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A dramatic crisis has erupted within Ger amid growing fears that highly personal and sensitive conversations of tens of thousands of chassidim may have been recorded — and could, in the worst-case scenario, become public.

According to a report published this morning in Haaretz, the alarm was triggered during a private din Torah in Bnei Brak, when a relative of Rav Yitzchok Broide — the Gerer Rebbe’s close personal secretary — suddenly produced an audio recording of a private conversation taken from the chassidus’s internal hotline.

That hotline is a dedicated phone line through which Gerer chassidim leave voice messages for Rav Broide, who then conveys the questions to the Rebbe. For years, this system has been relied upon by tens of thousands of families to discuss their most delicate and confidential matters, trusting that the information remained between them, Rav Broide, and the Rebbe.

According to the report, the recording was produced only after that family member lost the initial stage of the din Torah. He then hired new representatives, who claimed to possess new evidence that could overturn the ruling — the recording from the hotline. This immediately led to a terrifying possibility: that not only that one conversation was captured, but potentially every single message ever left on the hotline.

Even after an appeal, the dayanim upheld their original decision. But the revelation sent shockwaves through the chassidus, as chassidim grasped that it may be possible that all their confidential messages — matters involving family struggles, shidduchim, medical issues, and other deeply private concerns — may have been preserved somewhere without their knowledge.

Attorney Shlomo Elbaum, a member of the Bnei Brak city council, told Haaretz: “I heard about what happened in the beis din. I looked into it with reliable sources and I heard that everything is true.”

Elbaum added that, as someone who was once part of Ger and used the hotline himself for personal matters, he is deeply worried that everything may have been saved and could one day be misused. “This is a massive breach of public trust, and everyone should be shaken by it, especially since we have no idea who is the responsible party holding the recordings.”

A current Ger chossid expressed his own sense of betrayal, saying: “I feel exposed and betrayed. It shook me to my core. Rav Broide was supposed to be the greatest guardian of our secrets. We all trusted him and saw him as a faithful messenger. I hope it stays that way.”

Rav Broide himself responded that he has no knowledge of any recordings being stored:
“I don’t know anything about recordings being kept. I’m not involved in the business dealings of my relatives or what they say in beis din. Someone mentioned it to me, but I’m not involved.”

Regarding responsibility for the hotline, he said: “I am not the owner of the phone line. They gave me a phone number, and that is what I work with. I don’t know anything beyond that. In any case, no one discusses truly personal matters here — only surgeries, shidduchim, things like that. Who is responsible for the line? I have no idea. This is the first time I’m hearing that the calls may have been recorded.”

Ger’s official statement to Haaretz denied any possibility that the hotline can be recorded:
“From our internal review, there is no ability to record calls on the line in question.”

{Matzav.com}

Just hours before he was scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House, former hostage Bar Kuperstein sat down with CNN for an emotional interview, recounting the horrors he endured in captivity and the long journey back to himself since his release.

“It was Gehinnom,” he said, describing the nearly two years he spent underground, “but I try to laugh, be happy with my family, and look forward.”

Kuperstein had been freed only a month and a week earlier, yet every mundane moment still felt miraculous. “Every morning was emotional,” he said. “Just being here, breathing, and not down in the tunnels — it was a feeling of gratitude to Hashem.” Still, he admitted that the joy was mixed with lingering trauma. “There were nights I couldn’t fall asleep, hard thoughts, a sense of disconnection. I surrounded myself with people who support me — and I believed I would heal.”

On the day of his abduction, Kuperstein was working as a security guard at the Nova festival site. “I was responsible for safety,” he said. “If I had run, I could never have forgiven myself. People told me I was a hero, but I just did my job.”

He spent 738 days in captivity — “in a tiny cell,” as he put it. “At first my eyes were covered, and I wasn’t allowed to speak. I counted days — that was the only activity I had. Days turned into weeks, into months, and into two years.”

He described repeated threats of execution, starvation, beatings, verbal abuse, and being stripped of any basic human dignity. “They said it was because of Ben Gvir and the government,” he recalled. He also referenced the video in which he and Maxim Herkin were seen alive. “All I wanted was for my family to know I was alive. I didn’t care what they told me to say — I just wanted them to see me.”

The 23-year-old said that his faith deepened precisely in captivity. “Hashem gave me strength. From the first day I felt I would come out whole. I wasn’t very religious before — just traditional — but there I spoke to Hashem. He saved me. Every day I stayed alive was a miracle.”

He even managed to listen to radio broadcasts from the depths of the tunnels. “Imagine that — thirty meters underground, and you’re hearing the radio. I heard about the protests, about the birthday my mother organized for me in the Hostages Square. They even gave me a picture of my father standing at a protest on his feet, despite his disability.”

He said the hardest moments came each time rumors of a release deal collapsed. “Every time we thought — again it won’t happen. Even when I was already on the way home, I didn’t believe it was real.”

Now, together with sixteen other survivors, Kuperstein was heading toward a historic meeting in the Oval Office. Of Trump, he said: “He is a messenger of Hashem. Hashem wanted us to come out — and Trump fulfilled His role.”

{Matzav.com}

A delegation of senior Bnei Brak municipal officials—led by Mayor Chanoch Zeibert and his deputy, Menachem Shapira—traveled to Miami last week, sparking sharp criticism from residents. The trip, described by critics as a “luxury vacation at the public’s expense,” was conducted in first class and carried an estimated price tag that many insisted was unacceptable for a publicly funded delegation.

While the mayor has not yet issued a response, Deputy Mayor Menachem Shapira chose to address the growing controversy in a conversation with Kikar HaShabbat, offering a detailed explanation of the trip’s purpose.

Shapira, who serves as Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the Planning and Construction Committee, said, “I will be returning early this week from the United States following a professional work visit, together with a delegation headed by Mayor Chanoch Zeibert, joined by the city’s CEO, the Halachic Committee CEO, and his deputy.”

According to Shapira, the visit was not a leisure trip but rather a key stage in advancing one of the largest municipal infrastructure and recreation projects in Bnei Brak’s history: a 350-dunam municipal attractions park, carrying an estimated cost of 180 million shekels.

“This project represents a historic planning milestone,” he explained, “and will provide the residents of Bnei Brak with a modern, unique recreation space that is fully suited to the character and needs of the chareidi community.”

Shapira added that the project will include a 15,000-seat amphitheater, a state-of-the-art ropes park, a karting complex, extreme-sports installations, large-scale play areas, and more than five kilometers of uninterrupted cycling paths.

One of the central claims raised by critics was that there was no justification for such an expensive overseas trip. In his response, Shapira argued that the unusual scope of the project—and the halachic, logistical, and safety requirements unique to the city—demanded direct examination of technologies, safety systems, and operational models.

“As part of the advanced planning stages,” Shapira said, “the delegation participated in the IAAPA convention in Orlando, the world’s leading professional exhibition in the field of recreational installations.” He noted that the delegation held meetings with top international companies regarding advanced safety systems, cutting-edge equipment, and specialized solutions appropriate for the chareidi public over the long-term operation of the park.

Addressing concerns about the cost of the trip, Shapira emphasized, “I joined the professional visit after being in the United States for a private family event. This visit is another essential stage in leading one of Bnei Brak’s most significant municipal projects. It reflects a deep commitment to developing world-class infrastructure while maintaining unwavering consideration for the needs and sensitivities of our residents.”

{Matzav.com}

Following a string of vandalism and stone-throwing incidents targeting buses in Bnei Brak’s Kiryat Herzog neighborhood, the city and police have launched an expanded enforcement campaign aimed at stopping the attacks and ensuring uninterrupted public transportation for residents.

A special emergency meeting was convened in the office of Deputy Mayor and Transportation Commissioner Rabbi Michoel Kakon after repeated cases of buses being damaged in the area.

The meeting brought together key municipal and law-enforcement officials, including Rabbi Hanoch Zeidman, head of the Infrastructure Division; Elad Amoyal, commander of the municipal police unit; and senior representatives of the Dan bus company—Shai Malka, Kobi Bibla, and Itamar Cohen.

During the briefing, participants agreed to deploy a broad enforcement array, with police placing strict and explicit emphasis on stopping the attacks. In the coming days, police will station both visible patrols and undercover units at known hotspots to identify those involved and prevent further harm to drivers, passengers, and buses. Authorities stressed that anyone convicted of vandalism or violence will face severe penalties.

Officials also coordinated contingency plans to prevent disruptions to bus routes within the neighborhood. In cases such as hachnasas sefer Torah events, unusual crowding, or road blockages, buses will be rerouted through alternative streets to maintain steady service for the public.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from city officials: “We will not allow harm to public transportation or to the safety of drivers and passengers. The Bnei Brak municipality will continue to act decisively together with the police until this unacceptable phenomenon is completely eradicated.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump issued a series of fiery Truth Social posts on Thursday morning, denouncing a group of Democrat lawmakers who recorded a video urging members of the military and intelligence community to reject illegal commands. The lawmakers involved, all veterans or former intelligence officials, became the focus of an escalating war of words that quickly spread across Washington.

Trump reacted to their video by insisting that the conduct crossed a dangerous line. In one post, he declared, “It’s called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand — We won’t have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET.” He followed with another message saying, “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???” A third post escalated the tone even further: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

Alongside his own comments, Trump amplified multiple Truth Social posts from supporters, including one message stating, “Hang them George Washington would.”

The video that sparked the explosion was posted by Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin. Speaking directly to those in uniform and to intelligence officers, the lawmakers said, “We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now. Americans trust their military but that trust is at risk.” The group included Slotkin, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Reps. Chris DeLuzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado. Their message continued: “This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens. Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats coming to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad but from right here at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution.”

Almost immediately after Slotkin’s video went live, Trump advisor Stephen Miller attacked it as “openly calling for insurrection.” Slotkin rejected the criticism, writing, “This is the law. Passed down from our Founding Fathers, to ensure our military upholds its oath to the Constitution — not a king. Given you’re directing much of a military policy, you should buff up on the Uniformed Code of Military Justice.”

The confrontation takes place as Trump continues to face backlash over recent deployments of troops to various American cities and his directive ordering strikes on suspected drug vessels in international waters. While Democrats have consistently opposed these measures, Republicans have mostly aligned with Trump’s approach, despite moments of hesitation inside the party.

At the White House later in the day, press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether Trump was literally calling for the execution of members of Congress. Her reply was, “no,” though she immediately shifted blame back onto the Democrats in the video. She argued that “many in this room want to talk about the president’s response, but not what brought the president to responding in this way,” adding that the lawmakers had “conspired together to orchestrate a video message to members of the United States Military… encouraging them to defy the President’s lawful orders.” She suggested that their actions “perhaps is punishable by law,” while clarifying, “I’m not a lawyer. I’ll leave that to the Department of Justice in the Department of War to decide.”

The lawmakers targeted by Trump issued a joint statement hours after his posts, asking Americans to “unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence.” They added, “What’s most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our servicemembers should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders.”

Their message was echoed by top Democrat leadership. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other senior House Democrats released a statement characterizing Trump’s messages as “disgusting and dangerous death threats against Members of Congress.” They also confirmed they had been in contact with U.S. Capitol Police because of heightened security concerns.

On the Senate floor, Chuck Schumer warned that Trump’s rhetoric had crossed a perilous threshold. “The president of the United States is calling for the execution of elected officials. This is an outright threat, and it’s deadly serious,” he said. Schumer went on to caution, “When Donald Trump uses the language of execution and treason, some of his supporters may very well listen. He is lighting a match in a country soaked with political gasoline.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro weighed in publicly on behalf of two of his state’s congressional delegation, Houlahan and DeLuzio, saying Trump “called for violence” against them. Shapiro accused Trump of “actively encouraging political violence once again” and condemned the silence of Republican allies who decline to challenge him.

This latest firestorm comes amid a string of deeply troubling incidents: the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the killing of a Minnesota lawmaker, an arson attack at Shapiro’s residence, and two attempts on Trump’s life. Even as political rhetoric intensifies, NBC News polling shows Americans increasingly believe extreme language contributes directly to violence.

Complicating matters further, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she has been subjected to increased threats after Trump criticized her online, while several Indiana Republican lawmakers reported swatting attempts hours after Trump blasted them over their stance on redistricting.

{Matzav.com}

The Justice Department is examining the handling of the mortgage fraud investigation into Sen. Adam Schiff, including the potential involvement of people who claimed to be acting at the behest or direction of two Trump administration officials who have been pushing the probe of the California Democrat, according to a document reviewed by The Associated […]

The legal fight surrounding the Ponovezh Yeshiva reached a new intensity today, as the attorney representing the faction aligned with Rav Shmuel Markovitz sharply attacked the latest arbitration decision and vowed to challenge it in court.

In an interview with Kan Moreshet, attorney Mordechai Beitz, who represents the faction led by Rav Markovitz, warned that the ruling issued by retired judge David Cheshin is likely to face significant delays and may ultimately be overturned.

Beitz described the decision as “catastrophic, baseless, something that could not possibly have been rendered according to din Torah, and a reflection of genuine malice.” He argued that the order to remove hundreds of bochurim, avreichim, and families from the yeshiva’s domains is unprecedented in the history of Torah institutions.

According to Beitz, Rav Markovitz “acts only according to din Torah,” and the original arbitration framework—established in 1999 at the direction of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt”l—cannot be undone. He stressed that the 2000 rabbinic ruling, which was later affirmed by both the district court and the Supreme Court, “determined unequivocally that Rav Markovitz is the rosh yeshiva.” A later arbitrator, he insisted, “cannot cancel an existing ruling.”

Beitz maintained that Judge Cheshin exceeded the mandate he was given by reopening matters that had already been decided. “He was supposed to continue the arbitration from the point where it had stopped, not restart everything from scratch. There is no legal authority to erase a previous arbitration decision. This is an overreach that violates public policy.”

He further argued that the new ruling relied almost entirely on claims submitted by the rival faction. “It looks as if he simply signed what they wrote. As for the violence—both sides were harmed, but they documented and we did not base our case on documentation. That is not grounds for evacuating an entire community.”

Addressing the question of property ownership, Beitz said, “A yeshiva is a spiritual entity, not a real-estate corporation. Even Avrom Kahaneman, founder of the other side, would say: forget shares—this is a yeshiva. That was the intent of the donors and the founders.”

He detailed the next steps planned by his clients: “We will submit a request to void the arbitration ruling and ask for a stay of execution. Normally it is difficult to overturn such a decision, but when an arbitrator nullifies a ruling that was already approved by the Supreme Court, the overreach is clear.”

Beitz also suggested that the opposing side appeared to have been tipped off in advance. “Even before we received the ruling, they already knew. They had speakers ready and were prepared ahead of time.”

Discussing Rav Markovitz’s personal reaction, he said, “He feels it is impossible for a ruling that defines a yeshiva as a commercial contract to stand. A rosh yeshiva teaches that without Torah there is nothing, and suddenly he is told that everything is contractual and transactional.”

Beitz concluded with a harsh assessment: “In forty years of litigation, I have never encountered such an extreme ruling. Evicting hundreds of families from the Torah world—this has never happened before.”

{Matzav.com}

The IDF revealed that soldiers have uncovered the underground tunnel system where abducted IDF officer Lt. Hadar Goldin was held captive, describing it as one of the largest and most complex tunnel routes ever found in Gaza. The operation, led by the Southern Command with forces from Yahalom and Shayetet 13, exposed a sprawling tunnel […]

Seventeen survivors of captivity, all rescued about a month ago, are scheduled to spend the day at the White House, where they will meet President Donald Trump as part of an ongoing effort to keep the plight of the hostages at the forefront of international attention. Among the group are Gali and Ziv Berman, the twin brothers from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, who will be stepping into the Oval Office for the very first time.

In a powerful and deeply symbolic gesture, the Berman twins will hand President Trump the original mezuzah that once hung on the doorpost of their home in the Young Generation neighborhood of Kfar Aza—the very place from which they were abducted on October 7th. Although their home was reduced to ruins during the horrific attack, and nearly every house in their neighborhood was destroyed, the mezuzah was discovered intact when the brothers were finally able to return last week. The small parchment, untouched by the fire that consumed everything around it, has become a moving reminder of survival, protection, and hashgacha.

The brothers expressed their purpose for the visit with clear emotion, saying: “We came to thank the President of the United States for the many actions he took toward our release. At the same time, it’s important to remember that the mission is not yet complete. There are three deceased hostages still being held in Gaza. Until everyone returns, we cannot begin our rehabilitation as a society and as a nation.”

Along with the mezuzah, President Trump will receive a heartfelt letter from the Berman family bearing the inscription: “A Gift from Kfar Aza – In Honor of the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.”

The letter continues, describing the sacred item’s significance, the horror endured by the community on October 7th, and the gratitude the family feels toward the President for his involvement in bringing their sons home. It concludes with the prayerful hope that this mezuzah will stand as a lasting symbol of “courage, of faith, and of the eternal friendship between our peoples.”

{Matzav.com}

Russian lawmakers approved a new bill Thursday boosting taxes for those labeled foreign agents by the government. The bill, which passed its third and final reading in the lower house of parliament, outlines an income tax rate of 30% for individuals with the designation and takes away their right to government tax breaks. Income tax […]

The excitement is building. Tens of thousands of lomdim are preparing for a milestone unlike any before: THIS SUNDAY — the Oraysa Siyum on Seder Mo’ed. NEW Bochurim-Only Section In anticipation of the large influx of bochurim on this off-Shabbos, Oraysa has opened a special, limited Bochurim-Only seating area. These seats are being offered at […]

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warned on the Senate floor that antisemitism in America has reached a “dangerous tipping point,” with Jewish Americans facing threats and harassment at levels not seen in generations. He said antisemitism is “the canary in the coal mine,” tied to white supremacy and other forms of hate. Schumer blasted President […]

Rep. Al Green of Texas is once again moving forward with an impeachment effort against President Donald Trump, declaring that he intends to bring the matter to the House floor this week and framing the move as a defining measure of where his party stands.

Green issued a firm promise about the timing of his plan, saying, “There will be articles of impeachment filed before the Dec. 25th break. This, I pledge. We have to participate. This is a participatory democracy. The impeachment requires the hands and the guidance of all of us.” His comments underscored his insistence that Democrats must take concrete action rather than rely on rhetoric alone.

By submitting the resolution as a privileged motion, Green is forcing the chamber to address the matter within two legislative days. Lawmakers may choose to table the effort before it reaches an actual impeachment vote, but they will not be able to ignore it. Green also announced that he and other activists would be taking their message public with a peaceful gathering at the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday.

This marks Green’s fifth attempt to introduce articles of impeachment, a campaign that comes amid deep frustration from portions of the Democrat base about how to confront Trump. Progressive activists have frequently criticized their own party’s leadership, especially in the wake of the 43-day government shutdown that ended without significant concessions from Republicans. Even prior to the shutdown, figures such as Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner urged the party to replace its congressional leadership to present stronger opposition.

At Thursday’s press conference, Dave Mytych of FLARE — For Liberation and Resistance Everywhere — openly rebuked top Democrats, pressing them to show backbone. “This is what the American people want. They want fighters that hold the line. Democrats, are you listening? Leader Schumer, are you listening? Leader Jeffries, are you listening?” he said while standing beside Green.

The House has already impeached Trump twice — once in 2019 and again in 2021. In both instances, the Senate declined to convict. With that history in mind, Green was asked whether another failed impeachment attempt could reflect poorly on leaders like Jeffries and Schumer if they decline to support it. He avoided addressing their political standing directly, noting instead that as many as 80 lawmakers have backed his efforts in the past.

Green maintained that his motivation is rooted in constitutional duty, stating, “Here’s my perspective. I believe in the Constitution. People who vote to table the articles are voting against impeachment.”

{Matzav.com}

A Hamas terrorist believed to hold critical information about the fate of Lt. Hadar Goldin was captured in a covert IDF–Shin Bet operation in Rafah, the security services announced. According to the joint statement, Marwan al-Hams was arrested in July 2025 during a special intelligence-based operation led by IDF forces from the Southern Command, the […]

President Trump welcomed a delegation of recently released Israeli hostages to the White House on Wednesday, meeting with the former captives and their families. “You’re not a hostage anymore… today you’re heroes,” Trump told the group in footage released by the White House. Among those visiting Washington are Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, Matan Angrest, Nimrod […]

It has been cleared for publication that the IDF Southern Command and the Shin Bet arrested Marwan Al-hametz, a Hamas terrorist who took part in determining the death of Lt. Hadar Goldin and is suspected of knowing where he was buried inside the “Dror Lavan” tunnel in Rafah. Al-hametz was captured in July 2025 during […]

The White House has restricted reporters’ access to key communication offices after officials say journalists were caught secretly recording staff conversations and attempting to overhear internal meetings, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed Wednesday. Speaking on the Pod Force One podcast, Leavitt said reporters will no longer be permitted to freely roam into the Upper Press […]

White House crafting executive order to thwart state AI laws • A draft executive order that could soon be signed by President Donald Trump would challenge states’ efforts to enact their own artificial intelligence laws. • The order would establish an AI taskforce to launch lawsuits and threaten federal funding for states with contested AI […]

Iran’s leadership is sounding an alarm over the country’s deepening environmental crisis, with President Masoud Pezeshkian declaring that the capital can no longer remain in Tehran. His remarks, delivered during a visit to Qazvin, reflected an unusually blunt assessment of the danger facing the nation.

Pezeshkian explained that the idea of relocating the capital has been discussed before, but the state lacked the funds to pursue it. “When we said we must move the capital, we did not even have enough budget. If we had, maybe it would have been done. The reality is that we no longer have a choice; it is an obligation,” he said, underscoring how urgent the situation has become.

The president pointed to severe land subsidence in parts of Tehran—up to 30 centimeters each year—as well as rapidly declining access to water. He described the condition bluntly, warning, “This means disaster.” According to him, years of mismanagement, unchecked development, and significant reductions in water flow have pushed the region toward potentially irreversible harm.

He cautioned that without immediate intervention, Iran faces something far worse than an inconvenience. “Protecting the environment is not a joke. Ignoring it means signing our own destruction,” Pezeshkian emphasized, painting a bleak picture of what lies ahead if the government remains idle.

Reports indicate that Iran’s long-term plan involves transferring the capital to Makran, located on the southern coast near the Gulf of Oman. The area’s access to the Indian Ocean offers possibilities for new economic and infrastructure development, including maritime projects. However, experts argue that the region is far from prepared to absorb the full weight of a national capital. Its underdeveloped state, lack of major services, and the immense cost of such a move have stalled the plan for years.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF on Thursday publicly exposed the full underground terror infrastructure buried beneath the northern Gaza city of Beit Hanun — a sprawling network of bunkers and weapons facilities hidden under homes, schools, and civilian buildings. “The city of Beit Hanun is a central Hamas terror stronghold in Gaza,” the IDF revealed. “Beneath civilian homes, […]