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Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro launched a furious tirade against Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, labeling him “the Hitler of the 21st Century” over Israel’s military response to Iran. Maduro, who maintains a close alliance with the Iranian regime, made the comments during a session of his government’s “Seven Transformations” workshop, part of his regime’s blueprint for Venezuela through 2031, Breitbart reports.

Speaking at the event, Maduro accused Israel and Netanyahu of executing what he claimed was a Western-backed scheme similar to Nazi-era domination. “For those who like to talk about religions, this is not a religious conflict. The conflict that has existed since the founding of the State of Israel is a geopolitical conflict,” Maduro claimed — disregarding the decades of openly antisemitic bigotry out of Tehran — “because that State was created to conquer the entire Middle East and Central Asia, and to take away their wealth and colonize those peoples.”

He continued to draw parallels between Israel’s geopolitical actions and Nazi ideology. “It is the Zionist project, which they say goes from the Jordan River to the Euphrates and beyond. Europe did to Hitler what the West is doing to Netanyahu,” he continued. “From Venezuela we say it and nobody is going to prevent our voice from sounding here and there, and the peoples of the world to wake up in a conscience.”

Maduro then questioned Netanyahu’s Jewish lineage and bizarrely suggested that he himself carries true Jewish ancestry. “I am a Christian, but Jewish blood runs through my veins, Sephardic blood, from the authentic Jews of the twelve tribes, those of Moses. Those Jews of the twelve tribes, who are not the ones in charge today in the State of Israel, those who govern today under Netanyahu, are not authentic Jews. He is a hodgepodge who comes from Poland,” Maduro said.

Condemning Israel’s military operation against Iran, Maduro claimed the action was a blatant breach of international law. He argued that the United Nations has lost credibility, likening today’s situation to the period leading up to World War II. “The U.N. is dying, as nations died before the passing of Hitler, who ended the mechanism of nations that was created, before the UN, Hitler was fed and armed by the British empire,” he claimed.

He further accused the Western powers of enabling Hitler in the 20th century and drew a direct comparison to what he claims is their current backing of Netanyahu. “They encouraged him [Hitler] to destroy the Soviet Union, that beautiful project of socialism that unified all the peoples of Eurasia and that had achieved a historical miracle in educational, cultural, technological, industrial, agricultural development,” Maduro said. “Today, eighty years later, when we celebrate the victory over Nazi-fascism, over the fascist militarism of Japan that invaded all the peoples of Asia, history is repeating itself again.”

Maduro concluded his diatribe with a direct challenge to the global community: “Are they going to continue to encourage the Hitler of the 21st century [Netanyahu] now against the noble and peaceful people of the Islamic Republic of Iran?” he continued.

After issuing his accusations, Maduro described the current global instability as the beginning of a transformative global conflict. “With Ukraine’s war against Russia and with the massacre of the Palestinian people, they want to frighten the peoples who want development, peace, dignity, justice and equality.” He then turned to Jews in Israel with a direct appeal: “Where is this warlike attitude going to lead? Where is so much racism, intolerance, hatred and violence going to lead? Do you think that with missiles and bombs you are going to subdue the will of the peoples of the world? Stop the aggression and the war against the Palestinian people, the people of Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran,” Maduro said.

Maduro’s government has become increasingly reliant on Iran in recent years to help cushion the collapse of Venezuela’s socialist economy. The regime has consistently aligned itself with Iran in its opposition to Israel and the United States. Following Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, Venezuela was among the first nations to denounce the operation, labeling it an “illegitimate, unjustified military aggression in violation of international law.”

In April 2024, after Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel, Maduro’s regime defended the attack and blamed Israel for provoking it. Venezuela has had no formal diplomatic relations with Israel since 2009, when Hugo Chávez, Maduro’s predecessor and political mentor, severed ties and expelled Israeli diplomats from the country.

Back in 2013, shortly after Chávez’s death, Maduro first stated that his grandparents were Sephardic Jews who converted to Catholicism. He has since occasionally repeated this assertion as a way to deflect allegations of antisemitism. Those allegations came into the spotlight after Claudio Epelman, head of the Jewish Latin-American Congress, expressed concern that growing Iranian influence in Venezuela was contributing to a rise in antisemitic sentiment across Latin America.

“I’m sorry to hear about the statements made by Claudio Epelman, director of the Latin American Jewish Congress, who I know and have received many times, saying that there’s anti-Semitism in Venezuela and implicating Chávez and me in it,” Maduro told the far-left outlet Aporrea in 2013. “He can accuse me, but he should leave Chávez out of it.”

A 2023 report by Australia’s Jewish Independent described the massive exodus of Jews from Venezuela over the past two decades of Chávez and Maduro’s rule. Many members of the Jewish community fled to Israel, the United States, Panama, Colombia, and elsewhere, even as currency control laws made emigration extremely difficult. While Maduro has loosened some of those controls since 2018, most restrictions remain in place.

The Jewish Independent also highlighted that Chávez had promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories, including the claim that Mossad agents and Jews were behind the 2004 car bombing that killed public prosecutor Danilo Anderson. After the bombing, Chávez infamously declared that “the descendants of those who killed Christ had taken possession of all the wealth in the world.” Anderson’s murder has never been solved, but in 2018, his sister, Marisela Caraballo Anderson, said that the “murderer is among those who carried the casket” and implied that members of the regime may have been involved.

{Matzav.com}

Kraft Heinz will be pulling certain artificial dyes from its U.S. products starting in 2027 and will no longer roll out new products with the dyes. The move comes nearly two months after U.S. health officials said that they would urge foodmakers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors in the nation’s food supply. Kraft Heinz said Tuesday that almost 90% of its U.S. products already don’t contain food, drug & cosmetic colors, but that the products that do still use the dyes will have them removed by the end of 2027. FD&C colors are synthetic additives that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food, drugs and cosmetics. Kraft Heinz said that many of its U.S. products that still use the FD&C colors are in its beverage and desserts categories, including certain products sold under brands including Crystal Light, Kool Aid, Jell-O and Jet Puffed. The company said that it will instead use natural colors for the products. “The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of FD&C colors across the remainder of our portfolio,” Pedro Navio, North America President at Kraft Heinz, said in a statement. Kraft Heinz stripped artificial colors, flavors and preservatives from its macaroni and cheese in 2016 and said it has never used artificial dyes in its ketchup. The company plans to work with licensees of its brands to encourage them to remove the dyes. In April Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said at a news conference that the agency would take steps to eliminate the synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, largely by relying on voluntary efforts from the food industry. Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The FDA has maintained that the approved dyes are safe and that “the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.” The FDA currently allows 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. In January, the agency announced that the dye known as Red 3 — used in candies, cakes and some medications — would be banned in food by 2027 because it caused cancer in laboratory rats. Artificial dyes are used widely in U.S. foods. In Canada and in Europe — where synthetic colors are required to carry warning labels — manufacturers mostly use natural substitutes. Several states, including California and West Virginia, have passed laws restricting the use of artificial colors in foods. Many U.S. food companies are already reformulating their foods, according to Sensient Colors, one of the world’s largest producers of food dyes and flavorings. In place of synthetic dyes, foodmakers can use natural hues made from beets, algae and crushed insects and pigments from purple sweet potatoes, radishes and red cabbage. (AP)

In the wake of the Iranian missile that struck Bnei Brak, severely damaging a school for special-needs children, Gerer Rosh Yeshiva Rav Shaul Alter delivered a powerful and emotional reflection on the tragedy, questioning why such a vulnerable institution was targeted.

Speaking on the “Hi Sichasi” call-in line, where he regularly discusses Torah topics with the talmidei chachamim of his kehillah, Rav Shaul veered from his usual format to comment on current events. Referring to the heartbreaking strike that hit a facility for children with special needs, he remarked, “The Ribbono Shel Olam is awaiting the tefillos of those children in particular.”

In a poignant statement, Rav Shaul pointed out that these children, more than others, are shaken when their routines are disrupted. “They experience the change most acutely,” he explained, “and their cries in tefillah—emanating from such sincere, broken hearts—may pierce the heavens.”

The Rosh Yeshiva recalled a recent moment he witnessed at the wedding of a daughter of the gabbai of Rav Yechezkel Halpern. There, an autistic child suddenly began calling out loudly. “I saw it not as a disruption,” Rav Shaul said, “but as that child’s personal way of speaking to the Borei Olam.”

He concluded with conviction, “There is no doubt in my mind that the tefillos of such children can open gates and bring yeshuah.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

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Millions of Israelis remain exposed to missile threats due to insufficient protective infrastructure, State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman warned on Monday after surveying missile strike sites in Ramat Gan and Bat Yam, the Jerusalem Post reports.

Engelman recalled that “In 2020, we published an extremely severe report about the protection gaps in the State of Israel. At that time, it was found that close to 2.6 million residents were living without adequate protection. Moreover, budgets allocated to the issue were not utilized, and government plans were left unfunded.”

He revealed that an updated audit, recently finalized and already circulated to key figures including the Prime Minister, the Home Front Command, and the Minister of National Security, indicates the situation has barely improved. “According to another report we recently completed, regarding sheltering and protection in local authorities (a draft of which has already been submitted to the Prime Minister, Home Front Command, and the Minister of National Security), the gaps remain extremely significant. This includes millions of Israeli citizens still without protection, malfunctioning public shelters, a lack of mapping for the population without access to protected spaces, and insufficient preparedness to support civilians once they are harmed,” Engelman said.

Engelman emphasized the urgent need for immediate intervention. “I call upon the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Security, the Minister of Defense, the Home Front Command, and all relevant parties: we are in the midst of a war against Iran. It is crucial to ensure the home front is addressed. A strong home front is essential for the State of Israel,” he concluded.

Saturday’s missile strike on the Arab city of Tamra in the Lower Galilee intensified public scrutiny of the state’s preparedness in Arab communities. The attack took the lives of Manar al-Qasem Abu al-Heija Khatib, her daughters Hala and Shada (ages 13 and 20), as well as their relative Manar Diab Katib. Around 20 more people suffered injuries of varying severity.

In response, Hadash-Ta’al MK Ofer Cassif urged the Knesset Internal Affairs and Environment Committee to reconvene and address the vulnerability of low-income populations, particularly in Arab municipalities. “Millions of citizens in Israel live in homes that are not fortified and without access to public shelters—particularly in south Tel Aviv, the Negev, and in Arab towns and villages—placing them in real and immediate danger in the face of the growing threat of rocket fire,” Cassif wrote.

Cassif noted that a similar discussion was held back in September. He stated that following that meeting, the committee pushed for the formation of an inter-ministerial group to tackle the issue and demanded the Ministry of Defense provide a comprehensive overview of protection deficiencies. “However, no real progress has been recorded to date,” Cassif wrote.

He stressed the necessity of launching a fortification initiative in both central and peripheral urban neighborhoods, regardless of economic incentives. “The state must take action to implement a fortification plan in older neighborhoods at the centers of cities, both in the central region and the periphery. Even when there is no economic profitability, the state must reach into its pockets, fund, and support these projects,” Cassif wrote.

In November, the Knesset Internal Affairs and Environment Committee held a hearing focused on the lack of defense infrastructure in northern Arab localities. Ahead of that session, three organizations—Injaz Center for Professional Arab Local Governance, The National Committee for Heads of Arab Local Authorities, and Sikkuy-Aufoq For a Shared and Equal Society—submitted a joint policy paper to the committee.

Their paper highlighted the particularly precarious conditions in Arab towns in the north. “The issue of fortification is especially urgent in the northern communities, where residents are living unprotected in the face of mounting war threats. In many Arab communities in the north, there are no secure rooms or public shelters at all. Out of 39 settlements surveyed, 23 are Arab communities lacking proper shelter. A recent report by the Knesset’s Knesset Internal Affairs and Environment Committee found that 59% of casualties in the north since the war broke out were Arab citizens.”

The document further highlighted the stark disparity in access to public shelters. Cities such as Tamra, Saknin, Jadeidi-Maker, Majd al-Krum, Deir al-Asad, Rameh, and Nahf—home to a combined population of about 150,000—had zero public shelters. In contrast, nearby Jewish-majority cities like Nahariya, Acre, Tzefas, and Karmiel, with a collective population of around 200,000, were equipped with approximately 600 public shelters.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Regional sources revealed to Ynet on Tuesday that “significant progress” has been made toward a possible hostage release agreement, a ceasefire in Gaza, and a broader framework to end Israel’s war against Hamas. While both sides are said to be showing “unusual flexibility,” lingering anxieties—especially over fallout from the parallel conflict with Iran—continue to complicate final negotiations. “The Israeli delegation hasn’t left for Doha yet, out of concern that it could slow negotiations rather than speed them up,” one official told reporters, highlighting the precarious nature of the talks. Still, U.S. officials have privately told hostage families in recent days that “very positive signs of a breakthrough” are emerging. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Monday that he sees “a gap” that could enable progress. Yet a regional diplomat stressed the deal under discussion is about far more than the release of 8 to 10 living hostages: “The scope is much broader—it’s essentially about ending the war. The messages being exchanged concern the future of Gaza, not just Phase One.” Even as talks intensify behind closed doors, high-level political sniping threatens to undercut diplomatic momentum. On Tuesday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump sharply rebuked French President Emmanuel Macron, who suggested Trump had left the G7 summit early to push for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. “He has no idea why I returned to Washington, but it certainly wasn’t about a ceasefire,” Trump said. “It’s something much bigger than that. Emmanuel is always wrong.” Earlier this week, sources in Washington and the Gulf indicated growing optimism in ongoing U.S.-backed discussions between Israel and Hamas, with reports that Israel may soon send negotiators to Qatar. Netanyahu publicly said Sunday that he had authorized efforts to advance the talks, reaffirming his dual mission: “I’m not giving up on anyone. So far, we’ve freed more than 200 hostages—and I won’t stop until we’ve brought everyone home. We’ll complete the mission: both destroying Hamas and freeing the hostages.” But his words were met with a blistering response from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which accused the government of issuing hollow reassurances with no concrete action. “The families are scarred by promises and statements that aren’t backed by action or results,” the forum said. “Every such comment throws them into emotional turmoil and stretches their already frayed nerves. Time is running out for the living hostages—and the fallen may disappear forever.” “Prove you’re serious. Announce that a negotiating team is heading to Doha with a clear mandate to bring everyone back today. This is a historic moment. Without the return of the hostages, there will be no Israeli victory—partial or total. Bring them home.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Many who became stranded in Israel due to the sudden outbreak of the Israel-Iran war have been leaving via alternate routes. Here, dozens of Jews are seen at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, seeking flights that will return them home. Notice the two “undercover” Yidden wearing baseball caps to conceal their identities.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar was at the scene of a missile impact a couple of days ago, with the mayor of Rishon LeZion. “Iran only targets civilians, not a single soldier is killed in their attacks”

In an earlier barrage from Iran, a piece of shrapnel from a ballistic missile reportedly landed near the home of Israeli finance minister Betzalel Smotrich. No injuries were reported.

Part of an Iranian ballistic missile that was intercepted and landed in an open area in the Shomron. Bichasdei Hashem, no injuries are being reported.

On Tuesday, the White House released a compilation of 15 separate statements made by President Donald Trump that reaffirm his unwavering policy regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The administration emphasized that Trump has consistently maintained that Tehran must never be permitted to develop or obtain nuclear weapons.

“President Donald J. Trump has never wavered in his stance that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon — a pledge he has made repeatedly, both in office and on the campaign trail,” read the official statement from the White House.

The administration then provided a chronological list of quotes made by the president since February 2025, which they say illustrates his unchanging position on the matter.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple — you don’t have to go to too deep into it. They just can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (6/17/25)

“I want to see no nuclear weapon in Iran and we’re well on our way to making sure that happens.” (6/16/25)

“You can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon.” (6/14/25)

“They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. We’re not going to allow that.” (6/11/25)

“You have to view them as people and I don’t want it to be a violent thing, but they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon.” (5/16/25)

“I want them to succeed. I want them to end up being a great country, frankly, but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (5/15/25)

“I want to make a deal with Iran, I want to do something if it’s possible, but for that to happen, it must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons.” (5/14/25)

“Iran can have a much brighter future — but we’ll never allow America and its allies to be threatened with terrorism or a nuclear attack. The choice is theirs to make. We really want them to be a successful country … but they cannot have a nuclear weapon.” (5/13/25)

“We want it to be a great country. Let it be a tremendously successful, rich country … but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (5/6/25)

“I want Iran to be really successful, really great, really fantastic — the only thing they can’t have is a nuclear weapon. If they want to be successful, that’s OK. I want them to be so successful and, you know, the Iranian people are incredible — I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon because the world will be destroyed.” (5/4/25)

“Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (4/17/25)

“Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.” (4/14/25)

“I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country — but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (4/11/25)

“You cannot allow [Iran] to have a nuclear weapon.” (2/10/25)

“It’s very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” (2/4/25)

{Matzav.com}

The Israel Defense Forces are pressing forward with their offensive against Iranian targets under Operation Rising Lion. A senior defense source confirmed that the campaign remains in full force, stating that the Iranian regime has suffered “a hard blow on its home field.”

While specific results of the strikes remain classified, the source emphasized the breadth and depth of Israel’s operational capabilities. “We can’t give details yet about the achievements, but they are impressive. We know how to act in every part of Iran, not without dangers and challenges,” the official said, highlighting the risks involved in penetrating Iranian territory.

According to the IDF, the Israeli Air Force is set to begin hitting what they referred to as “new families” of strategic targets. “The next step will be painful and surprising. Layer after layer, with orderly operational logic, which was planned out over the past year and a half at the Operations Directorate. We have plans for many days ahead,” the statement read, pointing to long-term planning behind the campaign.

Maj. Gen. Oded Basyuk, head of the Operations Directorate, offered further details on the campaign’s goals and progress. “Yesterday, we neutralized the Iranian regime’s emergency military headquarters. We eliminated another Iranian Chief of Staff. We are prepared and ready to continue eliminating Iran’s terror leaders one after the next. We continue to strike nuclear targets to advance our achievement according to the plan, at the correct timing,” he declared.

Maj. Gen. Basyuk stressed that while Israel remains vigilant in defense, the threat from Iran is expected to persist. “We will continue to be ready in defense. I assume the Iranians will continue to try to hit Israel. We will not allow a nuclear Iran to turn the Middle East into a graveyard. We are striking the terrorist regime, not the people, who deserve a better future. The one that endangers us is the leadership in Tehran, not the people on the streets of Shiraz,” he concluded.

{Matzav.com}

WAR WITH IRAN UPDATE •A little less than 400 ballistic missiles have been launched from Iran. •Hundreds of drones have been launched from Iran. •Approximately 35 impact sites have been identified Casualties / Injured: •24 people killed •More than 647 injured, including: •10 in serious condition •37 in moderate condition •Over 600 with minor injuries Damages: 18,766 damage claims have been submitted to the Israel Tax Authority: •15,861 related to structural damage •1,272 related to vehicles •1,633 related to contents and other property Evacuations: •2,725 people have been evacuated from their homes.

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with leader of the opposition MK Yair Lapid for a security update. The leader of the opposition is traditionally briefed once a month by the prime minister on sensitive national security issues.

Iranians are reporting a fire burning at the Shahr-e Rey oil refinery south of Tehran, following Israeli airstrikes.

The Hamas tunnel that ran underneath the European Hospital in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, where the terror group’s leader Mohammed Sinwar was killed in a strike, has been sealed with concrete, the military says.

A cell of Iranian soldiers who fired anti-aircraft missiles at an Israeli Air Force drone over Iran were killed in a strike yesterday, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin reveals in a press conference.

R’ Avrumy, who was just 45 years old, had been learning in the Whispering Pines shul when he began experiencing severe chest pain. Hatzolah responded, but he went into cardiac arrest. Sadly, Hatzolah paramedics were unable to revive him. Read the full article on Lakewood Alerts.