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Amid intensifying tensions surrounding the IDF draft crisis and the recent withdrawal of chareidi parties from Israel’s coalition, Rav Dovid Leibel has released a public letter, ending a prolonged period of silence. In the strongly worded letter, titled “The Obligation of This Moment,” Rav Leibel voices deep concern over the state’s handling of the draft issue and proposes a multi-step framework aimed at protecting the Torah world while addressing the broader crisis.

Rav Leibel, who months ago initiated the formation of the Chativas Chashmonaim to offer an alternative framework for chareidim not engaged in full-time Torah study, faced opposition from several gedolei Yisroel. At the same time, the IDF refused to codify strict religious accommodations in official army protocols—a condition Rav Leibel viewed as essential for the program’s success.

“Torah is the foundation of our existence, but in order to protect it, we must distinguish between those truly immersed in Torah and those who are not actively engaged in study,” Rav Leibel writes. He continues, “The current situation, where there is no distinction and no organized framework, is detrimental to the Torah world and to the entire chareidi community.”

The letter calls for a clear delineation between bnei Torah and those not learning full-time, emphasizing that this is not a compromise of principles, but a call to responsibility. “This is not a call for compromise, but a call for accountability,” the letter states.

Rav Leibel outlines a proposed three-part plan: the creation of designated military service tracks for chareidim not in yeshiva, with full protection of religious standards enshrined in army regulations; the establishment of an independent civilian rabbinic oversight committee to safeguard the program’s religious integrity; and the formation of a separate rabbinic committee to evaluate the structure and standards within the yeshiva world.

He also calls for introspection within the yeshiva system itself: “There must be internal clarity in the yeshivos so that every individual can find his proper place—whether in the world of Torah or in a suitable framework for national service.”

Sources close to Rav Leibel say that the decision to speak out came after months of private efforts and hopes that behind-the-scenes negotiations would succeed. But when it became clear that these talks were stalling and the army continued to reject the proposed religious safeguards, Rav Leibel felt compelled to express his position publicly.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Cambodia on Wednesday said that an order by Prime Minister Hun Manet for government bodies to crackdown on criminal cybercrime operations being run in the country had resulted in the arrest of more than 1,000 suspects so far this week. Hun Manet issued the order authorising state action for “maintaining and protecting security, public order, and social safety.” “The government has observed that online scams are currently causing threats and insecurity in the world and the region. In Cambodia, foreign criminal groups have also infiltrated to engage in online scams,” Hun Manet’s statement, dated Tuesday, said. The United Nations and other agencies estimate that cyberscams, most of them originating from Southeast Asia, earn international criminal gangs billions of dollars annually. More than 1,000 suspects were arrested in raids in at least five provinces between Monday and Wednesday, according to statements from Information Minister Neth Pheaktra and police. Those detained included more than 200 Vietnamese, 27 Chinese, and 75 suspects from Taiwan and 85 Cambodians in the capital Phnom Penh and the southern city of Sihanoukville. Police also seized equipment, including computers and hundreds of mobile phones. At least 270 Indonesians, including 45 women, were arrested Wednesday in Poipet, a town on the border with Thailand notorious for cyberscam and gambling operations, the minister said. Elsewhere, police in the northeastern province of Kratie arrested 312 people, including nationals of Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam, while 27 people from Vietnam, China and Myanmar were arrested in the western province of Pursat. Amnesty International last month published the findings of an 18-month investigation into cybercrime in Cambodia, which the human rights group said “point towards state complicity in abuses carried out by Chinese criminal gangs.” “The Cambodian government is deliberately ignoring a litany of human rights abuses including slavery, human trafficking, child labor and torture being carried out by criminal gangs on a vast scale in more than 50 scamming compounds located across the country,” it said. Human trafficking is closely associated with cyberscam operations, as workers are often recruited under false pretences and then held captive. “Deceived, trafficked and enslaved, the survivors of these scamming compounds describe being trapped in a living nightmare – enlisted in criminal enterprises that are operating with the apparent consent of the Cambodian government,” Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnes Callamard said. Cambodia’s latest crackdown comes in the midst of a bitter feud with neighboring Thailand, which began with a brief armed skirmish in late May over border territory claimed by both nations and has now led to border closures and nearly daily exchanges of nationalistic insults. Friendly former leaders of both countries have become estranged and there have been hot debates over which nation’s cultural heritage has influenced the other. Measures initiated by the Thai side, including cutting off cross-border electricity supplies and closing crossing points, have particularly heightened tensions, with Cambodia claiming they were churlish actions of spite to retaliate for its intention to pursue its territorial claims. Thailand said its original intention was to combat long-existing cyberscam operations in Poipet. (AP)

Adam Boehler, appointed by President Donald Trump as the U.S. envoy for hostage affairs, expressed a guarded sense of hope on Thursday regarding the ongoing talks to free hostages held in Gaza. Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, Boehler told attendees that a potential agreement is “closer than it’s been.” Still, he made it clear that Hamas’s refusal to compromise remains the primary obstacle.

During his discussion with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Boehler pointed to two main dynamics that are aligning to create a real opportunity for progress. “One is you have political reality on the ground in Israel, and in that way there’s never been a better time,” Boehler said. He credited the timing to “Bibi’s enormous success, and our success in supporting him in Iran, [which] gives enormous strength to him domestically.”

Having worked closely with some of the world’s toughest negotiators, Boehler emphasized that real strength in leadership provides a rare window for bold decisions. “What I found, I find this certainly in Israel, some of their best leaders, but also in the United States some of our best leaders, and I’m referring to the person I work for and the President, strength is the best time to do something,” he said. “So from that side, it makes me optimistic.”

But the second major factor in the equation, Boehler stressed, is Hamas itself. He described them as particularly difficult negotiators, based on his extensive experience with hostile actors. “Hamas in particular is very hard-headed, very hard-headed, and I think that’s what’s very frustrating for people negotiating with them,” he said.

Boehler criticized Hamas for failing to capitalize on moments when they may have had leverage. “Hamas had multiple times where they probably lost leverage over time, right? Look at the whole war. They continue to hold out. Israel continues to kick their ass, and yet they still think they have leverage.”

He also praised the Israeli leadership for its proactive stance on the matter, singling out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his efforts to shift the geopolitical framework in the region. “I do think Bibi has the opportunity, I mean, I’d already call him a legend in terms of redrawing the map in the Middle East, sweeping phenomenal,” Boehler said. “I think he has the opportunity to be that, you know, squared. And when they look at requirements and redrawing maps now, that’s a big lean-in from Israel.”

Despite the willingness on Israel’s part to move toward a deal, Boehler warned that Hamas’s refusal to cooperate could derail any progress. “If it doesn’t happen now, in my strong opinion, it would be continued hard-headedness from Hamas, in which case Israel will continue to take action as they should.”

Responding to criticism of Israel from parts of the international community, Boehler said Israel has no choice but to put its own security first. “I think that if you follow public sentiment, if you’re a country like Israel, and world sentiment, that’s a very dangerous thing to do, because they’re fighting for their survival all the time.” He reiterated that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself. “To me, again, it’s not a fight between Palestinian and Israel, it’s a fight between a terrorist group that’s pushing. And so, in my opinion, they need to do what they need to do. And that’s also been the American view, which is they need to do that.”

Boehler’s remarks came shortly after reports surfaced that contradicted earlier claims about Hamas’s position on redeployment proposals presented by the Israeli team during ongoing indirect talks in Doha, Qatar.

According to the Palestinian outlet Quds Press, a source involved in the negotiations denied that Hamas had accepted the redeployment maps shared by the Israeli delegation. While the maps reportedly show some movement in the direction of Hamas’s demands, the source stressed that they still fall short of Hamas’s basic expectations.

The same source indicated that discussions between the mediators, Israel, and Hamas are still underway in hopes of narrowing the differences and finalizing an agreement on the redeployment arrangements.

Additionally, the source outlined three main areas that must be resolved before negotiations on the hostages can move forward: the provision of humanitarian aid, agreement on the redeployment of Israeli forces from Gaza, and guarantees to ensure a long-term ceasefire.

Only after those three conditions are addressed, the source added, will the parties begin talks on exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

{Matzav.com}

The NYPD uncovered a potentially explosive situation Tuesday night when officers responded to a traffic collision in the heart of Manhattan and discovered a van loaded with hazardous fuel containers. The drama unfolded just after 7 p.m. near the bustling intersection of 42nd Street and 10th Avenue. Police say 31-year-old Sayed Khaled Elsayed Abdelmohsen was behind the wheel of a 2013 Chevrolet Express van hauling a food cart when the cart detached and slammed into a parked Kia Sorrento. Inside were a 48-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy. Rather than stop, Abdelmohsen allegedly fled the scene — but the victim was not about to let him get away. She followed the van in her own vehicle, tracking it as it continued through Midtown. When police and first responders caught up with the van, they were met with a strong and unsettling smell of gasoline. FDNY units, including HAZMAT teams, were immediately called in. What they discovered inside the vehicle stunned the emergency teams: 76 propane cylinders, each weighing 20 pounds; 15 five-gallon jugs of gasoline, totaling 75 gallons; and another 10 gallons of diesel fuel. All of it stored haphazardly in the same van that had just been involved in a crash on one of New York’s busiest streets. Initially, Abdelmohsen attempted to throw away his keys and told officers he couldn’t open the van — a move that only deepened suspicions. He was quickly arrested and is now facing a slew of serious charges, including reckless endangerment and multiple fire code violations. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. No injuries were reported, but officials say the incident could have ended very differently. Investigators are working to determine what Abdelmohsen was doing with the massive stockpile of fuel — and whether any of it was licensed. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist candidate who stunned New York’s political establishment with a primary victory in the city’s mayoral race, is facing a political firestorm after a video surfaced of him appearing to embrace the “abolition of private property.” The undated clip, shared Thursday by the right-wing social media account “End Wokeness,” quickly ignited outrage across the conservative landscape—racking up views and drawing sharp rebukes from Republican lawmakers and commentators. In the video, Mamdani argues that the current housing system is failing and floats an alternative: “If there was any system that could guarantee each person housing, whether you call it the abolition of private property or… just a statewide housing guarantee—it is preferable to what is going on right now.” That comment was enough to send the GOP into overdrive. “He is a communist,” declared Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), sharing the clip with a single, blistering line. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) echoed the sentiment: “Yes, you heard that right… Like the true Communist he is, Commie Mamdani supports the ‘abolition of private property.’ This is the NY Democrat Party, @KathyHochul, you lead—and you have failed to condemn this dangerous insanity.” Donald Trump Jr. added his voice with biting sarcasm: “Yea, this guy is definitely not a communist.” Mamdani’s campaign has not issued an official response, though the candidate’s remarks in the video suggest he anticipated the backlash: “People try and play gotcha games about these kinds of things… I care more about whether somebody has a home.” The controversy lands just weeks after Mamdani’s headline-grabbing primary victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a race that catapulted the democratic socialist into the national spotlight. Now, with November’s general election looming, Mamdani faces not just his Republican challenger—but a growing campaign to paint him as a radical threat to economic norms. Whether the viral moment galvanizes or damns his mayoral run remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: New York’s political battleground just got hotter. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

As tensions continue to rise between the chareidi parties in the Knesset and the coalition leadership, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, the leading spiritual figure of Shas, issued a searing condemnation of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and MK Yuli Edelstein, head of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Rav Yosef unleashed sharp criticism at Netanyahu, labeling him a “liar” and accusing him of deliberately misleading the Israeli public. “The Prime Minister said that it is possible to enlist in the army as a chareidi and remain chareidi. Why are you a liar? Why are you lying? It’s horrific audacity to lie like that,” Rav Yosef declared, responding to Netanyahu’s assertion that chareidim can join the army without compromising their religious identity.

He went on to say that military service has a corrosive effect on religious life and warned parents to protect their children from its dangers. He urged them to guide their sons toward spiritual growth and Torah greatness. “There are many trials; you be strong, and may you have great aspirations to become Torah scholars.”

Turning his attention to Yuli Edelstein, Rav Yosef spoke with even greater force. “There’s one whose father converted to Christianity, and he’s a priest – he’s causing all the problems for the yeshiva students. He wears a knitted kippah, and he’s causing all the problems. Your father is a priest, he converted! And now you’re coming to harm the Torah students?”

Rav Yosef further criticized the government’s recent clampdown on bnei yeshiva, citing a range of punitive measures including mandatory fingerprinting, cuts to benefits, and what he described as deliberate harassment of Torah learners. “They’re imposing all sorts of decrees, truly disrespecting Torah scholars, insulting the Torah. Who knows what kind of punishment will come? Hakadosh Boruch Hu does not overlook this.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Two university hospitals are pioneering new ways to expand lifesaving heart transplants for adults and babies — advances that could help recover would-be heart donations that too often go unused. The new research aims to overcome barriers for using organs from someone who dies when their heart stops. Called DCD, or donation after circulatory death, it involves a controversial recovery technique or the use of expensive machines. Surgeons at Duke and Vanderbilt universities reported Wednesday that they’ve separately devised simpler approaches to retrieve those hearts. In the New England Journal of Medicine, they described successfully transplanting hearts to a 3-month-old infant at Duke and three men at Vanderbilt. “These DCD hearts work just as well as hearts from brain-dead donors,” said Vanderbilt lead author Dr. Aaron M. Williams. How hearts are saved for donation Most transplanted hearts come from donors who are brain dead. In those situations, the body is left on a ventilator that keeps the heart beating until the organs are removed. Circulatory death occurs when someone has a nonsurvivable brain injury but because all brain function hasn’t ceased, the family decides to withdraw life support and the heart stops. That means organs can spend a while without oxygen before being recovered, a time lag usually doable for kidneys and other organs but that can raise questions about the quality of hearts. To counter damage and determine whether DCD organs are usable, surgeons can pump blood and oxygen to the deceased donor’s abdominal and chest organs — after clamping off access to the brain. But it’s ethically controversial to artificially restore circulation even temporarily and some hospitals prohibit that technique, called normothermic regional perfusion, or NRP. Another option is to “reanimate” DCD organs in a machine that pumps blood and nutrients on the way to the transplant hospital. The machines are expensive and complex, and Duke’s Dr. Joseph Turek said the devices can’t be used for young children’s small hearts — the age group with the most dire need. New ways of preserving hearts Turek’s team found a middle ground: Remove the heart and attach some tubes of oxygen and blood to briefly assess its ability to function — not in a machine but on a sterile table in the operating room. They practiced with piglets. Then came the real test. At another hospital, life support was about to be withdrawn from a 1-month-old whose family wanted to donate — and who would be a good match for a 3-month-old Duke patient in desperate need of a new heart. The other hospital didn’t allow the controversial NRP recovery technique but let Turek’s team test the experimental alternative. It took just five minutes to tell “the coronary arteries are filling well, it’s pink, it’s beating,” Turek said. The team promptly put the little heart on ice and raced it back to Duke. Vanderbilt’s system is even simpler: Infuse the heart with a nutrient-rich, cold preservative solution before removing it from the donor’s body, similar to how hearts from brain-dead donors are handled. That “replenishes the nutrients that are depleted during the dying process and helps protect it for transport,” Williams explained, adding that Vanderbilt has performed about 25 such transplants so far. “Our view is you don’t necessarily need to reanimate the heart.” More donated hearts are needed There’s a huge […]

President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency—a condition affecting blood flow—after he began experiencing slight swelling in his lower legs, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who addressed reporters on Thursday.

Leavitt shared the update while responding to speculation about visible bruises on Trump’s hands. She explained the marks were evaluated and found to be “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin” taken to maintain heart health.

“In the effort of transparency, the president wanted me to share a note from his physician with all of you today,” Leavitt announced from the podium.

She went on to say, “In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs, in keeping with routine medical care, and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House medical unit.”

During the evaluation, Trump was given an in-depth checkup, including specialized vascular scans. “The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies, bilateral lower extremity, venous doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency… a common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”

Leavitt emphasized that the test results showed no cause for immediate concern. “Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease… An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness were identified additionally.”

As of now, no specific treatment plan has been detailed for how Trump, age 79, will manage the condition.

Leavitt also commented on recent images circulating that showed discoloration on Trump’s hands. “Recent photos of the president have shown minor bruising on the back of his hand,” she said.

“This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. This is a well known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy and the president remains in excellent health, which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here.”

{Matzav.com}

In a case described by officials as “especially grave,” an Israeli soldier has been charged with spying for Iran in exchange for money, marking one of the most serious internal espionage scandals in recent memory. The soldier, whose identity has not been released, was arrested following a joint investigation led by Israel’s Shin Bet security agency, the Israel Police’s elite Lahav 433 unit, and the Military Police. Military prosecutors filed formal charges against him today in a military court. According to investigators, the soldier “knowingly maintained contact with Iranian elements” and carried out a series of missions on their behalf — including transferring footage of Israeli missile interceptions and video of rocket impact sites inside Israel. While the information transmitted was not classified and did not originate from the soldier’s official military duties, the Shin Bet emphasized that the incident represents a serious breach of national security, particularly because the soldier “maintained contact with the enemy.” The charges filed include contact with a foreign agent and transmission of information to the enemy. A military court ordered that the soldier remain in custody until at least July 22, with further detention likely as the trial proceeds. The case adds a chilling chapter to a broader pattern of Iranian intelligence activity targeting Israeli citizens. Over the past two years, Iran has aggressively expanded efforts to recruit Israeli operatives online — often by luring individuals with financial incentives to perform seemingly harmless tasks, which escalate into intelligence collection and even potential involvement in assassination plots. Officials did not reveal the full extent of the soldier’s cooperation with Iranian handlers or whether more arrests are expected, but sources close to the investigation suggested additional security breaches could come to light as the probe continues. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In March 2025, dozens of Israeli fighter jets flew northeast across Syrian airspace, heading toward Iraq in what appeared to be the early stages of an attack. But the planes didn’t continue on to Iran. Instead, they reached the northeastern tip of Syria, turned around, and returned home. According to a senior Israeli Air Force official speaking to Yisrael Hayom for its fascinating new report on the attack that shattered Iran, the flight was a full-scale rehearsal for what would eventually become the largest Israeli military operation in decades: a coordinated and sustained air campaign against Iran. “The aim was to rehearse the full operation at least once, flying a distance comparable to that of Iran,” the official explained. The real operation came three months later, in June 2025. Israeli aircraft launched a surprise offensive that struck Iranian military command centers, assassinated nuclear scientists, and dismantled key components of Iran’s air defense systems. The mission, known publicly as Operation Rising Lion, was based on a comprehensive strategic plan inside the Israeli Air Force called “Iron Man.” For years, Israel’s approach to Iran had focused on limited strikes or covert Mossad operations. That began to change under the leadership of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who pushed for a broader military campaign designed to achieve one clear objective: air superiority over Iran. This shift in thinking was presented early in Halevi’s tenure and approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Securing air dominance would allow Israeli jets to operate over Iran’s skies with minimal resistance and reduce the country’s ability to launch missiles toward Israel. “When a squadron of F-15s is circling over Tehran, everything changes—physically and psychologically,” one defense official said. However, preparations were hampered by other events. The war that began on October 7, 2024, with Hamas’s surprise attack, diverted significant Air Force resources to Gaza and the northern border. The threat of a Hezbollah incursion further complicated planning. Despite this, the Air Force resumed preparations for a potential confrontation with Iran, recognizing early on that Tehran was a central actor behind the wider conflict. On April 1, 2025, Israel carried out a targeted strike on IRGC commander Hassan Mahdavi in Damascus. The operation, though not aimed at escalating tensions, prompted a significant Iranian response. On April 13, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel—its first-ever direct attack on the country. While Israel intercepted most of the projectiles with help from allies including the U.S., it responded cautiously, targeting a single Iranian S-300 air defense battery. Though limited, this action served as a precursor to a broader campaign. Later in October, after a second Iranian missile barrage, Israel launched Operation Days of Atonement, destroying Iran’s remaining S-300 systems and striking its missile production facilities. A key signal came when Israel struck a target just 250 meters from an Iranian energy site near the Iraqi border, indicating its ability to escalate further if needed. Israel’s opportunities expanded significantly when the Assad regime in Syria collapsed in late 2024. This opened Syrian airspace, allowing Israeli jets to fly direct routes toward Iran at high altitude, conserving fuel and increasing strike efficiency. Refueling planes could now be stationed closer to Iran, enabling longer missions and more frequent sorties. The Air Force also began shifting its […]

Zohran Mamdani, the Muslim socialist contender for New York City mayor, is taking heat after a video clip surfaced showing him openly acknowledging that he relied on his parents’ financial backing to take time off from work.

“I worked until January, and then I took time away from my job and one of the major reasons I could do that was because I knew that if I ran out of my savings my family would be able to support me,” Mamdani said in the now-viral footage, which appears to have been taken from a Zoom call and was shared on X by a Washington Free Beacon journalist.

Critics on social media quickly seized on the comments, claiming that Mamdani’s admission undermines his socialist platform. Many argue that his ease with family money reflects a disconnect with the everyday struggles of the working class and suggests a mindset that might treat taxpayer funds with similar nonchalance.

“The one thing my parents told me: if you aren’t working, and you don’t have money, we cannot and will not support you,” posted Kirsten Fleming, a columnist for the New York Post, on X. “This guy is very comfortable with other people’s money.”

Fox News contributor Katie Pavlich chimed in by quoting Margaret Thatcher: “‘The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money,’ -Margaret Thatcher,” she posted on X.

Bryan Dean Wright, a former CIA officer, weighed in with his own take: “Classic Socialism: Once I blow through my money, I’ll take yours,” he wrote on X.

Digital strategist Greg Price didn’t hold back either, writing: “Him and every other American socialist in 2025,” also on X.

Twitchy’s Amy Curtis echoed the sentiment: “He’s privileged,” she posted.

Despite the backlash, Mamdani has built a notable following and won the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City just last month. While his campaign has faced criticism from incumbent Mayor Eric Adams—who has accused Mamdani of benefiting from a “silver spoon” upbringing—Mamdani continues to appeal to voters through a platform focused on housing issues and expanding public support programs.

In the upcoming general election this November, Mamdani will face off against both Adams and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

{Matzav.com}

For decades, proponents of psychedelic drugs have come to Washington with a provocative message: Illegal, mind-altering substances like LSD and ecstasy should be approved for Americans grappling with depression, trauma and other hard-to-treat conditions. A presidential administration finally seems to agree. “This line of therapeutics has tremendous advantage if given in a clinical setting and we are working very hard to make sure that happens within 12 months,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently told members of Congress. His suggested timeline for green-lighting psychedelic therapy surprised even the most bullish supporters of the drugs. And it comes as psychedelics are making inroads in deep red states like Texas, where former Trump cabinet secretary and ex-governor Rick Perry has thrown his full support behind the effort. The administration’s embrace of psychedelics has sparked both excitement as well as concern from those in the field, who worry the drugs might be discredited if they appear to be rushed onto the market or are too closely linked with Kennedy, who is known for controversial views on vaccines, antidepressants and fluoride. “I’m quite optimistic,” says Rick Doblin, whose organization has pursued the medical use of MDMA (or ecstasy) since the 1980s. “But I’m also worried that the message the public might get is ‘Well, RFK likes psychedelics and now it’s approved.’” FDA may reconsider MDMA Under President Joe Biden, the FDA rejected MDMA as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, citing flawed data and questionable research. Regulators called for a new study, likely taking several years. It was a major setback for Doblin and other advocates hoping to see the first U.S. approval of a psychedelic for medical use. But the agency appears ready to reconsider. FDA chief Marty Makary, who reports to Kennedy, has called the evaluation of MDMA and other psychedelics “a top priority,” announcing a slate of initiatives that could be used to accelerate their approval. One new program promises to expedite drugs that serve “the health interests of Americans,” by slashing their review time from six months or more to as little as one month. Makary has also suggested greater flexibility on requirements for certain drugs, potentially waiving rigorous controlled studies that compare patients to a placebo group. That approach, considered essential for high-quality research, has long been a stumbling point for psychedelic studies, in which patients can almost always correctly guess whether they’ve received the drug or a dummy pill. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and FDA also recently hired several new staffers with ties to the psychedelic movement. “These are all very promising signs that the administration is aware of the potential of psychedelics and is trying to make overtures that they’re ready to approve them,” said Greg Ferenstein, a fellow at the libertarian Reason Foundation, who also consults for psychedelic companies. “We didn’t hear anything about that in the Biden administration” A spokesperson for HHS did not respond to a request for comment. As a presidential candidate, Kennedy discussed how his son and several close friends benefited from using psychedelics to deal with grief and other issues. A number of veterans lobbying for psychedelic access have already met with Trump’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins. “What we’re seeing so far is positive,” Collins told House lawmakers in May. But some experts worry the hope and hype surrounding psychedelics has gotten ahead of the science. Philip Corlett, a psychiatric researcher at Yale University, says bypassing rigorous clinical trials could set back the […]

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed at the Hill Nation Summit on Wednesday that her department is actively assessing how to streamline Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures for air travelers. During her discussion with NewsNation’s Blake Burman, Noem hinted at loosening some of the TSA’s strict rules, including the longstanding liquid container limits. She also painted a bold picture of future air travel, in which passengers could potentially breeze through airport security checkpoints.

Her comments came on the heels of a newly announced TSA policy change permitting travelers to keep their shoes on while being screened. Noem said her inclination to question TSA protocol began immediately upon taking office. “Since Day 1,” she noted, she has been “questioning everything TSA does.”

At this point, it remains uncertain what exact changes will take place or how soon any adjustments would be rolled out.

“It’s not certainly anything we’ll be announcing in the next week or two, but we’re working to see what we can do to make the traveling experience much better and more hospitable for individuals, but also still keep safety standards,” Noem told The Hill after her remarks.

Here’s a breakdown of the ideas DHS is reportedly considering.

Possible Revisions to Liquid Restrictions

Currently, travelers are allowed to bring only small liquid containers—no more than 3.4 ounces each—through TSA checkpoints, all of which must fit in a quart-sized bag. Larger volumes are only permitted in checked luggage.

“I will tell you — I mean the liquids — I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” Noem said at the summit.

The liquid rules, originally implemented in 2006, were introduced in response to a foiled British terror plot involving liquid explosives aimed at a U.S.-bound flight. Initially, TSA banned all liquids in carry-ons before softening the rule to its current format. The policy doesn’t only apply to water or soda—it also includes items like gels, creams, pastes, and even things like peanut butter.

Shoes-On Screening Now Allowed

One significant policy shift already went into effect on July 8, when the TSA declared travelers would no longer need to remove their shoes at security. This adjustment is expected to reduce delays at checkpoints and minimize the post-screening bottleneck where passengers often pause to put their footwear back on. Nevertheless, passengers will still have to take out electronics and remove belts.

The rule requiring shoes to be taken off had been in place since December 2001, after terrorist Richard Reid attempted to ignite explosives hidden in his shoe on a flight to Miami, just months after the 9/11 attacks.

However, a recent TSA pilot project showed that new scanning technologies could detect concealed threats without requiring passengers to go barefoot.

“Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards. This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of American travel,” the DHS wrote in a press release.

Looking Ahead to What Could Change Next

In addition to altering current practices, Noem suggested that her department is also pursuing advanced technologies that could fundamentally reimagine how airport security works.

The DHS secretary explained that she’s partnering with multiple companies and evaluating proposals from private vendors that could provide improved systems.

According to Noem, these systems would be tested in select airports across the country before being introduced more broadly. “It is still a process that is protecting people who are traveling on our airlines. But it has to make sense. It has to actually do something to make you safer,” Noem told Burman.

She didn’t hesitate to criticize the Biden administration for failing to prioritize innovation in airport security.

“I kept wondering if we were doing things just to slow people down, or what it was, but TSA is working on the technology that we have available to us if we deploy it correctly,” Noem said.

Noem also laid out a bold vision of what flying could look like in the near future.

“The future of an airport, where I’m looking to go, is you walk in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner and right to your flight. Takes you one minute,” Noem said.

{Matzav.com}

CNN’s lead data analyst Harry Enten offered a grim outlook for Democrats heading into the 2028 election, noting they are significantly trailing the benchmarks they set in past successful midterm cycles. He pointed out that the party’s performance on the generic congressional ballot is noticeably weaker than in the years leading up to their sweeping victories in 2006 and 2018.

“Their lead is less than half, less than half of where it was in either 2017 or 2005 in July both those years — the year before the midterm election,” Enten explained during a segment on CNN Wednesday.

While acknowledging that President Donald Trump is viewed unfavorably by many, Enten stressed that the Democratic Party has failed to make a compelling case to voters thus far. “Yes, Donald Trump may be unpopular, but Democrats have not come anywhere close to sealing the deal at this particular point.”

Enten also emphasized that Democrats are not just underperforming in national polling but are also falling short in individual races when compared to past cycles that saw them gain ground in Congress.

“It’s actually when it comes seat by seat, you see that at least at this particular point, Republicans have more net pickup opportunities. This doesn’t look anything like those wave elections back in 2006 or 2018,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are discussing a potential arrangement under which the United States would acquire drones from Ukraine, while Kyiv would purchase American-made weapons, Zelensky revealed in an interview with the New York Post.

According to Zelensky, the proposed “mega deal” would see Ukraine providing Washington with its advanced drone designs and combat experience gained during its extended war with Russia. American officials have acknowledged that U.S. capabilities in small drones currently trail behind those of China and Russia.

“The people of America need this technology, and you need to have it in your arsenal,” Zelensky told the Post during a conversation that took place Wednesday and was made public on Thursday.

Ukrainian unmanned aircraft have managed to reach targets nearly 800 miles inside Russian borders. One particularly noteworthy strike, dubbed Operation Spiderweb, involved 117 drones taking out several Russian bombers spread across four separate airbases.

“We will be ready to share this experience with America and other European partners,” Zelensky added, mentioning that his government is also negotiating similar deals with Denmark, Norway, and Germany.

The timing of Zelensky’s comments coincides with his Thursday announcement of future agreements with the United States, which he said would help strengthen Ukraine’s position.

Over the past three years, the Ukraine-Russia conflict has turned into a proving ground for drone warfare, with both sides deploying swarms of inexpensive UAVs, often fitted with explosives, on a daily basis. Many military analysts now view drone combat as the defining characteristic of modern warfare.

Earlier this month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth took action to boost domestic drone manufacturing by implementing a new policy aimed at speeding up production and slashing bureaucratic obstacles.

The directive emphasized the urgency of scaling up U.S. drone capabilities as other nations rapidly expand theirs. Hegseth stressed that he wants all military personnel, regardless of branch, to receive training in drone deployment.

The Pentagon’s budget proposal for the upcoming year includes a noticeable increase in funding for small drone development, signaling a broader strategic shift in military priorities.

{Matzav.com}

Druze MK Hamad Amar of Yisrael Beytenu crossed the border into Syria on Wednesday and spoke about what he saw in an interview with Kan Reshet Bet on Thursday. “I returned tonight from Syria after we took young people out of there. I entered with the IDF at the request of IDF officers to prevent danger to the young Druze and to help bring them back.” “Am Yisrael needs to understand what is happening in Syria,” Amar said. “Monsters murdered and raped little girls. They are raging there under the auspices of Julani, who himself murdered people with his own hands.” “What is happening there is a religious war. Whoever is Druze is murdered. The world is raising a monster. Trump says: ‘Julani is nice, handsome!’ This handsome man murdered and raped women. He is behind these events. These are his soldiers and this is his belief. We are all in danger if this monster continues to operate in Syria.” When Amar was asked about the fact that Julani condemned the atrocities in Sweida, Amar replied that Julani also condemned the murder of the Alawites in Syria. “He is behind these actions,” Amar said. “These are the actions of his people. These are his tanks, the soldiers are his soldiers, and the armed, extremist groups—it’s all his. This is his belief. He imbibed extremism from the age of zero. We are in danger within Israel if this monster continues to grow there in Syria.” When Amar was asked if Israel needs to protect the Druze residents of Syria, he replied: “My brother’s brother is my brother, just as for me every Jew is a brother, and I am willing to fight for every Jew everywhere. We, as Druze and Jews have a covenant. Yes, you know, they often say a blood covenant. But it’s beyond that: as human beings, we need to intervene.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Jewish music is taking center stage at one of the most iconic venues in America. On the 13th of Av (August 7), just before Shabbos Nachamu, renowned Israeli singer-songwriter Ishay Ribo will headline a historic outdoor concert at Bethel Woods, the legendary amphitheater known for its world-class performances and stunning natural surroundings. Sharing the stage with Ribo are three standout acts: Chassidic music legend Avraham Fried, whose voice has shaped generations of Jewish music; the spiritual, genre-blending Zusha; and rising star Shmuel, bringing fresh energy and heart. “To be able to do this – to sing with so many people, together in one place, after everything we’ve been through this year – it’s not something I take for granted. We’ve all carried a lot, but there’s also been strength, resilience, and moments of light. Music doesn’t solve everything, but it helps us lift our heads. I’m grateful to be part of something like this, on this kind of scale.” Ribo reflected This large-scale North American appearance is Ribo’s only scheduled concert of its kind this year — a one-night gathering under the stars, set for the height of summer in the Catskills. With thousands expected from across New York and beyond, the concert is perfectly timed for families and camps already spending time in the mountains. Bethel Woods offers a concert experience unlike anything the Jewish music world has seen. The Pavilion features covered seating with pristine sound and clear sightlines. The Lawn invites families, groups, and friends to enjoy the show picnic-style, under the stars. Yamim Baim is more than a concert — it’s a new moment for Jewish music, bringing together top talent, thoughtful production, and the natural beauty of one of the country’s most meaningful stages. Produced by Davidson Artists Management in partnership with Bnei Akiva of the United States and Canada, the event is a celebration of music, community, and values.  Thursday, August 7, 2025 (13 Av 5785) Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Upstate New York Tickets TicketmasterGroups and VIP tickets: YamimBaim.com

Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel announced Thursday evening that he is retracting his resignation from the government, just one day after submitting it. Arbel informed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of his decision, citing pressing responsibilities within the Interior Ministry that require immediate attention and cannot be delayed without harming the public interest.

“In light of urgent administrative tasks requiring immediate action within the Interior Ministry—whose postponement could negatively impact the public interest—such as completing the recovery plan and ensuring the salaries of employees of the Nazareth municipality, which is currently under a state-appointed committee—I have informed the Prime Minister of my decision to retract my resignation, in coordination with the chairman of the Shas party, Rabbi Aryeh Deri,” Arbel wrote in a statement.

In a formal letter to the Prime Minister, Arbel emphasized: “I hereby inform you of my retraction of the resignation from my position, as 48 hours have not yet passed since the resignation letter was submitted.”

According to political sources, Arbel’s reversal was intended to allow him to finalize the appointment of Israel Ozan, a Shas member, as Director General of the Interior Ministry. It is expected that Arbel will resign again once the appointment is completed.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The House has passed three bills intended to boost the legitimacy of the cryptocurrency industry with new regulations as President Donald Trump has pushed to make the U.S. the “ crypto capital of the world.” One of the bills, which would regulate a type of cryptocurrency called stablecoins, had already passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support and will now head to Trump’s desk. The other two bills — broader legislation to create a new market structure for cryptocurrency and a bill to prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency — will go to the Senate. Advocates said the passage of the bills marks a key moment in cryptocurrency’s winding path toward mainstream adoption. Patrick McHenry, the former chair of the House Financial Services Committee and now vice chair of the crypto firm Ondo Finance, said the legislation will have a “massive generational impact,” similar to the securities laws Congress passed in the 1930s that helped make Wall Street the center of the financial world. “These bills will make the United States the center of the world for digital assets,” he said. The stablecoin bill sets initial guardrails and consumer protections for the cryptocurrency, which is tied to a stable asset, often the U.S. dollar, to reduce price volatility. It passed the Senate with bipartisan support in June. “Around the world, payment systems are undergoing a revolution,” said House Financial Services Chair French Hill of Arkansas as lawmakers debated the stablecoin legislation Thursday morning. Hill said the bill will “ensure American competitiveness and strong guardrails for our consumers.” After Trump declared it “crypto week,” the bills were stalled for more than a day amid disagreements among House Republicans about how to combine the legislation. In the end, GOP leaders put the three bills for a separate votes, leaving the fate of the other two bills unclear in the Senate. The internal dissent could foreshadow challenges ahead for the more sweeping crypto legislation that Trump has demanded and the industry has poured millions into advancing. The stablecoin measure is seen by lawmakers and the industry as a step toward adding legitimacy and consumer trust to a rapidly growing sector. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in June that the legislation could help that currency “grow into a $3.7 trillion market by the end of the decade.” The bill outlines requirements for stablecoin issuers, including compliance with U.S. anti-money laundering and sanctions laws, and mandates that issuers hold reserves backing the cryptocurrency. Without such a framework, Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee in a statement warned, “consumers face risks like unstable reserves or unclear operations from stablecoin issuers.” While the bill has significant bipartisan support, it has also faced pushback from Democrats who say the legislation should address Trump’s personal financial interests in the crypto space. “No one should be surprised that these same Republicans’ next order of business is to validate, legitimize, and endorse the Trump family’s corruption and efforts to sell the White House to the highest bidder,” said California Rep. Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the Financial Services panel. A provision in the stablecoin bill bans members of Congress and their families from profiting off stablecoins. But that prohibition does not extend to the president and his family, even as Trump builds a crypto empire […]

With less than 70 days remaining until the mass pilgrimage of Breslover chassidim to Uman for Rosh Hashanah 5786, three of the movement’s most senior rabbonim—Rav Yaakov Meir Shechter, Rav Moshe Kramer, and Rav Nosson Lieberman—convened for a summit. The meeting, joined by Rav Nosson Ben-Nun, chairman of Ichud Breslov, focused on preparations for the annual kibbutz in Uman and the growing challenges facing this gathering.

These rabbonim have guided the Breslover community for more than fifty years.

Notably, Rav Moshe Kramer attended the meeting despite his fragile health and the fact that he has barely left his home in recent months.

During the session, Rav Ben-Nun presented a comprehensive update on the planning efforts for this year’s pilgrimage. He detailed the extensive preparations that began immediately after last year’s Yom Tov season and the considerable behind-the-scenes work being undertaken to ensure that the gathering takes place smoothly.

The rabbonim also addressed the logistical and geopolitical obstacles that could hinder the trip. With the ongoing war in Ukraine, thousands of travelers are expected to enter the country through neighboring Eastern European nations with shared land borders. Coordinating passage through these borders and minimizing congestion will require significant international collaboration. In addition, the rabbonim expressed concern about external groups attempting to assert control over the kibbutz. They emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that all aspects of the gathering remain under the authorized leadership of Ichud Breslov.

After thorough deliberation, the rabbonim issued a heartfelt call to the entire Breslover community. They urged chassidim worldwide to intensify their tefillos and to establish a Yom Tefillah as well as to commit to daily tefillos from now until Rosh Hashanah for the success of the Uman pilgrimage. They cited the words of Rav Nachman: “By us, we begin with what others only do at the end.”

The gathering also included the sharing of personal memories and stories from decades ago, recalling the challenges and spiritual uplift experienced by the first generations of Breslover chassidim who made the arduous journey to Uman more than fifty years ago. The rabbonim spoke passionately about the unique spiritual power of the Rosh Hashanah kibbutz by the tziyun of Rav Nachman and the tremendous tikkunim that occur during that time.

As the meeting concluded, the senior leaders of Breslov issued a unified written statement addressed to the entire Breslover community.

{Matzav.com Israel}