Matzav

MK Yitzchok Goldknopf issued a clarification on Sunday in response to a wave of criticism following remarks he made in an interview with Makor Rishon, insisting that his comments had been misrepresented.

During the interview, which appeared in the weekend edition of Makor Rishon, Goldknopf was asked for his opinion about the Religious Zionist sector. He replied, “Their pain will be with them, and our pain will be with us. Don’t bring me your pain and transfer it to me. Let’s decide that each one has their own package.”

The quote quickly drew fire from across the political spectrum, with many interpreting it as a callous dismissal of the grief experienced by families of fallen IDF soldiers. In an attempt to set the record straight, Goldknopf later emphasized that his comments were only addressing the ongoing debate over the Draft Law, not the bereavement experienced by military families.

“The Makor Rishon newspaper shamed, saddened, incited conflict, polarized, and caused great anguish to the families of our holy fallen soldiers,” Goldknopf said. “It also greatly wronged me, but I am not the story here. The interview was solely about the Draft Law.”

Expressing remorse for the misunderstanding, he continued, “I apologize to the bereaved families. Your sons are the holiest. Your pain is the pain of all of us. I weep and mourn for every fallen soldier. Every fallen soldier is holy, no matter their background. May God avenge their blood.”

{Matzav.com}

Ten months after a failed assassination attempt targeting President Trump at his golf resort in Florida, what seems to be a highly fortified golf cart has made its first appearance as part of his security presence on the green.

While Trump teed off this weekend at the Trump Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire, Scotland, observers spotted a striking black vehicle trailing closely behind him. Security analysts believe the machine is an armored adaptation of a Polaris Ranger XP, reminiscent of Trump’s heavily modified limousine known as “The Beast.”

Although Trump was seen driving a standard white golf cart during his round, the shadowy, reinforced structure accompanying him was impossible to miss. The upgraded cart stood out for its size and formidable design, a stark contrast to the open terrain of the golf course.

“Just looking at the front windscreen, that looks armored,” Gary Relf, director of Armoured Car Services, told The Telegraph.

According to Relf, while it’s not possible to definitively identify every alteration from the outside, the vehicle’s dark windshield with black edges strongly suggests internal armor has been installed. He explained that companies like his frequently dismantle vehicles and discreetly refit their interiors with protective materials.

“From those photos, that is 100% armored,” he said. “The windscreen is a giveaway, as are the side panels, doors and the large panel at the rear above the load tray.”

Relf described the design as one intended for protection rather than aggression, suggesting that the tinted windows are the result of advanced transparent armor.

“The thicker the transparent armoring, the more tinted the window looks,” he noted.

He also pointed out that the enhancements likely strike a balance between offering high-level protection and minimizing impact on the golf course itself, ensuring the cart remains light enough not to damage the turf.

When asked about the suspicious vehicle, a spokesperson for the Secret Service declined to confirm or deny whether it was part of Trump’s official protection, stating that the agency doesn’t publicly comment on its protective tactics or equipment.

Given that Trump has already been targeted in two separate assassination attempts in the past year, the presence of upgraded defenses on the golf course is hardly surprising.

Back on September 15, 59-year-old Ryan Routh pointed a Soviet-style semiautomatic rifle at Trump’s security team while the president walked along the fifth hole of Trump International Golf Club in Florida.

Routh had concealed himself in dense shrubbery near the sixth hole, roughly 400 yards away. Agents spotted him during a routine sweep and fired a shot in his direction. Routh dropped his weapon and fled in a Nissan SUV.

He was captured less than an hour later during a traffic stop and charged with attempting to assassinate the president.

Just two months before that, Trump endured another attempt on his life while speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The would-be assassin, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, had taken a position on the roof of a nearby building and opened fire with an AR-style rifle.

During the attack, Trump was grazed on the ear, a bystander was seriously injured, and former firefighter Corey Comperatore was fatally shot.

Crooks was neutralized by a counter-sniper unit moments after the shooting began.

{Matzav.com}

At Sunday’s “Together As One” event hosted by Daystar, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu addressed attendees with a passionate message about the unbreakable link between Israel and the Christian world, urging unity in the face of growing threats from radical extremism and calling for a collective defense of the truth.

Appearing alongside Pastor Paula White, head of The White House Faith Office, Netanyahu spoke of the mutual roots binding Jews and Christians. He praised Israel’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Christian populations across the region.

“This is the city and the land where it all began,” Netanyahu said, describing Yerushalayim as the cradle of the Judeo-Christian legacy. He applauded this heritage for introducing and advancing the concepts of one G-d, the value of each human life, and liberty. Recalling the Jewish people’s moral revolution against slavery, he said, “the beginning of the idea of freedom began in this land.”

Netanyahu also highlighted the strong alliance between America and Israel, which he described as being built upon deep spiritual and historical foundations. He recalled his speech to the U.S. Congress and referenced the biblical quote from Moses that adorns the Capitol walls. “We’re immersed in the Bible. We live the Bible. We have a future because we have a past,” he said, acknowledging the Christian community for their steadfast support, which he credited as essential to maintaining a world that is free, prosperous, and at peace.

But Netanyahu also delivered a stark warning, noting that this alliance is under siege by radical Islamic ideologies determined to impose their dominance and drive out Western and Israeli influence. These extremists, he noted, label the U.S. “the great Satan” and Israel “the small Satan,” but he declared that Israel “a small state that’s standing in their way. And we fight them. We fight them together as we recently have, with President Trump’s leadership and our partnership.”

He pushed back strongly against a growing global narrative that falsely paints Israel as an adversary of Christianity. “The only thriving Christian community in the broad broad radius of the Middle East, where Christians are not tolerated, they’re cherished,” Netanyahu asserted, reaffirming that Israel is a haven for Christians, unlike many surrounding nations where Christians face persecution.

He pointed to the transformation of Bethlehem as a sobering example of what happens when Israel is no longer present to safeguard Christian populations. According to Netanyahu, when the Palestinian Authority assumed control following Israel’s departure, the Christian population dwindled dramatically. “The Christian majority shrank from 80% to under 20% because there was no more Israel to protect them.”

Netanyahu stressed Israel’s dedication to protecting Christian heritage and religious landmarks. “We cherish our Christian friends. We protect the Christian holy sites,” he said, mentioning sacred locations like the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and places in the Galilee, Nazareth, and Capernaum, where “Jesus preached for three years.” He criticized the misinformation spread by influencers on American TV, declaring, “what folly, what lies. What a travesty of truth.”

Framing the global information war as an additional battlefield, he declared the emergence of an “eighth front” in the broader conflict: “the battle for truth.” Netanyahu called on Christian allies to help lead the charge. “We must fight for our common values, we must stand up for the truth. And by standing up for the truth you stand up with Israel, and you stand with the Jewish people against this abomination of falsehoods.”

He also acknowledged the ambassadors in attendance and their nations’ vibrant Christian populations who share close ties with Israel. He offered thanks to the “many many many millions around the world who have voiced support for Israel during our great battles here. We haven’t finished, but we’ll win and we’ll continue.”

A major portion of his remarks focused on challenging international accusations that Israel is causing starvation in Gaza. “Israel is presented as though we are applying a campaign of starvation in Gaza. What a bold-faced lie. There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza,” Netanyahu stated plainly. He explained that throughout the conflict, Israel has facilitated the transfer of humanitarian aid, insisting, “what is interdicting the supply of humanitarian aid is one force – Hamas.”

Netanyahu charged Hamas with hijacking relief supplies and using the crisis to smear Israel. He said Israel has complied fully with international standards, allowing in “hundreds and hundreds of trucks loaded with tons… So far we’ve supplied 1.9 million tons of food since the beginning of the war. Almost two million tons.” He then turned his focus to the United Nations and humanitarian agencies, stating that Israel has clearly established safe corridors and that trucks are queued on the Gazan side of the Kerem Shalom crossing. “The UN has no excuses left. No excuses left. Stop lying. Stop finding excuses. Do what you have to do and stop accusing Israel deliberately of this egregious falsehood,” he demanded.

As he brought his speech to a close, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s military objectives: “the release of our hostages and the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities. They shall be there no more.” He expressed determination that atrocities like those witnessed in recent months will never recur. “No more of these massacres, we shall not have any more of these monstrosities,” he said, pledging Israel’s enduring stand for life and liberty, in contrast with the ideology of Hamas, Iran, and their proxies.

“We fought this battle together, we shall win it together,” Netanyahu concluded, affirming the deep alliance between Israel and its allies. He described it as a bond cherished by “the vast majority of Americans and I would say, just about all Israelis, and by the way, Jews and non-Jews alike, because we know that our standing together ensures our common future.” He ended with warm thanks to all who have stood by Israel and will continue to do so.

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{Matzav.com}

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) drew parallels between Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas and the Allied forces’ decisive actions in Berlin and Tokyo during World War II, asserting that only a full military victory can ensure lasting peace.

In an interview aired on NBC News, Graham acknowledged Israel’s increasing humanitarian efforts toward Gaza residents. “I talked to [World Food Programme Executive Director] Cindy McCain last night. Here’s some good news for the people in Gaza. Humanitarian corridors are now gonna be open. Israel’s gonna work with the UN [and] the World Food Program to get some food in to these people who need it.”

At the same time, Graham stressed that both the United States and Israel are shifting their focus away from diplomacy and toward a strategy aimed at decisively defeating Hamas.

“I think President Trump has come to believe, and I’ve certainly come to believe, there’s no way you’re gonna negotiate an end to this war with Hamas,” he said. “Hamas is a terrorist organization who is chartered to destroy the State of Israel. They’re religious Nazis. They hold Israeli hostages.”

Graham emphasized that the Israeli government has accepted the reality that a negotiated settlement is not feasible and that military action is the only way forward. “I think Israel’s come to conclude that they can’t achieve a goal of ending the war with Hamas that would be satisfactory to the safety of Israel, and that they’re going to do in Gaza what we did in Tokyo and Berlin; take the place by force, then start over again, presenting a better future for the Palestinians, hopefully having the Arabs take over the West Bank and Gaza,” Senator Graham stated.

He concluded by reiterating that Israel is preparing for an intensified military campaign: “I think … you’re going to see a change in tactics, a full military effort by Israel to take Gaza down like we did in Tokyo and Berlin.”

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In a deeply disturbing display of escalating antisemitism, traffic on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn ground to a halt today as a group of Muslim demonstrators brought the major freeway to a standstill near the Pennsylvania Avenue exit, exiting their vehicles and chanting “Globalize the Intifada.”

The Belt Parkway, one of New York City’s most heavily used highways—connecting Queens and Brooklyn to Long Island—became the site of what many are calling a brazen act of incitement and lawlessness. Eyewitnesses reported that protesters stopped their cars in the middle of the roadway and emerged to shout hate slogans, disrupting traffic and causing widespread confusion and alarm among drivers.

Video footage and social media posts from the scene show individuals chanting slogans calling for a global intifada, a term historically linked to waves of deadly terror attacks against Jews.

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“This is not protest. This is hate, intimidation, and dangerous behavior on a public highway,” said one shocked commuter who was caught in the traffic jam. “They weren’t just demonstrating. They were glorifying violence.”

Law enforcement sources say they are reviewing video from the scene and investigating how the group was able to coordinate such an obstruction on a major thoroughfare in broad daylight.

Calls are already being made for an immediate response from city and state leaders, with many demanding arrests and prosecution of those responsible for endangering public safety and promoting hate.

“This is what the cancer of antisemitism looks like when it metastasizes,” said one Jewish community advocate. “And it’s spreading—right here, in Brooklyn.”

{Matzav.com}

Authorities have taken a man into custody following a disruptive incident on an EasyJet flight traveling from London Luton Airport to Glasgow. Footage that quickly spread across social media shows the individual yelling, “I am going to bomb the plane,” sparking alarm among fellow passengers.

In the same clip, the man can also be heard shouting, “death to America, death to Trump” and “Allahu Akbar,” the Arabic phrase meaning “God is Great.”

Another passenger on board intervened and physically restrained the suspect, bringing him to the floor as the situation escalated.

Once the flight touched down safely in Glasgow, police officers entered the aircraft and detained the suspect.

“Officers boarded the plane on its arrival and a 41-year-old man was arrested and remains in custody. Enquiries are continuing,” stated Police Scotland in an official release.

Authorities further confirmed that counterterrorism units are reviewing the videos that have circulated widely online.

According to a report from the Glasgow Times, EasyJet issued a statement assuring the public that “the safety of the flight and other customers was not compromised at any time.”

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is currently in Scotland, where he revealed that a resolution has been reached with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to bring an end to the longstanding transatlantic tariff dispute and prevent a broader trade conflict.

{Matzav.com}

On Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz toured the Ramon Airbase together with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the head of the Israeli Air Force.

While at the base, Katz commended the Air Force for its decisive actions during Operation Rising Lion. “I came here today to thank you for the incredible work you did in the operation, when you opened the skies to Tehran, repeatedly striking the head of the Iranian octopus and removing existential threats from over the State of Israel.”

Katz also issued a stark message aimed directly at Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. “I want to send a clear message from here to dictator Khamenei: If you continue threatening Israel, our long arm will reach Tehran again — this time with even greater force, and this time, to you personally. Do not threaten, lest you be harmed.”

Just last month, Katz visited Cholon following an Iranian missile attack that left dozens of civilians wounded, including four who were seriously hurt.

While visiting the site of the strike, he issued another warning to Iran’s leadership, declaring, “A dictator like Khamenei cannot be allowed to exist. Khamenei is a modern-day Hitler, diverting his nation’s resources toward the goal of destroying Israel.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Belzer community has been plunged into mourning with the passing of Rav Shalom Yisroel Dirnfeld zt”l, Rosh Yeshivas Torah V’Emunah in Yerushalayim. He was 68 years old.

Rav Dirnfeld passed away Sunday morning following a prolonged and painful illness.

Born on 12 Adar 5717 (1957), Rav Shalom Yisroel was the son of Rav Alter Yaakov Eliezer Dirnfeld, one of the pioneering melamdim in the Belzer Talmud Torah in Tel Aviv and the childhood melamed of the current Belzer Rebbe.

A towering figure in the Belzer community, Rav Dirnfeld was a chossid of rare stature, widely admired for his brilliance, character, and unwavering dedication. The Belzer Rebbe placed great trust in him, entrusting him with the leadership of Yeshivas Torah V’Emunah — a Belz-founded institution devoted to bringing Jews closer to their Father in Heaven. Under his guidance, the yeshiva became a shining beacon for baalei teshuvah, nurturing spiritual growth with warmth and depth.

He was a gifted orator and a powerful advocate for Torah values in the public sphere. In the days leading up to the 2022 elections, Rav Dirnfeld delivered a passionate address on behalf of the Rebbe during a motzei Shabbos gathering attended by thousands, urging listeners to cast their vote for Agudas Yisroel as an act of kiddush Hashem. “All of Hashem’s emissaries sitting there sanctify His name by having no personal agendas,” he declared. “Their every action is guided by ‘you shall do according to what they instruct you.’ Even others admire them for that.”

In addition to his leadership and public roles, Rav Dirnfeld often led the tefillos in the main Belzer beis medrash, where his stirring voice echoed with sincerity and devotion.

He leaves behind a family that continues in his path of Torah and yiras Shamayim.

The levayah was held today at the Sanhedria Funeral Home and then the main Belzer beis medrash in Kiryas Belz, proceeding to Har Hamenuchos for kevurah.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Jay Leno, a legendary name in late-night television, criticized the current trend of politicized comedy, saying audiences are tuning out because they’re being lectured instead of entertained. “No one wants to hear a lecture,” he said, emphasizing that comedians should stick to delivering laughs, not political messaging.

In a video posted to Facebook, Leno recalled his time on television when he would get criticism from both ends of the political spectrum. “‘Dear Mr. Leno, you and your Republican friends’ and ‘Well, Mr. Leno, I hope you and your Democratic buddies are happy’ – over the same joke,” he shared with Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation CEO David Trulio. Leno added, “And I go, ‘Well, that’s good; that’s how you get a whole audience.’”

Leno expressed concern that today’s late-night shows, with their relentless targeting of President Donald Trump and overt support for Democrats, are pushing away a significant portion of viewers — and potentially more than half, referencing Trump’s popular vote win last November. “Now you have to be content with half the audience because you have to give your opinion,” Leno said, reflecting on the backlash surrounding “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” CBS’s recent $16 million settlement with Trump, and the Trump administration’s FCC approving Paramount’s acquisition of CBS.

He pointed out how the rise of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” has changed both comedy and political discourse, noting that in decades of knowing the late Rodney Dangerfield, they never once talked politics. “I knew Rodney 40 years,” Leno said. “I have no idea if he was Democrat or Republican. We never discussed; we just discussed jokes.”

To Leno, comedy was always a break from real life — not an extension of political strife. “And to me, I like to think that people come to a comedy show to kind of get away from the things, you know, the pressures of life, whatever it might be,” he said. “And I love political humor, don’t get me wrong, but it’s just what happens when people wind up cozying too much to one side or the other.”

David Trulio commented that while humor can unite, it can also divide. Leno responded with sarcasm, “‘Oh, it’s a great uniter,’” before continuing earnestly, “No, funny is funny. It’s funny when someone who’s not” of your politics, “you make fun of their side and they laugh at it, you know. I don’t think anybody wants to hear a lecture.”

Leno drove home the point that punchlines should come before partisanship. “Get the jokes out, not the political message,” he insisted. Reflecting on his collaboration with Dangerfield, he said, “When I was with Rodney, it was always in the economy of words — get to the joke as quickly as possible.”

As many late-night programs struggle with viewership, Leno suggested that leaning too far politically might be a big part of the problem, paraphrasing James Carville’s famous phrase: “It’s the comedy, stupid.” He questioned why shows would intentionally limit their reach. “Well, why shoot for just half an audience all the time? You know, why not try to get the whole audience,” he said.

In closing, Leno stressed the value of inclusivity in humor. “I mean, I like to bring people into the big picture. I don’t understand why you would alienate one particular group, you know, or just don’t do it at all. I’m not saying you have to throw your support or whatever, but just do what’s funny.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump has announced a major preliminary trade agreement with the European Union, one that includes significant European purchases of American goods and investment into the U.S. economy. Under the terms of the framework deal, the 27-member EU bloc is set to buy $750 billion worth of American energy and commit an additional $600 billion in investments beyond its current levels.

In return, the United States will be applying a 15% tariff on the majority of goods being imported from Europe.

The deal was presented shortly after Trump concluded a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at his Trump Turnberry property in Scotland.

“I think it’s the biggest deal ever made,” Trump proclaimed.

“I think we both wanted to make a deal,” the president added. “It’s going to bring us closer together. I think this deal will bring us very close together.”

As part of the agreement, Europe has also agreed to purchase large quantities of U.S. military equipment, although Trump acknowledged that the specifics are still being worked out. “We don’t know what that number is,” he said.

Following their announcement, Trump and von der Leyen shook hands and exchanged praise. However, both leaders were notably tight-lipped about the specifics of what the U.S. might have given up in the negotiation.

“The starting point was an imbalance — a surplus on our side and a deficit on the US side,” the EU boss said when asked about the concessions Trump made. “And we wanted to rebalance the trade relation, and we wanted to do it in a way that trade goes on between the two of us across the Atlantic.”

Leading up to the agreement, Trump had made it clear that failure to reach a deal would result in the U.S. imposing a 30% tariff on EU imports. Von der Leyen flew to Scotland for the high-stakes talks, and both leaders reportedly believed the odds of reaching an agreement were about 50-50 until shortly before the deal was struck.

Earlier in the day, Trump had told reporters that the pharmaceutical industry would be excluded from this agreement, citing his administration’s broader plan to relocate manufacturing of medicines and supplies back to the U.S. “Pharmaceuticals won’t be part” of the deal, he said.

Von der Leyen praised Trump’s ability to drive a hard bargain during negotiations. “A tough negotiator and dealmaker,” she said.

“And fair,” Trump interjected.

During his discussion with the press on Sunday, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the August 1 launch of his tailor-made “Liberation Day” tariffs. Though he had already postponed the deadline twice, this time he made clear there would be no further extensions.

The president has already reached early-stage tariff agreements with countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. He hinted that another deal has recently been finalized, though he declined to name the country involved.

Trump currently maintains several tariff measures, including a 25% duty on vehicles, steel, and aluminum, and similar tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports that fall outside the guidelines of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. He has also floated the possibility of increasing those rates in the near future.

Trump has entered into a temporary tariff ceasefire with China, setting a deadline of August 12 for Beijing to finalize a comprehensive agreement.

Earlier this month, Trump also issued a warning to Moscow: reach a peace agreement with Ukraine within 50 days or face sweeping secondary sanctions in the form of 100% tariffs on Russian energy—penalties that would apply to countries continuing to buy from Russia.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Gershon Ribner, rosh kollel of Kollel Nesivos Hatorah and son-in-law of Rav Shneur Kotler, has succeeded in applying classical Talmudical analysis and methodology to understanding all areas of Yiddishkeit, bringing out its profundity and sense.

LISTEN:

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is calling for legal action to be taken against Kamala Harris and several high-profile figures, accusing them of taking part in an illegal scheme to boost Harris’ failed 2024 presidential campaign through paid endorsements.

According to Trump, enormous sums were funneled from the Harris campaign to celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Al Sharpton in exchange for their public support. He alleges these payments were disguised as appearance fees but were effectively illegal campaign endorsements.

“I’m looking at the large amount of money owed by the Democrats, after the Presidential Election,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “These ridiculous fees were incorrectly stated in the books and records. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY FOR AN ENDORSEMENT. IT IS TOTALLY ILLEGAL TO DO SO.”

“Can you imagine what would happen if politicians started paying for people to endorse them. All h— would break out.”

The controversy stems from financial disclosures made during the 2024 election cycle, where Harris’ campaign reportedly paid $165,000 to Parkwood Entertainment for participation in a Houston rally held on October 26. In addition, Harpo Productions, Oprah Winfrey’s firm, received $1 million for producing a livestream event in Michigan, and Sharpton’s National Action Network was given $500,000.

Trump offered alternate figures in his weekend post, though the source of his numbers was unclear.

“Eleven Million Dollars to singer Beyoncé for an ENDORSEMENT (she never sang, not one note, and left the stage to a booing and angry audience!), Three Million Dollars for ‘expenses,’ to Oprah, Six Hundred Thousand Dollars to very low rated TV ‘anchor,’ Al Sharpton (a total lightweight!), and others.”

“They should all be prosecuted! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

This is not the first time Trump has made these accusations. Back in December, he similarly alleged the Harris campaign bought celebrity endorsements, though he used slightly different numbers at the time. Then, he stated Democrats paid “$11,000,000, $2,000,000, and $500,000 to get the ENDORSEMENT of Beyoncé, Oprah, and Reverend Al.”

“Beyoncé didn’t sing, Oprah didn’t do much of anything (she called it ‘expenses’), and Al is just a third rate Con Man,” Trump wrote in that earlier post.

Many of the entertainers who voiced support for Harris chose not to appear onstage or perform at her events, instead showing their backing through online posts or video messages.

Trump reignited the issue in May, questioning publicly whether other famous entertainers like Bruce Springsteen and Bono were also paid to support Harris. He mentioned Winfrey and Beyoncé again at that time.

Harris’ campaign previously addressed the controversy, stating that the payment to Beyoncé’s company was for production services, not an endorsement.

Winfrey has likewise maintained she did not personally receive any compensation, saying the funds went toward covering the costs of producing the Michigan event.

The Harris campaign reported massive fundraising totals throughout the 2024 cycle. According to Open Secrets, the campaign brought in $1.15 billion, in addition to $843 million in outside contributions.

In comparison, Trump’s campaign collected $464 million directly, along with $989 million from outside groups, based on the same data.

Trump’s latest post came during his four-day trip to the United Kingdom.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu pushed back against global criticism of Israel’s handling of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, making his stance clear during a visit to Ramon Air Force Base.

Accompanied by Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar, Netanyahu addressed the ongoing military operations in Gaza. “We are fighting in the Gaza Strip. Unfortunately, we have wounded soldiers, and we also have fallen soldiers. I send my condolences to the families and wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded. But let it be clear – we will achieve our goal. We will eliminate Hamas.”

He continued by explaining that the effort to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages is being pursued on both military and diplomatic fronts. “In order to achieve this goal, and also to bring about the release of our hostages, we are advancing both in the fighting and in negotiations. In any path we choose, we will have to continue allowing the entry of minimal humanitarian supplies. We have done this until now. But the UN is fabricating excuses and lies about the State of Israel. They say: ‘Humanitarian aid is not being allowed in.’ It is allowed. There are secure routes. There have always been, but today it is official. There will be no more excuses.”

Netanyahu ended his remarks with a reaffirmation of Israel’s commitment to victory. “We will continue to fight, we will continue to act until we achieve all our war objectives – until total victory,” he concluded.

During the visit, senior Air Force officials—including the commander of the Ramon Base and several squadron leaders—briefed the Prime Minister on key air operations and inter-branch coordination conducted as part of Operation Rising Lion. They also shared critical takeaways and strategic guidance for the campaign’s next phase.

At a ceremony held on the base, Netanyahu presented Major General Tomer Bar with a formal certificate of appreciation for the Air Force’s performance during Operation Rising Lion. He also took time to speak personally with both air and ground force personnel.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Trump stated today that the Israeli government will ultimately have to make a choice about its path forward in Gaza following the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations. He also pledged that the United States would increase its humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the conflict-ridden region.

“When you get it down to a certain number, you’re going to be able to make a deal with Hamas because once they give them up, then they feel that that’s going to be the end of them,” Trump said, referring to the challenges in negotiating the release of hostages.

“They [Hamas] don’t want to give [the hostages] back, and so Israel is going to have to make a decision,” he added, making clear that Hamas is holding out to avoid weakening its position.

Trump continued: “I know what I’d do, but I don’t think it’s appropriate that I say. But Israel is going to make a decision.”

The president made these comments while speaking with reporters ahead of a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the United Kingdom. During the discussion, Trump voiced frustration that the United States is not recognized for its financial support to Gaza.

“If we weren’t there. I think people would have starved frankly,” Trump said. “They would have starved and it’s not like they’re eating well.”

Trump pointed to a recent aid package, expressing irritation over the lack of global acknowledgment. “We gave $60 million two weeks for food, for Gaza,” Trump said. “And nobody acknowledged it, nobody talks about it. It makes you feel a little bad when you do that, and you have other countries not giving anything.”

While acknowledging that some of his political base disapproved, Trump explained that the motivation behind the aid was strictly humanitarian. “Will I do more aid, yeah,” he said when asked about future assistance. “The US is going to do more aid for Gaza but we would like to have other countries participate.”

Trump did not offer specifics on the additional amount of aid the U.S. plans to provide.

{Matzav.com}

In the coming days, the United Arab Emirates will begin construction on a major water pipeline linking a desalination plant in Egypt to Gaza’s Al-Mawasi area, following a route along the coastline. The initiative, which has received approval from Israeli government officials, is designed to supply clean water to about 600,000 people in Gaza and will function entirely separate from Israel’s existing water infrastructure.

On Sunday, UAE officials began moving construction equipment into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing. The operation took place under the oversight of Israel’s Land Crossings Authority, part of the Ministry of Defense, and all equipment was subjected to a thorough security screening.

The project is anticipated to take several weeks to complete and is one component of a larger humanitarian strategy that has been coordinated with Israel.

In parallel, the Israel Defense Forces announced a daily pause in military operations from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in various areas of Gaza, including parts of the north and neighborhoods in Gaza City where fighting had been ongoing. This temporary halt in hostilities is intended to facilitate the delivery of aid.

Humanitarian supplies will also be directed toward regions where the IDF is not presently active, including Al-Mawasi and Deir al-Balah. The initiative has been planned in coordination with the United Nations and other international aid groups.

In addition, safe passage routes have been established for humanitarian vehicles, allowing UN and aid organizations to transport food and medicine throughout the Gaza Strip between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

According to the IDF, these measures are being implemented “in accordance with directives from the political echelon and as part of the ongoing effort by the IDF and COGAT to expand the volume of humanitarian aid entering Gaza.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A violent incident over the weekend in Greece left an Israeli tourist hospitalized after a Syrian man assaulted him and bit off part of his ear, according to a report from Ynet.

The victim, Stav Ben Shushan, explained that he and his wife were speaking with another Israeli couple near Athens when the attacker approached and began yelling anti-Israel slogans such as “Free Palestine,” “[Curse] Israel,” and “I am Hamas.” The attacker declared support for the terror group responsible for the October 7 massacre, in which 1,200 people were murdered and 250 others taken hostage.

The man then hurled sand at the group. In response, Ben Shushan shoved the assailant away. Beach security personnel intervened and pulled the aggressor away from the scene.

Ben Shushan said the man returned roughly an hour later and made a move toward his wife. As he stepped in to protect her, a struggle broke out, during which the attacker bit off a portion of Ben Shushan’s ear.

Ben Shushan was taken to the hospital for treatment. Although the Syrian attacker was taken into custody, Greek authorities also arrested Ben Shushan after the suspect filed a counter-complaint accusing him of making racist remarks.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement confirming the event and noted that a group of migrants had earlier harassed the Israelis. “One of the individuals later attacked the Israeli man while he was in the water, biting his ear and causing a serious injury,” a ministry spokesperson told Ynet. “The attacker is under arrest, and we are in contact with the victim and Greek authorities.”

This attack is part of a growing pattern of antisemitic events occurring in Greece in recent weeks.

Just days ago, nearly 1,500 Israelis aboard a cruise ship were denied entry to the Greek island of Syros due to a protest staged by approximately 200 Palestinian Arab demonstrators opposing the arrival of the Israeli passengers.

Speaking to Israel National News, Bentsi Kaplan, owner of the Bituach Winery and one of the cruise ship passengers, described what happened. “The ship was supposed to stop at the island of Syros, which has ten thousand residents, and here there are fewer than two hundred Palestinian Arab demonstrators,” he said, adding that Israelis should respond in kind: “What could happen…”

Kaplan noted that the cruise operator chose to avoid confrontation. “The ship management is not taking any risks. They brought everyone back on board. There’s a lot of pressure and chaos here, but they’re not willing to take chances,” said Kaplan, who is traveling with more than twenty of his grandchildren. “We boarded on Sunday, and now they’re bringing everyone back on board. It’s crazy here.”

He added that some passengers wanted to stage their own protest in response, but the cruise company firmly refused to allow it. He also pointed out that many of the passengers are senior citizens. In Kaplan’s view, it’s unreasonable that fewer than two hundred protesters can prevent 2,000 Israelis from stepping off the ship.

Earlier this month, a new kosher restaurant in central Athens was vandalized in a targeted attack. The King David Burger restaurant, owned by Israelis, was hit just after Motzoei Shabbos, as staff prepared for the evening service. Masked individuals stormed the area, spray-painting hateful messages and damaging the property.

Owner Tzvika Levinson recounted that the perpetrators, described as pro-Palestinian Arab activists and anarchists, arrived around 9:30 p.m. and defaced the restaurant with graffiti including “[Curse] Israel,” “You kill babies,” “No Zionist is safe here,” and “Death army to Israel, rapists and murderers.”

Levinson added that one of his employees was menaced during the assault and told that if they attempted to leave, they would be “finished.”

Security footage from the restaurant shows the vandals tossing papers, applying stenciled messages to surfaces, and spray-painting slogans. Although the incident occurred in a busy public square with police reportedly present nearby, Levinson said law enforcement failed to intervene.

And just last month, Greek authorities charged four citizens with racially motivated violence following another confrontation with Israeli tourists in Athens. The suspects, described as pro-Palestinian Arab supporters, allegedly shouted slogans like “Free Palestine” and waved PLO flags as they confronted the Israeli visitors.

{Matzav.com Israel}

BNEI BRAK — This past Thursday, more than 4,000 bochurim from across Eretz Yisrael gathered at the Armonot Chen halls in Bnei Brak for the highly anticipated “Seder Hachanah” event, now entering its third decade. The initiative, organized annually by Dirshu, aims to prepare and guide yeshivah bochurim for one of the most pivotal stages of their lives: the transition from yeshivos ketanos to yeshivos gedolos.

The program featured powerful guidance and inspiration from leading roshei yeshivah and gedolei Torah, addressing both spiritual growth and practical challenges facing today’s bnei yeshivah.

In a stirring drasha, Maran HaGaon HaRav M.H. Hirsch, shlit”a, delivered words of dchizuk, advice and warning, addressing the current climate surrounding the issue of army conscription for bnei yeshivah.

“There are people who try to entice bochurim: ‘Leave the yeshivah and go elsewhere,’” he warned. “In yeshivah ketanah you may not have faced such challenges, but in yeshivah gedolah, these nisyonos may arise.”

Rav Hirsch stressed emphatically, “A bochur must not even entertain the thought of leaving yeshivah. Torah is what brings all the yeshuos to Klal Yisrael. It is Torah that draws the Shechinah closer to us, and that closeness is the source of our siyata d’Shmaya. Only through Torah can we succeed. And through your diligent learning on the highest level, you will bring about kavod Shamayim and, ultimately, the complete geulah bimheirah b’yameinu, amen.”

Maran HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlit”a Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, delivered a deep and illuminating shiur on the mission and inner world of a ben Torah in our generation.

HaGaon HaRav Masoud Ben Shimon, shlit”a, Rav of Bnei Brak, offered stirring divrei chizuk, emphasizing the lofty spiritual stature of those ascending to the level of yeshivos gedolos.

Opening remarks were delivered by HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Sternshuss, shlit”a, mashgiach of Yeshivas Shaarei Shmuos, followed by inspiring words from the Nasi of Dirshu, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Hofstedter, shlit”a, who highlighted the importance of proper preparation for the spiritual future of each ben Torah.

Additionally, the event featured a fascinating and uplifting panel discussion with prominent Roshei Yeshivah:

HaGaon HaRav Yehoshua Eichenstein, shlit”a Rosh Yeshivas Yad Aharon,

HaGaon HaRav Bunim Shreiber, shlit”a Rosh Yeshivas Nesiv HaDaas, and

HaGaon HaRav Chaim Peretz Berman, shlit”a Rosh Yeshivas Ponovezh.

The panel was moderated by HaRav Binyamin Birenzweig, Ram in Yeshivas Imrei Moshe. The discussion focused on real-life issues and daily challenges faced by bochurim in yeshivos, offering meaningful guidance and practical strategies to help them thrive and build their identity as elevated bnei Torah.

Throughout the evening, the bochurim listened with deep attentiveness, absorbing the heartfelt words of chizuk and hadrachah designed to help them rise successfully into the next stage of their avodas Hashem.

A soldier from the IDF was seriously hurt on Sunday after being trapped beneath an elevator at the Kiryat military base in Tel Aviv.

In a statement released by the IDF, officials said, “Earlier on Sunday, an IDF soldier was severely injured at a military base in central Israel.”

“The soldier was evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment, and his family has been notified.”

“Following the incident, military police investigators opened an investigation into the incident, and the findings will be brought to the Military Prosecution for examination.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued strong criticism against those advocating for the United Nations to reclaim its role in coordinating humanitarian deliveries to Gaza, following the release of footage showing aid trucks distributed under UN oversight being ransacked in broad daylight.

Responding to one of the videos on X, Huckabee posted: “Is the UN, NY Times, and Hamas all happy now? I’m sure Hamas is. Their lies & propaganda destroyed cease-fire deal, tried to discredit safe and functioning GHF effort, emboldened Hamas & will result in this complete balagan! Most sad for hostage families-grief prolonged.”

Meanwhile, Israel has continued to accuse Hamas of stealing humanitarian supplies sent into Gaza throughout the war. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, after a recent inspection of the situation, issued a firm statement: “I asked many questions and verified facts. What is absolutely clear is that the true obstacle to humanitarian relief is Hamas. Huge quantities of aid are flowing in – in conjunction with UN and EU efforts agreed by Israel. Hamas loots the aid and prevents its proper distribution. All this whilst the GHF distribution is also being procured.”

Herzog added further condemnation of Hamas, stating: “Let’s be clear: It is the terrorists of Hamas – hijacking aid, and refusing to agree to a hostage release and ceasefire – who are kidnapping the civilian Gaza population and subjecting them to their tragic suffering.”

In a development last week, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) offered to take over the logistics of all active aid missions free of charge. The offer came after images emerged of close to 1,000 aid trucks fully loaded but stuck on the Gaza side of the border, unable to proceed.

According to widespread reporting, the United Nations and its relief partners, such as the World Food Program, have encountered serious setbacks. Many of their aid deliveries have either been intercepted or plundered. Observers suggest the primary issue is not entry access, but a breakdown in execution and control within Gaza.

In contrast, GHF has claimed it is currently the only group reliably delivering large-scale aid. To date, the organization says it has distributed over 87 million meals and is averaging between two and three million meals daily.

Nevertheless, on Friday, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom issued a harsh rebuke of Israel, asserting that Israeli restrictions were worsening the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The three nations called on Israel “to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and urgently allow the UN” and aid agencies to combat what they termed “mass starvation.”

“The most basic needs of the civilian population, including access to water and food, must be met without any further delay,” their statement read. “Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law.”

As part of a renewed humanitarian push, cargo was air-dropped into Gaza overnight.

This morning, the Israel Defense Forces launched a temporary pause in military operations across several regions of Gaza, including in the north, to allow for aid delivery. The pause is set to continue until this evening.

This decision was made during a high-level meeting involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and other senior figures. The IDF has also resumed aerial aid drops in an effort to ramp up humanitarian efforts and counter growing claims of deliberate starvation.

Earlier today, more aid convoys made their way from Egypt into Gaza. The United Arab Emirates also announced plans on Saturday night to deliver humanitarian goods via airlift to the region.

The IDF said it has been actively improving aid delivery systems. In the last seven days alone, more than 250 trucks have successfully brought supplies into Gaza, and hundreds more are waiting at the crossing to be collected by UN personnel. The military emphasized that it remains committed to ensuring that aid is delivered directly to civilians, and not diverted by Hamas.

{Matzav.com Israel}