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Amid the latest wave of arrests targeting bnei yeshiva under Israel’s military draft policies, a sharply worded and highly unusual public letter from leading Torah authorities was published Wednesday morning on the front page of Hamodia, which devoted its entire cover to the growing campaign against the arrests and to protests scheduled for later in the day outside Prison 10.

The newspaper describes the detained bochurim and avreichim as being held under conditions of emotional distress and persecution that evoke dark chapters of Jewish history.

The letter was drafted at the personal request of the Gerrer Rebbe and carries the signatures of rabbonim from across the Torah world. Among those signing are Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman; Rav Yitzchak Yosef, nosi of Shas’s Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah; the Modzitzer Rebbe; and other leading gedolei Torah.

The full text of the letter reads:

“To our brethren, the Bnei Yisroel, may Hashem grant them life.

“With the intensification of the persecution of the world of Torah and Judaism by the state authorities, who seek, Heaven forbid, to uproot Yavneh and its sages and its batei medrash from among the Jewish people, and who refrain from no means in their efforts to harm those who study Torah and preserve it in purity, including through attacks on their livelihoods, their children, and every aspect of their lives.

“And recently they have gone even further, launching a campaign against the cherished students of our holy Torah, uprooting them from their places of learning and casting them into detention centers solely because of their desire to engage in Torah study and to maintain holiness without foreign influences. The honor of the Torah has been trampled, as ‘This is the statute of the Torah—this is a decree of the Torah,’ while new decrees are enacted to restrict those who learn Torah, and the dwellers of the tents of Torah are made vulnerable. The Name of Heaven is desecrated in a terrible manner when one Jew imprisons another Jew for this ‘offense,’ something not found even among the nations in any country where our Jewish brethren reside.

“We therefore declare the position of our holy Torah according to halachah: There is great reason to fear that Heavenly judgment may rest upon anyone who has a hand or involvement in these persecutions and in the arrests of avreichim and bochurim engaged in Torah study, lest he inherit Gehinnom and lose his share in the World to Come. The Rambam has already ruled (Hilchos Talmud Torah, Chapter 1, Halachah 11): ‘Whoever degrades the sages has no share in the World to Come and is included among those of whom it is said, “For he has despised the word of Hashem.”’ And Chazal warned (Shabbos 119b): ‘Rav Yehudah said in the name of Rav: Whoever degrades Torah scholars has no cure for his affliction… What is the meaning of the verse “Touch not My anointed ones”? These are the schoolchildren. “And do My prophets no harm”—these are the Torah scholars.’

“We are confident in the power of Torah and place our trust in the Giver of the Torah, that the Divine promise will be fulfilled for us: ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Hashem, and their righteousness is from Me, says Hashem’ (Yeshayah 54:17).”

The letter is one of the strongest public condemnations issued by senior Torah leaders since the current draft crisis escalated and comes as demonstrations continue over the arrests of bnei Torah across Israel.

{Matzav.com}

The rabbanim and leadership of Yeshivas Ponevezh have issued a stirring letter urging talmidim to intensify their Torah learning on behalf of Ponevezh masmid Rav Chaim Berman, who remains in extremely critical condition at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer.

Rav Berman, regarded as one of the central pillars of the yeshiva for decades, is currently hospitalized while sedated and on a ventilator. In response to his condition, the yeshiva’s roshei yeshiva and rabbanim are calling on students to undertake a special commitment in his merit: adding at least fifteen minutes of learning to each seder.

The letter describes Rav Berman as a singular figure in the Torah world, praising a level of diligence and consistency that the authors say has been unmatched for generations. The rabbanim urge every bochur to strengthen his commitment to Torah study as a source of merit for Rav Berman’s complete recovery.

The letter bears the signatures of Rav Chaim Peretz Berman, Rav Dovid Levy, and yeshiva nosi Rav Eliezer Kahaneman.

Rav Chaim’s condition is reported to be extremely serious. He remains hospitalized at Tel Hashomer, where he is receiving intensive medical care.

The letter states in part:

“Since our master, the true gaon, the righteous foundation of the world, the holy figure Rav Chaim Berman, shlit”a, became ill recently, a great glory has been removed from the house of our lives. He is a living Sefer Torah, an eternal light in our holy yeshiva for more than seventy years, from his youth until this very day.

“And with Hashem’s help, there are medical avenues that can assist in extending his years and enabling him to continue learning Torah and serving Hashem. Our responsibility is to aid him through prayer and the accumulation of merits.

“And since the greatest influence visible to every member of the yeshiva is his extraordinary diligence and exceptional devotion to maintaining the sedarim without interruption, day and night, every learning session and every fixed shiur, and he is unique in this generation in this regard for seventy years, without equal, and perhaps even among previous generations, and now the yeshiva lacks the tremendous merit of having such a righteous person in our midst, whose presence strengthened us constantly, it is incumbent upon each of us to increase our efforts in this area. This will be a tremendous merit for him, that we strengthen ourselves in his avodah so that the continual service not cease, and that the yeshiva continue to be a place of Torah labor and faithful observance of its schedules.

“We ask every member of the yeshiva to accept upon himself to strengthen his observance of time and diligence. Each person should undertake, at the very least, to begin learning fifteen minutes earlier each day during one of the sedarim than he has done until now. In addition, every individual should consider other ways in which he can grow stronger.

“And through this may the verse be fulfilled: ‘He has redeemed my soul in peace, for many were with me.’”

All are asked to daven for Rav Chaim ben Reisha Reizel.

{Matzav.com}

Yanky Deri, the son of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, is expected to be appointed associate chairman of Keren Kayemet L’Yisroel (KKL-JNF), according to a report by Channel 12 News on Tuesday.

As part of the position, Deri is expected to receive an office, a vehicle, and support staff, and will oversee matters related to KKL land holdings.

The appointment is drawing attention in part because a similar role was previously held by Momo Deri, the brother of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri.

Officials in Deri’s office stressed that the position is unpaid and that the appointment is intended to be temporary until a permanent candidate is selected.

In a statement, the office of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri said: “This is an unpaid position. The role was originally intended for former MK Moshe Arbel, but due to a conflict of interest he informed us that he would be unable to accept it. The position remained vacant for many months, and it was therefore decided to appoint Yanky Deri on a temporary basis. Yanky Deri has served for years as a member of the board of the World Zionist Organization, and he will fill the role until a permanent representative is appointed.”

{Matzav.com}

A unique and educational Torah event will take place TODAY, Wednesday, June 17, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission presents a special shiur featuring Rav Amitai Ben David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a renowned expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The program will begin at 12:00 noon at the TA Kollel of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, in the Mesivta Dining Room, located at 4445 Old Court Road in Pikesville, Maryland, and is expected to attract Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the broader community seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What makes this event especially noteworthy is that the shiur will feature a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and related areas of Torah study. Through practical examples and real-life illustrations, participants will gain a clearer appreciation of the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers explain that the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone interested in understanding the halachic foundations behind the kosher food that appears on Jewish tables every day.

Rav Amitai Ben David has earned widespread recognition for his ability to present complex halachic subjects in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. His sefer, Sichas Chulin, has become a highly regarded resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of shechitah and treifos.

The shiur, as mentioned, will take place today at the TA Kollel of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, Mesivta Dining Room, 4445 Old Court Road in Pikesville, Maryland, beginning at 12:00 noon.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration is exploring ways to encourage commercial oil tankers to return to the Strait of Hormuz following a tentative understanding with Iran, amid concerns that insurance obstacles could undermine efforts to restore one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

According to a report published Tuesday, administration officials are examining a range of options to reassure shipping companies and insurers as negotiations continue over a broader agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian representatives reportedly reached a memorandum of understanding intended to serve as a framework for a possible end to the conflict. A leaked version of the document contains 14 provisions, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade of Iran, and at least $300 billion in funding earmarked “for the rehabilitation and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Despite those developments, officials recognize that reopening the waterway may prove difficult if shipping companies remain unwilling to send vessels through an area long viewed as a major security risk. At present, insurers are reportedly refusing to cover losses that might occur in the strait.

According to the report, discussions inside the administration have focused heavily on finding ways to persuade insurance providers to resume offering coverage for ships traveling through a narrow corridor where Iran has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to target commercial vessels.

“The discussions so far have centered on ways to convince insurance companies to offer coverage to travel through a narrow waterway in which Iran has successfully attacked vessels,” Politico reported of the internal discussions being pushed by Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

One source familiar with the matter said Trump and Wiles are pressing officials to quickly develop a solution.

“The President and Susie are giving them explicit orders to figure something out,” said one person familiar with the discussions who was granted anonymity to describe private discussions. “With limited exceptions, every transit [through Hormuz] is violating insurance plans. So what can be done to accelerate the insurers to start insuring again?”

Among the ideas reportedly being examined is a program that would allow commercial ships to purchase expedited passage under the protection of the U.S. Navy.

“There is some talk of some expedited escorted passage by paying the U.S. — like putting a VIP pass on your ship,” one person familiar with the discussions told Politico. “The concept is that there could be a fee for expedited clearance, maybe with military escort.”

However, not everyone believes the proposal is intended to become permanent policy. One former administration official suggested the discussion is primarily a strategic move as Trump participates in the G7 summit in France.

According to that former official, the proposal is “all about creating the space for France, Britain, others to move into the Gulf, take responsibility for maritime safety, security, and create an additional deterrence to the Iranians for trying to go back on the deal, use Hormuz as this long-term extortion racket.”

{Matzav.com}

Former Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s emerging agreement with Iran on Tuesday, arguing that the proposed arrangement raises serious concerns and resembles a policy of appeasement toward a longtime adversary.

Appearing on CNN’s “The Source,” Pence said he supported Trump’s past decisions to take military action against Iran’s leadership but expressed deep skepticism about any agreement that would ease pressure on the regime.

Pence said, “Iran has been at war with the United States, and our cherished ally Israel, for 47 years. And I strongly supported, the president’s decision for the first time in modern history to take the fight directly to the mullahs in Tehran last year. And then again, this year. And I do believe the president has earned some latitude in negotiating an end to hostilities. But I have very real concerns. I look like apparently an awful lot of people on this, I just don’t trust the Iranians. I’ve been quite close to those issues from my time in the White House, many briefings in the Situation Room, as well as my years on the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House. So I’ve been the Iranians, particularly with regard to their nuclear ambition, have essentially a legacy of lies.”

While acknowledging that Trump has earned the right to pursue diplomatic efforts after confronting Iran militarily, Pence cautioned that Tehran’s long record of deception should make any agreement subject to intense scrutiny.

He added, “At least what we’re hearing echo out of this, this potential memorandum of understanding, it smacks of appeasement. I mean, it sounds a bit like what I write about in my book that, the progressive left has long embraced, appeasement against our adversaries like Iran. But there are voices on the populist right that would have us pull back from our role as leader in the free world. I don’t think this is the time to pull back. I don’t think this is a moment for appeasement. And I think, I would urge the president to stand firm on the fundamental elements that Iran has to dismantle and abandon its nuclear program, dismantle its ballistic missile program, renounce the support of terrorist organizations, and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Pence argued that the United States should maintain a hard-line approach toward Iran and insisted that any final agreement must require the regime to permanently end its nuclear ambitions, eliminate its ballistic missile capabilities, stop supporting terrorist groups, and guarantee free passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

{Matzav.com}

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee moved forward Tuesday with legislation that would withhold certain funds destined for the Palestinian Authority and redirect them toward compensating victims of terrorism, including families affected by the October 7 massacre.

The proposal, which cleared the committee for a first reading, was advanced under the leadership of committee chairman MK Boaz Bismuth and sponsored by MK Moshe Passal. Under the bill, Israel would annually freeze an amount equal to the funds the Palestinian Authority transferred to Gaza during the previous year. The withheld money would then be allocated to compensate victims of terrorism originating from the Gaza Strip.

The hearing opened with testimony from bereaved families whose relatives were murdered in the October 7 attacks. Family members urged lawmakers to approve the measure. Following the public portion of the session, committee members held a closed-door discussion in which representatives of relevant government agencies and ministries presented their assessments.

Ben Zoherman, whose father was killed at the Sha’ar HaNegev Junction during the October 7 assault, described the uncertainty his family continues to face. “I don’t know where the terrorist who murdered my father is today. We know that some of the terrorists operating at that junction returned to Gaza that same day. I don’t know if justice will ever be served, and I don’t know who can be held accountable.”

Zoherman also said that some victims’ families fall outside existing support programs, leaving them feeling abandoned and without sufficient assistance. Galit Shopen, whose brother Ziv Shopen was murdered in Kibbutz Be’eri, voiced support for the legislation, saying, “No amount of money will fill the void Ziv left behind, nor can it restore what we lost. But if there are funds originating from entities that for years encouraged, supported, or rewarded terror-related activities, I believe it is right and just that these funds be channeled to compensate the families of terror victims and aid those harmed by acts of terror.”

Moshe Saville of the OneFamily organization told committee members that his group assists thousands of victims of terrorism and war and believes the legislation addresses a real and pressing need among bereaved families.

“Nothing will bring back those we lost. No amount of money in the world can erase the pain or blur the loss. But it can grant the families a modicum of peace, a bit of stability, and some breathing room amid the harsh reality they live in,” said Saville.

During the deliberations, a representative of the Justice Ministry raised several legal concerns regarding the application of the bill to victims of the October 7 attacks. She explained that existing law already allows the Palestinian Authority to be sued for damages when it can be demonstrated that it transferred funds to an individual who carried out a terrorist attack. According to her, court precedents have established that even a single payment to a terrorist may be sufficient to create the legal connection required for liability.

The ministry representative added that significant legal and factual questions remain regarding the Palestinian Authority’s direct connection to the October 7 massacre and whether any of the attackers had previously received payments from the PA. Based on information currently available, she said, many of the terrorists involved in the attack likely did not receive such payments, making it difficult to establish the legal link necessary to connect the frozen funds to those who participated in the massacre.

{Matzav.com}

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