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Hundreds of talmidim at Yeshivas Ohel Torah in Yerushalayim gathered this week to welcome Rav Aviezer Piltz, member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Tushiyah in Tifrach, and one of the senior roshei yeshiva of the generation, who came to deliver a special address of chizuk and guidance.

The atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation as the beis medrash filled to capacity with bochurim, rabbeim, and mashgichim. Rav Shmuel Moallem, rosh yeshiva of Ohel Torah, warmly welcomed the distinguished guest.

For approximately half an hour, Rav Piltz captivated the audience with words of inspiration, focusing on growth in Torah and the challenges facing the Torah world today. He stressed that every ben Torah must constantly strive to elevate himself and avoid spiritual complacency.

“A person can sit in yeshiva and, despite being involved in Torah all day, remain at a mediocre level and fail to grow as he should,” Rav Piltz warned. “Therefore, every bochur must constantly examine his tefillah, his Torah learning, and his conduct toward others. When a person possesses a continual desire to rise higher, he will merit reaching great heights with siyata d’Shmaya.”

The rosh yeshiva also spoke at length about the critical importance of reviewing one’s learning. He explained that chazarah not only strengthens memory but sharpens a person’s understanding and intellectual abilities.

Citing the words of Chazal on the pasuk, “Lo rabim yechkomu,” Rav Piltz referenced the Maharal of Prague, who explains that true wisdom is granted to one who is “ragil b’talmudo”—accustomed to reviewing what he has already learned. The emphasis, he said, is on “talmudo,” material that has already been studied and revisited, because repeated review is what leads to deeper understanding and genuine growth in Torah.

Turning to the current challenges facing lomdei Torah in Eretz Yisroel, Rav Piltz spoke passionately about both the financial pressures and broader attacks directed at the Torah world.

“HaKadosh Baruch Hu has given us an opportunity that previous generations never had,” he said. “The only place where one can learn Torah even amidst hardship and difficulty is Eretz Yisroel.”

Rav Piltz then offered his perspective on the root of the hostility being directed toward the Torah community, arguing that it stems from envy of the spiritual riches possessed by bnei Torah.

“Those pursuing the Torah world today are acting out of jealousy alone,” he said. “Deep within their souls there remains a Jewish spark that has not lost its connection to its source. That inner truth pains them and creates tremendous inner conflict.”

He illustrated the idea with a vivid mashal.

“It is like a poor man who desperately wanted to become wealthy. When he sees that he cannot achieve that wealth, he goes and burns down the rich man’s house. Out of jealousy, they seek to harm and burn down the Torah world. But they will not succeed.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump fired back early Thursday at critics of his newly signed agreement with Iran, dismissing opponents as out of touch and pointing to surging financial markets and declining energy prices as evidence that the deal is already producing positive results.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump mocked those who have argued that his administration was too lenient toward Tehran.

“These fools, who think I haven’t been tough enough on Iran, when the Stock Market Just Hit A RECORD HIGH, and Oil prices are ‘tumbling’ down, are either jealous, bad people, or stupid. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The president’s remarks came shortly after he and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian formally signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a 60-day negotiation period intended to produce a broader and more permanent agreement between the two countries.

The framework is designed to serve as a temporary mechanism for reducing tensions while negotiators work toward resolving major issues, including Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions policy, regional security concerns, and methods for verifying compliance.

According to reporting by Newsmax, the agreement is intended to prevent further escalation between the two nations while creating space for more comprehensive negotiations.

Administration officials have emphasized that the memorandum should not be viewed as a final peace accord but rather as a preliminary framework outlining the path toward a more detailed settlement.

Among the provisions reportedly included in the document are an immediate halt to hostilities and the start of talks concerning restrictions on Iran’s uranium enrichment program and its existing stockpile of enriched material.

Newsmax also reported that Iran has tentatively agreed to limit enrichment activities and increase cooperation with inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency as part of a verification process that would be linked to any future sanctions relief.

Trump signed the memorandum while attending events connected to the Group of Seven summit in France, where world leaders gathered under the hosting of French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles.

Macron welcomed the agreement, according to Agence France-Presse, describing it as a development that “allows for peace” and opens the door to continued diplomatic efforts.

Financial markets responded favorably to news of the agreement.

Oil prices dropped sharply on Thursday, adding to earlier declines after reports of the deal first surfaced. Traders appeared encouraged by the possibility that shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could return to normal levels, easing fears about disruptions to global energy supplies.

The reduction in tensions surrounding the vital waterway is tied to broader commitments involving military de-escalation and reciprocal steps aimed at lowering the risk of conflict throughout the Gulf region.

Administration officials, along with statements from Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have stressed that any sanctions relief will depend on verified Iranian compliance with the terms of the agreement.

The White House has not publicly confirmed every detail reported by media organizations, particularly those involving the scope of sanctions relief and other economic provisions that may be included in future negotiations.

{Matzav.com}

Iran is celebrating its newly finalized agreement with the United States as a major strategic triumph, with senior officials claiming the deal preserves key elements of Tehran’s military and nuclear posture while forcing Washington to make significant concessions.

Speaking Thursday after the memorandum of understanding was signed, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei portrayed the agreement as a decisive victory for the Islamic Republic and argued that the outcome demonstrated Iran’s growing power on the world stage.

One of the most significant points highlighted by Iranian officials is the survival of Tehran’s ballistic missile program. The issue has long been a source of tension between Washington and Tehran. The Trump administration had previously criticized the Obama-era nuclear agreement for failing to address Iran’s missile capabilities, and President Trump repeatedly identified the missile program as a major security concern for both the United States and Israel.

In remarks carried by Iranian state television, Baghaei confirmed that the agreement had been formally completed and said both countries had approved identical versions of the document.

“As I speak with you now, the text of the memorandum of understanding has been signed by the presidents of Iran and the U.S.,” Baghaei said.

“The text of the Iran-U.S. memorandum of understanding is now officially finalized as both parties have signed it,” he added.

Baghaei cautioned that the real challenge would come during implementation and signaled that Iran intends to closely monitor every step taken by Washington.

“Iran will monitor the U.S.’ compliance without any leniency,” he said, adding that Iran would not fulfill its end of the agreement if Washington “evades its obligations.”

According to Baghaei, Tehran expects immediate economic benefits from the agreement, including relief from restrictions on oil exports and renewed access to shipping services, insurance markets, and oil-related revenue streams.

He also insisted that the United States refrain from expanding its military footprint in the region or imposing additional sanctions while negotiations toward a final agreement continue.

“Within the 60-day window, the other side must not take action to reinforce its military presence in the region or impose new sanctions,” Baghaei said. “Such actions would be considered a violation of the agreement.”

One of the most contentious issues remains Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. While the memorandum reportedly does not explicitly authorize Iran to retain the material, Baghaei made clear that Tehran rejects any requirement that it be removed from the country.

“Transferring enriched nuclear material out of the country is unacceptable to us,” he said. “Diluting enriched material is not a new option. It has now been introduced as one option, so as not to close the door on other options.”

Baghaei also insisted that Iran’s missile arsenal remains completely off-limits in any future discussions, despite ongoing international concerns about the country’s growing military capabilities.

“Iran’s missiles are meant to be fired, not negotiated over. Our missiles don’t even like being talked about,” he said. “Iran’s defensive capabilities will not be discussed in any process, with any party.”

The spokesman further outlined Tehran’s vision for the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.

According to Baghaei, Iran and Oman have already reached broad understandings regarding oversight of the waterway, and Iran intends to collect fees connected to services provided there.

“Iran will charge fees for services in the Strait of Hormuz,” Baghaei said. “The mechanisms for managing the Strait of Hormuz have largely been agreed upon with Oman.”

He added that maritime traffic would continue uninterrupted while maintaining “the sovereignty and dominion of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.”

Presenting the agreement as the culmination of months of conflict and pressure, Baghaei argued that Iran had emerged stronger despite the hardships of war.

“Our enemies have inflicted harm on us,” he said. “But a wounded lion remains a lion. The war they imposed not only did not bring us to our knees, but made us stronger.”

He then escalated his rhetoric even further, claiming that Iran had prevailed against some of the world’s most powerful nations.

“Iran defeated two nuclear powers that were also backed by some other countries. We are not making slogans: We truly are a superpower.”

The agreement has been met with fierce opposition in Israel and among some American political figures, who contend that the arrangement gives Tehran substantial economic and strategic gains while leaving critical military capabilities intact.

Israeli officials have warned that the deal could strengthen Iran’s position throughout the region and diminish deterrence against future aggression.

Among the sharpest critics is Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz, who has argued that Trump’s agreement amounts to a “catastrophic capitulation to” Iran and its regional ambitions.

Horovitz has further contended that the memorandum heavily favors Tehran by providing access to as much as $100 billion in immediate assistance while failing to secure concrete commitments regarding Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions or long-term intentions.

{Matzav.com}

A sense of excitement filled Yerushalauyim’s Beis Yisroel neighborhood this week as Rav Yehoshua Eichenstein, rosh yeshiva and nosi of Yeshivas Kibbutz Chayei Daas, paid a special visit to the yeshiva in honor of its move to a larger new facility on Betzalel Ashkenazi Street.

The highlight of the visit was a powerful and timely address delivered by Rav Eichenstein to the yeshiva’s talmidim, during which he discussed the ongoing controversy surrounding military conscription and the challenges currently facing bnei yeshiva. In remarks that drew considerable attention, the rosh yeshiva offered what many viewed as a remarkable assurance.

“A bochur who truly toils in Torah, I guarantee that he will never be arrested, and there is no reason to be afraid,” Rav Eichenstein declared.

Expanding on the idea, Rav Eichenstein explained that the root of the current difficulties can be understood through the pasuk, “Vanehi b’eineinu kachagavim v’chein hayinu b’eineihem—We were like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and so we were in their eyes.”

He explained that when Torah Jews view themselves as weak and insignificant, others will perceive them that way as well. However, when they take pride in their status as bnei Torah and devote themselves to serious Torah study, they rise above such fears and challenges.

“If we act like grasshoppers, they will succeed against us,” he said. “But if we do not act like grasshoppers and instead fill ourselves with Torah toil and appreciation for the privilege of living a life of Torah, they will never succeed against us and will never look at us as grasshoppers.”

The rosh yeshiva emphasized that amal haTorah does not necessarily mean remaining in the yeshiva building every moment of the day. Rather, it is measured by a person’s willingness to sacrifice and exert himself for Torah.

As an example, he described a bochur who gives up additional sleep in order to arrive on time to learn, or one who leaves a conversation during a meal to return to the beis medrash. Such actions, he said, demonstrate a genuine acceptance of the yoke of Torah.

Rav Eichenstein acknowledged that these efforts are not easy, but stressed that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. He noted that the word nisayon is related to nes, a banner that elevates a person to greater heights.

He concluded the main address by blessing the yeshiva’s talmidim that they continue to ascend in Torah through dedicated effort and merit to find their respective zivugim in the near future.

Following the public gathering, Rav Eichenstein surprised the older bochurim by delivering a special vaad focused on guidance in shidduchim. He stressed that the most important factor in evaluating a prospective match is the young woman’s character and spiritual qualities, urging bochurim not to become distracted by minor and insignificant considerations.

Participants left the gathering inspired and energized, and yeshiva leaders reported that the impact was immediately noticeable through an increase in hasmadah, shtieg, and Torah learning throughout the yeshiva.

Upon arriving at the yeshiva, Rav Eichenstein was presented with a newly published Torah volume titled Meleches Kosher, produced by the talmidim after extensive study and analysis. The work reflects the educational model Rav Eichenstein has long championed, encouraging in-depth study of practical halachic topics in Maseches Shabbos—from the Gemara through the final halachah—in areas such as boneh, borrer, and related subjects.

Federal authorities say the man accused of orchestrating the foiled drone attack targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House is a Mexican national who remained in the United States through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program after overstaying a visa issued when he entered the country as a child.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, 31-year-old Abraham Alvarez entered the United States on a B-2 visa but remained after it expired in 2001. Under the Obama administration, he later received protection from deportation through the DACA program.

Investigators arrested Alvarez on June 14 at a former church building in the small Nebraska community of Western. Authorities believe the location was intended to serve as a “safe zone” for Alvarez and others allegedly involved in the planned attack, according to local reporting by First Alert 6.

Federal officials allege that Alvarez played a central leadership role in coordinating the plot from Nebraska.

“From his home here in Nebraska, Alvarez allegedly directed and recruited others across the country to conduct a horrific attack against government officials in a mass casualty event,” Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI Omaha field office said in a Tuesday release from the US Attorney’s Office.

“Our team worked around the clock to locate and apprehend Alvarez, take him into custody, and collect crucial evidence.”

Authorities say Alvarez was among five individuals charged in connection with an alleged scheme targeting President Trump and other senior government officials during the UFC event held Sunday evening on the South Lawn of the White House before a crowd of thousands.

According to investigators, the suspects planned to deploy drones carrying explosives against the event and then use sniper teams to target spectators attempting to flee the area.

Law enforcement officials told reporters that Alvarez allegedly served as the chief planner and coordinator behind the operation, which was ultimately disrupted before it could be carried out through a joint effort involving the FBI and local agencies.

“This illegal alien from Mexico should never have been allowed in our country,” DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “He was the ringleader of a failed terror attack targeting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.”

“He will face justice and swiftly be removed from our country,” she added of Alvarez.

Federal investigators are also examining the activities of 23 additional individuals who are believed to have had some level of involvement in the alleged conspiracy.

Those already charged could face severe penalties if convicted. Prosecutors say conspiracy-to-commit-murder charges carry potential life sentences and fines of up to $250,000, while the alleged plan to carry out a violent attack on White House grounds carries an additional possible prison sentence of up to five years.

{Matzav.com}

A day after violent confrontations erupted during a chareidi protest on Route 4 near the Coca-Cola Junction in Bnei Brak, police officials are pushing back against accusations of excessive force, insisting that their actions were aimed at restoring public order and reopening one of Israel’s busiest highways during the morning rush hour.

The response comes after widespread criticism and viral footage from the demonstration, which was organized in protest of the arrest of yeshiva students. Images circulating online showed protesters being forcibly removed from the roadway, with some appearing bloodied and others left with torn clothing.

One of the most controversial aspects of the incident involved footage of demonstrators whose garments were ripped during the evacuation. Police officials rejected claims that officers deliberately tore clothing in an effort to humiliate protesters.

According to police sources, officers are trained to remove demonstrators by gripping them around the waist and physically carrying them away from the roadway. In some cases, they said, clothing may be damaged during the struggle, but there was no directive or intention to tear garments or otherwise degrade those involved.

Police also disputed claims regarding a protester who was filmed with blood covering his face. According to their version of events, the injury occurred when demonstrators allegedly ripped off a license plate, not as a result of police actions.

Officials stressed that public discussion should not focus solely on police tactics but also on the consequences of blocking a major transportation artery during peak travel hours.

They argued that thousands of motorists were stranded in severe traffic jams on their way to work and other destinations and said it is the police’s responsibility to protect freedom of movement and maintain public order.

The department also indicated that its policy toward illegal road blockages remains unchanged. Police said they will continue to act swiftly to clear significant traffic disruptions, particularly when major highways are involved.

According to officials, firm enforcement is necessary to prevent widespread disruptions to daily life and ensure that essential transportation routes remain open.

At the same time, police sources suggested that one of the main reasons the protest escalated was the lack of prior coordination with authorities.

They noted that several recent demonstrations organized by the Peleg Yerushalmi faction had involved a degree of communication with police, allowing security forces to prepare in advance and manage the events more effectively.

In this case, however, police say the protest was carried out without any prior coordination, leading authorities to take immediate action to restore order and reopen the roadway as quickly as possible.

{Matzav.com}

As the Obama Presidential Center prepares to welcome visitors with its official opening in Chicago on Friday, several contractors who worked on the massive project say they are still waiting to recover substantial financial losses they claim were incurred during construction.

One of those contractors is Mike Owen, owner of Adamson Plumbing, who says his company has absorbed nearly $4 million in losses tied to the project after dedicating years of work to its completion.

“That is a hole that no subcontractor, small business can survive,” Owen said.

According to Owen, the financial strain has severely impacted his company, depleted its reserves, and placed jobs at risk.

“I haven’t had eight hours or six hours sleep in over a year,” Owen said. “I’m cooked emotionally.

“I feel like an aluminum can that’s been thrown in front of a steamroller. We’re crushed. And I have to fight for my company and for my people.”

A report published Wednesday by Fox News Digital cited several subcontractors who say they suffered losses ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to tens of millions while working on the project.

The allegations have cast a shadow over one of the center’s stated missions: promoting economic growth and business opportunities for minority-owned companies and local contractors.

Owen said watching preparations for the center’s grand opening has been especially difficult while unresolved payment disputes remain hanging over many of the firms involved.

“It was kind of hard seeing some local and national celebrities high-fiving and back-slapping here about the work that’s been done,” Owen said.

“The backdrop of a coming celebration is kind of hard to swallow for me and for some of my peers at the moment.”

In response, the Obama Foundation said it fulfilled its financial obligations to Lakeside Alliance, the construction manager overseeing the project. Foundation officials emphasized that responsibility for contracting with and paying subcontractors rested with Lakeside Alliance.

The foundation further stated that it has no unresolved billing disputes with the construction manager and noted that it does not maintain direct contractual relationships with subcontractors.

Officials also highlighted what they described as the project’s success in surpassing diversity participation benchmarks and pointed to accelerated payment programs and other financial assistance initiatives intended to support smaller businesses.

Owen said he chose to speak publicly only after spending months trying unsuccessfully to recover what he believes his company is owed.

“As for me and my company, I’m at the end of my rope and I see no other choice than to have to tell my story,” he said.

“This is not to embarrass anybody, but this is just to make sure that the truth gets told out here of what has happened to the companies that poured their heart and soul into getting this job complete and operational.”

Despite his frustration over the financial dispute, Owen said he still takes pride in the work his company contributed to the landmark project.

“The interior of this presidential center is quite beautiful and it’s something to be proud of,” he said. “And we are still proud to have been part of this job.

“We just wish it would have gone a different way financially.”

{Matzav.com}

Speaking at the opening of the Kol Chai radio program Tzav Ma’atzar, which is devoted entirely to the issue of yeshiva bochurim being arrested over military draft matters, Bnei Brak Deputy Mayor Gudi Silman delivered a sharp attack on what he described as decades of incitement against the chareidi community.

Silman began by recalling the atmosphere in Yerushalayim during the late 1970s, when, he said, graffiti bearing the slogan “Run Over Every Religious Jew” appeared on walls throughout the city. According to Silman, many chareidim at the time felt unsafe walking the streets despite living in a Jewish state rather than in exile.

He argued that hostility toward the chareidi public did not begin recently and cited a series of public figures whom he accused of contributing to a culture of anti-chareidi rhetoric over the years.

Among those he mentioned were former politician Shulamit Aloni, whom he said compared chareidim to some of history’s darkest phenomena, broadcaster Gabi Gazit, who referred to chareidim as “leeches and worms,” and artist Yigal Tumarkin. Silman also pointed to a recent statement attributed to journalist and Matzav Haruach editor Chagai Huberman containing the phrase “Run over every religious Jew, destroy every chareidi,” which Silman described as part of a continuing pattern of hostility toward Torah-observant Jews.

The deputy mayor also played excerpts from media interviews in which television personality Eyal Berkovic criticized the chareidi community, describing chareidim as unproductive and claiming they neither work, pay taxes, nor serve in the military.

Silman rejected those characterizations, arguing that such remarks unfairly target thousands of avreichim and bnei Torah who, in his words, “carry the spiritual burden of the nation on their shoulders.”

He also referenced comments made by television host Galit Gutman, who described chareidim as people who “suck blood.” Silman argued that the phrase echoes classic antisemitic tropes historically directed against Jews.

According to Silman, when such language is used by prominent media figures during prime-time broadcasts, it portrays the chareidi community as an enemy and helps legitimize hatred and exclusion.

Toward the end of his remarks, Silman addressed the clashes that erupted during recent demonstrations protesting the arrests of yeshiva students.

He sharply criticized police conduct, claiming that “dozens of Jewish police officers attacked their brothers” while employing stun grenades, batons, and other crowd-control measures against protesters.

Silman maintained that the chareidi public views Torah study as the foundation of Jewish survival and identity and expressed confidence that the community would withstand current challenges just as it had previous waves of criticism.

“We survived Shulamit Aloni, Gabi Gazit, and Yigal Tumarkin. We will survive the current wave of hatred as well,” he said. “The truth is with us, the path is with us, and history will judge who stood guard over eternity.”

{Matzav.com}