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“Shas Yidden have a lust for Shas.”

In the course of his popular daily Daf Yomi shiur on Menachos 71 (Monday, 5 Nissan), Rav Eli Stefansky recalled an incredible anecdote related to this daf, from the time he farhered the gaonim of “Kollel Shas Yidden.”

“I was called to give a farher to the yungeleit of Shas Yidden… yungeleit who know Shas cold…” he recalled. “

“One of the questions I asked them was, ‘In which species of tree does the male tree produce the fruit?’ Immediately, there was yelling from all sides, but one thin voice towered above the rest: ‘Tosafos, Menachos daf ayin aleph!’ it cried out.

“When I asked whether anyone knew the text of the Tosafos, Rav Dovid Menashe cited the Tosafos verbatim: ‘Hashem yearns for the dates of Yericho… just as the date yearns for its mate, so too does Klal Yisrael pine to serve Hakadosh Baruch Hu.’”

But Rav Fenster concluded with a remark that put a smile on the faces of everyone present—and aptly summed up the moment of sheer mastery, as well as the entire mission of Kollel Shas Yidden and its visionary, Rav Avrohom Eisen: “And Shas Yidden have a desire to know all of Shas!”

It was a remark that captured far more than brilliance; it revealed a burning passion. In the halls of Kollel Shas Yidden, Torah mastery is lived, breathed, and pursued with unrelenting drive. Their dedication reflects a deeper truth: when Torah becomes one’s heartbeat, even the vast sea of Shas feels within reach.

To watch the dynamic Shas Yiden farheren and siyumim, or for more information and to donate, visit www.shasyiden.com

 or call 718-702-1528. Mail: 1274 49th Street #562, Brooklyn, NY 11219. London: UK Registered Charity #1191225, 2 Timberwharf Road, London N16 6DB, England. Call 0208-066-1566.

Israeli security forces have prevented a planned terrorist attack aimed at Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, with a 20-year-old resident of eastern Jerusalem taken into custody in connection with the plot.

Investigators say the suspect initiated contact through social media with an individual based in Yemen, who allegedly urged him to carry out acts of terrorism, including an attempt on the minister’s life.

According to authorities, the exchanges between the two escalated, with both sides expressing support for attacks and a desire to die as martyrs. In one of the messages, they wrote: “Like you, by God, I miss my friends every moment. I take every opportunity I can to confront the occupation. May I die a martyr.”

The investigation further revealed that the suspect was also in communication with a terrorist operative located in Turkey. Officials have extended his detention as legal proceedings move forward.

Following the conclusion of the probe, law enforcement officials said they had gathered sufficient evidence to support multiple charges, including contact with a foreign agent, issuing threats to carry out a terrorist act, and conspiracy to commit such an act. A prosecutor’s statement was submitted in court, and the suspect remains in custody pending the filing of formal charges.

Responding to the foiled plot, Ben-Gvir praised the actions of the security services, stating: “I would like to thank the security forces-the Shin Bet, the Israel Police, and all those who acted with determination and professionalism to thwart the attempt on my life. This is the seventh time they have tried to assassinate me unsuccessfully, thank God. I say clearly: I will not be deterred or intimidated, neither by internal nor external elements. I will continue to lead a firm and uncompromising policy for the security of Israel’s citizens in the Negev, the Galilee, and Jerusalem.”

“It is no coincidence that we saw a historic result of the quietest Ramadan since 2013-this is the result of policy, governance, and backing for fighters on the ground. We will continue to act with strength, responsibility, and determination,” Ben Gvir said.

{Matzav.com}

In light of the ongoing regional tensions following the Iran conflict, new travel restrictions have further complicated movement in and out of Israel.

Travel to Israel remains limited but possible. Passengers are generally able to obtain seats, though availability is inconsistent and many flights have been cancelled. In many cases, working with an experienced travel agent has proven helpful in securing bookings that are not readily visible online.

Outbound travel, however, continues to be significantly more challenging. Last night, restrictions were further tightened, with only 50 passengers permitted per outbound flight and the number of available flights being reduced. Thousands of travelers – including tourists, students, families, and individuals with pressing medical or personal needs – remain stuck in Israel with no clear or reliable path home.

Arkia to Operate Aqaba to JFK Nonstop Option

Chaim V’Chessed has learned that, In light of the new restrictions, Israeli carrier Arkia will operate a nonstop flight from Aqaba in southern Jordan directly to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

While this option requires travelers to make their way to Eilat and cross the border there into Jordan before continuing on to Aqaba, it may present a practical and timely solution for many who are currently unable to secure departure from Israel itself.

Travelers considering this option should carefully review border crossing requirements, confirm visa/passport eligibility if applicable, and allow ample time for the land transfer between Eilat and Aqaba.

U.S. State Department – Information Collection and Bus Travel

The U.S. Department of State continues to collect information about travelers’ reports, via their Crisis Intake Form. However, many Americans report receiving responses that are often incoherent or unhelpful. Official evacuation options remain limited and inconsistent, and the situation is evolving rapidly.

In addition, the State Department has announced that it will now provide bus travel from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to Amman, Jordan. Travelers will need to arrange their own onward travel from Amman. While international flights are available out of Amman, the journey is expected to be arduous, requiring travelers to navigate long land transfers and border procedures. Passengers may register for the bus service at this link.

In addition to the journey being arduous, travelers should be aware of other potential complications. Historically, there have been difficulties bringing religious items such as tefillin into Jordan, which will present concerns for some passengers. Furthermore, if the busses do not arrive in Amman in the early morning hours, travelers may be required to stay overnight, as most international flights from Amman depart during the earlier part of the day. Careful coordination of timing and logistics will therefore be essential.

Weather Warning – Potential Flooding in Southern Israel

The Israel Meteorological Service has warned of heavy rains with expected flooding in southern Israel on Wednesday and Thursday. These weather events may result in road closures and have the potential to cut off travel to Eilat, depending on which highways are affected. Chaim V’Chessed recommends that travelers take this information into account when planning their journey, whether intending to depart via Egypt or Aqaba.

Situation Remains Fluid

Airspace policies, airline schedules, and border procedures continue to change with little notice. Those attempting to depart are advised to remain flexible, follow Chaim V’Chessed updates, and prepare for last-minute adjustments.

{Matzav.com}

A new national survey indicates that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is viewed positively by nearly half of likely U.S. voters, reflecting an increase in his standing as he plays a leading role in President Donald Trump’s foreign policy efforts.

According to the Rasmussen Reports poll, 47% of likely voters have a favorable opinion of Rubio, including 25% who describe their view as “very favorable.” This marks a slight increase from 45% recorded a year ago.

In contrast, 36% of respondents hold an unfavorable view of Rubio, while 16% say they are unsure.

The findings point to a growing national profile for Rubio as he takes on major diplomatic responsibilities tied to the Trump administration’s agenda, including sensitive initiatives in Latin America and the Middle East.

The survey also explored how voters assess Rubio’s performance compared to past secretaries of state. It found that 36% believe he is doing a better job than most of his predecessors, while 35% say he is performing worse. Another 18% feel his performance is about the same.

Republican voters show particularly strong support for Rubio, with 71% expressing a favorable opinion and 59% saying he is outperforming previous secretaries of state.

Among Democrats, however, opposition is pronounced, with 73% saying they view Rubio unfavorably, underscoring the sharp partisan divide over the administration’s foreign policy.

The poll highlights Rubio’s strength among Hispanic voters, with 64% viewing him favorably — a notable figure given his background as a Miami-born politician of Cuban descent and his prominent role in shaping U.S. policy toward Latin America.

Among white and Black voters, Rubio holds a 44% favorability rating, according to the survey.

Men are more likely than women to express a positive opinion of Rubio, and voters in their 30s show the highest level of support among age groups.

Support is strongest among conservatives, with 75% reporting a favorable view of the secretary of state.

The Rasmussen survey was conducted from March 16 to March 18 among 1,092 likely voters and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Rubio’s improved numbers domestically come as his visibility on the global stage also appears to be increasing.

An international poll conducted by AtlasIntel for Bloomberg News found that Rubio ranks among the most favorably viewed political figures in Venezuela following U.S.-backed efforts to stabilize the country after the removal of strongman Nicolas Maduro.

Rubio has stressed the importance of restoring stability and advancing democratic elections in Venezuela, arguing that conditions there are already improving after years of socialist governance.

“I will say this without apology or fear: Venezuela is better today than it was eight weeks ago,” Rubio said recently, pointing to progress while acknowledging more work remains.

Overall, the Rasmussen data suggests that Rubio’s prominent diplomatic role and close alignment with President Trump’s America First approach are resonating with a significant segment of the electorate, even as critics continue to voice opposition.

With international challenges continuing to evolve, Rubio’s rising favorability may position him as a central figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy — and potentially as a contender in the 2028 Republican presidential race.

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Three kedoshei elyon had one common concept when it came to learning Torah – they were the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar 1696-1743) when he came to Eretz Yisroel; the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto 1707-1746) when he lived in Padua, Italy;  and Hagaon, Harav Chaim Volozhiner, (1749-1821) the famous talmid of the Gaon of Vilna.

They each had a yeshiva with ‘around-the-clock’ Torah learning, 24-hours a day, so that there would be no minute when the sound of Torah learning would not be heard in this world. The 24-hour period would be divided into shifts, and as one ended the next would begin.

Torah-24

A “Torah-24” Center has been opened in Yerushalayim and the Nasi is Maran Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l.

Under ONE ROOF, from 6:00 am – 6:00 am, 10 kollelim fill successive learning shifts. Each kollel focuses on a specific area of in-depth Torah study. The “Torah-24” Kollelim include: Boker (Gemora), Yerushalmi, Bavli, Zeraim-Taharot, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Erev (Gemora), Chatzos- Zohar/Kabbolah, Erev Shabbos (Chumash / Medrash b’iyun). 

Already there are 52 avreichim metzuyonim, and a large number of candidates are vying for the remaining slots in the kollelim. All the avreichim are required to take rigorous monthly tests.

Endorsements & Letters

Endorsements include Maranan Hagaonim shlit”a: Harav Gershon Edelstein, Harav Berel Povarsky, Harav Shimon Badani, Harav Dovid Cohen, Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Harav Chaim Feinstein, Harav Shimon Galai, Harav Shraga Shteinman.

Letters of support-encouragement have been received from Maranan Hagaonim, shlit”a: Hamekubal Harav David Bazri, Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Elimelech Biderman, Hamekubal Harav Yaakov Meir Schechter, Harav Moishe Sternbuch, Harav Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss.

For more “Torah-24” information click on: www.torah-24.com or call 718-766-5022

A senior Iranian official has firmly rejected claims that Tehran is engaged in discussions with the Trump administration over ending the ongoing conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting statements made by President Trump about active negotiations.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqher Ghalibaf pushed back strongly against President Trump’s claim that Washington had held “very good and productive talks” with Iran aimed at resolving the war.

“No negotiations have been held with the US, and fakenews is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.

“Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors,” he added. “All Iranian officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people until this goal is achieved.”

Tehran has consistently dismissed reports that its leadership is in direct contact with U.S. officials, even as optimism over a possible diplomatic breakthrough led to gains in both stock and oil markets on Monday.

President Trump, however, suggested that Iran’s denials stem from internal communication breakdowns following sustained U.S.-Israeli strikes that have eliminated numerous senior figures in Iran’s leadership.

“The communication, as you know, has been blown to pieces. They were unable to talk to each other, but we’ve had very strong talks,” he told reporters.

“If it goes well, we’re going to end up settling this. Otherwise, we just keep bombing our little hearts out.”

According to Israeli officials cited in a report, Ghalibaf has been identified as a key intermediary for Iran, allegedly maintaining either direct or indirect contact with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff as well as Jared Kushner.

President Donald Trump said Monday that it remains unclear whether Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive, following reports that he may have been wounded during the opening stages of Operation Epic Fury.

Speaking to reporters as he left Palm Beach International Airport in South Florida en route to Memphis, Tennessee, Trump acknowledged the lack of information about Khamenei’s condition. “We have not heard from the son,” Trump said. “We don’t know if he’s living.”

Shortly before making those remarks, Trump indicated that the United States is engaged in discussions that could potentially bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East, referring to talks involving what he described as a highly respected figure in Iran’s leadership.

When asked whether he meant the country’s supreme leader, Trump clarified that he was not referring to that position. “No,” he replied.

Trump went on to state that Iran’s previous leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed and suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei’s current status remains uncertain. “[Ali] Khamenei was killed,” the president said. “Khamenei’s son is unavailable. Nobody knows what happened to him. I can say they haven’t seen him there either. Something is going on with him. But regardless, I don’t consider him really the leader, but they do have some leaders left.”

Shortly after Trump’s comments, The Jerusalem Post reported that U.S.-Iran discussions are believed to be centered around Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who currently serves as speaker of Iran’s parliament.

Ghalibaf, 64, is a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps air force and has been seen on Iranian state television leading chants of “Death to America! Death to Israel!” among lawmakers.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was appointed on March 8 to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at age 86 during the initial phase of the joint U.S.-Israeli air campaign on February 28.

Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei may have been injured in the same strike that killed his father, though accounts differ regarding the extent of his injuries.

The New York Times, citing Iranian sources, reported on March 11 that he suffered a broken foot, bruising around the eye, and cuts to his face.

A day later, another report citing an Iranian source claimed that Khamenei was in a coma and receiving intensive medical treatment at Sina University Hospital in Tehran.

“One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well,” the source alleged.

Since assuming the role of supreme leader, Khamenei has issued only written statements, which have been read on state television, fueling further speculation about his condition—particularly after he did not appear at a public event marking his succession.

Over the weekend, Axios reported that U.S. and Israeli intelligence assessments suggest Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, noting that Iranian officials have reportedly been attempting to arrange in-person meetings with him.

“We have no evidence that he is really the one giving orders,” a senior Israeli official said, while a U.S. official described the situation as “beyond weird.”

“We don’t think the Iranians would have gone through all this trouble to choose a dead guy as the supreme leader,” the official said, “but at the same time, we have no proof that he is taking the helm.”

{Matzav.com}