Matzav

Thousands of Yidden from across Eretz Yisroel gathered in Yehud this past Thursday for a large-scale protest against the continued desecration of an ancient Jewish cemetery. The event, held near a construction site operated by Aura Israel, was led by prominent rabbinic leaders from the Yishuv HaYashan and members of the Badatz of the Eidah HaChareidis.

Protesters state that the site contains burial grounds dating back to the Second Beis Hamikdash era, and that for the past six weeks, construction activity has been disturbing ancient graves. Despite a recent ruling by senior rabbinic authorities halting all excavation, the building has allegedly continued with forceful security tactics.

Leading the event were distinguished rabbonim, including Rav Yehoshua Dovid Turchin, the Rebbe of Mishkenos HaRoim, the Rebbe of Kehillas Chassidei Yerushalayim, the Chernobyl Rebbe, Rav Dovid Schmidel, and members of the Eidah HaChareidis Beis Din.

The protest opened with the recitation of Tehillim and selichos, followed by impassioned speeches. Among those who addressed the crowd were Rav Avrohom Yitzchok Ullman and Rav Yehoshua Rosenberger. A letter from the Raavad of the Eidah, Rav Moshe Sternbuch, was read aloud by Rav Yehuda Fisher.

Rav Dovid Schmidel, who for more than sixty years has led the fight to preserve kevorim through his leadership of the Asra Kadisha organization, also delivered remarks. The rosh yeshiva, Rav Yehoshua Dovid Turchin, and the Rebbe of Kehillas Chassidei Yerushalayim also spoke, while the kabolas ol Malchus Shamayim was led by the Rebbe of Mishkenos HaRoim.

In a shocking turn of events, police blocked the vehicles of some of the rabbonim, forcing them to walk a considerable distance to reach the protest. Later, during the speech of the Rebbe of Kehillas Chassidei Yerushalayim, police officers—some mounted on horses—stormed the area and used aggressive force against the demonstrators. This occurred despite the protest being fully licensed and legally sanctioned.

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Over the weekend, Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein, renowned posek and rov of Ramat Elchonon, issued a forceful letter condemning the recent push to increase the number of state-run chareidi schools in Rishon Lezion.

The letter, which was widely shared throughout the local Torah community, warned parents about schools that, in his words, present themselves as authentic chareidi institutions while straying from the guidance of gedolei Yisroel. He referred to these schools as “posing as chareidi.”

Rav Zilberstein emphasized the profound duty parents have in ensuring their children receive a Torah-true education. “The Creator has entrusted us with a most precious deposit — our sweet children,” the rabbi wrote.

In his message, he encouraged families to send their children “only in institutions that operate according to the guidance of the leading chachmei Yisroel.” He singled out the Chinuch Atzmai and Bnei Yosef school systems as exemplary models, noting that they are under the direct leadership of senior rabbinic figures.

He maintained that only institutions with such rabbinic oversight are “filled with Divine assistance,” provide a truly elevated level of education, and are able to prepare their students to thrive in both their ruchniyus and gashmiyus as they grow.

{Matzav.com Israel}

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu addressed reporters prior to flying to Washington, DC, where he is scheduled to hold talks with US President Donald Trump.

“I am heading out for a very important visit to Washington, where I will meet with President Trump. This is my fifth meeting with the President since he was elected, and I will also meet with senior administration officials and representatives from both parties. I will thank President Trump for his strong support of Israel. There has never been such a friend in the White House. This support led to a tremendous victory over our rival, Iran,” Netanyahu stated.

He went on to underline the strategic goals of the visit, emphasizing the continued vigilance required in the face of Iranian threats. “The commitment is to stand guard and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. There is an opportunity to broaden the circle of peace. There is an opportunity and an ability to bring a great future for the people of Israel and the Middle East. We are determined to bring back all the hostages. However, we insist on eliminating Hamas’s military capabilities,” he added.

Joining Netanyahu aboard the official Israeli government jet, the Wing of Zion, was US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Speaking briefly before takeoff, the ambassador remarked to the media: “I don’t want to make any predictions, but I expect it will be a good visit.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Lakewood, NJ – Beth Medrash Govoha has released a powerful statement in response to the arrest and imprisonment of R’ Binyomin Kubani, a devoted ben Torah, husband, and father of eight, who was taken into custody following what many have called a baseless and unjustified accusation.

The official letter, signed by Rabbi Yosef Heinemann, CEO of Beth Medrash Govoha, describes the situation as a “travesty and miscarriage of justice” and denounces the circumstances surrounding R’ Binyomin’s detention as evidence of a “disturbing failure of the system.”

“It is with deep sorrow and grave concern that we address the recent events surrounding the unjust detention and incarceration of one of Beth Medrash Govoha’s respected students,” the letter states.

BMG makes it clear that the yeshiva is fully behind R’ Binyomin, declaring: “Beth Medrash Govoha stands firmly and unequivocally behind our student. We are actively engaged in using every resource and tool at our disposal to clear his name and secure his immediate release.”

The letter further urges the community to unite in tefillah and activism, asserting that “we will not rest until justice is fully served, and this terrible wrong is righted.”

The release of the letter comes as protest efforts continue to intensify. A short while ago, hundreds gathered at BMG’s Bais Yitzchok for an atzeres tefillah, to be followed, at 2 p.m., by a mass protest and tefillah rally outside the Lakewood Police Department headquarters. Footage of the incident that led to R’ Binyomin’s arrest has since emerged, clearly contradicting the police report and reinforcing the community’s assertion that the arrest was entirely unfounded.

As of now, R’ Binyomin remains in custody, but the pressure on authorities to reverse course and correct what many are calling a blatant injustice is growing by the hour.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Lakewood, NJ – Footage in the case of R’ Binyomin Kubani has sent shockwaves through the Lakewood community, as surveillance video from the incident in question has emerged — and it clearly tells a story at odds with the one presented by law enforcement.

The video, seen below, documents the moments surrounding the interaction that led to R’ Binyomin’s arrest. The footage exonerates R’ Binyomin and paints a damning picture of a system that jumped to conclusions without due process.

The incident began when R’ Binyomin, a respected ben Torah, father of eight, and kollel yungerman learning in Bais Medrash Govoha, stopped at a Route 88 car wash with his young child in the car. Days earlier, meat had leaked in the vehicle, leaving behind a strong odor. As he had done before, he approached a Hispanic teenager working at the location and asked whether he’d be willing to come clean the carpets at his home — a routine and innocent request.

But what happened next defied logic. The teen stepped away, snapped a photo of R’ Binyomin, and flagged down a passing Lakewood police car. R’ Binyomin left the premises, unaware that this brief and seemingly unremarkable exchange would result in his arrest, booking, and imprisonment.

According to the police report, the teen claimed to have fled after being “solicited.” However, the video clearly shows that R’ Binyomin departed before the teen did, directly contradicting the allegation. The footage exposes the inconsistency at the heart of the prosecution’s case and raises serious questions about why R’ Binyomin’s account was never heard, and why he was denied the opportunity to defend himself.

Community members are furious.

“This isn’t just a mistake,” said one askan who reviewed the clip. “It’s a travesty. The video proves what we’ve said all along — that R’ Binyomin did absolutely nothing wrong. He was well within his rights.”

R’ Binyomin remains behind bars at Ocean County jail. Calls are mounting for immediate action, not only to secure his release but also to hold accountable those who rushed to judgment without investigation.

This turn of events adds new urgency to today’s community response. At 1:15 PM, an Atzeres Tefillah will take place at Bais Yitzchok of Bais Medrash Govoha. Following that, at 2:00 PM, a mass protest and tefillah rally will be held outside the Lakewood Police Department headquarters, located at 231 3rd Street.

WATCH THE FOOTAGE:

{Matzav.com}

Lakewood, NJ – Outrage continues to mount across the Lakewood community following the arrest and incarceration of R’ Binyomin Kubani, a respected ben Torah and father of eight, who was jailed after a routine trip to a local car wash spiraled into a baseless and deeply troubling accusation.

In response to what many are calling a modern-day alilas dam, two major events are scheduled for today, July 6, to rally support for R’ Binyomin and call for justice.

At 1:15 PM, an Atzeres Tefillah will take place at Bais Medrash Govoha’s Bais Yitzchok, as yungeleit and bochurim gather in heartfelt tefillah on behalf of their fellow yeshivaman.

Following that, at 2:00 PM, a mass protest and tefillah rally will be held outside the Lakewood Police Department headquarters, located at 231 3rd Street. Thousands are expected to participate in this show of solidarity, demanding answers and accountability from local authorities.

See Matzav‘s original reports on this story HERE and HERE.

{Matzav.com}

In the coming days, the Israel Defense Forces will start dispatching military summonses to members of the chareidi public who are no longer officially registered as bnei yeshiva due to the expiration of the legal exemption they had previously relied upon.

The call-up orders will be distributed in stages throughout the month of July. By the end of the month, the IDF expects to have sent all 54,000 notices.

The conscription interviews and medical evaluations will be spread across the entirety of the 2025 enlistment cycle, as the military works to manage the expected influx.

According to the IDF, the screening and drafting process will concentrate especially on identifying candidates who are best suited for combat duty and roles that directly support combat operations. This push is part of a broader effort to quickly bolster the military’s manpower in light of the current security situation.

Authorities also plan to increase pressure on those who avoid military service without legal exemptions, as well as those who desert after being drafted, and this will apply to all sectors of Israeli society.

“The IDF will continue working to expand the enlistment of members of the chareidi community, while ensuring conditions that respect their unique way of life and developing additional programs to support their integration into the military,” the IDF claimed in a statement.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Just hours before Prime Minister Netanyahu was set to depart for Washington, the scheduled flight was delayed amid mounting pressure from chareidi parties demanding concrete progress on resolving the legal status of yeshiva students regarding army service. In this context, the Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, MK Yuli Edelstein, unveiled a draft version of the controversial new draft law Sunday afternoon.

The draft was presented to Shas representative Ariel Atias, who is leading negotiations on behalf of the chareidi parties.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s departure for Washington—where he is expected to meet with President Trump—was pushed off by several hours. While the Prime Minister’s Office cited a security discussion as the official reason, the delay comes as chareidi factions issued an ultimatum demanding movement on the draft law before the trip.

According to a report by N12 citing sources close to the Prime Minister, the document shown today does not represent the finalized version of the law, but rather outlines the main points of the current agreement-in-progress.

In response to the chareidi demands, the coalition now intends—under the coordination of MK Edelstein and the chareidi representatives—to expedite deliberations in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and finalize the law’s language within the next two weeks. The goal is to pass the bill in its second and third Knesset readings before the current summer session concludes in under a month.

However, even once a final version is agreed upon, it will still require the approval of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah and Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah. The proposed law includes a controversial clause requiring 50% of each draft-eligible cohort to enlist within four years, along with both institutional and personal financial penalties for noncompliance—provisions which have drawn significant criticism from senior rabbinic figures.

On Motzaei Shabbos, Sephardic Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchak Yosef announced that Shas’s Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah would convene to evaluate the principles of the proposed law. During his weekly shiur at the Yazdim Shul, alongside Rav Reuven Elbaz—Moetzet member and Rosh Yeshiva of Ohr Hachaim—Rav Yosef lauded Rav Elbaz as “a devoted and faithful disciple of Maran for decades.”

Rav Yitzchak Yosef added forcefully: “Now the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah must discuss the entire draft law. If the heads of government and the Knesset truly understood how much bnei Torah protect the army and the entire world, they would give them double and triple support—not sanctions and the like.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s planned departure for Washington, DC, has been postponed until later this evening, as reports in the Hebrew media point to growing unrest within his governing coalition. The delay comes as the chareidi parties intensify pressure on the government, demanding to review a revised version of a contentious bill concerning the IDF draft exemption for yeshiva students.

The chareidi factions—Shas and United Torah Judaism—have issued a stark warning: if the proposed legislation does not meet their expectations, they will begin boycotting all votes in the Knesset starting tomorrow.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister’s Office informed the press that the scheduled 4 p.m. flight would be delayed by at least an hour. Channel 12 later updated that the plane would likely not take off before 6 p.m.

Despite growing speculation, the Prime Minister’s Office denied that the delay in Netanyahu’s flight is connected to the draft law. Officials said the change in schedule was due to a security briefing the Prime Minister is currently involved in.

While in Washington, Netanyahu is slated to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff on Monday, ahead of a planned evening meeting with President Donald Trump.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israel has decided that a second international airport will be constructed near the city of Rahat, with the Tze’elim region emerging as the leading candidate. This decision was reached during a high-level meeting held on Sunday, attended by the Prime Minister and senior officials from the defense establishment, the Civil Aviation Authority, Israel National Roads Company, the Ministries of Transport, Finance, and Environmental Protection, along with Deputy Minister Almog Cohen.

Almog Cohen had previously stepped down from his role in the Prime Minister’s Office after efforts to push forward the Negev site were unsuccessful. However, after a private discussion with the Prime Minister, he reversed his resignation and returned to his position.

During the meeting, security officials voiced strong opposition to the Negev option, which would have utilized the existing Negev Airbase. Instead, they recommended moving forward with the Tze’elim location near Rahat as the future site for the supplementary airport.

This choice carries long-term implications, as the Tze’elim site lacks the necessary infrastructure to begin construction immediately. Unlike the Negev base, which already has military facilities that could have been adapted, the Rahat-area location will require significant development, making it unlikely that the airport will be operational before the decade’s end.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Nearly 62 years after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, newly released documents confirm that a CIA operative had interactions with Lee Harvey Oswald both before and after the event. The disclosure, first covered by Axios, points to long-speculated connections between U.S. intelligence and the man accused of killing the president.

The papers focus on George Joannides, a CIA officer with a background in psychological operations. A key piece of evidence is a January 17, 1963 memo, which identifies an alias—“Howard Gebler”—as belonging to Joannides. Along with the alias, he held a fake driver’s license under that name. Prior to this week’s disclosure, the CIA denied any connection between Joannides and “Howard.” Joannides had been linked to anti-Castro Cuban activists operating at the time of Kennedy’s murder.

For years, the CIA insisted it had no involvement with the Cuban Student Directorate, also known as the DRE, the organization that circulated Oswald’s pro-Castro articles in the wake of the assassination. That stance has now been undercut. “The cover story for Joannides is officially dead. This is a big deal. The CIA is changing its tune on Lee Harvey Oswald,” said Jefferson Morley, a journalist and longtime researcher of the assassination.

Joannides worked out of the CIA’s Miami office, which oversaw political manipulation and psychological tactics during the Cold War. The CIA secretly funded and guided the DRE, which actively opposed Fidel Castro’s regime. In August 1963, four DRE members confronted Oswald in New Orleans while he was handing out pamphlets on behalf of the “Fair Play for Cuba Committee.” Shortly after, Oswald and DRE representatives debated on local television, giving wider attention to his communist sympathies. Both the scuffle and the broadcast were dramatized in Oliver Stone’s JFK film.

Although these revelations do not challenge the Warren Commission’s conclusion that Oswald acted alone, identifying Joannides as “Howard Gebler” casts more doubt on the full transparency of the government’s version of events.

In March, President Donald Trump issued a directive for the full release of all remaining classified records tied to the assassinations of President Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. The order fulfilled a longstanding promise by Trump, who stated, “I have determined that the release of all records in the Federal Government’s possession pertaining to each of those assassinations is also in the public interest.”

{Matzav.com}

In a rare public statement addressing Israel’s political leadership, the venerated mashgiach, Rav Yitzchok Pinchos Goldwasser, mashgiach of Yeshivas Or Yisrael in Petach Tikvah, spoke out with heartfelt words of hakaras hatov for Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.

During a vaad reflecting on the miraculous events surrounding the conflict with Iran, Rav Goldwasser sharply rebuked those who claimed Netanyahu’s actions were solely politically motivated.

“To say that the prime minister did everything just because of the elections? That’s pure malice,” Rav Goldwasser stated. “He toiled and exerted himself on our behalf. And does it really matter if it was lesheim Shamayim or not? Do we do everything lesheim Shamayim? It appears he had a genuine desire to save Am Yisrael.”

Rav Goldwasser opened his talk by reflecting on the extraordinary hashgachah pratis evident in recent events. “We are living in a time when the Divine hand is being revealed in astonishing ways,” he said. “We were months away from reports that Iran had completed a nuclear bomb. Does anyone grasp what that means? In World War II, one atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima killed 100,000 people instantly—and that’s not including those who suffered burns, poisoning, and other horrific effects. Another bomb on Nagasaki followed. The destructive force of a nuclear weapon is measured in incomprehensible terms. That large missile fired at Bat Yam? That was maybe a ton. A nuclear bomb? That’s over 13,000 tons of explosive power. The devastation is unimaginable.”

Rav Goldwasser reminded his audience of the explicit intentions Iran has declared. “They’ve always been clear: the goal of their nuclear program is Israel. According to their deranged and barbaric theology, they must reach Al-Aqsa in Yerushalayim and kill or expel every Jew. They are devout in their beliefs, and their fanatical imagination makes such a scenario very possible. That it didn’t happen is incredible. They called it a ‘preemptive strike,’ but we know everything comes from Shamayim. Even Jewish ingenuity is a gift from Hashem—it’s utterly wondrous.”

“This was an extraordinary salvation,” he continued. “While not open miracles, anyone paying attention can see this was a Divine act. We must strengthen our perspective—how Hashem brings us to a place of vehiniach Hashem Elokecha lecha mikol oyvecha misaviv. These events, which defy natural explanation, form a glorious chain of providence. They show how much Hashem loves us, watches over us, and is constantly thinking of us. When we say Elokeinu, it means something entirely different now.”

At this point, Rav Goldwasser addressed Netanyahu directly in an unusually candid manner. “I think—I despise, I’m angry, I even hate the prime minister to a degree. He’s a rasha. If there were a Sanhedrin, he’d be tried for his many transgressions and thrown down the stairs. But the truth is, he endured a campaign of slander and humiliation, regardless of whether he deserved it. And Hashem chose him as a shliach. He led a campaign that succeeded. It’s obvious that he is under tremendous pressure—his shoulders carry an unimaginable burden. And to say it was ‘just for the elections’? Nonsense. He feared losing his seat? That’s evil speech! That’s selfishness and stupidity! The one who said we kill babies for fun—he’s meshukatz, an Amaleki!

“Yes, the prime minister is secular. Yes, he has many faults. But the man is breaking himself and leading this operation. Shouldn’t we feel a sense of hakaras hatov? I believe we must. And it’s for our sake—not because he’ll ever hear about it, but because we owe it to ourselves. Someone who put in such effort on our behalf—why does it matter if his intentions were pure? Do we always act lesheim Shamayim? Most of us take pleasure in our actions. Who really does things selflessly? It seems that he truly wanted to save the Jewish people.

“Sure, he also wants a place in history and the praise of millions. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s a Jew. Why twist everything? He’s a Jew, and he wants to save us. I hope you at least understand what I mean. If there’ll be pashkevillin, so be it… as long as I know you agree.”

He concluded with a call for chizuk: “The war isn’t over. We are the Neturei Karta—the true guardians of the wall. We must strengthen ourselves in Torah, in tefillah, in mussar, in middos, and in every area that needs chizuk. With Hashem’s help, peace will come speedily.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Tensions flared at a security cabinet meeting last night when a sharp dispute broke out between IDF Chief Major General (res.) Eyal Zamir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The argument was ignited during a debate over how humanitarian assistance to Gaza is being managed. Smotrich launched harsh criticism at the military’s handling of the aid, accusing Zamir directly: “The army is not prepared to manage the humanitarian aid. You failed massively in this.”

Zamir fired back with visible frustration, pushing back on Smotrich’s accusations. “You criticize everything. You say we’re not doing enough. You’re weakening the reserves, weakening the spirit of the soldiers. You are against the army. You oppose everything and claim we aren’t doing enough.”

Smotrich doubled down, brushing off Zamir’s anger and defending his position. “You say that after the fact. I read it in the newspapers. Your problem is that you don’t know how to take criticism. I praise successes, but on the issue of humanitarian aid, you have failed massively.”

Seeing the exchange escalating, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu stepped in to de-escalate. “You both are speaking in an inappropriate manner. I ask that you both calm down.”

Still, the altercation didn’t end there. Smotrich accused Zamir of leaking information to the press to undermine him. “I know he will brief against me.” Zamir responded forcefully, denying the allegation: “I do not brief anyone.” Smotrich replied with a challenge: “Let’s go to a polygraph.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Lakewood, NJ – Outrage continues to build across the Lakewood community following the arrest and incarceration of R’ Binyomin Kubani, a respected ben Torah and father of eight, after a routine visit to a local car wash led to a baseless and unjustified accusation.

In response, a large protest and tefillah rally has been scheduled for today, 10 Tammuz/July 6, at 2:00 PM outside the Lakewood Police Department headquarters at 231 3rd Street.

The event is expected to draw thousands in a united show of support for R’ Binyomin and condemnation of what is being described as a modern-day alilas dam — a blood libel.

A dramatic flyer circulating in Lakewood and beyond features stark Hebrew and English warnings: “Lo saamod al dam re’acha – Do not stand idly by your brother’s blood!” The flyer accuses the police of perpetrating a modern-day blood libel, slamming the arrest as an unprecedented miscarriage of justice by the Lakewood Police Department.

As previously reported by Matzav.com, the incident began when R’ Binyomin stopped at a Route 88 car wash with his toddler in tow to address a lingering odor caused by spilled meat from Shabbos. Seeking assistance as he had done previously, he asked a 15-year-old Hispanic teen working nearby if he would be available to clean the vehicle carpets at his home at a convenient time.

Rather than responding, the teen abruptly backed away, snapped a photo of R’ Binyomin, and flagged down a passing police car. The police, acting without hearing R’ Binyomin’s side, spoke to the teen for a statement, arrested R’ Binyomin, and transferred him to Ocean County jail, where he remains behind bars.

The police report claimed the teen fled the scene after being “solicited,” but footage reviewed by community members tells a different story: R’ Binyomin’s vehicle left before the teen did, undermining the entire premise of the accusation. Despite legal representation being present, authorities refused to allow R’ Binyomin to provide his account or evidence.

Community members and rabbonim have expressed disbelief at the treatment of a man whose only “crime” appears to have been seeking cleaning help — something entirely common and innocent.

Today’s protest follows a gathering that took place Motzoei Shabbos, where dozens of Lakewood residents stood outside the police station saying Tehillim and demanding justice. Notably, three roshei yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoha — Rav Malkiel Kotler, Rav Yisroel Neuman and Rav Yeruchom Olshin — were in attendance.

As of now, the Lakewood Police Department has not issued any official clarification or update on the case.

VIDEOS AND PHOTOS FROM LAST NIGHT:

{Matzav.com}

{Matzav.com}

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that his recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump was the most effective and constructive interaction they’ve had so far.

“Regarding the conversation with the president of the United States, which took place a day earlier, it was probably the best conversation we have had during this whole time, the most productive,” Zelenskiy shared in his nightly video message.

He noted that a key topic of the discussion was bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses, emphasizing his appreciation for the continued support from Washington. “The Patriot system is precisely the key to protection against ballistic threats.”

Zelenskiy also mentioned that they covered “several other important matters,” which, he added, would be addressed in more detail by representatives of both nations during upcoming discussions.

Speaking with journalists on Friday, Trump confirmed that his call with Zelenskiy was positive. He also reiterated his dissatisfaction with his earlier conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing what he described as a lack of serious intent from Moscow to pursue a ceasefire.

When asked if the U.S. would be sending additional Patriot systems to Ukraine, Trump responded: “They’re going to need them for defense… They’re going to need something because they’re being hit pretty hard.”

Russian aerial assaults on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine have escalated sharply in recent weeks. Just hours after Trump’s phone call with Putin on Thursday, Moscow launched its most extensive drone attack on Kyiv since the conflict began nearly three and a half years ago.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump’s net worth has now surpassed the $10 billion mark, according to an in-depth review conducted by The New York Times. The outlet based its findings on his recent financial disclosure filings along with other verifiable public records.

A major driver of Trump’s expanding fortune is his involvement in the cryptocurrency space. A large chunk of his wealth stems from a digital token called $TRUMP, which was introduced prior to his first term in office. The value of the coin currently sits at roughly $6.9 billion.

In addition to the coin’s worth, Trump has reportedly collected over $320 million in transaction-related revenue tied to his crypto activities. He also owns a reserve of World Liberty coins that analysts estimate could be worth several hundred million dollars more.

Trump’s digital media enterprise, Trump Media, which runs the Truth Social platform, is another valuable asset, holding stock currently estimated at $2 billion. Meanwhile, his substantial real estate holdings bring in an added $1.3 billion, rounding out his total financial portfolio.

{Matzav.com}

Lakewood, NJ – A deeply troubling incident last Thursday has sent shockwaves through the Lakewood community, Matzav.com has learned, as a beloved ben Torah and father of eight, R’ Binyomin Kubani, was arrested and jailed following what appears to be a gross misjudgment by local authorities.

R’ Binyomin and his wife, Adina, are residents of the Lexington Avenue neighborhood of Lakewood.

Matzav.com has learned that R’ Binyomin, a kollel yungerman learning at Bais Medrash Govoha, had simply pulled into a Route 88 car wash with his 3-year-old child in the van. Days earlier, over Shabbos, meat had leaked in his car, leaving a stubborn odor. Thinking nothing of it, he did what he had done before: he sought help from one of the workers there to clean the carpets, as he had before.

R’ Binyomin approached a 15-year-old Hispanic teen at the location and asked if he would be willing to come clean the carpets at his home at a convenient time, offering the type of informal work arrangement common in such settings. The boy, instead of responding verbally, backed away, snapped a photo of R’ Binyomin’s face, and waved down a passing Lakewood police cruiser.

In an astonishing and deeply unsettling turn of events, police brought the teen to headquarters to take a statement, and soon thereafter, without giving R’ Binyomin a chance to speak, present context, or offer any kind of defense, officers showed up to arrest him. He was booked and transported to the Ocean County jail in Toms River, where he remains in custody, awaiting a court appearance.

What’s more disturbing is what the police report claims: that the boy “ran away” after the alleged “solicitation” attempt. But footage from the scene tells a different story entirely. Surveillance video reportedly shows that the van R’ Binyomin was driving pulled away from the scene before the teen did, belying the suggestion that the boy fled in fear. There is no frantic sprint, no clear sign of distress, and certainly no evidence of a pursuit. Just a kollel man looking to clean his car.

Despite R’ Binyomin having an attorney present at the time, Lakewood police refused to allow him to make a statement or provide any proof. Instead, they proceeded to arrest and jail him, all based on a single unsubstantiated allegation by a teenager, reportedly an immigrant minor, without background, family context, or clarity on communication.

For a married man, a father of eight, known in his community, this incident is an egregious miscarriage of justice.

Lakewood residents, stunned and angered by the unfolding of events, gathered in protest Mon otzoei Shabbos outside the Lakewood Police Department on Third Street.

In a striking show of support, two of BMG’s roshei yeshiva, Rav Malkiel Kotler and Rav Yeruchom Olshin, joined the protest.

“An arrest without a shred of verified evidence, without even hearing his side — this is not the way justice is supposed to work,” one community member at the station remarked. “Since when is a man presumed guilty with no due process?”

The community is now rallying around the Kubani family, offering support, legal counsel, and public pressure to ensure that the truth is heard and justice is restored.

Meanwhile, R’ Binyomin remains behind bars.

Lakewood Police have yet to issue a public statement regarding their handling of the incident.

As one observer noted at the protest: “This can’t just end with R’ Binyomin’s name cleared. Someone needs to answer for how this happened.”

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Zohran Mamdani, New York State Assemblymember and Democratic front-runner in the 2025 NYC mayoral race, is drawing criticism after posting a video featuring Indian performers “celebrating Hanukkah.”

Critics accuse the Muslim socialist of mocking Jewish traditions rather than celebrating them.

The video shows Mamdani alongside an Indian comedy trio, dressed in “Hanukkah garb,” play-acting a dreidel spin and festive dance.

One social media post noted: “Zohran Mamdani celebrated Hanukkah by releasing a video of himself and an Indian comedy trio dressing up as Jews and spinning a dreidel.”

StopAntisemitism, a watchdog group, condemned the clip as disrespectful, saying the visual felt like cultural mockery turned comedy.

On X, one user wrote: “It seems like this guy loves Jews, when they know their place — dancing, prancing, or mumbling words that no one understands.”

From Mamdani’s camp, no official statement has been issued yet.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Monmouth Medical Center South in Lakewood, NJ experienced a major power outage early Shabbos morning, leaving the hospital operating on limited backup power for several hours.

The outage occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m., knocking out electricity throughout the facility.

Of the hospital’s three generators, only one was functioning, creating a potentially dangerous situation for patients.

As the crisis unfolded, local askanim and members of Hatzolah of Central Jersey and Chaveirim immediately sprang into action. Working tirelessly and in coordination with hospital staff, they helped stabilize the situation and ensure that patient care continued without interruption.

Thanks to their swift and selfless efforts, the most critical systems were kept running, and patients remained safe throughout the ordeal.

Power was eventually restored after several hours, but the response from the community’s frum emergency volunteers once again revealed the dedication of Lakewood’s local baalei chesed.

{Matzav.com}

In an unprecedented moment for America’s largest city, New York City recorded zero shootings and zero murders on July 4th, 2025 — the first time such a violence-free Independence Day has occurred in the city’s recorded history.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the milestone Friday morning, calling it “a historic and hopeful moment for all New Yorkers.” The NYPD verified that not a single shooting or homicide occurred across the five boroughs throughout the holiday, long known for spikes in gun violence in major cities.

“This is not just a data point — it’s a reflection of what’s possible when strategic enforcement, strong community partnerships, and smart deployment come together,” said Tisch.

The news marks a significant milestone in what has already been a banner year for public safety in New York City. According to NYPD data, the first half of 2025 saw the fewest number of shooting victims and incidents on record — a 24% drop in shooting victims and a 23% decline in incidents compared to the same period in 2024.

Officials attributed the remarkable progress to a combination of initiatives, including targeted summer deployments in high-risk areas, expanded community collaboration efforts, and a revamped approach to data-driven policing.

{Matzav.com}