Matzav

The internal security division of the Hamas terrorist group claimed it had discovered Israeli spy devices that had been hidden inside a camp for displaced people in southern Gaza.

An official from the group’s internal security force, called “Al-Hares” (The Guardian), alleged that Israeli intelligence agents camouflaged the surveillance equipment to make it appear like ordinary items commonly found in the area.

A photo released alongside the announcement showed a surveillance device made to look like a large rock. According to the officer, Israeli intelligence likely used drones to deploy the equipment into the area.

The internal security apparatus urged residents of Gaza to be on high alert for any strange objects near their tents and homes, advising them to immediately report anything that appears suspicious.

{Matzav.com Israel}

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A major development has taken place at Yeshivas Brisk on Rechov Press in Yerushalayim, led by the rosh yeshiva, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchik. Over the past year, a new building has been purchased directly across from the yeshiva’s historic main building.

For many years, Brisk has flourished, attracting close to two thousand talmidim — bochurim and yungeleit — from across the global Torah world. The tremendous growth, however, resulted in severe overcrowding, forcing many talmidim to learn in batei medrash throughout the neighborhood. Some of these facilities were rented by the yeshiva itself, while others became informal hubs packed with Brisk talmidim.

It has become increasingly rare for any talmid with less than two years of seniority at Brisk to secure a seat in the main beis medrash.

Now, ahead of the summer zeman, the newly acquired building — purchased through the generous support of a dedicated benefactor — is being renovated and prepared to open. The new building will offer seating for 500 talmidim, significantly easing the pressure on the existing facilities.

In addition to the new beis medrash space, the building will include a special shiur room for Rav Baruch Soloveitchik, the fifth son of the rosh yeshiva, who will soon begin delivering regular shiurim. The building will also house offices and private dormitory accommodations for the rosh yeshiva.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Mark Carney has been elected as Canada’s new prime minister, according to projections from CBC News and CTV News, securing a strong mandate to confront President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs and trade agenda. The Liberal leader earned the trust of Canadians who endorsed his vision for the country.

With this victory, Carney has delivered a fourth consecutive Liberal government — a rare accomplishment in Canadian political history — successfully fending off a strong challenge from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. The result was interpreted as a rejection of the Trump-style populism that Liberals accused Poilievre of embracing.

After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped down, Carney shifted the Liberal Party towards the political center and emphasized his extensive financial credentials. His background includes leadership roles at two major G7 central banks, over a decade at Goldman Sachs, and top positions at Brookfield Asset Management and Bloomberg.

Throughout the campaign, Carney highlighted his credentials as an experienced “crisis manager,” positioning himself as someone capable of shielding Canada’s economy and cultural values from the impact of Trump’s tariffs and expansionist rhetoric. The Liberals skillfully tapped into voters’ fears about economic instability and rising living costs.

During his campaign stops, Carney pledged that he would “Trump-proof” Canada and work to unify a nation that had seen a surge in national pride after Trump voiced aspirations to annex it as the 51st American state.

Carney managed to defeat Pierre Poilievre, a seasoned Conservative politician who had spent two decades in the House of Commons. Despite Poilievre’s long tenure, Carney’s message resonated more strongly with voters.

Analysts described the Liberal Party’s political comeback as extraordinary. After nearly two years trailing badly in the polls, the combination of Trudeau’s exit, Carney’s leadership, and President Trump’s renewed influence sparked a dramatic Liberal resurgence.

Relations between the U.S. and Canada have become increasingly strained, with Washington imposing multiple tariffs, including a 25 percent levy on Canadian goods not meeting the standards of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, as well as a 25 percent duty on certain cars and auto parts.

Carney has pledged that his top focus upon taking office will be negotiating with Trump, though he has made it clear that “Canada’s traditional relationship with the U.S. is ‘over.’” His plans include pursuing fresh alliances on trade and security, expanding the country’s automotive supply network, and strengthening Canada’s military presence, especially in the Arctic region.

Carney has been upfront with Canadians about the challenges ahead. “There is no silver bullet. There is no quick fix,” he remarked after the announcement of auto tariffs. “But I have every confidence in our country because I understand what President Trump does not. That we love Canada with every fibre of our being.”

{Matzav.com}

Excitement is in the air at the Mir Yeshiva in Yerushalayim as preparations for the summer zman reach their peak. Over the bein hazmanim break, the yeshiva undertook a major renovation of its central beis medrash, which had not been refurbished in eighty years.

Workers labored around the clock — continuing even through the night — to ensure the project would be completed in time for the start of the new zman.

The extensive renovations included the restoration of the yeshiva’s historic Aron Kodesh, dating back to the era of the yeshiva’s legendary roshei yeshiva, as well as a full repainting of the main and oldest building on campus.

The renovation project was funded by several friends and supporters of the yeshiva from the United States.

In advance of the new zman, hundreds of new yungeleit and bochurim — from both Eretz Yisroel and abroad — were tested for acceptance into the yeshiva by the rosh yeshiva, Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, and the mashgiach, HaTzaddik Rav Binyomin Finkel. Due to the growth of the yeshiva, a serious shortage of space and significant overcrowding have developed.

{Matzav.com Israel}

As Canadians headed to the voting booths on Monday to select their next leader, President Donald Trump weighed in by implying that the ideal choice was already seated in the Oval Office.

Trump, whose tariffs and proposal to make Canada the 51st U.S. state have sparked significant outrage across the border, posted a message on Truth Social early Monday offering his take on Canada’s Election Day.

“Good luck to the Great people of Canada. Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom to cut your taxes in half, increase your military power, for free, to the highest level in the World, have your Car, Steel, Aluminum, Lumber, Energy, and all other businesses, QUADRUPLE in size, WITH ZERO TARIFFS OR TAXES, if Canada becomes the cherished 51st State of the United States of America,” Trump posted.

“No more artificially drawn line from many years ago. Look how beautiful this land mass would be. Free access with NO BORDER. ALL POSITIVES WITH NO NEGATIVES. IT WAS MEANT TO BE! America can no longer subsidize Canada with the Hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year that we have been spending in the past. It makes no sense unless Canada is a State!”

Pierre Poilievre, head of Canada’s Conservative Party and the main challenger to Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney, fired back at Trump’s remarks by issuing a pointed reply urging Trump to stay out of Canadian politics.

“The only people who will decide the future of Canada are Canadians at the ballot box. Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent, and we will NEVER be the 51st state,” Poilievre wrote on X. “Today, Canadians can vote for change, so we can strengthen our country, stand on our own two feet and stand up to America from a position of strength.”

Throughout the Canadian election cycle, Trump’s trade policies and his suggestions about annexing Canada dominated political discussions and became a defining theme of the campaign.

In an interview with Time last week, Trump made it clear that his ideas about incorporating Canada into the United States are sincere, stating that he is not “trolling” the neighboring country.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump proposed that his tariffs might eventually make it possible for many Americans to no longer have to pay income taxes.

Despite warnings from Democrats, opponents, and much of the mainstream press that Trump’s tariffs could trigger an economic downturn, Trump continues to insist that his strategy will prove beneficial for the American people.

“When Tariffs cut in, many people’s Income Taxes will be substantially reduced, maybe even completely eliminated. Focus will be on people making less than $200,000 a year,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

He added, “Also, massive numbers of jobs are already being created, with new plants and factories currently being built or planned. It will be a BONANZA FOR AMERICA!!! THE EXTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE IS HAPPENING!!!”

Speaking to Time magazine in an interview published Friday, Trump shared that he had completed “200 deals” related to tariffs and expected that the remaining agreements would be “finished” within three to four weeks.

Meanwhile, Punchbowl News reporter Andrew Desiderio revealed Monday that the White House distributed a statement of administration policy (SAP) to Senate offices noting Trump “is now in active negotiations with many of these countries” impacted by the tariffs.

The same statement also cautioned that Trump would reject a bipartisan Senate measure that aims to overturn his global tariff policies. Senators Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, and Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, are leading efforts to dismantle Trump’s tariffs.

Additionally on Monday, reports indicated that while Trump has expressed “love” for “the concept” of imposing higher taxes on millionaires, the idea has not gained much support among conservatives and business organizations.

During the Time interview, when questioned about possibly backing a millionaire tax, Trump said: “I’d be raising them on wealthy to take care of middle class. And that’s — I love that. I actually love the concept, but I don’t want it to be used against me politically, because I’ve seen people lose elections for less, especially with the fake news.”

As discussions over the federal budget framework progressed, Trump posted online, “Biggest Tax Cuts in USA History!!! Getting close.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar formally appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, urging him to convene an immediate meeting to discuss his plan to either invalidate all 200 shekel bills or target certain series of bills that have made their way into the Gaza Strip.

This request comes after Sa’ar had already sent a letter over the weekend to the Governor of the Bank of Israel, and subsequently brought up the matter during a Cabinet session.

In his correspondence with Netanyahu, Sa’ar emphasized, “There is an urgent need to advance an economic war against Hamas. If the Bank of Israel persists in refusing to cooperate, I will propose exploring its advancement through a government decision and legislation if needed.”

He further wrote, “I request an urgent discussion under your leadership, with the participation of relevant parties: the Defense Minister, Finance Minister, Bank of Israel Governor, National Security Council, Israel Money Laundering and Terror Financing Prohibition Authority, and Israel Tax Authority.”

In the letter addressed to the Bank of Israel Governor, Sa’ar laid out that the objective behind canceling these notes is to target Hamas’s financial foundations in Gaza. He explained that the terror group relies extensively on cash flow within the territory, which totals billions of shekels, to pay its personnel and impose taxes on businesses. Volunteer financial experts estimated that approximately 80% of that cash exists in the form of 200 shekel notes.

“Denying the funding capabilities of terrorist organizations in general, and Hamas in particular, is a vital component of the war effort,” Sa’ar stated. He argued that voiding specific series of 200 shekel bills that entered Gaza in recent years could deal a “strategic economic blow” to Hamas, severely impacting its ability to govern and recruit.

{Matzav.com}

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under President Donald Trump is celebrating what it describes as record-breaking figures in arrests and removals of illegal aliens during the first 100 days of his administration.

According to DHS officials, since President Trump assumed office on January 20, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained over 151,000 illegal aliens across the country. In addition, they report that ICE agents have deported more than 135,000 individuals during the same timeframe.

“This includes 600 members of Tren De Aragua who have been arrested or deported, as well as thousands of MS-13 and 18th Street Gang members who have fled the country,” the DHS statement said.

“These numbers have already surpassed the entirety of Fiscal Year 2024, and we’re just 100 days into this administration,” the news release emphasized.

One of ICE’s recent large-scale enforcement actions was Operation Tidal Wave in Florida, where close to 800 illegal aliens were apprehended. Those arrested included MS-13 members, individuals charged with murder, rape, and drug offenses, among others.

The coordinated effort made extensive use of ICE’s 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with federal agents to transfer criminal illegal aliens into ICE custody more efficiently.

As Breitbart News highlighted, nearly 400 additional local law enforcement agencies have partnered with ICE through the 287(g) program since President Trump took office, significantly boosting ICE’s ability to apprehend criminal illegal aliens.

By the time Joe Biden left the White House, only 134 local agencies had agreements under the 287(g) program. Today, that number has grown to more than 500 law enforcement agencies nationwide.

{Matzav.com}

Bill Maher took aim at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, slamming him as the “worst thing to hit the Pentagon” since the tragic events of September 11.

During the “New Rule” portion of his HBO show on Friday evening, Maher launched into his criticism of Hegseth.

“New Rule: Pete Hegsteth’s parents have to take away his phone. He can have it back when he’s shown us he’s grown up enough to use it responsibly,” Maher quipped during his monologue.

He continued with a sharp jab, saying, “I’m not saying Pete makes a terrible defense secretary, but he’s the worst thing to hit the Pentagon since Flight 77.”

Maher’s jokes centered around an incident involving National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who mistakenly included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat where top officials in the Trump administration were discussing sensitive operations targeting Yemen. A subsequent story alleged that Hegseth had set up another Signal group, this time adding his wife and brother to conversations involving sensitive military topics.

Despite the controversy, the Trump administration defended Hegseth, according to the Associated Press:
The White House expressed support Monday for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following media reports that he shared sensitive military details in another Signal messaging chat, this time with his wife and brother.

When asked about the incident, both the White House and Hegseth chose not to dispute whether he had shared sensitive information in the second group. Instead, they criticized the sources who leaked the story, accusing them of being disgruntled employees, and emphasized that no classified data had been compromised.

“It’s just fake news. They just bring up stories,” President Donald Trump told reporters. “I guess it sounds like disgruntled employees. You know, he was put there to get rid of a lot of bad people, and that’s what he’s doing. So you don’t always have friends when you do that,” Trump explained.

In an interview with Fox News, Hegseth brushed off the accusations, framing them as politically motivated attacks by those who oppose President Trump’s policies.

“I’m here because President Trump asked me to bring warfighting back to the Pentagon every single day. That is our focus. And if people don’t like it, they can come after me. No worries. I’m standing right here. The warfighters are behind us. Our enemies know they’re on notice. Our allies know we’re behind them. And that, in this dangerous world for the American people, is what it’s all about,” Hegseth said.

{Matzav.com}

After Tnuva revealed that it would be raising the prices of its dairy items that are not subject to government regulation, other major dairy companies, Strauss and Tara, have followed suit and announced their own increases.

Strauss stated that its new pricing will be implemented at the start of June, while Tara plans to adjust its prices earlier, on May 18.

Strauss issued a statement explaining: “Following the government’s announcement of the increase in the cost of price-controlled dairy products, Strauss is announcing an update to the retail price list. The update will apply to price-controlled dairy products and related dairy products, which make up to half of all dairy products, at a rate of up to 1.5%, and an average rate of about 1% on all dairy products. The update will take effect after the Shavuot holiday, on June 3, 2025.”

Meanwhile, Tara’s increase is expected to be more significant, with some items seeing a jump as high as 3.5%, according to reports. Tara’s updated pricing is scheduled to begin on May 18.

Prior to these moves, Unilever had already announced it would be raising prices by an average of 3.5%, with certain products seeing hikes as high as 9%.

“Since November 2022, we have avoided raising prices for the vast majority of our products,” the company stated, emphasizing that there have been “significant and sustained increases in production costs” during that time.

{Matzav.com Israel}

For the first time since the outbreak of the war, the artillery units of the 282nd Artillery Brigade, operating under the 36th Division, have entered into active operations inside the Gaza Strip. This follows a period of intense engagement across multiple fronts.

Up to this point, the artillery forces have been providing critical backing to the ground units moving through the “Morag” Corridor. Their missions have included the destruction of weapons stockpiles and missile launching areas used by terror groups within Gaza, as well as the elimination of enemy fighters, all coordinated through the Brigade’s Fire Control Center.

In a notable development, the troops utilized the “Bar” rocket for the first time, launching it at selected targets inside Gaza. This weapon incorporates a sophisticated navigation system specifically designed to perform effectively in the complex conditions of battlefield operations.

The “Bar” rocket can deliver strikes with remarkable speed, reaching its target in a minimal amount of time.

A spokesperson emphasized that IDF forces will “continue to operate against terror organizations in the Gaza Strip in order to protect the citizens of the State of Israel.”

WATCH:

At the JNS International Policy Summit held Monday night at the Waldorf Astoria in Jerusalem, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued a blunt warning about Iran’s nuclear threats. He declared that if Iran continues on its path toward acquiring nuclear weapons, President Donald Trump “won’t be dragged into a war, he’ll lead it.” Huckabee stressed the administration’s firm policy, stating, “The president has been very clear that there will never be a possibility for nuclear weapons; he’s been explicit about that.”

Speaking at the same summit one day earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a similarly tough message. He insisted that “the only good deal that works is a deal like the one that was made with Libya, that removed all the infrastructure.” Netanyahu highlighted the critical importance of U.S.-Israel cooperation, saying, “We have to make sure that Iran does not get nuclear weapons.”

Huckabee went on to emphasize the deep connection between the United States and Israel, describing it as “spiritual,” built on the recognition that “the only explanation for the creation and the survival and the victory of Israel is that God’s hand is upon this land, and it always will be.” He expressed his admiration for President Trump’s swift moves after entering office, commenting that Trump “reversed a lot of the ridiculous policies of the previous administration, one of which was to not give Israel the necessary tools to fight a war against the worst savages that we have seen, not just in our century, but perhaps in human history.”

Turning to the urgent situation of hostages held in Gaza, Huckabee emphasized President Trump’s clear position, saying Trump “Made it very clear that Hamas has no future in Gaza or anywhere else on this Earth. Let’s get the hostages home and let’s get them home now. Every last one of them.”

Since stepping into his role as U.S. Ambassador to Israel on April 21, Huckabee has taken a series of diplomatic and symbolic actions to reinforce the U.S.-Israel alliance. Before officially presenting his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Huckabee made a personal visit to the Western Wall, where he prayed for the peace of Jerusalem and inserted a handwritten message from President Trump into the ancient stones.

Reflecting on the depth of the bond between the two nations, Huckabee stated, “Israel is an incredibly important ally to us. The United States and its citizens are directly the beneficiaries of some of the extraordinary achievements and accomplishments and innovations of the people here in Israel. People sometimes only think that Israel benefits from the United States. The truth is the United States benefits a great deal from Israel, and not just militarily.”

During his trip, Huckabee also participated in a memorial event honoring 46 Americans and 23 dual U.S.-Israeli citizens who lost their lives to terrorism since the start of the war. Following the event, he posted on social media, “Together with their families, I pray their sacrifices were not in vain. May their memories be a blessing.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A senior Israeli diplomatic official pushed back against suggestions for a lasting ceasefire with Hamas, emphasizing that Israel remains focused on hostage negotiations but is reaching the limits of its patience.

“Ideas are flowing from some of the Arab countries, such as a cessation of the war for five years,” the official said. “There is no way that we will agree to a truce with Hamas that will only allow it to re-arm, recover, and continue its war with even more power.”

Explaining Israel’s cautious approach after the last ceasefire, the official noted, “The reason that we did not begin fighting powerfully at the conclusion of the ceasefire, and only did so gradually is because we wanted to give negotiations for the hostages’ release a chance. We want to do our utmost to bring the hostages home and that is what influences our plans of action. We are still trying to do our utmost to release the hostages through a deal, but our patience is not infinite.”

The diplomat also criticized Qatar’s involvement at this stage of the talks, stating, “The Qataris had a less-than-positive influence on the negotiations at this stage.”

When asked about President Donald Trump’s idea of encouraging Gaza emigration, the official acknowledged that progress has been slow, but added, “We are receiving requests from Arab countries asking us to evacuate their citizens. For instance, Canada turned to us and said that there are relatives who wish to go there. Our principle is to bring out those people who want to leave of their own free will, and who, on the flip side, there are countries willing to accept them.”

Turning to the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, the official remarked, “We have discourse with the Americans; the discourse is not one-sided and we are also expressing our positions. There is constant conversation on a great many levels. It’s best not to make premature assumptions – there is a positive and close relationship between the governments. [US envoy Steve] Witkoff’s statements regarding dismantling the interface and enrichment were important – as were those of Secretary of State [Marco] Rubio regarding the enrichment outside of Iran. The US is committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

New York City’s congestion pricing program raked in $159 million during its first quarter of operation, even as the Trump administration moves aggressively to dismantle the controversial tolling effort.

Drivers are charged $9 during peak hours for entering Manhattan below 60th Street. From the launch of the program on January 5 through March 31, the toll nearly matched its $160 million revenue target, according to data published Monday by the MTA.

The MTA, which operates the city’s public transportation system, oversees the congestion pricing plan, aiming to generate $500 million in 2025. The agency intends to leverage that income to secure $15 billion in bonds for major infrastructure upgrades.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration argues that the tolling policy is unlawful and has given the MTA until May 21 to comply, warning that otherwise the US Department of Transportation will cease approvals for select projects and may even pull federal funding. The MTA has maintained it will not halt collections unless compelled by a court.

Back in February, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy officially rescinded federal approval for the tolling initiative, which had been the first of its kind in the nation. The MTA swiftly filed a lawsuit to prevent Duffy’s reversal, and that courtroom battle is anticipated to stretch into the latter half of 2025.

Congestion pricing is intended to cut down on traffic and enhance air quality across Manhattan. According to the MTA, the program has already made a measurable impact, with data indicating that about 5.8 million fewer vehicles entered the priced zone during the first three months of implementation.

{Matzav.com}

By S. Rosen

I recently heard Rabbi Avi Shafran on Halacha Headlines with Dovid Lichtenstein explain that the primary rabbinic objection to voting in the WZO elections is the technical requirement to confirm that: “I pledge to support the Jerusalem Program and the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”

Curious, I decided to review the Jerusalem Program myself to see if it was something I could sign. Here are my thoughts, line by line:

1. “The unity of the Jewish people, its bond to its historic homeland Eretz Yisrael, and the centrality of the State of Israel and Jerusalem, its capital, in the life of the nation;”

While one might fear this is promoting Israel over Torah, it reminded me of the well-known Brisker teaching, based on the Rambam (Pirush HaMishnayos, Bechoros 4:3): Only Jews living in Eretz Yisrael are called Kohol. Certain halachic functions—such as Kiddush Hachodesh, Ibbur Hashanah, and Semichah—can only be performed by Jews in Eretz Yisroel, even when the Land is under foreign rule (Hilchos Sanhedrin 4:11). This underscores that Eretz Yisroel indeed plays a central role in the life of our nation, even for the non-Zionist.

2. “Aliyah to Israel from all countries and the effective integration of all immigrants into Israeli society.”

No issue here. Many authorities maintain that the mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisroel remains binding today. Supporting Aliyah aligns with Torah values.

3. “Strengthening Israel as a Jewish, Zionist and democratic state and shaping it as an exemplary society with a unique moral and spiritual character, marked by mutual respect for the multi-faceted Jewish people, rooted in the vision of the prophets, striving for peace and contributing to the betterment of the world.”

Admittedly, it would be more satisfying to see explicit mention of Torah. The phrase “Tikkun Olam” raises some concern, given how it is often misunderstood. However, judging strictly by the text:

Are we not charged with being an Or Lagoyim (a light unto the nations)? Isn’t our unique moral character derived from Torah? Is the Torah not the vision of Moshe, the Av Hanevi’im (Father of the Prophets)? And mutual respect for fellow Jews is indeed a Torah value, even when we disagree with their beliefs (yitamu chato’im v’lo chot’im, see Brachos 10a).

Thus, while the language could certainly be improved, it’s not terrible.

4. “Ensuring the future and the distinctiveness of the Jewish people by furthering Jewish, Hebrew and Zionist education, fostering spiritual and cultural values and teaching Hebrew as the national language;”

What do they mean by “Jewish education”? I read it as Torah education.

As for Hebrew education, while Modern Hebrew differs from Lashon Hakodesh, it’s not so far removed. Learning Alef-Bais still fulfills the mitzvah of limud Lashon Hakodesh, even when taught in Israeli schools.

Regarding “Zionist education,” consider what we pray for three times a day—Vesechezenah eineinu b’shuvcha l’Tzion b’rachamim. That is what “Zionism” means to me.

And even if you’re an Eitz supporter, what should the national language of Israel be? I’d guess most would say Hebrew. They speak it, don’t they?

5. “Nurturing mutual Jewish responsibility, defending the rights of Jews as individuals and as a nation, representing the national Zionist interests of the Jewish people, and struggling against all manifestations of anti-Semitism;”

“Mutual Jewish responsibility” sounds a lot like kol Yisroel areivim zeh lazeh.

Though parts of this sentence veer into jargon, the fundamental values of standing up for Jews and fighting anti-Semitism are undoubtedly Torah ideals.

6. “Settling the country as an expression of practical Zionism.”

Again, it would be preferable if this said “as an expression of Torah.” Yet, the mitzvah of yishuv ha’aretz—settling Eretz Yisroel—is undeniably a value we hold strongly.

A provocative thought: If it said, “Settling the country as an expression of Agudism” or “Chassidism,” would we object as strongly?

7. “Encouraging recruitment and service in the Israel Defense Forces and the security forces and strengthening them as the protective force of the Jewish people living in Zion, as well as encouraging full National Service for anyone exempted in law from service in the IDF.”

This clause obviously touches a sensitive nerve for frum Jews and bnei Torah.

Yet, in principle, we certainly support the need for an army to protect Jewish lives. We may disagree about who should serve or when—especially regarding yeshiva students—but the existence of the IDF is vital. Sheirut Leumi (National Service) can also be acceptable when conducted within a halachically appropriate framework. I’m not necessarily endorsing it, but this clause wouldn’t stop me from signing.

As for the phrase “protective force of the Jewish people,” while it may sound like kochi v’otzem yadi, think of this: If a headline read “Agudah Secures Tuition Relief Funding,” would we criticize it for not saying “Hashem Grants Tuition Relief Funding Through Agudah”? We can all improve at attributing successes to Hashem, but that doesn’t seem to be the core issue here.

Conclusion:

I’m not here to tell you what to do or whom to follow. My point is simple: We should research issues thoughtfully and not simply accept public rhetoric at face value, no matter whose name is attached to it.

Recent events have shown how even respected outlets can be infiltrated or manipulated. It’s a reminder: Be smart, be informed, and investigate matters for yourself.

The opinions and analysis shared here do not necessarily reflect the stance of Matzav.com and are shared here for informational purposes. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Monday that Russia will observe a three-day truce next month during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union and its allies’ triumph in World War Two.

According to a Kremlin announcement, the ceasefire will take effect at the beginning of May 8 and continue until the conclusion of May 10, spanning 72 hours in total. Russia also urged Ukraine to participate in the pause.

The statement emphasized that if Ukraine breaches the ceasefire, Russia’s military would deliver an “adequate and effective response.”

{Matzav.com}

A United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet was lost to the depths of the Red Sea after slipping off an aircraft carrier in a serious incident — though, fortunately, the pilot survived, according to officials.

The incident occurred Monday aboard the USS Harry S. Truman as the fighter, valued at roughly $56 million, was being hauled out of a hangar when the tractor towing it lost control.

According to Navy reports, both the Super Hornet and the towing vehicle ended up plunging into the sea.

Both the pilot and the sailor operating the towing tractor were able to jump to safety, with one of them suffering only a minor injury.

The USS Truman, along with its carrier strike group, has been on high alert due to persistent threats from the Iranian-backed Houthi terror organization in Yemen. The group remains deployed in the Red Sea, safeguarding commercial vessels that have come under repeated attack by the Houthis.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump is set to sign executive orders on Monday targeting sanctuary jurisdictions and offering strong backing to police officers and departments accused of misconduct.

Trump has advocated stripping financial support from cities and states that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, and the new orders will increase that pressure.

According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, one of the executive actions regarding sanctuary jurisdictions “direct[s] the attorney general [Pam Bondi] and also [Homeland Security Secretary] Kristi Noem… to provide a list of sanctuary cities in which local officials are not complying with this federal order and are not complying with federal immigration laws,” she said during a morning press briefing.

In addition, the order gives Bondi the authority to initiate lawsuits — both civil and criminal — against state or municipal officials who block “criminal or immigration law enforcement.”

The signing comes just three days after federal agents took Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan into custody, accusing her of obstructing justice and helping an illegal immigrant avoid capture after a court hearing related to battery charges.

The Trump team has already taken legal action against New York and Chicago over their defiance of federal immigration law.

“It’s quite simple,” Leavitt emphasized on Monday. “Obey the law, respect the law, and don’t obstruct federal immigration officials and law-enforcement officials when they are simply trying to remove public safety threats from our nation’s communities.”

Another executive order Trump will sign focuses on boosting “law and order” initiatives by empowering the federal government to “pursue legal action against state or local officials obstructing criminal or immigration law enforcement,” according to a summary of the plan.

This second directive lays out additional steps, including a Justice Department mandate to “create a mechanism to provide legal resources and indemnification for officers facing unjust expenses from official duties, including pro bono assistance.”

It also directs the federal government to “increase surplus military assets for local law enforcement” — reversing restrictions placed under Democratic leadership — and demands a comprehensive review of “federal consent decrees, out-of-court agreements, and post-judgement orders that hinder law enforcement, and make modifications as needed,” potentially reshaping police operations in cities accused of systemic racial bias.

Other initiatives in the order call for racial discrimination investigations to rely on “direct evidence, not statistical disparities,” and instruct federal prosecutors to prioritize cases involving “violent crimes, drug trafficking, and recidivists with illegal firearms.”

{Matzav.com}