I hope you will join me in supporting him.”

His latest endorsement came just as Bloomberg poured $1.5 million into a Super PAC named “Fix the City,” reportedly managed by a longtime Cuomo associate, according to The New York Times. The contribution marks Bloomberg’s first direct financial involvement in this year’s mayoral race since the Democratic primary.

The paper also noted that major business figures across the city are preparing to spend up to $100 million in an effort to block socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, who currently leads the race, from winning the mayoralty.

Though Bloomberg and Cuomo clashed during Cuomo’s tenure as governor, the Times pointed out that Bloomberg’s ideological rift with Mamdani runs far deeper. Mamdani has pushed for sweeping progressive changes, including proposals for city-run grocery stores and deploying “mental health experts” in place of police to handle certain emergencies.

The Queens assemblyman has faced criticism for remarks on a 2020 podcast where he rejected the idea that police create public safety. “Police do not create safety … there are so many responsibilities we’ve given to police that, frankly, should have nothing to do with their departments … if somebody is jaywalking, if somebody is surviving, going through domestic violence — there are so many different, different situations that would be far better handled by people trained to deal with those specific situations, as opposed to an individual with a gun.”

A recent Quinnipiac University poll conducted October 23–27 among 911 likely voters shows Mamdani holding a 10-point advantage with 43 percent support. Cuomo trails with 33 percent, while Republican contender Curtis Sliwa lags behind at 14 percent.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.) 

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE

your OWN SIYUM on the ENTIRE Shas, Rashi & Tosfos IN JUST ONE YEAR!

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. 

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own. 

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden. 

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –

Beyond the Grave

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

 “Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory. 

ShasYiden.com