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An extraordinary story of hashgacha pratis unfolded last Friday in Kiryas Yoel, Monroe, when a young man who was called in off the street to complete a minyan at a last-minute bris milah was revealed to be the prospective chosson in a shidduch that had been on the verge of falling apart.

The shidduch had already reached its final stages, with both sides planning to meet on Motzaei Shabbos to finalize the remaining details. However, on Friday afternoon, the kallah’s mother heard a troubling report claiming that the bochur was “short.” This raised doubts in her mind, and the question of whether to proceed with the shidduch suddenly became very real.

Seeking clarity, the kallah’s father went to consult with the Satmar Rebbe. Those at the Rebbe’s home understood the urgency of the situation and arranged for the concerned father to meet with the Rebbe half an hour before candle-lighting time.

At the same time, at the Eishes Chayil recovery center, veteran mohel Reb Aharon Weiss noticed that one of the infants there had reached his eighth day and was due for a bris milah. The originally scheduled mohel had postponed the procedure, claiming the baby was suffering from jaundice. Reb Aharon, however, determined that the child was fit for a bris without concern.

Reb Aharon contacted the baby’s father, and with Shabbos fast approaching and the original mohel unavailable, he suggested an unconventional solution: “Go to the Rebbe’s home. The Rebbe is an expert mohel, and it will also be easier to quickly arrange a minyan there.”

Just minutes before the onset of Shabbos, the Rebbe’s home became the setting for a remarkable scene. Preparations for the bris moved quickly: the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin served as kvatter, while the Rebbe himself acted as both sandek and mohel. Yet one essential element was missing — a minyan. At that moment, only eight men were present.

At that very moment, the kallah’s father arrived for his scheduled meeting, bringing the count to nine. One of the household bochurim rushed outside to find a tenth person to complete the minyan.

The person who happened to be passing by at that exact moment was none other than the very bochur in question. Unaware that his future father-in-law was inside, he agreed to come in and complete the minyan for the mitzvah.

The kallah’s father immediately recognized the bochur and quietly signaled to his wife, who was nearby, to take a look. The mother, who had only hours earlier been concerned about his height, observed him and responded with surprise: “This is what they call short? Not at all. The rumor was far from the truth.”

With that, all doubts disappeared. In the uplifting atmosphere of the bris milah at the Rebbe’s home, the matter came full circle in a striking way. The shidduch was soon finalized, as hashgacha pratis connected a bris milah with the building of a new Jewish home.

The story highlights the remarkable ways in which Hakadosh Baruch Hu orchestrates events. A postponed bris, a mohel’s creative solution, a father seeking guidance at the last moment, and a bochur passing by at precisely the right time all came together to form a powerful account of hashgacha pratis.

{Matzav.com}

[Videos below.] New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani drew criticism Wednesday after offering what observers described as a notably restrained welcome to King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their visit to the city, a departure from the warm receptions traditionally extended by past mayors.

Although Mamdani appeared cordial while greeting Charles at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, the interaction followed remarks he made earlier in the day suggesting he would urge the monarch to return a controversial diamond tied to Britain’s colonial past.

The 77-year-old king, making his first visit to New York in nearly two decades, smiled as he shook Mamdani’s hand and said, “Thank you,” after participating in a wreath-laying ceremony honoring victims of the September 11 attacks.

The brief exchange between the mayor and the king appeared friendly on the surface, as they spoke for a short time while Michael Bloomberg, who chairs the memorial, stood nearby. Members of the press were kept at a distance, according to video footage.

Details of their conversation were not disclosed. A spokesperson for City Hall said only that the two leaders “exchanged pleasantries.” Mamdani departed the event roughly an hour after arriving.

Earlier, during a separate press appearance, the 34-year-old democratic socialist was asked what message he might deliver if given the opportunity to speak with the king.

“If I was to speak to the king… I would probably encourage him to return the Kohinoor diamond,” Mamdani quipped — referring to one of the worlds’ largest cut diamonds, which was taken from India and is now part of the British Crown Jewels.

The Kohinoor diamond, weighing 105 carats and housed in the Tower of London, has a long and turbulent history, having passed between rulers over centuries. It is widely viewed by critics as a relic of imperial conquest, with some even describing it as “cursed.”

Mamdani’s tone toward the royal visit drew backlash from some political observers, who argued that the mayor’s approach was inappropriate for such a diplomatic occasion.

“The sitting mayor of New York City shouldn’t give us a history lesson while politicizing the visit of the sitting King of England. He should’ve enthusiastically welcomed him, not reluctantly,” said Ken Frydman, a Democratic operative and former spokesman for former mayor Rudy Giuliani.

“We know the history,” he added. “No one has forgotten colonialism.”

Another longtime political figure said Mamdani missed an opportunity to showcase hospitality, especially if he hopes to follow in the footsteps of admired predecessors.

“Mamdani should have invited the royals to Gracie Mansion. The royals are very popular in this country,” said George Arzt, who served as press secretary to former Mayor Ed Koch.

“LaGuardia met the royals and wined and dined them. If he wants to emulate LaGuardia, he should do what LaGuardia did with the royals.”

Historical precedent underscores the contrast. Fiorello LaGuardia personally welcomed King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939, escorting them through the city and encouraging public participation in their visit.

In 1957, Robert Wagner organized a ticker-tape parade for Queen Elizabeth II, while Abe Beame’s family welcomed her with flowers during a later visit.

When Queen Elizabeth II returned in 2010, Bloomberg delivered a glowing speech highlighting the historic ties between New York and the British monarchy.

‘[We’re] ’grateful for your friendship, leadership and support,” Bloomberg gushed to her at the British Garden at Hanover Square, the last stop on her one-day tour that also included a speech at the United Nations and a similar ceremony at Ground Zero.

Bloomberg and Giuliani were later honored by the late queen with knighthoods.

Mamdani’s handling of the current visit stood in contrast even before the event began. He initially declined to confirm whether he would attend the memorial ceremony, only announcing days later that he would be present, while making minimal mention of the royal guests.

“I will be attending the wreath-laying … to pay tribute to the more than 3,000 who were killed in the horrific terror attacks of Sept. 11,” Mamdani said Monday. “And that will be the extent of my meeting with the king and with others who are present.”

The mayor’s ideological views, including his criticism of British imperial history — which he has described as a “story of oppression, subjugation and discrimination” — have further shaped perceptions of his stance toward the monarchy.

Meanwhile, political alliances surrounding Mamdani have also drawn attention. Jeremy Corbyn and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, both left-leaning members of the British Parliament, met with local allies in New York during the visit. Corbyn, who previously faced allegations of antisemitism, had volunteered for Mamdani’s campaign.

At Wednesday’s press conference, Mamdani reiterated his focus on the solemn purpose of the day when asked again about his message to the king.

“If you have a moment to chat with King Charles today down at the World Trade Center Memorial, how do you deepen your role as mayor? Do you see it as being sort of a polite, diplomatic moment? You just say hello and welcome, or is there anything else you can say to him? Do you have a specific message you might want to deliver?” the reporter asked.

The mayor replied, “I’ll be attending a wreath laying alongside a number of other elected officials, including Governor [Kathy] Hochul and Governor [Mikie] Sherrill. And the focus of that wreath laying is to honor the more than 3,000 New Yorkers who were killed in the horrific terror attacks of September 11, and that’s what I’m really looking to do at that event.”

Pressed further, he returned to his earlier remark.

“You haven’t thought about anything you might say?”

“If I was to speak to the king, separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Kohinoor Diamond,” Mamdani responded.

Later, King Charles and Queen Camilla were escorted into the memorial by Bloomberg, where they placed white flowers near the reflecting pools and observed a moment of silence.

The couple, dressed in coordinated navy attire, also spent time with families of victims from the September 11 attacks. Uniformed firefighters and police officers stood nearby during the visit.

They greeted Hochul and Sherrill before meeting Mamdani, appearing to spend a somewhat longer moment in conversation with the mayor than with other officials.

Beth Hillman, president and CEO of the memorial, described the visit as deeply meaningful.

“9/11 was an attack on people around the world. It hit hardest here in New York City, but 67 citizens of the United Kingdom were killed on that day. People from 90 countries were killed along with all the Americans,” she told The NY Post.

“It’s an important way to demonstrate resilience, to demonstrate unity and to remind people of the ways we can come together and that seems something that the Crown has worked to do.”

Charles’ trip marked his first return to New York since visiting with Queen Elizabeth II in 2007, when they toured Harlem’s Promise Academy and interacted with students.

The previous visit by a reigning British monarch came in 2010, when Queen Elizabeth II traveled to Ground Zero during a severe heat wave to lay a wreath.

That visit closely mirrored the current one, as she was joined by Bloomberg and then-Gov. David Paterson, and met with families of first responders who lost their lives in the attacks.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey, challenging a recently enacted law that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks during routine operations, arguing that the state does not have the power to regulate federal agents.

The measure, signed into law in March by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, was widely seen as targeting federal immigration officers, particularly those with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who have come under scrutiny for frequently concealing their identities while carrying out enforcement actions.

Opponents of the practice argue that agents use face coverings to avoid being held accountable for forceful enforcement tactics, and warn that masking also makes it easier for civilians to impersonate officers. Federal officials counter that masks are necessary to protect agents, citing what they describe as a growing number of threats against personnel.

“Officers face a choice of whether to unmask and identify themselves when it may be dangerous to themselves, others, and the operation, or face the threat of enforcement,” states the lawsuit. “Either option presents serious risks and harms and purposefully works to chill the enforcement of federal law.”

Under the statute, law enforcement officers at the local, state, and federal levels are generally barred from wearing face coverings during routine duties, though the law provides exemptions for undercover assignments and situations involving credible threats.

In response, state Attorney General Jennifer Davenport defended the law, calling it both lawful and necessary, and vowed to fight the federal challenge.

“The New Jersey Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act protects both law enforcement and the public by limiting the use of masking while including careful exceptions to protect law enforcement safety and operational needs,” Davenport said. “To this day, the Federal Government still cannot explain when its officials need to mask or forgo identification in violation of this law, or why they actually need to do so, particularly given the serious safety concerns inherent in anonymized policing.”

Federal attorneys contend that New Jersey’s statute closely mirrors a similar law in California that was struck down, arguing that it improperly interferes with federal authority. State lawmakers, however, maintain that their version is broader and more carefully structured, applying uniformly to all law enforcement agencies, and therefore stands on firmer legal ground.

They also referenced a prior ruling by a federal appeals court that found New Jersey could not block private prison companies from partnering with the federal government to operate immigration detention facilities.

“New Jersey has steadfastly refused to learn this lesson,” the lawsuit states. “S3114 is even more obviously unconstitutional, as it directly, purposefully, and dangerously regulates all federal law enforcement officers in the performance of their official federal duties. Such blatant disregard for the Constitution is not merely a political statement, but is instead deliberate action that jeopardizes the public safety of all Americans.”

The case, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, names the state, Sherrill, and Davenport as defendants. The complaint asks the court to strike down the law and prevent the state from enforcing it.

The filing also makes clear that federal authorities do not intend to follow the law, even if it remains in place.

“To be clear, the Federal Government will not comply with this blatantly unconstitutional law,” the complaint states. “But the threat of enforcement by Defendants chills individual officers from protecting themselves and performing their duties. The consequences for public safety are severe.”

The lawsuit marks the latest in a growing series of legal clashes between New Jersey and the Trump administration. The state has taken part in dozens of cases challenging federal policies, while the administration has pursued its own legal actions against the state, including disputes over immigration enforcement and access to voter data.

“New Jersey responded thoughtfully and carefully to these profound public safety concerns, and we look forward to responding in court,” Davenport said. “The Federal Government’s contrary approach will only undermine public trust and accountability, and make it easier for criminals to impersonate our officers.”

{Matzav.com}

A bipartisan House resolution introduced on Wednesday condemns antisemitic rhetoric by online personalities, including far-left streamer Hasan Piker and conservative commentator Candace Owens, and calls for stronger action from public officials and social media platforms to counter hate speech.

The measure, introduced by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), denounces “antisemitic hate-filled rhetoric and content disseminated by prominent online personalities” and urges elected officials to “unequivocally condemn antisemitism,” including when amplified by high-profile media figures.

Piker is cited in the resolution for past antisemitic comments, including referring to Orthodox Jews as “inbred.” The Anti-Defamation League has said he “has a history of rhetoric that sanitizes violence and denigrates Jewish people” and has “expressed support for designated terrorist organizations and antisemitic ideas on many occasions.”

Owens, also named in the measure, is described as promoting conspiracy theories about Jews and Israel. The ADL has said she “actively amplifies antisemitic figures on her shows,” giving a platform to individuals who have praised Hitler, trivialized the Holocaust or promoted “Jewish mafia” narratives. Owens was named “Antisemite of the Year” in 2024 by the group StopAntisemitism.

“Hatred is hatred, period. It doesn’t matter whether it comes from the far right or the far left,” Gottheimer stated. “We cannot be selective in calling out antisemitism. When influential voices spread conspiracy theories, promote terrorism or dehumanize Jewish people, it fuels real-world violence and intimidation. We must stand up and speak out.”

Owens has an estimated 35 million followers across platforms, while Piker has about 11.5 million, according to the ADL.

“With an audience of millions, they have a responsibility to confront hatred and bigotry in every form, not to amplify it to the masses,” Lawler said. “So if they won’t call it out, I will.” JNS

{Matzav.com}

The city of Netanya is mourning the petirah of Rav Mordechai Yosef Silberberg zt”l, a longtime mechanech and respected figure in the Kiryat Sanz community, who passed away at the age of 84. He was widely known for shaping generations of students and for his deep connection to Torah learning and teaching.

Rav Silberberg was regarded as a unique personality who blended the worlds of Torah scholarship and chassidus rooted in earlier generations. He was born in the Old City of Yerushalayim on June 18, 1942, to his father, Rav Chaim Menachem, a close talmid of the author of Chovos HaTalmidim of Piaseczna, and his mother, Leah Rivka Speizman. From his home, he absorbed a strong foundation in spiritual growth and avodas Hashem.

At just 11 years old, he was sent by his father to study at the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva in Lod, where he advanced significantly in both Torah and chassidus under the guidance of the renowned mashgiach Rav Chaim Shlomo Kesselman, who instilled in him a lifelong sense of dedication and self-sacrifice.

As a young man, Rav Silberberg traveled extensively, reaching out to children and bringing them closer to Torah observance. Together with the rav of Bnei Brak, Rav Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau, he helped establish the first Talmud Torah in Rishon LeZion. He later taught Torah at the Tifrach Yeshiva.

In 1970, he married Esther Hershkovitz, a distinguished mechaneches in her own right. At their wedding, the Sanzer Rebbe, Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Halberstam, the Shefa Chaim, was the mesader kiddushin. The couple later settled in Kiryat Sanz in Netanya, where Rav Silberberg remained closely connected to his rabbeim throughout his life.

He was known for his unwavering commitment to tefillah, especially his daily participation in Shacharis at neitz, which he approached with deep reverence.

A modest individual, he avoided personal recognition, dedicating himself entirely to Torah learning and service of Hashem. He was admired for his refined character, often mediating between people with calmness and warmth, and treating everyone with respect and kindness.

Even after retiring, Rav Silberberg remained active, continuing to learn Torah and deliver shiurim to the public until his final days. For decades, he stood alongside his wife in her leadership roles as head of chinuch institutions in Kiryat Sanz and within the Yachad network. He contributed to shaping the institutions’ educational philosophy and assisted in preparing talks for talmidim. He devoted significant time to studying the teachings of Polish chassidic dynasties, particularly those of Kozhnitz, Grodzisk, and Piaseczna.

He is survived by a large and accomplished family, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who continue in his path of Torah and mitzvos.

The levayah was held at the main beis medrash in Kiryat Sanz, Netanya, proceeding to the clocal emetery for burial.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Florida lawmakers have passed a revised congressional map that is expected to give Republicans a significant advantage, potentially adding four seats to their total in the U.S. House ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

The plan now heads to the desk of Ron DeSantis for approval, positioning it as a political win for President Donald Trump, who resides in Florida, as Republicans seek to maintain control of Congress.

The legislative action came shortly after the Supreme Court of the United States issued a 6-3 ruling that reduced the strength of the Voting Rights Act. DeSantis pointed to that decision as grounds for revisiting and altering the state’s congressional districts mid-decade.

DeSantis welcomed the ruling, stating it “invalidates” the provisions of the Florida Constitution “requiring the use of race in redistricting.”

The measure passed strictly along party lines, with Republicans supporting the new map and Democrats opposing it.

At present, Florida’s congressional delegation includes 20 Republican-held seats and seven held by Democrats, along with one vacant seat that leans Democratic. Under the newly approved plan, Republicans could gain a total of 24 favorable districts.

The redrawn map would remove four seats currently held by Democrats, including one each in the Tampa and Orlando regions and two in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Legal challenges are expected, and the case could serve as an early test of how courts apply the Supreme Court’s recent decision.

Florida’s move is part of a broader national struggle over redistricting, as both parties work to shape congressional boundaries to their advantage.

Republicans in states like Florida and Texas are attempting to offset Democratic-led efforts in states such as Virginia and California, where new maps are likely to benefit Democrats.

Democrats would need to gain just three additional seats in November to take control of the House, increasing the stakes for both sides as they pursue favorable district lines.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on Wednesday also gave Republicans momentum by striking down a majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana and limiting the reach of the Voting Rights Act, opening the door for map changes in several Southern states.

However, Florida may be one of the few Southern states able to implement new district maps in time for this election cycle. In states like South Carolina and Mississippi, filing deadlines have already passed, and preparations for primary elections are already underway.

{Matzav.com}

A Minneapolis daycare tied to a sweeping federal fraud investigation was found sitting empty on Wednesday, one day after FBI agents raided the site along with roughly 20 other locations as part of a massive probe into alleged abuse of social services programs in Minnesota, the NY Post reports.

The facility, known as the “Quality Learing Center,” appeared deserted, with its original misspelled signage removed and replaced by a notice alerting passersby that the premises are under video surveillance.

The structure itself has also undergone visible changes. Once painted a light green shade, the exterior has since been redone in a muted blue tone. Newly posted “no trespassing” signs now flank the entrance, signaling that the property is no longer in operation.

Items scattered around the site added to the sense of abandonment. Striped hula hoops were seen discarded in a dumpster, while a lone stroller sat unused in the parking lot.

A security guard stationed nearby said he had never observed children entering or exiting the building and noted that, according to information he received, the center had shut down earlier this year.

“It’s been deserted for three years from what I found out from management. It’s interesting,” he told The NY Post.

“I wasn’t even sure what was there.”

Questions about the legitimacy of the center first surfaced in December after a video posted by YouTuber Nick Shirley suggested the location was inactive at the time.

A nearby resident echoed those concerns, saying they had not seen any children at the site until reporters began asking questions, at which point activity at the facility suddenly increased.

“That parking lot is empty all the time, and I was under the impression that place is permanently closed,” they said.

Looking through the glass entrance revealed little indication of regular operations, with only a grimy tile floor visible and boxes piled randomly in a hallway and near what appeared to be a front desk.

Federal authorities executed the raid on Tuesday as part of a broader investigation into suspected fraud involving social services funds, with the Trump administration estimating potential losses in Minnesota alone could reach $19 billion.

Prosecutors have already brought charges in related schemes. Since September, seven individuals have been indicted for allegedly enlisting members of the Somali community to sign up children for nonexistent autism services, generating approximately $14 million in fraudulent payments.

In a separate but related case, at least 65 defendants have been charged in the so-called Feeding Our Future scandal, which allegedly siphoned off roughly $250 million in taxpayer funds. Numerous defendants have entered guilty pleas in that case, which federal prosecutors began pursuing during the Biden administration.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is again pressing for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, arguing that such a decision would significantly boost Herzog’s stature.

Speaking in an interview with Axios, Trump said that if Herzog were to pardon Netanyahu, it would elevate him in the eyes of the public. “I like the guy, Herzog,” Trump said. “He will be a national hero if he gives Bibi a pardon. I will very much appreciate it.”

Trump also revealed that he had a conversation with Netanyahu on Tuesday night, during which the prime minister mentioned his ongoing corruption trial and that he was scheduled to return to court the next day. Trump voiced frustration over the situation, saying: “In the middle of a war? Give me a break.”

According to Trump, the legal case against Netanyahu is harming Israel’s reputation. He brushed aside the accusations, describing them as involving “wine and cigars,” and added: “Bibi is a wartime prime minister. He can’t have this hanging over his head.”

The president has repeatedly called for Netanyahu to receive a pardon in recent months, characterizing the trial as a “witch hunt” and drawing comparisons to his own legal battles.

Earlier in the week, Herzog convened Netanyahu’s legal representatives along with the attorney general and state prosecutor to explore possible ways to resolve the case. Herzog has made clear that he does not intend to consider issuing a pardon until those discussions are completed.

Trump, however, expressed doubt that a compromise solution would work, saying Netanyahu “can’t take” such a deal and instead needs a full pardon.

Netanyahu continues to deny all allegations and has given no indication that he is prepared to admit any wrongdoing, which is a legal prerequisite for receiving a presidential pardon in Israel. Any plea deal could also impose limits on his ability to remain in public office.

In earlier comments reported by Axios, Trump had taken a harsher tone toward Herzog over the matter, although in his most recent remarks his approach appeared more restrained.

{Matzav.com}

Concern is growing at Yeshivas Banecha Shavim in Gilo after one of its talmidim was arrested earlier this week by the Military Police and sentenced to 20 days in a military prison. Speaking with Nati Kalish on Kol Chai’s News Anash program, Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yehuda Menachem recounted the details of the arrest, the family’s distress, and his concerns about the pressure the bochur may face in custody.

According to Rav Menachem, the day began routinely, but when the bochur failed to show up for learning, it became clear that he had been taken during the night.

“At 3:30 in the morning they came to the house, loud banging on the door. They are simple people, they were frightened, they opened — and they simply took him,” he said. He added that the bochur was cut off from any communication for an entire day: “He was only given the right to call today. The parents didn’t know where he was”.

Rav Menachem described the bochur as a gentle, quiet, and well-liked young man. “An intelligent student, loves Torah, doesn’t harm anyone,” he said. He explained that the family is unfamiliar with legal and military systems, and that the yeshiva has taken on the responsibility of helping them navigate the situation. “We are their only help. Even the connection to the lawyer is being handled by us.”

In response to the situation, the yeshiva has begun organized tefillos for his release. “We distributed tefillah sheets, asking for a close salvation,” Rav Menachem said. At the same time, he expressed serious concern about the emotional strain on the bochur. “We are afraid he will break. He is delicate, sensitive, not equipped to deal with this pressure machine”.

Concluding the interview, Rav Menachem stressed that the yeshiva will continue supporting both the bochur and his family until he is released. “It pains us very much. We hope to hear good news.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was granted a unique heter halachah by his rav, Rabbi Dov Lior, permitting him to enter the entirety of Har Habayis, including areas that are ordinarily off-limits to the broader public due to their heightened kedushah.

The matter came to light following a visit by Ben-Gvir to the home of Rav Lior, who serves as the manhig ruchani of the Otzma Yehudit party.

It should be pointed out that all the leading poskim of this and previous generations have forbidden entry to the Har Habayis.

During their meeting, Rav Lior presented a detailed map outlining the halachically permitted route for those ascending Har Habayis, highlighting the importance of remaining strictly within those designated areas to avoid entering places that are assur due to their sanctity. In general, Rav Lior allows visits to Har Habayis only under specific conditions—limited to the permitted pathways and following proper tevilah in a mikvah.

However, the rav explained—according to a report in Matzav Haruach—that Minister Ben-Gvir’s situation is distinct from that of the general public. Due to his position within the Israeli government, a separate psak applies to him, rooted in the concept of “sovereign control” of the State of Israel and the Jewish people over the Har Habayis. Based on this reasoning, he is allowed to enter even those areas where there exists a halachic prohibition for others.

Rav Lior elaborated on the reasoning behind this ruling, stating: “This is done through the importance of the concept of sovereignty of the State of Israel and the Jewish people on the Har Habayis, expressed by a minister of the State of Israel ascending and demonstrating presence in these places. Of course, it is desirable to do so with as much solemnity as possible, befitting these holy sites.”

{Matzav.com}

Two Jewish men injured in a terror stabbing in London on Wednesday have been identified, as communal leaders urge the public to daven for their recovery following the attack targeting visibly Jewish individuals.

The victims, Moshe Rand (34) and Moshe Shine (76), were attacked in broad daylight by a terrorist while on their way back from Shacharis.

The incident took place in the Golders Green area of north London, a neighborhood with a large Jewish population, where a knife-wielding assailant attacked passersby in what authorities have classified as a terror incident. The victims sustained serious injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, released the names of the injured and called for tefillos on their behalf.

“Please join me in praying for a swift and complete recovery for the victims of today’s attack: Nachman Moshe ben Chaya Sarah and Moshe ben Baila,” the Chief Rabbi wrote.

Police apprehended the suspect at the scene shortly after the attack. Authorities indicated that the assailant deliberately targeted Jewish victims, and the case is being investigated as an act of terrorism.

The stabbing comes amid heightened concern within the Jewish community in London following a rise in antisemitic incidents in recent months. Community leaders and security organizations have increased vigilance, while calling for continued tefillah and support for the victims as they recover.

Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The criminal case filed Tuesday against David Morens, a longtime adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci, has intensified demands that federal prosecutors bring charges against Fauci over his past testimony to Congress regarding U.S.-funded research in China before the COVID-19 outbreak.

With the statute of limitations set to expire on May 11, authorities have roughly two weeks remaining to pursue potential charges tied to Fauci’s sworn denial that he supported “gain of function” research involving bat coronaviruses in Wuhan, the same city where the pandemic first emerged.

Morens, 78, is now facing multiple federal counts, including conspiracy, as well as allegations of destroying, altering, or falsifying records tied to government investigations, and concealing or removing materials connected to inquiries into COVID-19’s origins. If convicted on all charges, he could receive a sentence of up to 51 years.

Critics argue that Fauci, 85, should face greater scrutiny, contending that ultimate responsibility lies with him. They say the case against Morens only underscores broader concerns about Fauci’s conduct and should lead to direct legal action.

President Trump said in a March 31 phone interview with The Post that he planned to “look into” Fauci’s situation. Republican officials have also indicated that acting attorney general Todd Blanche, who is seeking to keep the role permanently, may consider challenging the validity of preemptive pardons issued by President Joe Biden, including one granted to Fauci using an autopen.

“99% of this country has no idea who Morens is,” said Oversight Project President Mike Howell. “It’s Fauci that they will blame for one of the worst government catastrophes in history in America. And so the test is Fauci. The Morens indictment is great, and we applaud it. But there are a lot of people out there that want to see Fauci held to account for the damage he wrought.”

Howell, whose organization previously submitted a proposed indictment against Morens to the Justice Department, argued that the adviser’s actions were closely tied to Fauci’s leadership.

“[Fauci] lied about one of the most damaging events in American history routinely and was behind a massive coverup of the key factors,” Howell said.

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has publicly accused Fauci of misleading Congress, said investigators have been reviewing evidence for an extended period and claimed the current administration has been more transparent.

“we’ve been looking through a lot of information on this for the last year or so. The Trump administration has been much more forthcoming than the Biden administration ever was.”

Paul said there may be grounds for multiple charges.

“On Anthony Fauci’s case, we think lying to Congress is one felony,” Paul said in an interview on Tuesday. “We also think that destroying federal records and advising others to destroy federal records is also a felony. So I think there’s opportunity there… There was a vast both organized and unorganized conspiracy to cover up the fact that the US government was funding the research that led to the pandemic.”

Questions surrounding Biden’s use of an autopen to issue pardons have also become part of the debate. Trump has argued that Biden’s condition at the time may have prevented him from knowingly authorizing those pardons, raising the possibility of legal challenges.

Biden, however, told the New York Times last year that he was aware of the pardons.

Paul said testing the legitimacy of those pardons would likely require prosecuting someone who had already been granted clemency.

“To determine the validity of those pardons, ‘you would have to indict somebody who’s been pardoned. And I think it’s worth a challenge,’” Paul said. “There’s some questions that have never been asked before. Is the pardon power so broad that you can pardon people for a period of time and not for a conviction? [Fauci’s pardon is] for a decade period of time for unspecified crimes.”

He added that Biden’s awareness at the time could become a key issue.

“You’d have to determine whether [Biden] was aware these pardons happened… My guess is that somebody around him will make him aware of which pardons he did by the time they get to trial, [but what matters is] whether he was aware at the time.”

“I’m for pushing it to find out, and I think the only way to find out is to take it before a court.”

Paul also suggested that any actions taken after the pardon could still expose Fauci to legal jeopardy.

“it might involve the question of conspiracy charges.”

If convicted of lying to Congress, Fauci could face up to five years in prison, with additional penalties possible if conspiracy charges are pursued.

Neil McCabe, who previously worked in the Trump Justice Department, said earlier DOJ leadership had accepted the validity of Biden’s clemency actions.

“from the beginning, Trump’s DOJ recognized and enforced Biden’s autopen clemencies — even the tranches [of prison commutations] that extended into the current administration.”

“Trump said anything done by autopen was invalid, so let’s see how [Blanche] handles it now that it is his decision,” McCabe added.

Fauci served as Biden’s top medical adviser in 2021 and 2022 and was widely seen early in the pandemic as a leading public health voice. However, critics have pointed to changing guidance over time, including evolving recommendations on mask usage.

On his final full day in office, Biden issued Fauci a broad pardon covering “any offenses” dating back to 2014.

Attempts to reach Fauci for comment were unsuccessful, though a voicemail was left at a number believed to be associated with him. The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment.

During the pandemic, Fauci was frequently praised and became a prominent public figure, even as debates over his guidance and statements intensified. His high-profile exchanges with Paul drew widespread attention, particularly as public opinion at the time largely favored Fauci.

At a Senate hearing on May 11, 2021, Fauci firmly denied that his agency funded gain-of-function work in Wuhan.

“The [National Institutes of Health] and [National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases] categorically has not funded gain of function research to be conducted in the Wuhan Institute of Virology,” Fauci said at a Senate committee hearing on May 11, 2021, during a tense exchange with Paul. “You are entire, entirely and completely incorrect… the NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain of function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology.”

He stood by that statement at a subsequent hearing.

“I do not retract that statement” and angrily pointing his finger at Paul, shouting, “if anybody’s lying here, senator, it is you!”

Later disclosures added new context to the debate. Documents released in 2021 indicated that EcoHealth Alliance had used federal grant money from Fauci’s agency to support research in Wuhan involving modified bat coronaviruses.

According to those materials, experiments showed that certain altered viruses became more infectious in lab mice engineered to mimic human biology.

 “They twice submitted summaries of their work that showed that, when in the lungs of genetically engineered mice, three altered bat coronaviruses at times reproduced far more quickly than the original virus on which they were based,” The Intercept revealed. “The researchers reported, ‘These results demonstrate varying pathogenicity of SARSr-CoVs with different spike proteins in humanized mice.’”

Testimony delivered to Congress in 2024 has drawn renewed attention to the U.S. government’s involvement in research conducted in Wuhan, adding to the ongoing debate over how the COVID-19 pandemic began.

During a House committee hearing, NIH principal deputy director Lawrence Tabak acknowledged federal funding tied to gain-of-function work in China. “Dr. Tabak, did NIH fund gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology through EcoHealth?” asked Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.). “It depends on your definition of gain-of-function research,” Tabak answered. “If you’re speaking about the generic term, yes, we did.”

Questions surrounding the origins of COVID-19 remain unresolved, in part because Chinese authorities have not permitted an independent international probe. Within the U.S. government, some officials continue to view a laboratory leak in China as a plausible explanation for the outbreak.

{Matzav.com}

[Videos below.] King Charles III and Queen Camilla began their time in New York City on Wednesday with a solemn visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, where they paid tribute to those killed in the 2001 terror attacks and met with family members of the victims.

The memorial visit came as part of a packed itinerary during the couple’s four-day trip to the United States, marking 250 years since American independence. It also marks the first time a sitting British monarch has traveled to New York City since Queen Elizabeth II made the trip in 2010.

Arriving by motorcade, the king and queen were welcomed by officials at the site and joined by Michael Bloomberg. Together, they walked toward one of the parapets surrounding the twin reflecting pools, where the names of the victims are inscribed. King Charles placed a floral tribute along the edge.

Following the ceremony, the royal couple greeted and spoke with a line of attendees that included relatives of those who died in the September 11 attacks and first responders. Some family members displayed photographs of their loved ones. Also present were Zohran Mamdani, Kathy Hochul, Mikie Sherrill, and other dignitaries. The visit comes ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

Consistent with longstanding custom, Charles and Camilla did not deliver public remarks during their time at the memorial. The site traditionally does not host speeches by political figures or visiting dignitaries, reserving commemorative events for voices of victims’ families and loved ones.

Later in the day, the queen was scheduled to stop at the New York Public Library, where she planned to present a new Roo doll to join the institution’s well-known collection of Winnie-the-Pooh memorabilia, coinciding with the character’s 100th anniversary.

The existing display includes five original stuffed animals—Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, and Kanga—which inspired the characters in the children’s stories written by A. A. Milne. These toys once belonged to his son, Christopher Robin, during the 1920s, and were later donated to the library in 1987, where they remain a centerpiece of its children’s literature collection. In the stories, Roo is portrayed as Kanga’s young kangaroo son.

Meanwhile, the king was expected to visit a youth-focused urban farming initiative that supports communities facing food insecurity, and later meet with business and financial leaders in Manhattan.

The couple is also scheduled to attend an event connected to the The Prince’s Trust, a charity established by Charles in 1976.

This visit marks Charles’ first official trip to the United States since ascending the throne. Over the years, Queen Elizabeth II made four such visits during her reign.

Earlier in the week, the king and queen joined President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for tea at the White House.

On Tuesday, Charles held a private meeting with Trump in the Oval Office, followed by a speech before Congress—the first time a British monarch has addressed the body since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991—and later attended a formal state dinner hosted at the White House.

Before concluding their trip, the royal couple is expected to make additional stops in Virginia and return to Washington, where they will take part in a formal farewell ceremony hosted by Trump on Thursday. Afterward, Charles is set to travel alone to Bermuda, marking his first visit there as king.

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{Matzav.com}

A new national survey finds Democrats holding a clear advantage over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot, with a 10-point lead as the party benefits from stronger backing among key voter groups.

According to polling released Wednesday by Emerson College Polling, 50% of respondents said they would support a Democratic candidate for Congress, compared to 40% who favored a Republican. Another 10% of those surveyed said they have not yet decided.

Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said the Democratic edge is being fueled by growing support among several demographic groups.

“Democrats’ strength is driven by an increase in support among Hispanic voters, women, and independents,” Emerson College Polling executive director Spencer Kimball said. “Hispanics break for Democrats [over Republicans] by a 35-point margin, 61% to 26%, women by 21 points, 55% to 34%, and independents by 19 points, 50% to 31%.”

The survey also examined public views on President Donald Trump, showing his approval rating at 40% among likely voters, while 56% disapprove. Compared to March, that reflects a two-point drop in approval and a five-point increase in disapproval. The poll was conducted prior to the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Kimball also highlighted a shift among Hispanic voters in their views of Trump.

“Trump is underwater among Hispanic voters, 70% to 29%, compared to this time last year when they were split: 44% disapproved, and 41% approved,” Kimball said.

Respondents in the survey also expressed negative views of Trump’s performance on several major issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and immigration, where disapproval outweighed approval in each category.

The Emerson College Polling survey was conducted from April 24 through April 26. It carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points, and the results were adjusted to reflect demographic factors such as gender, education, race, age, party registration, and geographic region based on U.S. Census data and voter file information.

President Donald Trump said he turned down an offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin to assist on Iran, instead urging the Russian leader to concentrate on efforts to end the war in Ukraine during a lengthy phone call between the two leaders.

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the conversation between Trump and Putin took place Wednesday and covered both the conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.

Ushakov told reporters the discussion lasted more than 90 minutes and described it as “frank and businesslike.”

Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office as he hosted astronauts from the Artemis II mission, said the call went well and noted his long familiarity with Putin.

“We had a good talk, I’ve known him a long time,” Trump said. The US president, speaking to reporters as he met with astronauts from the Artemis II mission in the Oval Office, said he suggested “a little bit of a ceasefire” in the war in Ukraine in his phone call with the Russian leader.

“And I think he might do that,” Trump said, then asked reporters whether Putin had announced a ceasefire.

Trump also revealed that Putin raised the possibility of helping address Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, which remains a major sticking point in efforts to resolve tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities.

Trump said Putin offered to help on the issue of Iran’s enriched uranium, a key obstacle to a deal to end the Iran war, but “I said I’d much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine.”

From the Russian side, Ushakov said the leaders placed significant focus on developments involving Iran and the broader Persian Gulf region.

Russia’s Ushakov, on the other hand, said the presidents “paid particular attention to the situation regarding Iran and in the Persian Gulf.”

{Matzav.com}

The White House is alerting lawmakers that funding for Department of Homeland Security personnel is on the verge of being depleted, raising the prospect of airport slowdowns and broader security risks as the House delays action on legislation aimed at ending what has become the longest funding gap in the agency’s history.

In a memorandum sent to Congress late Tuesday, the Office of Management and Budget said that stopgap funds President Donald Trump has been using to pay workers at the Transportation Security Administration and other divisions through executive measures are expected to run out by May. The memo urged House members to promptly pass the Senate-approved budget resolution, which cleared that chamber after an overnight session last week and is intended to set the stage for restoring full funding.

“DHS will soon run out of critical operating funds, placing essential personnel and operations at risk,” the memo said.

The administration’s warning adds pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose slim Republican majority has struggled to advance key legislation amid internal disagreements, including over Homeland Security funding, leaving the chamber largely stalled.

The House is expected to hold a vote as early as Wednesday on the Senate’s budget resolution, a procedural step that would begin a multi-phase effort to ultimately fund the department. Administration officials cautioned Republican lawmakers against making revisions that could delay the process further.

“Restoring funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has never been more urgent, as demonstrated by recent events,” the memo said, referencing an incident over the weekend in which an armed individual attempted to breach the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by Trump, the vice president, and senior Cabinet officials.

The Department of Homeland Security has been operating without its standard funding for more than two months after Democrats declined to approve financing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol unless changes were made to those agencies, following fatalities linked to protests against Trump’s deportation policies.

Although immigration enforcement personnel have continued receiving pay through roughly $170 billion allocated in last year’s tax legislation backed by Trump, other employees—including those at TSA—have depended on temporary funding provided through executive action to maintain their salaries.

With payroll costs exceeding $1.6 billion every two weeks, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin recently indicated that those emergency funds are nearing exhaustion.

Republicans in both the House and Senate have moved ahead without Democratic support, attempting to secure funding specifically for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. Their plan calls for approximately $70 billion to cover those operations through the remainder of Trump’s term in office, aiming to prevent future funding disruptions.

The approach relies on a complex legislative path similar to the one used to pass Trump’s tax cuts last year and is expected to unfold over several weeks.

After initiating the process last week, the Senate is now waiting for the House to act. Once the budget resolution is adopted, both chambers will begin drafting the detailed funding legislation, a step that could take additional weeks.

Meanwhile, Johnson is expected to pivot quickly to separate legislation that would finance other components of Homeland Security, including the TSA, Coast Guard, and related agencies.

That measure, which has bipartisan backing, cleared the Senate about a month ago after Republicans agreed to exclude immigration-related funding opposed by Democrats. However, it has remained stalled in the House due to disagreements among Republicans over the Senate’s framework.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Japan Airlines is set to begin testing robotic systems at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport starting in May, as part of a two-year pilot program designed to reduce the burden on ground staff.

At the outset, the Chinese-built machines will be used to handle the loading and unloading of cargo containers, according to a demonstration held Monday by JAL and its project partner, GMO AI & Robotics.

The move comes as Japan’s aviation sector faces a growing labor shortage, driven by a surge in incoming tourists alongside a shrinking workforce. JAL, which employs roughly 4,000 ground handling workers, is among the companies feeling the strain.

Looking ahead, the airline is considering expanding the use of robots to include tasks such as cabin cleaning and operating various types of ground support equipment.

Automation is already present at some airports across Japan, where robots are being used for duties like security patrols and assisting in retail areas.

Travel demand has been strong, with more than seven million international visitors arriving in Japan during the first two months of the year, according to data from JTB Group, the country’s largest travel agency.

“While airports appear highly automated and standardised, their back-end operations still rely heavily on human labour and face serious labour shortages,” GMO AI & Robotics’ president Tomohiro Uchida told reporters.

Company officials say introducing robots for physically intensive work is expected to ease the strain on employees. As Kyodo news agency reported, Yoshiteru Suzuk, president of JAL’s Ground Service division, said such technology will “provide significant benefits to employees”.

Even so, he emphasized that certain responsibilities—particularly those related to safety oversight—will continue to require human workers.

WATCH:

President Donald Trump said Iran is being severely squeezed by a U.S.-imposed naval blockade and made clear the pressure campaign will continue until Tehran agrees to terms that satisfy American demands on its nuclear program.

Speaking in a phone interview with Axios on Wednesday, Trump argued that the blockade has proven more effective than direct military action and pushed back against Iran’s suggestion to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before restarting nuclear negotiations.

“The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

At the heart of the dispute is Tehran’s insistence that maritime restrictions be lifted and shipping through the key oil passage resume before any renewed talks over its nuclear activities take place.

Trump rejected that approach, indicating the United States intends to keep its current leverage in place until Iran agrees to broader concessions.

“They want to settle. They don’t want me to keep the blockade. I don’t want to [lift the blockade], because I don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon,” he said.

According to three individuals familiar with internal discussions, U.S. Central Command has drawn up contingency plans for a “short and powerful” round of strikes against Iranian infrastructure if diplomacy continues to stall.

The objective of such a move would be to force Iran back into negotiations under heightened pressure.

Despite those preparations, Trump has not approved any military action as of Tuesday night and declined to provide specifics about potential operations.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump shared an AI-generated image on his Truth Social platform depicting himself holding a firearm alongside the caption “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY,” signaling a more aggressive posture.

For the time being, officials say the administration views the blockade as its primary source of leverage, though the possibility of military force remains on the table if Iran refuses to comply.

Trump also asserted that the blockade is placing extreme strain on Iran’s energy infrastructure, claiming its oil reserves and pipelines “are getting close to exploding” as exports remain blocked.

Some analysts, however, have expressed skepticism about how imminent such a crisis may be.

Iran, for its part, suggested it could retaliate.

A senior Iranian security official, cited by Press TV, warned that the U.S. naval blockade “will soon be met with practical and unprecedented action.”

The sharp exchanges come as tensions remain elevated over Iran’s nuclear program and concerns about the safety of vital global energy corridors.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara issued a ruling Wednesday that is expected to have significant financial repercussions for the yeshiva world, determining that institutions attended by draft-eligible students who do not report for military service will no longer be eligible for donor tax benefits.

Under the new policy, yeshivas enrolling students of draft age who avoid enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces will lose the ability to offer donors income tax deductions under Section 46 of Israeli law.

The decision triggered an immediate and forceful reaction from chareidi leadership, with Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni leading the criticism.

“This is an open declaration of war against the Torah world and Judaism in the State of Israel,” Gafni declared. “This is no longer a legal question – it is a systematic and obsessive ideological persecution against the chareidi community and against everything that represents the Jewish identity of the state.”

He further accused the attorney general of overstepping her role, saying she is “using her powers to harm lomdei Torah and their institutions in an unacceptable manner.”

Gafni went on to urge the public to resist what he described as illegitimate directives. “I call on the public not to surrender to improper dictates and not to accept a reality in which a legal official runs the country and decides against its most basic values.”

In his closing remarks, Gafni directed criticism at Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, questioning why Baharav-Miara remains in her position.

“It is inconceivable that such a severe move should pass in silence,” he said. “I do not understand how Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to keep her in her position. This is a grave failure, and I call on him to put an immediate end to this situation. It is unacceptable for the State of Israel to be led by someone who consistently acts against Judaism and against its Torah-observant citizens.”

United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yitzhak Goldknopf also denounced the ruling, arguing that it represents an escalation in what he described as a broader campaign.

“It appears that the attorney general has lost all restraint and boundaries in her war against Torah scholars in the Holy Land,” Goldknopf said. “The request submitted to the court is a serious attempt to carry out a maneuver against the Torah world and harm the ability of donors to assist Torah students, instead of the state funding the yeshivas as it was supposed to do.”

He maintained that Section 46 was meant to incentivize charitable giving to public institutions, not to be used as a penalty or enforcement tool in matters related to the draft.

“Revoking the benefit is collective punishment – disproportionate and immoral,” he added.

Goldknopf concluded by likening the move to situations involving groups that encouraged refusal to serve during protest movements.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States will keep its naval blockade in place against Iran until Tehran agrees to conditions addressing Washington’s concerns over its nuclear ambitions.

In an interview with Axios, Trump rejected a proposal from Iran that would have involved reopening the Strait of Hormuz and loosening the blockade ahead of renewed negotiations at a later point.

According to sources familiar with the situation, U.S. Central Command has developed a potential plan for a concentrated but limited wave of strikes targeting Iranian assets, aimed at breaking the current deadlock. The approach would likely focus on key infrastructure, with the goal of pushing Iran back to the negotiating table under heightened pressure.

For now, however, Trump indicated that he believes the blockade is a more effective strategy than immediate military action, telling Axios, “The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing.” As of Tuesday night, he had not approved any strikes, the report said, and he declined to go into detail about possible military options.

Trump described the blockade as placing significant strain on Iran, stating, “They are choking like a stuffed pig,” and reiterated that the United States will not permit Tehran to develop nuclear weapons. “They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he said. He added that Iran is seeking a resolution that would lead to the lifting of the blockade, saying, “They want to settle,” but made clear he is not prepared to ease pressure under current circumstances.

The president also said Iran’s oil sector is feeling the impact of the blockade due to restricted exports, though some analysts have raised doubts about how immediate or severe those effects are.

At the same time, an Iranian security official warned that continued enforcement of the blockade could trigger a response. Speaking to the state-run English-language outlet Press TV, the official said Iran has so far shown restraint to preserve the possibility of diplomacy, but cautioned that sustained pressure could result in retaliatory action.

{Matzav.com}