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Rabbi Yair Levy z”l, a former Knesset member and a central figure in the development of the Shas movement, passed away at the age of 73 at Maayanei Hayeshua Hospital in Bnei Brak after a prolonged illness. He was widely known for his leadership of the Ohr Hachaim institutions and his role in building Torah education across the country.

Rabbi Levy was born in Tiveriah on October 22, 1952, to his father, Reb Ephraim Levy, and his mother, Mrs. Latifa Levy. In his youth, he studied in high school and later in a rabbinical seminary, receiving rabbinic ordination. During his military service, he served in the Armored Corps as a base commander in the 9th Brigade and was wounded in the Yom Kippur War.

He emerged as one of the most influential figures within the Shas movement, where he played a key role in establishing and expanding the El Hamaayan educational network. He opened dozens of branches and helped lay the groundwork for the movement’s strong presence in development towns and underserved neighborhoods.

Within just a few years of its founding, Shas had established itself across three major arenas: municipal leadership, parliamentary representation, and a nationwide education system. Rabbi Levy was the driving force behind the education network, earning the nickname “the bulldozer” for his relentless efforts. In less than a year, he established hundreds of El Hamaayan branches, stretching from Metula in the north to Eilat in the south.

His success propelled him into national politics, and in 1989 he was placed on the Shas list for the Knesset. Serving as a close confidant of party chairman Aryeh Deri, he carried out his responsibilities with distinction. Ranked sixth on the list, he was elected to the 12th Knesset, where he served for more than three years.

In 1996, he turned to his mentor, Rav Chaim Greineman, with whom he maintained a close and regular relationship. There, he was entrusted with a new mission: overseeing the Ohr Hachaim seminary founded by Rabbi Moshe Pardo. Rav Greineman had a clear vision regarding educational institutions for Sephardic girls, and Rabbi Levy became the one to implement it on the ground.

Over the following years, Rabbi Levy established hundreds of institutions for Sephardic students under the Ohr Hachaim framework. He developed a unique method that enabled rapid expansion: securing property—often owned by Ohr Hachaim—appointing leadership, and allowing each institution to develop independently. Among the well-known yeshivos he helped found were Beis Shmaya, Tiferes Moshe, and many others.

Rabbi Levy maintained a close relationship with Rav Ovadia Yosef until his final days. Rav Yosef, who remembered his significant contributions to the founding and growth of Shas, spoke highly of him. In Bnei Brak, he lived near Rabbi Moshe Levy, one of the senior figures at Yeshivas Kisei Rachamim.

He is survived by a distinguished family. His son is Reb Itzik Levy, and one of his sons-in-law is Shlomi Elcharar, chairman of the Shas faction in Bnei Brak.

The levayah was held Friday afternoon at the Ponovezh Cemetery in Bnei Brak, where he was laid to rest.

The family will be sitting shiva at his home on 10 Rechov Kotzk in Bnei Brak.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli reservist has been charged with passing classified information to Iranian handlers over several months in exchange for roughly $1,000 in cryptocurrency, according to details released in the indictment.

The suspect, Raz Cohen, a 26-year-old from Yerushalayim who served in the air defense array, is accused of knowingly cooperating with Iranian operatives and providing them with sensitive military information, despite realizing early on who he was dealing with.

According to the report, Cohen transferred a folder containing materials from his service since October 7, including photos, videos, and operational information. He also explained how the Iron Dome system functions and provided coordinates of military bases, including at least two locations connected to the system.

At a later stage, he was asked to document police stations, but did not carry out the task, claiming he feared being exposed. In total, he allegedly received about $1,000 in cryptocurrency for the various assignments he completed.

The investigation, conducted by Lahav 433’s international crimes unit together with the Shin Bet, found that Cohen remained in contact with his handlers for months. When he attempted to break off communication, he told investigators, he was threatened: “If you don’t cooperate, we will report you to the Shin Bet.” He then continued cooperating.

Cohen reportedly initiated part of the contact himself, informing his Iranian handler that he served in the Iron Dome system and could provide information. He went on to share details about his role as a technician, the structure of the battery, its components, and other sensitive operational data, along with 27 photos and videos of the system.

He later provided the Iranians with locations of Israeli Air Force bases across the country, as well as positions of Iron Dome batteries. He was also asked to supply names of associates of Knesset members and senior officials, pilots, and civilians facing financial difficulties, as well as individuals who might be willing to carry out a murder in exchange for money.

Ultimately, Cohen passed along information about a security guard at the President’s Residence, a relative of an Israeli Air Force pilot, details about a convicted murderer, and a friend struggling with financial problems and drug use.

As previously reported, the indictment states that Cohen provided detailed explanations about his role in the Iron Dome system, including how it operates, the structure of its batteries, and its loading and launch procedures. He also transferred images and videos he documented during his service, including operational footage.

Cohen served as a reservist in the Iron Dome unit, and investigators determined that he maintained contact for several months with Iranian intelligence operatives who directed him to carry out a series of security-related tasks in exchange for payment.

The Israeli Air Force carried out a targeted strike in central Tehran, hitting senior leadership of the Basij Force and killing its commander, Gholamreza Soleimani, along with several other high-ranking officials.

The IDF has now confirmed that the operation also resulted in the death of Esmail Ahmadi, who served as head of the Basij Force’s Intelligence Division.

“Ahmadi played a central role in advancing and executing terror attacks carried out by Basij Forces. He was also responsible for enforcing public order and the regime’s values on behalf of the IRGC,” the IDF reported following the strike.

“Ahmadi played a key role in leading major suppression operations during the recent internal protests in Iran, using severe violence, mass arrests, and force against civilian protesters.

“His elimination, together with the elimination of the Basij force commander and other senior officials, adds to that of dozens of senior commanders from the Iranian Armed Forces who have been eliminated during the operation, and constitutes an additional significant blow to the regime’s security command-and-control structures.

“The IDF will continue to operate against Iranian terror regime commanders.”

The Education Ministry announced Friday that special “holiday school” programs will run during the upcoming Pesach break in locations where the Home Front Command has approved such activity.

According to the Ministry, the initiative will be carried out in municipalities that choose to participate and are classified as “yellow” low-risk zones, as well as in “orange” areas where informal educational programming is permitted, provided the specific sites receive approval from the Home Front Command.

Officials emphasized that the goal of the program is to give students a consistent educational and social structure during the holiday period, while also broadening the support systems available to them at this time.

The Ministry added that comprehensive and professional instructions have been distributed to regional administrators, local government leaders, and educational staff to ensure proper implementation.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch explained, “We are consistently working to expand educational solutions and adapt the education system to the changing reality. The operation of the ‘holiday school’ program allows us to provide students with a stable framework and social support even during Passover break.”

He added, “This initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Home Front Command, as part of a broader policy of maintaining educational continuity and providing responsible and tailored support during this time.”

{Matzav.com}

The IDF is intensifying its offensive against key military systems and capabilities of the Iranian regime, according to a statement released Friday by the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.

The military said that during the night, the Israeli Air Force carried out two coordinated waves of strikes based on intelligence gathered by the IDF. The operations targeted locations in Tehran and additional areas in central Iran, hitting dozens of sites tied to the regime’s military infrastructure.

In the strikes on Tehran, Israeli forces hit multiple facilities used for manufacturing weapons intended to be used against the State of Israel and other countries. The operation also targeted locations involved in producing components for long-range ballistic missiles, which are considered a direct threat to Israel.

In a separate wave of attacks east of Tehran, the IDF struck storage sites housing long-range missile launchers. According to the military, operatives affiliated with the ballistic missile program were present at the locations during the strikes.

The IDF said it had recently identified Iranian personnel preparing to launch ballistic missiles from central Iran toward Israeli territory. These launches, officials noted, have shifted to that region after earlier operations significantly weakened Iran’s launch capabilities in western areas during extensive strikes carried out as part of Operation Roaring Lion.

“The IDF will continue to deepen the degradation of the Iranian regime’s fire array all across Iran, with the aim of reducing as much as possible the scope of fire directed toward the territory of the State of Israel,” said the IDF statement.

“The completed strikes are part of a phase aimed at further deepening the damage to the core systems and foundations of the Iranian terror regime,” it added.

The British government has shifted its position and is now permitting the United States to utilize UK bases for air operations aimed at removing Iranian threats disrupting the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement released Friday by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, the UK clarified the scope of its cooperation: “[T]he agreement for the US to use UK bases in the collective self-defence [sic] of the region includes US defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Until now, London had limited such permissions to situations directly involving British personnel or interests, such as earlier in the conflict when Iranian missiles targeted UK forces stationed in Cyprus.

The updated stance comes amid growing concern over Iran’s widening attacks. “Ministers condemned Iran’s expansion of its targets to include international shipping,” the statement continued. “They agreed that Iran’s reckless strikes, including on Red Ensign vessels and those of our close allies and Gulf partners, risked pushing the region further into crisis and worsening the economic impact being felt in the UK and around the world.”

Despite the expanded authorization, British officials stressed that their broader approach remains cautious. “[T]he UK remains committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict,” it concluded. “Ministers underlined the need for urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war.”

{Matzav.com}

Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, removed an old X account after a wave of previously posted content resurfaced showing praise for Palestinian terrorists, harsh criticism of Israel, and attacks on the U.S. military.

The 28-year-old, who serves as New York’s first lady, shut down the account shortly after reports brought renewed attention to posts she had written years earlier on X and Tumblr, dating back to her teenage years and early adulthood.

Although her X profile — which operated under the handle @_RamaDee — is no longer accessible, her Instagram account, which has amassed roughly 2 million followers, remains active.

Scrutiny over her online activity has intensified in recent weeks, particularly after it emerged that she had interacted with Instagram content praising Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Among the material she reportedly engaged with was a post asserting that claims of rape carried out by the terrorist group were a “mass hoax.”

Further revelations connected to her past online presence — some identified through facial recognition — suggest that controversial content tied to her dates back to 2013, when she was said to be about 15 years old.

In one post from 2015, she wrote that Tel Aviv “shouldn’t exist in the first place,” referring to its residents as “occupiers,” and in a separate earlier post, she used a racial slur.

Her now-defunct Tumblr account included praise for Palestinian plane hijacker Leila Khaled and members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. It also featured a repost accusing American troops of “mercilessly slaughtering 3rd world civilians” in order to preserve “American hegemony.”

Another repost from December 2015 attributed responsibility for the creation of al Qaeda to white people.

Duwaji has not publicly addressed the controversy, and City Hall has not issued any response to inquiries seeking comment.

Mayor Mamdani, however, has spoken out in her defense, responding to the growing backlash surrounding her past online activity.

“My wife is the love of my life, and she’s also a private person who has held no formal position on my campaign or in my City Hall,” Mamdani, 34, told reporters last week.

“I, however, was elected to represent all 8.5 million people in the city. And I believe that it’s my responsibility because of that role to answer questions about my thoughts and my politics, and my stances.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is weighing a range of military options aimed at breaking Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz, including the possibility of seizing or blockading Kharg Island, a critical hub for the regime’s oil exports.

The deliberations come as the administration looks to stabilize global energy markets following Iran’s disruption of a key maritime passage that carries roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, sending prices above $100 per barrel.

Kharg Island, situated just off Iran’s coast, serves as the backbone of its oil export system, accounting for about 90 percent of the country’s crude shipments and making it a prime strategic target.

Officials say that no final decision has been reached, but a wide range of options remains under consideration, from imposing a naval blockade to launching a broader operation that could involve U.S. ground forces.

“He wants Hormuz open,” one senior official told Axios. “If he has to take Kharg Island to make it happen, that’s going to happen.”

In recent days, the U.S. military has already begun shaping the battlefield. Airstrikes have targeted Iranian military assets on the island while deliberately steering clear of oil infrastructure, a move seen as preserving leverage while weakening Tehran’s capabilities.

Additional forces are also being deployed to the region, including Marine units, as part of a broader buildup designed to provide the president with multiple strategic options.

The growing presence underscores a wider effort to pressure Iran into reopening the vital waterway and returning to negotiations.

Supporters of a more aggressive approach argue that firm action is necessary to halt Iran’s conduct. Senator Tom Cotton said Trump has been “prudent” in keeping all options open, adding that the administration has “mountains of plans” ready in response to Iran’s escalation.

Other Republicans have pushed for even stronger measures. Senator Lindsey Graham has called on the president to “take Kharg Island,” arguing that doing so would strike a major blow to Iran’s primary source of revenue and accelerate an end to the conflict.

Critics, however, warn that such a move carries serious risks. Analysts say that any ground operation could expose U.S. forces to attack and potentially broaden the scope of the conflict.

There is also concern that Iran could retaliate by targeting energy infrastructure throughout the region, tightening supply further and driving prices even higher.

Some experts point to a naval blockade as a less risky alternative, suggesting it could achieve similar results by cutting off access to Iranian oil without requiring a large-scale troop deployment.

The stakes remain high. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz is widely seen as a desperate move, but one that has already had significant consequences for global markets, American consumers, and U.S. allies.

The administration has framed its approach as accepting short-term economic strain in exchange for long-term stability, presenting the strategy as a necessary stand against a regime that has long threatened international commerce.

Global energy markets are facing the prospect of a dramatic spike in oil prices, with Saudi officials cautioning that crude could climb to $180 per barrel or beyond if supply disruptions tied to the Iran conflict persist through late April.

At that level, gasoline prices in the United States could exceed $7 per gallon, based on current estimates.

Energy projections cited by Gulf officials and Saudi Arabia’s national oil company indicate that the kingdom is now preparing for an extended interruption to vital shipping routes and infrastructure, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

Despite the financial upside Saudi Arabia could see from higher oil prices, officials are expressing growing concern about the wider economic fallout, warning that such a surge could crush demand and potentially trigger a global downturn.

The warning follows a sharp rise in oil prices, with Brent crude already reaching approximately $119 per barrel after a series of attacks targeting energy infrastructure across the Gulf region.

Market analysts say prices have jumped by about 50 percent since tensions escalated in late February, as significant volumes of oil supply have effectively been taken off the market.

A central factor driving the surge is the near halt of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically important oil transit routes in the world.

Prior to the current conflict, Saudi Arabia alone moved as much as 6 million barrels of oil per day through that passage.

With access to the strait now severely restricted, major producers in the region — including Iraq, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates — have been forced to scale back exports due to limited alternatives.

Saudi Arabia has attempted to ease the strain by redirecting shipments through its East-West pipeline, which leads to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

Shipping figures show that exports from Yanbu are expected to hit a record 3.8 million barrels per day this month.

Even so, those alternate routes fall short of replacing the full volume that previously flowed through the Strait of Hormuz.

The situation has been made worse by continued strikes on refining and processing facilities, further tightening supply and increasing concerns about prolonged shortages.

In response, oil traders are increasingly preparing for extreme price scenarios, with options markets reflecting strong expectations that prices could reach $130, $140, or even $150 in the near term.

The crisis is no longer limited to oil. Natural gas markets are also under pressure following attacks linked to Iran on a major liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar, one of the world’s leading exporters.

Any extended disruption to Qatari LNG shipments could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for Europe and Asia, which depend heavily on imported gas.

Taken together, reduced oil flows, damaged infrastructure, and potential gas shortages are raising fears of a broader global energy shock.

Central banks are already sounding alarms. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell noted that sustained increases in energy costs would slow economic growth while pushing inflation higher, creating a challenging environment for policymakers.

Saudi officials themselves are uneasy about where this could lead.

Oil prices approaching $180 per barrel could drive lasting changes in consumer behavior, including reduced fuel consumption, a faster shift toward alternative energy sources, less travel, and greater reliance on remote work.

Over time, such changes could weaken long-term demand for oil and reshape the global energy landscape.

{Matzav.com}

IDF forces operating in southern Lebanon are continuing a sustained ground campaign against Hezbollah, as part of an ongoing effort to secure Israel’s northern border and push back terrorist threats.

Military officials say the operation has already resulted in thousands of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure. More than 2,000 targets have been hit, including roughly 120 command centers, over 100 weapons depots, and upwards of 130 missile launch systems.

The IDF also reported significant losses among Hezbollah personnel, stating that more than 570 operatives have been killed. Among them are approximately 220 members of the elite Radwan Force and about 150 operatives involved in surface-to-surface missile operations. The casualties also include senior figures in the organization’s hierarchy, among them two commanders holding ranks comparable to Major General, four at the level of Brigadier General, eight equivalent to Colonels, and 22 battalion-level leaders.

“The IDF will continue to operate with force against Hezbollah after the terrorist organization chose to join the conflict in defense of the Iranian terror regime,” a statement stressed. “The IDF will not allow Israeli civilians to be harmed.”

Meanwhile, Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel continues to take a toll. On Thursday evening, a missile launched from Lebanon struck a residential building in Kiryat Shmona, causing injuries and damage.

Emergency responders reported that the projectile hit a five-story structure, leaving two people wounded. Magen David Adom teams arriving at the scene administered initial treatment before transporting the victims to the hospital.

According to the details released, a man in his 60s suffered severe abdominal injuries, while a woman in her 70s was moderately hurt, also with abdominal trauma. Both were evacuated for further medical care.

Fire and rescue crews from the Upper Galilee Station remain on site, combing through the damaged building to ensure no one else is trapped under the debris.

Magen David Adom emergency medic Moran Abu Shkara said: “The strike hit a building. We arrived with large forces of ambulances, intensive care units, and MDA motorcycles. There was destruction and smoke at the scene. We rescued injured people from the rubble and quickly began providing life-saving medical care. We are now conducting further searches and organizing evacuations to hospitals.”

{Matzav.com}

Concern spread among the Torah world following reports of a slight weakness experienced by the senior posek, Rav Moshe Sternbuch. The situation prompted tefillos at the conclusion of the winter zeman in his yeshiva, even as those close to the Rav emphasized that his daily סדרי הלימוד and קבלת קהל are continuing as usual, and that there is no unusual cause for alarm.

According to those in his inner circle, the concern was fueled by circulating rumors, which led many talmidim and admirers to worry about his condition. However, clear messages have been issued from his home seeking to calm the tzibbur and clarify that his routine has largely remained unchanged.

When someone reached out overnight to inquire about the Rav’s well-being in light of the ציבור’s concern, during the call, the gabbai noted that the Rav had already retired for the night, but at that very moment, the Rav awoke and overheard the conversation.

When the gabbai informed him that a young man was asking about his health out of concern, the Rav responded briefly in Yiddish: “We need rachamim.”

The ציבור is urged to daven for the refuah sheleimah of Rav Moshe ben Devorah.

In an official message, it was clarified that a tefillah gathering scheduled for Thursday evening in the Sanhedria neighborhood was not an emergency assembly, but rather a regular weekly tefillah attended by family members.