By Rabbi Yair Hoffman – yair nissan ben sarah Klal Yisroel is compared to the moon. Although at times we fall, we should not lose hope – because b’Ezras Hashem, we shall come back. Usually, historians use the terms the “Rise and Fall” when discussing the history of a nation. In this essay, the terms are reversed. This is to address an embarrassing part of Jewish history, but one that was eventually rectified by a remarkable group of individuals. This group not only saved the nation of Klal Yisroel, but the group’s actions eventually rectified the entire world somewhat. Interestingly enough, the group received very little credit for both actions. There are, of course, many questions that can be asked. 1] Who was this group? 2] What was the fall? 3] How did they rectify things? 4] From where did they receive their inspiration? And the fifth question – why did they receive so little credit for their work? What follows is a theory that is presented by the author. The reader may agree with it or disagree with it. It does, however, answer a number of questions, particularly, how we were brought back from the brink, from the abyss – and toward a full appreciation of Hashem. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WORLD AND JEWISH HISTORY Hashem created mankind. Adam HaRishon knew and understood that Hashem was One and that Hashem is the Ultimate Giver – the source of all good – and that Tov is also one of the Names of Hashem. Eventually, however, this knowledge among mankind declined. We will call this, the first fall. The world was destroyed on account of the decline. Noach and his sons were to rebuild it anew. Knowledge of Hashem and His nature was restored among mankind. This, however, was temporary. In a short amount of time, knowledge of Hashem and His nature was forgotten again. We will call this the second fall. The knowledge of Hashem and His Nature was rediscovered by Avrohom Avinu. Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l explains in his siddur that Avrohom Avinu rediscovered it, initially, without parental guidance and without guidance of a Rebbe. Rather, it was his two kidneys, his inner sense of discernment, that guided him back to the right path. Avrohom Avinu fathered a nation, Klal Yisroel. The nation went down to Mitzrayim and was taken out by Hashem through Moshe Rabbeinu. After the 49 days between the exodus from Mitzrayim, the nation was able to purify itself and receive the Torah. During those days, we managed to rise and become the Dor De’ah – the greatest generation. After receiving the Torah, and after entering Eretz Yisroel – we eventually declined and began to serve other deities, r”l. We will call this the third fall – the difference being that the first two were the fall of mankind and this was the first fall of Klal Yisroel. The word “devolvement” is particularly instructive – but more on this later. It is possible that this third fall was as a result of the seeds of the chait HaEgel – the sin of the Golden Calf. The archaeological record shows that we were serving a multiplicity of deities, and that we were doing so in combination with other aspects of Torah observance. How strange. Thus far, we […]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, marking his first international trip since the Gaza conflict erupted on October 7. Netanyahu’s primary agenda is to address a joint session of Congress, with hopes that his visit could also facilitate progress in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, alongside President Joe Biden. Security measures around Capitol Hill have been intensified in anticipation of planned protests during Netanyahu’s speech. When is Netanyahu’s speech? Netanyahu’s speech to Congress is scheduled to commence at around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, followed by a meeting with President Biden on Thursday, according to the Associated Press. Where will he be speaking? Netanyahu will address the joint session from the House floor, although some Democratic lawmakers have announced they will boycott the event in protest. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
More than 200 officers from the NYPD have been dispatched to Washington, D.C., in preparation for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Congress, where thousands of protesters are expected to converge. On Wednesday, large crowds are anticipated to gather around the Capitol to demonstrate against Netanyahu’s visit and the U.S.’s steadfast support of Israel’s military actions. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry stated that the officers have been sworn in as U.S. Capitol Special Officers “to assist in policing events this week.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Protesters against the Gaza war staged a sit-in at a congressional office building Tuesday ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress, with Capitol Police making multiple arrests. Netanyahu arrived in Washington Monday for a several-day visit that includes meetings with President Joe Biden and a Wednesday speech before a joint session of Congress. Dozens of protesters rallied outside his hotel Monday evening, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators took over the rotunda of the Cannon Building, which houses offices of House of Representatives members. Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters wearing identical red T-shirts that read “Not In Our Name” took over the Rotunda of the Cannon Building, chanting “Let Gaza Live!” After about a half-hour of clapping and chanting, officers from the U.S. Capitol Police issued several warnings, then began arresting protesters — binding their hands with zip ties and leading them away one by one. The demonstrators focused much of their ire on the Biden administration, demanding that the president immediately cease all arms shipments to Israel. “We’re not focusing on Netanyahu. He’s just a symptom,” Hirschmann said. “But how can (Biden) be calling for a cease-fire when he’s sending them bombs and planes?” It wasn’t immediately clear how many protesters had been arrested. Mitchell Rivard, chief of staff for Rep. Dan Kildee, said in a statement that his office called for Capitol Police intervention after the demonstrators “became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office.” Netanyahu’s American visit has touched off a wave of protest activity, with some demonstrations condemning Israel and others expressing support but pressuring Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home the hostages still being held by Hamas. Families of some of the remaining hostages were planning a protest vigil Tuesday night on the National Mall. And multiple overlapping protests are planned for Wednesday, when Netanyahu is slated to address Congress. In anticipation, police have significantly boosted security around the Capitol building and closed multiple roads for the entire week. Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the White House announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet with Netanyahu separately that day. Harris, as Senate president, would normally sit behind foreign leaders addressing Congress, but she’ll be away Wednesday, on an Indianapolis trip scheduled before Biden withdrew his reelection bid and she became the likely Democratic presidential candidate over the weekend. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday. (AP)
Two local law enforcement officers stationed in the complex of buildings where a gunman opened fire at former President Donald Trump left to go search for the man before the shooting, the head of Pennsylvania State Police said Tuesday, raising questions about whether a key post was left unattended as the shooter climbed onto a roof. Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris told a congressional committee that two Butler County Emergency Services Unit officers were stationed at a second-floor window in the complex of buildings that form AGR International Inc. They spotted Thomas Matthew Crooks acting suspiciously on the ground and left their post to go look for him along with other law enforcement officers, he said. Paris said he didn’t know whether officers would have been able to see Crooks climbing onto the roof of an adjacent building had they remained at the window. A video taken by a lawmaker who visited the shooting site on Monday shows a second-story window of the building had a clear view of the roof where Crooks opened fire; it was unclear if the video showed the window where the officers had been stationed. The Pennsylvania State Police commissioner’s testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee provides new insight into security preparations for the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, but raises further questions about law enforcement’s decisions before Crooks opened fire. Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger, who oversees the emergency services unit, didn’t immediately respond to a text message Tuesday from The Associated Press. A Secret Service spokesperson didn’t respond to questions from the AP, including who gave the command for those officers to leave their post. The revelation comes amid growing questions about a multitude of security failures that allowed the 20-year-old gunman to get onto the roof and fire eight shots with an AR-style rifle into the crowd shortly after Trump began speaking. One spectator was killed and two others were injured. Trump suffered an ear injury but was not seriously hurt. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned earlier Tuesday, a day after she was berated for hours by Democrats and Republicans over the agency’s failure to protect the Republican presidential nominee. Cheatle told lawmakers on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday that the assassination attempt was the Secret Service’s “most significant operational failure” in decades. The Homeland Security Committee also had asked Cheatle to testify but lawmakers said she refused. Cheatle’s name was on a card on a table in front of an empty chair during the hearing, which began shortly before her decision to step down became public. Several investigations into the shooting by the Biden administration and lawmakers are underway. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Tuesday they are supporting a bipartisan task force to investigate the attempt on Trump’s life. The House could vote as soon as Wednesday to establish the task force, which will be comprised of seven Republicans and six Democrats. Local law enforcement began to search for Crooks after they noticed him acting strangely and saw him with a rangefinder, a small device resembling binoculars that hunters use to measure distance from a target. Law enforcement went to look for him but didn’t find him around the building and a local officer climbed […]
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday sharply condemned Vice President Kamala Harris for refusing to preside over Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. Harris is blaming her absence on “scheduling difficulties” due to a previously scheduled event in Indianapolis. “It’s never been more important than it is right now for us to stand with our closest ally in the Middle East,” Harris said. “It’s outrageous to me and inexcusable that Kamala Harris is boycotting this joint session. This is a historic moment, it’s an important moment for the country. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated and yet, Kamala Harris will abandon her seat.” “She is beyond accountable for that. She needs to be asked very serious questions about why.” Harris slammed Democrats in general for boycotting the Israeli prime minister’s speech due to political considerations while Israel is fighting for its survival, saying that Sen. Patty Murray (WA), who was next on the roster [as she serves as the president pro tempore of the Senate) also refused to preside over the event. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
An IDF soldier was seriously injured from Hezbollah rocket fire in the Har Dov area on Tuesday. The soldier was evacuated via helicopter to Rambam Hospital in Haifa. According to a statement issued by the hospital on Wednesday morning, the soldier underwent surgery and is now hospitalized in the ICU. Hezbollah launched several rockets at Har Dov and 15 rockets at Kiryat Shmona on Tuesday evening following previous barrages at the western Galil earlier in the day. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, ASICRUN, a Hong Kong-based technology company, has recently launched a game-changing series of plug-and-play miners, promising to simplify and amplify the crypto mining experience. The AR1, AR2, and EliteAR miners mark a significant stride as the first-ever series of plug-and-play mining hardware to hit the market. Unleashing Unprecedented Hash Power ASICRUN‘s miners have garnered attention not just for their simplicity but also for their extraordinary hash rates, setting them apart in the competitive mining hardware landscape. Users and industry experts alike acknowledge that the hash powers of the AR series surpass any other mining rig to date: AR1 Miner: Bitcoin 1050 TH/s, Litecoin/Doge 400 GH/s, Dash 20 TH/s AR2 Miner: Bitcoin 2200 TH/s, Litecoin/Doge 900 GH/s, Dash 45 TH/s EliteAR Miner: Bitcoin 4900 TH/s, Litecoin/Doge 2200 GH/s, Dash 100 TH/s This potent combination of user-friendliness and unparalleled hash power propels ASICRUN miners into a league of their own. Striking the Balance: Power Consumption and Profitability Beyond impressive hash rates, ASICRUN miners redefine efficiency with modest power consumption. The AR1, AR2, and EliteAR consume only 650W, 1300W, and 2800W, respectively. This balance of power and cost-effectiveness positions ASICRUN miners as formidable processing engines capable of maximizing profitability. Maximizing Profitability with ASICRUN Miners ASICRUN miners not only stand out for their hash rates but also for their profitability. Capable of processing numerous transactions simultaneously, these miners boast a monthly power cost ranging from a nominal $50 to $250. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with their high hash rates, results in substantial monthly profits: Projected Monthly Profits: AR1: Bitcoin $1,897, Litecoin $3,474, Dash $3,591 AR2: Bitcoin $3,974, Litecoin $7,813, Dash $8,011 EliteAR: Bitcoin $8,853, Litecoin $19,700, Dash $17,400 Democratizing Mining: User-Friendly Design ASICRUN has taken a bold step toward democratizing crypto mining with a design that caters to both seasoned miners and enthusiasts without prior experience. These plug-and-play miners come preconfigured with a Linux-based system, allowing users to start mining simply by connecting to a power socket. Operating at a minimum internet speed of just 10 KB/s, users can also opt for free access to ASICRUN‘s mining pool, enhancing their potential for profits. Global Reach, Covered Costs, and Confidence Assurance To ensure a seamless experience for users worldwide, ASICRUN covers delivery and custom fees entirely. Products are delivered globally within a swift 7 business days. Backed by comprehensive warranties for both hardware and software issues, users can mine with confidence, knowing ASICRUN has them covered. Unlocking the Future of Mining with ASICRUN Explore the full potential of ASICRUN’s plug-and-play miners at https://asicrun.com/. ASICRUN, headquartered in Hong Kong with a global presence, is led by a team of industry experts committed to advancing the cryptocurrency mining space through cutting-edge ASIC technology. In a rapidly evolving crypto landscape, ASICRUN’s plug-and-play miners stand as a beacon of simplicity, power, and profitability. Whether you’re a seasoned miner or a newcomer to the crypto world, ASICRUN opens the doors to a future of mining that is both accessible and lucrative.
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump assured Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that “everything will be good” ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled for Friday. Trump shared the message on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Tuesday. He posted a letter from Abbas dated July 14, which expressed concern over a failed assassination attempt on Trump in Philadelphia on July 13. In response, Trump wrote, “Mahmoud, so nice. Thank You. Everything will be Good.” Trump is set to meet with Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday. In his post, he expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions, stating, “Looking forward to seeing Bibi Netanyahu on Friday, and even more forward to achieving Peace in the Middle East!” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
YWN regrets to inform you of the petirah of Rabbi Gershon Nof z”l, a respected Talmid Chacham and Mechaber Seforim, who was niftar on 17 Tammuz (July 23) at the age of 85. Born in Moscow in 1939, Rabbi Nof’s family was among the first Jewish families to escape Russia. He went on to become a prolific Talmid Chacham, writing several seforim on a wide range of topics. Rabbi Nof is survived by his siblings, Mrs. Miriam Roitblatt, Ms. Ruchomo Romanov, and Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Romanov, as well as his children, Yosef Priel, Nechemia Priel, Bruchy Winterfeld, and stepchildren Menachem Moskowitz, Sima Bart, and Devory Gottlieb. The Levaya will take place Wednesday, 18 Tammuz (July 24), at 9:30 am at Divrei Chaim in Boro Park (1214 43rd Street), then at 770 Eastern Parkway at 10:30 am and the Ohel at 11:30 am. Yehi Zichro Baruch. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The Federal Trade Commission has ordered information from eight companies that the agency says offer products and services that use personal data to set prices based on a shopper’s individual characteristics. In a Tuesday announcement, the FTC said it was seeking to better understand the “opaque market” of “surveillance pricing” practices using consumer data — including credit information, location and browsing history — to charge different customers different prices for the same goods. To do this, the agency noted, third-party intermediaries claim to use advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence and other technology. “Firms that harvest Americans’ personal data can put people’s privacy at risk. Now firms could be exploiting this vast trove of personal information to charge people higher prices,” FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said in a prepared statement. Khan added that the FTC’s inquiry “will shed light on this shadowy ecosystem of pricing middlemen.” The FTC said it sent orders to Mastercard, Revionics, Bloomreach, JPMorgan Chase, Task Software, PROS, Accenture and McKinsey & Co. The agency says its “study” will aim to understand how surveillance pricing works and investigate potential impacts on privacy and consumer protection. The orders requested information on the “types of surveillance pricing” that each company has produced, developed or licensed — as well as details on data collection methods, which customers were offered such products or services and other potential impacts, such as different prices paid, the FTC said. In a statement sent to The Associated Press Tuesday, Revionics said that it “does not develop software that recommends pricing targeted to specific individuals” — or use individual consumer data “in any manner.” The software company said its AI price optimization software considers several “market-level factors” to recommend optimal prices, such as historical sales data. Revionics added that its data is often sourced from retail partners — reiterating that it “does not, in any way, conduct operations related to the surveillance of consumers.” Mastercard did not comment when reached by the AP Tuesday afternoon, but confirmed that it received the FTC’s request and would cooperate in the process. The remaining companies did not immediately release additional statements. (AP)
While Steve Bannon serves a four-month federal prison term, the conservative strategist now has a December date for a different trial in New York, where he’s charged with scheming to con donors who gave money to build a border wall with Mexico. With Bannon excused from court because of his incarceration, a judge Tuesday scheduled jury selection to start Dec. 9 in the “We Build the Wall” case. The trial had been expected as soon as September. It was postponed because Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, is in a federal penitentiary in Connecticut after being convicted of defying a congressional subpoena related to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. With his release expected in late October, Judge April Newbauer said she wanted to allow enough time afterward for Bannon to meet with his lawyers and review the case, trial exhibits and things she described as “difficult to go over during counsel visits in prison.” After the jury is seated and opening statements are given, testimony is expected to take about a week. Bannon’s lawyers, John Carman and Joshua Kirshner, declined to comment after court. Prosecutors say Bannon helped funnel over $100,000 to a co-founder of the nonprofit WeBuildTheWall Inc. who was getting a secret salary, though Bannon and others had promised donors that every dollar would be used to help construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. “All the money you give goes to building the wall,” Bannon said at a June 2019 fundraiser, according to the indictment. It doesn’t accuse him of pocketing any of the money himself, but rather of facilitating the clandestine payouts. Bannon, 70, has pleaded not guilty to money laundering and conspiracy charges. He has called them “nonsense.” Yet the accusations have dogged him from one court to another. He initially faced federal charges, until that prosecution was cut short when Trump pardoned Bannon in the last hours of his presidential term. But presidential pardons apply only to federal charges, not state ones. And Bannon found himself facing state charges when Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg took up the “We Build the Wall” matter. Three other men didn’t get pardoned and are serving federal prison time in the case. Two pleaded guilty; a third was convicted at trial. Meanwhile, a federal jury in Washington convicted Bannon in 2022 of contempt of Congress, finding that he refused to answer questions under oath or provide documents to the House investigation into the Capitol insurrection. Bannon’s attorneys argued that he didn’t refuse to cooperate but that there had been uncertainty about the dates for him to do so. An appeals court panel upheld his conviction, and the Supreme Court rejected his last-minute bid to delay his prison term while his appeal plays out further. He turned himself in July 1 to start serving his time, calling himself a “political prisoner” and slamming Attorney General Merrick Garland. (AP)
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman The Shliach Tzibbur had fasted all day and was davening from the Artscroll Siddur Siddur Yitzchok Yair HaShalaim (page 102). After Kedushah, the Chazan naturally went on to the Aneinu on the left side rather than going back a few paragraphs earlier to “Atta Chonein” – he said “Aneinu.” The Tzibbur corrected him to go back to Attah Chonein – which he did do. But now what should he do about re-reciting it? Does he skip it – since he said it already? Also, if one left it out it does not cause the Shmoneh Esreh to be repeated! Or, on the other hand, does he recite it again because it needs to be said in its ideal place? Bothe the Shlah (Dinei Tefillah #23) and the Nesivus( Derech HaChaim Hilchos Tefillah Siman 55) say that he does recite it again the second time. There seem to be 2 reasons for this- 1] because that is the order that Chazal enacted it in. and 2] that it be right after a request for redemption and right before heal us in terms of the most effective type of wording. There are two lessons here. To highlight within our minds the respect we must all have for Chazal and their takanos and to realize that when Chazal made wordings – they matter. The author can be reached at yairhoffman2@gmail.com and still needs tefilos. As I have a blood clot in the heart as a result of the Widow-maker heart attack which could cause another heart attack or a stroke rachmana litzlan. Yair Nissan ben Sara
In a scathing statement, senior Jewish Democratic lawmaker Jerrold Nadler denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “the worst leader in Jewish history” since the Maccabean king (Aristobulus) who invited the Romans into Yerushalayim over 2100 years ago. In his statement, Nadler listed a whole list of grievances he has against Netanyahu. “The Prime Minister is putting the security of Israel, the lives of the hostages, the stability of the region, and longstanding Israeli democratic norms in perilous jeopardy, simply to maintain the stability of his far-right coalition and absolve him of his own legal troubles,” Nadler wrote on X. “Tomorrow’s address is the next step in a long line of manipulative bad-faith efforts by Republicans to further politicize the U.S.-Israel relationship for partisan gain and is a cynical stunt by Netanyahu aimed at aiding his own desperate political standing at home. There is no question in my mind it should not be happening. Still, I have not given up on the dream of an Israel that can live in peace with its neighbors, including with Palestinians, through a negotiated two-state solution.” Despite his harsh words, Nadler announced that he will still attend Netanyahu’s speech to a joint session of Congress, saying, “I feel my voice is more impactful in the room, holding the Prime Minister accountable.” Despite his Jewishness, Nadler supported the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, drawing the ire of many in the US and Israel, including some who accused him of stabbing the Jewish State in the back. Nadler also defended Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after she compared the detention of illegal migrants crossing into the US to Nazi concentration camps. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
A recently surfaced video clip from 1989 shows former President Gerald Ford forecasting the likelihood of America’s first female president. In a Q&A session with an elementary school student, Ford outlined a scenario in which a woman would first become vice president and then assume the presidency after the sitting president’s passing. Ford’s prophetic response suggested that once a woman breaks the presidential glass ceiling, it may become challenging for men to secure party nominations in future elections. In the exchange, Ford advises a young girl aspiring to become president, saying, “I hope we do have a young lady at some point become President of the United States… I think it will happen [with a woman becoming vice president first], and then the President will die, and the woman will become President… And once that barrier is broken, from then on, men better be careful, because they’ll have a hard, hard time ever even getting a nomination in the future.” Ford’s remarks, made over three decades ago, appear remarkably prescient today. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Vice President Kamala Harris is zeroing in on four potential candidates as she races to choose a running mate for her fledgling campaign, fast-tracking a process that usually takes months but must be finalized in only a few weeks. Eric Holder, the former U.S. attorney general, and a team of lawyers at his firm Covington & Burling are taking the lead on vetting potential choices, according to two people with knowledge of the matter who requested anonymity because the process is being closely held. The political conversation has centered on an assortment of white men — Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper — who would provide demographic balance for the first major party ticket that would be topped by a woman of color. Three of them are from battleground states. The list of possibilities could expand or shift. But Harris, who has locked up the delegates she will need to be the Democratic nominee, hopes to finish the process in time for delegates to also vote on her running mate when they hold a virtual roll call vote in the first few days of August, ahead of the Democratic National Convention. The goal, according to one of the people with knowledge of the matter, is to keep the process drama-free, as Harris and Democrats try to project confidence after an extraordinarily tumultuous few weeks for the party. Choosing a vice president is among the first major tests for Harris, and few people know the importance of the choice better than her. Four years ago, after Harris’ own presidential campaign imploded, Joe Biden revived her political career by selecting her as his running mate. Now that Biden has abruptly ended his bid for a second term less than four months before Election Day, Harris has swiftly established herself as his successor with the help of the president’s endorsement. If Democrats formally nominate Harris, she would face off with Republican candidate Donald Trump in a race that’s viewed by both parties as an existential battle over the country’s future. California Sen. Laphonza Butler, a longtime Harris ally, said the vice president views the choice as an “urgent but deliberate decision,” and said Harris’ own experience as a running mate would be a “grounding force.” Harris has seen “the importance of the working relationship, the trust, the energy and connection, as well as the shared values,” Butler said. Paul Begala, a longtime Democratic strategist, said Harris is lucky that the party has the “best bench I’ve ever seen in my entire career,” providing an array of options for running mates. He said there should only be one consideration for the choice. “Forget the electoral college. Forget the polls,” Begala said. “Pick the person that, if something happens, they can step into the job.” Begala recalled disagreeing with Bill Clinton’s choice of Al Gore as vice president in 1992, arguing that the decision did nothing to expand the appeal of the ticket by pairing one moderate white man from a southern state with another. Clinton rejected the advice, Begala said, by saying “I might die.” The message was clear — Clinton thought that Gore could do the job if necessary and voters needed that assurance. Dan Pfeiffer, a former adviser to President Barack […]
Education Minister Yoav Kisch attended a meeting at the Mateh Asher Regional Council in the western Galil in northern Israel on Tuesday amid another day of Hezbollah rocket fire at the area. In his remarks to the heads of the local councils, Kisch admitted that the security situation in the north will not allow the reopening of schools in the area on September 1, meaning that over 16,000 children evacuated from their homes will continue to attend schools at various locations around Israel. “This is an unfortunate decision forced on us and made with a heavy heart,” Kisch said. “I reiterate and call on the prime minister and heads of the defense echelon to act now and forcefully against Lebanon. There is escaping the decision to launch a massive war against Lebanon in order to restore quiet and stability to the residents of northern Israel and for the future of the State of Israel. Hezbollah has launched over 6,800 missiles, rockets, and drones at Israel since October 8, 2023. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Tomorrow, July 24th, is the day we unite to save the future of Klal Yisroel. Gedolei Eretz Yisroel traveled to the United States recently and raised $84,000,000 to replace the budgets which the Israeli government took away from the yeshivos. Those numbers are staggering, but we still need to raise $23,000,000 to complete the shortfall. The emergency campaign initiated by the gedolim, Keren Olam HaTorah, has marked tomorrow as the day to launch the unprecedented fundraising mission of raising this deficit. Together with askanim from around the world, we’re inviting you to come and join us for a historic raiser’s event in Bell Works NJ, where we will join together to raise the funds needed to reach our goal. The Historic Raiser’s Event When: Tomorrow, July 24 from 5:00-10:00pm Where: Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ During the event, you will enjoy a lavish buffet, hear from guest speakers, and above all — hear from Gedolei Yisroel who are giving brachos to all involved. CLICK HERE You Can Join By donating/raising $2,736 to sponsor an avreich (or committing to $228/month), you’re invited to join in this event. Just email rayzeit@kerenolamhatorah.org or call 732.941.1000 to become a raiser. OR click here If There Was Ever A Time, It’s Now The Olam HaTorah is in danger. We can’t save it without you. Our gedolim have implored all of Klal Yisroel to give beyond their usual contributions. “This is a request to go above and beyond your normal giving,” Hagaon Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch urged. Because this is not just another fundraising campaign; it is the very survival of Klal Yisroel. In recognition of the generosity, Rav Landau benched anyone who helps with good health, nachas, parnassah, and all the brochos one could wish for. Tomorrow, We Will Make History Every donation counts now, more than ever. We need your support to ensure that the doors of Torah learning remain open. Although the numbers are unprecedented, your support today can turn the tide. Join thousands for an unprecedented gathering to raise $23,000,000 to save the Yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel. Become a raiser today and save the future of Klal Yisroel. KerenOlamHaTorah.org rayzeit@kerenolamhatorah.org 732.941.1000.
The suicide drones fired by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen at Tel Aviv last week were manufactured primarily with US components, highlighting violations of US sanctions on Tehran, Republican Sen. Ted Curz says, as reported by the Washington Free Beacon. Not only was the drone manufactured with US parts, it was funded by over $100 billion in sanctions relief granted by the Biden administration, Cruz wrote in a letter sent to the White House on Monday. “The construction of the drones is enabled by the regime’s access to American components, and indeed the drones are built almost entirely from components produced by U.S. companies,” Cruz wrote. “Military production of the drones is financed by funds available to the Iranian regime, including roughly 100 billion dollars that the Biden administration has allowed to flow to the Ayatollah.” Cruz’s letter was written only days after the Biden administration renewed a sanctions waiver for the Islamic Republic, releasing over $10 billion which Tehran uses to produce drones exported to Israel’s enemies as well as to Russia for its war against Ukraine. “These drones are made almost entirely of American components, including ones cannibalized from other machines or transferred through third or fourth-party distributors using convoluted routes to move tiny electronics,” Cruz wrote. “U.S. export and trade restrictions are aimed in part to prevent the acquisition of such components by rogue regimes such as Iran; their failure suggests either a lack of will or ability by the Biden administration.” “The Iranian regime has engaged in the use and mass proliferation of loitering munitions—so-called suicide drones—by its own forces, Russia, and its terrorist proxies across the Middle East for decades. Those munitions are being used to attack U.S. service members and our allies, including Israel and Ukraine, and more broadly to undermine American national security interests.” The White House is aware of the issue and in 2022, formed an “expansive task force” to explore how Iran is obtaining US-made components and using them to manufacture drones. However, two years later, “there has not been a single published update, report, or announcement,” Cruz wrote. Cruz requested that the Biden administration “detail the task force’s activities to date” and disclose whether it has “engaged American companies whose components have been found in Iranian-made drones.” Read the full letter here. The drone used in the Houthi attack on Tel Aviv was identified by the IDF as an Iranian-manufactured Samad-3 drone that was revamped to have a further range. On Tuesday, the Houthis released a video of what it claims is the launch of the drone at Tel Aviv: (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
A Wisconsin man fled to Ireland and sought asylum to avoid a prison sentence for joining a mob’s attack on the U.S. Capitol over three years ago, federal authorities allege in a court filing Tuesday. The filing charges Paul Kovacik with defying a court order to surrender and serve three months behind bars for participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. Kovacik, 56, was arrested last month after he voluntarily returned to the U.S. from Ireland. Kovacik is serving his sentence at a federal prison in Chicago and is scheduled to be released from prison on Sept. 8. But a conviction on the new misdemeanor charge could lead to more time behind bars. Kovacik told authorities that he decided to withdraw his asylum claim and return to the U.S. because he felt homesick, according to a U.S. Marshals Service deputy’s affidavit. The FBI initially arrested Kovacik in June 2022. A year later, U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton sentenced Kovacik after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Kovacik took videos of rioters’ damage as he moved through the Capitol on Jan. 6. He later uploaded his footage onto his YouTube channel, with titles such as “Treason Against the United States is about to be committed,” according to prosecutors. They said Kovacik’s criminal record included 24 prior convictions. Walton initially ordered Kovacik to report to prison on Aug. 22, 2023, but the judge agreed to extend that deadline to Nov. 1, 2023, after Kovacik requested more time for his seasonal employment at a theme park in Georgia. The court issued a warrant for Kovacik’s arrest after he flew to Dublin, Ireland, through Germany on the day that he was supposed to report to prison in Chicago. Kovacik called himself a “political prisoner” when investigators questioned him after his arrest last month at an arrival gate at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, according to the deputy’s affidavit. Inside his luggage, authorities found documents related to his asylum request, which cited a fear of political persecution, the deputy wrote. The affidavit doesn’t say whether the Irish government acted on Kovacik’s request. An attorney who represented Kovacik in his Capitol riot case declined to comment on the new charge. More than 1,400 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack. Several other Capitol riot defendants have become fugitives at different stages of their prosecutions. (AP)
