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Just a day before Rosh Hashanah, the Israel Defense Forces announced today that it will grant amnesty and release dozens of chareidim currently serving sentences in military prisons for avoiding army service.

According to military sources, the amnesty applies to those whose trials have already been completed and whose original release date falls before September 30. Another requirement is that they must have already served at least half of their original sentence.

The IDF Spokesperson later confirmed the report, clarifying in a statement: “Enforcement authorities in the IDF have the authority to order the early release of soldiers serving in confinement or imprisonment ahead of the chag, for several days only, and provided the conditions set by regulation are met. This authority has been exercised uniformly and equally for many years, and the claim that this is a special initiative to release chareidi draft dodgers is baseless.”

In practice, only a small number of those being released early for the Yom Tov belong to the chareidi community. Military officials emphasized that they are included in the general framework, just as with other sectors, in accordance with longstanding IDF regulations that are applied consistently without political involvement.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of a recent wave of arrests at Ben Gurion Airport. Over the weekend, the Military Police confirmed that more than 70 young men had been detained and imprisoned after being classified as “deserters.” Most of those taken into custody were Breslover chassidim attempting to fly to Uman, Ukraine, to spend Rosh Hashanah there.

Earlier in the day, Sephardic posek Rav Boruch Shraga, the head of a beis din in Yerushalayim, issued a strongly worded letter to Shas MKs criticizing their silence in the face of these arrests. In the letter, he cautioned that ignoring the plight of the detained yeshiva students constitutes “a prosecution against the Jewish people” and reflects dangerous inaction in the face of an attack on Torah learners.

He wrote: “While all of Klal Yisroel will gather in the batei knesses on the morning of the Yom Hadin to fulfill the day’s commandment and to hear the shofar, more than a hundred bochurim and avreichim will be sitting behind bars in military prison.”

Rav Shraga warned that failing to protest this reality amounts to inviting divine disfavor: “I will hide My eyes from you; even if you increase your prayers, I will not listen.” He concluded that “there is no greater prosecution in Heaven than to see those who dedicate themselves to Torah learning thrown into prison, forced to endure the Yamim Noraim in such a lowly and defiled place.”

{Matzav.com}

  Today Erev Rosh Hashana ,  a donor has pledged to match every dollar raised ,  up to $100,000! When you open your machzor, you’ll have a list of things you want for the coming year — health, parnassah, nachas. What if, alongside those requests, you had the zechus of having helped dozens of families enter Yom Tov with dignity? The families of Zichron Moshe live with utmost simplicity all year long. But when it comes to Yom Tov, even the most basic necessities — wine, challah, chicken, vegetables — are beyond their means. This year, with Yom Tov and Shabbos falling on separate days, the burden is greater than ever. In addition to the regular support, Kupas Zichron Moshe has added over 100 families to the list, and is raising an extra $100 per family so these special Yidden can experience an uplifting, dignified Yom Tov. Under the direct oversight of R’ Gamliel Rabinovitch, Kupas Zichron Moshe is working to make sure these families have everything they need for Yom Tov. Your donation today will go directly to cover those costs, and surely stand as a powerful zchus for you and your entire family. Click here to donate. A Kesiva V’Chasima Tova, Kupas Zichron Moshe CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Erika Kirk delivered a moving and emotional address on Sunday, publicly forgiving the man accused of killing her husband, Charlie Kirk, and urging love and reconciliation in front of a crowd left in tears.

“He wanted to save young men. Just like the one who took his life,” she said through sobs, speaking from the stage of State Farm Stadium beneath the presidential seal.

She then declared: “I forgive him because it was what … Charlie would do.”

“The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know … is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us,” Erika said with conviction.

She explained that she opposed capital punishment for Tyler Robinson, who has been charged with the murder. Speaking to the New York Times, she said: “I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger.

President Trump praised Charlie Kirk as “a great American hero” and promised that their children would grow up knowing their father’s legacy.

The president has repeatedly shared his grief, even likening Charlie to a son. Yet it was Erika’s words that stunned those present and moved countless others watching remotely.

Erika slowly approached the microphone to thunderous applause. Addressing more than 70,000 inside the stadium and a crowd estimated at 200,000 overall, she began: “God bless all of you for coming here from all over the world to honor and celebrate my Charlie.”

She described the agonizing moment she first saw her husband’s body in a Utah hospital. “On the afternoon of Sept. 10, I arrived at a Utah hospital to do the unthinkable: To look directly at my husband’s murdered body. I saw the wound that ended his life, I felt everything you would expect to feel. I felt shock, I felt horror and a level of heartache that I didn’t even know existed,” she said.

She spoke proudly of his vision and accomplishments. “He named his organization well. He knew things were not right with America, especially with young people, and that they needed a new direction,” she said about Turning Point USA.

“Charlie passionately wanted to reach and save the lost boys of the West. The young men who feel like they have no direction, no purpose, no faith and no reason to live. The men wasting their lives on distractions and the men consumed with anger and hate,” she said.

“When he went onto campus, he was looking to show them a better path and a better life that was right there for the taking … My husband Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life.”

Her voice quivered as she addressed Robinson directly. “That young man. That young man. … — that man, that young man, I forgive him,” she said, prompting a long standing ovation.

She also shared with the New York Times that she now wears the blood-stained St. Michael pendant her husband had on when he was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.

The night before the tragedy, Erika recalled begging her husband to wear a bulletproof vest, while others urged protective glass. “Not yet,” Charlie had answered, insisting that he trusted his security team and the precautions already in place.

Erika reflected on the completeness of his life’s efforts. “He left this world without regrets. He did 100% of what he could do every day. But I want you all to know something. Charlie died with incomplete work, but not with unfinished business,” she said, drawing cheers and applause.

“I will miss him so much because our marriage and our family were beautiful, and still are. The greatest cause in Charlie’s life was trying to revive the American family,” she said.

She concluded by stressing his lifelong message to youth. “When he spoke to young people he was always eager to tell them about God’s vision to marriage, and how if they could just dare to live it out it would enrich every part of their live in the same way it enriched ours.”

{Matzav.com}

Donald Trump and Elon Musk set aside months of estrangement to appear together Sunday at the memorial service for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk — a spectacle that doubled as both a show of grief and a possible thaw in one of the movement’s most intriguing political feuds. The memorial at State Farm Stadium drew a capacity crowd of 60,000, with thousands more gathering outside. Attendees, many wearing red, white, and blue at the request of Turning Point USA, filled the arena with signs and chants in tribute to Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative firebrand whose assassination in Utah earlier this month has become a galvanizing moment for the right. Trump, delivering one of the most high-profile eulogies, called Kirk a “great American hero” and pledged to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. “Less than two weeks ago, our country was robbed of one of the brightest lights of our time,” Trump said, drawing a standing ovation that lasted nearly a minute. But the political subplot — and the one likely to reverberate beyond the stadium — was the image of Trump and Musk sitting together in a private suite, separated from the crowd by bulletproof glass but appearing visibly at ease with each other. The two men, whose alliance fractured in May after Musk publicly criticized Trump’s debt-heavy legislative agenda during his short-lived stint running the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), were seen shaking hands, laughing, and conversing animatedly throughout the service. Musk later posted his own view from the suite: “Every seat in this giant arena that isn’t roped off for security is packed to the ceiling. Honored to be here. All for Charlie Kirk.” Hours later, he added a photo with the caption: “For Charlie.” The day’s roster of conservative heavyweights further underscored the event’s significance. Trump introduced Musk to UFC chief executive Dana White while House Speaker Mike Johnson dropped in for a brief conversation. Vice President JD Vance and several cabinet members delivered remarks praising Kirk’s role in mobilizing young voters. Kirk’s widow, Erika, drew roaring applause as she told mourners her husband “lived bravely” and “loved America to his last breath.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

An intense hailstorm damaged cars, trees, and piled up in the streets as severe weather swept through Beijing recently.

VP: “Erika, I know I speak for this entire auditorium when I say that we love you and we will never stop standing by your side just as Charlie did.” ❤

POTUS: “On that terrible day, September 10th 2025, our greatest evangelist for American liberty became immortal. He’s a martyr now for American freedom. I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, & neither now will history.”

Klal Yisroel is a nation of rachmanim bnei rachmanim. For every imaginable need, we have created organizations and gemachim—tailor-made to fill not only basic necessities but even luxuries. And yet, I feel compelled to raise awareness of a situation that is often overlooked. It has been spoken about, but clearly not enough. Too many Yidden—neighbors, friends, even relatives—are left alone. As Yomim Tovim approach, the pain of loneliness is magnified. It is not enough to simply say, “You’re always welcome.” Such an open-ended statement puts the burden on the person who is already vulnerable, making it even less likely that they will reach out. We all know the tremendous mitzvah of hachnasas orchim. But perhaps we need a chizuk, a reminder of how to extend ourselves in a way that makes a guest feel truly wanted and comfortable. Our words must be chosen with care, so the individual never feels like a burden. Too often, even well-intentioned invites can sound like mere obligation. This is where extra sensitivity is required, especially for someone who is emotionally fragile. Picture yourself staring at the calendar, wondering where you will be for the upcoming seudos. It’s overwhelming. I’ve heard from people who said they would rather sit alone than ask if they could join a Shabbos or Yom Tov table. That cannot be. We can, and we must, do better—starting now. As we prepare our menus, shop for the Yom Tov, and set our tables, let’s add this life-saving duty to our checklist: reach out. Think of the almanah or single parent who may or may not have their children for Yom Tov. The older single whose family lives far away. The neighbor whose circumstances leave them without a place to go. These are real neshamos among us, and it takes just a few moments to make them feel included. With today’s ease of communication, it’s simpler than ever to send a personal text, email, or—better yet—a short voice note that feels warmer. Even if you’ve told them in the past, “Just come whenever you’d like,” that often isn’t enough. Many perceive general invitations as insincere, even when they’re not. A clear, personal, heartfelt invite is what makes the difference. Loneliness is a heavy burden. The depth of despair it can bring, especially when everyone else is enveloped with family and simchas Yom Tov, is frightening. It’s not someone else’s achrayus. It’s ours. We, Am Yisroel, are rachmanim bnei rachmanim. Let’s ensure that each of our brothers and sisters feels thought of, cared for, and included. In the zechus of being nosei b’ol chaveiro, may the Ribbono Shel Olam show rachamim and extra care for each and every one of us. Sincerely, R.E. The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review. 

Since the start of the operation in Gaza, the IDF’s innovative robotic system has become a central weapon: advanced APCs are being sent to blow up booby-trapped buildings, neutralize explosives, and prepare the ground for the entry of ground forces—saving soldiers’ lives and providing a glimpse of the battlefield of the future. Dubbed on Gazan social media as “suicide APCs,” these machines have attracted widespread attention from residents who film and track their movements—a phenomenon reported by Army Radio on Sunday morning. The program began with unmanned engineering “Panda” bulldozers but was later shifted to repurposed, older U.S.-made “Zelda” armored personnel carriers, which the IDF has in ample supply in storage. The IDF’s ground technology unit then created a launcher device that enables an APC to transport explosives to a target, withdraw, and detonate the charge remotely. In recent days the system has been used dozens of times on a daily basis, demolishing hundreds of buildings across the Gaza Strip. The IDF says that the system has neutralized thousands of explosive devices and spared many soldiers’ lives. “This system has become one of the most dramatic combat tools in Gaza,” a senior officer said. The IDF is also testing additional versions: robotic APCs to carry supplies to frontline units and armed versions equipped with machine-gun systems capable of detecting and engaging terrorists. “Imagine what 100 robotic APCs could do—entering terrain ahead of troops to clear the way. This is the battlefield of the future, and we will be the first in the world to do it,” the officer added. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) condemned the announcements from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada that they will recognize a Palestinian state, saying the move effectively rewards terrorism.

“Eighty years after the end of WWII, where over 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis for simply being Jewish, the so-called civilized world is rewarding modern day religious Nazis with an arbitrary Palestinian state designation,” Graham said in a statement.

He noted that he does not believe antisemitism motivated the decision but described it instead as an example of “shocking ignorance and blindness” by leaders in the West.

“Western Democracies recognizing a mythical Palestinian state – one without leaders, one without borders, one without a capital and one without accommodations for Israel’s security – is truly rewarding the largest slaughter of Jews since WWII,” Graham declared.

Graham warned that this recognition will strengthen terrorist groups throughout the Middle East. “Because of these actions, throughout the terrorist world October 7 will now be considered ‘Liberation Day’,” he said, referencing the Hamas-led massacre in southern Israel.

He added that movements like Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and the Houthis “do not wish for two states. They wish to destroy the Jewish people and drive Israel into the sea, their words not mine.”

{Matzav.com}

ERICKA KIRK ON HER HUSBAND’S KILLER: “That man, that young man, I forgive him.”

PRES. TRUMP: “Charlie’s murder was not just an attack on one man or one movement, it was an attack on our entire nation.”

More than 50,000 Sefardim packed the Kosel Plaza on Sunday night to recite Selichos on the last night of the year.

Hagaon HaRav Elya Brudny delivering his weekly Vaad on Sunday at the home of Reb Sruly Schubert in Flatbush, who, despite suffering from ALS, continues to be a wellspring of Chikuz to thousands of people.

Thousands of Belzer Chassidim participated in the joyous Bar Mitzvah celebration of Moshe Yehoshua Rokeach, grandson of the Belzer Rebbe Shlita, who was named after his holy great-grandfather, the Yeshuos Moshe of Vizhnitz Zt”l. The simcha was attended by leading Rabbonim and Admorim of the Belzer dynasty, as well as distinguished guests who arrived from abroad ahead of the Tishrei Yomim Tovim.

President Trump reveals one of the last things Charlie Kirk said to him: Please, sir. Save Chicago. “We’re gonna do that. We’re gonna save Chicago from horrible crime.”

The Israel Defense Forces announced that more than 550,000 residents of Gaza City have already evacuated to the southern part of the Strip. Simultaneously, the 162nd, 98th, and 36th Divisions have pushed into Gaza City and are now engaged in operations within Hamas strongholds.

Alongside the announcement, the military released satellite imagery capturing the intense flow of vehicles and people moving along the specified evacuation corridors.

The IDF also reported that Hamas operatives have been taking steps to block civilians from leaving for the south. According to the army, these actions are contrary to international law and are part of Hamas’s practice of using the local population as shields for its militants.

“In recent weeks, the IDF, led by the Southern Command, launched a wide-scale operation to warn the civilian population for their safety, to distance them from areas of combat through a range of operational tools, including voice messages, leaflet drops, text messages, and phone calls,” the statement from the army explained.

“The IDF has also announced the humanitarian area in Khan Yunis and is leading an extensive effort to adapt humanitarian infrastructure in southern Gaza, including expanding field hospitals, repairing and connecting water pipelines and desalination facilities, as well as a continued supply of food, tents, medicine, and medical equipment to the area,” the IDF added.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli officials are weighing different countermeasures in response to the announcements from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada recognizing a Palestinian state. According to aides close to the Prime Minister, one of the main steps under consideration is implementing partial sovereignty over areas of Judea and Samaria.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Donald Trump next week, where he will try to align Israel’s approach with Washington. His aim is to block further recognition of Palestinian statehood while at the same time protecting the diplomatic progress achieved through the Abraham Accords.

Channel 12 revealed that Saudi Arabia has delivered a stern warning to Israel, making clear that the move to apply sovereignty would carry major consequences for the region.

Meanwhile, senior members of the government are urging Netanyahu to act decisively by advancing sovereignty. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has already said that he intends to formally bring a proposal to extend sovereignty in Judea and Samaria during the next Cabinet session.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was blunt in his remarks: “The days of the British mandate are over. The only response to this anti-Israeli step is sovereignty over the homeland of the Jewish people in Judea and Samaria and the removal of the delusional idea of a Palestinian state from the agenda forever. Mr. Prime Minister, this is the time, and it is in your hands.”

Netanyahu himself issued a strong reaction earlier on Sunday: “I have a clear message for those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the terrible October 7th Massacre: you are giving a huge reward for terror. I have another message for you: It won’t happen. A Palestinian state will not be created west of the Jordan.

“For years, I have prevented the establishment of this terror state against tremendous pressure from home and abroad. We have done this with determination and with astute statesmanship. Moreover, we have doubled the Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue on this path. The answer to the recent attempt to force on us a terror state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the US. Just wait,” Netanyahu said.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Klal Yisroel MUST RESPOND: WE ARE BRINGING HIM HOME – Save Binyamin Chasin from Death in Iraq

Time is running out for a young Jewish man facing execution. Us Yidden must unite NOW to save a life.

The “Zachreinu L’Chaim” campaign has launched what may be our final opportunity to rescue Binyamin Chasin, a 30-year-old Yid sitting on death row in an Iraqi prison. With just $250,000 standing between life and death, this is our moment to show what it means to be responsible for one another.

PLEASE DONATE HERE A Story That Will Break Your Heart

Picture this: A young man, born in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, dreams of a better life. His family brings him to Eretz Yisroel as a small child, seeking safety and opportunity. They eventually settle in Canada, but the pull of the Holy Land brings Binyamin back to Israel as a teenager, ready to build his future.

In 2014, at just 21 years old, Binyamin made a fateful decision that would change everything. His elderly grandparents in Kurdistan were alone, vulnerable, and he couldn’t bear the thought of abandoning them. Despite the growing dangers in Iraq, he traveled back to be with family – a decision that reflected the beautiful middah of kibbud av v’em that we cherish in our community.

But Binyamin arrived just as ISIS was unleashing terror across Iraq. Instead of fleeing, this brave young man stood up. He joined Kurdish fighters defending innocent people against unspeakable horrors. He could have run – but he stayed to protect others.

When Everything Went Wrong

In 2015, while simply trying to return home, Binyamin’s life was shattered in an instant. A taxi driver overheard him speaking Hebrew, and threatened to hand him over to ISIS. We all know what that would have meant. Facing certain torture and death at the hands of terrorists, Binyamin fought for his life.

In the struggle, his weapon discharged, wounding the driver in the leg. Tragically, the man later died from complications. Binyamin was arrested, tortured mercilessly, and thrown into prison where he has languished for nearly a decade.

The Death Sentence That Haunts Us All

In August 2020, Kurdish authorities sentenced Binyamin to death by hanging. Think about that for a moment – a young Jewish man, who risked his life fighting ISIS, facing execution for defending himself against someone who wanted to deliver him to terrorists.

Through tremendous siyata d’Shmaya and the heroic efforts of askanim, Binyamin was moved from the notorious Sulaymaniyah prison – a facility crawling with Iranian agents – to Erbil, buying precious time. But the death sentence remains active. Any day, any hour, they could carry out the execution.

Hope in the Darkness

Under local law, the victim’s family can agree to a financial settlement that would completely annul the death sentence. After years of painstaking negotiations, they have agreed – in writing – to accept $250,000 in exchange for Binyamin’s freedom.

This isn’t just hope – this is a concrete path to salvation. The moment those funds are delivered, Binyamin walks free.

PLEASE DONATE HERE

Alan Dershowitz, one of America’s most famous attorneys, has taken up this case, lending his considerable influence and expertise. Attorney Allan Lowy is also working tirelessly on the case, coordinating efforts directly with the Israeli Foreign Ministry to secure Binyamin’s release through official diplomatic channels. When legal experts of this caliber say this young man is in dire danger, we must listen.

Binyonim’s attorney, Allan Lowy, a tireless advocate who has personally traveled to Iraq multiple times, paints a heartbreaking picture. He found Binyamin physically broken, trembling uncontrollably, spitting blood – a young man destroyed by years of suffering in conditions we can barely imagine.

“The death warrant is signed,” Allani Lowy warns us. “They can execute him tomorrow. But if we had the money today, we could have him home within days.”

Gedolim Stand Behind This Mission

This is a mission supervised by some of our generation’s most respected Gedolim. HaRav Chaim Dovid Weiss, the Satmar Dayan of Antwerp, and the Dzikov-Melitzer Rebbe have both issued letters of support. R’ Elya Brudny has also given his haskama with a letter attached, lending his prestigious endorsement to this critical rescue mission. These are men who have devoted their lives to pidyon shvuyim, who understand the halachic and moral imperatives at stake.

The Satmar Dayan himself has pledged to personally oversee every dollar donated, guaranteeing that not a penny moves until Binyamin is safely free. A trusted emissary, battle-tested in countless rescue operations, will personally deliver the funds.

Behind the scenes, askanim from around the world have been working tirelessly on this case for years. Leading this crucial effort is Hershel Gottdiener, a name you probably don’t know – and that’s exactly how he wants it.

Hershel raises funds for Jews in dire straits anywhere in the world, helps move incarcerated individuals out of backwater third-world prisons. But you won’t read about Hershel Gottdiener on any blog or frum website – because he makes sure all those good deeds remain under the radar.

Now, Hershel and his team of dedicated askanim are telling us something incredible: We are nearly at the finish line. Years of relationship-building, negotiations, and legal work have brought us to this moment. All that stands between Binyamin and freedom is this final gap in funding.

We have the power to write a different ending to this story. We can be the generation that brought Binyamin home.

The mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim comes before even feeding the poor – that’s how seriously our Sages took the obligation to redeem captives. This isn’t Tzedakah – this is a commandment from Hashem.

PLEASE DONATE HERE

Donate through the Zachreinu L’Chaim campaign. 

PLEASE Share this story until it reaches every corner of the Jewish world. WE CAN, AND WE WILL, BRING HIM HOME.

And please, daven with all your heart for Binyamin ben Limor – that he should merit a yeshua me’afeilah l’orah, a salvation from darkness to light, speedily in our days.

Because when one Jew is in danger, we are all in danger. And when we save one Jewish life, we save an entire world.

Time is running out. The choice is yours.

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