Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu attended a public megillah reading Tuesday night, the night of Shushan Purim, at Yeshivas Mercaz HaRav in Yerushalayim, prompting criticism from some observers who questioned whether his participation complied with Home Front Command restrictions on public gatherings.
The prime minister joined a large crowd at the yeshiva for krias hamegillah, though the event drew scrutiny because current emergency guidelines issued by Israel’s Home Front Command prohibit large public gatherings.
After photos and video from the event circulated, the Prime Minister’s Office responded to media inquiries, stating that Netanyahu “acted in accordance with the guidelines.”
As previously reported, Home Front Command announced that the current security restrictions would remain in place until Shabbos, March 7, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Under the updated policy, public gatherings are not permitted, most workplaces are closed except for essential services, and educational activities are suspended.
The issue gained additional attention after Kan 11 political correspondent Michael Shemesh commented publicly on the situation following Netanyahu’s appearance at the reading.
“Incidentally, after Netanyahu’s appearance at the public megillah reading, it would be appropriate for Home Front Command to at least update the guidelines and allow many Jews who wish to hear the megillah properly to do so,” Shemesh wrote. “In my opinion the restrictions at this stage are completely excessive.”
{Matzav.com}
A diplomatic conversation infused with faith and historical reflection took place Tuesday between Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Boaz Bismuth and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, as the two discussed the joint Israeli-American operation in Iran, Operation Shaagas HaAri, during the days of Purim.
“The attack in Iran is like reliving the days of Mordechai and Esther. We are seeing the miracle before our eyes,” Huckabee said, highlighting the symbolism of the timing during the days of Purim.
Bismuth said during the conversation that Israel currently finds itself “in the midst of a process in which a new Middle East is being built, one that will influence the entire global order,” adding that the moment is historic and will reshape reality for generations.
He emphasized that Israel and the United States are in the middle of a historic initiative being led by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu—an effort that is reshaping the Middle East and influencing the broader world order.
According to Bismuth, “as people of faith, it can be said that the finger of God touched Trump and Netanyahu,” adding that the two leaders are acting with a sense of mission at a defining moment in history.
He continued, expressing the sense of purpose surrounding the events: “One can simply say that there is the finger of God here. This is a tremendous event. Truly tremendous.”
Bismuth also expressed gratitude to Ambassador Huckabee, the American people, and the U.S. administration for their friendship and steadfast support of Israel. He additionally conveyed condolences to the families of American soldiers who were killed during the operation, noting that Israel deeply values both their sacrifice and the partnership between the two nations.
{Matzav.com}
A moving moment unfolded on the night of Purim at the central Marina Roshcha shul in Moscow, as a rare and centuries-old Megillas Esther was presented to the Chief Rabbi of Russia in an emotional ceremony.
The gift was presented by Alexander Grodetsky, a 95-year-old Jewish man, who arrived at the shul and handed the miniature megillah to Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Berel Lazar. The ancient megillah had been preserved within his family for generations.
Standing firmly and speaking with deep emotion, Grodetsky shared the remarkable story behind the treasured heirloom. He explained that the megillah had been given to him 75 years earlier by his great-grandfather. That great-grandfather, born in the year תר”ל, had inherited it from his own father, indicating that the scroll was written more than two centuries ago. “When my grandfather gave me the megillah, he asked me to guard it for the rest of my life,” Grodetsky told the Chief Rabbi, adding resolutely, “I decided that the best way to protect it now is to entrust it to our rabbi.”
After the central public reading of the megillah before a large crowd, hundreds of young Jewish attendees gathered to hear remarks from the Chief Rabbi, who displayed the rare megillah to those present. Rav Lazar connected Grodetsky’s vitality and longevity with his dedication to Jewish tradition. “If you all want to be happy and at peace with long life like Alexander Grodetsky, you should keep Megillos Esther in your homes and follow the path of preserving the heritage of Israel. Our ancestors drew optimism from this megillah, and from it we understand that the Jewish people cannot be defeated.”
The rabbi went on to emphasize the contemporary message of Purim, stressing that every detail of life is guided by hashgachah pratis. “The belief that HaKadosh Baruch Hu watches over us gives us strength in every situation. Even when reality appears difficult, we must remain certain that there is a Creator who directs the world. There is no place for worry when we know that there is a Leader of the palace, and every doubt—which has the gematria of Amalek—has no place in the Jewish spirit.”
In his concluding remarks, Rav Lazar called upon the community to strengthen Jewish identity, particularly in light of the events unfolding in Eretz HaKodesh. He urged Jews to express pride in their heritage through traditional Jewish dress, the use of Jewish names, and the performance of practical mitzvos, foremost among them placing a mezuzah on the entrance to the home. Such acts, he said, will help ensure the security and ultimate victory of the Jewish people in Eretz HaKodesh and throughout the world.
{Matzav.com}
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called on President Donald Trump Tuesday to support Israel by launching joint military strikes against the Hezbollah terrorist group in Lebanon.
His remarks came as the Israel Defense Forces targeted Hezbollah positions and deployed troops across the border into southern Lebanon. The operations followed Hezbollah’s violations of the ceasefire agreement, including launching rockets toward Israel and aligning with Iran’s attacks during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war.
Speaking to reporters and quoted by CBS, Graham said, “I’m calling on President Trump today: Join Israel to attack Hezbollah. Avenge the Marines,” referring to a 1993 suicide bombing of a US barracks in Lebanon that killed hundreds of American service members, an attack the United States has blamed on Hezbollah.
Lindsey Graham: "I'm calling on President Trump today — join Israel to attack Hezbollah … fly with Israel" pic.twitter.com/ymiUtdOGB9
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 3, 2026
Graham, who is a close political ally of Trump and has consistently advocated a hardline approach toward Iran, also defended the administration’s military operations targeting the Iranian regime. He said Iran’s leadership appears to be nearing collapse.
He argued the Iranian government is in its “death throes” and said that “the demise of this regime is at hand.”
Addressing Democratic critics who say Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States, Graham rejected that view.
“The idea that you’re going to let a homicidal maniac get to the imminent stage, to me, is misplaced.”
Graham has repeatedly pushed for a more aggressive stance toward Iran and previously opposed diplomatic agreements between Washington and Tehran. He has argued that lasting peace in the Middle East will only come with the fall of the current Iranian regime.
{Matzav.com}
Federal prosecutors unsealed a complaint on March 2 charging Dan Sohail, 36, with intentionally damaging religious property at Chabad-Lubavitch world headquarters in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y., according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Sohail, of Carteret, N.J., was taken into custody earlier in the day and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Clay Kaminsky in Brooklyn federal court.
Prosecutors allege that on Jan. 28, Sohail drove to a side entrance of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters complex, exited his vehicle and removed barriers set up to protect the site. After motioning for passersby to move away, he allegedly returned to his car and rammed the entrance. He then reversed and drove into the doorway four more times, knocking the door off its hinges. No injuries were reported.
“Americans should be free to practice their faith without fearing defacement of their sacred places,” Harmeet Dhillon, U.S. assistant attorney general for civil rights, stated. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate attacks on houses of worship, and will vigorously prosecute those who carry them out.”
James Barnacle, assistant director in charge of the FBI New York Field Office, stated that “Sohail allegedly jeopardized dozens of lives and damaged one of our city’s sacred synagogues.”
“The FBI and the NYPD will continue to protect our community’s religious institutions to ensure a safe place for all worshippers,” he added.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called Chabad Headquarters in Brooklyn “a sacred place for many Jews in New York City and around the world.”
“Every New Yorker deserves to live in a safe city where they can practice their faith freely and without fear,” she said. JNS
{Matzav.com}
