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Security forces in Yerushalayim disrupted an effort last Friday by a group attempting to carry out a Korban Pesach on Har Habayis, stopping suspects who allegedly tried to bring a young goat into the area.

According to authorities, Yerushalayim District police together with Border Police spotted several youths approaching one of the entrances. Members of the group were said to be holding a goat intended for the offering, along with a knife used for slaughter.

The group reportedly moved past a police checkpoint and reached a nearby area, where they attempted to push their way onto Har Habayis. Officers intervened before they could enter, blocked their advance, and detained or arrested 21 individuals for questioning.

Those taken into custody were later brought before the Magistrate’s Court, which ruled that they be released. The decision stood even after police filed an appeal with the District Court.

Police said they “will continue to act decisively to preserve public order, security, and the fabric of life in the Old City and especially at the holy sites, while firmly enforcing the law against any attempt to disrupt order.”

The “Lama Nigara” (“Why Should We Be Excluded”) movement, whose members took part in the incident, issued a statement saying: “This day symbolizes the call of our ancestors who were impure during the first Pesach and longed to offer the Second Korban Pesach. In these days, the call of ‘Why should we be excluded’ is renewed – we too want to offer the Passover sacrifice and sacrifices in general. We strengthen the detainees; the time has come to return to the Har Habayis in its entirety and rebuild the Bais Hamikdosh.”

The activists were represented by attorneys Nati Rom and Daniel Shimshilashvili of the Honenu legal aid group. Shimshilashvili said: “Absurdly, the investigative unit chose to request an extension of our clients’ detention by no fewer than five days, using arguments that, after the Simchas Torah massacre, have no place in our society. The court accepted our arguments, and the claim that the entire Middle East would burn because Jews seek to exercise freedom of worship in our country did not impress the court, which ordered our clients’ release and even unusually rejected the police request to delay implementation of the decision.”

Rom added: “Regarding Har Habayis activists, I find it puzzling that the police consistently come to court with exaggerated requests while knowing that the court will completely dismiss them.”

{Matzav.com}

OU Kosher CEO Rabbi Menachem Genack delivers a shiur at the OU Kashrus Conference

For many kashrus agency professionals, the annual OU Kashrus Conference is more than a collegial gathering; it is a rare opportunity to learn about the latest industry developments, and to connect with colleagues who understand the unique experiences and challenges of kashrus certification. This year, that connection carried added meaning, as attendees paid tribute to a leader who built and grew that community and expanded access to kosher food worldwide. After 45 years of transformative leadership at the helm of OU Kosher, Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Menachem Genack will celebrate his retirement this summer.

“The conference was especially meaningful as we celebrated Rabbi Genack’s remarkable career and achievements,” says OU Kosher Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Moshe Elefant, who will succeed him. “The legacy he leaves is that of the largest kashrus certification agency in the world, built from the ground up with uncompromising standards. He also assembled an exceptional staff — a group of rabbanim, all talmidei chachamim, representing every corner of the Jewish world.”

Now in its 32nd year, the two-day conference at New Jersey’s Hilton Parsippany drew 200 participants, including OU Kosher Rabbinic Coordinators (RCs) and Rabbinic Field Representatives (RFRs) from North and South America, Israel, and Europe, as well as representatives of over 20 international kashrus agencies.

An additional 100 friends and relatives of Rabbi Genack, along with Orthodox Union lay and professional leaders, attended a special tribute banquet that included a video retrospective and the presentation of two books published in his honor. OU President Mitchel Aeder, OU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, Rabbi Moshe Elefant, and Rabbi Genack’s daughter, Shira Schiowitz, shared reflections, and Rabbi Genack offered words of gratitude and bracha.

“The friendships that have developed over the decades mean a great deal,” says Rabbi Genack. “OU Kosher has been the foundation for the growth of the OU and its many important programs — educationally, in kiruv, supporting people in need, and across so many areas. That mission has been central from the very beginning.”

Under his visionary leadership, OU Kosher became the world’s largest and most widely recognized kashrus certification agency, certifying 1.5 million products manufactured in 15,000 plants across 108 countries.

In the 1980s, Rabbi Genack laid the foundation for OU Kosher’s modern infrastructure by assembling a professional team of RCs to oversee kashrus operations from its New York headquarters. In the 1990s, he launched the annual OU Kashrus Conference, creating a forum for RCs and RFRs to share expertise, exchange ideas, and address challenges together in a structured setting.

“As our staff expanded, both at OU Kosher headquarters and internationally, the conference gave, and continues to give us, the opportunity to interact in person — to put faces to names and to brainstorm collectively about how to advance the OU Kosher program,” he says. “It also helps mashgichim understand the halachic basis of kashrus issues and stay current with developments. The conference is essential to OU Kosher’s continued growth, both in maintaining standards and in strengthening our cohesiveness.”

Rabbi Michael Morris, OU Kosher’s director of field operations, logistics ombudsman, and manpower and routing director, helps organize the annual conference in partnership with colleagues. He notes that it provides rare in-person interaction for professionals who typically work independently.

“Many of our RFRs work in relative isolation in remote areas of the world,” he says. “This is a once-a-year opportunity to gather with colleagues in person, whom they interact with daily.”

Rabbi Elefant adds, “Despite working closely together, RCs and RFRs rarely have the opportunity to connect in a relaxed setting. When we get together, there is achdus and a shared mission to serve Klal Yisroel and uphold the highest standards of kashrus.”

Kosher SA (South Africa) Managing Director Rabbi Dovi Goldstein and OU Kosher RC Rabbi Mordechai Starashefsky at an OU Kashrus Conference chevrusa/networking session.

OU Kosher RFR Rabbi Shoshan Ghoori oversees OU Kosher certification and business development across Latin America — specifically Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and to a lesser extent, Colombia and Mexico. His role includes visiting companies, certifying new companies and plants, and managing client relationships throughout the region. He also helps oversee the mashgiach teams in Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, together with Rabbi Yitzchok Gutterman, the RC for Latin America. This is Rabbi Ghoori’s 15th year attending the conference, and he appreciates the sense of connection and achdus that prevails each year.

“Meeting colleagues face-to-face refreshes and strengthens the relationship in a way that remote communication cannot,” he says. “Being together reignites the connection and reinforces a shared sense of purpose. It strengthens the feeling that we are part of one coordinated effort.”

This year’s sessions centered on the future, with a focus on technology, food industry innovation, developments in food science, and AI’s kashrus applications. Topics included Boilers without Borders: Remote Starters in Halacha; Behind the Scenes in Engineered Milk and Engineered Meat; How Kashrus Agencies Are Evaluated; and What’s Brewing: The Latest in Beer and Alcohol, among others.

Additional conference highlights included a dedicated chavrusa/networking session with OU and OU Kosher lay leaders, senior administrators, and colleagues; a shiur by Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) Rosh Yeshiva and OU Posek Rav Hershel Schachter on Stam Keilim Aino Ben Yomo; Daf Yomi; and the recognition of Rabbi Binyomin Kaplan and Rabbi Yitzchok Friedman for their 25 years of dedicated service to OU Kosher.

Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) Rosh Yeshiva and OU Posek Rav Hershel Schachter at the OU Kashrus Conference

A key theme throughout the conference reflecting a principle long championed by Rabbi Genack was collaboration among kashrus agencies.That initiative was on full display at the conference, where the second day was opened to kashrus professionals from outside the OU, who also led sessions.

“We work very closely with other agencies that uphold high standards, and it’s important to collaborate and build together,” reflects Rabbi Genack. “I truly appreciate their participation in the conference.”

OU Kosher Managing Director of Marketing Rabbi Ei Eleff notes, “Kashrus is a communal effort, and the only way for it to thrive is through collaboration with other agencies. One of the nicest aspects of the conference is that it enables people from the same industry to network, meet one another, and share best practices. There is something to learn from everyone. When there is diverse knowledge-sharing, everyone wins.”

Rabbi Ghoori echoes this sentiment, valuing the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other kashrus agencies who are all working toward the same objective.

“There is mutual respect and an understanding that, while each agency serves its own clients, we are all ultimately providing a service to the broader kosher world,” he says. “That includes both the Jewish community and the wider kosher-consuming public, which today extends well beyond Jewish consumers.”

OU Kosher RFR Rabbi Abish Rand and OU Kosher CEO Rabbi Menachem Genack at an OU Kashrus Conference chevrusa/networking session

OU Kosher RFR Rabbi Saadya Kaufmann has attended the OU Kashrus Conference for the past 16 years, and enjoyed this latest one the most.

“The conference was probably one of the best that I have attended,” reflects Rabbi Kaufmann, who oversees plants manufacturing everything from candy and salsa, to aluminum foil and chemicals, throughout Texas, Mississippi, Northern Mexico and El Salvador. “The sessions were all very relevant and interesting.”

However, celebrating Rabbi Genack and his pioneering achievements at OU Kosher was particularly memorable.

“The highlight was being able to pay tribute to Rabbi Genack,” he says. “It was especially meaningful and inspiring in light of Rabbi Elefant’s observation that everyone present was hired to work for OU Kosher by Rabbi Genack. It reflected a shared sense of hakaras hatov for all he has accomplished for Klal Yisroel.”

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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu outlined a new national defense strategy on Sunday, describing a plan focused on strengthening Israel’s military capabilities while ensuring long-term independence in its security posture.

Opening his remarks, Netanyahu stressed Israel’s current strength and the need to maintain a decisive advantage over its adversaries. He said: “Israel is stronger than ever, and Israel must always be much stronger than our enemies. Therefore, I believe in two principles: military buildup and independence.”

As part of the initiative, Netanyahu revealed that Israel will acquire two new squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets to bolster the capabilities of the Israeli Air Force.

Highlighting the importance of the procurement, Netanyahu stated that “these aircraft strengthen Israel’s overwhelming air superiority – superiority that was demonstrated both in ‘Rising Lion’ and now in ‘Roaring Lion.’ Our pilots can reach anywhere in Iranian airspace, and they are prepared to do so if required. We have tremendous aircraft, and we have tremendous pilots.”

{Matzav.com}

With just two days remaining until the Lag BaOmer gathering at Meron, police have begun closing off access routes to the area, even as uncertainty continues over how — or if — the annual event will take place this year in any way, shape or form.

Despite recent changes in Home Front Command guidelines, the site has not been officially declared a closed military zone. However, authorities have not issued entry permits to the mountain, and no public transportation is operating to the location.

Even with those restrictions in place, an estimated 20,000 people were present in Meron over Shabbos. Since the area has not been formally designated as a military zone, officials currently lack the legal authority to evacuate those already there.

Security officials are now preparing to block additional arrivals by shutting down surrounding roads and preventing buses from reaching the site. At the same time, there are concerns that many people will attempt to access Meron on foot through nearby forests — a scenario that has previously led to clashes and unrest. It remains unclear how police intend to handle such developments.

According to a notice circulated to drivers on Motzoei Shabbos, “National traffic police have set up checkpoints on all roads leading to Meron — including Ein Zeitim, Gush Chalav, and the area between Parod. Passage is permitted only to Meron residents or those with special authorization. Pedestrian entry into Meron and to the kever of Rashbi is still allowed without restriction.”

Meanwhile, residents of a nearby moshav have expressed anger over what they say is a new police policy preventing even approved guests from entering. According to residents who spoke with local media, individuals who had rented vacation units in the area were turned away at roadblocks despite the moshav having submitted an organized list of approved guests to authorities. Locals say the decision is causing significant financial losses.

{Matzav.com}

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett renewed his warning against the politicization of public service after senior Israel Police officers attended a birthday celebration for National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Saturday night.

The event, marking Ben Gvir’s 50th birthday, drew attention both for the list of attendees and for its controversial imagery, including themed cakes featuring nooses and firearms.

Ben Gvir, who oversees the police, hosted the gathering at a venue in Moshav Emunim near Ashdod. Among those present were high-ranking politicians, far-right activists, and members of the Israel Police’s General Command Staff.

The minister has already faced scrutiny over alleged attempts to exert influence over law enforcement, including legal challenges filed with the High Court of Justice seeking his removal. The decision by Police Commissioner Danny Levy to permit senior officers to attend the event intensified criticism, with opponents arguing it could compromise the independence of the police.

Bennett, who is campaigning in the upcoming election against the current government, addressed the issue in a post on X, sharing what appeared to be a copy of the invitation and sharply criticizing the approval granted to police leadership. He reiterated his position that public officials must not use their roles for political purposes.

“Tens of thousands of dedicated and good Israeli police officers deserve honest, efficient and statesmanlike command that sets a personal example,” Bennett posted. “Any public servant, in any role and in any government agency, who breaches his fiduciary duty to the country and exploits his role in a political and non-statesmanlike manner, will be immediately dismissed.”

Ben Gvir responded briefly on social media, writing, “Naftali has no friends, and also no work relationships — send him a cake from the party.”

Yesh Atid lawmaker Yoav Segalovitz, a former senior police investigator, also criticized the decision to allow officers to attend, describing it as a “grave incident in the moral and ethical sense.”

Soon after, senior police officials and prominent political figures were seen arriving at the celebration. Among the attendees were far-right personalities, including Yoav Eliasi, known as “The Shadow,” Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, and Bentzi Gopstein, a follower of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane who leads an organization opposing intermarriage.

Reports also indicated that Foreign Minister Yisroel Katz, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Education Minister Yoav Kisch, and Energy Minister Eli Cohen were in attendance.

Senior police leadership was also represented, including Deputy Commissioner Avshalom Peled, Jerusalem District Commander, Southern District Chief Haim Bublil, Israel Prison Service Central District Commander Sagi Shlomi, Southern District Commander Yuval Erlich, and Northern District Commander Shmuel Lavi.

An internal directive from Levy, reported by Hebrew media, clarified that attendance was limited strictly to senior command staff.

“Police officers who are not members of the senior command and have been invited to the event are not permitted to attend,” the memo read.

The controversy extended beyond attendance, with images circulating from the event showing a large three-tier birthday cake presented to Ben Gvir, topped with a golden noose—widely interpreted as a reference to legislation mandating the death penalty for Palestinian terrorists, a policy long championed by Ben Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party and approved by the Knesset in March.

The cake’s lower tier featured two firearms pointed toward a map of Israel, including Gaza and the West Bank, reflecting the minister’s controversial approach to firearm policy, which has been significantly expanded during his tenure.

Additional footage from the event showed Ben Gvir’s wife, Ayala, presenting him with a smaller cake also decorated with an image of a noose.

The inscription on the cake read: “Congratulations to Minister Ben Gvir. Sometimes dreams come true.”

Bennett had first outlined his position earlier in the week during a series of television interviews, following his political alliance with Yair Lapid of the Yesh Atid party as part of efforts to challenge the current government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking to Channel 12, Bennett said public officials would be judged “not on the intentions [of their appointment] but on their performance, what they are doing” in office.

Without naming specific individuals, he added that he had observed troubling developments within the police force.

“They’re becoming political,” he said. “I suggest now and say to all the police leadership and every government employee, you are now under my scrutiny.”

WATCH:

Podcaster Joe Rogan pushed back Friday against criticism aimed at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, dismissing the outrage over a recent joke as overblown and only fueled by the attempted attack on President Donald Trump.

The controversy stems from a segment aired on Kimmel’s show days before a gunman allegedly tried to target Trump and other officials at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. During a mock roast, Kimmel joked that first lady Melania Trump had the “glow” of “an expectant widow.” Rogan argued that the remark drew little attention until after the shooting attempt later that same weekend.

“No one cared on Saturday until Saturday night when the assassination attempt, and then all the sudden, everyone’s blaming Kimmel,” he said during a episode of the “Joe Rogan Experience.”

First Lady Melania Trump responded on Monday, accusing Kimmel of promoting “hateful and violent rhetoric” intended to “divide our country,” and urged ABC to “take a stand” by removing him from the air. The president also renewed calls for Kimmel to be dismissed, describing the joke as “very shocking” and suggesting it could incite violence.

“He was there for a very obvious and sinister reason,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to the suspected gunman, identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen, who has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president.

“I appreciate that so many people are incensed by Kimmel’s despicable call to violence, and normally would not be responsive to anything that he said but, this is something far beyond the pale,” he added.

Kimmel addressed the controversy multiple times on his program this week. On Monday, he explained that the remark was intended as a “very light” reference to the age gap between the president, 79, and the first lady, 56.

He revisited the issue on Tuesday after airing footage of the Trumps meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House. In the clip, the president joked with his wife of 21 years that they would not match his parents’ 63-year marriage, prompting Kimmel to respond:

“My god, he should be fired for that,” Kimmel reacted on Tuesday. “Only Donald Trump would demand I be fired for making a joke about his old age, and then a day later, go out and make a joke about his own old age.”

The dispute has also drawn attention from federal regulators. The Federal Communications Commission announced an expedited review of broadcast licenses for several Disney-owned local television stations. Disney is the parent company of ABC, which airs Kimmel’s show.

The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, has faced criticism over what some view as efforts to pressure media outlets seen as critical of Trump. Carr said the latest review was not influenced by the White House.

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, a Democrat, strongly criticized the move, calling it “the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date.”

“As part of its ongoing campaign of censorship and control, the White House called publicly for the silencing of a vocal critic, and this FCC has now answered that call,” Gomez said in a statement. “This is an unprecedented and politically motivated attempt to interfere with how broadcasters operate, and this unlawful overreach will fail.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said last night that he plans to examine a newly submitted proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, though he expressed doubt that the terms would meet U.S. expectations.

“I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can’t imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

.@POTUS on restarting military strikes against Iran: "I can't tell that to a reporter. If they misbehave, if they do something bad — but right now, we'll see. It's a possibility that could happen, certainly." pic.twitter.com/bf9Jmgf7M8

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 2, 2026

The statement came shortly after Trump was asked by reporters whether the United States might resume military action against Iran.

The President replied, “I can’t tell that to a reporter. If they misbehave, if they do something bad – but right now, we’ll see. It’s a possibility that could happen, certainly.”

Reports from Iranian outlets Tasnim and Fars indicated that Tehran submitted a 14-point proposal through Pakistan, responding to an earlier nine-point plan presented by the United States.

According to those reports, the Iranian framework calls for a comprehensive resolution of the conflict within 30 days, rather than the two-month ceasefire previously proposed by Washington. Additional elements reportedly include demands for assurances against future military strikes, a withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran, lifting of the naval blockade, release of frozen Iranian funds, financial compensation, removal of sanctions, cessation of fighting in Lebanon, and the establishment of a new system governing the Strait of Hormuz.

On Friday, Trump had already dismissed an earlier version of Iran’s proposal, telling reporters he was not satisfied with it and casting doubt on the prospects for a final agreement.

“They want to make a deal,” Trump said, adding, “I’m not satisfied with it.”

He did not specify which aspects of the proposal were unacceptable, but suggested internal divisions within Iran’s leadership could hinder progress.

“They’ve made strides, but I’m not sure if they ever get there,” Trump said, describing “tremendous discord” among Iran’s leaders.

A report in The Wall Street Journal indicated that Iran had shown some willingness to adjust its position in the version rejected on Friday.

Sources familiar with the discussions said Tehran proposed that negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz could take place simultaneously with U.S. commitments to halt military operations and ease its blockade of Iranian ports.

That approach marked a shift from Iran’s earlier stance, in which it had insisted the United States first end its blockade and reach terms to conclude the conflict before addressing broader issues.

{Matzav.com}

Apple Inc. has agreed to pay a total of NIS 10 million to customers in Israel as part of a court-approved settlement in a class-action lawsuit over allegations that older iPhone models were intentionally slowed down. Eligible users may receive compensation of up to NIS 1,890 per device through a dedicated website that is expected to launch soon.

The Tel Aviv District Court approved the settlement, bringing an end to legal proceedings stemming from the “Batterygate” controversy. The lawsuit alleged that Apple deliberately reduced the performance of certain older iPhones through software updates without adequately informing users.

The issue first surfaced in 2017, when Apple acknowledged that software updates had slowed down devices such as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7. The company said at the time that the changes were implemented for engineering reasons, specifically to prevent unexpected shutdowns caused by aging batteries. However, the lack of transparency drew widespread criticism, with many users claiming the move was intended to push customers to upgrade to newer models. These allegations led to lawsuits in multiple countries, including the case now resolved in Israel.

Under the terms of the settlement, compensation will be available to users who owned the relevant devices prior to December 2017 and were registered with Apple services in Israel. Eligible models include the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, iPhone 7, 7 Plus, and the first-generation iPhone SE. Customers who experienced performance slowdowns may be entitled to payments of up to NIS 1,890 per device, depending on the circumstances, regardless of where the phone was originally purchased. Claims will be submitted through a designated website expected to go live soon.

In response, Apple said: “We have never—and would never—do anything intended to deliberately shorten the lifespan of Apple products or degrade the user experience in order to encourage customers to upgrade. Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and ensuring the longest possible lifespan for the iPhone is a central part of that. While we strongly disagree with the claims that were made, we agreed to reach a settlement to avoid continued legal proceedings.”

{Matzav.com}