[COMMUNICATED]
As the matzav in Eretz Yisroel weighs heavily on our hearts, some have asked whether the upcoming Shuvu Dinner should be postponed. After consulting with our Daas Torah the guidance was clear: this is precisely the time to continue.
For 35 years, Shuvu has provided Torah education to children across Eretz Yisroel, many from homes with little prior exposure to authentic Torah learning. Today, more than 6,000 children attend Shuvu schools, where they are being prepared for lives of Torah, mitzvos, and Yiras Shamayim.
Shuvu was founded by Rav Avrohom Pam zt”l, whose vision was to bring Torah to Jewish children throughout Eretz Yisroel. That mission continues today under the leadership of our nesiim, Rav Reuven Feinstein shlita and Rav Elya Brudny shlita.
Especially in difficult times, the learning of these children carries profound meaning. Strengthening their Torah is not separate from the moment – it is part of our response.
For this reason, Shuvu will move forward with its 35th Annual Dinner, be’ezras Hashem, on Sunday, March 15 at Bell Works in New Jersey.
Many members of our team in Eretz Yisroel must remain with their families and may not be able to travel to assist with fundraising. We therefore turn to you to help ensure that Shuvu’s schools and the thousands of children that depend on them remain strong.
Please join our dinner campaign at shuvuusa.org/dinner or call 718-692-3434.
In this zechus, may we be zoche to see yeshuos and nechamos for Klal Yisroel.
Amid the ongoing war, Rav Dov Landau visited several yeshivos in Bnei Brak whose talmidim are currently learning in protected areas. During a visit to the temporary home of Yeshivas Ner Zerach–Otzem, Rav Landau delivered words of chizuk and emphasized that following the directives of the Home Front Command is not merely practical advice but a Torah-level obligation.
The yeshiva was evacuated by the authorities at the beginning of the war and has temporarily relocated to Bnei Brak until conditions stabilize. Rav Landau delivered a general shiur and then addressed the talmidim about the challenges of the current period. The gathering took place at the Bnei Akiva community center in Bnei Brak and was attended by the roshei yeshiva, Rav Yitzchok Zev Feinstein and Rav Avrohom Aharon Braverman, along with the mashgiach and the rest of the yeshiva’s rabbinic staff.
Following the shiur, Rav Landau spoke about the difficult circumstances facing bnei Torah during this time. He noted that over the past two years, alongside what he described as pressure placed on those who learn Torah in Eretz Yisroel, the Jewish community has also been living under real danger. Emphasizing the central role of Torah learning, he said that those who dedicate themselves to Torah serve as the protectors and guardians of the Jewish people.
He also spoke about the power of tefillah during times of distress and about the importance of strengthening emunah and bitachon. At the same time, he stressed the responsibility to act carefully and follow safety guidelines, stating that observing the official instructions is a Torah obligation.
Rav Landau explained that in recent years many bochurim have been learning Torah under difficult conditions, and now an additional challenge has been added as the war has forced many yeshivos to relocate and continue learning away from their usual batei medrash.
He noted that the Jewish people living in Eretz Yisroel have been in a prolonged period of conflict, facing serious dangers and concerns. Despite this, he emphasized that the protection of the Jewish people ultimately comes from Hashem, often in ways that go beyond natural explanations.
Rav Landau stressed that the responsibility of bnei yeshiva at such a time is to strengthen their dedication to Torah learning even more. He explained that those who devote themselves to Torah sustain the world, and that their learning serves as protection for Klal Yisroel in the most direct and meaningful way.
According to Rav Landau, the response to the current situation must be greater immersion in Torah study — learning continuously, becoming deeply engaged in the sugyos, and developing a genuine excitement for the words of Torah.
He also called on the students to strengthen their tefillah and to be more careful in observing the halachos of tefillah. Rav Landau cited the teaching attributed to the Chazon Ish that during times of danger, the recitation of Yoshev B’Seiser is especially powerful.
At the same time, Rav Landau emphasized the obligation of practical effort to safeguard life, noting that protecting oneself is a clear Torah commandment. He stressed that people must be careful to follow the safety instructions and not take them lightly, explaining that the obligation of v’nishmartem me’od l’nafshoseichem requires strict adherence to these guidelines.
He added that it is said in the name of the Brisker Rav that by fulfilling the mitzvah of safeguarding one’s life, a person merits siyata d’Shmaya and protection from Heaven.
Rav Landau also encouraged the talmidim to maintain calm and a positive atmosphere during this tense time. One practical suggestion he offered was to avoid constantly seeking out additional news and updates, since excessive exposure to information can create unnecessary fear and anxiety.
Looking ahead to the upcoming period of bein hazmanim, he stressed that there is no exemption from Torah learning during that time — especially now, when Klal Yisroel needs the protection of Torah study.
He suggested that the break could be used productively by studying masechtos or other areas of Torah that are not usually focused on during the regular zman.
At the same time, Rav Landau reminded the students to take advantage of the opportunity during bein hazmanim to fulfill the mitzvah of honoring their parents and helping at home when needed.
He concluded with a tefillah that Hashem should have mercy on the Jewish people, protect them from suffering and harsh decrees, allow them to sit peacefully in the ohel haTorah, and bring about a complete redemption speedily.
In addition to this visit, Rav Landau also traveled to Yeshivas Toras Chaim L’Tzeirim in Bnei Brak, headed by Rav Boruch Dov Diskin and Rav Yosef Shraga Turtchin, which has been conducting its learning in a neighborhood shelter during the war.
During the visit, Rav Landau delivered a Torah shiur and additional words of chizuk to the students. The roshei yeshiva — Rav Boruch Dov Diskin, Rav Yosef Shraga Turtchin, Rav Tzvi Turtchin, and the mashgiach Rav Moshe Mordechai Englard — welcomed him upon arrival.
One particularly memorable moment during the visit was a spirited Torah discussion between Rav Landau and Rav Diskin, reflecting the lively style of debate that characterizes Torah learning. In his closing remarks, Rav Landau again encouraged the students to strengthen their learning, listen to the guidance of their rabbonim, and avoid unnecessary risks during air raid sirens. The students left the gathering feeling uplifted and inspired.
{Matzav.com}
Four American service members were confirmed dead after a U.S. military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday while participating in operations connected to the war with Iran, according to the U.S. military.
U.S. Central Command announced early Friday in a post on X that the KC-135 aircraft went down at around 2 p.m. Eastern Time in western Iraq. Officials confirmed that four crew members were killed in the crash. The command did not specify the condition of the remaining two crew members, noting only that “rescue efforts continue.”
“The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” CENTCOM said.
Earlier updates from the military indicated that two aircraft had been involved in the incident, with the second plane managing to land safely.
In keeping with standard military procedure, the names of those who died have not yet been released. Officials said their identities will be made public only after their families have been notified and at least 24 hours have passed.
The crash raises the number of U.S. service members killed since the conflict began on Feb. 28 to ten. That was the date when American forces joined Israel in striking Iranian military targets and leadership figures. In addition, one more service member died during the same period from a medical condition.
In a separate incident last week, Kuwaiti forces accidentally shot down three American fighter jets. None of the personnel aboard those aircraft were killed.
The KC-135 Stratotanker involved in Thursday’s crash is a long-serving aerial refueling aircraft used extensively by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps for more than six decades. Each plane carries a price tag of nearly $40 million.
According to information published on the Air Force website, the KC-135 can also be configured for medical evacuation missions. While the aircraft typically operates with a crew of three, that number can increase to a standard crew of five when it is outfitted for medical transport duties.
{Matzav.com}
Authorities announced new restrictions on access to the Kosel ahead of the upcoming Shabbos, with several key routes leading to the plaza expected to be temporarily closed beginning Friday afternoon.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation informed the public that, due to the current security situation and directives from the Home Front Command, new limitations have been imposed on entry to the Kosel plaza in Yerushalayim. The measures are intended to ensure that the number of people present does not exceed the available protected areas in case of an emergency.
Under the updated guidelines, the number of people allowed to remain in the Kosel plaza at any given time will be limited to no more than 50 individuals. Officials said the decision was made in accordance with Home Front Command safety instructions aimed at minimizing potential risks.
At the same time, Israel Police announced that on Friday the pedestrian routes leading to the Kosel plaza will be closed between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The closure is expected to affect visitors and mispallelim planning to arrive ahead of Shabbos.
{Matzav.com}
Israel has confirmed that its air force carried out strikes against Basij checkpoints and personnel in several locations across Tehran. Footage released from the skies over the Iranian capital showed the attacks targeting positions recently established by members of the Basij militia.
According to Israeli military officials, the strikes followed intelligence assessments indicating that Basij fighters had begun setting up checkpoints throughout parts of Tehran in recent days. After identifying the deployment, the Israeli Air Force carried out attacks over the past 24 hours, guided by intelligence from the IDF Intelligence Directorate.
The Basij forces are part of Iran’s internal security apparatus and operate under the regime’s broader security structure. For years, these armed units have been responsible for implementing terror operations as well as enforcing the regime’s internal control.
In addition to their security role, the Basij have been heavily involved in suppressing domestic protests inside Iran. In recent months, they have been central to the regime’s crackdown on demonstrations, using violence, conducting large-scale arrests, and deploying force against civilian protesters.
Iran’s Fars news agency claimed that the incidents were connected to sabotage operations carried out inside the country by forces linked to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency together with groups loyal to Iran’s former royalist movement.
The Israeli military said the strikes are part of a broader effort targeting the Iranian regime’s core security infrastructure. An IDF spokesperson said the operations will continue wherever Iranian regime forces operate.
“The IDF will continue to strike the systems and operatives of the Iranian terror regime wherever they operate. The strikes that were completed are part of the phase of deepening the damage to the core systems of the Iranian terror regime and its foundations,” the spokesperson said.
{Matzav.com}
