Matzav

Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee MK Yuli Edelstein responded Friday morning to the controversy surrounding the proposed draft law and dismissed accusations that he was attempting to topple the government under the guise of promoting recruitment reform.

“I want, have wanted, and will continue to want one thing—a real draft law. It may not be perfect in everyone’s eyes, but it provides the IDF with a solution through a gradual enlistment of chareidim,” Edelstein said in an interview with Maariv.

He stressed that the legislation he is advancing is substantial and meaningful: “This is a serious law—with personal and institutional sanctions, real numbers, and strict oversight. This law puts an end to the phenomenon of pretending to be Torah learners. In my eyes, that’s a disgrace to the Torah world,” he said.

Edelstein also addressed claims that he was working behind the scenes to bring down the Netanyahu government. “There was no need to explain to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that I’m not trying to bring down the government,” he said. “Netanyahu never believed those fear-mongering stories—that I’m aligned with Lapid, Bennett, or Eisenkot. Not even Yair Golan. I respect the prime minister’s intelligence. He knows there’s no truth to it.”

Edelstein made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the Likud party or joining any other political faction.

When asked whether Netanyahu might consider removing him from his position due to pressure from chareidi parties, Edelstein replied, “I don’t think that’s being seriously considered. That wouldn’t be a responsible move. Firing me would kill any chance of passing the law in this term. I’m not naïve about political scenarios, but I’m not afraid and I have no intention of changing my position. My conscience is completely clear. Maybe that’s why I don’t lash out or use foul language. When people have no arguments, they start yelling. They know I’m right.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued a stern warning to Interior Minister Moshe Arbel on Wednesday, cautioning that the current tensions over visa policies for Christian groups could lead to the U.S. tightening visa access for Israelis.

“This is not the relationship Israel wants to have with its best partner and friend,” Huckabee wrote in a letter expressing frustration over what he described as bureaucratic roadblocks within the Interior Ministry that have hindered Christian institutions and workers seeking visas to operate in Israel.

Huckabee criticized recent changes implemented by the Visa Department, noting that since the start of 2025, officials have stopped accepting longstanding recommendations for visa approval. Instead, each evangelical organization is now being scrutinized on an individual basis to determine whether it qualifies as a religious entity. Among those being re-evaluated are well-known groups such as the Baptist Conference in Israel and the Christian Missionary Alliance—many of which, Huckabee pointed out, have had a presence in Israel dating back to before 1948. “As of the beginning of 2025, the Visa Department has stopped honoring the recommendations and has launched an independent investigation of each of the evangelical organizations to determine whether they should be recognized as religious institutions and whether they should continue to receive visas. This includes organizations such as the Baptist Conference in Israel, the Christian Missionary Alliance and others, some of which have been active here since before 1948. The vast majority of them are located in the United States. All of them were required to fill out huge questionnaires. To my knowledge, none of them have received new A3 visas for religious leaders since the beginning of the year. We simply requested that the visa department return to status quo,” Huckabee wrote.

Huckabee, representing President Donald Trump, emphasized the seriousness of the matter, saying that failure to resolve the issue could result in public backlash across the U.S. “As the U.S. Ambassador representing President Donald Trump, I am formally demanding that this deteriorating relationship with the Department of State be resolved so that this matter does not escalate further,” Huckabee added. “It would be deeply regrettable if our embassy were to be forced to publicly announce throughout the United States that the State of Israel no longer welcomes Christian organizations and their representatives and that, instead, it is engaging in harassment and negative treatment of organizations with longstanding ties and positive engagement with Zionism. We will be further obligated to warn Christians in America that their generous donations to organizations in Israel are being met with hostility, and that tourists should reconsider travel until the situation is clearly resolved.”

He also stressed the significant role that Christian travelers play in both strengthening Israel’s image abroad and contributing economically. Huckabee said the sudden reversal of long-established visa practices is both confusing and disheartening. According to him, these changes are not only harmful to Christian outreach but could also harm Israel’s relationship with millions of supporters. “Christian tourism to Israel is an important source not only of revenue, but also of goodwill and support for the State of Israel. Your Department of Tourism can attest to these facts. The close partnership between the United States and Israel is at an all-time high, having just concluded a joint military operation that will hopefully reduce the threat of Iranian nuclear ambition. Our formal and heartfelt request to return to the ‘status quo’ of normal visa practices, which has been denied and even aggravated, is shocking and a source of inexplicable disappointment. We are not asking for special or exceptional treatment. We are simply asking for the continuation of the long-standing policy that has been in place for generations.” We feel that we are being treated as adversaries.”

In response, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel defended his office’s conduct, saying that he has personally ensured swift handling of all visa applications brought to his attention. He expressed surprise at the tone and scope of Huckabee’s letter, particularly since, he said, there was already an open line of communication between the ambassador’s team and his own. “To the best of my knowledge, and following a re-examination conducted in coordination with the attorney acting on your behalf, every request that was personally brought to my attention was handled in an exceptionally short time. I have issued the same instructions regarding the cases mentioned in your letter – cases that were not previously brought to my attention. Given the direct line of communication between my staff and your representatives, and in light of the fact that every request received by my office has been handled so far promptly, I was particularly surprised by the manner in which you raised your concerns and your decision to address a wide range of senior officials in your letter without first contacting me or my office directly. In my opinion, this course of action deviates from accepted working norms and does not reflect the direct and structural relationship we have established.”

Arbel closed his reply by reaffirming the importance of the Israeli-American alliance and calling for continued cooperation rooted in mutual trust and respect. “The relationship between the United States and the State of Israel is among the most valued and meaningful partnerships. I greatly appreciate your consistent support for Israel and your strong commitment to our partnership. For this reason, I believe it is our duty to act in a spirit of coordination, mutual trust, and respect – even when misunderstandings or difficulties arise,” Arbel concluded.

{Matzav.com}

A vehicle carrying Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf, Chabad emissary and chief rabbi of Kherson, was hit by a drone Thursday evening while he and his family were traveling near the southern Ukrainian city. Though the front of the car sustained serious damage, no one was hurt in the incident.

Local Ukrainian law enforcement arrived swiftly at the scene and opened an investigation into the attack. Rabbi Wolf promptly alerted Chabad’s crisis response center in Ukraine, which continues to maintain close coordination with emissaries across the war-torn region.

“We are alive by an incredible miracle,” Wolf said in a statement. “We were on our way to Kherson, and about a kilometer and a half before the military checkpoint at the city’s entrance, a suicide drone exploded near us. My wife Chaya, my daughter Raizy and I are all safe. Thank God for the gift of life.”

Kherson, located in a strategically vital area of southern Ukraine, fell to Russian troops early in the invasion but was later retaken by Ukrainian forces in a major counteroffensive. The city’s liberation represented one of the most pivotal reversals for Moscow since the conflict began.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s office released a statement late Thursday night acknowledging and expressing sorrow after an IDF operation led to the deaths of three civilians at Gaza’s only Catholic church. The move followed a tense phone call between US President Donald Trump and the Israeli premier, during which Trump strongly criticized the incident.

“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church,” the statement from the Prime Minister’s Office read. “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful.”

Although the message came from Netanyahu’s office, it was not issued in his name personally. The statement also included an expression of appreciation to Pope Leo XIV for his words following the incident. The pope had released a statement mourning the lives lost in the church strike and renewed his call for a ceasefire, though he refrained from explicitly blaming Israel.

“Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites,” the PMO continued.

Earlier in the evening, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists that Trump had directly contacted Netanyahu after hearing about the church strike Thursday morning.

When asked how Trump responded to news of civilian casualties in Gaza, Leavitt didn’t mince words. “It was not a positive reaction.”

She said the Israeli prime minister agreed during the conversation to issue a public explanation, clarifying that the deadly strike on the church had been unintentional.

Soon after that conversation, the IDF released a statement saying that fragments from a tank shell fired in Gaza City were responsible for the damage to the church building.

Following an initial probe, the Israeli military said the church was inadvertently struck during active combat. “It emerged that fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area hit the church mistakenly,” the IDF stated, adding that a more thorough investigation was ongoing.

“The IDF directs its strikes solely at military targets and makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and religious structures, and regrets any unintentional damage caused to them,” the military added.

Photos from the aftermath showed significant damage to the church, with part of the structure torn apart near the large stone cross that marked the building’s façade. Several windows were also shattered.

The Foreign Ministry issued its own earlier statement on the matter, saying that Israel “expresses deep sorrow over the damage [to the church] and over any civilian casualty” and affirming that the country “never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm to a religious site or to uninvolved civilians.”

Medical staff at al-Ahli hospital reported that two women were killed in the incident, with a third fatality, a man, later succumbing to injuries. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem identified the victims as Najwa Abu Daoud, Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, and Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad.

Among those injured was Parish Priest Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, a close associate of the late Pope Francis, with whom he was said to speak nightly during the Gaza conflict.

The Holy Family Church had served as a refuge not just for Christians but also for Muslims, including children with disabilities, according to Fadel Naem, the acting director of Al-Ahli Hospital, which treated the wounded.

Gaza’s Christian population, estimated at around 1,000 among the enclave’s two million residents, is mostly Orthodox. However, the Latin Patriarchate reports that approximately 135 Catholics reside in the Strip.

Since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, many Catholic families have taken shelter in the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City. Several Orthodox Christians have also sought safety there amid the violence.

The protracted conflict has created an acute humanitarian crisis across Gaza. In the 21 months since the war began, the overwhelming majority of the population has been displaced, often multiple times, with severe shortages of food, medicine, and other basic necessities continuing to worsen the situation.

{Matzav.com}

As tensions mount within the governing coalition and security concerns escalate across the region, a new poll conducted for Maariv reveals a notable shift in Israeli public opinion—most significantly, a jump in support for Likud and widespread opposition to the government’s proposed draft law. The survey, carried out by Lazar Research under Dr. Menachem Lazar in collaboration with Panel4All, reflects growing uncertainty surrounding key national issues, including the Gaza war, Syria crisis, and hostage negotiations.

Likud Gains While Bennett Weakens with Eisenkot’s Entry

The poll analyzed two primary political scenarios: one in which Naftali Bennett runs independently, and a second where both Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot run separately.

In the first scenario, with Bennett leading a new party on his own, Likud leads with 26 Knesset seats. Bennett would secure 22, followed by Yisrael Beiteinu with 11, the Democrats with 10, Shas with 9, and Yesh Atid with 8. United Torah Judaism and Otzma Yehudit each garner 7, Blue and White receives 6, Ra’am and Hadash-Ta’al each take 5, Religious Zionism earns 4, and Balad, with just 1.8% support, fails to cross the electoral threshold.

In the second scenario, where Eisenkot enters the race alongside Bennett, Likud holds steady at 26 seats. However, Bennett’s support drops to 18. Eisenkot draws 9 seats—matching the Democrats—while Yisrael Beiteinu drops slightly to 10, and Shas slips to 8. United Torah Judaism, Otzma Yehudit, and Yesh Atid each score 7 seats. The National Unity Party, Ra’am, and Hadash-Ta’al each receive 5, Religious Zionism holds at 4, and Balad remains below the threshold with 1.8%.

The numbers suggest Likud’s strength is unaffected by fragmentation within the centrist bloc. Meanwhile, Bennett’s support declines by four seats when Eisenkot enters the race. Eisenkot’s debut showing of 9 seats is notable, though it comes at the expense of the broader center-left bloc.

Coalition Gains Ground—but Draft Law Faces Public Backlash

In terms of overall bloc strength, the coalition would secure 52–53 seats under the various scenarios—its strongest showing since Bennett began appearing in polls. The opposition stands at 57 seats, while Arab parties collectively account for 10.

Beyond electoral projections, the survey explored several key policy questions. A decisive 57% of respondents said the draft law being promoted by the government “harms national security.” Only 32% disagreed, while 11% were unsure.

Regarding the ongoing military operation in Gaza, public opinion is nearly evenly split: 44% believe the campaign will fail to meet its objectives, while 42% think it will succeed. A sharp political divide is evident: 73% of coalition supporters believe the operation will be successful, compared to 70% of opposition voters who expect it to fail.

Support for early elections is growing, with 48% favoring moving up the election date. In contrast, 33% oppose such a move, and 19% did not express a clear position.

The survey also revealed an unexpected level of backing for military involvement in Syria. When asked whether Israel should intervene militarily to protect the Druze population there, 47% said yes, 27% said no, and 25% were undecided.

{Matzav.com}

NYC Mayor Eric Adams is unfit to govern and has surrounded himself with an incompetent leadership team at the NYPD, charged former interim commissioner Tom Donlon in a searing interview with The NY Post on Thursday. Donlon, who recently filed a scathing federal lawsuit accusing top NYPD brass of criminal misconduct, held nothing back in his first public remarks since taking legal action.

Speaking candidly during an hour-long sit-down, Donlon slammed Adams as “feckless” and said his short stint overseeing the NYPD exposed deep dysfunction within the upper ranks of the department. “The way he handles the city, I would say that he’s morally corrupt,” Donlon said.

“I don’t think he’s morally qualified” to hold office, he continued, going on to say that Adams should “absolutely” not seek another term.

Donlon, a respected former FBI official brought in after Edward Caban resigned under a cloud of federal investigation, said he was given the impossible task of leading a department whose senior officials ignored him and undermined his authority. He accused those officials of sabotaging his leadership and cozying up to Adams behind his back, while the mayor dismissed his concerns.

“He’s leaderless and feckless. He’s not structured,” said Donlon. “Those guys I dealt with in the PD, they weren’t structured.”

In the lawsuit filed Wednesday, Donlon alleged that Adams and his inner circle turned the NYPD into a fiefdom of favoritism, where loyalty trumped merit and corruption flourished unchecked. He’s calling for federal oversight of the entire department.

As Donlon leveled these accusations, Adams was simultaneously outside City Hall celebrating endorsements from over a dozen law enforcement unions for his re-election campaign—a stark contrast to the blistering critique unfolding elsewhere in Manhattan.

After Adams replaced Donlon with Jessica Tisch as the new police commissioner last November, the embattled ex-commissioner was shifted to the mayor’s Office of Public Safety. Tisch has since been praised for implementing reforms and asserting control.

“The fact is she was given a lot more power than I had,” Donlon said on Thursday.

He rejected any notion that the timing of his lawsuit was politically motivated. Donlon claimed he always intended to reveal the misconduct he witnessed, but his plans accelerated after his dismissal—especially following his wife’s arrest in what he believes was retaliation. She has also filed a legal claim against the city.

Donlon said the Adams administration made a strategic mistake by removing him when it did. “He doesn’t look five steps ahead,” Donlon remarked. “If he was smart, he would have left me there and just shut his mouth and just continue on with his election.”

In court papers submitted to Manhattan federal court, Donlon said he was merely a figurehead while a corrupt group of insiders pulled the strings behind the scenes. They allegedly used his name and authority to advance their own agendas, handing out unearned promotions and overtime to allies.

Donlon claimed Adams knowingly looked the other way. On his very first day, the mayor reportedly told him to “back off these guys.”

“He couldn’t care less, he wouldn’t say a word,” Donlon told The Post of Adams.

The lawsuit describes a culture of unchecked misconduct led by former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, his successor John Chell, current Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry, and Tarik Sheppard, who previously served as deputy commissioner for public information—all individuals closely tied to Adams.

Donlon said these officials used their positions to push favored candidates into promotions and hand out overtime benefits for political loyalty. “Kaz was a loose cannon, Chell was a loose cannon too. Maddrey was walking around trying to cut a deal for himself,” he said.

“I knew these clowns that I was working with didn’t like the feds, and they wanted to operate in their own world,” Donlon added. “Actually, they’re embarrassing themselves and the mayor doesn’t even understand that.”

He recounted a humiliating moment during a surprise promotion ceremony arranged by Sheppard. According to Donlon, Sheppard blindsided him with no prior notice or briefing, leaving him unprepared and flustered.

“It was done to embarrass me, make me look foolish,” Donlon said.

As the meeting ended, Donlon said he overheard Sheppard mock him under his breath: “Look at him, he doesn’t even know where to sit.”

None of the individuals named in the lawsuit, including Sheppard, Maddrey, Chell, or Daughtry, have publicly responded to the allegations.

City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak dismissed Donlon as a bitter ex-official with a grudge, calling him “a disgruntled former employee” and “ineffective” in his brief tenure.

“Tom Donlon should have put in as much effort serving the people of New York City as interim police commissioner as he did putting together this baseless lawsuit,” Mamelak said Thursday.

This sharply critical tone differs drastically from the admiration Donlon received when first tapped to lead the NYPD—even after a federal search of his home for old classified materials. At the time, officials rallied behind him and even enlisted the support of Joseph Pistone, the famed FBI agent known as “Donnie Brasco.”

“I don’t have enough good things to say about the guy,” Pistone said at the time.

In response to the suit, Adams has since described Donlon publicly as a disgruntled former employee.

Other police figures have echoed the administration’s pushback, with some questioning Donlon’s mental acuity. “Yes, he was showing many signs of cognitive issues that he wasn’t up to the task of being police commissioner,” Sheppard claimed on Pix11 Wednesday night.

Donlon, appearing sharp and composed during his interview with The Post, categorically rejected that accusation.

His lawyer, John Scola, blasted the administration’s response. “The NYPD and City Hall keep calling Commissioner Donlon’s complaint ‘baseless,’ yet they refuse to address the detailed allegations—rampant fraud, meritless promotions, death threats, and obstruction of justice. Instead of attacking whistleblowers, the City should be cleaning its own house.”

{Matzav.com}

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House Republicans voted late tonight to approve a measure that would cancel $9 billion in foreign spending previously authorized by Congress, according to reports from NPR and PBS.

The legislation, known as a rescissions bill, passed narrowly with a 216-213 vote. Two Republican lawmakers—Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mike Turner of Ohio—broke ranks with their party and voted against it, joining all Democrats who were present.

The House needed to act before a Friday deadline to approve the plan, which was submitted to Congress by the White House in June. The proposal aimed to formalize recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut spending viewed as unnecessary.

The Senate had already passed its version of the bill early Thursday morning. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, both Republicans, voted alongside the 46 Democrats who were in attendance to oppose the legislation.

In its final form, the bill reflects changes made in the Senate and now awaits President Trump’s signature before it becomes law.

Included in the rollback are nearly $8 billion previously designated for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), along with more than $1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS—both frequent targets of conservative criticism.

Although House Republicans initially passed a version of the bill last month, it became mired in the Senate, where lawmakers raised issues with specific cuts proposed in the legislation.

In response to pushback, the Trump administration ultimately agreed not to move forward with a planned $400 million reduction from a global AIDS relief program.

Democrats on the House Rules Committee tried to attach an amendment to the bill that would require the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, but Republicans on the committee rejected that effort.

Instead, GOP members advanced a symbolic resolution supporting the “public release of certain documents, records, and communications related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who had the option to deliver an extended speech under House rules, chose to keep his remarks brief, speaking for just 15 minutes Thursday evening.

That was in contrast to earlier this month, when Jeffries used his procedural privilege—nicknamed the “magic minute”—to delay passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act with a speech that lasted nearly nine hours, surpassing the previous record held by Kevin McCarthy of California.

Russ Vought, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, is expected to send additional requests to rescind federal spending to Congress in the near future.

{Matzav.com}

In yet another move seen as targeting the chareidi community, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has ruled that tens of millions of shekels in government funding designated for yeshivos catering to struggling youth—commonly known as yeshivos for noshrim, dropouts—must be revoked. The institutions, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Welfare, were allocated 35 million shekels this year alone.

These yeshivos provide a lifeline for chareidi boys between the ages of 17 and 23, many of whom are considered at-risk or disconnected from standard educational frameworks. Most are of army enlistment age.

According to a report on Kan 11, the decision followed a petition submitted to the High Court after a previous ruling determined that these young men are obligated to enlist. The petition demanded that the state withhold funding from these yeshivos just as it does from avreichim who are legally obligated to serve in the IDF but are not exempted.

In response, Baharav-Miara concluded that state funds must be suspended for these institutions unless the students in question receive individual military exemptions. The government will soon present this legal position to the High Court.

The ruling has sparked outrage in the chareidi sector, which views it as a direct attack on vulnerable youth who already face significant personal and social challenges. Critics argue that cutting support for institutions dedicated to helping these young men is not only punitive but harmful to Israeli society as a whole.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a moving and forceful address at the inauguration of a new Tshuvos V’Hanhagos kollel branch under his leadership, Rav Moshe Sternbuch declared, “Bnei Torah are not beggars.” The event marked the opening of a new branch in the rapidly growing neighborhood of Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled 3, responding to an urgent need for Torah infrastructure in the area.

The decision to establish the kollel came at the personal request of Rav Sternbuch, who was made aware of the spiritual distress facing the residents of this new neighborhood. Despite the influx of thousands of families, no functioning kollel existed within the area, and the only one that had operated there was on the brink of closing.

Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled has become one of the fastest-developing regions in Eretz Yisroel, already home to over 7,000 apartments, with plans for more than 11,000 units and an eventual population exceeding 100,000. It is expected to become one of the largest neighborhoods in the country. The community is made up of a broad mix—Litvaks, chassidim, Sephardim, and families from the Yishuv Hayashan, all drawn to its focus on kedushah and taharas hakodesh in its institutions.

Within Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled, the Daled 3 section is now home to over 3,000 families and continues to grow rapidly. Despite this, the absence of local kollelim has left hundreds of avreichim commuting to other neighborhoods, or, in some cases, going without a kollel altogether.

In response, community leaders approached Rav Sternbuch in recent days to share their deep concerns over the lack of Torah institutions. Many families, they explained, were struggling to maintain their connection to limud haTorah due to the absence of a local kollel.

Rav Sternbuch immediately instructed his son, Rav Chaim Ozer Sternbuch, head of the Tshuvos V’Hanhagos kollel network, to adopt the existing struggling kollel and incorporate it into their growing network. “A neighborhood without a kollel,” Rav Sternbuch said, “cannot be called a makom Torah. The entire spiritual future of this area depends on the establishment of a kollel committed to taharas hakodesh.”

Following this directive, an official inauguration and naming ceremony was held in Rav Sternbuch’s home. Also in attendance was Rav Chaim Uri Freund, member of the Badatz of the Eida Hachareidis. The event opened with a shiur from Rav Sternbuch on Maseches Sukkah, which is currently being studied in the network’s kollelim.

Rav Sternbuch expressed heartfelt joy at the establishment of the kollel, the only one currently operating in Daled 3. He then delivered a powerful critique of those who look down on Torah scholars and insinuate that they are a burden on society. “Bnei Torah are not beggars,” he said with force. “They carry the burden of Klal Yisroel on their shoulders.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

While the Skverer Rebbe was away in California for a brief period of rest, his private audience room, known among the chassidim as the Praveh Tzimmer (Reception Room), underwent an extensive renovation.

The opportunity for this major refurbishment came as the Rebbe spent several weeks in Carmel, California. With the Rebbe temporarily away from New York, intensive work began on upgrading and expanding the room in grand and dignified fashion.

Notably, the devotion of the Rebbe’s chassidim was on full display. As the sacred space was being restored, many were seen gathering leftover stone and construction fragments from the renovated Praveh Tzimmer, keepsakes from the room.

The renovation was comprehensive, including a full expansion and aesthetic upgrade. Special care was taken to preserve key elements, including the exact spot where the Rebbe stands for tefillah within the room.

This morning, the Rebbe returned to the Skverer enclave following his weeks of rest.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump announced tonight that he has instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue the public release of grand jury records in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation — provided a judge gives the go-ahead.

“Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval,” he wrote on Truth Social.

“This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!” the president added.

The move came in response to growing calls from Trump’s supporters, who have demanded clarity and openness regarding the Epstein case. Just hours before the announcement, The Wall Street Journal published a piece referencing a note Trump reportedly sent Epstein years ago.

The grand jury proceedings in question were held in the Southern District of New York, and Bondi confirmed that she would request judicial approval on Friday to make the documents public.

“President Trump — we are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts,” Bondi wrote on X.

Epstein, who was 66 years old, was discovered dead in his jail cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan in August 2019, just weeks after federal prosecutors indicted him.

Last week, the FBI and Justice Department completed what they called a “systematic review” of the Epstein investigation, releasing a disputed memo without any signatures.

The report stated that there was “no credible evidence” Epstein used blackmail against “prominent individuals,” nor did officials believe there was justification to pursue cases against other possible unnamed suspects.

Additionally, the findings reaffirmed that Epstein died by suicide and that investigators found no “client list” linking other high-profile figures to his crimes.

The memo also made it clear that no new revelations would be forthcoming in the matter.

Trump has consistently supported the findings of federal investigators, labeling the entire narrative surrounding Epstein as a “hoax” and advising the public to stop focusing on the matter since the memo’s release.

Previously, in 2023, Florida released hundreds of pages of 2006 grand jury testimony from Epstein’s original case.

{Matzav.com}

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City and a self-proclaimed socialist, is under fire after a video resurfaced in which he advocated for dismantling the institution of private property.

“If there was any system that could guarantee each person housing — whether you call it the abolition of private property or you call it a statewide housing guarantee — it is preferable to what is going on right now,” Mamdani stated in the video, which was reposted by RNC Research.

“People try to play gotcha games about these kinds of things. Look, I care more about whether somebody has a home.”

The clip, originally posted by the group “End Wokeness” on X, was later circulated by Republican National Committee accounts. The move signals that GOP figures are prepared to use Mamdani’s remarks to paint Democrats as extreme in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms, particularly if Mamdani clinches the mayoral seat.

Promoting or endorsing the removal of property rights without appropriate compensation is a highly contentious stance — and in certain contexts, could even breach legal boundaries.

Another video from Mamdani’s past has also stirred controversy. In it, he enthusiastically supports the concept of “seizing the means of production,” a central tenet of Marxist ideology.

President Trump has called Mamdani a “communist.” He identifies as a Democratic socialist.

“Mamdani will be a gift to Republicans,” said Ed Cox, chairman of the New York State Republican Party.

“But if he wins the mayoralty he’ll destroy New York.”

On Thursday, New York Republicans in the House also weighed in with strong rebukes.

“Seize the means of production & ‘abolition of private property.’ Two ideas shared by two communists: Karl Marx & Zohran Mamdani,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of Staten Island and Brooklyn, noting that her mother escaped communist Cuba.

Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents the lower Hudson Valley, also reposted the footage, writing, “Marxism. Communism. Socialism. Call it whatever you want. It’s bat shit insane and he must be defeated at the ballot box in November.”

Mamdani’s campaign has yet to release a statement in response to the controversy.

The 33-year-old Queens assemblyman has proposed the construction of 200,000 new affordable housing units over the course of a decade as a central plank of his platform.

Mamdani shocked many observers by defeating Andrew Cuomo in last month’s Democratic primary, upending the political landscape in New York.

He currently holds a strong lead heading into the general election, facing incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and Cuomo — both of whom are running as independents.

Throughout the past week, Mamdani has met with business leaders across the city in an effort to temper concerns about his plan to raise $9 billion in taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals. The revenue would go toward expanding subsidized housing, offering free bus service, and providing universal child care.

At the same time, he has attempted to defuse backlash surrounding his older remarks promoting Marxist principles.

So far, major Democratic power brokers in the state have withheld endorsements. Among those who have not yet backed Mamdani are Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Mamdani is expected to meet with Jeffries on Friday.

{Matzav.com}

In a fiery and wide-ranging interview after two years of near-total silence, MK Moshe Gafni, head of Degel HaTorah, blasted the current right-wing coalition, tore into religious Zionist parties, and accused key government partners of betrayal and incitement. The interview was conducted by Yishai Cohen, political analyst at Kikar HaShabbat.

Gafni, visibly frustrated, broke his silence to reflect on the turbulent political period that included failed efforts to pass a military draft exemption for yeshiva students, infighting within the coalition, and what he described as unprecedented attacks on the chareidi community from supposed allies on the right.

“This is worse than anything I’ve seen,” Gafni declared. “This is a very bad coalition, a terrible reality. It’s never been like this before. Every issue related to Torah and chareidi education has been a battle. I’m not excited about this ‘full right-wing government.’ Some members of the right and religious Zionism have clearly been co-opted by the left.”

When asked whether this right-wing coalition is inherently bad for chareidim, Gafni replied, “I don’t know. That’s not for me to decide—that’s for the gedolei Yisroel. But the reality is that the right is unable to counter the incitement coming from the left.”

Gafni recounted his uphill struggles to secure basic funding for the chareidi sector. “Everything involving Torah, chareidi education, you name it—we had to fight tooth and nail. I didn’t feel the support of the finance minister, even though he’s from the right. I don’t recall this level of difficulty, not even when I was in the opposition.”

He also addressed the internal attacks from within the coalition, singling out MKs like Moshe Saada, Amichai Chikli, and Dan Illouz. “The left wanted to topple this government at any cost, so they looked for the weak link—yeshiva students and the draft issue. They targeted me personally, protesting outside my home early in the morning. It’s clear they calculated that this was their point of leverage, and they received full backing from the media and the judiciary.”

On the status of the draft bill, Gafni stated firmly: “Without Torah learners, we have no Jewish nation. Without lomdei Torah, the State of Israel cannot survive. That’s always been our reality. Now suddenly we’re the enemy? Supporting Netanyahu has become a punishment. These right-wing figures who attack yeshiva bochurim are playing straight into the hands of the left. This partnership with the right? It’s conditional at best—when it’s convenient for the secular media, fine; when it’s not, they throw us under the bus.”

Despite all that, Gafni said he remains in the right-wing camp. “People ask me what the alternative is—and I have no answer. There is no alternative. We were given guidance, and we’re following it.”

As for Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir, Gafni didn’t hold back: “It’s a serious issue, this partnership. Someone like Ben Gvir, who publicly violates issurei kares—to be in coalition with people like that is a problem. We often have to bite our tongues.”

Gafni also exposed what he called outright deceit by Likud MK Yuli Edelstein regarding the draft bill. “What happened with Edelstein has no precedent. For months, he led us to believe we had an agreement. He gave me the impression that he was on board. But we never saw a written proposal—not once. Even now, he only showed it to us on a computer screen and refused to give us a document. He lied to us brazenly. Even Likud members told me he lied to them too.”

“I’ve said this to the prime minister as well: You must bring a law. If there is no law, we are done with this partnership.”

Edelstein recently claimed that the chareidim only say what they oppose, without offering alternatives. Gafni fired back: “There were agreements! You know what? Say we oppose everything. Can you pass a law or not? If you can’t, resign. When a committee chair fails to pass a critical coalition item, he either transfers it to another committee or he steps down. That’s what needs to happen here.”

Gafni admitted that the chareidi parties made a mistake by allowing judicial reform to come before the draft law. “That was an error. We should have insisted the draft law come first.”

He also expressed regret for not backing the Gantz-Lieberman draft bill during the Bennett-Lapid government. “That wasn’t our only mistake. There was a bill in the previous term that we had agreed to. It was on Rav Edelstein’s desk. But because of protests and pressure, we failed to pass it.”

Responsibility for the current draft crisis, he said, lies with both Edelstein and Netanyahu. “Edelstein, as chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, lied. He should have told us he couldn’t deliver. That’s on him. As for Netanyahu—he didn’t lie to us, but as head of the system, he bears responsibility. We had an agreement with him that this issue—the status of yeshiva students—was central.”

Asked whether pre-Iran war understandings will form the basis of future draft legislation, Gafni said emphatically: “No. Nothing from before is relevant. The chareidi parties never gave real approval. We only agreed to review a draft and bring it to the gedolei Torah. There were no final agreements, especially not when everything was built on falsehoods. What matters is what happens now.”

Regarding the principle of drafting non-learners, Gafni responded: “My job has always been to protect lomdei Torah. I’m not the defense minister. Without Torah scholars whose sole focus is learning, the Jewish nation cannot survive. A Jewish state without Torah is not sustainable. That’s my responsibility. That’s what I know how to do.”

Is now the right time to pass the law, given the war? “That’s why it’s such a difficult time to speak. If someone doesn’t believe that the only reason we exist is because of lomdei Torah, then yes, it’s hard to explain this during war. But without them, there is no nation, no state. That’s the truth—even if it’s hard for some to accept.”

Then came Gafni’s most explosive statement yet—his total repudiation of religious Zionist political partners. “I won’t say this about every religious Zionist, many are close to us. But the ones leading the fight against Torah learners are from the religious Zionist camp. They keep saying, ‘We also learn, we have rabbis too.’ I’m not telling them what to do—but they should stop telling us what to do. This term marks a bill of divorce from religious Zionism. They are the ones inciting against us. And to me—they’re worse than our greatest enemies.”

On coordination with Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, Gafni said: “We coordinated on everything important to Degel HaTorah. Before we resigned, I told Aryeh: ‘Know that we’re stepping down.’ We just informed him—we weren’t pressured.”

At the end of the interview, Gafni turned to the issue of the hostages. “I’ve said this repeatedly—the most important issue is securing the release of the hostages. This is pikuach nefesh. I told the prime minister we must prioritize this, even at the cost of other goals. It’s the most urgent matter right now.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Amid intensifying tensions surrounding the IDF draft crisis and the recent withdrawal of chareidi parties from Israel’s coalition, Rav Dovid Leibel has released a public letter, ending a prolonged period of silence. In the strongly worded letter, titled “The Obligation of This Moment,” Rav Leibel voices deep concern over the state’s handling of the draft issue and proposes a multi-step framework aimed at protecting the Torah world while addressing the broader crisis.

Rav Leibel, who months ago initiated the formation of the Chativas Chashmonaim to offer an alternative framework for chareidim not engaged in full-time Torah study, faced opposition from several gedolei Yisroel. At the same time, the IDF refused to codify strict religious accommodations in official army protocols—a condition Rav Leibel viewed as essential for the program’s success.

“Torah is the foundation of our existence, but in order to protect it, we must distinguish between those truly immersed in Torah and those who are not actively engaged in study,” Rav Leibel writes. He continues, “The current situation, where there is no distinction and no organized framework, is detrimental to the Torah world and to the entire chareidi community.”

The letter calls for a clear delineation between bnei Torah and those not learning full-time, emphasizing that this is not a compromise of principles, but a call to responsibility. “This is not a call for compromise, but a call for accountability,” the letter states.

Rav Leibel outlines a proposed three-part plan: the creation of designated military service tracks for chareidim not in yeshiva, with full protection of religious standards enshrined in army regulations; the establishment of an independent civilian rabbinic oversight committee to safeguard the program’s religious integrity; and the formation of a separate rabbinic committee to evaluate the structure and standards within the yeshiva world.

He also calls for introspection within the yeshiva system itself: “There must be internal clarity in the yeshivos so that every individual can find his proper place—whether in the world of Torah or in a suitable framework for national service.”

Sources close to Rav Leibel say that the decision to speak out came after months of private efforts and hopes that behind-the-scenes negotiations would succeed. But when it became clear that these talks were stalling and the army continued to reject the proposed religious safeguards, Rav Leibel felt compelled to express his position publicly.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Adam Boehler, appointed by President Donald Trump as the U.S. envoy for hostage affairs, expressed a guarded sense of hope on Thursday regarding the ongoing talks to free hostages held in Gaza. Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, Boehler told attendees that a potential agreement is “closer than it’s been.” Still, he made it clear that Hamas’s refusal to compromise remains the primary obstacle.

During his discussion with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Boehler pointed to two main dynamics that are aligning to create a real opportunity for progress. “One is you have political reality on the ground in Israel, and in that way there’s never been a better time,” Boehler said. He credited the timing to “Bibi’s enormous success, and our success in supporting him in Iran, [which] gives enormous strength to him domestically.”

Having worked closely with some of the world’s toughest negotiators, Boehler emphasized that real strength in leadership provides a rare window for bold decisions. “What I found, I find this certainly in Israel, some of their best leaders, but also in the United States some of our best leaders, and I’m referring to the person I work for and the President, strength is the best time to do something,” he said. “So from that side, it makes me optimistic.”

But the second major factor in the equation, Boehler stressed, is Hamas itself. He described them as particularly difficult negotiators, based on his extensive experience with hostile actors. “Hamas in particular is very hard-headed, very hard-headed, and I think that’s what’s very frustrating for people negotiating with them,” he said.

Boehler criticized Hamas for failing to capitalize on moments when they may have had leverage. “Hamas had multiple times where they probably lost leverage over time, right? Look at the whole war. They continue to hold out. Israel continues to kick their ass, and yet they still think they have leverage.”

He also praised the Israeli leadership for its proactive stance on the matter, singling out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his efforts to shift the geopolitical framework in the region. “I do think Bibi has the opportunity, I mean, I’d already call him a legend in terms of redrawing the map in the Middle East, sweeping phenomenal,” Boehler said. “I think he has the opportunity to be that, you know, squared. And when they look at requirements and redrawing maps now, that’s a big lean-in from Israel.”

Despite the willingness on Israel’s part to move toward a deal, Boehler warned that Hamas’s refusal to cooperate could derail any progress. “If it doesn’t happen now, in my strong opinion, it would be continued hard-headedness from Hamas, in which case Israel will continue to take action as they should.”

Responding to criticism of Israel from parts of the international community, Boehler said Israel has no choice but to put its own security first. “I think that if you follow public sentiment, if you’re a country like Israel, and world sentiment, that’s a very dangerous thing to do, because they’re fighting for their survival all the time.” He reiterated that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself. “To me, again, it’s not a fight between Palestinian and Israel, it’s a fight between a terrorist group that’s pushing. And so, in my opinion, they need to do what they need to do. And that’s also been the American view, which is they need to do that.”

Boehler’s remarks came shortly after reports surfaced that contradicted earlier claims about Hamas’s position on redeployment proposals presented by the Israeli team during ongoing indirect talks in Doha, Qatar.

According to the Palestinian outlet Quds Press, a source involved in the negotiations denied that Hamas had accepted the redeployment maps shared by the Israeli delegation. While the maps reportedly show some movement in the direction of Hamas’s demands, the source stressed that they still fall short of Hamas’s basic expectations.

The same source indicated that discussions between the mediators, Israel, and Hamas are still underway in hopes of narrowing the differences and finalizing an agreement on the redeployment arrangements.

Additionally, the source outlined three main areas that must be resolved before negotiations on the hostages can move forward: the provision of humanitarian aid, agreement on the redeployment of Israeli forces from Gaza, and guarantees to ensure a long-term ceasefire.

Only after those three conditions are addressed, the source added, will the parties begin talks on exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

{Matzav.com}

As tensions continue to rise between the chareidi parties in the Knesset and the coalition leadership, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, the leading spiritual figure of Shas, issued a searing condemnation of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and MK Yuli Edelstein, head of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Rav Yosef unleashed sharp criticism at Netanyahu, labeling him a “liar” and accusing him of deliberately misleading the Israeli public. “The Prime Minister said that it is possible to enlist in the army as a chareidi and remain chareidi. Why are you a liar? Why are you lying? It’s horrific audacity to lie like that,” Rav Yosef declared, responding to Netanyahu’s assertion that chareidim can join the army without compromising their religious identity.

He went on to say that military service has a corrosive effect on religious life and warned parents to protect their children from its dangers. He urged them to guide their sons toward spiritual growth and Torah greatness. “There are many trials; you be strong, and may you have great aspirations to become Torah scholars.”

Turning his attention to Yuli Edelstein, Rav Yosef spoke with even greater force. “There’s one whose father converted to Christianity, and he’s a priest – he’s causing all the problems for the yeshiva students. He wears a knitted kippah, and he’s causing all the problems. Your father is a priest, he converted! And now you’re coming to harm the Torah students?”

Rav Yosef further criticized the government’s recent clampdown on bnei yeshiva, citing a range of punitive measures including mandatory fingerprinting, cuts to benefits, and what he described as deliberate harassment of Torah learners. “They’re imposing all sorts of decrees, truly disrespecting Torah scholars, insulting the Torah. Who knows what kind of punishment will come? Hakadosh Boruch Hu does not overlook this.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency—a condition affecting blood flow—after he began experiencing slight swelling in his lower legs, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who addressed reporters on Thursday.

Leavitt shared the update while responding to speculation about visible bruises on Trump’s hands. She explained the marks were evaluated and found to be “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin” taken to maintain heart health.

“In the effort of transparency, the president wanted me to share a note from his physician with all of you today,” Leavitt announced from the podium.

She went on to say, “In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs, in keeping with routine medical care, and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House medical unit.”

During the evaluation, Trump was given an in-depth checkup, including specialized vascular scans. “The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies, bilateral lower extremity, venous doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency… a common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”

Leavitt emphasized that the test results showed no cause for immediate concern. “Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease… An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness were identified additionally.”

As of now, no specific treatment plan has been detailed for how Trump, age 79, will manage the condition.

Leavitt also commented on recent images circulating that showed discoloration on Trump’s hands. “Recent photos of the president have shown minor bruising on the back of his hand,” she said.

“This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. This is a well known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy and the president remains in excellent health, which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here.”

{Matzav.com}