Feed aggregator

As Bein HaMetzarim begins amid ongoing tensions surrounding the military draft of bnei yeshivah, Chacham Nissim Ben Shimon is urging the Torah community to remain steadfast in Torah learning while avoiding the trap of sinas chinam, warning that division among Jews must not be allowed to deepen during this sensitive period.

In a special interview with Kol Chai Radio’s “Tzav Ma’atzar” program, conducted by Gudi Silman, the veteran Bnei Brak gaon addressed the draft crisis, the status of bnei yeshivah, and the need to strengthen the Torah world.

Asked whether he could recall another period when the chareidi community faced circumstances similar to those of today, Chacham Ben Shimon replied that he could not.

“Honestly, I don’t remember a situation like this,” he said. “There has never been a time when people who sit and learn Torah were taken and treated this way. It’s difficult even to speak about such a situation.”

He noted that the current developments are especially painful during Bein HaMetzarim, when Jews reflect on the causes of the destruction of the Bais HaMikdash.

“We are in the days when we speak about sinas chinam, and דווקא now we must be careful not to add more hatred.”

The gaon also offered words of encouragement to yeshivah bochurim and avreichim who are anxious about the current situation.

“There is no need to be afraid,” he said. “We believe that HaKadosh Baruch Hu guides the world. We must continue learning Torah and never diminish its value. On the contrary, the more we are afflicted, the more we must strengthen ourselves.”

He added that faith in hashgachah pratis should give Jews confidence even during difficult times.

“In the end, everything comes from HaKadosh Baruch Hu, and one who learns Torah merits siyata diShmaya.”

When asked how the chareidi public should respond to the strong emotions surrounding the draft controversy, Chacham Ben Shimon stressed that disagreements must never become personal hostility.

Even in the midst of profound disputes, he said, there is no place for inflammatory rhetoric or angry confrontation.

“If you want to influence people, you don’t do it through anger and shouting,” he said. “You have to speak pleasantly, to bring people close rather than push them away. When you speak with respect and appreciation, people listen.”

He also used the interview to call for greater internal chizuk within the Torah community, particularly with regard to maintaining the sanctity of batei knesses.

He urged worshippers to refrain from engaging in idle conversation during tefillah.

“Talking in shul causes tremendous harm. The more we reduce conversation and increase our respect for the holiness of the place, the greater our genuine chizuk will be.”

Chacham Ben Shimon added that while it is important to explain the value of Torah to the broader public, the Torah world must first strengthen itself from within.

Later in the interview, he related a story from his experience on the Bais Din involving a man who had once been completely distant from Torah observance but gradually returned to Judaism because a rav chose to guide him patiently rather than rebuke or frighten him.

According to Chacham Ben Shimon, the story illustrates that Jews are brought closer through love, patience, and gradual spiritual growth—not through accusations or intimidation.

“There are many stories like that,” he said. “When you bring someone close with love and allow him to advance step by step, you can see how he changes.”

Concluding the interview, Chacham Ben Shimon was asked what message he wished to deliver to bnei yeshivah during this challenging period.

“They should not be afraid,” he said. “They should continue learning Torah. Fear itself creates more fear, but one who occupies himself with Torah merits siyata diShmaya. Even when there are things we do not understand in the calculations of Heaven, our responsibility is to continue learning and strengthening ourselves, and with Hashem’s help, He will assist all bnei Torah.”

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has found himself at the center of a social media firestorm after urging residents to conserve electricity by setting their air conditioners to 78 degrees during a dangerous heat wave that could push temperatures to 100 degrees for the first time in more than a decade.

With soaring temperatures placing heavy demand on the electrical grid, Mamdani took to X to encourage New Yorkers to reduce their energy usage.

“New York: it’s hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool,” the Muslim socialist mayor wrote in a post on X. “Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you’re not using, and unplug what you can.”

The suggestion quickly sparked widespread ridicule, with many users insisting that 78 degrees was far too warm to provide meaningful relief during extreme summer heat.

Among the most prominent critics was Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who has previously floated the idea of challenging Mamdani in a future mayoral election.

“78 degrees??? Welcome to communism people! Hope you enjoy!” Portnoy wrote.

Conservative commentator Bonchie also mocked the mayor’s recommendation, posting, “Do you feel the warmth of collectivism yet?”

Many everyday New Yorkers joined the criticism, with some pledging to do exactly the opposite of what the mayor had requested.

“As a New Yorker I’ll be setting my AC to 62 degrees for the foreseeable future as a direct retaliation to your authority,” one user responded.

Another wrote, “I have texted all my coworkers who voted for Zohran to send me a photo of their A/C set to 78.”

Others questioned why residents should be expected to keep their homes uncomfortably warm while brightly lit landmarks such as Times Square continue consuming enormous amounts of electricity around the clock.

Moshe Spern, president of the United Jewish Teachers, also weighed in with a tongue-in-cheek response.

“My Mayor is Muslim. My Bagel is Jewish. My Christian Dior. Thermostat set to 74. Or lower,” he wrote, parodying the popular “Knicks in four” slogan. “Only a Communist believes distribution of wealth also means distribution of air conditioning. Send thermostat pics at Gracie and City hall please!!”

In his post, Mamdani said city government would also be reducing electricity consumption by following the same thermostat guidelines and limiting unnecessary energy use in municipal buildings.

“Our City is doing its part too: maintaining the 78 degrees rule in our buildings, dimming/turning off our lights during peak electricity demand, asking private partners to do the same, and powering down non-essential equipment,” he wrote.

He argued that reducing electricity demand would help prevent outages during the heat emergency.

“A stable grid means the AC stays on, and lives are saved. Let’s ease demand — and get through the heat — together.”

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends thermostat settings between 75 and 78 degrees during the summer months and advises homeowners to raise the temperature further when no one is home.

Mamdani is not the first New York City mayor to make such a recommendation. During a heat advisory in July 2023, then-Mayor Eric Adams similarly encouraged residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees to reduce strain on the electrical grid.

Forecasters say the most dangerous conditions are expected today and Friday, when AccuWeather predicts temperatures across New York City’s five boroughs could reach 100 degrees.

It was the last day of school, and the rebbe had heard that the non-Jewish teacher who served as his co-teacher for third grade would not be returning the following year.

Before the day ended, he encouraged his students to thank her and wish her success.

As he was leaving the classroom, he took out a sticky note and wrote her a short message:

Dear …,
Thank you for a wonderful year. It was a pleasure teaching alongside you. Wishing you much success wherever you go.
Signed, Rabbi …

The rebbe left the room.

A little while later, a few third graders approached him and said, “Rebbe, we want to show you something. Can you come back to the classroom?”

When he walked back in, he was stunned.

The teacher’s desk was entirely covered with sticky notes—one from each of the third graders—each note expressing appreciation and gratitude to their English teacher.

He was completely blown away.

He never found out how the teacher reacted when she saw the notes. But he walked away with a powerful realization:

Perhaps the greatest Kiddush Hashem in that moment was not what reached the teacher, but what entered the hearts of his students.

They learned far more from his actions than from his words.

This is one of the deepest truths about Kiddush Hashem—it is conveyed far more through authentic behavior than through preaching.

And often, its greatest impact is not on distant observers, but on those closest to us—our students, our children, and all those within our circle of influence.

[COMMUNICATED]

Three kedoshei elyon had one common concept when it came to learning Torah – they were the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar 1696-1743) when he came to Eretz Yisroel; the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto 1707-1746) when he lived in Padua, Italy;  and Hagaon, Harav Chaim Volozhiner, (1749-1821) the famous talmid of the Gaon of Vilna.

They each had a yeshiva with ‘around-the-clock’ Torah learning, 24-hours a day, so that there would be no minute when the sound of Torah learning would not be heard in this world. The 24-hour period would be divided into shifts, and as one ended the next would begin.

Torah-24

A “Torah-24” Center has been opened in Yerushalayim and the Nasi is Maran Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l.

Under ONE ROOF, from 6:00 am – 6:00 am, 10 kollelim fill successive learning shifts. Each kollel focuses on a specific area of in-depth Torah study. The “Torah-24” Kollelim include: Boker (Gemora), Yerushalmi, Bavli, Zeraim-Taharot, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Erev (Gemora), Chatzos- Zohar/Kabbolah, Erev Shabbos (Chumash / Medrash b’iyun). 

Already there are 52 avreichim metzuyonim, and a large number of candidates are vying for the remaining slots in the kollelim. All the avreichim are required to take rigorous monthly tests.

Endorsements & Letters

Endorsements include Maranan Hagaonim shlit”a: Harav Gershon Edelstein, Harav Berel Povarsky, Harav Shimon Badani, Harav Dovid Cohen, Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Harav Chaim Feinstein, Harav Shimon Galai, Harav Shraga Shteinman.

Letters of support-encouragement have been received from Maranan Hagaonim, shlit”a: Hamekubal Harav David Bazri, Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Elimelech Biderman, Hamekubal Harav Yaakov Meir Schechter, Harav Moishe Sternbuch, Harav Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss.

For more “Torah-24” information click on: www.torah-24.com or call 718-766-5022

MK Uri Maklev, chairman of the United Torah Judaism faction, delivered a passionate speech in the Knesset plenum during debate over the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study, arguing that the very need for such legislation demonstrates a growing erosion of Torah’s place in the identity of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

The Knesset approved the Basic Law: Torah Study in its first reading, after which Maklev strongly criticized opponents of the measure, saying much of the criticism had little to do with the legislation itself and instead reflected broader political disputes.

Opening his remarks, Maklev said, “Unfortunately, we heard many things that have absolutely nothing to do with this law. What didn’t we hear? That this law is really a budget for yeshivos, that it is anti-Zionist, and other claims that were simply political populism unrelated to the legislation. All of the political battles and struggles taking place in Israel over the past period have been poured into this one bill.”

He went on to argue that much of the opposition reflected a lack of understanding about the role Torah plays in Jewish life.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, we heard a great deal of ignorance. I don’t even know if I should call it ignorance, because ignorance results when people are never taught. Today, in elementary schools, high schools, and even universities, they don’t teach the essence of Torah. I wish they taught even 10 percent of what is taught in the United States about the Ten Commandments, basic Jewish values, and the importance of Torah study.”

Maklev then questioned what truly defines the Jewish people, arguing that national symbols alone cannot provide that identity.

“How can people understand who we are when they don’t recognize the foundation of our nation? What makes the Jewish people the Jewish people in the State of Israel? Is it because we have a national food—falafel or shawarma? Every country has a flag and a national anthem. What is it that makes us the Jewish people?”

According to Maklev, the Jewish people’s right to live in Eretz Yisroel is rooted in the Torah rather than in the decisions of modern political leaders or movements.

“There is no question that everything stems from the Torah. It is our right to exist. It is the reason we are here. We cannot say that our right to live in this land exists because the Zionist Congress decided it, or because of a speech by Herzl or Ben-Gurion. If you look at what they themselves said, our right to settle this land comes from the promise of ‘the land of our forefathers.’ That fundamental principle appears in the Torah, and that is the source of our right to exist.”

Maklev also argued that Zionism itself has no lasting meaning without Torah serving as its foundation.

“There is no Zionism without Torah behind it. Zionism by itself is empty—it has nothing. Whatever people call our attachment to this land only has meaning when it is built upon the foundation of Torah. In the end, all values lead back to Torah. Some people want to say that good character, caring for others, equality, or observing Shabbos are the central values. Of course those are values—but they all ultimately flow from Torah.”

As he concluded his address, Maklev said the fact that lawmakers now find it necessary to pass a Basic Law affirming the importance of Torah study reflects how negatively bnei yeshivah have come to be viewed in Israeli society.

“We’ve heard people say that the Knesset has deteriorated. I agree that there has been deterioration. But if we’ve reached the point where we need a Basic Law on Torah study, that didn’t happen by itself. It happened because people who learn Torah are being portrayed as criminals.”

Maklev recalled attending proceedings in a military court earlier in the week, where he witnessed what he described as a striking contrast.

“I was in a military court this week. There were hearings involving soldiers who had trafficked weapons and behaved like criminals guilty of very serious offenses. And then there was another line of people whose only ‘crime’ was that they studied Torah.”

He concluded by comparing the legislation to a hypothetical law declaring democracy to be an important national value, arguing that fundamental principles only require legal protection once they come under attack.

“If we heard that the United States was passing a law declaring democracy to be an important value, people would ask, ‘What happened? Isn’t that already the foundation?’ The fact that we now need a law explaining the value of Torah study is only because that value is being challenged. That is why this legislation is necessary, and I thank you very much.”

{Matzav.com}

MK Meir Porush launched a scathing attack in the Knesset on Wednesday against opponents of the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study, urging lawmakers to support the legislation and accusing its critics of failing to understand the Torah’s central role in the Jewish people’s connection to Eretz Yisroel.

Speaking during the Knesset debate, the United Torah Judaism lawmaker said anyone who believes in the importance of Torah should vote in favor of the bill.

Porush began by asking why, despite Israel being founded as a Jewish state, legislation affirming the importance of Torah study had never been enacted.

“Seventy-eight years ago, Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of a state, which he defined as a Jewish and democratic state. One could rightly ask: How is it that in a country whose founders wrote in the Declaration of Independence about the ‘eternal Book of Books,’ they did not immediately enact a Basic Law on Torah study?”

He answered his own question by pointing to the Declaration of Independence itself.

“The answer is no less compelling than the question. It, too, is written in the Declaration of Independence: ‘The Jewish people arose in the Land of Israel.’ As is well known, the Jewish people received the Torah at Har Sinai 3,338 years ago, and by virtue of that Torah we are in Eretz Yisroel.”

Porush argued that, under normal circumstances, no such law should even be necessary because the importance of Torah ought to be self-evident.

“In a properly ordered world, there would be no need for such a law. There are things that are far beyond legislation, things that should be obvious to anyone who seeks to live in Eretz Yisroel by virtue of the Divine command written in the Torah, which is our deed to this land.”

He then turned his criticism toward those opposing the bill, introducing what became the central theme of his address.

“In recent years, however, a new group of politicians has emerged. Let’s call them the ‘Ugandan politicians.’ Some are politicians sitting here in the Knesset, while others disguise themselves as jurists, legal advisers, and judges.”

Porush said those critics fail to appreciate the Jewish people’s Torah-based connection to the Land of Israel.

“They don’t understand because they have no connection to Torah. As far as they are concerned, the state could just as well have been established in Uganda—a democratic state with no connection to the Jewish people. In that case, there באמת would be no reason or logic to enact a Basic Law on Torah study. What does Uganda have to do with Torah study?”

He also cited a military committee formed after the October 7, 2023, massacre, arguing that even senior defense officials have acknowledged the importance of full-time Torah learning.

“To show how absurd this all is, there is one body that does not accept the position of the ‘Ugandan politicians’—the army. After the terrible tragedy on Simchas Torah 5784, then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, today a favorite of the left, established a professional security committee with the support of then-Defense Ministry Director-General and current Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, together with then-Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.”

According to Porush, the committee’s recommendations specifically recognized the need to preserve the Torah world.

“The committee, chaired by Maj. Gen. (res.) Eliezer Shkedy and composed of senior military officers, recommended the following: ‘Preserving the core values of the chareidi community means preserving those whose Torah is their profession (those who study three sedorim a day).’ Those words appear in General Shkedy’s recommendations.”

He continued, “As I said, this committee, established after Simchas Torah 5784, determined that someone who studies three sedorim a day should not be drafted. Apparently there are people in the army who understand the value of Torah study. But the Ugandan politicians do not. Against that group of politician-jurists who embrace the Uganda approach, we must provide a Jewish response today—a response that should be completely self-evident.”

Porush also directed sharp criticism at members of the governing coalition who planned to oppose the legislation, including some from the religious Zionist camp.

“To those coalition members who intend to vote against this law, some of whom even wear knitted kippot, I want to say: What do you have to do with Eretz Yisroel? You proudly insist that not a single grain of this land should be surrendered because it was promised to us in the Torah. Yet when it comes to Torah study, you want us to settle for only a few grains of Torah. May I ask you for just a little soul-searching.”

Concluding his remarks, Porush thanked those responsible for advancing the legislation and urged lawmakers to support it.

“I want to thank my friend, former MK Rabbi Moshe Shimon Roth, who wisely submitted this bill at the beginning of the Knesset term, and MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni, who is now leading its advancement together with all the members of United Torah Judaism. I call upon every member of the Knesset today to vote in favor of Torah—otherwise, you are voting in favor of the State of Uganda.”

Several progressive Democrats who recently secured victories in New York City congressional primaries may face an uncertain future in Congress even before taking office, as state leaders prepare for a potential redrawing of congressional district lines that could dramatically reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2028 elections.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is expected to push for new congressional maps in New York that could create additional Democratic-leaning districts. Any changes, however, could also alter the boundaries of seats represented by some of the party’s newest progressive nominees, potentially forcing them into more competitive territory.

Before any redistricting can occur, New York voters must approve a constitutional amendment that would permit the state to redraw its congressional map.

A congressional map proposed in 2022 offers a glimpse of how future changes could affect several districts. Under that proposal, former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander’s district would be merged into an area that includes Republican-leaning Staten Island, while Assemblywoman Claire Valdez would lose much of the northern section of her current district.

“There will be new lines in 2028 and, generally speaking, the newer members are the most at risk,” Chris Coffey, CEO of Tusk Strategies, told Politico.

Not everyone believes redrawing the districts would weaken the Democratic Socialists of America. Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the organization’s New York City chapter, argued that altering districts represented by Lander or Valdez could actually benefit the group’s broader political ambitions.

“Claire Valdez is already basically a packed DSA district, so if they change that district very much, it suddenly makes any neighboring district easier terrain for us. I think that also goes for NY-10 as well,” he said, referencing Lander’s district.

“I’m curious to see how they navigate that.”

Jeffries has not publicly outlined exactly how he would redraw New York’s congressional boundaries, but he has repeatedly argued that Democrats should use redistricting to offset Republican-led map changes in other states.

“Leader Jeffries is focused on passing the constitutional amendment to ensure New York has a fair and competitive congressional map that can help stop the nationwide MAGA power grab in places like Florida and Texas, and create additional opportunities to elect House Democrats in 2028 and beyond,” spokesperson Justin Chermol said in a statement to Politico.

Any revised congressional map would require cooperation among Jeffries, the New York State Democratic Party, and the Democrat-controlled state Legislature. However, recent elections have shifted both the State Senate and Assembly further to the left, adding another layer of complexity to the process.

“I don’t know about anyone else, but the Senate is not interested in using redistricting to take sides in a civil war,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris, D-Astoria, told Politico.

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge has halted the U.S. Postal Service from implementing new mail-in ballot restrictions, ruling that the proposed policy violated an existing legal agreement requiring the agency to prioritize the prompt handling of election mail.

The ruling, issued Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan in Washington, D.C., dealt another legal setback to President Donald Trump’s effort to tighten rules governing mail-in voting ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The decision marked the second courtroom loss for the administration on the issue within two weeks, as Republicans seek to retain control of both chambers of Congress.

The Postal Service announced the proposed changes in May, saying states would be required to submit voter lists and adopt revised election procedures before the agency would transport mail-in ballots. Under the proposal, states that failed to satisfy those requirements would have had their ballots refused for delivery.

Judge Sullivan, an appointee of President Bill Clinton, agreed with arguments brought by the NAACP, which contended that the Postal Service’s proposal conflicted with a 2021 settlement requiring the agency to take “extraordinary measures” to ensure timely delivery of ballot mail.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President Kamala Harris has begun cultivating a closer relationship with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, signaling a new effort to strengthen ties with one of the Democratic Party’s most influential progressive figures as early maneuvering for the 2028 presidential race quietly takes shape.

According to Axios, Harris and Mamdani held a lengthy private phone conversation last week centered on the future direction of the Democratic Party. The discussion is expected to be the first of several conversations between the two.

“This is about positioning for the 2028 primary where no candidate knows where the lane for support for Palestinian rights is going to be but they know there’s going to be one,” Republican consultant Mike Madrid told The California Post.

“No question this is a risky move but it’s one transforming both parties and the calculus at the moment has become it’s better to do something than nothing,” he added.

The call came shortly after candidates endorsed by Mamdani and aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America claimed victories in three New York congressional primaries, defeating two sitting members of Congress and underscoring the mayor’s expanding political clout.

A source familiar with the conversation told The Post that Harris initiated the outreach as part of an effort to reshape her image following her 2024 presidential defeat and connect more effectively with younger Democratic voters. During the conversation, she also congratulated Mamdani on the success of his endorsed candidates in New York City.

“The vice president reached out to have a conversation, and we’ve had a brief conversation,” Mamdani told SiriusXM’s “The Clay Cane Show” Wednesday. “We’ve been in touch over the last few months, and I really do appreciate her outreach.”

Political strategist Matt Klink told The Post that Harris’ decision reflects long-term planning ahead of the next presidential primary season.

“The 2024 loss made clear that the activist left, if not energized, has enough leverage to sink a Democratic nominee, and she would rather have those people knocking doors than burning down her campaign before it starts,” he said.

Harris’ recent outreach is part of a broader effort to reconnect with the Democratic Party’s progressive base, particularly activists who sharply criticized the Biden administration’s support for Israel during the war in Gaza.

During New York City’s mayoral race, Harris avoided endorsing a candidate before the Democratic primary. After Mamdani secured the nomination, she offered cautious support during an MSNBC interview, saying, “I support the Democrat in the race, sure,” without mentioning him by name.

“Harris is ‘kissing the ring’ in her Mamdani outreach, as the mayor is the most high-profile DSA leader in America. Mamdani’s primary wins proved the DSA machine can deliver election results outside Brooklyn,” Klink added. “Harris read that scoreboard faster than most: the activists have the passion, the money, and the primary voters, and she wants all three.”

Over recent months, Harris has also quietly met with progressive organizers, including individuals connected to the pro-Palestinian Uncommitted Movement, as well as longtime Democratic National Committee member James Zogby and Michigan Democrat Abbas Alawieh.

Alawieh said Harris personally requested the meeting after months of private discussions. During their conversation, he urged her to oppose the use of American taxpayer dollars in ways that harm civilians or destroy communities.

He also shared stories from constituents who lost family members in Israeli airstrikes carried out with U.S. military support.

The renewed engagement represents a noticeable shift for Harris. During the 2024 campaign, she struggled to gain the support of many Arab American and progressive voters after declining to significantly break from President Joe Biden’s strong backing of Israel during the Gaza conflict.

The outreach comes as Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates continue making gains in elections around the country.

In New York City, several DSA-backed challengers recently defeated longtime Democratic incumbents in congressional primaries, including Reps. Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat.

Elsewhere, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, while DSA member Janeese Lewis George captured the Democratic mayoral nomination in Washington, D.C.

In Colorado, first-time candidate Melat Kiros appears on track to become the first Generation Z woman elected to Congress after defeating 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary, according to a race projection.

Klink even suggested that the possibility of a future Harris-Mamdani national ticket should not be dismissed entirely.

“Palestinian/anti-Israeli activists this early in the 2028 cycle is an acknowledgment that the DSA wing sets the price of admission for a Democrat presidential primary,” he told The Post.

However, Mamdani cannot serve as vice president under the U.S. Constitution. Born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian-born parents and naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2018, he does not meet the constitutional requirement that both the president and vice president be natural-born citizens.

Although that prevents him from serving on a presidential ticket, it does not bar him from pursuing other elected offices.

Madrid, who has worked on presidential campaigns, said Harris’ evolving strategy reflects both demographic changes and growing ideological divisions within the Democratic Party.

“Harris’ shift is a sign of just how much has changed, and how quickly, in the Democratic Party on the issue of Palestine and Israel,” he said.

“There’s definitely an emerging split in the party that’s very reminiscent of the Tea Party extremism that consumed the GOP a decade ago,” he said, noting that despite recent DSA gains, “for every DSA win, there’s a [James] Talarico and [Xavier] Becerra win.”

Despite her 2024 defeat, Harris remains the early frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. A national Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll released last month found that 27 percent of Democratic voters favored Harris for the party’s 2028 nomination, nearly twice the support of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who received 14 percent.

While her polling numbers have slipped from earlier highs, Harris continues to lead a large field of potential Democratic contenders.

Other Democrats considering White House bids have also adjusted their rhetoric on Israel as debate within the party intensifies.

Newsom, who is openly considering a presidential campaign after completing his final term as governor, briefly referred to Israel as an “apartheid state” earlier this year before later saying he regretted that characterization. He reaffirmed his support for Israel while directing his criticism toward Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu rather than the Israeli state.

Other Democrats frequently mentioned as possible 2028 presidential candidates include Pete Buttigieg, Govs. Josh Shapiro, Andy Beshear, J.B. Pritzker, and others.

“Every serious 2028 Democrat presidential contender is watching Harris and taking notes. The candidate who figures out how to embrace the activist energy without getting photographed at the wrong rally will have a real advantage in what will be a crowded Democrat primary,” Klink added.

Mamdani has become one of the country’s most outspoken critics of Israel, repeatedly accusing the Jewish state of apartheid and genocide while remaining a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. At the same time, he has gradually developed stronger relationships with leaders in the Democratic establishment, including Harris.

Not everyone believes Harris’ strategy will pay off.

“Chasing the activist left, in this case the socialist wing, to gai momentum and to win a primary is a time-honored Democratic tradition that consistently creates general election problems,” Klink said. “Harris is gambling that she can consolidate the base early, capture and bottle their enthusiasm, and then, if successful, pivot to the center later.”

“It’s a flawed strategy with a notably poor track record,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

The head of an organization that assists yeshivah bochurim detained over Israel’s military draft says the number of arrests has stabilized in recent days but is warning against lawyers and other individuals who promise guaranteed exemptions from military service in exchange for large sums of money.

In an interview on Kol Chai Radio’s “Tzav Ma’atzar” program, Chaim Karelitz, CEO of the Ezram U’Maginam organization, said most of the bnei yeshivah currently being held in military detention were arrested at the military induction center rather than through proactive enforcement operations.

“The overwhelming majority were arrested at the induction center, and only two were arrested through proactive operations—one by the traffic police and one during a home visit,” he said.

Karelitz added that proactive arrests have declined noticeably over the past week.

“For the past week, there have essentially been no proactive arrests carried out by the Israel Police,” he said.

Despite that trend, Karelitz cautioned yeshivah bochurim and avreichim against relying on attorneys who claim they can secure military exemptions in exchange for payment.

According to Karelitz, many people are being misled into believing that appearing at a draft office with legal representation will automatically resolve their status.

“Today I received a phone call from a young man who had gone to the draft office,” Karelitz recounted. “I asked him why he went, and he told me he was convinced that if he reported, he would receive an exemption and the matter would be over. Instead, he found himself on his way to detention.”

Karelitz explained that the military’s approach has changed significantly since the outbreak of the war.

“In the past, someone who was unable to adapt to military service would often receive an exemption. Today, the army says, ‘Come to us, and we’ll work it out with you.’ Most lawyers are still operating based on the old policy, but the reality has changed.”

As an example, he described the case of a yeshivah bochur whose family paid an attorney a substantial amount of money believing he would obtain an exemption.

“That young man is now completing his third detention, and he still doesn’t have an exemption,” Karelitz said.

Karelitz concluded the interview by offering three recommendations to bnei yeshivah.

First, he advised anyone without a long-documented medical condition not to attempt to manufacture medical grounds for an exemption.

“Everyone who has tried to play that game has gotten burned,” he warned.

Second, he urged families not to pay lawyers in advance if they promise a guaranteed exemption.

“Anyone who takes money upfront cannot guarantee a result,” he said.

Finally, Karelitz encouraged people to seek additional professional opinions before taking any significant step.

“Don’t rely on just one source. Ask questions, verify the information, and make sure no mistake has been made in the process.”

Karelitz concluded by saying that, in his view, the safest course for bnei yeshivah is to follow the guidance of the gedolei Yisroel.

“A bochur who follows their instructions and sits and learns is in the safest place possible. He has no reason to look for shortcuts or other solutions,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Baruch Ben Yigal, whose only son, IDF soldier Amit Ben Yigal Hy”d, was killed during an operational mission in 2020, shared an emotional personal account this week following the murder of Rav Amos Guetta zt”l, recalling a meeting that he says changed his life.

In a heartfelt tribute, Ben Yigal described visiting Rav Guetta during the first year after his son’s death, saying the elderly mekubal offered him comfort born of personal experience—and a blessing that was ultimately fulfilled.

According to Ben Yigal, the meeting was arranged by Rav Meir Bloch, who suggested that he travel to Netanya to meet Rav Guetta, a widely respected mekubal to whom thousands turned for brachos, guidance, and encouragement.

“We drove to Netanya. I met a very special Jew. From the very first moment, I felt like I was sitting down to speak with a father,” Ben Yigal wrote. “He sat inside the teivas hachazzan and received me for a private conversation. When he heard that I had lost my only son, he burst into tears and said, ‘I also buried a child. I know how you feel.'”

Ben Yigal said that during their conversation, Rav Guetta unexpectedly offered him a blessing that seemed almost impossible to imagine at the time.

“And then, out of nowhere, he blessed me and said: ‘May you merit enduring offspring. You will be a father again.'”

At the time, however, Ben Yigal said his grief was so overwhelming that he found it difficult to absorb the words.

“In those days I was so broken by Amit’s fall that I couldn’t attach any significance to the blessing. I thanked him, and we each went on our way.”

Reflecting on the years that followed, Ben Yigal wrote that he repeatedly heard stories of people who had visited Rav Guetta and left strengthened by his blessings and counsel.

“Since then, I have heard about countless people who met Rav Amos, received from him a blessing, advice, comfort, and hope. There is no doubt that he was a special person and a tzaddik, whose entire life was devoted to giving and doing good for others.”

Ben Yigal also expressed profound sorrow over Rav Guetta’s murder.

“And tonight, with great pain, we learned that he was murdered. An 80-year-old man who devoted his entire life to acts of kindness and helping people.”

He concluded his tribute with a prayer honoring both the revered mekubal and his fallen son.

“May his memory be blessed. May the memory of Rav Amos Guetta be blessed, and may the memory of Amit z”l remain forever engraved in our hearts.”

{Matzav.com}

A devastating tragedy struck Modiin Illit today, the fast of Shivah Assar Tammuz, when 7-year-old Moshe Galinsky was fatally struck by a bus while walking home from cheder in the city’s Brachfeld neighborhood.

The child, a third-grade talmid at the Breslover Talmud Torah, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

He was a great-grandson of the renowned maggid, Rav Yaakov Galinsky zt”l.

ZAKA volunteers responded to the tragic scene and worked to ensure kavod hameis while assisting authorities.

Levayah arrangements were announced for Thursday afternoon. The levayah is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. from the Breslover kloiz in Brachfeld, continue at 5:30 p.m. from the Shamgar Funeral Home in Yerushalayim, and conclude with kevurah on Har Hazeisim.

According to sources, schools dismissed early because of the fast. At approximately 12:04 p.m., Moishy was crossing the street after leaving cheder when he was struck by a Kavim bus driven by an Arab driver. Witnesses said several children had already crossed the street, and the driver allegedly failed to check whether additional children were still crossing before proceeding, fatally hitting the boy.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., ZAKA’s emergency hotline received a report of a 7-year-old child who had been struck by a bus on Rechov Rabi Akiva in Modiin Illit. Magen David Adom paramedics rushed to the scene but were forced to pronounce him dead.

Volunteers from ZAKA’s Judea and Samaria District, including the Modiin Illit team, responded immediately and carried out the sensitive task of caring for the meis and collecting all necessary remains and evidence. Their efforts enabled the child’s body to be released promptly for kevurah.

Shlomo Gottlieb, commander of ZAKA Modiin Illit, together with volunteers Aryeh Hershler and Tzvika Yabrov, described the heartbreaking scene.

“This is an extremely difficult and painful scene. When we arrived, we found a 7-year-old child who had been struck by a bus, and sadly MDA paramedics had no choice but to pronounce him dead at the scene. ZAKA Modiin Illit volunteers are now working to preserve the dignity of the deceased and gather all relevant findings from the scene.”

Moishy was the son of Reb Aharon Galinsky, one of the prominent Breslover chassidim in Modiin Illit and a member of the Kollel Chatzos at the Breslover kloiz. His paternal grandfather was Rav Nachman Nachman Galinsky zt”l, a Breslover chossid from Emanuel and a son of the famed maggid, Rav Yaakov Galinsky zt”l.

On his mother’s side, Moishy was a great-grandson of Rav Shmuel Shapiro zt”l, one of Breslov’s foremost rabbonim and mashpi’im. His mother is a daughter of Reb Yaakov Shapiro, a prominent Breslover chossid.

Teachers and classmates remembered Moishy as an exceptionally cheerful, sweet, and beloved child. Staff at the Breslover cheder said that just one day earlier he had traveled with his class to Kever Rochel in celebration of completing Chumash Bereishis. A class siyum had been scheduled for Friday, but in light of the tragedy, it is expected to be postponed. Moishy, who had eagerly anticipated the celebration, will tragically not be there to participate.

Umacha Hashem dimah me’al kol ponim.