Yeshiva World News

Riot police in Meah Shearim trying to stop Yeshiva Bochrim from protesting the arrest of three Bochrim.

Retired Deputy Commander Tzachi Havkin, a former Lahav 433 investigator and member of the teams that handled Prime Minister Netanyahu’s cases, testified Wednesday in Netanyahu’s ongoing trial. Havkin was summoned to the witness stand following the testimony of former Police Internal Investigations Department (PID) investigator Dubi Shertzer, who revealed that Havkin was the police officer who had approached him in real time to report illegal and improper actions that took place during the Netanyahu investigations. During his testimony, Havkin described a deep sense of frustration with then–Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, admitting that the investigation exceeded the scope of what had been officially authorized. “In 2016, when I headed a division in Lahav 433, I was upset about the very limited approval we received. It felt like we were being sent to chase things that had no substance, so we started asking broader questions than we were permitted to.” Havkin also criticized the interrogation methods used against state witness Nir Hefetz: “Bringing in someone unrelated to the case just to pressure a suspect—that’s improper.” Another striking moment in his testimony concerned the questioning of Ilan Yeshua. Netanyahu’s attorney, Amid Hadad, asked why Yeshua, who had allegedly been part of the wrongdoing, was not interrogated as a suspect under caution. Havkin replied, “That bothered me too. I remember exactly where I was and who was with me when it happened. A person admits to being part of an offense and is questioned in an open interview—that troubled me. I even told my superior, Yoram Naaman, about it at the time.” He noted that in a previous case, he had been criticized by the court for conducting an open interview under similar circumstances. Havkin further testified that investigators knew there was an issue with the date of the so-called “guidance meeting”—where Netanyahu allegedly instructed Shlomo Filber to favor Bezeq—but that the matter was never examined. Before Havkin’s appearance, the prosecution tried to block his testimony, claiming it had been caught off guard by Shertzer’s revelations. Prosecutors requested to pause the proceedings for consultation and even considered asking for a supplemental investigation. However, the court rejected the request, and the testimony proceeded as planned. Shertzer’s statements appear to confirm multiple claims of improprieties made in recent years about Netanyahu’s cases, but previously vehemently denied by officials in the State Attorney’s Office. During court hearings, the trumped-up claims against Netanyahu have fallen apart, with multiple claims disproven or withdrawn. MK Moshe Saada, former deputy and acting head of the PID, responded to the report by stating, “What just happened in the courtroom where the prime minister’s trial is being held is nothing short of an earthquake. During my tenure, a senior source—a former head of the Netanyahu investigations team—approached me, offering shocking information about crimes committed by police investigators in the Netanyahu cases.” “When I sought to open an investigation into the investigators and verify the information, the prosecution prevented me from doing so, refused to grant immunity to the source, and after the affair became public, even claimed that no such source existed—that it was all a lie. Today, the truth has come to light.” “In court, the identity of the source—whom the prosecution claimed did not exist—was exposed. Havkin will testify about the crimes of the investigators, the crimes of the prosecution, and […]

MOVING: Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion sang at the chuppah at his daughter’s chasunah on Tuesday at the David Citadel hotel in Jerusalem. His daughter Shirel married Noam Moskowitz, the son of the head of the Tzur Hadassah Council. The medader kiddushin was the chassan’s Rav, Rabbi Re’em Cohen, the Rav of Otniel and the Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivat Otniel. VIDEO VIA ARUTZ 7

Join 300 learners in 65+ cities. New cycles starting soon — try it free for 30 days at vhalacha.com. For many of us, life is full — work, family, responsibility — yet the pull of real Torah learning never fades. Not another shiur in passing, but a serious framework to learn halacha in depth, to review with order, and to arrive at halacha l’maaseh with confidence. If that’s what you’re looking for, the Virtual Halacha Program (VHP) was built for you. What VHP gives you Weekly Mareh Mekomos packets — concise and orderly, preserving tzuras ha-daf; meticulously crafted. Weekly video shiur (Rav Ami Merzel) — from sugya to halacha l’maaseh (mesorah of HaRav Avigdor Nebenzahl shlit”a). Accountability & steady progress — summaries, periodic tests, optional Semicha track. Community & support — discussion with participants and a sho’el u’meishiv. “It gave me back the satisfaction of real Torah learning — without choosing between work and learning.”   JOIN NOW Vhalacha.com How it fits real life Learn on your own or with a chavrusa; at home,  in the beis medrash, or on the go. The packets guide your week; the shiur ties it together; reviews and optional bechinos keep you consistent — clarity, order, and cumulative progress: real limud halacha that fits real life. Tracks you can actually complete Orach Chaim — Hilchos Shabbos, Brachos, Moadim Yoreh Deah — Hilchos Niddah, Issur v’heter Structured, multi-year cycles mean you join at the start of any topic and continue through a complete path — without hopping between sugyos. Why it works Structured — each topic builds on the last Organized — materials, shiurim, and guidance in one place Flexible — fits a busy schedule Serious — from Gemara to psak, rooted in authentic mesorah New cycles begin Sunday, October 26, 2025 —  Hilchos Shabbos in Orach Chaim  Hilchos Niddah in Yoreh Deah. Experience the clarity, structure, and deep satisfaction that come from mastering halacha. Try it free for 30 days at vhalacha.com.

At the conclusion of the Bein HaZmanim, hundreds of Roshei Yeshiva and heads of Yeshivos gathered for a highly impressive event. The gathering provided an opportunity for them to hear words of encouragement and guidance from the Gedolei HaDor, Hagaon HaRav Dov Landau and Hagaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch. This event was marked by inspiring Drashos and a deep sense of unity among the attendees, as issues of great importance were discussed.

The United Nations chief delivered a strong defense of science and meteorology on Wednesday, praising the U.N. weather agency for helping save lives by keeping watch for climate disasters around the world. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to the World Meteorological Organization as science faces an assault in the United States: President Donald Trump’s administration has led an anti-science push, and Trump has called climate change “ a con job.” A longtime advocate for the fight against global warming, Guterres spoke at a special WMO meeting aimed to promote early-warning systems that help countries rich and poor brace for floods, storms, forest fires and heat waves. “Without your long-term monitoring, we wouldn’t benefit from the warnings and guidance that protect communities and save millions of lives and billions of dollars each year,” he said, alluding to “the dangerous and existential threat of climate change.” Last week, the weather agency reported that heat-trapping carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere jumped by the highest amount on record last year, soaring to a level not seen in human civilization and causing more extreme weather. Guterres called WMO staffers the “quiet force that illuminates all the rational climate decisions that we take.” “Scientists and researchers should never be afraid to tell the truth,” he added. The Trump administration has carried out deep cuts to the National Weather Service and fired hundreds of weather forecasters and other employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (AP)

Chaim Simcha Grossman had a pure heart and always wanted to do the right thing. Whenever he learned he got very involved and wanted to get to the truth. He invested so much in his learning and was always striving to understand and clarify the depth of the sugya. His rebbeim always enjoyed his questions and his involvement in the shiur. He was a talmid in the true sense of the word. He was always close to his rebbeim and as a true talmid, he followed their guidance and advice. Chaim Simcha was a בעל אחריות to the fullest extent. Well beyond his years, he went above and beyond to fulfill his responsibilities. Chaim Simcha, we are now all your תלמידים. Please Donate Here He truly personified his name and was full of life and שמחה. He was taken at such a young age yet he left such a powerful impact on all who knew him. With the twinkle in his eyes, his lovable personality and heart of gold, he uplifted all who knew him. In his humble way, he did so much for so many! His whole being was enveloped in מדת האמת. His honesty in all his dealings was unparalleled. In every area of his life, he was driven by the truth to do the ‘רצון ה! His last words were, “TYH – WE OUT“ not knowing this would be his last trip… to ישיבה של מעלה.  We, his family have undertaken the writing of a ספר תורה to memorialize his love for תורה! Join us in this great zechus of writing a ספר תורה to honor his שמחת התורה and שמחת החיים. Please Donate Here לעילוי נשמת הב’ חיים שמחה בן גרשון ישעיה

Yesterday, President Trump ordered a U.S. strike on a vessel operated by a designated terrorist group involved in narcotics trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, killing two terrorists in international waters with no U.S. casualties.

A deadly plane crash in San Cristobal, Venezuela kills 2 after takeoff failure, reportedly from mechanical issues.

WATCH: At an anti-ICE protest, a school teacher tells federal agents, “You’re not the only ones with guns.”

A Colorado man accused of driving the wrong way on the New Jersey Turnpike and causing a head-on collision that killed four yeshiva bochurim early Sunday has been charged with multiple counts of manslaughter. Christopher Neff, 41, of Westminster, Colorado, was charged Tuesday with four counts of first-degree manslaughter and three counts of second-degree reckless death by auto. State Police say Neff was driving north in the southbound lanes of the Turnpike near Carneys Point around 12:40 a.m. when his white Dodge Ram pickup slammed head-on into a black Mazda CX-5 carrying four teenage boys. Moments later, an oncoming tractor-trailer struck the wrecked SUV, compounding the devastation. The impact tragically killed all four occupants of the Mazda: Yaakov Kilberg z”l, 19, who was driving, Aharon Nosson Lebovits z”l, 18, and Shlomo Abba Cohen z”l, 18 — all from Lakewood — and Chaim Simcha Grossman z”l, 18, of Fallsburg, New York. Neff sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he remains under treatment. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured. Investigators have not disclosed whether drugs, alcohol, or excessive speed played a role in the crash. State Police and the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding Neff’s wrong-way driving. The crash occurred near milepost 1.3, close to the Delaware Memorial Bridge — a section of highway that sees heavy overnight truck traffic. Authorities temporarily closed the southbound lanes for several hours as first responders, including Misaskim volunteers, worked to recover the victims and coordinate with families to ensure kavod hameis. If convicted, Neff faces decades in prison. He is expected to make his first court appearance later this week in Salem County Superior Court. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

UPDATE: HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, who is on his way to deliver a shiur to hundreds of bochurim at Prison 10, was delayed in massive traffic jams on the roads leaving Bnei Brak due to the ongoing protests. Demonstrators from all factions made way for the Rosh Yeshiva’s vehicle, and police are now assisting as well. Gabbaim suggested returning home because of the heavy traffic, but the Rosh Yeshiva insisted: “It’s essential to get there and show support for the detainees.”

Less than a day after gold soared to another record high, prices for the precious metal plunged — marking the biggest sell-off in years. Gold futures in New York closed at a record $4,374 per troy ounce on Monday, before falling more than $250 (or 5.74%) Tuesday. That’s the largest, single-day percentage drop seen since September 2011, according to data in FactSet. And despite some brief rebounds, losses continued to pile up Wednesday — with gold futures trading at about $4,036 as of 11 a.m. ET. Prices are still up since the start of 2025. Gold sales often rise sharply amid wider economic uncertainty, as anxious investors seek a “safe haven” for their money. More have turned to gold amid President Donald Trump’s barrage of tariffs on imports from around the world, rising concerns about inflation and the now weekslong U.S. government shutdown. And even before that, geopolitical tensions and strong demand from central banks bolstered gold’s gains over recent years. But precious metals can be volatile — so it’s not uncommon for gold to see day-to-day fluctuations in value. Some analysts say this week’s pullback was triggered by hopes of cooling trade tensions between the U.S. and China, for example. Meanwhile, criticism had already been growing that gold’s price had gone too far, too fast. Others speculate there could be broader correction. Here’s what we know. What’s the price of gold today? What about silver? Again, gold futures were trading at $4,036 per troy ounce — the standard for measuring precious metals — as of as of 11 a.m. ET. Wednesday. Spot prices had previously closed Tuesday at just over $4,125, down from a record more than $4,355 on Monday. Silver also saw some losses this week. Silver futures in New York fell more than 7% on Tuesday, before seeing slight rebounds Wednesday morning. Prices were trading at $47.60 per troy ounce as of 11 a.m. ET, down from a record $53.44 hit last week. Why have prices tumbled from record highs? No investment’s price consistently goes up forever, and some fluctuation isn’t surprising after such meteoric rises. “Why precious metals sold off yesterday — and whether this is the beginning of a broader correction — remains to be seen,” Ipek Ozkardeskaya, a senior analyst at Swissquote wrote in a Wednesday note. Ozkardeskaya said Tuesday’s losses were “triggered by hopes of easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China and a rebound in the U.S. dollar.” Still, she noted that the future is far from guaranteed, and many of the same factors that drew buyers to gold this year remain. “What probably better explained yesterday’s precious metals sell-off was mainly the fact that the metals are now trading in deeply overbought market conditions with heightened volatility,” she added, noting that further price pullback is possible. Again, despite this week’s losses, gold futures are still up 50% overall since the start of 2025. And silver has climbed even higher, up 60% year to date. Is gold worth the investment? Advocates of investing in gold call it a safe haven — arguing that the commodity can serve to diversify and balance your investment portfolio, as well as mitigate possible risks down the road as a hedge against rising inflation. Some also take comfort in buying something tangible that has the potential to increase in value over time. Still, experts caution against putting all your […]

In a stunning on-air meltdown Wednesday morning, Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa stormed out of his longtime home at 77 WABC Radio, publicly severing ties with the conservative station after its owner and top hosts urged him to end his uphill campaign for New York City mayor. “You will never see me in the studio of WABC ever again,” an enraged Sliwa declared live on air, moments before walking out mid-segment. The Guardian Angels founder, whose fiery personality helped make him one of New York’s most recognizable political provocateurs, accused the station’s management of betraying him to boost Andrew Cuomo, the scandal-plagued former governor mounting an independent run. The blowup came during a tense exchange with morning host Sid Rosenberg, who pressed Sliwa to bow out to clear a path for Cuomo to consolidate anti-socialist voters against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Assemblyman backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Station owner John Catsimatidis, a billionaire Republican donor and supermarket mogul, has also publicly called for Sliwa to withdraw, arguing that a divided right-of-center vote would hand City Hall to Mamdani. “Curtis should do the right thing for New York,” Catsimatidis told the New York Post earlier this week. Sliwa fired back on air, accusing WABC of turning against him. “I feel personally offended by friends and colleagues at WABC,” he fumed. “They have become Always Broadcast Cuomo. They’ve been calling me selfish — are you out of your mind?” For years, The Curtis Sliwa Show has been a staple of WABC’s populist programming, known for its mix of streetwise humor and political bombast. But Sliwa has been off the air since launching his insurgent mayoral campaign earlier this year, returning occasionally for interviews and guest spots. His departure underscores a growing rift within New York’s fractured Republican circles, where loyalty to Trump-era populism increasingly collides with establishment pragmatism. Sliwa, a fiery anti-crime crusader who won the GOP nomination last month, has refused to yield to pressure from Catsimatidis and other Republican power brokers who see Cuomo — despite his Democratic past — as the only viable alternative to Mamdani. “I’m not quitting, I’m fighting,” Sliwa told reporters outside WABC’s Midtown studios after his walkout. “The people of New York deserve a choice — not a backroom deal between billionaires and washed-up politicians.” The standoff comes as polls show Mamdani leading with roughly 42% of the vote, followed by Cuomo at 31% and Sliwa trailing at 17%, according to a recent Emerson College survey. Cuomo’s allies have been lobbying conservative donors and media figures — including WABC’s roster of right-leaning hosts — to rally behind him in a last-ditch effort to stop the city’s first socialist mayoral victory. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa quit his radio show on 77 WABC Wednesday after a heated on-air argument, declaring he would “never” return, following pressure from host Sid Rosenberg to drop out in favor of independent Andrew Cuomo’s chances against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.

Massive protest underway on Yoel Street in Yerushalyim over the arrest of three more Yeshiva Bochrim, including one who is sitting Shiva for his father who died suddenly of a heart attack.

Yeshiva Bochrim from Yeshiva Ateres Shlomo are protesting outside Prison 10 — the first time since the start of the draft crisis that yeshiva bochurim not affiliated with the Peleg Yerushalmi have taken part in an organized public demonstration.