Feed aggregator

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Reb Shmuel Beller z”l, a Holocaust survivor who endured the horrors of Auschwitz and the Death March, and who rebuilt his life with remarkable strength, becoming a shining example of emunah, simcha, and ahavas Yisroel.

Reb Shmuel was born on August 9, 1927, in Oświęcim, Poland—the very town that would later become known to the world as Auschwitz. It was a small town of approximately 6,000 residents. He grew up in modest conditions. His father, Reb Tzvi Beller, worked as a peddler selling fabrics across the border, while his mother, Chava (nee Goldstein) cared for the home. The family lived simply, in a small apartment without basic amenities. He had a younger brother and a younger sister, and the home, though materially limited, was rooted in Yiddishkeit.

As a child, he attended public school in the mornings, a co-ed institution under Catholic control, and spent his afternoons learning in the Dumbska yeshivah. That life came to an abrupt halt with the outbreak of the war, when the Nazis entered and took control of the town almost immediately.

Within a year, the family was uprooted from their home and sent to the Bedzin-Sosnowiec Ghetto. Living conditions were harsh and degrading. Jewish families were pushed out of proper housing and forced into cellars with dirt floors, while the Germans confiscated the better apartments.

Reb Shmuel’s father was taken away to a labor camp, leaving him to help support his mother and younger siblings. He was assigned work by the Jewish administration, employed by two German brothers who produced military uniforms. His days were split between cleaning their home and packing uniforms, all while living under constant fear and uncertainty.

As the war progressed, he was sent through a series of forced labor camps. In 1943, when he was slated for transport to Auschwitz, he went into hiding. When the Judenrat could not find him, they took his mother and siblings in his place. After two days in hiding, he emerged—only to narrowly miss that transport. Instead, he was sent to yet another labor camp.

Eventually, he was transferred to increasingly brutal conditions, including Blechhammer, the largest sub-camp of Auschwitz, where he remained for six months. From there, he was forced onto the infamous Death March.

Recounting those harrowing days, Reb Shmuel later described the brutal conditions:
“…Auschwitz they wouldn’t bomb because Roosevelt, Roosevelt, he gave orders not to bomb Auschwitz. After the war I found it out. I didn’t know then. This is something that the historian will tell. But in 1945, the Russians came from Warsaw, from the east, the British and the Americans were coming from the other side and we were like in the middle, so they started to evacuate from there. We went out about three thousand people from there. So they opened up all the ‘magazines’ – they had cloth, they had food. Whatever they had there, they opened them up, and we went in there, whoever was able to grab was able to grab…”

He described the desperate struggle to survive the freezing march, even down to the smallest details that meant the difference between life and death: “…So what I did, I put on two pairs of socks and one pair of socks I kept…Next morning, I put the socks that I had with me, I put them on the top and the other pair of socks I put on the bottom – they were a little wet – and the other socks which were more wet, I took on my body and dried it out…”

The march lasted for weeks under brutal conditions, with those unable to continue being shot on the spot. Reb Shmuel recalled: “…And whoever wasn’t able to walk, he fell down, they shot him on the spot, on the street…”

At one point, risking his life, he slipped into a bakery while passing through a village and grabbed bread, an act that sustained him for a time and helped him continue.

After weeks of marching, the prisoners were packed into cattle cars, 80 to 100 people ,crammed into each wagon without food or proper shelter. They were transported under horrific conditions, including stops at camps such as Gross-Rosen, where prisoners endured prolonged roll calls in freezing weather, beatings, starvation, and constant terror.

He described the unimaginable suffering:“…we had to stay from four o’clock in the morning to maybe ten o’clock at night. If somebody moved, they shot him or they beat him. No food, no sleeping, no nothing…”

Eventually, he was transported toward Buchenwald. Along the way, during an Allied bombing, the guards fled, and prisoners scattered. Reb Shmuel found sugar in an abandoned home—another small but critical moment of survival. “…this survived me for awhile because sugar gives strength…”

He was later liberated by American soldiers, who opened the cattle cars and declared, “You are free.” At that time, he was gravely ill with typhus and spent three months hospitalized recovering.

After the war, he was sent to a camp known as “Fenvelt,” where he lived among Hungarian boys who had arrived later and retained their Yiddishkeit. These boys had a profound impact on him, helping bring him back to a life of Torah and mitzvos. They even brought him to the Klausenberger Rebbe, helping rekindle his connection to Yiddishkeit after all he had endured.

He later spent time in a Displaced Persons camp before eventually emigrating to the United States, where he resumed his learning in yeshivah, determined to rebuild what had been destroyed.

Reb Shmuel ultimately settled in Flatbush, where he became known as a vibrant, warm, and energetic Yid whose presence uplifted all those around him. He was deeply devoted b’lev v’nefesh to the bais medrash of Rav Spector zt”l on Avenue S and East 7th Street, attending davening in all conditions and doing whatever he could to support and strengthen the shul.

His home was a place of simcha, chinuch, and genuine Torah values—a home filled with mentchlichkeit, warmth, and care. Those who knew him saw a man who, despite all he had endured, radiated life, joy, and love for every fellow Yid.

To witness a person who went through such darkness and emerged as an extraordinary eved Hashem, filled with ahavas Yisroel, love of mitzvos, and a deep appreciation for life, was to see the power of a Yiddishe neshomah. With tremendous siyata diShmaya, and with the support of his devoted eizer kenegdo, he rebuilt, creating a legacy of strength, faith, and unwavering dedication to Torah.

He is survived by his devoted children: Mr. Heshy Beller, Mrs. Chavi Greenstein, R’ Mayer Beller, and Ms. Lila Beller. The family will be sitting shivah in Monsey at 140 Horton Drive.

The levaya will be held at 10 a.m. this morning at Shomrei Hadas Chapels in Boro Park.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s ambassador to the United States said Sunday that growing unrest inside Iran could ultimately lead to the collapse of the Islamic Republic, arguing that the Iranian people themselves may rise up against the regime.

Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Ambassador Michael Leiter suggested that any meaningful change on the ground would need to come from within Iran. “I think that we need boots on the ground, but they have got to be Iranian boots, and I think they’re coming,” Leiter said.

He pointed to recent unrest as a sign of deeper dissatisfaction among the population, saying, “probably it’s going to take place, because the Iranian people have had enough. They tried to raise up last month. They were brutally put down.”

Leiter compared the current situation to past historical upheavals, noting that major regime changes often come unexpectedly. “There’s a point of combustion. Look, nobody knew when the Soviet Union would collapse. Nobody knew when the Romanians would turn their guns against their Ceausescu government. But it happened at some point. And if we degrade them enough, the people of Iran are going to say we have had enough and we want a different regime.”

He emphasized that the current focus should remain on weakening Iran’s leadership to the point where it can no longer maintain control. “what we have to focus on now is degrading [Iran] to the point where they have no power left in this regime. Hopefully, that will trigger this combustion point where the people are able to take charge of their own lives. Our focus has to be on degrading this regime to the point where they no longer pose a threat to us, to the region and to the world.”

Leiter also warned about the dangers posed by Iran’s military capabilities and regional influence, stressing the urgency of preventing further escalation. “we cannot allow this regime to move forward with nuclear weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and terrorists spreading throughout the region,” he said.

He concluded by underscoring the broader threat posed by Iran’s leadership, adding that “we cannot live anymore with a country that is malign, that has intent on destroying us, that declares it’s going to destroy us all the time and is now firing ballistic missiles into all of its neighbors. This has to stop.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s foreign minister said Sunday that Tehran will not yield to pressure, pushing back against an ultimatum from President Donald Trump demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or facing potential U.S. strikes on Iranian power facilities.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded in a social media post, insisting that the waterway remains open and placing blame for disruptions on the current conflict. “Strait of Hormuz is not closed. Ships hesitate because insurers fear the war of choice you initiated – not Iran,” Araghchi wrote.

He continued with a pointed message toward Washington, stating, “No insurer – and no Iranian – will be swayed by more threats. Try respect. Freedom of Navigation cannot exist without Freedom of Trade. Respect both – or expect neither.”

The remarks followed a statement from President Trump a day earlier, in which he gave Iran a 48-hour deadline to fully reopen the strategic passage or face military consequences targeting its energy infrastructure.

“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” the President wrote in a post on Truth Social.

In response, Iranian officials issued their own warning, saying that any attack on the country’s energy systems would trigger a broad strike against American and Israeli assets throughout the region.

“If Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked by the enemy, all energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure belonging to the United States and the (Israeli) regime in the region will be targeted,” a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said in remarks carried by Iran’s Fars news agency.

Meanwhile, President Trump indicated Friday that U.S. forces are nearing their objectives in the ongoing campaign against what he called the “terrorist regime of Iran,” suggesting that operations could soon begin to wind down.

His comments came shortly after he told reporters he is not seeking a ceasefire at this stage of the conflict.

“I don’t want to do a ceasefire. You know you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side,” he said.

Several ambulances belonging to Hatzolah Northwest were set ablaze outside a shul in London’s Golders Green neighborhood early Monday morning, in what is being treated as a likely antisemitic attack.

Security camera footage shared with CNN shows three masked individuals approaching a Hatzolah Northwest ambulance and deliberately setting it on fire. The timestamp on the footage reads 1:36 a.m. Monday, and the location is identified as Machzikei Hadath, the name of the adjacent shul.

BREAKING: Video shows 3 hooded men poor gas, ignite the blaze and flee the scene of a massive Hatzolah ambulance arson attack in Golders Green, London. pic.twitter.com/STpJojH7tz

— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) March 23, 2026

A local resident, Charlie Richards, told CNN that she heard “multiple explosions since 2:00 a.m.” Footage she recorded captured a large burst of orange flames followed by thick smoke rising into the sky.

Golders Green, known for its large and established Jewish community, is home to numerous shuls, mosdos, and kosher establishments, making the incident particularly disturbing for local residents.

London’s fire services confirmed to CNN that crews responded to an incident in the Golders Green area. A spokesperson said that at this stage they could not verify the cause of the fire or confirm whether an explosion had taken place.

The attack comes amid a noticeable increase in antisemitic incidents across London in recent years. Just last month, a Jewish-owned bakery was vandalized following a pro-Palestinian Arab protest in which the business was accused of “funding Israel.”

In December, anti-Israel demonstrators targeted another bakery in London owned by Israelis.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2035904750181314663

In November, police were forced to relocate an anti-Israel protest away from St. John’s Wood shul after dozens of protesters gathered outside.

A month earlier, an Israeli academic delivering a lecture at City St. George’s, University of London, had his class disrupted when anti-Israel activists stormed the room, shouting accusations and issuing threats.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

LISTEN:

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

LISTEN:

Air raid sirens sounded across central and southern Israel shortly after midnight early Monday, after Iran launched a missile equipped with a splitting warhead. The projectile was successfully intercepted, and no injuries were reported, though debris fell in several locations.

Falling fragments were documented in a number of areas in central Israel. Reports indicated impacts in Bnei Brak and Moshav Gat Rimon, while additional damage from debris was reported in Petach Tikva.

תיעוד התפזרות רסיסי טיל מצרר מעל שמי הארץ

(אורלי אלקלעי) pic.twitter.com/QVp9W9HDbj

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) March 22, 2026

Earlier Sunday evening, warning sirens were activated twice in northern Israel following additional launches from Iran. Those incidents did not result in any injuries or direct hits. According to initial assessments, one of the missiles fired during that barrage landed in Lebanese territory.

IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin addressed the developments Sunday night, speaking about the increased pace of Iranian attacks over the past day.

“We have just gone through a complex day on the home front. The fire from Iran and Lebanon continues. We are deepening and expanding our strikes in Iran and Lebanon. We must not forget – we are fighting against a terrorist regime and its proxies. This is an essential campaign. We have achieved significant successes, but it is also exacting a heavy price from us,” Defrin began.

He also stated that “interceptors were fired in Dimona and Arad, but unfortunately we were unable to intercept the missiles launched. Our investigation has shown that the failures in these incidents are unrelated to one another.”

“The threats we faced tonight are not new. These are missiles that have been fired throughout the operation and which we have successfully intercepted in the past. We investigate every such incident. Over 95% of launches are intercepted,” he added.

An Air Canada flight carrying more than 100 passengers was involved in a serious ground collision at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, striking a fire truck while taxiing after landing, according to initial reports.

The aircraft, identified as Air Canada Flight 8646 arriving from Montreal–Trudeau International Airport, reportedly collided with an airport fire vehicle on a taxiway near Runway 4. Early images from the scene show heavy damage to the nose and front section of the regional jet, a Bombardier CRJ-900.

Emergency crews rushed to the site within minutes, and a large-scale response was immediately underway. Initial reports indicated multiple injuries among those involved, though authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties or the severity of injuries.

Unconfirmed reports circulating shortly after the incident suggested the possibility of at least two fatalities and numerous critically injured victims. Officials have not verified those claims as of this time.

In the aftermath of the collision, operations at LaGuardia Airport were suspended as emergency personnel worked to treat the injured and secure the area. Passengers on board the aircraft were being evacuated as responders assessed the situation.

The U.S. administration has recently conveyed a message to Israel’s political leadership indicating that ongoing military plans could take significantly longer than expected, suggesting the war with Iran is likely to continue for several more weeks.

The message comes amid Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and reflects U.S. assessments that efforts to restore security in the vital waterway will not be resolved quickly.

According to a report aired Sunday on Channel 12 News, American officials told Israeli counterparts that operational plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes—may require an extended period to complete.

The U.S. estimate, as cited in the report, is that the operation could take weeks, meaning the broader conflict with Iran will also be prolonged beyond initial expectations.

Officials in Washington emphasized that their objective goes beyond simply reopening the strait. Instead, they are seeking a broader strategic shift that would prevent Iran from exerting influence over global oil and gas markets. “We want a strategic change, even if it takes time,” American officials said.

This message aligns with the ultimatum issued by President Donald Trump to Iran, warning that if the strait is not reopened within 48 hours, the United States will move to destroy Iranian power stations.

Israel has reportedly been briefed on aspects of the U.S. plans and is involved in certain elements, including intelligence-sharing and advisory support related to operations in the region.

The overall takeaway from the American message is clear: if the U.S. proceeds with its planned actions, the war against Iran is not expected to end soon, but rather continue for an extended period, potentially far longer than originally anticipated.

At the same time, senior Israeli officials say that behind the scenes, a broader diplomatic effort is underway involving Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, aimed at brokering an agreement between President Donald Trump and Iran.

According to a separate report, Trump is concerned that the conflict could conclude in a way that appears to show him conceding over the Strait of Hormuz, and is seeking a different outcome in which Iran is seen as backing down. Israeli officials indicated they will align with the U.S. approach. “We would prefer that the strikes continue, but we will do what he decides. We will know by tomorrow, because Trump’s ultimatum expires tomorrow evening,” the officials said.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu recently held consultations with senior coalition figures to discuss possible dates for upcoming elections, with late October emerging as the leading option despite earlier consideration of moving the vote forward.

According to an Israeli media report, a meeting included Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Education Minister Yoav Kisch, and Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz. During the discussion, October 27 was raised as a potential election date.

The meeting reportedly covered a range of topics, including the possibility of holding elections earlier, with September and October both discussed as viable timeframes.

Participants also explored the option of scheduling elections on a day other than Tuesday, which is typically required under Israel’s Basic Law. As a precedent, they cited the March 2, 2020 election for the 23rd Knesset, which was held on a Monday.

Despite these discussions, Netanyahu is currently inclined to stick with the original timeline and proceed with elections on October 27. This is despite prior talk of avoiding the sensitive month of October.

The prime minister’s thinking, according to the report, is to allow more time to consolidate achievements from the ongoing war, with the expectation that those gains will strengthen public support and improve his chances of victory, even during a politically charged period.

As Israel remains deeply engaged in its military campaign against Iran and faces escalating tensions on its northern front, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, is expected to depart for Washington within the next 24 hours to attend an international summit.

The visit is tied to a conference being organized by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, who is hosting a gathering of first ladies from multiple countries.

The summit is part of a broader global initiative led by Trump, bringing together women from 45 countries along with major technology companies under a program titled “Fostering the Future Together.” The initiative is aimed at advancing child development through education and technology.

According to a White House announcement, the event will open Tuesday at the U.S. State Department and continue the following day at the White House. Representatives from dozens of countries, including Israel, are expected to participate.

The gathering is part of a newly formed international coalition, in which spouses of world leaders are being invited to commit to promoting the responsible use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, for educational purposes and for safeguarding children from online risks.

Participating countries are expected to collaborate with leading technology firms to expand access to advanced educational tools, in some cases at little or no cost. The initiative also includes plans to develop training programs for teachers and parents, as well as efforts to improve digital literacy.

A tense exchange unfolded Sunday in the Knesset Interior Committee between MK Yorai Lahav-Hertzanu of Yesh Atid and MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism, as the two clashed over coalition funding and the condition of hospitals in southern Israel.

The confrontation centered on budget allocations, with Lahav-Hertzanu sharply criticizing the government while pointing to the situation at Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva following recent incidents in Dimona and Arad.

“5 billion are going to corrupt figures and political operatives, and Soroka is being sent to beg for donations,” Lahav-Hertzanu said. He described what he called a severe crisis at the hospital: “Soroka is short more than 1,700 doctors, a third of its operating rooms are not functioning, and 36% of its beds are not in use — this is the state of the only major hospital in the Negev serving more than a million residents.”

He continued, arguing that government priorities are misplaced. “We are told there is no money for a hospital that needs to provide care, but there are 5 billion shekels for coalition funds going to corrupt figures and operatives. Soroka is being forced to collect donations from philanthropists. I am ashamed that this is what the largest hospital in the south looks like.”

Asher rejected the criticism and defended the funding, saying it supports legitimate educational needs. “It’s easiest to call everything coalition funds,” Asher said. “These coalition funds are part of the budget that the State of Israel allocates to certain communities for education. This is exactly something we have fought for over the years — the budgets you are comparing are for education. I was a mayor, and I know how hard I fought for education funding.”

He then accused Lahav-Hertzanu of acting on political instructions. “I’m not going to answer you because I’m sure you were instructed by someone to do this. You received instructions from someone who pushes headlines and doesn’t even reach 6 seats in the polls. We are coming after a disaster, where many of those ‘corrupt people’ you are talking about are in the hospital. You are speaking about an entire ציבור like this. I won’t respond — despite the pain, I will not respond!”

Israeli forces recently discovered a long-abandoned bunker containing thousands of aging bombs, many of which are now being repurposed for use in ongoing military operations against Iran.

According to a Kan News report on Sunday, the explosives—estimated to be more than 50 years old—were originally stockpiled for potential use against Egyptian military targets prior to the 1979 peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. The cache had remained untouched for decades until its recent discovery.

Despite their age and lack of modern guidance systems, the munitions have been deemed usable and are currently being deployed in targeted strikes. The report indicated that the bombs are being dropped on Iranian regime military installations located away from civilian population centers.

Military officials told Kan News that using these older weapons serves a dual purpose: reducing costs by utilizing existing stockpiles and clearing out storage facilities where the bombs had been preserved in relatively stable condition.

Responding to the report, the IDF emphasized that operational decisions regarding weaponry are made carefully and in accordance with safety protocols. “The Air Force operates using a variety of methods and different types of munitions against targets of the Iranian regime. The selection of the type of munitions used is an operational decision, dependent on many factors. The Air Force employs munitions only after a regulated process to verify their usability and to ensure the safety and readiness of ground and air crews.”

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is drawing sharp criticism after attending a Ramadan fast-breaking meal with Muslim inmates on Rikers Island, later calling the visit one of the most significant experiences of his time in office.

The mayor reflected on the visit in a post on X, describing the evening in emotional terms following the Monday appearance, which quickly sparked widespread reaction by the weekend. “It was a night that will stay with me for quite some time,” the city’s first Muslim mayor gushed Friday on X about his under the radar and historic visit on Monday, which by Saturday sparked a firestorm of outrage.

Earlier in the week, Mamdani also spoke about the gathering during an interview, emphasizing its personal importance. “This is one of the most meaningful evenings that I’ve had as the mayor of New York City.”

He framed the visit as an expression of his identity and connection to the city’s Muslim community. “This is me just being a Muslim New Yorker,” continued Mamdani, who has made a point to emphasize and promote his Muslim identity as mayor. “And I think there are some for whom that is a political act, and there are a million or so of us here in this city for whom it is simply a day-to-day existence.”

The visit has drawn criticism from law enforcement sources and others who argue the mayor is focusing more on inmates than victims of crime.

One longtime NYPD officer voiced strong objections to the mayor’s priorities. “He actually visited inmates on Rikers but hasn’t visited any victims of the heinous crimes some of these guys have committed,” said an NYPD veteran of 20 years. “I think it’s absolutely disgusting.

“We clearly know he doesn’t like us. He’s already made his stance clear on that. Even after we get clear extensive video of the guy trying to knife the police officers in Queens, he visited the criminal’s family in that case too!,” raged the police veteran.

The officer was referencing Mamdani’s visit last month to the family of Jabez Chakraborty, who was shot by police in Queens after allegedly attacking officers with a large knife.

Another law enforcement source raised concerns about the mayor’s actions in light of recent attacks on police officers. “He can go visit the inmates at Rikers, but he can’t go visit a cop who gets injured? That’s not right,” said another law enforcement source, referring to cops hurt earlier this month responding to an ISIS-inspired attempted terrorist attack outside the mayor’s home at Gracie Mansion.

The same source added a pointed remark about the city’s direction. “I think next year there’ll be nobody to visit because he’s going to let everybody out of jail. Maybe he was going there to tell them we’re reducing everybody’s sentences,” the source said.

The Rikers visit was one of 17 iftar meals the mayor attended across the city through Thursday, marking the first time a sitting New York City mayor has observed Ramadan at the jail complex.

Mamdani shared images from the visit showing him alongside Department of Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards interacting with detainees during the meal. He described the atmosphere in his post. “People sharing what little they have: breaking bread, offering prayer, making space for one another’s dignity even in the hardest place,” Mamdani wrote on X, posting photos alongside Department of Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards, gladhanding with dozens of detainees as they gobbled packaged meals.

Councilman Yusef Salaam, a practicing Muslim and member of the exonerated “Central Park Five,” also joined the mayor for the event.

Public criticism extended beyond law enforcement circles. Author Daniel Friedman questioned the mayor’s judgment in a post online. “You have to be an absolute monster to be sent to Rikers Island these days,” he wrote on X.

He added further criticism of those being held there. “Offenders on Rikers all have long histories of doing things so horrible that even the woke, pro-crime judges and prosecutors in NYC don’t want to be responsible for what they’ll do if they let them go.”

Sam Antar, a convicted fraudster and former executive at electronics chain Crazy Eddie, also criticized Mamdani’s approach. “If you commit a violent crime in NYC, Zohran Mamdani has your back,” he wrote on X,.

City Hall did not respond to requests for comment on the backlash, though the Department of Correction said the event did not cost taxpayers anything, noting that the food served at the gathering had been donated.

Iran is reportedly charging some oil tankers as much as $2 million to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a move seen as an effort to tighten its grip on one of the world’s most critical maritime routes.

The development was highlighted by Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, who told state broadcaster IRIB that the hefty fee represents a shift in how Tehran is asserting control over the strategic waterway, according to Iran International.

Speaking during a televised program, Boroujerdi framed the policy as a demonstration of national strength. “Collecting $2 million as transit fees from some vessels crossing the strait reflects Iran’s strength,” Boroujerdi said during a television program cited by Iranian media.

He added that the policy is already in effect and described it as part of a broader change in how Iran governs the passage after years of relative openness. The member of parliament’s national security committee also said the measure has already been implemented and reflects what he called a new “sovereign regime” in the strait after decades, the outlet said.

Boroujerdi justified the move as a wartime necessity tied to rising costs. “Now, because war has costs, naturally we must do this and take transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

His remarks followed a warning issued by President Donald Trump, who said the United States could take military action against Iranian infrastructure if the strait is not fully reopened within a set timeframe.

“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 hours from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump said in a post shared on Truth Social.

Iranian officials have meanwhile signaled that access to the strait remains conditional. Tehran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization indicated that passage is permitted only under certain circumstances, while President Masoud Pezeshkian outlined the country’s stance publicly.

“The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil,” he said.

Industry reports suggest that Iran has effectively created a controlled transit system, offering select vessels passage in exchange for approval and, in some cases, significant payments. According to Lloyd’s List, this arrangement includes a designated “safe” corridor, with “at least one case, a reported $2m payment,” it said.

Multiple countries—including China, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Iraq—are reportedly engaged in discussions with Tehran over securing transit access, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard establishes a system to vet and register approved ships.

Data from maritime intelligence firm Windward AI indicates a sharp decline in activity through the strait, with traffic described as severely reduced in recent days.

“16 AIS-visible crossings recorded over the past seven days.”

The firm also noted that movement through the area is increasingly restricted, with ships rerouting through Iranian territorial waters. Energy exports from the Gulf have dropped, with shipments of crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas reaching low levels.

Despite these disruptions, Iranian exports have continued through alternative channels. “Iranian exports remain active, supported by alternative routing and sustained on-water volumes,” Windward said.

Under normal conditions, the Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day and about 20% of global liquefied natural gas shipments. The current situation has driven up transportation and insurance costs, contributed to rising oil prices, and heightened concerns about the global economy.

Windward also noted that Russian oil exports remain high, underscoring the continued importance of maritime routes for global energy supply.

{Matzav.com}

A new statewide survey indicates that California voters are showing little enthusiasm for Kamala Harris as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, while Gov. Gavin Newsom holds an early lead but still faces challenges.

The poll, released Friday by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, found Harris lagging behind several Democratic figures, including Newsom, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Just 9% of respondents in California named Harris as their top choice for the party’s nomination.

Newsom placed first in the survey, with 28% of voters selecting him as their preferred candidate. Still, analysts say that level of support raises concerns. Mark DiCamillo, who directs the Berkeley IGS Poll, noted to the Los Angeles Times that backing from only about a quarter of voters in his home state is far from overwhelming.

The survey also revealed that fewer than half of Californians currently approve of Newsom’s performance as governor, with his approval rating standing at 48%.

That figure represents a decline from 51% in August, DiCamillo said, while the governor’s disapproval rating has risen by five percentage points over the same period.

Researchers gathered the data from 5,019 registered voters across California, conducting the survey online in both English and Spanish between March 9 and March 14.

The poll’s margin of error is approximately plus or minus 2.5 percentage points for the full sample.

Although Newsom and Harris have never faced each other in a statewide contest, both could end up competing in the Democratic presidential primary in 2028.

When factoring in second-choice preferences, Newsom’s advantage grows even larger. He garners support from 42% of voters when combining first- and second-choice responses, compared to just 20% for Harris.

Neither politician has formally declared plans for a presidential run. Newsom is expected to leave office after the 2026 gubernatorial election, while Harris is currently traveling to promote her book, “107 Days.”

The findings add to growing indications that many Democratic voters are moving on from Harris following her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election, which she has attributed in part to having insufficient time to campaign.

This comes despite Harris’ long-standing presence in California politics, where she previously served as attorney general for two terms and later as a U.S. senator for four years.

The poll also found that Newsom outperformed Harris among African American voters, leading her by 12 points, 49% to 37%. His strongest backing came from older voters, Latino voters, and men.

G. Cristina Mora, co-director of the IGS poll, said Newsom’s sharper tone toward Trump may be resonating with Democratic voters.

“The results seem to suggest that Newsom’s more aggressive stance vis-à-vis President Trump, particularly through social media, appears to be resonating with Democratic voters in his home state,” she said.

“Though Californians may hold mixed views on his gubernatorial tenure overall, they do see him as the strongest counter to Trump and MAGA candidates.”

Mora added that Harris’ lower numbers may be influenced by both her previous electoral defeat and broader voter attitudes.

“Harris’ earlier presidential defeat, compounded by what appear to be persistent voter biases against women and candidates of color, may also be shaping these early numbers,” Mora concluded.

New details indicate that Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, played a significant role in a democratic socialist campaign that supported candidates critical of Israel and promoted legislation targeting pro-Israel charities, the NY Post reports.

According to the report, Duwaji—whom Mamdani has insisted is not a public figure—contributed artwork to the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America during its rollout of a campaign known as “PalestineOnTheBallot.com.”

The initiative encouraged voters to support Democratic primary candidates who rejected financial backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and pledged to endorse the Not on Our Dime Act, a proposal aimed at penalizing or shutting down charities accused of supporting “Israeli settler violence.” The legislation had been introduced by Mamdani during his tenure as a state Assemblyman.

Campaign messaging circulated widely on social media platforms, urging political engagement around the issue. “The Democratic primary is on June 25 and Palestine is on the Ballot, even for your NY State Reps,” the animated message on TikTok and Instagram for the DSA said.

The posts continued with a series of pointed questions directed at voters. “Are your New York Reps pro-ceasefire? Do they want to end subsidies for Israeli war crimes? Are they taking money from AIPAC of NY?”

The campaign materials included an interactive component allowing users to review the positions of their elected officials, alongside stylized visuals credited to Duwaji.

Another message encouraged direct political action. “Go to Palestine.com to see where they stand. Then, make your voting plan and get out the vote for pro-Palestinian socialists who need your support,” the pitch said.

The materials explicitly credited her contribution. “Animation by Rama Duwaji.”

The same campaign website also urged volunteers to assist former Congressman Jamaal Bowman’s reelection bid, which ultimately ended in defeat when he lost the Democratic primary to George Latimer.

The report comes amid renewed scrutiny of Duwaji’s past online activity, including resurfaced social media interactions in which she reportedly engaged with posts supportive of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, praised Palestinian militants, and criticized the U.S. military.

She has also been linked to providing illustrations for an author accused of antisemitism, according to prior reporting.

Critics argue that her involvement in the DSA campaign reflects a broader ideological alignment between her and the mayor. One such critic, former Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind, spoke sharply about the couple.

“They’re both filled with vile hatred for the Jewish people of Israel,” said Dov Hikind, a former Brooklyn state Assemblyman who represented heavily orthodox Jewish Borough Park and founded Americans Against Antisemitism.

He went further in his criticism of Duwaji’s positions. “The first lady is more radical than Mamdani is and that’s saying quite a lot. She’s dangerous and he’s dangerous. They’re radical Islamists. What a great couple. Mazel Tov!”

Mamdani, who is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, previously held a prominent role within the group during his time in Albany. The organization was also among the first to support his successful mayoral campaign.

Duwaji’s involvement in public political advocacy appears to contrast with Mamdani’s recent assertion that his wife is a private individual, a claim he made earlier this month following reports about her views and affiliations, according to critics.

“Does anybody believe she’s a private citizen?” Hikind said.

Observers say her work on the Palestine on the Ballot campaign demonstrates a visible and active role in political messaging aligned with pro-Palestinian causes, including criticism of Israel and allegations of “war crimes.”

At the same time, Mamdani’s own positions on Israel have drawn continued attention. He supports the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement targeting Israel, which the Anti-Defamation League has described as antisemitic due to its goal of isolating and weakening the Jewish state.

The mayor has also stated that he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu if he were to visit New York, describing him as a war criminal.

Most recently, during St. Patrick’s Day remarks last week, Mamdani again accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza—just one day after meeting with Orthodox Jewish leaders and pledging to combat antisemitism in the city.

{Matzav.com}

A product recall in Israel has been announced for a Pringles snack after a labeling mistake raised concerns about undeclared allergens that could endanger sensitive consumers.

Ben Shalosh Import and Export Ltd. said the issue was discovered following customer complaints, which revealed that packages of Pringles Chili Cheese Fries were mistakenly labeled in Hebrew as Pringles Original—a product that does not contain milk or soy.

In reality, the Chili Cheese Fries variety does include milk and soy ingredients, making it potentially dangerous for individuals with allergies to those substances. The company emphasized that the problem is limited to incorrect labeling, but due to the possible health risk, the product is being pulled from shelves immediately.

The affected item is Pringles Chili Cheese Fries, 158 grams, barcode 038000279201, with an expiration date of January 1, 2027.

The product is manufactured by Kellogg’s USA and imported by Ben Shalosh Import and Export Ltd.

The Health Ministry is advising consumers who are allergic to milk, gluten, or soy not to consume the product under any circumstances. The company is working in coordination with the Northern District Food Service and is actively collecting all affected units from the market.

Customers who purchased the product and wish to return it for a refund can contact customer service at 052-8194838 or by email at ebshloosh@gmail.com.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Sunday that the United States is prepared to consider a full range of responses as tensions with Iran intensify, including possible strikes on nuclear facilities and other key infrastructure.

Speaking in an interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Waltz made clear that no course of action has been ruled out by the administration. “Well, I would never take anything off the table for the president, certainly not on national television,” Waltz told CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”

He noted that Iran maintains multiple significant energy sites that could factor into any future action. “However, there are larger plants,” he added. “There is one outside of Tehran. There are others outside of other cities that are gas-fired, thermal-powered.”

Waltz also pointed to the central role played by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, describing it as a designated terrorist entity with sweeping control over the country’s infrastructure and governance. He emphasized that its influence extends deeply into Iran’s economy and military systems. “So to the extent we are degrading their military capability and their defense industrial base, all options should be on the table, and the president has made that very clear,” Waltz said.

His remarks followed warnings from President Donald Trump, who has called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and indicated that failure to do so could prompt U.S. military action targeting strategic infrastructure.

According to Waltz, the administration is combining diplomatic coordination with allies and increased military pressure in response to the situation. “The president has been clear, too,” he said. “He’s going to continue to pound Iran’s capabilities, its missiles, its naval [capabilities], and its drone capability.”

He highlighted growing cooperation from international partners, including European countries and Japan, aimed at safeguarding global energy routes, while underscoring that threats to maritime trade will not be tolerated. “At the same time, the president is not going to stand for this regime, as it has threatened and tried for five decades to hold the world’s energy supplies hostage under its genocidal intent,” Waltz said.

When asked about the legal and humanitarian implications of targeting infrastructure linked to energy or nuclear activity, Waltz argued that Iran’s military and civilian systems are closely intertwined. “When you have a regime that has its grip on so much critical infrastructure, that is using it to further not only the repression of its own people, to attack its neighbors, and in contravention of U.N. sanctions, to march towards a nuclear weapon, then that makes those legitimate targets,” Waltz said.

He cautioned that allowing Iran to advance its nuclear program could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability. “It should petrify every American that you could potentially have a nuclear Middle East awash in weapons,” Waltz said.

Waltz added that the administration is acting proactively to prevent that outcome, rather than waiting until Iran achieves full nuclear capability. “No one should be surprised here. President Trump has said Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Waltz said.