Matzav

A group of 23 U.S. lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, headed by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Don Bacon of Nebraska, sent a letter to Wikipedia CEO Maryana Iskander demanding answers about how the site plans to uphold its editorial standards, crack down on bias among its editors, and stop antisemitic and pro-terror material from appearing in its articles.

The members of Congress highlighted Wikipedia’s far-reaching impact, despite being a freely editable, user-driven platform. With millions relying on its entries for information—and its content serving as a source for search engines and artificial intelligence tools—they underscored the site’s unique power to shape public perception.

The letter comes on the heels of findings by the Anti-Defamation League, which revealed significant levels of antisemitic and anti-Israel slant across Wikipedia pages in various languages. Of particular concern were articles involving Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which appeared to reflect an orchestrated attempt to insert pro-Hamas propaganda.

“Evidence points to a startling lack of enforcement of Wikipedia’s most basic rules and editorial safeguards. Given the immense influence that Wikipedia articles have over our online and real-life global conversations, far more editorial responsibility and transparency are needed, immediately,” said Wasserman Schultz. “My hope is that our bipartisan questions and concerns can curb a suspected coordinated campaign to manipulate Wikipedia content that drives antisemitic content and biases.”

“Antisemitism and anti-Israel views have increased on Wikipedia due to their lack of enforcing their own rules and standards, and they need to take steps immediately to fix the problem,” said Bacon. “Wikipedia has such a broad reach, and people take what is posted there as 100 percent truth, when it always isn’t. I’m glad to join Rep. Wasserman Schultz on this bipartisan letter, in the hopes we can get Wikipedia to fix this.”

“Earlier this year, research from the ADL Center for Technology and Society raised immense concerns regarding antisemitism, anti-Israel bias, and abuse of Wikipedia by coordinated actors,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO & National Director. “The majority of Wikipedia users assume the material on the platform is reliable. The reality is millions are being exposed to dangerous misinformation on contentious topics. I deeply appreciate Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Bacon for leading this crucial bipartisan effort, demanding answers from Wikipedia on how they are enforcing their own rules and pushing for greater transparency and accountability.”

{Matzav.com}

Shortly after resigning from his National Security Advisor role, Mike Waltz was nominated to be UN ambassador by President Donald Trump.

“I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations,” Trump posted to Truth Social Thursday.

“From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

From Fox News:

The announcement comes after news broke on Thursday morning that Waltz was no longer serving as the administration’s national security advisor.

A handful of names had been floated for the role after [Elise] Stefanik withdrew her nomination in March, including former U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman, former deputy special envoy to monitor and combat anti-semitism at the State Department under the first Trump administration, Ellie Cohanim and special presidential envoy Richard Grenell. Grenell said he was a “hard no” on serving in the U.N. ambassador role ahead of Trump’s announcement.

Trump announced Stefanik as his original choice for the role back in November 2024, just days after his successful election against former Vice President Kamala Harris. The New York congresswoman, however, pulled her nomination last month as concerns mounted in Trump’s orbit that the GOP’s slim majority in the House would grow smaller in her absence.

Waltz responded to the nomination for the new role on X, saying “I’m deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation.”

At a White House gathering held in honor of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, President Donald Trump spoke about the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, indicating that fewer than two dozen remain alive.

While addressing those in attendance, Trump turned his attention to the parents of Edan Alexander, a dual American-Israeli citizen who is currently being held hostage. “I can not imagine your pain, but we’re all alongside you, we stand by you, and we’re going to do everything possible in the very short period of time. As you know, things are heating up. I’ve gotten a lot of hostages out. But they (Hamas) want to do it as slowly as possible because they use them as pawns.”

He reassured them of the government’s efforts, saying, “We’re working very hard to save your son. We’ve got news coming out both good and bad, but we’re working very hard.”

Trump recounted that he had personally met with relatives of the hostages, as well as with individuals who had already been freed.

He described one meeting in which a freed hostage was wearing a shirt with the number 59 to represent the total still held at the time. “I asked if they’re all living, they said, ‘No, 24 are living.’ I said ‘24?’ So 24 of the 59 are living, and they knew because they had just gotten out, and the others are all dead.”

Reflecting on conversations with families whose loved ones had already been confirmed dead, Trump remarked, “and as much as you want your beautiful boy out, they want their beautiful boys out so badly. Almost as much as if he were alive. It was amazing to see the level of love for the children.”

He concluded with a grim update on the current reality. “Think of that, out of 59, you had 24 that were living, and now I understand that it’s not even that number.”

{Matzav.com}

Governor Kathy Hochul revealed Thursday that the finalized state budget includes a massive boost in funding for New York’s subway network, with a central focus on bolstering rider security.

Hochul emphasized that the state will fully back the MTA’s entire $68.4 billion capital plan for 2025-2029, calling it the largest infrastructure commitment to public transit in New York’s history.

In addition to infrastructure funding, the state is allocating more than $120 million to expand the presence of uniformed law enforcement personnel, including both state police and members of the National Guard.

“The alternative is unfathomable—not to have a fully functioning, funded, efficient system to carry 6 million people a day,” Hochul said.

The sweeping capital plan features a host of projects, such as the long-discussed Interborough Express connecting Brooklyn and Queens via light rail, as well as significant repairs, upgrades, and enhanced enforcement to curb fare evasion.

The announcement came during a press conference at Grand Central station, where Hochul appeared alongside MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber to present the transportation components of the fiscal year 2026 budget.

Hochul highlighted recent progress, pointing to an 11% reduction in subway-related crime and fare-skipping compared to last year, and promised further investments to build on that momentum.

She outlined a number of transit safety upgrades, including enhanced LED lighting, new protective platform barriers at 100 subway stations, and modern fare gates at over 150 locations—measures designed to deter what she called “shameless fare evaders.”

Beyond policing and physical upgrades, the budget also dedicates funding to services targeting homelessness and mental illness within the subway system, with expanded support for Safe Options Support (SOS) outreach teams.

{Matzav.com}

Thousands of Yidden from across the globe gathered in Kerestir, Hungary, to participate in the central hilulah seudah marking the 100th yahrtzeit of the tzaddik Rav Yeshayale ben Rav Moshe of Kerestir zt”l. The 100th yahrtzeit is today.

The seudah took place in the massive tent known as “Reb Yeshaya’le’s House,” which has become a spiritual focal point for those seeking yeshuos and inspiration from the legacy of the revered tzaddik.

This year’s hilulah shattered all previous attendance records, with a flood of participants coming from Eretz Yisroel, Europe, and the United States to daven, connect, and commemorate the life and impact of Rav Yeshayale.

The hilulah was emceed by Rav Yisroel Stern of London. The guest speaker was the noted mashpia Rav Yitzchok Moshe Erlanger. Throughout the night, stories of miracles, kindness, and the towering spiritual stature of Rav Yeshayale were shared

PHOTOS:

An Israeli engineering unit that had been conducting operations in the Morag Corridor—situated between Rafah and Khan Yunis—re-entered Israeli territory without realizing that one of their own had been left behind in Gaza. The mishap resulted in a soldier being stranded alone in enemy territory for close to an hour.

The soldier, a member of the elite Yahalom unit, eventually made contact with troops from the Golani Brigade who were stationed nearby. Fearing he might be mistaken for a threat, the soldier called out “IDF” repeatedly to alert them of his identity and avoid being fired upon.

The IDF Spokesperson confirmed the sequence of events in a statement: “On Tuesday, an IDF force operating in the southern Gaza Strip, near the border with Israel, left the Gaza Strip after the end of operational activity. Upon their return to Israel, an IDF soldier was left alone in Gaza for about 40 minutes.

The statement added: “The soldier arrived at an area where other IDF forces were staying and joined them. This is a serious incident that is under investigation and from which lessons will be drawn.”

{Matzav.com}

Sergeant Shimon Tubol, a member of the chareidi Chashmona’im Brigade, tragically lost his life in a car crash Wednesday night while he was on leave from military duty.

The incident took place under civilian circumstances along Route 457, in the vicinity of Ma’ale Mikhmas in the Binyamin region.

Tubol’s death marks the first loss for the Chashmona’im Brigade, a newly formed unit established roughly half a year ago to bring haredi soldiers into front-line combat roles.

He had previously served in the Netzach Yehuda battalion, which also caters to haredi servicemen, before moving on to take part in the Chashmona’im Brigade as a combat soldier.

Paying tribute to him, his friend Yedidya Boskovich said: “Shimon was a special person – with a huge heart, a smile that always lit his surroundings, and a good soul that everyone loved. He served the country with love and dedication.”

The accident left four others injured, all of whom were taken to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital. Two individuals in their twenties were reported to be in moderate condition, while the other two suffered minor injuries, including bruises.

Shilo Carmon, a medic with Magen David Adom, recounted: “We arrived at a difficult scene and the vehicles were severely damaged. A 30-year-old man was lying unconscious at the scene, and after medical examinations, we pronounced him dead.”

Carmon also noted: “Another injured man who was at the scene was trapped in his car and needed to be rescued. Afterwards, all injured persons were evacuated to hospital in mild or medium condition.”

{Matzav.com}

Mike Waltz is expected to step down from his position as national security adviser in the near future, a White House insider told Newsmax on Thursday.

The update was first shared by veteran journalist Mark Halperin, who said that Waltz, along with his deputy Alex Wong and several others at the National Security Council, are slated to be removed due to widespread dissatisfaction with how the NSC is being managed. According to Halperin, discontent has been voiced from officials across multiple departments, including the White House, State Department, and Treasury.

Halperin revealed the information during an episode of his podcast, “The Morning Meeting,” which he co-hosts with Sean Spicer, a former White House press secretary, and Dan Turrentine, on the platform 2WAY.tv.

Since Halperin’s disclosure, the story has been picked up by several major outlets, including CBS News and Politico, both of which reported that Waltz is likely on his way out. CNN also noted that Waltz had already been told earlier this week that his time in the role was over.

According to Politico, Steve Witkoff, who currently serves as a special envoy for the White House, is the frontrunner to take over the national security adviser position. The outlet also reported that the administration has been quietly looking for Waltz’s replacement for several weeks.

Despite recent controversy surrounding a group text incident involving the Signal messaging app, Halperin made clear that this episode had no bearing on the decision. In fact, he suggested that the situation may have actually delayed Waltz’s departure. The March 11 mishap occurred when Waltz accidentally included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, in a Signal group chat where high-ranking officials were planning a military strike on the Houthis in Yemen.

Halperin emphasized that frustrations with Waltz’s leadership existed well before the Signal incident. He stated that disorganization and ineffective management at the NSC were the real issues behind the push for change.

“There’s lots of levels of unhappiness and it’s less about Signalgate than it is about… a general belief that it’s not being run efficiently, in an organized way. It may happen as early as today; it may not happen ever, because it’s [President] Donald Trump. But the plan for it is to happen soon, maybe this weekend,” Halperin said.

When contacted by Newsmax, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to confirm the report, stating, “We are not going to respond to reporting from anonymous sources.”

{Matzav.com}

The White House has debuted a new digital platform, White House Wire, aimed at amplifying news coverage favorable to President Donald Trump. The launch has triggered backlash from The Drudge Report, with its founder, Matt Drudge, accusing the administration of imitating his long-established news aggregation model.

“It takes an entire West Wing to compete with Drudge,” wrote Drudge in a pointed headline on his site. The top of the page featured the bold statement: “Trump Launching His Own Drudge Report Using Taxpayer Dollars!”

Both headlines linked to articles from Axios and Mediaite. Drudge added a sarcastic jab in the Axios piece, claiming he is “considering a $1 trillion lawsuit” against the White House over the site.

The administration introduced the new initiative via social media Wednesday night, sharing a message on X that read, “The White House has its own wire now,” and inviting users to “read what we’re reading.”

According to Axios, the launch of White House Wire is part of a larger strategy to counteract perceived bias in mainstream press outlets, while at the same time giving increased visibility to publications seen as supportive of the Trump agenda.

The move comes as the administration has reportedly reduced press privileges for the Associated Press, citing its continued use of the term “Gulf of Mexico” instead of “Gulf of America,” which is the term preferred by the White House.

White House Wire resembles The Drudge Report in design, displaying headlines in columns that direct visitors to articles portraying Trump and his administration in a favorable light. This week’s focus centered largely on Trump’s first 100 days in office, including his televised conversation with ABC News.

It also features embedded social media content, such as a post from the Rapid Response 47 account on X, which includes the attention-grabbing line: “President Trump Celebrates MASSIVE Investments In America.”

Many of the links direct users to official White House communications rather than independent news sites, reinforcing the platform’s emphasis on messaging controlled by the administration itself.

Additional headlines featured on Thursday spotlighted members of Trump’s cabinet, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Though The Drudge Report gained national prominence in the 1990s with its breaking coverage of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and was long considered a conservative news source, it has taken a more critical stance toward Trump in recent years.

A White House official told Axios that the new website was created to give Americans a clear and convenient place to find content that aligns with the president’s message and priorities.

“It’s a place for supporters of the president’s agenda to get the real news all in one place in a shareable and readable format,” the official told Axios. “The website will be a one-stop shop for news and is part of the Trump administration’s effort to provide transparency and institute policies that put America first.”

{Matzav.com}

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir delivered a powerful address on Thursday during a special ceremony hosted by President Isaac Herzog to recognize exemplary soldiers, with much of his focus on the war against Hamas in Gaza.

Directing a clear message to Hamas, Zamir declared, “The Hamas terrorists still hold fifty-nine of our brothers and sisters. But they too know, their safety is not forever! The IDF is ready and prepared to strike them a decisive blow. We will use all the strength at our disposal, increase the pace of operations, and intensify their power.”

He underscored that the military is fully prepared to act, stating, “If necessary, we will do so soon, with determination and confidence in the righteousness of our path.”

Turning to the issue of chareidi recruitment into the IDF, Zamir invoked a timeless Torah principle: “As it is written in the Book of Deuteronomy, ‘All of Israel are responsible for one another.’” He stressed that this concept stems not only from a need to survive but from a shared mission that has bonded the Jewish people from Maamad Har Sinai to the challenges they face today, with their unity as the foundation of their strength.

He highlighted individual stories among the honorees to illustrate the depth of courage and diversity within the ranks. “Among the awardees standing before me are representatives from all across the people of Israel: Avigdor, an officer from a haredi family, a father of a child, who chose to enlist in the IDF despite the social challenges. Dorian, a soldier who made aliyah alone just two years ago, and despite the language barriers, excelled in his service in the Intelligence Directorate. Oria, an observer from the Re’im base, who survived the brutal attack on the base and continued to serve in the IDF, demonstrating extraordinary inner strength. Lea, a soldier whose grandfather was kidnapped to Gaza and murdered there, and from that great pain, she found the strength to persevere, rise, and excel. Daria, the sister of a civilian hostage, who enlisted in the IDF and, even during the fierce struggle for her sister’s return, managed to stand out and become a role model for strength and determination.”

Zamir also paid tribute to soldiers who were wounded in battle and managed to recover, return, and fight alongside their fellow troops. “And here are heroic fighters, who were injured in the battlefield, recovered with great courage, and returned to fight shoulder to shoulder with their comrades, overcoming all physical and mental obstacles. Each and every one of the 120 awardees is a link in the chain of generations, and together you all continue the story of the people of Israel.”

He took the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of excellence, clarifying that it has little to do with innate intelligence or brilliance. “Excellence is not measured by who is the most talented or the most brilliant. It is granted to the one who perseveres. It is a quiet, daily choice to act with responsibility, commitment, and integrity — even when no one is watching. An outstanding individual may be someone who carried out a singular, extraordinary act — but they may also be the one who, despite the repetitive, exhausting, and demanding nature of a task, manages to rise each morning and perform their duty with responsibility, professionalism, and without compromise, refusing to take shortcuts. An outstanding individual is one who lifts up their comrade before lifting themselves; who sees others before considering their own gain. Excellence is an act of service — not for awards or praise, but because the person believes that what they do matters, that they have an impact, that they bear responsibility not only for themselves but for their team, their unit, and their country. Its meaning is not ‘what do I get out of this,’ but ‘what is the right thing to do now.'”

He paused to honor those who had fallen, emphasizing the importance of preserving their memory and values. “Today, on our holiday, we remember our comrades-in-arms, the fallen, who fought with strength, courage, and sacrifice. We will tell their stories and the tales of their heroism, and we will act in the light of their legacy. Always with us, in our hearts, a place is reserved for the families of the fallen. We pledge to uphold our eternal oath to stand by your side at all times, to embrace, support, and ensure that we are worthy of the heavy price you have paid. On this occasion, I would like to send my wishes for a full recovery and rehabilitation to all the wounded, both physically and mentally.”

As he wrapped up his speech, Zamir circled back to the gravity of the ongoing conflict and the responsibility of the IDF to defend the nation. “Our sovereignty and independence were not given to us as a gift. They were bought with blood and struggle, and they require us to defend them at all costs. The Hamas terrorists still hold fifty-nine of our brothers and sisters. But they too know, their safety is not forever! The IDF is ready and prepared to strike them a decisive blow. We will use all the strength at our disposal, increase the pace of operations, and intensify their power. If necessary, we will do so soon, with determination and confidence in the righteousness of our path.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

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An unearthed audio recording featuring the voices of Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser, Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi, and other prominent Arab figures was made public on Monday, sparking widespread discourse throughout Egypt. The tape, reportedly dated August 4, 1970—just weeks before Nasser passed away—has reignited interest in the late president’s private conversations.

During the conversation, Nasser is heard admitting that the Arab nations do not possess the military strength to go head-to-head with Israel. “The Jews are superior to us in everything—better than us on land and better than us at sea. If we want to achieve a goal, we need to be realistic and understand how to get there,” Nasser says.

He also points out the United States’ support for Israel and lists countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Algeria, and Yemen, along with Palestinian factions, as key players in the broader conflict. “If anyone wants to fight, let him fight on his own,” he added.

The recording captures Nasser signaling a possible willingness to negotiate a limited peace agreement in exchange for the territories Israel captured in the 1967 war. He simultaneously chastises other Arab leaders for offering symbolic gestures rather than backing up their words with concrete action.

Though the Library of Alexandria has publicly denied having any connection to the release, no credible party has called the tape’s authenticity into question. Abdel Hamid Abdel Nasser, the late president’s son, confirmed that the audio came from his father’s personal files and insisted that it does not damage his reputation.

{Matzav.com}

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz spoke candidly this week at the Harvard Kennedy School, revealing that Kamala Harris selected him as her vice-presidential running mate in 2024 because of his ability to connect with a specific demographic of white male voters.

“I would argue,” Walz told attendees, “because we did a lot of amazing progressive things in Minnesota that improved people’s lives, but I also was on the ticket, quite honestly, you know, because I could code talk to white guys watching football fixing their truck, doing that, that I could put them at ease.”

He continued, “I was the permission structure,” adding, “to say, Look, you can do this and vote for this.”

Throughout the campaign season, Walz participated in numerous publicity-driven events designed to boost his relatability—activities like pheasant hunting, showing up at football games, and doing auto repairs were part of that effort.

His campaign also featured several unconventional advertisements. One memorable spot parodied an old Coors Light commercial by changing the line “I love twins” to “I love Tim.” Another ad showcased rugged men lifting weights, sitting on tailgates, or donning cowboy hats while voicing their support for women’s rights.

Speaking at the Harvard event, Walz argued that the Democratic Party doesn’t necessarily need to overhaul its messaging. Instead, he said, the party should “recognize that people take in the information differently” and focus on “how they’re going to get it.”

{Matzav.com}

Kamala Harris made a rare public appearance Wednesday night, using her platform to sharply criticize President Trump — before unexpectedly pivoting to a story about elephants reacting to an earthquake.

Speaking at the Emerge 20th anniversary gala in San Francisco, the former vice president began by addressing the uncertain political climate. “A lot of folks are wondering what’s going to guide us through this moment. How are we all going to figure out how to chart the course,” Harris said. Then she added, “Please allow me, friends, to digress for a moment.”

She continued with a laugh, “Okay, it’s kind of dark in here, but I’m ask[ing] for a show of hands — who saw that video from a couple of weeks ago the one of the elephants at the San Diego Zoo during the earthquake. Google it if you’ve not seen it.”

Describing the animals’ reaction, Harris explained how they responded to the tremors. “After they felt the earth shaking beneath their feet,” she said, “the elephants in the zoo got in a circle and stood next to each other to protect the most vulnerable.”

“What a powerful metaphor,” she said. “Because we know those who try to incite fear are most effective when they divide and conquer, when they separate the herd, when they try to make everyone think they are alone.”

This unexpected aside came during an address in which Harris painted a bleak picture of the country under Trump’s leadership, coinciding with his 100th day in office during his second term.

Earlier in her remarks, she denounced Trump for economic turmoil she blamed on his policies. “The greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history,” she said, was the result of a “wholesale abandonment” of American principles and a dangerous flirtation with a constitutional breakdown.

“Americans across the political spectrum who are declaring that the president’s reckless tariffs hurt workers and families by raising the cost of everyday essentials, devastate the retirement accounts that people spent a lifetime paying into, and paralyze American businesses, large and small,” Harris said.

Breaking a months-long silence on Trump since her 2024 defeat, Harris went further, charging him with undermining democratic norms.

“We here know that when the checks and balances ultimately collapse, if Congress fails to do its part, or if the courts fail to do their part, or if both do their part but the president defies them anyway … that is called a constitutional crisis,” she warned.

She concluded with a somber note of caution, stating that such a breakdown in government would touch every citizen, and that “the voice of the people” may be the only remedy left. “It will eventually impact everyone,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli law enforcement officials have challenged Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s recent remarks regarding the number of people taken into custody over suspected arson in the Yerushalayim hills.

Contrary to Netanyahu’s claim, police say the figure he referenced does not reflect the actual number of arrests. According to official police sources, only three individuals have been apprehended in connection with the fires that erupted in the area in recent days.

Earlier on Thursday, Netanyahu had addressed the issue during the International Bible Quiz, stating, “We have 18 people suspected of setting fires.” He also criticized Palestinian leaders, adding, “Our neighbors who claim they love this land – speak about burning the land. We love the land, we protect the land. I am sure we will be able to cope with this challenge as well.”

Law enforcement officials clarified that no such number of arrests had been made—neither 18 individuals taken into custody nor 18 suspects accused of incitement. They speculated that Netanyahu may have been referencing a wave of inciteful social media posts encouraging arson, although those involved in the online activity were not arrested.

Meanwhile, firefighting efforts continue in full force as 126 teams are engaged in battling the blaze throughout the Yerushalayim Hills. Fire crews from the Elad Fire Squadron are among those deployed to six critical locations: Burma Road, Eshtaol, Hakdoshim Forest, Canada Park, Sha’ar Hagai, Shoresh, Mevo’ot Neve Ilan, and Nataf.

Officials from Fire and Rescue Services emphasized that operations over the next several hours are vital. They aim to bring the fires under control before afternoon winds intensify and spread the flames further.

In coordination with directives from the IDF Chief of Staff, army personnel remain active in assisting police and fire responders in efforts to quell the blazes that began within the past day.

The Israel Air Force is also playing a key role, with aerial firefighting teams working in tandem with specialized fire suppression units. A dedicated command center has been set up by the Air Force to coordinate the airborne response in the affected regions.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, brushed off concerns Wednesday about his low popularity numbers, choosing instead to highlight his party’s momentum and strategy against President Trump.

During a press briefing, a CNN reporter brought up a recent poll showing Schumer with just 17% approval — the lowest rating among current congressional leaders — and asked, “Are you concerned that you may be a liability for your party?”

“Polls come and go,” Schumer replied. “Our party is united. We’re on our front foot. We’re stepping forward and going after Trump and having real success.”

According to CNN, the poll was conducted between April 17 and April 24 and included responses from 1,678 American adults. It marked Schumer’s lowest score in CNN surveys since 2017.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas issued a provocative message through its Telegram channel, urging Palestinians to take violent action by starting fires targeting Jewish homes, farmland, and forests.

In its post, the terror group incited followers with the words: “Youth of the West Bank, youth of Jerusalem, and those inside Israel, set their cars ablaze… Gaza awaits the revenge of the free.”

On the same platform, the Jenin News Network joined the incitement campaign, publishing a call to “burn the groves near the settlements,” specifically directing their message at Palestinians in proximity to Israeli communities.

Amidst this call to violence, photos began circulating showing masked individuals igniting fields. One image posted as fires raged in central Israel depicted flames devouring a landscape with a town in the distance. The caption read: “Settlers’ homes will be ashes under the feet of the revolutionaries” and featured the hashtag “Burn settlers’ houses.”

These blazes, which erupted Wednesday morning in the Judean Hills, spread rapidly, extending through the greater Yerushalayim region as the day progressed and conditions worsened into the evening.

One particularly incendiary video urged: “O, youth of the West Bank… Let us be the flame of freedom which will not die. Let us make their night – a burning day. Let us bring back to them the nightmares of the occupation, so they know that every day is a struggle for the resistance. Set fires of freedom everywhere. We will not give in and will not give up until we burn every piece of stolen land.”

The term “Flames of the Flood” has been widely shared on social media in reference to the wildfires, deliberately invoking the Hamas-coined title for the October 7 massacre, “Flood of Al-Aqsa.”

The Twitter (X) account of “Akhbar Filastin,” which has over 112,000 followers, broadcasted a call encouraging West Bank residents to commit arson: “A call to the revolutionary youth and all the heroes of the West Bank.. Settlers’ homes and the surrounding areas are your target. Burn them with your Molotov cocktails and set fire to the grass near the settlement outposts.”

Jenin News, with an even larger audience of 320,000 followers, published a post saying: “Calls from youth to burn forests close to the raped (lands)… The (Zionist) entity is Burning! This is an opportunity for you, to increase the fires, youth of Jerusalem and the occupied interior, raise your spirits and make up your mind, their settlements, set them ablaze.”

It’s important to note that in much of Palestinian media discourse, the word “settlers” is used broadly to describe all Jewish citizens of Israel, and the term “settlements” often refers to any Israeli municipality or town.

Other posts circulating on these same channels featured graphics and slogans such as “exploit the heat of the summer and set fire to the forests of the settlers. There will be not one settler left in our land.” Another read: “let’s burn their settlements and make them a living hell for them… Don’t underestimate what you have and what you can do.”

One viral graphic bore the line: “Let the houses of the settlers become ash under the feet of the revolutionaries,” accompanied by the hashtag “Burn the Settlers’ Houses.”

A different post included a dramatic image of forest fires engulfing large areas with the caption: “For Gaza, which has never held back in its support for you: Go down there now and burn the forests and groves near the settlements!”

The campaign also extended to materials published from the Jenin refugee camp, where images of the Israeli flag engulfed in flames were released alongside the message: “set fire to the forests of the occupation and its settlements… kudos to our youth, go and burn, go and burn.”

Some channels used the moment to direct anger at the Palestinian Authority, condemning it for offering to assist Israel in handling the fires. “Heroes of the West Bank and Jerusalem – this is your day,” read one message. “Exploit these fires and make them grow larger. Gasoline and a spark can make the entity a fiery hell. The settlements and their forests are your targets.”

Amid the chaos, Fire and Rescue Commissioner Eyal Caspi elevated the national emergency readiness level to its highest alert, as crews struggled to contain multiple blazes.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has appealed to several European countries — Greece, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, and Bulgaria — for firefighting support, though none of the aid is expected to arrive before dark.

As the fires grew in intensity and scope, the Israeli government announced that all Independence Day festivities would be canceled to prioritize safety.

Weather authorities had cautioned about the fire risk a day earlier, and the Fire and Rescue Authority had already advised postponing various events due to concerns that emergency services might not be able to protect vulnerable areas should fires erupt.

{Matzav.com}

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Israeli Air Force pilots have joined firefighting teams working to contain several conflagrations that have consumed about 5,000 acres of forest and terrain, mostly near Yerushalayim.

These efforts and weather conditions helped stabilize the situation, but the Israel Fire & Rescue Authority said in a statement on Thursday morning that its 155 teams were still working to contain the fires, in which no one was killed but which resulted in the hospitalization of 12 civilians and 17 firefighters. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes in the Judean Foothills.

On Wednesday night, the IAF deployed its big guns in the fight against the fires: its two Samson airplanes, the Israeli name for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, which has only recently been added to Israel’s firefighting arsenal.

Samsons converted into fire extinguishing aircraft have been conducting dozens of sorties since Wednesday night, the Israel Defense Forces said, dumping up to 3,960 gallons of water or fire retardant per flight. The Foreign Ministry has reached out for assistance to nearby countries, including Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy and Bulgaria, it said in a statement.

On the ground, firefighters battled flames across the country, but on Thursday morning, they still had not “gained control of the fires,” the Fire and Rescue Authority’s statement said. Three roads that had been closed on Wednesday—Roads 1, 3 and 38—were reopened on Thursday, police said.

Canada Park near Beit Shemesh has been hardest hit, according to a statement by KKL-JNF, a eco-Zionist organization dedicated to the sustainable development of Israel, and especially its forest management programs.

Several countries have already pledged to send help. Spain will dispatch two firefighting planes, while France, Romania, Croatia, and Italy have also confirmed they will send aircraft. Ukraine has now joined the list as well, said the Foreign Ministry statement.

Alongside the Samsons and another especially-fitted firefighting aircraft, Israel’s firefighting Elad squadron has 14 Air Tractor AT-802F firefighting aircraft, five Airbus H-125 helicopters, and two Airbus Helicopters H-145 helicopters. In the first hours of the fire that began on Wednesday at around noon, many of these aircraft were not able to operate due to strong winds.

Shin Bet (Israel’s Security Agency) is investigating the fires, which started on Israel’s Memorial Day, hours before its Independence Day celebrations. Incitement calling on Palestinians to set fires circulated on social media ahead of the holiday, which coincided with dry and windy weather.

At least three people have been arrested in connection with the fires, including a man near Modi’in. Police arrested the man after reports that he was trying to set fire to some shrubbery. The man is in his 50s and lives in Umm Tuba, an Arab neighborhood of Jerusalem, Ynet reported.

Two other suspects had been arrested on Wednesday, Channel 12 reported.

Ynet quoted Shmulik Friedman, commander of the Yerushalayim District Fire Department, as saying on Wednesday: “We have no idea what caused the fire, as of now we don’t know what the source is.”

The most severe blaze ignited in the Eshtaol Forest near Mesilat Zion and Neve Shalom, prompting immediate evacuations. Flames spread rapidly through the parched terrain, intensified by dry weather and gusty conditions.

“This wave of fires is a threat to human life, to communities and to Jerusalem. It’s not just the fire on the ground; this is a national threat,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote in a statement Wednesday night. “I held a meeting at the fire management center and instructed the teams to use all the tools at our disposal,” he added.

On Wednesday, Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced the cancellation of the annual torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl in Yerushalayim, citing public safety concerns. “I’ve just concluded a situational assessment with emergency officials,” said Regev. “There is a real danger to human life. I will not take any risks.”

Other major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, also announced the cancellation of celebrations requiring the presence of firefighters.

Authorities declared a “Red Torch” emergency level, the highest fire-alert classification, activating national firefighting reserves, aerial reinforcements and logistical support. JNS

{Matzav.com Israel}

Law enforcement officers in Florida have been instructed to cease enforcing state immigration laws, following a decision handed down this week by a federal judge.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams clarified that her previous directive barring the enforcement of Florida’s immigration statute is binding on all local agencies. Fox News reported that during a Tuesday hearing in Miami, Williams also told state attorneys she intends to grant a preliminary injunction against a law that criminalizes undocumented migrants who enter Florida while bypassing immigration authorities.

This latest development comes despite Florida Attorney General James Ulthmeier having previously advised police departments across the state that they could ignore Williams’ original ruling. The judge reacted sharply to that claim, stating, “What I am offended by is someone suggesting you don’t have to follow my order, that it’s not legitimate.”

According to Fox News, “Earlier this month, Williams issued a temporary restraining order against the statute.” The law in question was enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis in February as part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement initiative.

Fox News further reported, “Williams extended the order another 11 days after learning authorities had arrested 15 people, including a U.S. citizen born in Georgia.”

Initially, Ulthmeier instructed local agencies to stop applying the immigration law, even though he disagreed with the judge’s order. However, five days later, he reversed course, asserting in a follow-up memo that her decision held no legal authority.