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Dear Friends & Supporters,

It’s always comforting to meet a friendly face — whether while strolling through your neighborhood, when you find yourself in an unfamiliar place, feeling out of your element, or, chas v’sholom, if you find yourself in hot water. In those moments, a friendly face can make all the difference, offering a sense of support just when you need it most.

In this newsletter, you’ll catch a small glimpse into the lives of Klal Yisroel’s friendly faces — the shtadlonim, the dedicated doers who work tirelessly day in and day out on our behalf, for our children, our towns, and our communities. These are the advocates who open doors in the halls of power, representing Klal Yisroel with dignity and respect. They are people brimming with passion, committed to going above and beyond in their efforts for the klal and the yochid.

I know this because I see these faces every week, if not every day. They’re not just my friends and colleagues; they’re your friends, too. They have your back. They have Klal Yisroel’s back.

As you read through this newsletter, take the time to get to know them. Learn about their achievements, empathize with their setbacks, and be inspired by their — and their families’ — dedication and self-sacrifice.

Ultimately, we are asking Klal Yisroel to join together — b’agudah achas — to show our support. Show them that their efforts matter to you, that THEY matter to you. Because, believe me, whether you realize it or not, they truly do.

Warm regards,

 ששת ימים תעבוד ועשית… בא שבת, בא מנוחה!

Rabbi Naftali Miller
Chief Development Officer

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The IDF says it carried out an airstrike in the Lebanese capital of Beirut a short while ago. The strike took place in the Dahiyeh suburb, a known Hezbollah stronghold. The target of the Israeli airstrike in Beirut was Ibrahim Aqil, security sources tell Israeli media. Aqil sits on the Jihad Council, Hezbollah’s top military body. THERE IS NO CONFIRMATION THAT HE WAS KILLED. During the 1980s, Aqil was a principal member of Islamic Jihad Organization—Hizballah’s terrorist cell—that claimed the bombings of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut in April 1983, which killed 63 people, and the U.S. Marine barracks in October 1983, which killed 241 U.S. personnel. In the 1980s, Aqil directed the taking of American and German hostages in Lebanon and held them there. Lebanese media reports claim that an Israeli F-35 carried out the attack, with two missiles. The military says there are no changes to guidelines for civilians at this stage, and it will provide further details on the “targeted strike” soon. This marks only the third instance of the IDF launching airstrikes in Beirut since the war began. In July, an Israeli strike targeted and killed Hezbollah’s military commander Fuad Shukr, and earlier, in January, Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri was killed during an Israeli air raid in the Lebanese capital.

Video footage from an IDF airstrike in Beirut shows heavy damage. Reports that a senior Hezbollah terrorist was targeted. No confirmation or number of casualties.

President Biden acknowledged Thursday that there’s “still a lot more work to be done” in managing inflation and strengthening the economy. His remarks, however, were marred by several factual errors, including a false claim that he had never met with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

“Inflation was 9.1% [in June 2022]. The United States today is much closer to 2%. It doesn’t mean our work is done — far from it,” Biden stated during a speech at the Economic Club of Washington.

“I want to make it clear why I’m here. I’m not here to celebrate a victory. I’m not saying the job is finished. I’m definitely not saying we don’t have a lot more work to do.”

The 81-year-old president made these comments just a day after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percent, following a reduction in the annual inflation rate to 2.5% in August.

“I’ve never once spoken to the chairman of the Fed since I became president,” Biden then added.

However, the president and Powell did meet in May 2022 at the Oval Office, and the opening statements of that meeting were reported by the White House press pool.

Biden’s economic adviser, Jared Bernstein, quickly tried to correct the slip, explaining that “the president meant that he hasn’t spoken to Chair Powell specifically about interest rates.”

This wasn’t Biden’s only blunder during the event, which began with an introduction from Economic Club chairman David Rubenstein, who has lent Biden his expensive Nantucket residence for Thanksgiving each year of his presidency.

Biden also told the audience of business leaders at the hotel near the White House that he had traveled to South Korea to discuss semiconductor manufacturing with “President Ku-shi,” before correcting himself to say “President Hu.”

There has never been a South Korean president with that name. It’s possible that Biden confused South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol with former Chinese President Hu Jintao, who served from 2003 to 2013.

Biden further mistakenly referred to Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) as “Congressman Carper,” even though it is customary to use the highest office a politician has held. Carper left the House of Representatives in 1993, having since served as governor and senator.

These slip-ups reminded many of earlier moments when Biden seemed confused, such as when he referred to France’s president as Francois Mitterrand, who left office in 1995, and to Germany’s chancellor as Helmut Kohl, who left office in 1998.

Concerns about Biden’s cognitive state have intensified within his own party, leading to his decision to step down from pursuing a second term in July, as some Democrats raised alarms over his mental sharpness.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF just announced that they carried out an airstrike in Beirut. Details not yet available.

In this episode of Inside the Agudah, Rabbi Ariel Sadwin, the executive director of the Mid-Atlantic region of Agudath Israel of America, sits with Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Agudath Israel’s Director of Torah Initiatives, to discuss his work on behalf of the frum community. Rabbi Sadwin has held his current position since 2007.

Rabbi Sadwin learned at Yeshivas Ner Yisroel in Baltimore and Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim, receiving semicha at Ner Yisroel Kollel Avodas Levi.

Since 2010, Rabbi Sadwin has also served as the president of Maryland CAPE, the Maryland Chapter of the Council of American Private Education, leading the coalition of nonpublic, parochial, and independent schools across the state of Maryland.

In this interview, he shares his experiences and observations about his work for Agudath Israel.

WATCH:

Hezbollah has launched over 150 rockets at northern Israel today in three major salvos, according to the IDF. The first wave of 60 rockets targeted areas including Tzefas and other Galilee communities, followed by a second barrage of 70 rockets, and a final salvo of 20 rockets aimed at the Mount Meron area. Several of the rockets were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, and there have been no reported injuries. The IDF has issued a warning to civilians in multiple northern regions, including the Merom HaGalil, Upper Galilee, and Golan Heights, urging them to stay close to bomb shelters, limit outdoor movement, and avoid large gatherings until further notice. The affected areas include Kiryat Shmona, Metula, Safed, Rosh Pina, and towns in the Golan Heights, as tensions between Hezbollah and Israel continue to escalate. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

US officials have shifted their expectations and now believe that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is unlikely before President Joe Biden leaves office in January, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Thursday.

The report, which referenced unnamed senior figures within the White House, State Department, and Pentagon, indicated that although progress has been made in discussions, significant hurdles still stand in the way of an agreement.

“There’s no deal on the horizon,” one US official stated. “I’m doubtful it will ever come to fruition.”

Nevertheless, officials emphasized that the administration remains committed to pursuing an agreement, viewing it as the only solution to end the conflict in Gaza and to deescalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The US has been pushing for a ceasefire and a hostage release plan, initially proposed by President Joe Biden in May, but Hamas has consistently turned down each suggestion.

Last week, Hamas reiterated its readiness for an “immediate” ceasefire with Israel in Gaza, referring to an earlier US proposal, but without introducing any new conditions from other involved parties.

Despite Hamas rejecting previous proposals, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sought to temper the pessimism surrounding the hostage deal, assuring that a fresh proposal would be presented “very soon.”

“In terms of the ceasefire, here’s what I can say: More than 90 percent of the points have been agreed upon. We are now dealing with a few remaining issues – not even a handful – and while they’re challenging, we firmly believe they can be resolved,” Blinken said to reporters last week. “As we’ve noted before, when you’re close to the end, those final steps are always the toughest. But we’re confident that they can be settled.”

“We’re currently working very closely with our Egyptian and Qatari partners to close the remaining gaps. In the near future, we’ll present this to the involved parties and see their response,” Blinken added.

On Monday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that the US is continuing to work with Egypt and Qatar on drafting an updated ceasefire proposal.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield pointed out that success ultimately hinges on the political will of the parties.

“We are still collaborating with Egypt and Qatar in efforts to advance negotiations that will be acceptable to both sides. But while we will continue to work hard on the language and innovative solutions, in the end, this all boils down to political will,” Thomas-Greenfield said.

{Matzav.com}

Israel conducted numerous airstrikes in southern Lebanon, which Lebanese security sources described as some of the most intense bombings since Hezbollah began its daily cross-border assaults on northern Israeli communities following the start of the Gaza conflict on October 7.

According to the Israeli military, fighter jets targeted over 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers situated in southern Lebanon, poised to launch attacks on Israel. In total, these launchers contained approximately 1,000 individual barrels.

The military also reported hitting several buildings and a weapons depot tied to Hezbollah in various locations throughout southern Lebanon.

The strikes commenced in the afternoon and were executed in multiple waves.

“The IDF continues to damage and degrade the terror capabilities and military infrastructure of the Hezbollah terror organization,” the military stated.

Subsequently, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued safety guidelines for residents in several northern Israeli communities, advising them to remain near bomb shelters.

The guidelines impacted civilians in areas including the Merom HaGalil, Upper Galilee, and Mevo’ot HaHermon Regional Councils, along with towns like Yesud HaMa’ala, Hatzor, Rosh Pina, Safed, Metula, and Golan Heights communities from Katzrin northward.

Residents in these areas were urged to limit their time outdoors, avoid large gatherings, secure entrances to their communities, and stay close to bomb shelters until further notice.

The large-scale airstrikes followed a significant barrage of rockets from Lebanon on northern Israeli towns and came as Israel’s defense apparatus fully mobilized for a potential full-scale conflict with Hezbollah.

Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service chief Eli Bin informed the Ynet news site that an MDA station in Metula was directly hit by rocket fire, although no injuries were reported.

Metula’s mayor, David Azoulay, issued a statement noting the “tremendous damage” caused by rockets hitting multiple homes and igniting fires.

“I haven’t seen anything like it since the start of the war,” Azoulay remarked.

Earlier in the day, two Israeli soldiers—Maj. (res.) Nael Fwarsy, 43, a logistics company commander from Maghar, and Sgt. Tomer Keren, 20, of the Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion from Haifa—were killed by Hezbollah missile and drone attacks in northern Israel. Nine additional soldiers were injured in these assaults.

Later on Thursday, while Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah gave a televised speech threatening retaliation against Israel for recent explosions targeting Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon and Syria, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a situational briefing, describing what he called “a new phase in the war.”

Gallant asserted that the IDF would continue its strikes in Lebanon to achieve the recently declared war goal of allowing displaced northern residents to return to their homes.

“Hezbollah is feeling persecuted,” Gallant said in a video message. “There are significant opportunities, but also heavy risks.”

“The sequence of our military operations will continue,” Gallant stated during a meeting with top IDF commanders and defense officials.

“Our objective is to ensure the safe return of northern residents to their homes. Over time, Hezbollah will face greater consequences,” he added.

“At the same time, we will continue efforts to return the hostages and dismantle Hamas,” Gallant concluded.

The large-scale strikes in Lebanon took place as Israeli military leaders were preparing to present strategic options for the northern front to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other political leaders during a Thursday evening meeting amid escalating tensions.

IDF sources indicated that the military aims to bring displaced Israelis back to their homes while avoiding the escalation of the conflict into a broader multi-front war.

The IDF remains on high alert following recent developments in Lebanon and anticipates that the situation in the coming days could also be volatile.

Israel has refrained from taking responsibility for the recent attacks on communication devices in Lebanon that resulted in the deaths of dozens, most of whom were identified as Hezbollah militants, and caused injuries to thousands.

 

{Matzav.com Israel}

Concerns are mounting in the West over a potential deal between Russia and Iran involving critical nuclear secrets exchanged for ballistic missiles aimed at Ukraine. The alarming possibility was a focal point of discussions between U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during their meeting at the White House on Friday, according to intelligence reports cited by The Sun. The West’s fears stem from intelligence suggesting that Iran’s decades-long pursuit of nuclear weapons could be nearing a dangerous conclusion, with Russian assistance possibly accelerating the process. Sources indicate that the Kremlin, desperate for military support in its ongoing war in Ukraine, may have exchanged sensitive nuclear technology with Iran in return for a shipment of Fatah-360 ballistic missiles. Last week, U.S. and UK officials declassified intelligence confirming that Russian President Vladimir Putin had received a batch of these ballistic missiles from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to London, warned of a “two-way street” in this relationship, stating that “Russia is sharing technology that Iran seeks — this is a two-way street — including on nuclear issues, as well as some space information.” The potential global ramifications of this alliance were discussed by Biden and Starmer, who reportedly acknowledged the catastrophic risk posed by Iran achieving nuclear capability. Israel has long warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an existential threat to the nation. In response to the missile transfer, the UK has banned Iran Air from flying over or landing in the country, while Russian shipping companies involved in transporting the missiles have been hit with sanctions. The U.S. and UK are also considering whether to allow Ukraine to use UK-manufactured Storm Shadow missiles to strike deep within Russian territory. While no final decision has been made, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has publicly pushed for Ukraine to be granted permission to use the long-range missiles. As the relationship between Russia and Iran deepens, British military experts have warned of a growing “axis of evil” between the two nations. This partnership, coupled with Iran’s long-standing support for terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, has raised alarms in the West about the potential for further destabilization in the Middle East and beyond. A previous deal aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear program collapsed six years ago, and with fears that the regime may soon develop nuclear weapons, the threat of a potential attack on Israel looms large. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

WATCH:

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Bitachon4Life-Shiur-1321-Tikvah-Part-116.mp3

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

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Tefila4Life-Shiur-859-Our-Enjoyment.mp3

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Every donation to this cause will bring you countless zechusim and mitzvahs. Give as much as you can, so that when the gabboim knock on the doors of these homes and give them an envelope full of hope and comfort, full of smiles, Hashem will remember you and your needs with a smile. CLICK TO DONATE!

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Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks at the Trump-Vance 2024 campaign event in Uniondale, New York.

WATCH:

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo was directly involved in modifying a state report that downplayed the number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, according to newly revealed emails, which contradict his previous denials of any involvement.

Documents and emails obtained by congressional investigators undermine Cuomo’s claim, made during a congressional hearing, that he had no recollection of seeing or being involved in the drafting of the state Health Department’s report, as first reported by the New York Times.

“Governor’s edits are attached for your review,” Cuomo’s assistant wrote to top members of his administration in June 2020, according to the Times report.

While Cuomo wasn’t under oath during his testimony earlier this year, he was warned that any false statements could lead to criminal charges, according to a transcript.

Families of nursing home victims saw the emails as clear evidence that Cuomo not only contributed to the policies that caused their relatives’ deaths but also actively covered up the true impact.

“Cuomo lied before Congress,” said Tracey Alvino, director of Voices for Seniors, whose father passed away from COVID-19 in a Long Island nursing home. “It’s a crime. It’s proven by the emails.

“Absolutely, he should be prosecuted. I would love to see him in an orange jumpsuit.”

Cuomo’s decision to send COVID-positive seniors back into nursing homes during the early days of the pandemic has been heavily criticized, with some estimates suggesting that this move led to as many as 9,000 additional deaths.

Later, Cuomo admitted that he had his secretary send an email to his inner circle in which he referred to the March directive as “the great debacle.”

His involvement in a July 2020 Department of Health report, which understated the number of nursing home deaths, has been labeled as part of a “cover-up” by a U.S. House committee.

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic claimed that Cuomo’s team “edited” the report, and the emails cited by the Times suggest that Cuomo played an even more direct role.

He is said to have personally added language to the report that shifted blame for the deaths onto nursing home staff and visitors, implying they were responsible for bringing COVID into the facilities, according to the Times.

During closed-door questioning by House members in June, Cuomo stated that he didn’t review the draft report on nursing home deaths before its release.

According to the transcript, he claimed he had no memory of reviewing, editing, or discussing the report prior to its publication on July 7, 2020.

Furthermore, none of the emails highlighted by the Times were written by Cuomo himself, as it is widely known that he does not use email.

Cuomo’s evasive responses during a September 10 congressional hearing prompted Hudson Valley Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) to label him a “lying sack of s—t.”

Vivian Zayas, co-founder of Voices for Seniors and whose mother, Ana Martinez, passed away after contracting COVID-19 in a Long Island nursing home, also attended the hearing.

She said Cuomo “absolutely lied.”

“He said he had nothing to do with the report,” she noted.

“If he lied to Congress, he committed a crime. He should definitely be investigated.

“We’re going to see this through to the end. Cuomo needs to be held accountable.”

Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, responded to the email revelations by insisting that it was staff who inadvertently spread COVID in the nursing homes.

“Governor Cuomo was fully cooperative with the committee over two separate days, relayed everything he remembered about events that happened four years ago in the midst of a once-in-a-century pandemic, and nothing this MAGA committee has uncovered undermines that New York followed [then-President Donald] Trump’s CDC nursing home policies or the DOH report’s conclusion that COVID was spread in nursing homes by asymptomatic staff,” Azzopardi stated.

Meanwhile, as current New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces multiple scandals, rumors have been circulating that Cuomo may be preparing a run for the city’s mayoralty.

Alvino expressed her hope that these email revelations would at least put an end to Cuomo’s political ambitions.

“Cuomo was derelict in his duties,” she said. “My father was killed. He’s too dangerous to be in office.”

{Matzav.com}

According to an Axios report, presidential candidate Kamala Harris and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz are on pace to do fewer interviews and press conferences than any major party’s presidential pairing in modern U.S. history — and it’s very intentional.

The radical policy positions of the Harris-Walz ticket — and the constant flip-flops — can’t stand up to press scrutiny; the only option left is to hide through Election Day.

 

From Axios:

That strategy comes even as many voters say they want to learn more about Harris — and as her campaign has said she’s changed many of her past liberal positions to more centrist policies.

The previously press-friendly Walz has joined Harris in largely dodging the media while campaigning before friendly, enthusiastic crowds.

…

Reality check: Harris’ team believes limiting interactions with the press is the right strategy — even if it frustrates reporters, some close to the campaign told Axios.

The Harris-Walz campaign didn’t make either of the candidates available to Axios for comment but did release a statement highlighting Harris’ appearance this week before the National Association of Black Journalists.

“In each of these settings they answer questions, often tough ones, about the important issues facing Americans in this election and share their views and vision,” the statement said.

But Harris and Walz have done just 7 interviews; Trump and Vance have done more than 70 in the last 59 days since Harris replaced Biden at the top of the Democratic Party ticket.

 

More over at Axios:

{Matzav.com}

 

Democrats want Kamala Harris to be President of the United States — the most important job in the world — and they don’t want you to ask any questions about her policies…

During a recent interview with Kara Swisher on the On with Kara Swisher podcast, Hillary Clinton said that asking Kamala Harris to explain her policies represents some kind of “double standard.”

 

Kamala doesn’t owe voters any explanation, you see.

“She does not have to do it, Kara. I’m going to just cut to the chase,” Clinton said. “In fact, she’s put out policies on her campaign website. Anybody who’s truly interested can go and read about them. She referenced policies.”

“She actually doesn’t just have policies and concepts. She has plans about what to do,” Clinton claimed, even though Harris’ policy platform has almost no specifics on how she would implement her vision for an “opportunity economy.” “I think it’s, um, you know, it’s a double standard and it’s a double standard that is partly because they are still getting to know her.”

“But also because they’re still grappling with the idea like, ‘Oh, am I really going to vote for a woman to be president and commander in chief?’” she continued. “This is particularly true, let’s just say it and underline it, about white women [voters].”

Watch the clip below:

{Matzav.com}