Matzav

After Eight Decades: Emotional Reunion Between Two Torah Giants Ends With Shehecheyanu

In a moving moment on the sidelines of the major gathering in Maale HaChamisha protesting the draft decree, two towering Torah personalities—long-lost friends from their youth—were reunited after 80 years. Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, one of the premier poskim of our time, and Rav Yaakov Meir Schechter, revered mashpia and ziknei Breslov, embraced warmly and exchanged brachos.

The event, held Wednesday night at the Sequoia Hall in Maale HaChamisha near Yerushalayim, drew leading gedolei Yisroel and admorim. Rav Zilberstein, rov of Ramat Elchonon and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah, attended alongside Rav Yaakov Meir Schechter, one of the most respected elder figures in the Breslover community. The two were seated near each other and delivered impassioned addresses during the gathering.

Though separated by three years—Rav Schechter is 94, and Rav Zilberstein is 91—the two were once chaveirim in the same class at Yeshiva LeTze’irim Slonim in Yerushalayim, under the leadership of the Netivos Shalom, the previous Slonimer Rebbe, whose yahrtzeit is today.

The Slonimer Rebbe had founded the yeshiva by handpicking the most outstanding boys from Talmudei Torah across the city. Among them were Rav Schechter, Rav Zilberstein—who at the time learned at Etz Chaim—and others who would go on to become leaders in Klal Yisroel, including Rav Moshe Halberstam zt”l and Rav Naftali Tzvi Halberstam zt”l, later the Bobover Rebbe.

The friendship between Rav Schechter and Rav Zilberstein was already exceptional in their youth, marked by a shared passion for Torah and a sense of destiny that set them apart. They learned together intensely, their bond cemented by their devotion to Torah from an early age.

But life took each down different paths, and the two would not meet again for eight decades.

When Rav Zilberstein heard that his childhood friend Rav Schechter would be attending the gathering, he was deeply emotional. He remarked that he wished he had a new fruit so he could recite a Shehecheyanu in honor of the momentous occasion. He noted that despite it being the Nine Days, the Mishnah Berurah rules that one may say Shehecheyanu if the moment is a fleeting mitzvah opportunity—mitzvah overes—which he felt this reunion certainly was.

Rav Schechter, for his part, also became emotional when he learned that Rav Zilberstein would be present. Riding to the event, he shared with his grandchildren and close attendants how deeply moved he was to finally be reunited with his dear friend.

Toward the end of the event, the two gedolim approached one another at the side of the hall. With warmth and visible emotion, they clasped hands and exchanged heartfelt words. The crowd looked on in awe.

Suddenly, Rav Zilberstein raised his voice and recited Shehecheyanu aloud: “Baruch Atah Hashem Elokeinu Melech ha’olam, shehechiyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu la’zman hazeh,” his voice trembling. The room answered with a collective and tearful “Amen.”.

Before parting, the two wished one another long life, strength, and continued leadership in good health.

Later that evening, Rav Schechter, still stirred by the encounter, asked his grandson to call Rav Zilberstein so they could speak once more. Reaching him while Rav Zilberstein was en route home, the two gedolim spoke again—this time by phone—for several minutes.

During their conversation, Rav Zilberstein remarked, “Ashreichem, Rav Yaakov Meir, that you have merited to lead such a distinguished kehillah in Klal Yisroel.

Rav Schechter then invited Rav Zilberstein to visit his community in person to deliver words of chizuk to the avreichim and bnei hayeshivos.

{Matzav.com}

Witkoff: I Spent 5 Hours In Gaza To ‘Level Set Facts’ On Humanitarian Situation For Trump

Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to the Middle East, shared that he was on the ground in Gaza for five hours today, working to get a direct view of the realities there and to engage with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

In a message posted to social media, Witkoff explained, “The purpose of the visit was to give US President Donald Trump a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid to the people of Gaza.”

{Matzav.com}

Huckabee Deletes Post Claiming Gazans ‘Love Trump,’ Name One of Few Remaining High-Rises After POTUS

According to a report by the Telegraph, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee removed a post on social media after making a controversial claim that Palestinians in Gaza “love Trump.” The statement followed his visit to a humanitarian aid distribution center operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation earlier in the day.

In his now-deleted tweet, Huckabee reportedly said that locals have nicknamed one of the last standing six-story buildings in Rafah “Trump tower,” a reference he claimed reflected admiration.

“They love @realDonaldTrump & believe he is helping,” Huckabee wrote, as cited by the Telegraph.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas Publishes Video of Hostage Evyatar David

A new video surfaced this Friday afternoon showing that Hamas is still holding Eviatar David, providing long-awaited proof that he is alive after nearly two years in captivity.

The footage, which was shared by Hamas terrorists, will not be made public in whole or in part without the explicit consent of Eviatar’s family, in accordance with the wishes of the families of the hostages.

Eviatar, 25, a resident of Kfar Saba, was abducted from the Nova music festival in Re’im along with his childhood friend Guy (Gilboa) Dalal. They had been attending the event with two others, Idan Haramati and Ron Sarfaty, both of whom were tragically killed. On the morning of the massacre, Eviatar called his mother and told her rockets were being fired. That was the last contact she had with him. Later that day, Hamas posted a video to Telegram showing Eviatar lying on the ground, visibly terrified as a flashlight was shone in his face.

A gifted musician, Eviatar plays both classical and acoustic guitar. He is the middle child of Galia and Avishai, with an older brother, Eli, 26, and a younger sister, Ye’ela, 18.

Back in February, when a hostage deal was underway, Hamas released another clip featuring both Eviatar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. The two were taken to the location where three other captives—Omar Wenkert, Omar Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen—were freed, but they themselves were not released, only forced to witness the proceedings.

{Matzav.com}

‘Despicable’ Terrorist Who Bragged About Helping Osama Bin Laden Plan 9/11 Could Be Free In Days

A man who once boasted about his involvement in orchestrating the 9/11 terror attacks alongside Osama bin Laden may walk free from a British prison facility within days, even though authorities have labeled him a threat to public safety.

Haroon Aswat, who played a key role in establishing an al-Qaeda training base in the United States, is nearing the end of his psychiatric treatment at a secure mental health institution in the UK and is poised for release, according to The Sun.

His impending freedom has caused widespread outrage due to a loophole in the UK’s Mental Health Act that allows him to be released without a comprehensive risk evaluation.

“This despicable man was behind one of the most deadly attacks in modern history. He should never experience freedom again,” said Robert Jenrick, the country’s shadow justice secretary.

Aswat, who has long been linked to bin Laden, was handed a 20-year prison sentence by a US court in 2015 after admitting he tried to launch an al-Qaeda training site in Oregon.

During his incarceration in the United States, he allegedly claimed a role in planning both the September 11 attacks, which took thousands of lives in New York, and the 2005 bombings in the UK that killed 52 people.

“In March 2017 the defendant stated, ‘if you think I am a terrorist, I don’t shy away from my responsibility’ and also stated he was a mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks and a 2005 terrorist attack in the UK,” the court papers stated.

In 2022, he was returned to the UK following a prison visit by a psychiatrist from Britain.

Even though counterterrorism authorities in the UK evaluated Aswat and warned that he still poses a danger, a judge has ruled that his release under mental health provisions could happen in the “relatively near future.”

Once released, Aswat will only be required to follow a notification order, obligating him to report his home address and inform law enforcement about any planned travel.

{Matzav.com}

Trump: Fed Board Should Take Control From ‘MORON’ Powell Over Rates

President Donald Trump is urging the Federal Reserve board to intervene directly if Chair Jerome Powell refuses to take immediate action to slash interest rates.

“Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell, a stubborn MORON, must substantially lower interest rates, NOW. IF HE CONTINUES TO REFUSE, THE BOARD SHOULD ASSUME CONTROL, AND DO WHAT EVERYONE KNOWS HAS TO BE DONE!” Trump declared in a fiery post on Truth Social.

The Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, and Powell’s remarks following the announcement dampened expectations of a rate cut in September. That decision triggered sharp criticism from Trump, who has long advocated for a rapid and significant reduction in borrowing costs.

The central bank’s decision came with a rare 9-2 vote, revealing an unusual split among the policymakers. It marked the first time in over three decades that two governors dissented in a vote by the traditionally unified Fed.

All seven members of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors are appointed by the president and require Senate confirmation.

Trump has made no secret of his disdain for Powell’s approach to monetary policy, hurling insults like “numbskull” and openly saying that his removal “cannot come fast enough.” His frustration with Powell dates back to 2018—despite having nominated him—when Trump criticized the Fed’s interest rate increases as “crazy” and “loco,” and even suggested he might fire the Fed chair.

{Matzav.com}

Kamala Harris Complains ‘The System’ Is ‘Broken’ In Stephen Colbert Interview After Spending $1B On Failed Presidential Campaign, Suggests She Won’t Run In 2028

Kamala Harris sat down with Stephen Colbert for her first interview since the election, where she voiced her frustration with the current state of American politics and hinted that her days of seeking elected office may be behind her. The vice president, who was defeated in a landslide by President Donald Trump, said the political system itself has become dysfunctional.

During the interview with Colbert — whose tenure as host of “The Late Show” is coming to a close — Harris was asked whether, after bowing out of the 2026 California governor’s race, she might have her sights set on another political role.

“No … it’s perhaps more basic than that,” Harris said in response.

Explaining her position, she continued, “Recently I made the decision that I just, for now, I don’t want to go back in the system. I think it’s broken.”

Despite having run a campaign that brought in over a billion dollars, Harris fell short in every battleground state, lost the Electoral College, and was defeated in the popular vote by Trump last fall.

Reflecting on the experience and the state of the country, she remarked, “I always believed that as fragile as our democracy is, our systems would be strong enough to defend our most fundamental principles. And I think, right now, that they’re not as strong as they need to be. And I just don’t want to, for now — I don’t want to go back in the system.”

Instead, Harris said she’s hoping to connect with Americans in a different way. “I want to travel the country. I want to listen to people. I want to talk with people. And I don’t want it to be transactional, where I’m asking for their vote.”

Colbert, who had supported the Biden-Harris ticket and hosted a campaign fundraiser for President Biden before he exited the race, seemed taken aback by Harris’ desire to step away from politics.

“It’s harrowing,” he commented after hearing her bleak take on the political landscape.

Looking surprised, Colbert followed up, saying, “I’m hearing you don’t want to be a part of the fight anymore.”

Harris quickly pushed back. “Oh, absolutely not. I’m always going to be part of the fight.”

Her latest appearance on “The Late Show” — her eighth time on the program — coincides with the upcoming launch of her new book, 107 Days, which she called a “behind-the-scene sharing of what it means to run for president.”

While she acknowledged that her campaign against Trump was “very intense,” Harris confessed that pursuing the presidency was never her lifelong goal.

“There are some people who are born or grow up believing, ‘I’m going to be president. I want to be president’ — that wasn’t me,” she said.

Colbert also asked about the period after Biden’s widely criticized debate performance in June 2024, and whether she had been encouraged to step up and take his place.

“There were some who did,” Harris admitted. “But I — listen, it was, it was Joe’s decision, and he made that decision.”

Later in the conversation, Colbert tried to get her to name who she sees as the current figurehead of the Democratic Party, but Harris declined to single anyone out.

“There are lots of leaders,” she said. “I’m not going to go through names, because then I’m going to leave somebody out, and then I’m going to hear about it.”

Asked how long it took her to start watching the news again after Trump’s victory, Harris replied without hesitation: “Months.”

“I’m just not into self-mutilation,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

Top Biden Aide Was Promised $8 Million for 2024 Win

A close confidant of President Joe Biden told congressional investigators that he stood to receive as much as $8 million if Biden had secured re-election in 2024, according to a source who spoke with Fox News Digital.

Michael Donilon, who held the role of senior advisor throughout Biden’s presidency, has a professional relationship with Biden that stretches back more than four decades, beginning in 1981 when Biden served as a U.S. senator from Delaware.

Donilon recently testified behind closed doors as part of the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into whether members of Biden’s inner circle concealed signs of cognitive decline and whether presidential actions were authorized using an autopen without Biden’s direct input.

When questioned, Donilon said he had no knowledge of the autopen’s use and could not recall ever hearing about it, according to the Fox News Digital source.

In addition to his White House position, Donilon was Biden’s chief strategist for both the 2020 and 2024 campaigns. He reportedly disclosed to investigators that he was paid $4 million for his role in the 2024 campaign. That figure was previously revealed in the book Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, authored by Axios reporter Alex Thompson and CNN host Jake Tapper.

Had Biden gone on to win the 2024 election, Donilon allegedly would have received an additional $4 million, bringing his potential total compensation to $8 million.

Biden eventually exited the 2024 race following a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump in June, which triggered intense calls from Democratic leaders for him to step aside.

Donilon reportedly told committee members he “believes the punditry and Democrats in Congress overreacted after Joe Biden’s disastrous debate,” according to the same source. He further contended that Biden’s communication abilities “got stronger” during his presidency.

The source also noted that Donilon acknowledged Biden’s diminished physical presence and verbal slips, stating: “During his interview, Mr. Donilon admitted that Joe Biden’s presence wasn’t as commanding, and he could stumble over more words. Mr. Donilon stated he was frustrated and knew it was difficult to get past the visuals of President Biden that people were seeing.”

In his prepared remarks, obtained by Fox News Digital, Donilon highlighted his long-standing relationship with Biden and cited the administration’s successes—such as navigating the COVID-19 crisis, driving job recovery, and passing key legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act.

“I was with President Joe Biden from his first day in office to the last day. What I saw, day in and day out, was a leader who was deeply engaged and in command on critical issues, both at home and abroad,” Donilon said in his opening statement.

“Every President ages over the four years of a presidency and President Biden did as well, but he also continued to grow stronger and wiser as a leader as a result of being tested by some of the most difficult challenges any President has ever faced.

“I thought that experience was enormously valuable for the nation. I believed that President Biden was the best person to lead the country on the day he took the oath of office and I continued to believe that was true every day he served as President.”

Donilon is now the eighth former Biden administration official to testify before the Oversight Committee, which is being led by Chairman James Comer of Kentucky.

Separately, a person familiar with the Biden team’s perspective described the Republican-led investigation as “dangerous” and “an attempt to smear and embarrass.”

“And their hope is for just one tiny inconsistency between witnesses to appear so that Trump’s DOJ prosecute his political opponents and continue his campaign of revenge,” the source added.

{Matzav.com}

Hadas Loewenstern Engaged to Hod Reichert a Year and a Half After Tragic Loss

Hadas Loewenstern, whose husband Rav Elisha Hy”d was killed in battle in Gaza during Operation Iron Swords, has become engaged to Hod Reichert, whose wife Chagit passed away at the end of November, just ten days after delivering a baby girl via cesarean section.

“We got engaged,” Loewenstern wrote on her WhatsApp status. She noted that the couple had intended to announce their engagement after Tishah B’Av, but the news became public earlier than planned.

“The work of the righteous is done by others,” she added. “The truth is we had planned to share the news on Motzaei Tishah B’Av, but thanks to all your love… your hearts ran ahead of us. So, okay, let the chaos begin.”

In an earlier interview, Loewenstern described her decision to move forward after her husband’s death. “Many people tell me, ‘Stop being so strong.’ They struggle with the fact that I smile, that I wear makeup, that I keep going. And I tell them these aren’t my own strengths—they come from leaning on Am Yisrael.”

She continued, “There’s another factor. The terrorists in the tunnels have cell reception. They see us. And I really believe Sinwar doesn’t deserve to see me broken.”

Hod Reichert lost his wife when her health suddenly deteriorated during a complicated late-term pregnancy. Chagit passed away at the age of 37, leaving behind four daughters.

{Matzav.com Israel}

WATCH YOUR KIDS: Parents’ Worst Nightmare Caught On Camera As Man Grabs Little Girl At Mall (Video)

Authorities in Virginia have made public surveillance footage capturing the alleged abduction of a toddler by a 26-year-old man inside a local mall.

Fairfax County Police say the incident took place around 11:45 a.m. on July 18, when a young girl wandered away from the indoor play area at the Fair Oaks Shopping Center in Fair Oaks, Virginia. At that point, she was allegedly seized by 26-year-old Andres Caceres Jaldin, according to FOX 5.

The child’s parents quickly located Jaldin on the mall’s second floor and successfully retrieved their daughter.

WATCH:

Police say Jaldin fled the shopping center but was taken into custody shortly afterward at the Extended Stay hotel located in Chantilly, Virginia. Investigators say he had also stolen a vehicle from an auto repair shop prior to the alleged kidnapping.

In the video released by police, Jaldin is seen approaching the toddler, lifting her up, and walking away from the scene.

Jaldin now faces charges of abduction of a minor and grand larceny.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that he was taken into custody while leaving his hotel room.

Jaldin is currently being held without bail at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

{Matzav.com}

Starbucks to Close Up to 90 Stores

Starbucks is preparing to phase out its pick-up only café model by 2026, according to CEO Brian Niccol, who shared the news during a recent earnings call.

Explaining the motivation for the shift, Niccol said the company is aiming to bring back “that moment of connection between a barista and their customer.”

“We found this format to be overly transactional and lacking the warmth and human connection that defines our brand,” Niccol said on the call Tuesday, July 29. “We have a strong digital offering and believe we can deliver the same level of convenience through our community coffeehouses with a superior mobile order and pay experience.”

The pick-up only stores, which launched in 2019, were introduced as a way to cater to the growing demand for quick service, as CNBC previously reported. These locations were designed specifically for mobile app orders.

Niccol noted that the company intends to shutter between 80 and 90 of these pick-up locations for good.

As of now, Starbucks lists 97 pick-up cafés across 24 states, including three in Massachusetts.

{Matzav.com}

MSNBC’s Scarborough Admits: ‘The Southern Border Is as Secure as It’s Been in 60 Years’

On Thursday broadcast of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, host Joe Scarborough made a bold claim regarding immigration, stating, “the Southern border is as secure as it’s been in 60 years.”

Scarborough directed a question to John Lemire, asking him to weigh in on how the Biden administration is managing the immigration narrative. He noted, “So, John Lemire, talk about how the White House is balancing this. You have, in one instance, a Southern border, which Donald Trump promised he would secure. You wouldn’t have the number of migrants crossing every day that you had during the Biden administration. That certainly is the case. I mean, the Southern border is as secure as it’s been in 60 years.”

He went on to highlight the contrast between administrations. “On the other side of that, Joe Biden was able to deport a larger number of people who came here illegally because there were so many, so many more near the Southern border. Now, that’s not the case.” Scarborough added that the Trump administration is now in a position where, although they benefit from a relatively calm border, they are resorting to less favorable tactics. “So you have the Trump administration on one hand, wanting to be able to celebrate basically, for the most part, a quiet Southern border. But to keep up with the numbers of Biden, to keep up with the numbers of Obama, they’re having to go into neighborhoods. They’re having to do things that they know are not politically positive for them and also or just are brutish, and turn off a lot of voters, aren’t they? Because I keep hearing that they’re looking forward to the possibility of an immigration compromise on the Hill. Where are they right now, though, on that?”

Lemire responded by referencing a recent exchange with a high-ranking Biden official, explaining, “Yeah, a senior White House official and I had a very similar conversation earlier this week about this very issue. This official sort of categorizes the administration as being victims of their own success.”

{Matzav.com}

Trump On Gaza: We Want To Make Sure People Get Fed

In an interview broadcast Thursday evening on NBC News, President Donald Trump weighed in on the unfolding crisis in Gaza.

He spoke about the upcoming visit planned for Friday by his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who are scheduled to travel to Gaza to assess conditions on the ground.

“We want to make sure people get fed,” Trump said, expressing interest in hearing the findings Witkoff and Huckabee would bring back after their trip.

When asked if he believes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can effectively oversee the distribution of American aid in Gaza, Trump responded, “he’s certainly a competent person,” though he acknowledged ongoing worries about Hamas intercepting supplies.

“Good management will stop that. Hopefully, the Israelis will provide that,” he told NBC News, underscoring the importance of strong oversight.

Earlier in the day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Witkoff and Huckabee would be entering Gaza to get a firsthand view of the situation and to work out a new framework for delivering humanitarian assistance.

“I know the topic of Israel is on everyone’s mind. I have an update from Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who I got off the phone with this morning. Special Envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee had a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other officials today in Israel on the topic of delivering much-needed food and aid to Gaza,” Leavitt told reporters during her press briefing.

“President Trump is a humanitarian with a big heart, and that’s why he sent Special Envoy Witkoff to the region in an effort to save lives and end this crisis. Tomorrow, Special Envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee will be traveling into Gaza to inspect the current distribution sites and secure a plan to deliver more food and meet with local Gazans to hear first-hand about this dire situation on the ground. The Special Envoy and the Ambassador will brief the President immediately after their visit to approve a final plan for food and aid distribution into the region, and we will provide more details for all of you once that plan is approved and agreed on by the President of the United States,” she continued.

Later in the day, when asked to comment on Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s suggestion that the events in Gaza amount to genocide, Trump shared his concerns.

“Oh, it’s terrible what’s occurring there, yeah. It’s a terrible thing. People are very hungry. You know, the United States gave $60 million for food. And it’s a shame because nobody, you know, I don’t see the results of it, and we gave it to people that in theory are watching over it fairly closely. We wanted Israel to watch over it. But part of the problem is Hamas is taking the money and they’re taking the food,” Trump said.

“But we gave $60 million a couple of weeks ago. Nobody said anything about it. Nobody said thank you. But I didn’t need to thank you. I just wanted the people to get fed. And we’re helping out financially with that situation,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

Smotrich: I Declare Unequivocally – No More Negotiations With Hamas For A Partial Deal

Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich took the stage Thursday night at the Vision Conference, hosted by the Yesha Council and the Tkuma movement, where he laid out his uncompromising perspective on the path forward for Judea and Samaria, Israel’s approach to Gaza, and how the country should respond to mounting global pressure.

During his address, Smotrich cautioned that Israel is facing a pivotal moment in its history. “Either we continue until victory, or we succumb to fatigue and external pressures,” he asserted. Directing his words to the Prime Minister, he added, “History will not forgive you if you hesitate at the moment of truth. You have been given a mobilized nation – do not disappoint it.”

He also unleashed pointed criticism toward foreign powers and internal adversaries alike. “Left-wing protests and the media campaign have strengthened Hamas and harmed the chances of a hostage release deal. This is over – there will be no more negotiations for a partial deal.”

Calling for decisive military action, Smotrich encouraged the Israel Defense Forces to escalate their campaign in Gaza: “Kill all the terrorists, destroy all terror infrastructure above and below ground, and establish military governance in the Strip.”

He demanded clarity and conviction from Israel’s leadership, pushing for bold and unmistakable direction: “Decide if you are Saul or David. Saul left the stage. David, King of Israel, lives and endures.”

As he wrapped up his speech, Smotrich reaffirmed his core political goal: the full extension of Israeli sovereignty throughout Judea and Samaria. “After two and a half years of de facto sovereignty, it is time for de jure sovereignty. By September, there will be no Palestinian entity left for anyone to recognize. There will be no Palestinian state – because there will be nothing to recognize.”

He concluded by insisting that only an assertive, unilateral strategy would be effective in pushing back against international diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing a Palestinian state.

{Matzav.com Israel}

US To Raise Tariffs On Israeli Goods To 15% Starting Friday

The Trump administration announced on Thursday that starting Friday, the U.S. will impose a 15% tariff on products brought in from Israel. This move is part of President Donald Trump’s wider trade strategy aimed at recalibrating global commerce.

The change was made official through an executive order signed by President Trump, which updates the reciprocal tariff arrangements the U.S. maintains with various nations.

This adjustment brings the rate down slightly from the 17% figure that was publicized in April, reducing it by two points. At the time, the 17% tariff was introduced as a temporary measure under the administration’s shifting trade framework.

An Israeli official involved in economic policy, speaking to Channel 12 News, characterized the new policy as “disappointing,” explaining that Israel had expected the rate would be brought down to 10%.

{Matzav.com}

Rebbetzin Leah Altusky a”h

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rebbetzin Leah Altusky a”h.

Rebbetzin Altusky was a woman of deep faith, dignity, and strength, who stood at the side of her illustrious husband, Rav Zev (Velvel) Altusky zt”l, for decades, supporting his harbatzas haTorah and his role as menahel at Yeshiva Chasan Sofer and maggid shiur at HILI/HAFTR.

A longtime resident of the Lower East Side, Rebbetzin Altusky exemplified the quiet heroism of a devoted eizer kenegdo, devoting her life to Torah, chessed, and family. Several years ago, she relocated to Lakewood, continuing to be a pillar of strength to all who knew her.

Together with her husband, she raised a remarkable family steeped in Torah and avodas Hashem, including gedolei Torah and marbitzei Torah who carry on her legacy.

She is survived by her children, Rav Yitzchok Altusky, Rav Shlomo Avigdor Altusky, Rav Yosef Menachem Altusky, and Mrs. Miriam Pikus. She was predeceased by her son, Rav Avrohom Moshe Altusky zt”l.

The levayah will take place Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Congregation Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel, located at 613 Ramsey Avenue in Lakewood, NJ, followed by kevurah at the Wellwood Cemetery in Long Island.

Yehi zichrah baruch.

{Matzav.com}

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