Matzav

As Donald Trump’s legal team waits for a verdict in his appeal of a $480 million fraud judgment, the drawn-out process has sparked accusations that Governor Kathy Hochul is leveraging her authority over the judiciary to intimidate the president, the NY Post reports. Sources from the White House allege that Hochul told Trump, “I control the judges” during a February policy discussion in the Oval Office that included topics like the controversial Manhattan congestion pricing plan.

Hochul strongly refutes ever making such a remark.

Despite her denial, insiders say Trump interpreted her words as a veiled message connected to his ongoing appeal of a civil fraud judgment handed down in February 2024 by Judge Arthur Engoron, who ordered him to pay $364 million, accusing him of exaggerating his assets to gain more favorable loan terms.

According to a legal insider familiar with what transpired in the Oval Office, Hochul pushed Trump to support her agenda — including withdrawing opposition to the $9 congestion fee, shelving plans for a gas pipeline, and approving federal money for green energy efforts and Penn Station improvements.

“She’s making all these demands while the case hangs over his head,” the source claimed. “It feels like extortion and blackmail.”

Responding to the controversy, Hochul spokesman Avi Small dismissed the allegations, suggesting there may be a misunderstanding or deliberate distortion of the conversation.

“Governor Hochul has never said this, or anything similar, to President Trump or anyone,” Small insisted. “The Governor respects the independence of the judiciary, has never attempted to interfere in ongoing cases, and does not have any role to play in the judicial process — nor did she ever say that she did.

“Someone must have completely misheard the governor during this conversation, or they’re purposefully lying to advance a political agenda.”

A senior member of the Trump administration responded, “Of course she would deny attempting to extort the president of the United States. Just like she denied overseeing the weaponization of justice in her own state.”

A member of the administration, who was not at the meeting, said Hochul later tried to win favor with Trump by suggesting a tribute — renaming Moynihan Train Hall after him.

When asked about that, Small responded that the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan was viewed by the governor as a “mentor” and that “under no circumstances would she ever propose changing the name of Moynihan Train Hall.”

Still, he admitted, “The governor did make a lighthearted joke about how to get President Trump interested in contributing federal funds to renovate Penn Station.”

Legal observers have noted that the delay in resolving Trump’s appeal — now over a year — far exceeds the average turnaround time for the First Department of the Appellate Division.

“In the ordinary course, an appeal in the First Department is decided about five to six months from the date an appellant files an opening brief and record,” said Bill White, senior appellate counsel at Counsel Press LLC.

Trump’s team submitted their appeal on February 26, 2024, and the court heard oral arguments that September.

“It is obvious that they are dragging their heels,” said Joe Tacopina, a veteran trial attorney who has represented Trump in other legal matters.

Tacopina labeled the year-plus delay “insane and obviously another ‘special treatment’ for Trump.”

He added, “After oral argument or submission, the court usually issues a decision within a couple of months, though it can sometimes take longer depending on the complexity of the case or the court’s docket.”

A spokesperson for the Clerk’s Office of the Appellate Division declined to comment, saying, “We don’t discuss pending matters before the court.”

As New York’s governor since 2021, Hochul holds significant sway over judicial appointments, thanks to a system that doesn’t require Senate confirmation for Appellate Division judges — a level of control uncommon among other governors.

Although none of the five justices handling Trump’s appeal — Dianne Renwick, David Friedman, Peter Moulton, John Higgitt, and Llinét Rosado — were appointed by Hochul, she did promote Renwick to presiding justice last year. The other judges also rely on her for reappointment every five years.

Letitia James, the state attorney general who brought the case against Trump and his family business, has taunted him online about the daily interest piling onto his judgment — now over $480 million, with $112,000 accruing each day.

Trump’s attorneys were initially encouraged following the September 26, 2024 hearing, where judges expressed doubts about the attorney general’s legal arguments.

During the hearing, Judge Friedman asked if the AG had ever used this law before “to upset a private business transaction,” emphasizing that Trump’s dealings were with “some of the most sophisticated actors in business,” like Deutsche Bank.

He also observed that there were no financial losses involved: nobody “lost any money.”

Judge Moulton added that “the immense penalty in this case is troubling” and observed “the parties left these transactions happy.”

He also criticized the potential overreach of the AG’s approach, questioning whether the law had undergone “mission creep,” becoming something it was never intended to be.

Judge Higgitt suggested that the attorney general may be “going into an area where she doesn’t have jurisdiction.”

Despite those comments, the court has remained silent since, with no ruling issued seven months later.

Even if Trump prevails, he won’t recover the hefty expense of securing a bond for the appeal. Initially set at $464 million, it was reduced in March to $175 million, but his legal team estimates the cost to be in the millions — recoverable only by suing the state.

Trump’s lawyers say the case is politically motivated, arguing that James has turned the state’s legal system into a tool for targeting a political rival, and that Judge Engoron was blatantly biased throughout the proceedings.

James, who ran for office in 2018 on a platform that included opposing Trump, referred to him as an “illegitimate president” and “embarrassment” during her campaign.

Trump, in turn, has labeled her a “racist prosecutor” conducting a “witch hunt” against him.

Shortly after Trump took office, he revoked James’s security clearance, preventing her from entering federal buildings such as courthouses, FBI offices, or U.S. attorney facilities.

In a twist of fate, James was referred this week to the Department of Justice by the Federal Housing Finance Agency for possible criminal prosecution over allegations she falsified mortgage documents to get better loan terms on properties in Virginia and New York.

President Donald Trump stopped Israel from launching a planned assault on Iranian nuclear facilities, opting instead to pursue diplomacy with Tehran aimed at curbing its nuclear ambitions, according to a report published Wednesday by the New York Times, which cited officials within the administration and other sources.

The report stated that Israel had crafted a military strategy to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as of May, intending to significantly delay Iran’s capacity to produce a nuclear weapon—potentially by more than a year.

According to the New York Times, Israel would have needed American military backing—not only to help shield it from an Iranian counterattack but also to ensure the operation’s overall effectiveness.

Following prolonged discussions within his administration, Trump ultimately chose to prioritize negotiations with Iran over lending U.S. support to an Israeli military offensive.

Last weekend, U.S. and Iranian officials met in Oman, marking the first such engagement during Trump’s presidency, including his initial 2017–2021 term. Both sides characterized the talks as “positive” and “constructive.”

A follow-up session is planned for this coming Shabbos, and a source familiar with the preparations said Rome is expected to be the venue.

{Matzav.com}

Fox News senior strategic analyst Ret. Gen. Jack Keane unpacks the driving forces behind Iran and the United States’ nuclear talks on ‘The Story.’

WATCH:

Border Czar Tom Homan reacted to Democratic Party efforts to protect deported alleged MS-13 Kilmar Abrego Garcia and bring him back to the U.S.

Homan specifically went after Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, who says Abrego Garcias was “abducted,” while speaking with Fox & Friends Wednesday morning.

“He wasn’t abducted. He’s an MS-13 gang member,” Homan said. “Classified as a terrorist who was removed from this country. So, we got rid of a dangerous person — an El Salvador national — he was returned to the nation of El Salvador, so he’s home.”

“I’m just disgusted that any congressional representative is going to run to El Salvador to his aid. When yesterday, I read in his state, an illegal alien charged with murder was released back into the community [because] the ICE detainer wasn’t honored, and ICE had to go find him,” Homan added.

“Rather than taking care of the victims of illegal crime in his state, he’s going to run to El Salvador to protect an MS-13 terrorist — it’s just disgusting.”

Watch the clip below:

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy offered a detailed briefing on upcoming drone operations, drawing a sharp distinction between the Trump administration’s open approach and what he described as the secrecy of the previous leadership.

“Do you remember the drone fiasco under the last administration from a few months ago?” Duffy asked in a video posted to X. Reflecting on that time, he noted that he had been living in New Jersey and recalled how concerned the public was over the mysterious, unexplained drone sightings.

Duffy emphasized that the Trump administration has adopted a completely different philosophy — one of “radical transparency.” He continued, “As part of that mandate, I’d like to share an update on drones and what we’re doing to protect you,” revealing that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would begin “drone detection testing in Cape May, New Jersey.”

According to Duffy, the goal of these tests is to ensure that authorities can reliably identify drones operating in U.S. airspace and prevent any risk of interference with aircraft systems. He stressed that the public would be informed about when and where the tests will be held to avoid confusion or alarm.

“The FAA will operate more than 100 commercial off-the-shelf drones from everything like the drones you see behind me, to much larger vehicles,” Duffy explained, pointing out that local residents had already been briefed on the activity.

The drone testing is scheduled to wrap up on Friday, April 25. Duffy assured the public that the Department of Transportation under President Trump will continue offering “these kind of candid behind-the-scenes updates.”

“You deserve a government that’s always going to be transparent about what we see and what we do,” he added.

Late 2024 was marked by national unease over widespread drone sightings, with the Biden administration coming under fire for failing to explain the phenomenon. The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI eventually issued a joint statement saying there was “no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.”

Not long after President Donald Trump assumed office, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a statement to clarify the situation, confirming that the drones flying over New Jersey and elsewhere had actually been sanctioned by the FAA. “From President Trump directly, an update on the New Jersey drones,” Leavitt stated. “After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons.”

Although Leavitt did not elaborate on the specific nature of that research or the “various other reasons” mentioned, she did add that not all the drone sightings were part of official activity. “Some of the drones spotted were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed on Wednesday that the Trump administration will soon unveil multiple research initiatives aimed at pinpointing the exact environmental triggers behind the rise in autism cases.

This marks a major step in Kennedy’s broader health reform effort under the banner of Make America Healthy Again. In remarks delivered Tuesday, he addressed troubling data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which shows a sharp increase in autism prevalence — now affecting 1 in every 31 children in the United States. Kennedy described the situation as nothing short of an “epidemic.”

According to data from the CDC: “Results: Among children aged 8 years in 2022, ASD prevalence was 32.2 per 1,000 children (one in 31) across the 16 sites, ranging from 9.7 in Texas (Laredo) to 53.1 in California. The overall observed prevalence estimate was similar to estimates calculated using Bayesian hierarchical and random effects models. ASD was 3.4 times as prevalent among boys (49.2) than girls (14.3). Overall, ASD prevalence was lower among non-Hispanic White (White) children (27.7) than among Asian or Pacific Islander (A/PI) (38.2), American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) (37.5), non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black) (36.6), Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic) (33.0), and multiracial children (31.9). No association was observed between ASD prevalence and neighborhood median household income (MHI) at 11 sites; higher ASD prevalence was associated with lower neighborhood MHI at five sites.”

The trend line has continued to rise steadily over the years, with no indication of slowing down.

Kennedy referenced a state-commissioned investigation by the California legislature in 2009, which tasked the MIND Institute at UC Davis with determining whether the surge in autism cases was real or just a result of better diagnosis. The lead researcher, an expert in neurology and epidemiology, delivered a firm conclusion.

“The epidemic is real,” Kennedy emphasized. He noted that this finding has been reinforced by numerous scientific studies, all of which point to a dramatic increase in cases, not simply improved detection.

Rejecting the argument that the rise in autism is a myth, Kennedy urged the public and policymakers to examine the available evidence. “Instead of listening to this canard of epidemic denial, all you have to do is start reading a little science, because the answer is very clear, and this is catastrophic for our country,” he warned. He then pointed to another projection estimating that by 2035, the annual cost of autism treatment in the U.S. could reach a staggering one trillion dollars.

“This is added to already astronomical healthcare costs. And then there’s an individual injury. These are kids that — this is a preventable disease. We know it’s an environmental exposure. It has to be. Genes do not cause epidemics,” Kennedy said.

“It can provide a vulnerability, but you need an environmental toxin,” he explained, making it clear that identifying that toxin is now a top priority.

Kennedy announced that his department plans to roll out new investigations in the coming weeks. “This has not been done before, and we’re going to do it in a thorough and comprehensive way, and we’re going to get back to …. an answer to the American people, very, very quickly,” he promised.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn woman has been arraigned on an indictment charging her with reckless manslaughter and other charges for allegedly speeding through a steady red light before crashing into an Uber that was waiting for a family to finish crossing the street, plowing through the pedestrians as her car rolled over. A 34-year-old mother and her daughters, 5 and 8, died from the impact, and her 4-year-son suffered serious injuries.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This horrific fatal crash was one of the worst I’ve seen in over 25 years as a prosecutor. It wasn’t an accident. This defendant’s unconscionably dangerous driving wiped out a family. The consequences of her flouting traffic laws and commonsense were disastrous, and we will now seek to hold her fully accountable for this criminally reckless behavior.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Miriam Yarimi, 32, of Midwood, Brooklyn. She was arraigned today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment charging her with multiple counts of second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, second-degree assault, and other related counts. She was ordered held without bail and to return to court on June 11, 2025. The defendant is facing a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on March 29, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the defendant was driving a 2023 Audi, turning onto Ocean Parkway. Video surveillance shows her car drive through a red light a block before the crash, narrowly avoiding other cars and continue north on Ocean Parkway.

At the next intersection, with Quentin Road, the mother, Natasha Saada, 34, was crossing Ocean Parkway from west to east, holding hands with her three children, Diana, 8, Deborah, 5, and Philip, 4. The evidence shows that a Toyota Camry was in the process of turning right from Quentin Road onto Ocean Parkway and was waiting for the pedestrians to finish crossing.

When the family was a step or two from the sidewalk, the Audi driven by the defendant sped through the intersection against the light, smashed into the back of the turning Toyota and plowed through the victims with her car continuing to roll over, stopping about 130 feet away. According to evidence obtained from the black box, the Audi was traveling at about 68 mph (in a 25-mph zone), was at full throttle (suggesting the gas pedal was floored) and zero brake was applied.

The mother and two daughters were killed at the scene. Her son suffered skull fractures, brain bleeding and had a kidney removed. The Toyota had five occupants – the Uber driver, a mother and her three kids – who sustained minor injuries. The Audi ended up upside down and had to be cut to get the defendant out. She suffered minor physical injuries.

The District Attorney thanked detectives from the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad for their assistance in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Boykin, Deputy Bureau Chief of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Aaron Gauthier, of the Green Zone, with assistance from Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the Street Safety Bureau, Paralegals Devi Kempadoo and Lauryn Mordaunt, of the Street safety Bureau, and Green Zone Supervising Paralegal Aneudy Mata, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Frank DeGaetano, Chief of the Green Zone.

{Matzav.com}

As of this month, New York City has begun enforcing its mandatory composting policy with fines—sparking backlash from homeowners and prompting several City Council members to push legislation to roll the rule back.

The proposed bill, spearheaded by members of the Common Sense Caucus, aims to undo the Department of Sanitation’s composting mandate. The law technically took effect in October, but penalties for noncompliance only began on April 1.

Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, who represents the northeast Bronx’s 13th District, told 1010 WINS that approximately 2,000 fines have already been issued. She is leading the repeal effort alongside fellow Councilmembers David Carr, Vickie Paladino, Inna Vernikov, Susan Zhuang, and Robert Holden.

“One neighborhood in my district in Pelham Bay there were over 150 tickets given out in that first week and these people are outraged, they’re upset, they feel like it’s just another taxation on private homeowners, on the working class,” Marmorato said.

She argued that many of her constituents are frustrated because the city didn’t do enough to explain how composting works or how to comply with the new requirements—an accusation the Department of Sanitation strongly pushed back against.

“We have done extensive outreach on this: door knocking, traditional media, social media, and visits to Community Boards and civic groups,” a sanitation spokesperson said. “Every New York City resident has received a clearly worded mailer on mandatory curbside composting this week or last, with [tailored messaging].”

The DSNY noted that before issuing fines, it had already distributed 30,000 warnings to alert residents about the upcoming enforcement.

Marmorato and her colleagues argue that composting should be encouraged, not imposed. They believe it should be something residents can opt into voluntarily, not a mandatory burden.

“I think it should be an option. We shouldn’t be forced to compost. We live in the city. It’s not like we’re in the country where we can go out to our yard and just throw this composting out in the mulch pile,” she said. “What’s going to happen in the heat? It’s going to end up being gross … it’s going to be a disaster over the summertime.”

Under the current regulations, residents are required to place organic waste—including food scraps, leaves, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper—into designated bins with secure lids or use official brown DSNY bins.

“We would note that it was the City Council that passed the mandate in the first place,” the DSNY spokesperson added. “Our understanding is that this proposal was introduced by a few specific council members.”

The composting mandate was approved in June 2023 as part of the city’s broader “Zero Waste Act”—a legislative package intended to reduce landfill contributions, combat climate change, and promote sustainable waste practices.

{Matzav.com}

On Wednesday, Bill de Blasio dismissed the idea of Andrew Cuomo running for mayor, sparking a fiery rebuttal from Cuomo’s team, who didn’t hold back in attacking the former mayor’s legacy.

De Blasio was asked by NY1’s Jillian Jorgensen for his thoughts on the possibility of Cuomo launching a bid for City Hall. Without hesitation, he took a swipe at his longtime political adversary. “I don’t think he should be mayor,” de Blasio said, punctuating his remark with a laugh. “There you go, thank you.”

The response from Cuomo’s camp was swift and cutting. Spokesperson Jason Elan issued a sharply worded statement that began by labeling de Blasio as “the least popular mayor in New York City’s history.”

Elan’s statement continued: “New Yorkers know it was Governor Cuomo who raised wages for millions, passed the strongest paid family leave and gun violence prevention laws in the nation and built the Second Avenue Subway, the Moynihan Train Station and the new Kosciuszko Bridge, La Guardia and JFK airports and filled the leadership void during COVID. This city is in crisis and Governor Cuomo is the only person in this race with the experience to lead the proven record of results and that’s why he has built a broad coalition of support that reflects our great city and is leading in every borough, and with every race and gender.”

He added: “We’ll gladly take the support of our powerhouse union allies like HTC and 32BJ SEIU, nearly 30 current and former elected officials, 50 clergy members, and the 64% of New Yorkers polled this week who said they would support us over the least popular mayor in New York City’s history.”

De Blasio made the comment following an appearance with Mayor Eric Adams, who had just announced a proposal to dedicate $167 million annually to expanding early childhood education. That initiative—specifically universal Pre-K and 3-K—remains a signature achievement of de Blasio’s administration.

While he sidestepped questions about Cuomo during the event itself, de Blasio did eventually share his view when pressed later, clarifying that he has no intention of endorsing any candidate in the upcoming Democratic primary.

The history between Cuomo and de Blasio is marked by frequent and public battles during their overlapping time in office. They clashed repeatedly on key issues such as housing policy, education funding, and transportation infrastructure.

Their rivalry intensified during the scandal that ultimately brought Cuomo down in 2021. At the time, de Blasio was blunt in his assessment, telling reporters, “He used his power in a very Machiavellian way, he bullied people, he got his way—way too often.”

“Just get the h— out of the way,” de Blasio said then. “Maybe he could close off his career with one act of dignity and decency and just step aside.”

Reflecting on that turbulent political dynamic during Wednesday’s remarks, de Blasio quipped, “Some of you may have noticed I didn’t get along with the governor I served with most of the time. I’m forgetting his name right now. But he definitely was governor for a period of time when I served.”

{Matzav.com}

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has formally asked the Hungarian government to explain why it declined to act on the ICC’s arrest warrant for Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu during his recent trip to Budapest.

The inquiry was submitted under Article 87(7) of the Rome Statute, which empowers the court to pursue action against countries that obstruct its ability to carry out its judicial responsibilities, stating such actions “prevent the court from exercising its functions and powers under the Statute.”

Back in November, the ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and then-defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing both of targeting civilians in Gaza and of deliberately restricting humanitarian aid as a weapon of war in the course of Israel’s conflict with the Hamas terrorist organization.

The court asserts that Hungary breached its legal commitments by declining to arrest Netanyahu, despite receiving a formal request from the ICC on April 3—the same day Netanyahu arrived in Budapest.

Just ahead of his meeting with Netanyahu, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared that his country would begin the process of leaving the ICC.

The court has given Hungary until May 23 to submit its official explanation.

{Matzav.com}

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), issued a serious caution as discussions between the United States and Iran resumed over Tehran’s nuclear activities.

Speaking to the French newspaper Le Monde, Grossi stated that Iran is “not far” from acquiring a nuclear bomb.

He offered a striking analogy, saying, “You have the pieces, and they could, in the end, put them together. They still have a long way to go, but they’re not far; we have to recognize this.”

Negotiations between American and Iranian officials restarted on Saturday in Oman, as part of a renewed attempt to strike a nuclear agreement.

On Sunday, President Donald Trump addressed the Iranian threat, stating: “We’ve got a problem with Iran, but I’ll solve that problem, that’s almost an easy one.”

He went on to say, “Iran wants to deal with us, but they don’t know how. We had a meeting with them on Saturday. We have another meeting scheduled for next Saturday. I said that’s a long time [between meetings]. I think they’re tapping us along because they were so used to dealing with stupid people in this country.”

The President issued a warning: “They gotta go fast because they’re fairly close to having one. And they are not going to have one, and if we have to do something very harsh, we’re going to do it. I’m not doing it for US, I’m doing it for the world.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli intelligence believes that food supplies in Gaza could last for approximately one more month following the suspension of aid deliveries that began after the January ceasefire, according to a report Wednesday evening by Kan News.

Throughout the war, which began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and during the January truce, humanitarian shipments were regularly permitted into Gaza. However, much of that aid was reportedly seized by Hamas operatives, who either sold it to civilians at steep prices or stockpiled it for their own use.

Israeli officials are now hoping that the dwindling resources in Gaza will compel Hamas to meet Israel’s conditions, which include releasing the remaining hostages and agreeing to disarm. This strategy may also explain Defense Minister Yisroel Katz’s comments earlier in the day suggesting that Israel might soon restart the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The Kan report noted that military leaders are currently evaluating possible alternatives to deliver aid in a way that ensures it doesn’t fall into the hands of Hamas. Officials argue that limiting access to basic necessities like food, fuel, and water is essential to ratcheting up pressure on the terror group, and that failure to comply with Israeli demands will only worsen conditions in the enclave.

On Wednesday morning, Defense Minister Katz outlined Israel’s strategic goals in Gaza and how they are being carried out by the IDF. “First and foremost, we are making every effort to bring about the release of all of the hostages under the Witkoff plan, and to build a bridge to defeat Hamas later on,” Katz stated.

Katz emphasized that halting humanitarian assistance is a deliberate step meant to weaken Hamas’ grip over civilians in Gaza. He added that Israel is exploring a new system to distribute aid through private sector channels, in an effort to prevent the terror group from exploiting relief efforts.

Facing backlash from some coalition members following his statements, Katz later clarified his position: “Israel’s policy is clear – no humanitarian aid is set to enter Gaza, and preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza is a key pressure tool that prevents Hamas from using means against the population, in addition to other measures Israel is taking. It’s unfortunate that some are trying to mislead the public.”

He concluded by reiterating that there is no current plan to resume humanitarian shipments. “No one in the current reality intends to bring any humanitarian aid to Gaza, nor are there preparations to bring any such aid. I emphasized that regarding the future, a mechanism must be built for the use of civilian companies as a tool that will not allow Hamas access to the issue even in the future.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Families affiliated with the Tikva Forum convened on Wednesday with Minister Ron Dermer to receive an update on the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza.

Following the discussion, participants voiced alarm over the prospect of a limited agreement that would exclude some of the captives. “We understood once again that the State of Israel is negotiating over a limited number of hostages – and all the rest will be abandoned in Gaza for at least several months,” said Ditza and Yaron Or and Zvika Mor of the Tikva Forum. “This is unacceptable. It is forbidden to select among the hostages. All the hostages must be released together – in one go and on one bus.”

The families urged Minister Dermer to dramatically ramp up the pressure on Hamas, proposing a cessation of humanitarian assistance, the dismantling of utilities such as power, water, and internet, the destruction of entire neighborhoods, and even the seizure of territory as bargaining tools, alongside escalating both diplomatic and military action.

When they pressed Dermer for a specific strategy on how the government planned to recover every hostage swiftly, they were met with silence.

“The Israeli government must force Hamas to return all the hostages by using all means of pressure at its disposal,” they declared in closing.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a groundbreaking move that challenges long-held taboos within the chareidi world, the Toldos Aharon community of Meah Shearim has taken a historic step: dedicating a major feature in its official weekly publication, Anash Blattel, to the topic of children with Down syndrome. This unprecedented 10,000-word article, published in the Pesach edition, seeks to remove the shame often associated with raising a child with special needs and to place the conversation firmly and openly on the table.

For generations, some families in some parts of the chareidi world have hidden children with disabilities—avoiding bringing them to shul, to simchos, or even mentioning them in public. But Toldos Aharon is leading a shift in mindset. The magazine gave parents of children with special needs a platform to tell their stories—some openly, others anonymously—sharing their pain, struggles, and immense emotional challenges.

These are parents tested by Hashem with an especially difficult nisayon, yet they rise to the challenge with profound strength. One after another, they described the loneliness and burden of raising a special child, often without a support system that understands what they face daily.

The magazine framed the issue with spiritual depth, describing these children as neshamos tehoros, pure souls from the upper worlds, who descended into bodies that carry physical hardship. These children are not only here for their own tikun, but also to bring spiritual elevation to their families. They are “pure souls in broken vessels,” as the article put it—souls whose purpose and mission are known only to the Ribbono Shel Olam.

One father explained, “Unless you’ve lived it, you can never truly understand. You can hear a thousand descriptions, but you won’t grasp the heartache and challenge unless you’ve stood in our place—and you never will, b’ezras Hashem.”

The article emphasized that this nisayon does not discriminate. It can strike the most accomplished individuals—bnei Torah, community leaders, askanim, or the children of prominent rabbanim. “If Hashem chooses a family for this challenge,” the piece said, “He picks them with a divine tweezer. Only those truly suited for it are chosen.”

One parent shared a moving insight: “We constantly remind ourselves that this child isn’t our personal challenge. Rather, we’ve been entrusted with a pikadon, a sacred deposit, from Heaven. If our child makes noise in shul or at a wedding, that’s not our shame. It’s our honor. Imagine someone going around asking for a kind-hearted family to take in a child—without pay, without time limits—and we said yes. Mi ke’amcha Yisroel!”

Another parent added, “When people ask me how I took on such a burden, I answer that the request came from the Gadol Hador—the Ribbono Shel Olam Himself. He chose us and promised us yeshuos in its merit.”

One striking passage urged readers to rethink how they speak to these families. “Please don’t tell us ‘you’re lucky to have such a special neshamah’ or quote tzaddikim saying these are holy souls. We know that already. What we need isn’t lofty platitudes—it’s sensitivity, space, and respect. And please, don’t try to help ‘discipline’ our child or offer advice unless you truly understand. If you want to help, take the child on an outing, give us a break, or simply be there.”

The article concluded with several practical messages for families and the broader community:

1. Early Evaluation: If you suspect developmental delays, don’t panic, but do check with professionals. Early diagnosis is a gift. Don’t hide. Don’t be ashamed.

2. Find Support: You are not alone. There are now support groups within the chareidi community, including in Toldos Aharon. Reach out and find strength together.

3. Accept and Embrace: There is no “cure” for the reality. Don’t waste energy on bubbe maisehs or miracle cures. Don’t worry about shidduchim or the gossipers—they’ll talk either way. Hiding the child only gives fuel to rumors and speculation. Instead, invest in real solutions. There are excellent professionals today who can help your child reach their potential.

4. Spiritual Anchoring: Before all else, the article encouraged parents to bring their concerns to their rebbe and daas Torah, and to daven with all their heart. “We have whom to turn to—and we must.”

Ultimately, the message was one of pride, not shame; strength, not embarrassment. “When our children come home and tell us that their sibling with special needs acted out in shul,” one father said with shining eyes, “I remind them: This is our pekudah from Hashem. And if that’s the price of having the zechus to care for His beloved child, we accept it with love.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

TIME Magazine has named Noa Argamani—who endured months in captivity after being kidnapped by Hamas—as one of the 100 most influential people of 2025.

Argamani was seized on October 7, 2023, during the terror attack at the Supernova Music Festival in Re’im, alongside her partner, Avinatan Or. A widely circulated video captured the horrific moment she was taken—her arms raised and pleading for help while sitting on the back of a terrorist’s motorcycle. That footage quickly became an emblem of the massacre.

Her release came on June 8, 2024, in a dramatic rescue operation carried out by Yamam, the Shin Bet, and the IDF. She was freed along with Shlomi Ziv, Almog Meir Jan, and Andrey Kozlov. The mission was later named Operation Arnon, in memory of Yamam officer Arnon Zmora, who was killed during the operation. Avinatan Or remains a hostage.

Since being rescued, Argamani has become a prominent advocate for the release of the remaining hostages. She has spoken at major international events and met with world leaders, amplifying the cause on the global stage.

Her entry in the TIME 100 list was written by Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris. In his piece, Emhoff shared that the video of Argamani’s kidnapping is “forever seared into my soul. She was joyfully dancing with so many others at the Nova music festival when Hamas launched its brutal terrorist attack. As she was kidnapped into Gaza on a motorcycle, her harrowing expression became a symbol of the pain and trauma Jews worldwide, myself included, continue to feel.”

He went on to say, “My wife Kamala Harris and I stand with Noa in fighting for the release of all the hostages. We cannot give up until every one of them is home.”

Emhoff concluded with a powerful tribute: “Noa’s advocacy has ¬illuminated Hamas’ extreme brutality, but more importantly, her bravery has embodied Jewish resilience and strength even in the worst moments. She is living proof to the world that, despite everything, ‘we will dance again.'”

{Matzav.com}

Just weeks after resuming large-scale military action in Gaza, the IDF and Shin Bet released a summary of recent accomplishments, highlighting the elimination of top Hamas operatives, attacks on strategic locations, and the capture of significant territory in the region.

Military activities in Gaza resumed on March 18, 2025, with a focused campaign aimed at high-ranking and mid-level members of the Hamas terror organization.

The initial wave of strikes was guided by detailed intelligence work and meticulous analysis carried out through close collaboration between the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate and the Shin Bet. According to information currently available, there is a high degree of certainty that eight senior figures from Hamas’s political bureau were killed in that opening salvo.

In addition to those high-ranking officials, multiple commanders from various internal units—including Hamas’s General and Internal Security branches—were also eliminated. These operatives had been involved in vital roles supporting both terror infrastructure and arms production for Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Throughout the broader conflict, Israeli forces have made it a priority to target top leadership figures of Hamas, both within Gaza and outside its borders.

As the latest phase of the Gaza operation unfolds, a total of eleven Hamas political bureau leaders have now been confirmed eliminated.

Striking figures from both the political and security arms of Hamas has dealt a blow to the group’s ability to govern in Gaza and has disrupted coordination between its political leadership and its military operations. These actions have significantly furthered Israel’s efforts to cripple Hamas’s control over the region.

To date, around 1,200 terrorist-linked targets have been hit from the air by over 350 Israel Air Force jets and aircraft. The operation has included more than 100 targeted killings, taking out hundreds of terrorists and militant commanders involved in the October 7 massacre and other attacks.

Among the eliminated figures are a deputy brigade commander, five battalion leaders, a deputy battalion commander, the head of military intelligence for Hamas in southern Gaza, 15 company commanders, and others who infiltrated Israel on October 7 and took part in the massacre.

Ground troops continue their mission to destroy Hamas’s operational infrastructure, operating in new territories where they hadn’t previously entered. Their objectives include uncovering weapons caches, dismantling tunnels, and neutralizing terrorist facilities.

The military remains ready to widen the ground campaign depending on how the situation evolves.

At present, IDF forces are expanding control of the “Morag” Corridor, which separates the Khan Yunis and Rafah Brigades.

As a result of these ongoing efforts, Israeli forces have now secured multiple strategic areas and routes within Gaza. Roughly 30% of the territory is under Israeli control and is now classified as part of an Operational Security Perimeter.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Harvard University Wednesday morning, declaring the school undeserving of further federal assistance and claiming it no longer qualifies as a respectable academic institution.

In a fiery Truth Social post, Trump labeled the university a “JOKE,” following the announcement from his administration that $2.2 billion in federal funding would be frozen. The move came after Harvard declined to follow directives related to staffing choices, academic content, and its admissions processes.

Trump took particular aim at the university’s recent faculty hires, singling out ex-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot—both Democrats—whom he mocked for their roles as educators.

He also condemned Harvard’s handling of Claudine Gay, the university’s first Black female president, who stepped down last year amid revelations of alleged plagiarism spanning back decades. “Everyone knows that Harvard has ‘lost its way,’” Trump posted. “They hired, from New York (Bill D) and Chicago (Lori L), at ridiculously high salaries/fees, two of the WORST and MOST INCOMPETENT mayors in the history of our Country, to ‘teach’ municipal management and government. These two Radical Left fools left behind two cities that will take years to recover from their incompetence and evil.”

He didn’t stop there, criticizing Harvard’s broader academic environment and staff. Trump accused the institution of bringing in “almost all woke, Radical Left, idiots and birdbrains,” and said they are “only capable of teaching FAILURE to students and so-called ‘future leaders.’”

Referencing Gay again, Trump called her Harvard’s “plagiarizing President,” and lambasted the university’s decision to retain her in a teaching role. “When it got so bad that they just couldn’t take it anymore, they moved this grossly inept woman into another position, teaching, rather than firing her ON THE SPOT,” he wrote. “Since then much else has been found out about her, but she remains in place.”

Gay currently holds the title of Wilbur A. Cowett Professor of Government and also serves as a professor in African and African-American Studies.

Trump suggested that the university remains filled with individuals “like these Leftist dopes,” continuing to shape Harvard’s academic offerings.

“Because of that, Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World’s Great Universities or Colleges,” Trump said. “Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

This latest tirade comes just a day after Trump hinted that Harvard’s tax-exempt status should be revoked, suggesting it be treated like a political group for, in his words, promoting “political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting ‘Sickness?’”

Earlier in the week, Harvard President Alan Garber responded to the administration’s pressure by addressing the university community directly. “No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.”

{Matzav.com}

A new video surfaced today from the military wing of Islamic Jihad, showing hostage Rom Braslavski, who was abducted during the October 7, 2023, terror assault on the Nova music festival.

This marks the first time Braslavski has been shown on video since his abduction, serving as a rare indication that he is still alive after spending over 500 days in captivity.

His family permitted only the release of a short, heavily blurred clip that was originally circulated by Islamic Jihad.

Nineteen-year-old Braslavski, a resident of Pisgat Ze’ev, had been working as a security guard at the Nova music event held near Kibbutz Re’im when the massacre took place. Witness accounts describe his bravery as he risked his life to protect and rescue numerous attendees.

According to reports from that tragic day, he also attempted to evacuate the bodies of two young women to prevent their remains from being taken to Gaza. However, just moments later, a rocket-propelled grenade was launched in their direction, scattering the crowd in panic. Braslavski vanished during the chaos.

His family remains gravely worried about his health. He has a history of severe asthma and sustained injuries to both hands during the attack.

{Matzav.com Israel}

An Israeli fighter jet on the way to the Gaza Strip inadvertently dropped one of its bombs on an open field near Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak in the northwestern Negev on Tuesday evening.

The bomb exploded, but there were no casualties or damage as it landed in an unpopulated agricultural area.

“A short while ago, munitions dropped from a fighter jet during an attack in the Gaza Strip fell in an open area in the Nir Yitzchak area as a result of a technical malfunction,” according to the IDF Spokesperson.

Kibbutz members heard the explosion but initially assumed it was the launch of an Iron Dome interceptor.

“The kibbutz is in constant contact with military officials and expects a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident,” according to a statement released by the community.

On Tuesday, Nir Yitzchak held an open day for families interested in living there. Terrorists attacked the kibbutz directly on Oct. 7, 2023, killing eight and taking six captive, as well as two bodies.

The kibbutz, which was severely damaged during the attack, has since been working to rehabilitate itself both physically and in terms of the community, and is opening its doors to new families.

The Eshkol Regional Council, which covers an area between Ashkelon and Be’er Sheva, called the bombing “a very unusual incident” and noted that it is under investigation by the Israeli Air Force. “We are in direct contact with military officials and expect a thorough investigation of the case and the implementation of the conclusions regarding it in order to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future,” it said.

The incident was not the first of its kind during the current war, according to Ynet.

In June 2024, a tank shell went off course and landed near the border fence, according to the outlet.

In May 2024, a 1,100-pound bomb that had fallen from an IAF F-15 was found among houses in Moshav Yated, also in the Eshkol region. The IDF called the malfunction “unusual, rare, serious and dangerous.” However, such incidents are still extremely rare. JNS

{Matzav.com}