Feed aggregator

A new video surfaced today from the military wing of Islamic Jihad, showing hostage Rom Braslavski, who was abducted during the October 7, 2023, terror assault on the Nova music festival.

This marks the first time Braslavski has been shown on video since his abduction, serving as a rare indication that he is still alive after spending over 500 days in captivity.

His family permitted only the release of a short, heavily blurred clip that was originally circulated by Islamic Jihad.

Nineteen-year-old Braslavski, a resident of Pisgat Ze’ev, had been working as a security guard at the Nova music event held near Kibbutz Re’im when the massacre took place. Witness accounts describe his bravery as he risked his life to protect and rescue numerous attendees.

According to reports from that tragic day, he also attempted to evacuate the bodies of two young women to prevent their remains from being taken to Gaza. However, just moments later, a rocket-propelled grenade was launched in their direction, scattering the crowd in panic. Braslavski vanished during the chaos.

His family remains gravely worried about his health. He has a history of severe asthma and sustained injuries to both hands during the attack.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that Miriam Yarimi, 32, of Midwood, Brooklyn, has been arraigned on an indictment charging her with reckless manslaughter and other charges for allegedly speeding through a steady red light before crashing into an Uber that was waiting for a family to finish crossing the street, plowing through the pedestrians as her car rolled over. A 34-year-old mother and her daughters, 5 and 8, died from the impact, and her 4-year-son suffered serious injuries. District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This horrific fatal crash was one of the worst I’ve seen in over 25 years as a prosecutor. It wasn’t an accident. This defendant’s unconscionably dangerous driving wiped out a family. The consequences of her flouting traffic laws and commonsense were disastrous, and we will now seek to hold her fully accountable for this criminally reckless behavior.” Yarimi was arraigned today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment charging her with multiple counts of second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, second-degree assault, and other related counts. She was ordered held without bail and to return to court on June 11, 2025. The defendant is facing a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top count. The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on March 29, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the defendant was driving a 2023 Audi, turning onto Ocean Parkway. Video surveillance shows her car drive through a red light a block before the crash, narrowly avoiding other cars and continue north on Ocean Parkway. At the next intersection, with Quentin Road, the mother, Natasha Saada, 34, was crossing Ocean Parkway from west to east, holding hands with her three children, Diana, 8, Deborah, 5, and Philip, 4. The evidence shows that a Toyota Camry was in the process of turning right from Quentin Road onto Ocean Parkway and was waiting for the pedestrians to finish crossing. When the family was a step or two from the sidewalk, the Audi driven by the defendant sped through the intersection against the light, smashed into the back of the turning Toyota and plowed through the victims with her car continuing to roll over, stopping about 130 feet away. According to evidence obtained from the black box, the Audi was traveling at about 68 mph (in a 25-mph zone), was at full throttle (suggesting the gas pedal was floored) and zero brake was applied. The mother and two daughters were killed at the scene. Her son suffered skull fractures, brain bleeding and had a kidney removed. The Toyota had five occupants – the Uber driver, a mother and her three kids – who sustained minor injuries. The Audi ended up upside down and had to be cut to get the defendant out. She suffered minor physical injuries. The District Attorney thanked detectives from the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad for their assistance in the investigation.

An Israeli fighter jet on the way to the Gaza Strip inadvertently dropped one of its bombs on an open field near Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak in the northwestern Negev on Tuesday evening.

The bomb exploded, but there were no casualties or damage as it landed in an unpopulated agricultural area.

“A short while ago, munitions dropped from a fighter jet during an attack in the Gaza Strip fell in an open area in the Nir Yitzchak area as a result of a technical malfunction,” according to the IDF Spokesperson.

Kibbutz members heard the explosion but initially assumed it was the launch of an Iron Dome interceptor.

“The kibbutz is in constant contact with military officials and expects a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident,” according to a statement released by the community.

On Tuesday, Nir Yitzchak held an open day for families interested in living there. Terrorists attacked the kibbutz directly on Oct. 7, 2023, killing eight and taking six captive, as well as two bodies.

The kibbutz, which was severely damaged during the attack, has since been working to rehabilitate itself both physically and in terms of the community, and is opening its doors to new families.

The Eshkol Regional Council, which covers an area between Ashkelon and Be’er Sheva, called the bombing “a very unusual incident” and noted that it is under investigation by the Israeli Air Force. “We are in direct contact with military officials and expect a thorough investigation of the case and the implementation of the conclusions regarding it in order to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future,” it said.

The incident was not the first of its kind during the current war, according to Ynet.

In June 2024, a tank shell went off course and landed near the border fence, according to the outlet.

In May 2024, a 1,100-pound bomb that had fallen from an IAF F-15 was found among houses in Moshav Yated, also in the Eshkol region. The IDF called the malfunction “unusual, rare, serious and dangerous.” However, such incidents are still extremely rare. JNS

{Matzav.com}

Hong Kong Post announced on Wednesday that it is halting sea mail services for parcels heading to the United States and will soon suspend airmail shipments containing merchandise, citing what it described as unfair trade practices by the U.S.

The agency warned that individuals in Hong Kong sending goods to America should expect to be hit with steep charges as a result of what it called unjustified and aggressive policies. “When sending items to the United States, Hong Kong people ‘should be prepared to pay exorbitant and unreasonable fees due to the U.S.’s unreasonable and bullying acts,’” Hong Kong Post said in a statement.

Shipments that only include paperwork or documents — and not physical products — will continue without interruption.

“The U.S. is unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively. Hong Kong post will definitely not collect any so-called tariffs on behalf of the U.S.,” the statement added.

According to an official U.S. government bulletin, Hong Kong is now subject to the same trade duties imposed on mainland China.

While Hong Kong was once internationally recognized for its status as a liberal, business-friendly trading port, the passage of a strict national security law by Beijing in 2020 triggered a wave of U.S. condemnation and led to Washington revoking the territory’s special treatment under American law.

Hong Kong Post explained that its decision stems from recent U.S. policy changes — specifically the removal of the “de minimus” exception and higher tariffs scheduled to go into effect on May 2 for goods shipped from Hong Kong.

{Matzav.com}

The southern periphery is quickly catching up to the center: there is an accelerated wave of building and development across the south, particularly in Netivot, which boasts the country’s more expansive building plans. Alongside tens of thousands of housing units already under construction, the government is investing astronomical sums into the area’s growth: from developing a state-of-the-art industrial park, to founding a national hi-tech center, to building a new rail network that will drastically reduce commute times to the center of the country. >> All the details on the meteoric rise of the Torah city of the south below. The air is filled with an intoxicating scent of fresh beginnings, the pounding of hammers, and the rumble of construction vehicles. Young couples and growing families are arriving by the day to see the massive construction of thousands of housing units—and to sign on the dotted line for their new homes. The Torah city of the south is experiencing a surge in construction, development, and population growth it hasn’t seen since its establishment. Thousands of new units have gone up in the past few years; many are expected to be move-in ready soon, and tens of thousands more are expected to be built in the coming years. There is no doubt: Netivot has become the premier alternative for bnei Torah seeking to live in a strong, serious kehilla of yungeleit with excellent mosdos chinuch and communal support, at prices that simply don’t exist anywhere else in the country. Roshei Kehillos from Yerushalayim, Bnei Brak, and Modiin Illit during a visit to the Kiryat Beit Halevi site following the completion of Stage A sales to hundreds of young avreichim. A Wave of Growth and Renewal It’s important to note that Netivot is part of a broader surge of development and renewal. In recent years, the entire southern region has been undergoing a rapid and intense development process, with major investments in infrastructure, transportation, entrepreneurship, and business spearheaded by the Israeli government. Close to 70% of current and future national development plans are centered in this region, making it, without question, the most promising investment channel in today’s market. And the good news doesn’t end there: the government has earmarked tens of thousands of new homes for the entire region. Beyond the 36,000 housing units set to be built in Netivot, another 34,000 will soon be put on the market in nearby Kiryat Gat, 18,000 more in Ofakim, and another 10,000 in Yerucham. This is in addition to those in Kasif—a new city currently in advanced planning stages, expected to include 50,000 units in its first phase—and the future city of Tila, where another 20,000 homes are expected. This broad supply of housing stands in stark contrast to the severe shortage and skyrocketing prices of available apartments in central Eretz Yisroel. Adding to the challenge, much of the available inventory under government subsidized plans like “Mechir Lemishtaken” (Buyer Fixed Plan) is now being designated for army reservists, leaving young charedi couples little realistic chance of securing a home of their own in the center. All of this makes Netivot the obvious choice. What’s more, planning and development officials are now projecting that around 70% of young charedi couples will end up settling in the south in the coming years, simply due to the […]

California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed on Wednesday that he is taking legal action against President Trump in response to the broad tariffs the president has instituted, arguing that the measures are causing serious disruption across California’s economy — the biggest of any state in the nation.

Newsom’s lawsuit contends that Trump’s reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify sweeping tariffs on nations like Mexico, Canada, and China — along with a 10% tax on all foreign goods — is an overreach of executive power.

“President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy — driving up prices and threatening jobs,” Newsom said in a statement. “We’re standing up for American families who can’t afford to let the chaos continue.”

Newsom’s office added that the legal complaint will also make the case that such tariff actions require explicit authorization from Congress, rather than unilateral executive implementation.

California, which ranks as the fifth-largest economy globally, stands to lose billions if the tariff policies are left unchecked, Newsom warned.

With this filing, California becomes the first state to legally challenge Trump’s tariff strategy.

Trump has imposed a baseline 10% tariff on nearly all imported goods, with even steeper rates targeting specific countries, including Mexico, Canada, and China. That said, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of the tariff program last week after numerous nations signaled interest in reaching trade agreements.

China was the sole exception. Trump imposed a massive 125% tariff on Chinese imports, citing what he described as “a lack of respect” from China’s leadership. When added to an existing 20% fentanyl-related tariff, some Chinese goods now face duties as high as 145%.

Newsom is expected to appear with California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Wednesday to speak about the legal action.

“The president’s chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, it’s illegal,” Bonta said in a statement, as reported by the LA Times. “Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the president’s choices — from farmers in the Central Valley, to small businesses in Sacramento, and worried families at the kitchen table — this game the president is playing has very real consequences for Californians across our state.”

The lawsuit follows closely on the heels of Newsom’s appeal to foreign governments, urging them to spare California-made goods from retaliatory tariff measures. No exemptions have been confirmed thus far.

{Matzav.com}

RFK JR.: “We’re going to announce a series of new studies to identify precisely what the environment toxins are that are causing [autism]. This has not been done before and we’re going to do it in a thorough and comprehensive way.”

Sec. Doug Burgum transfers administrative jurisdiction over nearly 110,000 acres of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border to the U.S. Army over the next 3 years: “We’re up against a real enemy here. We need to make sure the border is secure.”

Earlier today, terrorists threw rocks and a bottle of paint toward a tourist bus adjacent to Burqa. As a result, two American citizens were lightly injured and received medical treatment at the scene. A search is ongoing to find the terrorists.

A Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist, one of the perpetrators of a deadly terror shooting attack in the West Bank village of al-Funduq in January, was killed by Israeli forces near Jenin this morning, the military says.

TIME has named Israeli former hostage Noa Argamani one of its 100 Most Influential People of 2025.

Jews visiting Kever Yosef Hatzadik in Shechem last night. The visit was coordinated by the IDF and held under tight security.

President Trump: Harvard is a joke, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds.

Rep. Elisa Stefanik: “Schools are not entitled to U.S. taxpayer dollars if they’re not living up to the standards and not protecting civil rights of Jewish students on campuses.”

President Donald Trump expressed support for launching a new initiative aimed at encouraging individuals who entered the country illegally to leave voluntarily, with financial assistance and travel arrangements provided by the government. In an interview broadcast Tuesday on Fox Noticias, Trump discussed his goal of removing violent criminals while offering a pathway for others to exit and potentially return legally.

During the taped segment, Trump reiterated his commitment to focusing deportation efforts on individuals who pose a threat, such as those involved in violent crimes. He then introduced the idea of a “self-deportation program” for others, suggesting a more lenient approach for those who follow the process voluntarily.

While specifics were limited, Trump mentioned that the program would include providing participants with both airfare and financial support. “We’re going to give them a stipend. We’re going to give them some money and a plane ticket, and then we’re going to work with them — if they’re good — if we want them back in, we’re going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can,” Trump stated.

Fox Noticias host Rachel Campos-Duffy, whose husband is Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, played Trump a video message from a Mexican immigrant who reportedly crossed the border over two decades ago and is the parent of American-born children. While it wasn’t confirmed whether the man currently has legal status, Campos-Duffy noted that he claimed he would vote for Trump if allowed, despite being unable to do so.

The man also expressed support for deporting those who commit crimes, even including himself in that category. Trump responded to the message with empathy, saying, “I look at this man. I say, this is a guy that we want to keep. I’ll probably take heat for saying it.”

Trump also addressed the ongoing labor shortages in industries like agriculture and hospitality, saying he wants to facilitate getting employers the help they need. He said he is open to identifying and recommending workers to fill those roles.

Acknowledging the difficulty many sectors face in securing reliable labor, Trump emphasized the value of transitioning these workers to legal status. Still, he refrained from offering a detailed plan on how that would be accomplished. “We’re doing a self-deportation, and we’re going to make it comfortable for people,” Trump said. “And we’re going to work with those people to come back into our country legally.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump made it clear on Tuesday that the next move in trade discussions belongs to China, according to a statement read by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, as Trump intensifies efforts to correct what he sees as long-standing trade imbalances.

Though Leavitt noted that Trump’s stance toward China has already been made plain, she shared an additional comment directly from the president.

“The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them. There’s no difference between China and any other country, except they are much larger and China wants what we have — what every country wants, what we have: The American consumer,” Leavitt said, quoting Trump.

“Or to put another way, they need our money,” she continued, reinforcing the idea that the U.S. holds significant leverage.

Leavitt reiterated that Trump remains willing to negotiate but made clear that it’s up to Beijing to act. “So the president, again, has made it quite clear that he’s open to a deal with China. China needs to make a deal with the United States of America,” she added.

Beijing took notice of Trump’s recent “Liberation Day” declaration, which was met with a sharp and immediate response from the president last week.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately,” Trump announced Wednesday on Truth Social.

He followed up by stating, “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable,” before offering an incentive to nations choosing diplomacy over retaliation: a 90-day delay and a “substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period,” both to take effect “immediately.”

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. Mission to the United Nations released a statement Tuesday reaffirming its opposition to Francesca Albanese’s continued role as the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories.

“The United States continues to strongly denounce Francesca Albanese’s tenure as the ‘UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967.’ The Human Rights Council’s (HRC) support for Ms. Albanese offers yet another example of why President Trump ordered the United States to cease all participation in the HRC,” the statement said.

The mission went further, accusing the UN of enabling hatred and antisemitism through her position. “Ms. Albanese’s actions also make clear the United Nations tolerates antisemitic hatred, bias against Israel, and the legitimization of terrorism,” the statement continued.

Despite ongoing controversy, Albanese was recently granted a three-year extension in her UNHRC post, a move approved by the 47-member council. This occurred even as opposition from countries such as Israel, Hungary, and Argentina attempted to block the renewal.

Albanese has faced criticism since her appointment in 2022, largely due to earlier social media remarks claiming that the “Jewish lobby” exerts influence over the United States—comments widely condemned as antisemitic.

She responded at the time by rejecting those accusations, arguing her statements had been “mischaracterized,” though additional examples of anti-Israel rhetoric have emerged since then.

Her inflammatory commentary intensified following the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel, during which over 1,200 people were murdered and 250 others taken hostage. Albanese has referred to the attack as something that should be considered within a broader “context” and framed it as retaliation for Israeli “aggression.”

In recent months, Albanese has escalated her rhetoric further, accusing Israel of committing genocide, equating its leadership with the “Third Reich,” and comparing Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.

{Matzav.com}

Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, took a firmer stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions Tuesday, insisting that any forthcoming agreement must require Tehran to completely abandon its nuclear development efforts.

This firm declaration, made in a post on social media, stood in stark contrast to remarks Witkoff delivered just the day before on Fox News. In that earlier interview, he had implied that the United States might tolerate uranium enrichment at the 3.67% level, which is typically used for peaceful energy generation.

“A deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a Trump deal,” Witkoff posted Tuesday. “Any final arrangement must set in place a framework for peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East – meaning that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponisation program. It is imperative for the world that we create a tough fair deal that will endure, and that is what President Trump has asked me to do.”

While speaking to Fox News, Witkoff offered a more restrained view, expressing concern about Iran enriching uranium far beyond the permitted civilian threshold.

“In some circumstances they are enriching at 60% and at others at 20%. That cannot be,” he said. “You do not need to run, as they claim, a civil nuclear programme where you are enriching past 3.67%. This is going to be much about verification on the enrichment programme and then ultimately verification on weaponisation – that includes the type of missiles they have stockpiled there and the trigger for a bomb.”

Witkoff, who took part in the indirect discussions with Iranian officials over the weekend in Oman, reiterated the administration’s firm position that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon—though he had previously acknowledged that compromise might be needed to advance talks.

The negotiations are expected to resume this weekend in Oman, as both sides agreed to continue using the same location instead of relocating to Italy, an option US officials had considered.

On Monday, President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran during public remarks, signaling confidence in the process.

“We’ve got a problem with Iran, but I’ll solve that problem, that’s almost an easy one,” Trump said.

He continued, “Iran wants to deal with us, but they don’t know how. We had a meeting with them on Saturday. We have another meeting scheduled for next Saturday. I said that’s a long time [between meetings].

“I think they’re tapping us along because they were so used to dealing with stupid people in this country,” the President alleged.

{Matzav.com}

Water innovation eliminates Shabbos burn risk Something extraordinary happened behind many closed doors in the Tri-State Area at the end of February. Meetings took place in the studies and dining rooms of respected rabbanim and dayanim before moving into their kitchens. Critical mission of kedusha and safety VPs of Afikim Water Technology from Israel, accompanied by their US partner, arrived with the Noam water dispensers — an innovative product that’s already transformed over 100,000 Israeli kitchens and won Israel’s best product of 2023 award. Their mission addresses two critical needs: preventing children’s burns from hot water urns while enhancing shemiras Shabbos. The safety aspect emerged as particularly compelling. Israeli hospitals have a term — Shabbos burns — for injuries when traditional hot water urns tip over, particularly affecting children. The Noam’s solid square design with strong rubber feet makes it virtually impossible to tip over, potentially saving countless children from painful injuries. Rigorous review to respected approval The delegation was warmly welcomed by respected rabbanim across the region. The Skverer dayan, Harav Mechel Steinmetz shlit”a, and Krasna dayan, Harav Shulem Yosef Fried shlit”a, examined the device thoroughly, even using a Phillips screwdriver to inspect its internal components before watching it being installed. In Lakewood, Harav Yaakov Forchheimer shlit”a carefully reviewed the technical specifications and added his signature to the CRC’s kashrus certificate. “May the families who keep Shabbos l’mehadrin be able to use this machine that’s both a hiddur in gashmius and ruchnius,” remarked Harav Yisrael Debarmdiger shlit”a, Boyaner Dayan in Monsey. Harav Shmuel Choueka was particularly enthusiastic: “The machine speaks for itself. It’s unbelievable! It heats up water. Gives you cold water. Automatically switching to Shabbos. The most important thing is that it doesn’t allow for any accidents of hot water urns falling on kids.” קהּ אֶכְסֹף נֹעַם שַׁבָּת — Added dimension of neimus The name Noam is significant, embodying the product’s purpose of enhancing Shabbos with smart technology that works in harmony with halacha. Its most impressive feature is the automatic Shabbos mode. The machine contains a computer chip with Shabbos times for the next 60 years, automatically switching to Shabbos mode 75 minutes before shekiya and returning to normal mode one hour after Shabbos and yom tov ends. Before Shabbos mode activates, the system fills the hot water tank (1.5 gallons), locks out new water entry, completes heating, and activates a special Shabbos-mode heating element. The cold water system operates on preset intervals like refrigerators and is unlimited. American approval is sealed The CRC and OU had the machine for 3-4 weeks, completely disassembling and repeatedly testing it before granting certification. These American hechsherim add to the extensive Israeli approvals from leading rabbanim including Harav Rubin (Badatz mehadrin) and Harav Halperin of the Scientific-Technological Institute for Halacha. The Noam delivers filtered cold, room temperature and hot water in your kitchen with a focus on safety and Shabbos observance. Available at noamwater.com or 347-503-3082. Installation is free, with included filters, 1-year warranty, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, during a visit with Israeli forces stationed in northern Gaza, declared that Hamas would continue to face escalating military pressure.

“We insist that it release our hostages, and we insist on achieving all our war aims,” Netanyahu told the troops, as military drones buzzed in the skies above.

Netanyahu also held up a printed copy of a social media message from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, pointing out that the post included another call for the destruction of Israel.

“He is doing this during negotiations with the Americans,” Netanyahu noted, referring to the recently initiated nuclear discussions between the U.S. and Iran that kicked off in Oman last weekend—talks that Israel has long viewed with deep suspicion.

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, who stood beside Netanyahu during the visit, emphasized that Israel would never permit Hamas “to threaten our communities and our citizens, and therefore, the operation that is currently taking place is pressuring Hamas to first release the hostages.”

Katz added, “The more it persists in its refusal, the more we will intensify the blows it will suffer until it is defeated and all the hostages are returned.”

Also present during the tour were top military and security leaders, including IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Southern Command leader Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, and other senior officials.

{Matzav.com}