Feed aggregator

A federal judge in the United States has dealt a major legal setback to Francesca Albanese, ruling that the controversial United Nations official can be formally served in a defamation lawsuit brought against her by two Christian pro-Israel organizations.

The decision was handed down May 15 by the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The court authorized the plaintiffs to serve Albanese through email and social media platforms, overcoming earlier complications tied to international procedures and her current reported residence in Tunisia.

Under the court order, Albanese now has 21 days to respond to the lawsuit. If she fails to answer the complaint within that timeframe, the court could enter a default judgment against her.

The lawsuit was filed in September by Christian Friends of Israeli Communities and Christians for Israel USA, two Colorado-linked Christian charities that say they were targeted by Albanese in what they describe as a coordinated campaign intended to intimidate and damage pro-Israel groups.

According to the complaint, the dispute began after Albanese sent letters to the organizations ahead of publishing a United Nations report that the plaintiffs characterize as deeply biased against Israel. The charities allege that Albanese threatened them with possible exposure to international criminal proceedings related to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In the letters, Albanese accused the groups of “knowingly spreading malicious lies” and linked them to allegations involving genocide and war crimes connected to the conflict in Gaza.

The organizations argue that her accusations severely harmed their reputations, interfered with their charitable activities, and were made intentionally to cause damage. The plaintiffs are seeking financial compensation, a formal retraction, and a court order prohibiting Albanese from repeating the statements.

Albanese has repeatedly faced criticism over statements viewed by opponents as hostile toward Israel. More recently, several European foreign ministers condemned remarks she made during an Al Jazeera conference, where she stated: “The fact that instead of stopping Israel, most of the world has armed, given Israel political excuses, political sheltering, economic and financial support … We who do not control large amounts of financial capitals, algorithms and weapons, we now see that we as a humanity have a common enemy.”

She later denied interpreting her remarks as labeling Israel itself a universal enemy.

Albanese later claimed in an interview that she “never, ever, ever said ‘Israel is the common enemy of humanity,'” calling the accusations “completely false accusations.”

Her past comments regarding Israel and Jewish influence have also drawn scrutiny. Social media posts uncovered in 2022 showed Albanese referring to what she described as the “Jewish lobby” controlling the United States.

At the time, Albanese denied that the comments were antisemitic, insisting they had been “mischaracterized,” though criticism over her rhetoric has persisted.

Her remarks about Israel intensified after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which she said should be understood within “context” and framed as a response to Israeli “aggression.”

Earlier this year, Albanese accused Israel of institutionalizing torture against Palestinians.

In late March, Albanese claimed that the world has given Israel “a license to torture Palestinians”, alleging that “torture has effectively become state policy” in Israel.

Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva responded sharply to those comments.

Responding to the comments, Israel’s mission in Geneva said in a statement, “Francesca Albanese is not a promoter of human rights; she is an agent of chaos… and any document she produces is nothing but a politically-charged, activist rant.”

The Israeli statement further charged that Albanese “advocates dangerous extremist narratives to undermine the very existence of the State of Israel,” it said.

WATCH:

LISTEN:

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

LISTEN:

A labor agreement was reached Monday to end the strike that shut down the Long Island Rail Road, bringing relief to hundreds of thousands of commuters affected by the disruption to the nation’s busiest commuter rail network.

Kathy Hochul announced the breakthrough in a statement posted on X, saying the agreement balances worker compensation with protections for commuters and taxpayers. According to Hochul, train service is expected to resume beginning Tuesday at noon.

The strike began shortly after midnight Saturday after negotiations between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and leaders of five labor unions failed to produce a new contract. The rail system serves approximately 250,000 riders daily between New York City and Long Island.

Throughout the weekend, locomotive engineers, signal operators, machinists, and additional union members demonstrated outside train stations as the work stoppage continued.

To lessen the impact on commuters, the MTA began operating free but limited shuttle bus service Monday during peak commuting hours. Even so, many travelers were forced to rely on cars, buses, and subway lines to reach the city. Hochul had previously urged commuters to work remotely whenever possible.

Talks resumed Sunday afternoon and continued overnight into Monday under pressure from the National Mediation Board, the federal agency responsible for overseeing labor disputes involving railroads and airlines.

The unions, which collectively represent roughly half of the railroad’s workforce, argued that wage increases were necessary to keep pace with inflation and rising expenses. MTA officials countered that the unions’ earlier salary demands would likely result in increased fares for riders.

Contract discussions between both sides have been ongoing since 2023, with negotiations repeatedly breaking down over pay scales and employee healthcare costs.

The Trump administration stepped into the dispute in September after union leaders requested the appointment of a special panel of experts. Although the intervention temporarily prevented a strike at the time, negotiations remained deadlocked for months afterward.

The Long Island Rail Road operates across the 118-mile stretch of Long Island, serving communities from Brooklyn and Queens to the Hamptons, the well-known resort destination frequented by wealthy summer residents.

A large portion of the railroad’s passengers come from Nassau and Suffolk counties, home to nearly 3 million residents outside New York City.

Prior to this week’s strike, the last LIRR work stoppage occurred in 1994.

Transit officials said ridership on the emergency shuttle buses was significantly lower than anticipated. The MTA had expected approximately 13,000 passengers to use the buses Monday morning, but only slightly more than 2,000 riders utilized the service.

Transportation officials had strongly encouraged the roughly 250,000 daily riders to avoid commuting into Manhattan and instead work from home if they were able.

{Matzav.com}

New federal data released by the Department of Homeland Security shows that illegal crossings at the southern border have fallen dramatically under President Donald Trump, with fewer migrants apprehended in an average day this April than were caught during a single hour in late 2023 under the Biden administration.

The statistics also mark one full year in which no illegal immigrants were released into the United States after being encountered at the border, according to administration officials.

“Twelve straight months of ZERO releases at the border. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are delivering the most secure border in American history,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

“The days of catch and release are over. We are enforcing the nation’s laws and sending illegal aliens back to their home countries.”

The numbers represent a dramatic shift from immigration levels seen during the Biden administration, when millions of migrants crossed into the country and border facilities frequently faced overcrowding.

According to DHS figures, Border Patrol agents averaged 298 apprehensions per day in April. By comparison, in December 2023, authorities were averaging roughly 336 apprehensions every hour.

Officials said apprehensions along the southern border have dropped 94% from the highest levels recorded during the Biden years as the Trump administration continues implementing aggressive immigration enforcement measures nationwide.

“What a difference, America! The U.S. Border Patrol released zero illegal aliens into our country again this month, unlike April 2024 when more than 68,000 were released under President Biden,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott.

“Every minute of every day President Trump’s border security policies are making every American safer.”

DHS also reported that, on a fiscal year-to-date basis, the monthly average of southern border apprehensions has fallen to the lowest point recorded since 1992.

Officials said the decline in illegal crossings has coincided with a sharp increase in narcotics seizures at the border.

“The sustained decline in illegal border crossings and apprehensions—now at levels not seen in over three decades—shows the impact of robust enforcement policies,” DHS said in a statement.

“With daily apprehensions down 95% from the previous administration and 15 consecutive months of fewer than 9,000 southwest border apprehensions, the border remains more secure than at any point in history.”

Customs and Border Protection reported that nationwide drug seizures in April rose significantly compared to the same month last year. Authorities confiscated 60% more cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and fentanyl than in April 2024.

Officials said heroin seizures increased 73% compared with March 2026, while methamphetamine seizures climbed 63% over the same period. CBP also reported seizing 463 pounds of fentanyl during April alone.

{Matzav.com}

Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy issued a new directive Monday ordering police officers who encounter draft dodgers during routine activity to detain them, notify the Military Police, and remain with the suspect until military authorities arrive.

Under the new policy, a strict time frame was established for handling such cases. According to the directive, Military Police personnel must reach the scene within 30 minutes after being contacted.

If no representative arrives within that half-hour window, officers are instructed to release the detaineee and provide a summons ordering the individual to report to the Military Police at a later date.

The move triggered an angry response from Shas, which accused the police commissioner of targeting yeshiva students instead of focusing on violent crime and public safety.

“At a time when acts of violence and crime are on the rise and murderers walk the streets freely, instead of the police tending to national security properly, they decide to direct resources to persecute the dear Torah students as if they were criminals,” the party statement read. “It is shameful that this happens in the Jewish state.”

The party also appealed directly to Levy, accusing legal authorities of trying to use the issue for political purposes.

“Sir Commissioner, don’t fall into the political trap that the Attorney General and her team are leading, which aims to topple the government. Don’t cast your hand against the yeshiva students and Torah learners.”

Jonathan Pollard delivered a blistering critique of both Israeli and American leadership during an extensive interview with Arutz Sheva and podcaster Martin “the Bulldog” Buksdorf, addressing issues ranging from Israel’s military policy and dependence on the United States to growing antisemitism abroad and the long-term future of the Jewish state.

Throughout the interview, Pollard repeatedly argued that Israel must free itself from overreliance on Washington and adopt a far more independent military and political posture.

“We are an American auxiliary. We are not an independent,” Pollard said, as he pushed for what he described as an “Israel first doctrine” built around military independence and sovereign strategic decision-making.

Pollard sharply criticized Israeli governments for what he described as excessive submission to American influence, claiming leaders in Yerushalayim too often shape policy around pressure from Washington. Referring to President Donald Trump, Pollard remarked, “He does not respect weakness,” while arguing that Israeli officials too frequently yield to U.S. demands.

During the conversation, Pollard also discussed his recent decision not to enter Israeli politics after briefly announcing plans to seek a seat in the Knesset. According to Pollard, the announcement triggered fierce backlash and threats from across the political spectrum.

“I got overwhelmed with death threats,” Pollard said, adding that many critics on the political left objected to his belief that Israeli hostages should be brought home “by strength, not by concession.”

Addressing criticism from supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Pollard stressed that he has repeatedly expressed appreciation to Netanyahu for helping secure his release from prison, while emphasizing that many others also played vital roles.

“There were a host of people who played very important roles in securing my release,” he said, specifically mentioning his late wife Esther, Ron Dermer, Miriam Adelson, Sheldon Adelson, and Rabbi Pesach Lerner.

A major portion of the interview focused on regional security threats facing Israel. Pollard warned that Iran, Turkey, and extremist organizations operating inside Syria represent growing dangers, and argued that Israel must prepare itself for future large-scale military confrontations.

Pollard also voiced alarm over increasing antisemitism throughout Western countries, saying many Jews living abroad still fail to grasp the seriousness of the threat. He described aliyah as both unavoidable and essential in light of growing hostility toward Jewish communities overseas.

“The only safe place for a Jew is right here in the Holy Land,” Pollard said, while faulting Israeli leaders for not adequately preparing for major future waves of Jewish immigration.

The interview additionally featured criticism of Israel’s bureaucracy and military procurement systems. Pollard argued that excessive hesitation, delays, and institutional caution have prevented Israel from implementing technologies and policies that he believes are critical for confronting modern security threats.

Toward the conclusion of the discussion, Pollard explained why he ultimately chose to remain outside the political system, saying it allows him to speak openly without party constraints.

“When you have this thing called party discipline, you can’t speak your mind,” he said. “Now it’s much more liberating to be able to sit as I am now… and discuss options, to discuss what we’re doing right, what we’re doing wrong.”

A soldier from the Nachal Brigade entered military prison Sunday evening to begin serving a 30-day sentence imposed after he wore a “Moshiach” patch on his uniform, sparking outrage among fellow soldiers and parents in his unit.

The soldier, identified only as A., had originally been scheduled to report to prison Sunday morning, but the growing public controversy surrounding the punishment reportedly led the IDF to alter the timing of his incarceration.

The soldier’s parents expressed disbelief over the decision and vowed not to remain quiet.

“We are digesting this, but we are in absolute shock!! We will not be silent in the face of this injustice.”

Members of the company reacted angrily to the punishment, saying it had deeply damaged morale throughout the unit.

“They lowered morale for all of us.”

One of A.’s platoon members, who fought alongside him in Lebanon and is currently engaged in operational activity in Samaria, published an emotional statement defending the imprisoned soldier and criticizing the army’s decision.

“For you, this is the patch controversy; for us, this is [about] our best friend. He was the heart of this family. To take a soldier who did everything for the country, and suddenly put him in prison for 30 days and remove him from combat service? It is inhuman. It crushes him and us, and since this happened, the entire company has been extinguished. The State is simply erasing everything for him in an instant.”

According to soldiers in the company, the punishment has dealt a major blow to the spirit of the unit, which they say achieved some of the army’s highest operational accomplishments during recent fighting in Lebanon.

After the decision to imprison the soldier was finalized Sunday, parents of fighters in the company issued a sharp statement accusing senior military leadership of selective enforcement and unfair treatment.

“We understand discipline, but patches exist throughout the army, in regular service and in the reserves. Why place an entire phenomenon on the shoulders of one innocent soldier who did what half the army does openly? There is outrageous discrimination here on the part of the senior command. The Chief of Staff leaves in their positions, without any punishment, figures who actively worked to dismantle the army from within, while against specifically a combat soldier they use the most crushing punishment. We will not remain silent about this.”

The parents also announced plans to begin a broader public campaign over the issue, saying they intend to continue the fight until the soldier’s name is cleared and the unit’s reputation restored.

“The struggle will not stop until justice is achieved, the name of the soldier and the entire company is cleared, and Jewish-Zionist pride and strength are restored to the fighters on the front line. At this time, the people of Israel need their heroes standing tall and proud of their identity, not under persecution and silencing.”

At a press briefing, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani was asked about a Nakba post on his official NYC social media accounts.

WATCH:

Authorities have identified the two suspected gunmen accused of carrying out a deadly shooting outside a mosque in San Diego that claimed the lives of three people before the suspects apparently took their own lives.

According to a law enforcement source, the suspects were identified as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Velasquez. Investigators believe at least one of the firearms used in the attack was taken from a parent’s residence. A suicide note referencing racial pride was also reportedly recovered, the source said.

Clark, who attended Madison High School, was known as a standout wrestler, according to posts published on the school’s social media accounts.

Police said both suspects were later discovered dead inside a white BMW several blocks away from the Islamic Center of San Diego. Investigators believe the pair died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Law enforcement sources said anti-Islamic writings were found inside the vehicle, while “hate speech” had allegedly been written directly on the firearms used during the attack.

Authorities revealed that at approximately 9:42 a.m., officers received a report involving a runaway juvenile after a concerned mother contacted police. Following the conversation, investigators reportedly began treating the situation as a potentially serious public safety threat.

According to police, the mother told authorities she believed her son was suicidal. She also allegedly reported that multiple firearms from her home were missing, along with her vehicle. Investigators were additionally informed that her son was traveling with another individual and that both were dressed in camouflage clothing.

Police declined to publicly confirm whether the missing juvenile was directly connected to the mosque shooting, though many of the details correspond with information obtained by The Post.

Three adults were killed in the attack, including a security guard identified by reports as Amin Abdullah, who was described as acting heroically during the shooting.

Officials said the suspects escaped the scene in a white BMW before they were later found dead.

“We are safe, the entire school is safe. All the kids, all the staff, and the teachers are safe and out of the Islamic Center,” center Imam Taha Hassane said in a video obtained by the California Post and circulated among California’s Muslim community.

Police said officers arrived at the Islamic Center within four minutes after the first emergency calls came in, prompting what authorities described as a rapid and “dynamic” response operation.

During the response, between 50 and 100 officers entered the Islamic Center complex as law enforcement teams swept through classrooms, prayer halls, and nearby structures to secure the area and search for additional threats.

The investigation remains active, and officials have not yet formally announced a motive behind the attack.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is expected to travel to Rockland County later this week for an event alongside local officials and residents, according to sources.

News12 Hudson Valley senior reporter Tara Rosenblum reported that Trump is scheduled to appear in Rockland County on Friday, May 22 — the first day of Shavuos — for what is being described as an official White House function.

The event is expected to include Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, as well as constituents and community members from the region.

While the precise location and timing of the gathering have not yet been publicly announced, officials are said to be finalizing the details and logistics surrounding the president’s visit.

Lawler, one of the most closely watched Republican lawmakers in New York, has maintained a strong relationship with Trump while representing a politically competitive district that includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester counties.

[Videos below.] President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban appeared together at the White House on Monday to promote lower-priced prescription medications through Trump Rx, showcasing the pair’s longtime “love-hate” relationship as they joined forces on healthcare costs.

The event focused on expanding access to affordable generic medications, despite Cuban having supported Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential race.

Asked about partnering with Cuban after the businessman backed his political opponent, Trump responded jokingly.

“Well, he made a mistake,” Trump quipped. “It was a big mistake.”

Cuban laughed at the comment and later brushed it aside while speaking with reporters.

“He was playing,” he told reporters later of the president’s remark. “I’m not going to go there; it doesn’t matter.”

The two businessmen have known each other for more than two decades, and Cuban has previously described their dynamic as a “love-hate” relationship. Despite supporting Trump’s rival during the campaign, Cuban said after the election that cooperation with the president remained important.

That familiarity and friendly back-and-forth was visible throughout Monday’s appearance as the two shared the stage during the White House event.

You’re “looking good,” Trump told him, adding the two have “one thing” in common.

“We have the same thing — one thing — in common. We want to make people better and keep them wealthy.”

Cuban, the former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, stressed that his appearance at the White House was centered entirely on healthcare issues rather than politics.

“My politics don’t matter to this at all,” he told reporters after the event. He brushed off his previous criticism of Trump as “last season.”

Cuban attended the event as founder of Cost Plus Drugs, the online pharmaceutical company he launched to lower prescription medication prices. During the announcement, Trump revealed that 600 additional generic medications will now be offered through Trump Rx.

According to the administration, Amazon Pharmacy and GoodRx will also participate alongside Cost Plus Drugs in offering medications through the platform.

“By incorporating this massive catalog of low-cost generics at TrumpRx.gov consumers will now have one source to ensure that they’re getting the lowest possible cost on their prescription, so they have a real option now,” Trump said.

Cuban emphasized that lowering healthcare costs is an issue that crosses party lines and affects Americans regardless of political affiliation.

“The goal is to reduce the cost of healthcare, and we’re 100% aligned,” he said of his work with Trump.

“My politics don’t matter to this at all,” he said, refusing to be drawn into political games.

Cuban also made clear that healthcare reform has become one of his main personal priorities.

“I’ll align with anyone,” he said. “If you’re going to make healthcare cheaper, you’re my new best friend.”

Cuban launched Cost Plus Drugs in 2022 with a business model aimed at bypassing traditional insurance systems by selling medications at cost while adding a 15% markup along with pharmacy labor and shipping fees. The company also publicly discloses what it pays drug manufacturers in an effort to increase pricing transparency.

He said the mission behind the company is to reduce healthcare expenses for ordinary Americans as medical costs continue rising faster than inflation and remain one of the largest financial burdens facing households across the country.

Cuban, who previously entertained the possibility of seeking political office himself, also dismissed any idea of mounting a presidential campaign when reporters asked him outside the West Wing.

“….No,” he said, dripping in sweat on the 92-degree day. “Too hot.”

A new survey presented by Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) to senior Israeli officials found that close to 80% of Gaza residents are interested in emigrating from the Gaza Strip.

The poll highlighted what Israeli officials described as mounting despair among Gaza civilians as Hamas continues refusing to disarm, despite ongoing international efforts to shape a postwar framework for the territory. Disarmament has been viewed as a major requirement in the reconstruction proposal advanced by President Donald Trump and in broader discussions about Gaza’s future after the war.

As part of the COGAT survey, participants were asked which subjects they would like “additional information about for the Palestinian public.”

According to the findings, nearly four out of five respondents said they wanted more details regarding options for relocation to another country through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings. Another 17.5% said they were primarily interested in information connected to humanitarian aid and food distribution, while roughly 2.5% sought additional details concerning medical humanitarian assistance.

Israeli officials interpreted the results as an indication that many Gaza residents see emigration as their main hope amid the destruction caused by the war and the uncertainty surrounding any future rebuilding efforts.

Since the outbreak of the war following the October 7 massacre, more than 44,000 Gazans have left the territory through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings. Those departures included medical patients as well as people holding visas to foreign countries. Israeli officials said about 2,500 individuals exited through Rafah after the crossing resumed operations in February as part of the ceasefire agreement.

Some Israeli officials argued that the actual level of interest in leaving Gaza could be even greater than what the survey showed.

“It is possible that some respondents did not fully understand the question or may have been reluctant to express their views openly,” an Israeli security official said during the discussion.

President Donald Trump said Monday that he plans to urge the Justice Department to investigate a major mail ballot mistake in Maryland, alleging without evidence that the issue involved election fraud.

Maryland election officials announced they are sending out approximately 500,000 replacement mail ballots after discovering that some voters were mistakenly mailed primary ballots tied to the wrong political party because of a vendor-related printing problem. Since officials could not identify exactly which voters received incorrect ballots, the state opted to resend ballots to all potentially impacted voters.

Trump addressed the situation Friday in a Truth Social post, writing: “In Maryland, they sent out 500,000 Illegal Mail In Ballots, and they got caught! So now, they’re going to send out 500,000 more Mail In Ballots, but nobody knows what’s happening with the first 500,000 they sent.”

State election officials have stated that the original ballots will not be counted and will instead be isolated and invalidated. Only the newly issued ballots will be accepted in the election.

“There is no risk of duplicate voting as a result of this issue. Election officials have safeguards in place to ensure that only one ballot can be accepted per voter. Every return envelope/oath has a unique identifier to ensure that a voter can only vote one ballot. SBE has implemented additional safeguards to ensure only the correct ballot is counted for each voter,” the board said in a release Monday.

According to Maryland officials, the problem originated with a printing contractor, which will cover the cost of reissuing the ballots. The state’s primary election is scheduled for June 23.

Trump’s demand for a federal investigation marks his latest criticism of mail-in voting, an issue he has repeatedly targeted while alleging widespread election misconduct. Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order aimed at tightening rules surrounding voting by mail.

In the same Truth Social message, Trump also referred to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore as “corrupt.”

Ammar Moussa, a spokesman for Moore, sharply criticized Trump’s comments and dismissed the allegations.

“Marylanders should look to the State Board of Elections for accurate information — not social media misinformation designed to undermine confidence in our elections,” Moussa said.

Elon Musk delivered glowing remarks about Israel’s technology and innovation sector during a special appearance at the 9th International Smart Mobility Summit, the Samson International Smart Mobility Summit 2026, held at Expo Tel Aviv under the leadership of the Innovation and Smart Mobility Division of Israel’s Ministry of Transport and Road Safety.

The event, organized in partnership with Keren Hayesod and made possible through the vision of the late Eric Samson and Sheila Samson, featured the Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink founder speaking about Israel’s achievements in entrepreneurship, the future of artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, robotics, and humanity’s future.

Musk expressed deep admiration for Israel’s technological accomplishments and entrepreneurial culture, saying:

“I am a great admirer of the entrepreneurship coming out of Israel. Israel achieves amazing results relative to the size of its population and is definitely number one in the world. I take my hat off to Israel for the innovation it is creating.”

He also said he hopes to return to Israel in the future and revealed that Tesla’s self-driving technology is expected to become available in the country in the near future, enabling Israelis to experience the system themselves.

Discussing autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence, Musk predicted that human drivers will largely become obsolete within the next decade.

“The path to driving that is safer than human driving is completely clear. Within ten years, I estimate that around 90 percent of all vehicles will be driven by artificial intelligence systems rather than by human drivers. The car will drive you, not the other way around. Tesla’s software is based on artificial intelligence and cameras, just as humans drive, and I expect this approach to be safer than any human driver.”

Musk also shared his outlook on robotics and the economic transformation he believes artificial intelligence will bring to the world economy.

“My prediction for the future is that there will be more intelligent robots in the world than humans. There will be humanoid robots everywhere. Who would not want their own personal robotic assistant? When robots and artificial intelligence can perform tasks better than we can, it will increase the global economy by a hundredfold.”

Concluding his remarks, Musk painted what he described as an ideal future for mankind, centered around peace, abundance, and technological advancement benefiting all people.

“What is the best possible future we can imagine? A world where everyone has access to extraordinary healthcare, where every disease can be cured, and where no one goes hungry, allowing people the freedom to do what they want. I dream of a world without conflict and global war, a world where technology serves all of humanity, not just the few.”

The Samson International Smart Mobility Summit 2026 is regarded as one of the premier international gatherings focused on innovation and the future of transportation technology. The conference is being held in collaboration with Keren Hayesod and under the auspices of Israel’s Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, bringing together global leaders in mobility, technology, and artificial intelligence.

Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionist Party, addressed the intensifying controversy surrounding Israel’s Draft Law during his party’s faction meeting on Monday, outlining what he said must be a basic condition for any future agreement on military conscription legislation.

Speaking to party members, Smotrich said progress on the issue cannot continue unless the haredi leadership openly supports the enlistment of individuals who are not engaged in full-time Torah study.

“The condition for any law must be a clear declaration by the haredi leadership: ‘Whoever is not studying Torah must enlist,’” Smotrich said during the meeting. “That is the minimum required in order to move forward with this important and necessary process.”

Later in the discussion, Smotrich shifted to the broader political implications of the draft-law dispute and warned against any attempt to dissolve the current coalition government amid the crisis.

According to Smotrich, bringing down the government at this stage would inflict serious harm on Israel’s national priorities and strategic interests.

“I say here in the clearest possible terms – bringing down the right-wing government would be a grave mistake for the State of Israel, for the settlement movement, for security, and for the Jewish identity of the state,” he said.

The finance minister also appealed directly to the haredi parties within the coalition, urging them not to join efforts aimed at toppling the government.

“I call from here to the haredi Knesset members: show responsibility toward the State of Israel. Do not cooperate with those who want to topple right-wing rule and dismantle the national camp.”

Concluding his remarks, Smotrich argued that Israel faces major challenges in the years ahead and warned of the consequences if the current coalition loses power.

“We have enormous challenges to lead in the State of Israel in the coming years. If the left and the Arabs who support terror, God forbid, come to power, it will be a tragedy for generations.”

{Matzav.com}

In what chassidim of Toldos Aharon are calling an extraordinary miracle, Rav Yisroel Yosef Kohn, the eldest son of the Toldos Aharon Rebbe, escaped without injury from a serious car accident while traveling from Tzefas back to Yerushalayim.

Rav Yisroel Yosef, who serves as the head of the Be’er Yosef kollel network, spent the past Shabbos together with his father, the Toldos Aharon Rebbe, who is currently staying in Tzefas for rest. Last Thursday, Rav Yisroel Yosef traveled north together with a group of kollel members ahead of the upcoming wedding of his son, which is scheduled to take place next week at the central Toldos Aharon beis medrash in Meah Shearim.

Late Motzoei Shabbos, while making his way back to Yerushalayim, the vehicle carrying Rav Yisroel Yosef was involved in a severe accident. Emergency personnel arrived quickly and transported him to the hospital, where he underwent a series of medical evaluations.

To the amazement of family members and chassidim, Rav Yisroel Yosef was released from the hospital Sunday morning in good condition. The driver and everyone else in the vehicle also emerged unharmed in what many described as miraculous circumstances. The car itself was completely crushed and destroyed.

Following his release, Rav Yisroel Yosef returned to the residence where his father is staying in Tzefas. During the Rosh Chodesh Sivan davening, he recited Bircas Hagomel with great emotion, thanking Hashem for the tremendous miracle.

Chassidim have also been stirred by what they describe as a remarkable occurrence during the Torah reading this past Shabbos. While with his father, Rav Yisroel Yosef received the final aliyah of the parsha, which concludes with the words, “And they shall not come to see when the holy vessels are covered, lest they die.” Immediately afterward, the Rebbe reportedly called him over and pointed out that the Targum translates the passage with the phrase “and they shall not die,” emphasizing the words: “and they shall not come to see when the holy vessels are covered, and they shall not die.”

{Matzav.com}

Following the Knesset’s approval of a law authorizing the death penalty for terrorists, Hamas leadership in Gaza circulated an internal message among operatives calling for the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers and urging the group’s military wing to escalate active operations.

According to the contents of the document, which were published Monday evening by Israeli media outlet Kan News, Hamas described the newly approved legislation as the only proof that abducting Israeli soldiers remains the sole effective means of securing the release of Palestinian prisoners.

In the message, Hamas sharply condemned the law, referring to it as a “fascist law” and accusing Israel of acting like a violent criminal organization.

The document described the legislation as a “fascist law that is nothing but a reflection of the blood-soaked nature of this occupation… and embodies the mentality of bloodthirsty criminal gangs.”

The letter also invoked the legacy of Hamas founder Ahmed Yassin and former Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, presenting the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers as a core strategic doctrine of the organization.

“From the will of Sheikh Imam Ahmed Yassin, who outlined with blood and unwavering faith the strategy of ‘kidnapping soldiers’ as the sole path to freedom… and remember the martyr commander Mohammed Deif, who turned the release of prisoners into a doctrine of warfare,” the document stated.

Hamas leadership also warned that any harm to Palestinian prisoners would trigger a broad regional escalation, while claiming the organization had already prepared military responses.

“Any harm to the life of a prisoner is an explosive charge that will trigger the eruption of a comprehensive volcano, which will leave nothing and spare nothing… through what this pure land conceals in its depths, ‘hidden secrets’ that will shake the earth beneath their feet.”

Toward the end of the letter, Hamas called on its armed wing to raise its level of readiness and move from preparation to direct action, insisting that freedom can only be achieved through force.

“The battle against the jailers is not being fought only within prison walls, but is your battle in the field. Raise the level of alertness, and let our response be an act the enemy will see with its own eyes before hearing about it, for freedom is taken by force of arms.”

{Matzav.com}

While several leading Jewish organizations are planning to boycott New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Jewish Heritage Month celebration at Gracie Mansion over his anti-Israel rhetoric, Satmar askan Rabbi Moshe Dovid Niederman confirmed he will attend the gathering, the NY Post reports.

At least three prominent Jewish figures and organizations have decided to skip the event, arguing that Mamdani’s statements regarding Israel and Zionism are incompatible with a celebration of Jewish heritage.

In a statement, the UJA-Federation of New York, which describes itself as the world’s largest local philanthropy, announced it would not participate.

“We will not be attending the Jewish American Heritage Month celebration at Gracie Mansion being hosted by a mayor who denies a core pillar of our heritage — the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people,” the organization said.

Mark Treyger, whose organization oversees the annual Israel Day Parade, also said he would not attend the mayor’s event.

“It’s a really telling and concerning sign of where things stand in New York City right now,” Treyger, a former Brooklyn councilman, told The NY Post on Sunday.

Treyger accused Mamdani of further escalating tensions Friday after releasing a social media statement criticizing the founding of Israel shortly before many Jewish New Yorkers began observing Shabbos.

Mamdani, who has long been outspoken in his criticism of Israel, marked “Nakba Day” — commemorated by Palestinians as the “catastrophe” surrounding Israel’s establishment on May 14, 1948 — with a Friday evening social media post featuring a professionally produced interview with city resident and “Nakba survivor” Inea Bushnaq.

“The mayor issued a social media production which omitted significant parts of history. It only inflamed tensions further,” Treyger said.

He added that the post came immediately after anti-Israel demonstrations outside a prominent Park Avenue synagogue in Manhattan and outside Young Israel Senior Services in Midwood, Brooklyn.

Treyger also pointed to Friday’s arrest of a suspected terrorist allegedly linked to Iran’s military who authorities say was planning an attack targeting a synagogue in New York City.

“We’re looking for leadership that New Yorkers deserve to lower the temperature and bring people together — now more than ever,” Treyger said.

Joseph Potasnik likewise announced he would not attend the Gracie Mansion event.

“Jewish heritage should include recognition of the state of Israel,” Potasnik said. “Jewish history didn’t end in 1946 … We will be marching in the Israel Day Parade to express our support for Israel.”

Last week, former Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind publicly urged Jewish leaders to boycott the event as tensions between Mamdani and segments of the Jewish community continue growing.

Despite the backlash, Rabbi Moshe Dovid Niederman, head of Satmar’s United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg, confirmed that he intends to participate.

“I am going. It’s right and appropriate,” Niederman.

Niederman previously met with Mamdani at City Hall in March.

Mamdani’s office defended the mayor’s relationship with Jewish communities across the city, insisting he has made outreach and security a major priority since entering office.

“Since taking office, Mayor Mamdani has made it a priority to consistently show up for and build relationships across New York City’s Jewish communities — celebrating holidays and engaging with Jewish life across neighborhoods and traditions while taking steps to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe,” Mamdani spokesman Sam Raskin said.

“Monday’s Shavuot celebration at Gracie Mansion is one of many ways the mayor is engaging with Jewish New Yorkers, and he looks forward to welcoming the full breadth of the Jewish community, across the political and religious spectrum, on Monday.”

City Hall said approximately 150 attendees representing a broad range of New York’s Jewish community are expected to participate in Monday’s celebration.

Mamdani’s administration also pointed to its budget proposal allocating $26 million toward hate-crime prevention programs — an increase of more than 800 percent — which officials say fulfills a campaign pledge to combat antisemitism.

At the same time, the mayor recently confirmed he will not attend this year’s Israel Day Parade.

Mamdani supports the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel and does not recognize Israel as a Jewish state. Critics have also accused him of associating with individuals they consider antisemitic.

{Matzav.com}