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Authorities have released all the names of the nine people killed when a ballistic missile launched from Iran struck a residential area in Beit Shemesh, marking the deadliest single strike in Israel since the current conflict with Iran began.

The missile leveled a shul and caused massive destruction to a public bomb shelter located beneath it, along with severe damage to nearby homes. In total, nine people were killed and more than 40 others were wounded when the estimated 500-kilogram warhead made a direct impact.

Those killed included three teenage siblings, a mother and her adult daughter, a mother and her adult son, a 16-year-old boy, and a man.

The Beit Shemesh attack was the deadliest missile strike inside Israel during the ongoing hostilities. A day earlier, Philippine national Mary Anne Velasquez de Vera, 32, was killed in a missile strike in Tel Aviv.

The IDF said the Israeli Air Force is investigating why the missile was not intercepted. Air defense systems were activated, but for reasons that remain unclear, the interceptors failed to bring down the projectile before it hit its target.

Even during some of the funerals, as victims were being laid to rest, additional missile fire from Iran forced mourners to seek shelter once again.

Ronit Elimelech, 45, and her mother, Sara, were among those killed in the strike. Elimelech volunteered with United Hatzalah, and emergency crews responding to the scene discovered her medical vest and equipment among the debris.

According to a statement from United Hatzalah, Elimelech and her three children had been visiting her parents’ home in Beit Shemesh. When sirens sounded, they entered the public shelter beneath the shul, which was later destroyed in the blast.

Rescue teams pulled two of Elimelech’s children from the rubble and transported them to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Yerushalayim with light to moderate injuries. A third child was not hurt, and Sara’s husband was also located unharmed.

“Ronit joined United Hatzalah after her young son asked her to volunteer as his birthday gift. I met them personally, and they hold a very special place in our hearts,” Eli Beer, president of United Hatzalah, wrote on X before Elimelech’s death was formally announced.

He later shared how her son Itamar, who is autistic, had requested on his 11th birthday that his mother become a volunteer. “Itamar was so proud of his mother,” Beer wrote.

Among the victims were siblings Yaakov Biton, 16, Avigail Biton, 15, and Sara Biton, 13. Hundreds attended their funeral Monday night. Their father described the moment the missile struck, calling it a “tremendous explosion,” according to Hebrew media. He said his first instinct was to protect his youngest daughter.

Drawing a parallel to the Torah account of the Akeidah, he said, “Avrohom Avinu bound one son, I bound three. I bound my son Yaakov, my daughter Avigail and my daughter Sara. God wanted to take these holy souls.”

Their grandmother, Lilian, remembered them as “pure children who only knew how to do good. They grew up in a home of only good and happiness and love of country.”

At the funeral, according to Arutz Sheva, she cried out, “Creator of worlds, these holy children have come to you. Bring redemption.”

Oren Katz was also identified by the Beit Shemesh municipality as one of the victims. He is survived by his wife, children, and a brother, according to a local news report.

He was buried Monday. During the funeral, his son Yosef delivered a eulogy, saying, “You were always a special person who cared for everyone, not only yourself.”

“Yesterday you came home in the middle of the workday so we’d have something to eat for lunch. I’m glad I had the privilege to eat your food for the last time,” he said. “You told us we were your reason for living.”

Sixteen-year-old Gavriel Baruch Ravach was another victim identified by municipal officials. According to a local outlet, his father had previously contributed to and been involved in building the very synagogue that was destroyed in the same missile strike that claimed his son’s life.

Bruria Cohen was killed together with her adult son Yosef. A Beit Shemesh news site reported that Yosef was widely known in the community for his devotion to caring for his mother.

{Matzav.com}

In light of the war with Iran, the Gerer Chassidus has issued firm instructions ahead of Purim, prohibiting public gatherings and large-scale celebrations. The directive was delivered via a recorded message sent to thousands of bochurim in the chassidus’ yeshivos.

In the recording, the bochurim were informed that the yeshivos will not be organizing any official Purim activities this year, and that each individual should celebrate at home. They were specifically instructed to conduct themselves “without garatchke in the streets,” making clear that there should be no public revelry or commotion outdoors.

Additionally, the bochurim were asked not to dance in the streets, not to travel from city to city to attend festive meals, and not to arrange independent minyanim. Rather, they were directed to daven only in established shtieblach.

It was further clarified that bochurim may visit members of the yeshivah staff, but not in large groups, and that any seudah gatherings should take place only in small groups.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF has issued an evacuation notice to the Evin neighborhood of Tehran, located near the IRIB broadcasting building.

CENTCOM Update: Six U.S. service members have been killed in action. U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran’s initial attacks in the region.

Ah Freilichen Purim, Rabbosai. Ah! Krias megillah by the world’s most popular daf yomi maggid shiur, Rabbi Eli Stefansky.

IRGC Advisor Brigadier General Sardar Ebrahim Jabbari: Strait of Hormuz is closed. Anyone who wants to pass, our self-sacrificing heroes in the IRGC Navy and the Army will set those ships on fire.

El Al announced Monday evening that it will not begin operating flights to Taba at this time, citing the absence of authorization from Israeli security officials.

In a statement released by the airline, the company made clear that it will not operate any flights without explicit security clearance. The announcement also stressed that a severe travel warning remains in effect for Egypt, and that Israeli carriers are barred from flying to the country.

El Al emphasized that it follows the directives of the relevant security authorities without exception and that passenger safety takes precedence over every other consideration.

Following the reopening of Ben Gurion Airport, the airline reiterated its commitment to bringing all of its customers back to Israel at no extra cost from more than 20 destinations worldwide.

At the same time, it was reported that Wizz Air will take part in the evacuation efforts and will bolster its service to Sharm El Sheikh beginning Friday.

{Matzav.com}

The head of Israel’s Intelligence Directorate, Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, declared that Israel will continue striking senior enemy figures and expanding its target list, stating that recent operations delivered a clear and uncompromising message to its adversaries.

Maj. Gen. Binder made the remarks Monday during an intelligence situation assessment held at the Intelligence Directorate’s Command Center, where he met with commanders and personnel from the Research Division to review ongoing operations and future objectives.

Addressing those present, Binder described the operational capabilities that enabled Israeli forces to act with speed and precision.

“We could tactically surprise them, beginning at an unexpected hour and catching our enemies mid-gatherings. In 40 seconds, we eliminated more than 40 of the most important people in Iran…and we are not finished. You must continue to set these targets and mark them. Just last night we achieved another such accomplishment, and we intend to add to the list every day.”

He framed the recent actions within the broader context of the war over the past two years, emphasizing the strategic message being conveyed.

“Looking at the past two years of the war, I believe we are sending a very clear message to our enemies – there is no place where we will not find them.”

Binder concluded with a direct warning to those who threaten Israel and its citizens.

“Anyone who chooses to engage in such actions against the State of Israel, against the residents of the State of Israel, against our future here, we will find them, and we will eliminate them.”

{Matzav.com}

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted amid the U.S. and Israeli offensive against Iran — dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — finds that roughly one in four Americans approve of President Trump’s decision to order military strikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The national survey, conducted Saturday and Sunday in […]

As Klal Yisroel prepares to celebrate Purim with simcha, Rav Boruch Hirschfeld, Rosh Kollel of Torah Life Institute in Cleveland, is encouraging ways to elevate the Yom Tov while keeping Acheinu Bais Yisroel in mind. Rav Hirschfeld offered two simple suggestions: 1. Increase limud torah on Purim — each person according to his level — […]

The Yerushalayim Municipality has introduced a new emergency notification system tailored specifically for residents who use kosher phones and do not have access to smartphone apps or standard digital alerts.

The initiative, launched at the direction of Mayor Moshe Lion, is designed to automatically place phone calls to those who register for the service. Subscribers receive two types of recorded voice updates: an advance warning prior to the sounding of a siren in their area, and a follow-up message informing them when the security incident has concluded.

One of the system’s central features is its ability to send localized alerts based on specific neighborhoods, rather than issuing blanket notifications citywide. In addition, the system has been structured in a manner that complies with halachic requirements, enabling it to function on Shabbos and Yomim Tovim in a permissible way.

“It is important to ensure that those who choose a lifestyle without a smartphone receive the earliest possible warning so they can reach a protected space safely,” Lion stressed.

In the wake of the recent tragedy in Beit Shemesh, where residents lost their lives despite following official directives, Lion stressed the critical importance of remaining inside a protected room, describing it as “life-saving and an obligation upon every individual.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s leaders are scrambling to replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years before he was killed in the surprise U.S. and Israeli bombardment. It’s only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that a new supreme leader is being chosen. Potential candidates range from hard-liners committed to confrontation with the West to […]

Iranian state media released a video purportedly showing Iranian forces shooting down an Israeli Heron drone.

PURIM BEGINS IN ERETZ YISROEL: Harav Dov Landau shlit”a seen in Shul this evening at Krias Megillah.

Banging when reading “Haman” at the Minyan of the Yenuka tonight.

Video shows the aftermath at Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery following Iranian drone strikes earlier today.

Head of the Intelligence Directorate, MG Shlomi Binder: “We are sending a clear message to our enemies — there is no place where we will not find them. In 40 seconds, we eliminated more than 40 of the most important people in Iran — and we are not finished.”

As Purim approaches in the shadow of the current war, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, has released detailed pesakim addressing how to properly observe the mitzvos of Purim during the current military operation.

In recent days, hundreds of she’eilos have been presented to the Rishon LeTzion in light of the wartime situation. In response, he issued clear guidance on how to fulfill the mitzvos of Purim this year, with particular focus on the proper observance of Krias Megillas Esther under security restrictions.

First and foremost, the Rishon LeTzion stressed that it is self-evident that one must strictly adhere to all instructions issued by Pikud HaOref, as these directives are life-saving and fall under the obligation of “v’nishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem.”

Accordingly, he ruled that during these days it is essential to remain in locations that are in close proximity to a protected space. One should not conduct simchas Purim in areas that are not immediately near an accessible shelter.

Regarding Krias HaMegillah, the Rishon LeTzion clarified that one does not fulfill the obligation by listening through technological means such as “radio,” “Zoom,” “telephone,” or any other electronic medium — even if it is a live broadcast heard in real time. The obligation is fulfilled only through direct hearing from the baal koreh, without any intermediary device.

Therefore, he ruled that Krias HaMegillah in batei knesses and batei medrash should take place only in locations that are immediately adjacent to a protected area capable of accommodating all participants, or alternatively in shelters themselves.

If a siren sounds during the Krias HaMegillah, the entire tzibbur must immediately proceed to a shelter or protected space and pause the reading. They should make every effort not to speak during the interruption. If feasible, the reading may continue in the protected area. If this is not possible, the Megillah reading should resume in the bais knesses once Pikud HaOref authorizes a return to routine activity.

The Rishon LeTzion further ruled that if the reading was interrupted in order to seek shelter — even if there was speech during the interruption, and even if a lengthy amount of time passed, sufficient to complete the entire Megillah — upon returning, the baal koreh should resume from the exact point where he stopped, without reciting the berachos again. However, if the interruption and speech occurred immediately after the initial berachos and before the reading itself began, the berachos must be repeated, with the exception of Shehecheyanu.

If the tzibbur already heard the majority of the Megillah — defined as six chapters — and then were required to disperse to their homes, they may complete the remaining portion by reading from a Chumash at home.

Women, who are equally obligated in Krias HaMegillah, must also ensure that they hear the reading from a baal koreh in a protected location or one close to a shelter, in accordance with Pikud HaOref regulations.

Concerning the concluding berachah of Harav Es Riveinu, it may only be recited in the presence of a minyan. Even ten women may combine for this purpose. If, b’dieved, there was speech between the conclusion of the reading and the final berachah — for example, if the congregation had to evacuate to a protected space before the berachah — upon returning to the place of reading, if a tzibbur of ten is present, the berachah of Harav Es Riveinu should be recited, even if conversation took place in the interim.

Regarding Machatzis HaShekel, as of today, Erev Purim, 13 Adar 5786, the value stands at 101 shekels. One who cannot afford this amount for all household members should at minimum give this sum for himself, and contribute for the rest of his family according to his ability — at the very least three half-shekel coins per person. It is proper to give this amount today, on Taanis Esther, during Minchah, close to the time of Krias HaMegillah. The Rishon LeTzion emphasized the importance of directing these funds to mosdos haTorah that support bnei yeshivos and avreichim.

As for Matanos LaEvyonim, strictly speaking one fulfills the obligation with the value of a perutah. However, it is appropriate to beautify the mitzvah by giving the equivalent of a meal including a drink — approximately 25 shekels per needy individual, totaling 50 shekels for each person above the age of bar or bas mitzvah.

The Rishon LeTzion concluded with a heartfelt tefillah: May the Ribono Shel Olam perform for us nissim v’nifla’os as He did for our forefathers in those days at this time, and may He hasten the arrival of Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days, amein kein yehi ratzon.

{Matzav.com}