Matzav

Israeli security forces announced on Wednesday that they had retrieved the remains of two people held captive in Gaza, among them was Yair (Yaya) Yaakov, who had been killed during the October 7 Hamas attack and taken into Gaza. The second victim has yet to be publicly identified, though the family has been notified. According to official estimates, 54 hostages are still being held by Hamas, with 20 of them believed to be alive.

Yair’s son, Or, who was also kidnapped during the attack and later released, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “Dad, I love you. I still don’t know how to react, I’m sad to say. I’m waiting for your funeral. I love you, I knew this day would come. Thank you to the IDF and Shin Bet forces for the recovery. I hope the rest of the hostages will be brought back with a deal so soldiers aren’t endangered.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation following the announcement, acknowledging the efforts of Israeli forces in recovering the two bodies. “In an operation carried out by the IDF and the Shin Bet in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our hostages were returned to Israel — Yair Yaakov, of blessed memory, and another hostage whose name has not yet been cleared for publication (his family has been notified). Yair Yaakov was murdered and abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Islamic Jihad on October 7, 2023. Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their most precious loved ones. I thank the soldiers and commanders for yet another successful execution of the sacred mission to bring our hostages home. We will not rest or be silent until we bring all our hostages home — both the living and the fallen,” he said.

Yair Yaakov, known as Yaya, lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz and was among those captured and slain during the deadly rampage of October 7. His life partner, Merav, and their sons Or (16) and Yagil (12) were also taken hostage that day but were later released as part of the November 2023 prisoner exchange.

On the morning of the massacre, Merav managed to alert relatives that armed terrorists had stormed their home. During the invasion, they opened fire, wounding Yair. The attackers recorded every moment — from their entry into the house to the abduction of the family. The footage reportedly shows the terrorists dragging the family from the floor, with Yair visibly injured and attempting to show them his wound. He was later separated from Merav and the boys. The house sustained heavy damage from the gunfire, marking a tragic chapter in an already devastating event.

{Matzav.com}

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee pushed back strongly against allegations accusing Israel of committing genocide or using disproportionate force in Gaza. In an interview with CBN, Huckabee derided the accusations, saying, “They’re doing a lousy job at genocide. If they wanted to do genocide, they could drop a few bombs and everybody would be dead.”

Huckabee praised Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties during its operations in Gaza. “The fact that they are surgically going into Gaza, trying to move the civilians out of harm’s way. They announced to them with leaflets, with paging, with cell phone texts, with loudspeakers, and they’ve put it on every media outlet and social media and say, ‘If you’re in this area, get out. We’re going to attack it.'”

He pointed out the rarity of such extensive efforts to protect civilian lives during warfare. “Now who else does that on all of the Earth?” he asked. “Not even the US gives that kind of warning to civilians to try to protect them.”

Brushing aside speculation about a strained relationship between the U.S. and Israel, Huckabee made a lighthearted comparison, describing their alliance as inseparable. “We share intelligence and strategies more than with any other country. The reason this marriage will not dissolve is that neither side could afford to pay alimony,” he said with a smile.

Turning to the topic of Judea and Samaria, Huckabee responded to reports of American pressure by affirming that the U.S. backs Israel’s right to act independently when it comes to its policies in the region.

When asked about the negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Huckabee noted that Iran has been consistently uncooperative. “Iran has steadfastly said they will not agree” to President Trump’s condition that Tehran must completely halt uranium enrichment and its nuclear weapons program. “I don’t know that we take Iran at its word—they normally don’t keep their’s very well in the 46 years that they’ve ruled that country. But I would take Trump very seriously when he says they will not have a nuclear weapon.”

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration has called on nations to steer clear of an upcoming United Nations conference in New York that will focus on the possibility of a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to a report by Reuters.

A classified diplomatic message, dated June 10, warned that any country taking steps against Israel following the conference could be viewed as acting in opposition to American diplomatic objectives. The cable suggested that such actions might carry consequences for those countries’ relationships with the United States.

The communication made it clear that Washington remains strongly opposed to any move to recognize a Palestinian state outside of a negotiated process.

As of now, the State Department has not issued any public statement in response to the report.

This advisory from Washington coincides with growing international activity surrounding the conference. French President Emmanuel Macron recently revealed that France intends to officially recognize a Palestinian state at the same UN event in New York. Speaking to France 5 television after returning from a trip to Egypt, Macron declared, “We must move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months.”

Macron also disclosed that France and Saudi Arabia are working jointly to organize the conference, which could serve as a coordinated platform for several countries to announce recognition of Palestinian statehood. He framed the move as part of a strategy to promote peace and mutual legitimacy in the Middle East.

Justifying the proposed recognition, Macron said, “Such recognition would allow France to be clear in our fight against those who deny Israel’s right to exist, which is the case with Iran – and to commit ourselves to collective security in the region.”

The Palestinian Authority applauded Macron’s remarks. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, identified as the PA “minister of state for foreign affairs,” described the planned recognition as “a step in the right direction.” On the other hand, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the idea, cautioning that acknowledging what he described as a “fictional Palestinian state” without negotiations would serve to reward violence and empower Hamas.

Recently, several European nations—including Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia—have already recognized a Palestinian state, fueling further debate on the issue.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Aharon Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Yoel, is preparing to visit Israel this week, marking a decade since his last trip to the country.

He will be flying in on a privately arranged charter, joined by a large group of Chassidim traveling from the U.S. and various other countries to accompany him.

The itinerary for the trip features several major milestones, including the dedication of a new girls’ school in Bnei Brak, along with an event connected to the ongoing development of a Satmar complex in Yerushalayim.

The centerpiece of the visit will be a special Shabbos in Meron. Thousands of participants, both local and international, are expected to converge for the occasion. In anticipation of the crowds, event planners have already secured more than 80% of the available apartments and guest accommodations in the area to avoid inflation of prices and to ensure smooth arrangements. In an official notice distributed to the community, the organizers emphasized that no one should handle their own lodging plans, stating that “all arrangements must go through the official organizing committee.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Argentinian President Javier Milei delivered remarks to the Knesset on Wednesday evening, during which he revealed that Argentina plans to move its embassy to Yerushalayim in 2026.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ochana formally greeted President Milei, calling his presence in the Knesset a “historic moment” for bilateral ties between the two nations.

“It is a tremendous honor for me to host, together with you, dear Members of Knesset, the greatest friend the State of Israel and the Jewish people have ever had in the Casa Rosada and in Argentina – President Javier Milei,” Ochana said.

He went on to emphasize the importance of the occasion, noting that this was the first time an Argentinian head of state had addressed a full session of the Knesset. “This is a historic moment in Israel-Argentina relations, as it marks the first time the Knesset has hosted an Argentine President to address the full plenum. During our meeting in Buenos Aires, I believed there was no one more fitting than you, Mr. President, to enter the annals of Israeli and Jewish history as the first Argentine leader to speak to the people of Israel from their house of representatives. I thank you for accepting my invitation. Welcome to the Knesset and welcome to Jerusalem!”

Ochana also praised Milei’s commitment to timeless principles and his willingness to go against popular trends, highlighting how the president draws inspiration and ethical direction from his weekly Torah learning. “These, as you’ve said, have given you ‘a moral compass lacking in the modern political world.’”

“You searched, you deepened, you found your roots. And in doing so, you discovered the truth that connects our people across millennia to our ancient homeland and to our one and only eternal capital.”

Ochana commended Milei for his outspoken support of Israel on the international stage. “It is no surprise that you have become one of Israel’s most passionate friends and defenders on the world stage. Your words have resonated far and wide and have been received by the people of Israel like cold water to a parched soul – words backed by actions.”

He specifically pointed to Milei’s vocal opposition to the Iranian regime, which he described as fueling the war currently waged against Israel from multiple fronts. “You have stood against Iran – the regime of evil funding the current war against Israel on seven fronts.”

Ochana cautioned that Iran continues to pursue nuclear capabilities, even as Israel is engaged in what he described as a justified and ongoing military effort, while still fighting to bring back 55 hostages being held in Gaza. “The Iranian regime presses forward with its nuclear ambitions. The Jewish people have learned from history – when our enemies declare their intent to destroy us, we take them seriously and act accordingly. Mr. President, we will prevail.”

He concluded by expressing gratitude on behalf of the Knesset and the Israeli public. “By standing with Israel, you have woven yourself and the Argentine people into the eternal story of the Jewish nation. On behalf of the Knesset, representing all citizens of Israel – thank you. Long live the State of Israel, long live Argentina, long live liberty!”

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, speaking to applause from the coalition benches, then addressed Milei warmly. “Sir, since the Prime Minister does not know Spanish, I can tell you in secret that we disagree on almost nothing. But there are two things on which we agree. The first is that Jews have the right to defend themselves. Israel will not surrender or bend. Neither in the face of terror nor in the face of lies. The second is that your friendship and support for Israel moves us all, and we welcome you on your visit to the Holy Land.”

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk’s recent apology for his sharp criticism of President Trump appears to have landed well with the commander-in-chief. In a short phone call Wednesday morning, Trump told The Post, “I thought it was very nice that he did that,” though he declined to say whether he was ready to reconcile with the tech mogul.

Musk, 53, had launched into a string of posts last Thursday, taking credit for helping Trump win the 2024 race and insinuating that Trump had blocked the publication of information related to Jeffrey Epstein due to his prior ties with the disgraced financier. Late Tuesday night, Musk backtracked, writing, “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” after scrubbing his earlier Epstein-related post.

Though Trump had previously accused Musk of being afflicted with “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and being resentful over his exit from a special government advisory role, he now seems open to patching things up. He had also slammed Musk for objecting to the Big Beautiful Bill — legislation that lost certain EV tax perks after Republican lawmakers intervened — and even warned he might investigate Musk’s federal contracts.

During a Friday appearance on CNN, Trump referred to Musk as “crazy” and echoed that warning again on Truth Social, threatening to scrutinize Musk’s businesses’ ties to the government.

Despite the acrimony, Trump indicated to The Post that none of it came as a shock. “Nothing surprises him,” the president said about the recent fallout with Musk.

On Monday, in a conversation with columnist Miranda Devine, Trump shared that he didn’t “blame” Musk for his criticism, though he admitted being “a little disappointed.” Speaking of Musk’s attack on the bill, Trump noted, “Look, I have no hard feelings. I was really surprised that that happened. He went after a bill that’s phenomenal. … He just — I think he feels very badly that he said that, actually.”

In an appearance on Devine’s “Pod Force One” podcast, Trump was asked whether he’d ever resume a normal relationship with Musk. His reply: “I guess I could, but we have to straighten out the country.”

“And my sole function now is getting this country back to a level higher than it’s ever been. And I think we can do that.”

{Matzav.com}

In the wake of the shocking desecration and arson attack at his shul, former Rishon LeTzion Rav Yitzchok Yosef has departed for Canada as part of an emergency chizuk mission on behalf of Eretz Yisroel and the Olam HaTorah.

The rov traveled on a private plane discreetly donated by one of the leading philanthropists who regularly supports Torah institutions.

The mission comes just days after the deliberate burning of the beis medrash where Rav Yosef delivers shiurim. Surveillance footage from the scene reportedly showed the suspect targeting the rov‘s seat, pouring flammable liquid, igniting it, and fleeing.

Israeli security forces arrested a suspect in his twenties, a resident of Yerushalayim, in connection with the attack. He is currently being interrogated, though details of the investigation have been placed under a gag order at the request of police.

The Canada trip for Rav Yosef is expected to include visits with rabbonim and communal leaders, and gatherings focused on strengthening emunah and achdus in light of recent events.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Dear Matzav Inbox,

We hear it all the time, and we’ve repeated it to our children as if it were a goal to strive for, an ideal to pursue: Torah ugedulah, or as it’s often called, Torah ugedulah b’makom echad.

The image is powerful: a person immersed in the depths of Torah, while also commanding influence, wealth, status, and worldly success.

It sounds noble. It sounds inspiring. It also happens to be, for the most part, a fantasy.

Rav Uren Reich, in his unforgettable drasha at the Adirei HaTorah maamad on Sunday, cut through the fog with refreshing—and uncomfortable—honesty. Perhaps as a total aside to his drasha (but to me, it really stood out), He reminded us of a truth that many of us know deep down but are often too polite, too afraid, or too invested to say aloud: The instances in Jewish history where authentic Torah greatness and gedulah resided in the same person are vanishingly rare. Rav Reich said it outright.

You can count them on one hand. And he’s right.

Let’s stop pretending otherwise.

Real Torah doesn’t coexist easily with gedulah. Gedulah—in the sense of financial might—rarely leaves room for unfiltered, true, authentic greatness in Torah. We like to romanticize the notion that one can spend years in the beis medrash and simultaneously rise through the ranks of corporate, political, or social achievement. But for most, it’s one or the other.

The demands of Torah are relentless. They don’t stop at 6 p.m. They don’t fit into neatly packaged schedules. Torah should consume the mind and reshape the heart, and doesn’t leave much room for financial ambition.

When Chazal tell us that Torah ugedulah b’makom echad is a rarity, they mean it. When the Gemara marvels that both spiritual and worldly greatness could reside in the same individual, it does so precisely because it’s so unusual. And yet today, we’ve flattened the concept. We’ve plastered it on fundraising brochures and promotional videos. We hold up businessmen, askanim, influencers—even politicians—and call them modern examples of Torah ugedulah, sometimes simply because…well, we won’t even say why. It’s a busha.

This isn’t cynicism. It’s clarity.

There is no shortage of good people who support Torah, who revere talmidei chachamim, and who do their utmost to help mosdos hachinuch and gedolei Torah. That support is critical and cherished. But let’s not conflate admiration for Torah with actual Torah. And let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that being a donor or a public figure somehow places someone into the same category as the ameil baTorah, the one whose greatness is measured not in dollars or headlines, but in the sacred sweat of unending diligence.

The Torah world today is strong. It’s vibrant. Baruch Hashem, we are blessed with thousands of lomdei Torah, and the Adirei HaTorah maamad gave powerful public recognition to their daily sacrifice and greatness. But if we start redefining terms—if we begin calling every respectable person in a suit “Torah ugedulah” because they once gave a shiur or have a chavrusashaft with a rosh yeshiva or even wrote a sefer—we dilute the very idea we claim to be honoring.

This is not to say that wealth or influence are inherently bad. They’re tools. They can be used to elevate, to support, to protect Torah. But to be Torah ugedulah b’makom echad in the truest, Chazal-intended sense? That’s a level of integration, of mastery, of purity, that very few achieve.

Rav Uren Reich told us the truth, and we should listen: It’s not the standard. It’s the exception. It barely exists.

We owe it to the next generation to be honest. Don’t teach your son that the goal is to become a CEO who also says a Daf Yomi shiur. Teach him that the ameilus is the goal. The geshmak of a Tosfos, the clarity of a Rav Chaim, the depth of a Ketzos—that’s the greatness we cherish. If along the way Hashem grants a person wealth or influence, yasher kochacha. Use it wisely. But don’t confuse the gift with the goal.

Torah doesn’t need PR spin. It needs truth. And sometimes that means admitting that what sounds good on paper—“Torah ugedulah!”—is, in practice, a contradiction more often than a combination.

With respect and clarity,

A Grateful Listener to Rav Reich’s Voice of Truth

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Greta Thunberg, the Swedish career protestor and climate agitator, returned to Europe on Tuesday evening following her deportation from Israel. Thunberg had been part of a flotilla attempting to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. After arriving in Paris, she spoke to journalists and reiterated her condemnation of Israel’s actions toward Palestinian Arabs while urging broader efforts to support humanitarian relief for Gaza.

In comments published by The Associated Press, Thunberg demanded that the remaining detained participants of the Madleen flotilla be released. She noted that the conditions they encountered during their maritime protest were “absolutely nothing compared to what people are going through in Palestine and especially Gaza right now.”

“The aim was to get to Gaza and to be able to distribute the aid,” Thunberg said, stressing that the participants were fully aware of the dangers associated with the voyage. She insisted their efforts to deliver assistance to Gaza would persist.

Now en route to Sweden, Thunberg explained she hadn’t had access to a phone in several days and looked forward to a shower. She also pointed out that the activists had been separated after their arrest, with some struggling to connect with legal counsel.

Thunberg was part of a group of 12 leftist demonstrators who joined the flotilla. Out of the group, four—including Thunberg—accepted deportation and were flown out of Israel. Thunberg was escorted to an El Al flight bound for Paris.

Those who rejected the deportation orders were taken to a holding facility and will remain there until the legal procedures surrounding their removal are completed.

When asked about her decision to accept deportation, Thunberg responded candidly: “Why would I want to stay in an Israeli prison more than necessary?”

Thunberg urged her supporters to pressure their home governments “to demand not only humanitarian aid being let into Gaza but most importantly an end to the occupation and an end to the systemic oppression and violence that Palestinians are facing on an everyday basis.”

She further argued that government recognition of “Palestine” is “the very, very, very minimum” that should be expected in the name of justice.

The IDF reported that the vessel was intercepted peacefully by Shayetet 13, Israel’s elite naval commando unit. Despite claims by some activists in prerecorded messages alleging they had been “kidnapped,” footage released by the Israeli government showed troops offering the passengers food and bottled water.

The vessel used in the operation was later taken to Ashdod Port. According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the cargo of aid onboard amounted to less than one truck’s worth of supplies, which would now be routed to Gaza via recognized humanitarian delivery systems.

{Matzav.com}

The worldwide Jewish population grew by 870,000 in the decade from 2010 to 2020, according to the Pew Research Center’s global religion survey released this week.

The analysis of worldwide religious trends looked at self-reported religious belief, except in Israel, where the surveyors used the government’s population register.

“The number of Jews around the world grew by 6%, from an estimated 14 million in 2010 to nearly 15 million in 2020,” the researchers wrote. “That’s fewer than the estimated 16.6 million Jews who were alive in 1939 prior to the Holocaust.”

Those numbers notably exclude those who might identify ethnically as Jewish but who report being religiously unaffiliated, agnostic or atheist.

A Pew survey that used a broader definition of Jewish identity, which included both religion and ethnicity, found about 1.8 million more Jews in the United States than Monday’s report did.

Much of the increase in the Jewish population from 2010 to 2020 came in Israel, where the number of Jews grew from 5.76 million to 6.78 million. The number of Jews in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean declined during that decade by about 200,000.

The Jewish populations of North America and Asia grew by a small number.

The Pew researchers combined data from more than 2,700 censuses, surveys and population registers, covering about 99.98% of the world’s population in 201 countries and territories.

Globally, they found that Islam was the fastest-growing religion from 2010 to 2020, gaining more than 300 million adherents to reach a global population of more than 2 billion.

Christianity remains the largest worldwide religion for now, with just under 2.3 billion believers, but Pew found 40 countries where the Christian population declined by more than 5% and only one, Mozambique, where it increased by that much.

“Countries where the share of Christians fell are scattered throughout every region of the world, but many are in Europe and other Western or English-speaking places where Christian majorities have been shrinking for decades,” the researchers wrote.

“This change is largely driven by high rates of Christian disaffiliation,” they said, including “by people becoming religiously unaffiliated as adults after having been raised as Christians in childhood.”

As a result, religious Christians are no longer a majority in the United Kingdom, Australia and France, with religiously unaffiliated people accounting for more than 40% of the population in each of the three. The religiously unaffiliated are now a majority of the population in the Netherlands and New Zealand.

‘Change not evenly distributed’

Despite concerns from some right-wing parties in Europe about mass migration from Muslim countries, the Pew researchers found modest growth of Islam on the continent over the past decade, though it was concentrated in some countries more than others.

“Overall, the share of Europe’s population that is Muslim grew by less than 1 percentage point, to 6% in 2020,” they wrote, “but the change was not evenly distributed.”

“In Sweden, where government policies toward Syrian refugees were generous, Muslims grew to make up 8% of the country’s inhabitants,” they wrote, which was “up 4 percentage points, or roughly double the share of Sweden’s population that Muslims had been in 2010.”

“The Muslim share was more stable in other European countries,” they wrote. “For example, in Germany, where then-Chancellor Angela Merkel’s welcoming stance toward Muslim refugees in 2015 was highly controversial, Muslims grew by about 1 percentage point as a share of the country’s population, making up 7% of the country’s residents in 2020.”

Islam is growing faster in North America than any other part of the world, according to Pew, with a 52.3% population increase from 2010 to 2020, though the total population numbers remain small.

Some 4.05 million Muslims lived in the United States in 2020, up from 2.77 million in 2010, fewer than the number of Buddhists and Jews. JNS

{Matzav.com}

President Trump announced early Wednesday that the United States had finalized a trade arrangement with China following a stretch of intense negotiations held in London.

“Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval with President Xi and me,” Trump declared on Truth Social, using all capital letters. “Full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied, up front, by China.”

“Likewise, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!). We are getting a total of 55% tariffs, China is getting 10%. The relationship is excellent! Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

“President XI and I are going to work closely together to open up China to American Trade. This would be a great WIN for both countries!!”

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made a statement Tuesday night revealing that Washington and Beijing had established a new framework to advance the Geneva consensus, an earlier agreement from May that significantly lowered US tariffs on imports from China—from 145% down to 30%.

On China’s side, officials agreed to reduce tariffs on American goods from 125% to 10% as part of that same May understanding.

That initial agreement was intended to provide both governments until August 10 to hammer out a broader and more detailed trade pact.

According to a White House official, the 55% tariff figure referenced by Trump on Wednesday includes multiple components: a 10% universal tariff, an added 20% specifically aimed at China over the fentanyl issue, and another 25% from earlier duties such as those under Section 301 and most-favored-nation rules.

Essentially, the 55% total isn’t a sharp shift from what had already been established under the Geneva consensus—it’s more of a comprehensive tally of the multiple tariff measures in place.

However, the implementation of that May truce was put on hold temporarily as both parties accused the other of backtracking on commitments.

American officials were frustrated with China’s delayed action on allowing exports of rare earth elements, which led the Trump administration to impose stricter measures on chemical imports, clamp down on the export of advanced chip design software, and revoke student visas for Chinese nationals.

Lutnick said the latest framework crafted in London added clarity and enforceability to the Geneva understanding, which had originally aimed to ease the heavy tariffs both nations had set during the height of trade tensions.

He noted that the new terms would require China to reduce restrictions on rare earth exports “in a balanced way,” though he didn’t disclose precise details.

Li Chenggang, China’s Vice Commerce Minister, also acknowledged that an agreement had been reached in London, pending final sign-off from Trump and Xi.

The two delegations spent roughly 48 hours in London working through points of contention tied to the stalled Geneva framework, finally closing the talks late Tuesday evening.

Trump shared that he’d had a “very good” phone call with Xi the previous week, even after expressing frustration by saying that Xi is “very tough, and extremely hard to make a deal with.”

Though the agreement reached in London signals progress and a potential return to stability in trade relations, it doesn’t resolve the core policy disagreements that remain between the US and China.

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk issued a public apology on social media for comments he made last week targeting President Donald Trump, admitting that some of his remarks were overly severe.

“I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far,” Musk shared in a post on X.

Tensions between Musk and Trump ignited when Musk blasted the president’s budget plan and expressed concerns over how it might harm the electric car sector. Musk even resurfaced older statements made by Trump about the national debt and followed them up with mocking commentary.

The situation escalated quickly, turning into a personal clash. Trump fired back by suggesting Musk had not shown gratitude for government subsidies that benefitted his electric vehicle ventures. Musk, in turn, brought up Trump’s ties to the Jeffrey Epstein controversy.

Musk later deleted several of his posts, including the one referencing the Epstein matter. Still, Trump didn’t hold back, continuing to slam Musk and declaring that he had “lost his mind.”

Israel Chief Rabbis Recognizing  R’Duvi Honig;

L-R Chief Rabbis of Israel — Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef (Sephardic) Duvi Honig Founder /Ceo Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and Rabbi Kalman Ber (Ashkenazi)

Krakow, Poland — More than 200 rabbis and community leaders from around the world gathered this week in Krakow to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Merkaz Rabbanai Europa (Rabbinical Center of Europe). The event marked a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to support Jewish life and religious leadership across the continent.

In a powerful show of international support, both Chief Rabbis of Israel — Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef (Sephardic) and Rabbi Kalman Ber (Ashkenazi) — traveled from Jerusalem to participate in the commemoration and honor Duvi Honig, a leading advocate for Jewish communities worldwide and Founder of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce.

 L-R Chief Rabbis of Israel — Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef (Sephardic) Duvi Honig Founder /Ceo Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and Rabbi Kalman Ber (Ashkenazi) Rabbi Menachem Margolin Chairman Rabbinical Center of Europe

A Global Gathering at the Heart of Jewish History

The anniversary was hosted in Krakow, a city with deep historical significance as a center of Jewish life in pre-war Europe. The conference drew rabbinical leaders and dignitaries from Europe, Israel, and North America, reflecting the unity and resilience of the Jewish people.

Duvi Honig was recognized for his international work promoting religious liberty, community resilience, and economic opportunity. 

Rabbi Kalman Ber, Chief Rabbi of Israel, said during the award presentation: 

Watch: Chief Rabbi of Israel R Kalman Ber

Under his leadership, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce has built partnerships between government, business, and faith groups to support vulnerable communities and fight discrimination. “Rabbi Honig has used every resource at his disposal to support others. His work spans continents — protecting rights, creating opportunity, and strengthening our collective future.” His contributions have included supporting Jewish communities affected by war in Ukraine, defending religious practices threatened by European legislation, and securing bipartisan support in the United States for protections against antisemitism while simultaneously stimulating economic support and growth throughout the Jewish communities in Europe, Israel and across the globe.

A Voice for Religious Freedom and Civic Partnership

In his remarks, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of Merkaz Rabbanai Europa, described Honig as “a bridge-builder between faith and society.”

“The work of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce demonstrates that economic power and spiritual values can go hand in hand. Through public policy engagement and advocacy, the Chamber has given voice to Jewish communities in the halls of power.”

Highlighting the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce’s efforts has helped empower the European Jewish community in ways that others haven’t succeeded.

Accepting the award, Rabbi Duvi Honig expressed gratitude and issued a message of unity:

“Truly humbled and grateful to receive this recognition from Merkaz Rabbanai Europa, particularly under the leadership of both Chief Rabbis of Israel. This is more than a personal honor — it is a symbol of unity and shared responsibility between the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and Merkaz Rabbanai Europa for the wellbeing of Klal Yisrael.”

 “I accept this not as a reward for past accomplishments, but as a charge for continued service. With Hashems help, we will stand united to protect religious freedoms — including the sacred tradition of Bris Milah — and ensure that Jewish communities across the globe are empowered, defended, and inspired by the values of our Torah.”

 “Now more than ever, we must work together — across borders, across faiths — to ensure that religious communities are safe, empowered, and heard.”

Celebrating 80 Years of Auschwitz-Birkenau Liberation 

With Israel’s Chief Rabbis  

Concluding the mission as the highlight of the event was a memorial visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where the Chief Rabbis of Israel marked 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Hundreds of Rabbonim walked the former concentration camp’s tracks to honor the six million victims and issue a call to action against the rise of antisemitism and religious intolerance in Europe and around the Globe.

As part of the memorial ceremony,

Duvi Honig was honored, lighting the memorial flame alongside the Chief Rabbis of Israel, standing together on behalf of Jewry around the globe with a unified message: Never Again. He was honored with the lighting of a candle at Auschwitz in memory of those killed in the Holocaust.

As the grandchild of Holocaust survivors who were imprisoned in Auschwitz, the moment held deep personal significance. Honig described the experience as “an indescribable honor and responsibility,” paying tribute to his grandparents’ legacy and the enduring strength of the Jewish people. “The most powerful response to pain is to rebuild life,” said Israel’s Chief Rabbis in a joint message. “Jewish continuity is our answer.”

A profound wave of emotion enveloped all present, Duvi Recounts the immense honor of being the Guest of Honor for the Rabbinical Center of Europe coincided with the 80th year of Auschwitz’s liberation candle lighting Ceremony together with Israel’s esteemed Chief Rabbis, Rabbi Kalman Bar and Rabbi Yitzchok Yosef. 

As hundreds of rabbonim made their way to the tracks where countless Jews began their final journey, a powerful silence descended upon all. This solemn journey was momentarily brightened when the tour guide, received a call upon entering Buchenwald, announced the birth of his new Jewish grandchild—a mark of victory over the Natzis and an unexpected spark of life amid remembrances of tragedy.

Immediately after the victorious news 200 Rabbonim began to sing “Ani Mamin,” a song of unwavering belief and defiant hope. The melody rose into the air, weaving a tapestry of prayer and remembrance that transcended time. In that moment, the tracks became more than a symbol of loss—they stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of victory and life to the Jewish people.

Watch: 200 Rabbonim break out singing “Ani Mamin

About the Rabbinical Center of Europe

Merkaz Rabbanai Europa (Rabbinical Center of Europe) is the leading umbrella organization for over 800 rabbis across the continent. It supports religious leaders, promotes religious rights, and advocates for stronger partnerships between European governments and faith communities.

About the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce

The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce is an international nonprofit organization that connects faith-based communities with economic and policy opportunities. Its work spans education, advocacy, and global partnership development to support the protection and advancement of minority communities worldwide.

Media Contact:

Email: info@ojchamber.com

Website: www.ojchamber.com

At a solemn gathering held Tuesday evening at the Capitol, members of Congress from both sides of the aisle came together to honor the memory of Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30, two young staff members of the Israeli Embassy who were killed in a terror attack in Washington, DC, last month.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) addressed the assembled crowd with a stark warning: “It’s a dangerous time to be a Jewish American.”

Drawing a connection between recent acts of violence, Johnson pointed out that the attacker in DC, as well as the perpetrator of last week’s assault during a hostage solidarity event in Boulder, Colorado, both screamed “Free Palestine” while carrying out their crimes. “‘Free Palestine’ is the chant of a violent movement that has found common cause with Hamas,” he said.

He continued by condemning the ideology behind the attacks. “It’s a movement that has lost hold of the difference between right and wrong, between good and evil, between light and darkness … They proclaim that violence is righteous, that rape is justice and that murder is liberation. They have created a culture of lies that puts a bounty on the heads of peace-loving Jewish Americans.”

Johnson characterized the killings as “targeted antisemitic terrorism.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) also took the podium, stating, “Antisemitism has been metastasizing like a malignant tumor, and we must all work together to eradicate this cancer.”

Jeffries emphasized that the violence which took the lives of Lischinsky and Milgrim was part of a broader trend. He said they were “victims of the same deadly antisemitism that fueled the attacks in Boulder, the attack at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home in Pennsylvania, at synagogues, yeshivas, businesses and communities all across America.”

Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter delivered a powerful message as well, declaring, “The intifada has been globalized, and like Orwell’s 1984, ‘free Palestine’ means ‘death, death Israel.’ Today we are challenged to act, to honor the fallen, not just with words, but with a renewed commitment to fighting the scourge of hate, fighting the demonization and delegitimization of the State of Israel.”

Leiter concluded by reflecting on the profound connection the two embassy staffers symbolized: Milgrim and Lischinsky, he said, “represented the unbreakable bond between our two great nations.”

{Matzav.com}

In a dramatic and unprecedented decision, the committee overseeing the United Kingdom’s World Zionist Congress elections has disqualified the Eretz HaKodesh chareidi party from participating in the current vote.

The ruling, handed down by the Area Election Committee (AEC) on Monday night, came in response to false accusations that the chareidi party encouraged its supporters to violate election regulations by registering others on their behalf.

The decision bars EHK from competing in the race to select British delegates for the 39th World Zionist Congress.

This marks the first time the party has entered the UK election.

At the center of the controversy is an EHK flyer promoting a north London event that offered help with online registration for the Zionist Congress vote. The flyer included the line: “Husbands can register wives & any children 18+. Please bring their ID.” This message appeared to contradict established rules requiring each voter to individually register and endorse the Jerusalem Program.

Several complaints were submitted to the AEC after the flyer circulated. Eretz HaKodesh later explained that the message had been released in haste before Shabbos, resulting in poor wording, but that obviously no one condoned registering for others.

Despite the clarification, the AEC launched an investigation led by barrister Tim Kendal. Over the course of two days, the inquiry substantiated two of five allegations against EHK. One upheld claim involved an individual who registered and voted for his wife and daughter. The second confirmed that the party had distributed material encouraging others to do the same.

Those in the know have stated the obvious: that this is simply an attempt by the Reform and Conservatives to tamp down on the chareidi party, as Eretz HaKodesh has continued to gain steam, especially after its strong showing in the US elections for the WZO.

An example is this quote: “There wasn’t any chance of it going another way,” said Damon Lenszner, deputy co-chair of the AEC and a member of the Herut UK slate. He added, “According to WZO rules and the election committee’s guidelines, we were left with no choice. They were trying to get people registered without them doing it personally.”

Lenszner said further investigation is underway into suspected broader misuse of proxy voting. “The election committee is also digging into data that suggests an ongoing problem with proxy votes,” he said. “It’s a separate matter, but it’s pretty widespread.”

In a statement to supporters, Eretz HaKodesh vigorously rejected the accusations and expressed confidence the ruling would be overturned. “To the friends and supporters of Eretz HaKodesh, As everyone has seen, the Eretz HaKodesh slate has achieved historic success here in England, with the support of thousands from the Chareidi communities in London, Manchester, and Gateshead. The representatives of the Reform movement and their friends, could not tolerate our success and leveled false accusations and ridiculous claims of forgery and election fraud against us. As we all know, these are childish and baseless lies—slanders that have no foundation, serving only as a pathetic and hypothetical attempt to stop Eretz HaKodesh which represents so many thousands of Jews across all the Diaspora. Following these claims, members of the Federation (who represent the factions that fear Eretz HaKodesh) voted to disqualify the list. We have no doubt that the central election committee will overturn the decision and restore Eretz HaKodesh to the forefront as a prominent and strong representative of the values of Torah and tradition according to our mesorah.”

Should the party appeal, the matter would first go to the Central Election Committee in Yerushalayim. If necessary, it could go to the Zionist Supreme Court, which is already grappling with numerous appeals from other countries.

Lenszner admitted the rarity of such a move: “There is no known precedent for a slate being thrown out of a UK WZO election. If they contest the decision, it will drag on and on,” he said.

Though Britain holds just 19 of the 525 seats in the Zionist Congress, the event plays a significant role in the global Jewish landscape, distributing roughly £750 million annually through its influence over agencies such as the Jewish Agency and Jewish National Fund.

{Matzav.com}

With tensions mounting and the fate of the Knesset hanging in the balance, the Knesset is set to convene today to vote on a bill that could dissolve the government amid a protracted impasse over the controversial military draft law for yeshiva students.

Weeks of stalled negotiations between Likud and the chareidi parties over a new draft bill have brought the coalition to the brink. In a notable shift from past approaches—when legal clearance was sought after a political deal was reached—officials are now attempting to begin with a version that can withstand scrutiny from the High Court of Justice and only afterward present it to the chareidi factions.

Despite the rising pressure, coalition insiders insist the move to bring a dissolution bill to the floor does not necessarily signal an irreversible march toward new elections. Rather, they view it as a strategic maneuver, a way to signal to the chareidi parties, who are deeply concerned about a lame-duck government unable to advance the draft law, that time is running out. Shas and United Torah Judaism have indicated that discussions are ongoing and that no final decisions have been made.

As a possible alternative, Likud is exploring a short-term legislative fix: instead of a full overhaul, the party has floated the idea of passing the draft law as a temporary measure, valid for a year or two. The Knesset’s legal adviser has expressed a willingness to review this option, but no formal language has yet been drafted.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been working to contain the fallout. In meetings with coalition leaders, particularly from the chareidi parties, he emphasized the stakes involved. “We are at a historic crossroads with extraordinary challenges. We must not shake the foundations of the government right now,” Netanyahu reportedly told his associates.

As part of the effort to manage the delicate situation, Netanyahu’s office has opted to focus its outreach on Degel HaTorah and Shas, after recognizing that efforts to persuade Agudas Yisrael are unlikely to succeed. The Degel head, Housing Minister Yitzchok Goldknopf, who is not a Knesset member, has publicly endorsed dissolving the Knesset, and his stance has been echoed by the rest of his faction.

Coalition sources believe Goldknopf’s position is being heavily influenced by his senior adviser Motti Babchik, who is currently in the United States alongside the Gerrer Rebbe. Babchik, once known for his behind-the-scenes mediation, is now seen as driving a more hardline stance, ironically helping fuel the very crisis he might once have worked to defuse.

Meanwhile, Degel HaTorah appears open to a compromise, but remains firm that any draft proposal must be approved by its rabbinic leadership. “Without agreement, we’ll vote for dissolution,” a party insider warned.

Given the current makeup of the Knesset, Shas holds the deciding vote. While Agudas Yisrael (3 seats) and Degel HaTorah (4 seats) seem poised to support dissolution, Shas and its 11 seats could tip the scale. If the party chooses to oppose the bill, the result could be a 60–60 deadlock—halting the process, at least for now.

The opposition, for its part, has yet to adopt a unified stance. Some opposition lawmakers worry that a failed vote could delay any renewed push for six months under Knesset rules, prompting internal debate over whether to press ahead.

In any case, the next few hours are expected to be critical. Not only will they test whether the coalition can maintain cohesion under mounting strain, but they may also reshape the dynamics within the chareidi political world, now at the center of this high-stakes standoff.

Will a compromise be reached in time? Or will Israel be headed toward new elections? The answers are likely just hours away.

{Matzav.com Israel}

During a fiery address delivered Tuesday from Fort Bragg, President Donald Trump portrayed the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles as an assault by outsiders and promised aggressive federal intervention to bring the city under control.

Speaking before a crowd at one of the country’s most prominent military bases, Trump declared that Los Angeles was under siege following several days of violent demonstrations that erupted in response to immigration enforcement operations carried out by ICE agents.

“This anarchy will not stand,” Trump said. “We will not allow federal agents to be attacked, and we will not allow an American city to be invaded and conquered by a foreign enemy.”

He went on to condemn the demonstrators in harsh terms, characterizing them as hostile operatives waving the emblems of other nations.

“What you’re witnessing in California is a full-blown assault on peace, on public order and national sovereignty, carried out by rioters bearing foreign flags with the aim of continuing a foreign invasion of our country,” Trump said.

Trump’s speech drew loud reactions from the assembled troops as he referred to California Governor Gavin Newsom and former President Joe Biden, both Democrats. He encouraged the soldiers to jeer when their names were mentioned.

Trump has already mobilized about 4,000 National Guard members from California and dispatched an additional 700 active-duty Marines to the city to suppress the violence, despite warnings from Newsom and other Democratic leaders who argue that the deployment could further inflame tensions.

Trump continued to paint the protests as a symptom of broader issues with immigration, echoing themes he’s repeated throughout his presidency.

“What you’re witnessing in California is a full-blown assault on peace, on public order and national sovereignty, carried out by rioters bearing foreign flags with the aim of continuing a foreign invasion of our country,” Trump said.

He drew comparisons to the migrant crises faced by Europe, implying the continent was also failing to manage the consequences of porous borders.

“As the entire world can now see, uncontrolled migration leads to chaos, dysfunction and disorder,” Trump said. “And you know what? They have it in Europe too. It’s happening in many of the countries of Europe. They better do something before it’s too late.”

Throughout the address, Trump framed the protests not just as civil unrest, but as an existential threat to American security—one he said he was determined to confront head-on.

{Matzav.com}

The commander of U.S. Central Command told Congress on Tuesday that the United States is prepared to respond militarily against Iran if nuclear negotiations were to fail.

Speaking to the House Armed Services Committee, Gen. Michael Kurilla briefed lawmakers on U.S. military force posture in the Middle East.

“President Trump has made it clear that if Iran doesn’t permanently give up its nuclear enrichment, military force by the United States may be necessary,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), the committee chair.

“If the president directed, is CENTCOM prepared to respond with overwhelming force to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran?” the congressman asked the general.

“I have provided the secretary of defense and the president a wide range of options,” Kurilla said.

“I think that is a ‘Yes?’” Rogers asked.

“Yes,” Kurilla said.

Kurilla, who has led the U.S. Middle East command since 2022 and is expected to retire this summer, told committee members about the impact that the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, in December, has had on the region.

“The fall of Assad basically severed the Shia crescent,” Kurilla said. “Qassem Soleimani, he was killed back in 2020. He wanted to have a Shia crescent that ran from Iran to Iraq, Syria to Lebanon.”

“The fall of Assad severed that,” he said. “That is probably the single biggest event that has happened in the Middle East.”

In May, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syria’s new president, Ahmed Sharaa, and said he was looking at normalizing relations with the new government. Kurilla told committee members that there was a high “upside” and “very low” downside to those discussions.

Kurilla also described how Iran’s main proxy in the region, Hezbollah, has been deeply diminished by Israeli strikes, including the killing or wounding of thousands of terrorists in September using explosive beepers and walkie-talkies.

“Hezbollah acted as a sort of Sword of Damocles over the top of Israel,” Kurilla said. “Israel’s—the doctrinal term is ‘disintegration’—of Lebanese Hezbollah should be studied by every military. It was brilliant.”

The United States and Israel have been less successful in deterring and defeating Yemen’s Houthi terrorist group, which continues to attack Israel with explosive drones and threaten shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb strait between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa.

Kurilla said that part of the problem in defeating the Houthis is that they receive some 80% of their supplies from Iranian smuggling vessels hidden among the region’s vast informal shipping network.

“The hardest part is to find that ship,” Kurilla said. “At any given time, there are between 3,000 and 5,000 dhows between Iran and the Bab el-Mandeb. That’s the same distance from the tip of Florida to Boston that you’re trying to find those dhows.”

In May, the United States and the Houthis brokered an agreement for the U.S. military to halt strikes on Yemen in exchange for a ceasefire on American ships.

Kurilla said that since that agreement was signed, U.S. naval forces have been able to transit the Red Sea without incident.

“November 2024 was the last time a destroyer went through the Bab el-Mandeb. It was attacked 17 times with anti-ship ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles and UAVs,” he said, adding that four destroyers passed through the strait safely in the past week.

Lawmakers also questioned another of the witnesses, Katherine Thompson, the acting U.S. assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, about past comments from Michael DiMino, the Pentagon’s chief Middle East policy adviser.

DiMino has long raised doubts about the U.S. alliance with Israel and the American presence in the Middle East.

“Mr. DiMino has said deeply concerning things, including that the Middle East does ‘not really matter for U.S. interests,’ that ‘vital or existential threats in the Middle East’ are ‘best characterized as minimal to non-existent,’” Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) said.

“He’s also specifically characterized Iran’s missile attacks on Israel as ‘fairly moderate,’” Ryan said.

The New York Democrat asked how the United States can negotiate with Iran when Pentagon officials have made statements undercutting the Trump administration’s positions.

“We support the president’s objective to not only, first and foremost, defend the State of Israel, but second, of course, deny Iran the ability to obtain a nuclear weapon,” Thompson said. “That is something we’re 100% committed to.” JNS

{Matzav.com}

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard issued a stark warning on Tuesday, emphasizing the growing risk of a nuclear conflict in a video message shared with the public.

Her remarks followed a recent visit to Hiroshima, where she met with survivors still living with the long-term consequences of the atomic bombing that occurred eight decades ago during World War II.

“As we stand here today, closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before, political elite and warmongers are carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers,” she said in the clip.

Gabbard expressed concern that leaders may be emboldened in their aggressive posture toward nuclear-armed adversaries due to their own perceived immunity.

“Perhaps it’s because they are confident that they will have access to nuclear shelters for themselves and for their families that regular people won’t have access to. So it’s up to us, the people, to speak up and demand an end to this madness,” she added.

Her message comes as world leaders grow increasingly alarmed that ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine could escalate into a broader global conflict.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Middle East envoy, have been engaged in efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between the two nations, but progress has been slow and hostilities continue to intensify.

This geopolitical friction is unfolding in parallel to the war in Gaza and mounting concerns over Iran’s ambitions to develop nuclear weapons capabilities.

Trump has issued a clear warning that he will not permit Iran to move forward with its uranium enrichment program, a key step in building nuclear arms.

“We must reject this path to nuclear war and work toward a world where no one has to live in fear of a nuclear holocaust,” Gabbard told her followers on Tuesday.