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Vice President JD Vance delivered sharp criticism of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, slamming him for his July 4 comments and questioning his sense of gratitude toward the United States. “Who the h— does he think that he is?” Vance asked during a speech that drew enthusiastic applause.

Mamdani, who is the Democratic nominee for mayor and was born in Uganda, shared a message on Independence Day that described America as “beautiful, contradictory, unfinished.” His post concluded with the phrase “No Kings in America,” referencing the left-wing “No Kings” demonstrations that took place last month across the country.

While addressing the Claremont Institute’s Statesmanship Award dinner in Rancho Santa Fe, California, on Saturday evening, Vance used the opportunity to draw attention to Mamdani’s remarks. He framed them as lacking appreciation for the nation that provided his family refuge.

“Today is July 5, 2025, which means, as all of you know, that yesterday we celebrated the 249th anniversary of the birth of our nation,” Vance began. “You know, the person who wishes to lead our largest city had, according to multiple media reports, never once publicly mentioned America’s Independence Day in earnest, but when he did so this year, this is what he said — and this is an actual quote.”

Mamdani’s full statement read: “America is beautiful, contradictory, unfinished. I am proud of our country even as we constantly strive to make it better, to protect and deepen our democracy, to fulfill its promise for each and every person who calls it home. Happy Independence Day. No Kings in America.”

After reciting Mamdani’s message, Vance responded sharply. “There is no gratitude in those words, no sense of owing something to this land and the people who turned its wilderness into the most powerful nation on Earth.”

He went on to recount Mamdani’s background, noting the violence that his Indian-heritage family fled in Uganda under the dictatorship of Idi Amin. Vance highlighted that Mamdani’s family escaped ethnic persecution and found refuge in the United States, a nation he believes Mamdani now takes for granted.

“Zohran Mamdani’s father fled Uganda when the tyrant Idi Amin decided to ethnically cleanse his nation’s Indian population. Mamdani’s family fled violent racial hatred, only for him to come to this country — a country built by people he never knew, overflowing with generosity to his family, offering a haven from the kind of violent ethnic conflict that is commonplace in world history, but it is not commonplace here — and he dares, on our 249th anniversary, to congratulate it by paying homage to its incompleteness, and to its as he calls it, ‘contradiction.’”

Vance questioned whether Mamdani had ever reflected on the sacrifices made by Americans throughout the country’s history. “I wonder, has he ever read the letters from boy soldiers in the Union Army to parents and sweethearts that they’d never see again? Has he ever visited the gravesite of a loved one who gave their life to build the kind of society where his family could escape racial theft and racial violence? Has he ever looked in the mirror and recognized that he might not be alive were it not for the generosity of a country he dares to insult on its most sacred day?”

“Who the h— does he think that he is?” Vance repeated, prompting a wave of applause from the crowd.

{Matzav.com}

France’s top intelligence official revealed Tuesday that American and Israeli strikes had succeeded in eliminating part of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, though uncertainty remains over the whereabouts of the rest.

In an interview with LCI TV, Nicolas Lerner, the director of France’s DGSE foreign intelligence agency, stated that Iran’s entire nuclear operation had suffered a setback of several months as a result of the joint air campaign. Lerner added that although France had some information about the locations of Iran’s remaining uranium, a full accounting wouldn’t be possible until international nuclear inspectors returned to Iran.

His comments overlap only partially with Washington’s perspective. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell recently stated that Iran’s nuclear program was likely pushed back by a year or two following the Israeli and American strikes. He confirmed that core nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and the heavily fortified Fordow facility had been hit and rendered inoperative.

This U.S. assessment came after days of conflicting narratives about how extensive the damage was, particularly at Fordow, widely considered Iran’s most secure nuclear site.

On the night of the attack, President Trump declared that the targeted nuclear installations had been “completely destroyed,” describing the operation as having “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program. However, hours later, Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, adopted a more reserved tone, stating the sites were severely damaged but refraining from calling them fully destroyed.

Further muddying the picture, CNN and The New York Times later cited unnamed U.S. intelligence sources who believed the strikes may have only caused a short-term disruption—perhaps just a few months’ delay. That report reportedly provoked frustration within the White House, with Trump and his aides accusing the media of playing down the mission’s success for political purposes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the president’s message, repeating that the facilities were “obliterated” and accusing critics of downplaying a significant military achievement.

President Trump has continued to assert that the nuclear sites were taken out completely, saying that Israeli agents had already examined Fordow and would soon provide further assessments. However, Aryeh Deri, leader of the Shas Party and a key ally of Prime Minister Netanyahu, cast doubt on that claim.

A report by the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission released following the conflict stated that the U.S.-Israeli offensive had rolled back Iran’s nuclear development “many years.” Nonetheless, CNN later reported that Israeli intelligence insiders estimated the setback to be closer to two years and that the damage to Fordow was “less than expected.”

At a Tuesday evening meeting with Netanyahu at the White House, Trump reiterated that Iran’s nuclear network had been “wiped out.” When asked whether another strike was on the table, he responded, “I hope we don’t need to. I don’t imagine we will. They want to talk. They’re in a different place than two weeks ago. We’ll do everything to ensure Iran doesn’t go nuclear.”

Trump also disclosed that Iran had expressed interest in resuming nuclear negotiations. “When this happened, I said—what’s the point? Everything’s already destroyed. But they asked to meet, and I will. If we can sign something, great. I think they gained a lot of respect for us—and for Israel too.”

While he acknowledged that a written agreement would be preferable, Trump said he believed the results of the strikes may have rendered a formal document less necessary. “I think it’s best to put it in writing, but after the incredible outcome of the strike, I’m not sure we need to. That spoke louder than any paper.”

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, who is currently facilitating talks between Israel and Hamas, also serves as the lead negotiator in U.S. discussions with Iran. He indicated that new talks could resume “within the coming week.”

{Matzav.com}

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Autographed letter by Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik of Brisk, one of the foremost Torah giants of recent generations.

The letter was sent to to Rabbi Shabsi Wallach, Av Beis Din of Rozinay, “renowned for his Torah and fear of Heaven, ” requesting that he assist to the fullest extent possible the emissary of Yeshivas Ohr Chadash of Jerusalem who had arrived in his town.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams pledged to stand firmly with the Jewish community as he seeks another term in office, facing off against Zohran Mamdani, a mayoral contender known for his staunch anti-Israel positions.

During a Jewish heritage celebration at Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side, Adams likened the rising tide of antisemitism to the familiar allegory of a frog in slowly heating water.

“That is what I feel has happened over the last few years. We have turned the antisemitism up one degree at a time and many of us have stood there and watched the hatred boil,” he told the predominantly Jewish audience gathered for the event.

“The heat of antisemitism has gotten too hot in our country and it cannot continue to rise,” he said. “I’m here to turn off the flame, to get the frog out of the pot and make sure that we don’t allow hate in our city.”

Adams has longstanding relationships with Jewish communities throughout the five boroughs and has consistently voiced his strong support for Israel, earning him broad approval from mainstream Jewish voters.

The crowd erupted into cheers and chants of “Four more years,” voicing strong support for his reelection. Though Adams is a Democrat, he will appear on the ballot as an independent in November. Mamdani, who secured the Democratic nomination, enters the race as the frontrunner due to the city’s Democratic leanings.

Though Adams avoided naming Mamdani directly, he seemed to allude to the controversial candidate’s recent proposals. “You don’t tax communities based on ethnicity,” he said, likely referencing Mamdani’s recent comment about imposing higher taxes on “whiter neighborhoods.”

“You have the right to be in this city and anywhere in this country,” Adams reassured his audience. “This city belongs to you as with all groups in this city. Don’t live in fear, don’t live in anxiety. This city belongs to you as it belongs to every group that lives in this city.”

{Matzav.com}

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that Tehran is still committed to diplomatic efforts, noting that just before the outbreak of last month’s war between Iran and Israel, discussions with President Trump’s envoy were nearing a landmark agreement.

In a piece published in the Financial Times, Araghchi spoke positively of Trump’s diplomatic approach, hinting that talks over Iran’s nuclear program might soon resume. “In only five meetings over nine weeks, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and I achieved more than I did in four years of nuclear negotiations with the failed Biden administration. We were on the cusp of a historic breakthrough,” Araghchi wrote.

According to Araghchi, the sixth meeting between him and Witkoff was just two days away when Israel launched a military offensive targeting Iranian ballistic missile stockpiles and nuclear infrastructure on June 13.

Israeli leaders justified the strikes as a necessary measure to confront what they labeled an existential danger from Iran, whose leaders have publicly called for the destruction of Israel. The two-week conflict between Israel and Iran was marked by intense aerial bombardments, including American strikes ordered by Trump on deeply buried Iranian nuclear sites.

Araghchi mentioned that there are signs the United States may now be willing to reengage in talks. He reminded readers that the U.S. was initially part of the six-nation nuclear deal signed with Iran in 2015, a pact which Trump later exited during his first term.

“Iran remains interested in diplomacy but we have good reason to have doubts about further dialogue. If there is a desire to resolve this amicably, the US should show genuine readiness for an equitable accord,” Araghchi wrote.

Later that day, Araghchi held discussions in Mecca with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud. The meeting focused on regional affairs and efforts to restore ties between the two long-standing rivals, according to Saudi media outlet SPA.

This marked Araghchi’s initial trip to Saudi Arabia since the conclusion of the recent 12-day conflict with Israel.

According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, Araghchi also engaged in productive discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman. Baghaei did not reveal the specific location of those meetings but noted them in a post on X.

At the White House on Monday evening, Trump told the press, “We have scheduled Iran talks, and they… want to talk.” His envoy Witkoff confirmed that the dialogue would begin within the next several days.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, speaking Tuesday after meeting with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, signaled that he was open to the possibility of renewed talks between the U.S. and Iran. “There are opportunities for peace that we intend to realize… We’re working together on this,” he said.

An Israeli senior official, briefing reporters in Washington, revealed that Trump’s move to initiate direct negotiations with Iran in April had not come as a shock to the Israeli leadership. “We talked to him before,” said the official as Netanyahu sat nearby.

During his remarks on Monday, Trump also expressed openness to easing sanctions on Tehran. “I would love to be able to, at the right time, take those sanctions off,” he said. Just before Netanyahu’s visit, Trump hinted at deeper collaboration with Israel, stating the two nations were “working on a lot of things,” including what he described as “probably a permanent deal with Iran.”

In a separate interview aired Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian voiced optimism that disputes between Tehran and Washington could be resolved through renewed dialogue.

{Matzav.com}

In an interview with Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen channel, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem unveiled fresh details about how the group reacted immediately following the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel.

According to Qassem, Hamas reached out to Hezbollah just half an hour after initiating the attack, informing then-leader Hassan Nasrallah of their operation and urging Hezbollah to fully join the battle. “Hamas contacted then-Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, informed him of the operation, and asked the group to join the fighting in full force.”

Qassem insisted that Hezbollah was not aware in advance of Hamas’s intentions. After receiving the message, Nasrallah relayed it to the group’s leadership for internal discussion. At first, there was consideration of launching strikes in the Har Dov region, anticipating that Israeli counterattacks would escalate gradually. Ultimately, however, Hezbollah’s top decision-making body, the Shura Council, resolved to offer limited support rather than launching a full-fledged military campaign.

He cited three key reasons for this restrained approach: the lack of coordination prior to the attack, concern that widespread fighting could draw in the United States, and the belief that partial involvement would still align with Hezbollah’s larger strategic objectives.

During the conversation, Qassem also touched on the repercussions of a major intelligence breach referred to as the “beeper attack.” He noted that Hezbollah established both a central investigative committee and multiple sub-teams to probe what went wrong and how the breach occurred.

He further disclosed that Israel had succeeded in exposing Hezbollah’s clandestine procurement operation—a sophisticated global network designed to mask the identities of those acquiring resources. This exposure, Qassem admitted, allowed Israel to dismantle the organization’s internal communications system. He called the setback “a very severe blow.”

When speaking about Hezbollah’s preparedness today, Qassem issued a clear warning: “We are upgrading, recovering, and now we are ready. If Israel attacks, we will not stand by and watch. We will fight them.”

The interview took an emotional turn when Qassem began to weep while mentioning the late Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. He explained that his tears were not merely over Nasrallah’s death but over the void left by his absence.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Mrs. Devorah Ackerman a”h, a woman whose life was defined by chessed, hospitality, and unwavering dedication to Torah and Klal Yisroel.

Mrs. Ackerman passed away in New York. A longtime resident of Boro Park, she later moved to Bnei Brak with her esteemed husband, the legendary Stoliner Chossid and baal chessed, R’ Yudel Ackerman zt”l. Together, they played a pivotal role in founding key mosdos of the Stoliner kehillah. In New York, they helped establish the Stoliner Yeshiva, and in Eretz Yisroel, they were instrumental in founding the Stoliner Cheder in Bnei Brak.

For many years, their home in Eretz Yisroel served as an open haven for hundreds of bochurim, seminary girls, and families. Whether for Shabbos or Yom Tov, the Ackerman household was a place of warmth, encouragement, and genuine hachnosas orchim. Mrs. Ackerman, with her trademark grace and generosity, ensured that every guest felt like family.

Following the passing of her husband, R’ Yudel, Mrs. Ackerman returned to Boro Park, where she continued to be a source of strength and inspiration to those around her.

The levaya took place in Boro Park and will continue in Eretz Yisroel, with stops in Givat Zev and Bnei Brak. Kevurah will take place in Teveria.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

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In an unusual legal move, a chareidi family from Kiryat Shemonah petitioned Israel’s Family Court for special permission allowing their 17-year-old daughter to marry before reaching the legal age of 18. The request was rooted in halachic concerns regarding modesty and the prohibition of close contact before marriage.

The girl’s intended husband is 21 years old. The two met when the girl’s family was evacuated from their home during the recent war and temporarily took refuge with his family. Although her parents initially opposed the relationship due to religious concerns, they later warmed to the idea and ultimately gave their blessing for the shidduch.

During the legal proceedings, the girl’s father suffered a severe stroke, a factor which was raised in court as part of the reasoning behind the urgency of the request.

The couple had scheduled a wedding for the following month, at which point the girl would be 17 years and five months old. A court-ordered report by a social worker described the girl as mature and responsible and noted the couple’s strong and stable relationship. The report emphasized that the primary motivation for expediting the wedding was based on halachic values relating to tznius, not external pressure or immaturity.

When asked what would happen if the request was denied, the girl responded that “it won’t be easy, and they’ll have to meet less, but she doesn’t believe they’ll break up.”

Despite the professional opinion and the girl’s testimony, the legal representative of the Attorney General strongly objected to the petition, noting that “even in more extreme cases—such as one involving a minor just five days shy of turning 18—the court has refused to approve a marriage.”

Judge Ran Arnon ultimately ruled against the request, stating: “I am not convinced that there are special circumstances related to the minor’s best interest that would justify granting permission for her to marry before the age of 18.” The request was officially denied.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In what witnesses are calling an open miracle, a bris milah was performed last night just moments before sunset under extraordinary circumstances after a sudden and drastic drop in the infant’s hemoglobin levels made the bris halachically permissible. The event unfolded exactly as foretold earlier in the day by the baby’s great-grandfather, the renowned posek, Rav Moshe Sternbuch.

The father, who performed the bris himself, also served as the sandek, reciting all the brachos and filling all the kibbudim traditionally distributed among close family. The rushed ceremony took place in the final minutes before sunset, with no time to gather relatives, due to the urgent need to fulfill the mitzvah of bris milah bizmanah, on the eighth day.

Earlier that morning, bloodwork showed the baby had an unusually high hemoglobin level of 14.5, rendering a bris halachically prohibited. But when Rav Sternbuch heard the test results, he calmly told the family, “You’ll see—the bris will be today.” His words stunned those around him, as such a sharp drop in hemoglobin within hours seemed medically unlikely.

Yet, toward evening, in what many are calling a revealed mofes, a follow-up test showed that the baby’s hemoglobin had plummeted dramatically—just minutes before shkiah. The father acted immediately, performing the bris in the narrow window of halachic opportunity.

After the bris, the father brought his newborn son to Rav Sternbuch’s home, where the posek bentched the child at his table. Also present at the post-bris seudah was the baby’s other grandfather, Rav Chaim Uri Freund, member of the Badatz of the Eidah HaChareidis.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu paid a visit to the White House on Tuesday for a follow-up discussion with President Donald Trump, marking their second meeting within a 24-hour span.

The meeting, which lasted approximately ninety minutes, took place against the backdrop of high-stakes negotiations between Israel and Hamas. These talks, facilitated by Qatari officials in Doha, aim to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.

Neither Netanyahu nor Trump addressed the press following their closed-door discussion.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded his second meeting with US President Donald Trump a short time ago.”

“The meeting, held in the Oval Office at the White House, was also attended by Vice President JD Vance,” the statement continued.

At the same time, journalist Barak Ravid reported that a delegation from Qatar had also arrived in Washington earlier that day to participate in discussions related to the hostage situation and efforts toward a ceasefire in Gaza.

Earlier Tuesday, Netanyahu delivered remarks to reporters on Capitol Hill after his session with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

“The President and I believe in a doctrine called peace through strength. First comes strength, then comes the peace. Our resolute action, the resolute decision of President Trump to act with us against those who seek to destroy Israel and threaten the peace of the world has made a remarkable change in the Middle East,” said Netanyahu.

Speaking about the recent 12-day confrontation involving Iran, the prime minister praised American military efforts alongside Israel’s own. “The remarkable American B2 pilots showed remarkable perseverance, persistence and power. The soldiers of Israel fought like lions, our pilots struck like lightning and our common alliance roared like thunder. And this is having a great change in our region. There are opportunities for peace that we intend to realize. We’re working together on this.”

Touching on the ongoing war in Gaza, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s objectives. “We have still to finish the job in Gaza, release all our hostages, eliminate and destroy Hamas’s military and governance capabilities because Gaza must have a different future, for our sake, for everyone’s sake. And no country will settle for less. We certainly will not,” he said.

He concluded by highlighting the strength of the relationship between Washington and Israel. “These are all things that I discussed with President Trump. I may discuss further with him later in this visit. But I have to say that the coordination between our two countries, the coordination between an American president and an Israeli prime minister has been unmatched. It offers great promise for Israel, for America, for our region and for the world,” Netanyahu concluded.

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{Matzav.com}

During a speech delivered yesterday, the Satmar Rebbe responded strongly to reports of increased efforts by Israeli authorities to crack down on individuals evading military service, including yeshiva and kollel students. He urged unwavering commitment to derech haTorah, the path of Torah.

Opening his address, the Rebbe condemned what he described as oppressive tactics by the Israeli leadership. “There is very troubling news coming from the Holy Land – the wicked government has announced that they are sending over fifty thousand draft orders to yeshiva students, and they are going to set up roadblocks around all the haredi cities, to stop those coming in and out and check who is not reporting to the recruitment office,” he said.

Referring to a recent report highlighting a lack of prison capacity, the Rebbe warned that the state would be overwhelmed by resistance from Torah learners. “We want to inform the wicked government that hundreds of cells in the prisons will not be enough for them, they will need thousands of cells for the thousands of yeshiva students who will not show up.”

Standing in solidarity with the chareidi community in Eretz Yisroel, the Rebbe declared that support from the diaspora must remain firm. “We, from here – from New York – can only strengthen the hands of the people in Tzion. A terrible decree seems to await a great trouble for the yeshiva students and kollel members.”

Despite the dire tone, the Rebbe questioned whether the state truly intends to carry out the sweeping draft orders or if the announcements are simply a manipulative tactic. “We don’t know at the moment if this is really their intention to do this, or if it is just a way to threaten the haredi Knesset members so they will agree to the new law.”

Casting doubt on the credibility of Israeli politicians, he concluded with sharp criticism. “Everyone there are liars, and it could be just another political spin to get the rabbis’ approval for the new law,” he added.

[Video below.] A disturbing video has emerged showing a former intern for Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani verbally harassing a Muslim NYPD officer during a pro-Palestinian rally.

The footage, taken at a demonstration on the City College campus, captures student activist Hadeeqa Arzoo Malik berating officers lined up near the protest. Malik, who once interned in Mamdani’s Assembly district office, can be heard shouting, “Let’s read the badges of the pigs,” as she begins calling out names that are common among Muslims.

Malik continues, directing her comments toward specific officers with names like Rahman, Muhammad, Ali, and Abdullah. “So to the Rahmans and the Muhammads, to the Alis and the Abdullahs,” she proclaims, eventually zeroing in on one officer in particular. “To the Rafids!” she yells, pointing out the visibly uncomfortable officer.

Her tirade crescendos as she accuses the officers of tarnishing their faith. “To the pigs who can call themselves by the name of Islam — put some respect on their names!” she screams. The clip concludes as another officer steps in to replace the one Malik had been addressing.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Malik interned for Mamdani during the summer of 2024, handling responsibilities in communications, outreach, policy, and constituent services. She was also active as president of the City College chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.

Mamdani himself helped establish the SJP chapter at Bowdoin College, where he studied.

The video, initially shared on X in late February, was posted by an anonymous student account known as “Documenting Jew Hatred on Campus at Columbia U.” The account claimed that Malik has a “extensive profile” on Canary Mission, a database that tracks antisemitic activity online.

“NYers take note! You’ll be getting a lot more very empowered Maliks if Mamdani wins the election. Don’t let this happen,” read the caption from the post.

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{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com mourns the petirah of Reb Aharon Dovid Yitzchok Rubinstein z”l, a devoted longtime volunteer with Hatzolah of Kiryas Yoel and the Catskills. He was 51 years old.

Reb Aharon Dovid, a resident of Kiryas Yoel, was known for his boundless dedication to helping others. As a veteran Hatzolah member, he responded to hundreds of emergency calls over the years, often being the first on the scene and the last to leave. His tireless devotion earned him deep respect and admiration from all who knew him.

He was born in the United States. His father was Reb Avrohom Yosef Rubinstein. He was a son-in-law of Reb Yosef Weiss.

Every aspect of Reb Aharon Dovid’s life revolved around acts of kindness and chesed. Whether saving lives or assisting those in need, he could always be counted on. In Kiryas Yoel, he was instrumental in organizing community events, including the annual dinners and melaveh malka gatherings on behalf of local mosdos.

A friend recalled, “I remember when I was arranging a bulk shoe purchase for talmidim, Reb Aharon Dovid approached me and asked if he could sponsor shoes for yesomim before Yom Tov. That’s just who he was—a true baal chesed.”

In recent years, Reb Aharon Dovid battled a serious illness. Over the past several weeks, his condition deteriorated significantly, and earlier today, he was niftar.

The levayah is taking place now at the central beis medrash in Kiryas Yoel, proceeding to the local beis hachaim, where he will be laid to rest.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A powerful moment unfolded at Ben Gurion Airport this week as volunteers from Naava Kodesh warmly welcomed a group of Yeshivishe families making Aliyah to Eretz Yisroel. Among the arrivals was a family from Lakewood, New Jersey — a sign of the growing trend among Bnei Torah families to establish permanent homes in Eretz Yisroel

What was once considered rare is becoming increasingly familiar: Yeshivishe families, grounded in Torah values and chinuch, are arriving with a sense of clarity and purpose, fulfilling a generations-old yearning to settle in Eretz Yisroel.

As the families emerged from customs, they were greeted with singing and heartfelt dancing, including a moving outpour of “Veshavu Banim Ligvulam.” The scene reflected the joy of return and the depth of what this moment represents: the culmination of centuries of tefillos, longing, and mesirus nefesh to settle in Eretz Yisroel.

“This wasn’t just another flight — it was the fulfillment of 2,000 years of yearning,” said Yosef Elyah Steinberg, a member of the Naava Kodesh Welcoming Committee.

“Watching choshuveh Yeshiva families arrive with that spark in their eyes, realizing that people like them were waiting to welcome them — it was deeply moving. It felt like a glimpse of Hashem’s light after years of galus, and a reminder that this is just the beginning. Their courage inspires others to consider their own journey home.”

Shmuel Shifrin, a fellow committee member and former Lakewood resident who made Aliyah two years ago, echoed the sentiment:

“Standing at the airport today, I had the incredible zechus to welcome Yidden finally coming home. I didn’t know most of their names — but it felt like greeting close family returning after years apart.

The energy was emotional, powerful, and unforgettable. Moments like this remind me that the geulah is unfolding before our eyes — one beautiful family at a time.”

“Welcoming these choshuveh families from Lakewood to Eretz Yisroel is nothing short of a historic moment,” said Tzvi Arnstein, Founder of Naava Kodesh.

“Seeing Bnei Torah settling in the Holy Land is a tremendous chizuk — not only for them, but for all of Klal Yisroel. At Naava Kodesh, we consider it a zechus to assist these families as they begin this next stage in their avodas Hashem, rooted in the kedusha of Eretz Hakodesh. We’re here to help make that transition smooth and uplifting — both b’gashmiyus and b’ruchniyus.”

{Matzav.com}

The Chabad-Lubavitch community is mourning the passing of Rabbi Avraham Korf z”l, the longtime head shliach to the state of Florida and one of the earliest Chabad emissaries in the United States. Rabbi Korf passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92, after 64 years of dedicated shlichus, during which he helped transform Florida into a vibrant center of Jewish life and learning.

Born in 1933 in Kharkov, then part of the Soviet Union, Rabbi Korf was the son of Rabbi Yehoshua and Rebbetzin Chaya Rivka Korf. Despite the harsh repression of Judaism under Communist rule, his parents instilled in him a deep and unwavering commitment to Yiddishkeit. They raised their children with fierce devotion to mitzvah observance, Chassidic values, and mesorah, even under the most dangerous conditions.

In 1942, the Korf family managed to escape Kharkov on the last train out, making their way to Samarkand, Uzbekistan. There, despite his young age and limited formal Torah education—having grown up in an environment where traditional melamdim were nearly impossible to find—Avraham Korf pleaded with his father to allow him to join a clandestine yeshiva that had opened in the city. His persistence bore fruit, and he soon began to flourish in Torah learning through great toil and determination.

In 1947, the family managed to flee the Soviet Union, eventually arriving at the displaced persons camp in Poking, Germany. A year later, they relocated to France, where young Avraham studied at the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva in Brunoy. During those formative years, two towering Chassidic figures left a profound mark on him: the legendary mashpia Reb Nissan Neminov, who embodied bittul and kabbolas ol, and Reb Bentzion Shemtov, who passionately urged the yeshiva bochurim to devote themselves wholly to Hashem.

In his youth, Rabbi Korf journeyed from France to New York to be near the Lubavitcher Rebbe in the early years of his leadership. Even then, he began spreading Chassidus by teaching in various yeshivos.

In 1961, Rabbi Korf embarked on his life’s mission: to serve as the shliach in Florida. He was only the second Chabad shliach in all of America. Despite not yet knowing English, he immediately began connecting with local Jewish leaders, most of whom were affiliated with Reform or Conservative congregations. Impressively, almost all of them welcomed him and even invited him to speak to their communities. He began giving shiurim to college students, launched a children’s camp, and slowly laid the foundation for the Jewish infrastructure that would soon blossom.

Over the decades, Rabbi Korf brought dozens of other shluchim to the state. Today, thanks to his pioneering work, Florida is home to over 200 Chabad centers, each a shining beacon of Torah and Yiddishkeit. These centers, along with the numerous schools, yeshivos, and community institutions he helped establish, are part of Rabbi Korf’s enduring legacy.

He is survived by his children: Rabbi Yossi Korf (Hollywood, FL); Mrs. Rashi Raices (Postville, Iowa); Mrs. Shevi Sossonko (Miami Beach, FL); Rabbi Benjy Korf (Miami Beach, FL); Mrs. Leah Jacobson (Crown Heights); R’ Mendy Korf (Miami Beach, FL); R’ Motty Korf (Miami Beach, FL); Rabbi Zalman Korf (Walnut Creek, FL); and Ms. Sari Korf (Miami Beach, FL), as well as by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who continue to carry forward his legacy of mesirus nefesh, Torah, and ahavas Yisroel.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}