Matzav

American Jews have increased their purchases of Israeli-made Judaica by 134% since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, according to a study by Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT) business management students.

Led by lecturer Limor Hatsor’s students on the College’s Tal Campus for women, the study found that there has been a significant increase in the sale of religious items from Israeli businesses this year, despite an increase in the cost of goods made in Israel. Americans’ willingness to buy Israeli-made Judaica, even though many similar products are available for cheaper prices in the United States, indicates solidarity with war-torn Israeli businesses, according to the study.

The study was based on interviews and an online survey of customers in the United States in collaboration with Sifrei Torah, a Judaica goods store in Yerushalayim. It also analyzed the store’s eBay site to track sales reports over the past three years.

“The vast majority of respondents indicated that the war gave them a greater sense of connection to Judaism and empathy for Israel, which is why they chose to purchase Judaica from the Jewish state,” said JCT students Haya Havi, Rachel Ben Arush and Hana Eliasian.

The eBay sales reports show that when it comes to purchasing Judaica, consumption patterns have actually increased during periods of crisis. For example, sales of certain Judaica products surged in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for Chumashim and Taleisim, most likely because more people Davened at home and purchased their own personal items.

At JCT’s Tal Campus, more than 2,000 women study in various undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including computer science, industrial engineering, bioinformatics, accounting, business management and nursing.

(JNS)

A majority of Israeli Jews believe that former U.S. President Donald Trump would serve the Jewish state’s interest better than Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, according to a survey published on Monday.

The poll, conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute’s Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research and published less than 24 hours before the presidential vote, shows that 72% of Jewish Israelis believe that a Republican win would help to advance their country’s interests.

Only 11% of Israeli Jews think a Harris White House would be better.

Among the country’s Arab citizens, almost half of the respondents (46%) said they see no difference between the two candidates, while the rest are divided, with a small edge for Trump (27% compared to 22.5% for Harris).

Trump is especially popular among younger Israelis, with the IDI survey finding that in the 18-34 age group, 90% think a Trump presidency would serve Israel’s interests, while 2% chose Harris.

Last week, a survey published by Israel’s Channel 12 found that 66% of Israelis prefer Trump over Harris, with 17% choosing the incumbent vice president. Among voters for the Jewish state’s coalition of right-wing and religious parties, 93% chose Trump and 1% Harris.

(JNS)

Former Hamas captive Erez Kalderon celebrated his bar mitzvah in Kiryat Gat, southeast of Ashkelon, on Thursday, after marking his 12th birthday in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas terrorists kidnapped Kalderon, along with his father, Ofer, and 16-year-old sister, Sahar, from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Erez and Sahar were among 105 hostages released last November as part of a weeklong ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Ofer, now 53, remains a captive in Gaza.

“It was very difficult. For probably the first time in the last year, we let ourselves celebrate for Erez to feel some joy in almost 400 days,” Eyal Kalderon, Ofer’s cousin, told JNS on Sunday.

“It’s such an emotional event for any Jewish boy, a bar mitzvah ceremony. It’s his transition from child to grown-up. It’s very symbolic and he deserved to feel on that day like a regular kid. We just wanted to give him that chance even if just for one hour,” Eyal added.

In September, Erez shared the harrowing story of his kidnapping and captivity in Gaza.

“It’s difficult for me to speak on camera, but if this reaches my dad—it’s worth everything,” he said in a video message.

Erez recounted the terrifying moments when attackers breached their home: “They simply broke the handle and entered. My dad quickly ran to the safe room, yelled at my sister Sahar to open the window, and I jumped out first.”

Erez was caught by an attacker who took him away on a motorcycle. “I glanced to the side and saw my dad on his knees while they were beating him—that was the last time I saw him,” he recalled.

As he read from the Torah on Thursday, Erez was accompanied by his uncle Nissan Kalderon, Ofer’s brother.

“His father was meant to stand next to him and give him the confidence to do his ‘aliyah to the Torah,’ but he wasn’t. Erez did it with Nissan but it’s not the same,” Eyal Kalderon told JNS. “We live with very mixed feelings, happiness but a lot of sadness as well.”

After the bar mitzvah ceremony, the Kalderons held an event in Ness Ziona, where family members delivered speeches and a clip of Erez and Ofer was shown.

According to the latest Israeli intelligence assessment, an estimated 51 out of the 101 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza are alive.

“You can be alive one day and dead the next. It should be the world’s priority to bring them back,” Eyal said.

CIA director William Burns has proposed a 28-day ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for Hamas releasing eight hostages and Israel freeing dozens of Palestinian terrorists, Axios reported, citing three Israeli officials.

The head of the U.S. intelligence agency advanced the plan during discussions in Doha on Oct. 27 with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and Mossad director David Barnea.

On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that the return of the hostages has become the IDF’s “most important mission” in Gaza.

Gallant said that the IDF will continue to put “as much pressure on Hamas as possible in order to create the conditions necessary to ensure the return of the hostages.”

The government, he continued, “must do what is necessary to bring about a deal. You must apply military pressure and do what is necessary to create the conditions required for us to carry out an agreement. This is our most important mission in Gaza at this time.”

(JNS)

Israeli Air Force fighter jets on Monday night attacked Hezbollah terror targets in Syria’s Sayyidah Zaynab area, located about six miles south of Damascus, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed following local reports.

“Air Force fighter jets, under the direction of the Military Intelligence Directorate, conducted an aerial operation, striking Hezbollah terror targets belonging to Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Syria,” the military said in a Hebrew-language statement shared on social media.

The site served as “Hezbollah’s central intelligence body, responsible for intelligence assessments, the direction of intelligence activities and the intelligence gathering and detection capabilities,” the IDF added.

The army explained that Hezbollah’s intelligence division has a Syrian branch, which gathers independent intel on Israeli troop movements and until recently was under the direct command of the Iranian-backed terrorist group’s now-slain head of intelligence, Hassan Ali al-Zaima.

Reports in Syrian media said the strikes in Sayyidah Zaynab, a major center of Iranian terrorist activity, caused at least several casualties.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which is affiliated with the country’s opposition, reported that the strikes targeted a farm controlled by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its Hezbollah proxy.

Israel rarely admits to attacks in Syria, although in February Jerusalem revealed that it had struck more than 50 targets belonging to Hezbollah and other Iran-backed terrorist groups in the country since Oct. 7, 2023.

On Thursday, the Israeli Air Force attacked Hezbollah infrastructure in the Syrian city of Al-Qusayr, located near the border with Lebanon.

“Following IDF intelligence, the IAF struck weapons-storage facilities and command centers used by Hezbollah’s Radwan Force and its Munitions Unit in the area of Al-Qusayr,” the IDF said. “Hezbollah’s Munitions Unit is responsible for storing weapons inside Lebanon and has recently expanded its activities into the town of Al-Qusayr.

“The Hezbollah terrorist organization endangers the security of Syrian and Lebanese civilians by embedding command centers and forces in civilian areas in both these countries,” the Israeli military noted.

On Sunday, the IDF revealed that special forces captured a pro-Iranian regime terrorist operative during a raid in Syria. The raid was carried out in “recent months” by members of the Egoz commando unit, along with field interrogators of the Military Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 504.

Ali Soleiman al-Assi, a Syrian from Saida in the southern part of the country, was tasked by Tehran with “gathering intelligence on IDF troops in the border area for future terror activity of the network,” the IDF said in a post on social media on Sunday night.

“The operation prevented a future attack and led to the exposure of the operational methods of Iranian terror networks located near the Golan Heights. Al-Assi was transferred for further investigation,” it added.

(JNS)

Dear Matzav Inbox,

I write this letter with a sense of urgency and a deep frustration that has been simmering within me for some time. As we approach tomorrow’s elections, I feel compelled to address a critical issue that goes beyond politics—it touches the very core of our values as Yidden.

The Pardon of Sholom Mordechai: A Defining Moment

Let us not forget the agony we all felt during the years that R’ Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin was unjustly imprisoned. His 27-year sentence was not only excessive but a stark miscarriage of justice that weighed heavily on our hearts. We davened, we cried, and we held our collective breath, yearning for his release. And then, in an unprecedented act of compassion, an oheiv Yisroel, President Donald Trump, zohl ehr zein gebentched, commuted his sentence, bringing immense relief and simcha to Klal Yisroel.

It was a Yom Tov!

Now, let me ask you Matzav readers this: If someone had come to you during those dark days and said, “I have the power to free Sholom Mordechai, but in return, you must support me,” would you have hesitated for even a moment? Of course not! We all would have cast our votes without a second thought, because saving a fellow Yid from an unjust fate is worth more than any political debate.

Hakoras Hatov: A Fundamental Yiddishe Value

Gratitude is not just a nicety—it is a cornerstone of our faith. Hakaras hatov demands that we acknowledge the good done for us and respond in kind. How can we now turn a blind eye to the man who stood up for justice when it mattered most? How can any frum Yid, with a clear conscience, consider voting for a candidate like Kamala Harris, whose policies stand in stark contrast to the values we hold dear?

An Unthinkable Betrayal

Let me be blunt: Supporting someone who would undermine everything we stand for, after what Trump has done for our community, is nothing short of a betrayal. Those who cast their vote for Kamala Harris are, in my view, turning their backs on Rubashkin and the principles of justice and fairness that his pardon represented.

It pains me to say this, but anyone who votes for Kamala Harris is, in effect, aligning themselves with values and policies that threaten the very fabric of our community. Such individuals should seriously reflect on whether they can, in good conscience, stand as eidus at a wedding or be counted in a minyan.

These are not small matters—they are foundational to our Yiddishe life. To ignore the gravity of this election is to shirk our responsibility not only to ourselves but to future generations.

The Stakes Are High

This is not about partisan politics. It’s about recognizing the pivotal moments where leaders stand up for what is right and showing our gratitude through our actions. Trump’s decision to commute Rubashkin’s sentence was more than a political act. It was a declaration of justice and humanity. For this alone, every frum Yid owes him their hakoras hatov.

I urge every member of our community to think deeply about what this election represents. It is not merely about policies. It is about standing up for those who have stood up for us. To vote otherwise is to forget, to betray, and to forsake the values we cherish most.

Sincerely,
A Yid in BP

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Officials of the Palestinian Authority’s ruling Fatah faction sat down with Hamas terrorists in Cairo in recent days for talks on the establishment of a body to manage Gaza after the conclusion of Israel’s war there, the Jewish state’s Kan News public broadcaster reported on Monday.

Citing an Egyptian source with knowledge of the talks, Kan reported they were intended to bring about reconciliation between Yehuda and Shomron, where Fatah holds sway over the areas where the great majority of the Arab population lives, and Gaza, which was controlled by Hamas until it was unseated by the Israeli army in recent months.

The source claimed that Hamas is willing to accept that it will not be the sole ruler in Gaza, particularly in light of Cairo’s demand that the P.A.’s control be restored to advance the prospect of a two-state solution.

Earlier on Monday, Qatar’s Al-Araby Al-Jadeed quoted an unnamed Hamas official as saying that the talks yielded a deal to form a committee composed of “independent” Palestinian leaders.

According to the outlet, the Hamas terrorist delegation presented a detailed plan for the governing committee, which reportedly will start its work as soon as P.A. chief Mahmoud Abbas gives the green light.

Last month, a P.A. official told Reuters that the terrorist groups were in negotiations to form a committee to run Gaza and manage its border crossings after talks for a unity government faltered. At the time, the committee’s form and duties remained unclear, the P.A. official said.

On Sept. 25, P.A. Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa announced that Fatah had agreed to meet with Hamas in the Egyptian capital. Mustafa said the discussion would focus on forging initial deals “to arrange the situation” in Gaza. He confirmed his “readiness to administer the Gaza Strip the day after the war,” the Ma’an News Agency reported, “without excluding anyone.”

In July, Hamas and Fatah announced a unity deal following talks in Beijing. The declaration was approved by 14 terrorist factions that took part in negotiations hosted by Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister.

“Today, we sign an agreement, and we say that the path to completing this journey is national unity,” Hamas official Musa Abu Marzouk said at the time. “We are committed to national unity, and we call for it.”

The U.S. State Department, which has been pushing for P.A. control over the Strip after the war, had rejected a government that includes Hamas.

“Hamas has long been a terrorist organization. They have the blood of innocent civilians—both Israeli and Palestinian—on their hands,” Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, told reporters on July 23. “There can’t be a role for a terrorist organization.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has insisted that an “effective and revitalized Palestinian Authority” should govern Gaza—a move that Israel rejects because of Ramallah’s overt support for terrorism.

According to recent Arab polls, 89% of Palestinians support establishing a government that includes or is led by Hamas. Only 8.5% said they favor an authority that is controlled exclusively by the Fatah faction.

(JNS)

Israel has officially terminated the 1967 agreement outlining the terms of its relations with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), a week after the Knesset passed legislation banning the organization’s operations in the Jewish state.

The director general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry sent a letter to U.N. General Assembly president Philemon Yang of Cameroon explaining that Yerushalayim “withdraws its request issued to UNRWA,” and instead “will continue to work with international partners, including other United Nations agencies, to ensure the facilitation of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza in a way that does not undermine Israel’s security.”

The letter went on to state that “Israel expects the United Nations to contribute to and cooperate in this effort.”

Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz said on Monday that, “UNRWA, whose employees took part in the October 7 massacre and many of whose workers are Hamas operatives, is part of the problem in the Gaza Strip, not part of the solution.

“The U.N. was provided with countless pieces of evidence regarding Hamas operatives who work at UNRWA and about the use of UNRWA facilities for terrorism, and nothing was done,” he added

“Don’t believe those claiming there is no substitute for UNRWA. Already, the vast majority of humanitarian aid [in Gaza] is delivered through other organizations, only 13 percent is delivered through UNRWA,” he continued.

“The State of Israel is bound by international law and will continue to allow the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza in a manner that will not harm the security of the citizens of Israel,” said Katz.

Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon welcomed the move, and reiterated Yerushalayim’s commitment to providing aid to the Palestinians.

“Despite the overwhelming evidence we submitted to the U.N. that substantiate Hamas’ infiltration of UNRWA, the U.N. did nothing to rectify the situation,” tweeted Danon.

“The State of Israel will continue to cooperate with humanitarian organizations but not with organizations that promote terrorism against us,” he added.

Last week, the Knesset made it illegal for UNRWA to operate in Israeli territory, and for state officials to cooperate with the agency.

Following the Knesset’s vote, the Israeli Foreign Ministry called the Palestinian refugee agency “rotten.”

“It is not just a few rotten apples, as U.N. Secretary-General [Antonio] Guterres is trying to claim. UNRWA in Gaza is a rotten tree entirely infected with terrorist operatives,” the ministry stated at the time.

“Hamas has infiltrated UNRWA in Gaza widely and deeply,” the statement continued. “UNRWA employees were involved in the horrific 7 October massacre. Moreover, Israel handed over to the U.N. details about an additional 100 Hamas operatives who are employed by UNRWA, yet UNRWA has not taken any measures to handle the issue, and is not moving forward with any serious steps to deal with the terrorist operatives in its ranks.”

The U.S. State Department expressed “deep concern” over the legislation, emphasizing UNRWA’s role in delivering aid to Gaza.

The Biden administration has stepped up pressure on Jerusalem to meet a host of demands focused on vastly expanding the entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

Last month, the White House confirmed an Axios report that Washington had sent a letter to Israel containing an ultimatum: Improve the humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian enclave within 30 days or risk a hold-up in the supply of U.S. weapons.

(JNS)

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is reportedly considering another bid for his former position.

Giuliani, now 80, held the mayoral office from 1994 to 2001, gaining global recognition for his leadership following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

“I’m not going to say never, ever, ever,” Giuliani mentioned during a conversation with the New York Post from Palm Beach, Florida.

He clarified, “I’m not running for mayor. But then there are a lot of people who want me to run for mayor. But it’s unlikely.”

Pressed further about a possible campaign, Giuliani shared his concerns about the current political landscape.

“Everyone running for mayor looks like they’re from Red China,” he remarked to the Post. “They don’t look American. I’m concerned about the city becoming a Democratic dictatorship.

“The only time since Fiorello LaGuardia a century ago that city government was honest was under me and Mike Bloomberg. If you don’t have a Republican or independent mayor, you will have corruption at City Hall.”

Giuliani continues to be a vocal advocate for former President Donald Trump. He addressed supporters at Trump’s rally in Madison Square Garden on October 27, as noted by Newsweek.

The former Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney was disbarred in Washington in September, following the suspension of his law license in New York due to his involvement in advancing Trump’s claims regarding the 2020 presidential election outcome.

{Matzav.com}

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has pledged that if Kamala Harris becomes president, U.S. policy toward Israel will undergo significant changes. He outlined plans for promoting a ceasefire in Gaza, increasing humanitarian aid, and aiding in the reconstruction of Palestinian infrastructure.

Sanders also issued a warning about the implications of another Donald Trump presidency, suggesting it would strengthen ties with Israel’s right-wing government and hinder progress on critical issues like climate change and women’s rights.

In a direct appeal to his supporters, Sanders assured them that Harris would collaborate with him to advance a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the release of hostages, boost humanitarian assistance, halt settler violence in the West Bank, and support the rebuilding of Gaza for the Palestinians.

“I promise you, after Kamala wins, we will together do everything that we can to change US policy toward Netanyahu,” Sanders declared, emphasizing his belief in Harris’s commitment to prioritize humanitarian concerns over those of her rival.

Sanders expressed his dissatisfaction with the U.S. administration’s backing of Israel’s robust military retaliation following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals and the capture of 250 hostages. While affirming Israel’s right to self-defense, he criticized what he described as an “all-out war” on Gaza, resulting in 42,000 Palestinian deaths and extensive destruction to the region’s infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems.

Responding to concerns about Harris’s position, Sanders remarked, “In the Senate, in Congress, the Republicans have worked overtime to block humanitarian aid to the starving children in Gaza,” and underscored that both Harris and President Biden are in favor of increasing aid to Gaza.

Sanders drew a stark contrast between Harris’s perspective and Trump’s support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he labeled as a “like-minded right-wing extremist ally” of Trump.

The long-serving Independent senator also touched on broader concerns about the upcoming election, cautioning that a Trump victory would jeopardize women’s rights, climate change initiatives, and economic equity. He pointed to Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden as a disturbing example of “extreme vulgar sexism and racism,” urging voters to reject such a vision for America.

“This is the most consequential election in our lifetimes,” Sanders concluded, appealing to his followers to back Harris despite differences over Gaza. “Trump has got to be defeated. Let’s do everything we can in the next week to make sure that Kamala Harris is our next president.”

{Matzav.com}

New York Governor Kathy Hochul made strong statements against Republican voters in the state’s competitive congressional races, labeling them as “anti-woman” and “anti-American.”

“If you’re voting for these Republicans in New York, you are voting for someone who supports Donald Trump, and you’re anti-woman, you’re anti-abortion, and basically, you’re anti-American because you have just trashed American values and what our country is about over and over and you wear this on Election Day,” Hochul remarked during an appearance on MSNBC’s “PoliticsNation.”

Hochul suggested that Donald Trump’s recent rally in New York City backfired and took the opportunity to emphasize to voters the significance of their choices.

The governor is among several prominent Democrats aiming to boost voter turnout not only for Vice President Harris’s campaign against former President Trump but also for Democratic candidates in close congressional contests within the state.

Current polling indicates a mixed landscape: Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) holds a lead over Republican Alison Esposito in New York’s 18th District, while Republican Rep. Mike Lawler is ahead of former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) in the 17th District.

Rep. Lawler responded to Hochul’s comments via a post on X, criticizing her leadership and rhetoric.

“@KathyHochul is an embarrassment to our state — completely incoherent and incapable of leading. Attacking New Yorkers who support President Trump as un-American? She previously told New Yorkers who didn’t agree with her to move to Florida. I’m shocked her favorables are so low,” Lawler wrote.

{Matzav.com}

Benny Gantz, head of the National Unity party, delivered a strong message during his party’s meeting on Monday, urging Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to ready the country for a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“I want to sound an alarm and get the Prime Minister’s attention. Israel faces formidable challenges over the next decade, needing to defend all our borders and engage in intensified military operations in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and Lebanon,” Gantz declared. “We must be prepared—politically, economically, and militarily—for the elimination of Iran’s nuclear capabilities and to counter its regional ambitions. We also need to focus on rebuilding and fortifying our northern and southern regions. For every home destroyed in Metula, three new ones must rise. We owe it to the families living near the Gaza border, whose lawns are stained with the blood of their loved ones, to create a secure environment.”

He emphasized the need for a shift in budget priorities, stating, “Anyone who thinks we can tackle these challenges with a budget that prioritizes coalition politics over essential growth is detached from reality. I urge the Prime Minister and coalition members: to maintain a capable army, to afford necessary ammunition, and to foster a society willing to face hardships, we must confront reality head-on. Change the framework of Israeli service now, realign the budget, and halt the police reform before it’s too late.”

Gantz drew parallels with past leadership, saying, “Rabin exemplified responsibility. After the failed attempt to rescue Nachshon Waxman, he accepted accountability, saying, ‘I am responsible.’ Tough decisions are necessary now as well. We can’t rely on the hope that things will just be okay—we must act decisively to safeguard our lives here.”

He stressed the IDF’s readiness, stating, “As someone familiar with the IDF’s strengths, I can assure you that no facility in Iran is beyond reach. Iran’s aggressions will ultimately weaken its military, devastate its economy, and trigger a public uprising. Iran’s leaders would be wise to reconsider their course of action.”

Concluding his remarks, Gantz offered pointed advice: “To the Prime Minister seeking a ‘solution’ for the State Attorney and government ministers: avoid legislation that creates disparities, don’t push for regime changes, and the State Attorney won’t be an issue. Address the real needs of Israeli citizens, and you’ll find no interference. The fact that, amid serious allegations concerning national security breaches in Netanyahu’s office, he’s focused on undermining the gatekeepers, should alarm every citizen. If the rule of law is inconvenient for the Prime Minister or ministers, they can relocate to countries where governance lacks oversight. Israel will remain a liberal democracy, and we won’t permit harm to our gatekeepers.”

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, also addressed the ongoing conflict and the sensitive leak from the Prime Minister’s Office at his party’s meeting. He spoke about the urgency of a potential strike on Iran, stating, “No more delays; strike immediately. Move from a measured response to a decisive one.”

Commenting on the northern border situation, Lieberman warned, “If we settle for an inadequate agreement in Lebanon now, we’ll find ourselves in another conflict there within 7 to 8 years. We cannot afford to stand idly by, waiting for the next Iranian reaction.”

Touching on daycare subsidies, Lieberman criticized, “The coalition is seeking backing from Arab parties. I sincerely hope that the Bibi-Tibi alliance doesn’t succeed.”

On the leak issue, Lieberman posed a critical question: “The key issue is determining who authorized it.” He added that, although invited to discuss the matter with Gantz and Lapid, he declined to speak based on “incomplete information.”

{Matzav.com}

In a significant announcement for Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin, the yeshiva has announced the appointment of Rav Yosef Halioua and Rav Tzvi Fink as the new roshei yeshiva of the yeshiva in Brooklyn, NY.

The announcement was made moments ago at the yeshiva by Rav Chaim Kitevits, longtime senior R”M at the yeshiva.

This announcement comes a little over a week after the shocking petirah of Hagaon Rav Shlomo Halioua zt”l, the previous rosh yeshiva, who left an indelible mark on the yeshiva and its greater community. Rav Shlomo, as is well known, was a son-in-law of the previous rosh yeshiva, Rav Aharon Schechter.

Rav Yosef is a son of Rav Shlomo Halioua and a son-in-law of Rav Chaim Yisroel Weinfeld, rov of Khal Toras Chaim of Flatbush.

Rav Tzvi Fink is a son-in-law of Rav Shlomo Halioua.

Both Rav Yosef and Rav Tzvi served previously as roshei kollel in the yeshiva‘s Gur Aryeh kollel, delivering chaburos to the yungeleit.

Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin, which has experienced remarkable growth and flourishing in recent years, is poised to continue its trajectory of incredible hatzlacha. Both Rav Yosef and Rav Tzvi are beloved among the bnei hayeshiva. As the yeshiva continues to mourn the loss of Rav Shlomo zt”l, there is a shared hope and belief that the new roshei yeshiva will continue to inspire the next generation of bnei Torah.

{Matzav.com}

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta saw plans for a new AI data center fall through in part because a rare species of bee was found on land where the data center would be built, according to a report. Sources told the Financial Times that Zuckerberg was hoping to reach a deal with a nuclear power plant operator to provide electricity for the proposed data center, but the deal was hit with a series of complications, including regulatory environmental challenges.

At a Meta all-hands meeting last week, Zuckerberg said a rare bee species discovery on land next to a power plant where the data center would have been constructed would have added complications for the project, according to the report.

Several tech giants including Google and Amazon have recently inked deals with nuclear power plant operators to provide the vast amounts of electricity required for the development and use of AI models.

Microsoft announced in September that it would aim to meet some of its AI energy needs using a reactor at the Three Mile Island plant—the site of the worst nuclear accident in American history. Read more at the Financial Times.

Donald Trump seemed to be showing signs of fatigue from his demanding campaign schedule on Sunday, as he appeared to mix up his locations during a speech. Speaking at a rally in Kinston, North Carolina, the former president expressed his hope for the eventual departure of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

“We get rid of Mitch McConnell pretty soon,” he said, ridiculing McConnell for endorsing him in March. “Can you believe he endorsed me?” Trump added with a laugh. “Boy, that must have been a painful day in his life!”

Trump didn’t stop there, following his jab with a positive note about other Republican candidates. “There are still great Republicans out there,” he declared. Pointing to a specific example, he praised, “You have one of the best of all right here: David McCormick.” However, McCormick is actually a Senate candidate from Pennsylvania, where Trump had been speaking earlier in the day. “Where’s David?” Trump asked the crowd, looking for McCormick. “Is he around someplace? You know we just left him—he’s a great guy.”

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli Air Force strike in the Gaza Strip killed Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist Ahmed al-Dalu, who participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, the Israel Defense Forces said on Monday.

Al-Dalu, a member of the Iranian-backed terrorist organization’s Military Intelligence Unit, was eliminated in an airstrike directed by IDF ground troops and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) officers, the military said.

“An additional terrorist was eliminated alongside him. Throughout the war, al-Dalu was involved in planning and executing terrorist attacks against the citizens of the State of Israel,” the IDF statement said.

Kfar Aza was the scene of some of the worst atrocities on Oct. 7. About 10% of its 900 residents were killed or taken hostage during the Gazan invasion of the northwestern Negev, which left some 1,200 people dead and 251 others taken to the Strip.

The IDF also said on Monday that over the past day its 252nd “Sinai” Division (a reserve force) and 162nd “Steel Formation” Armored Division killed “many” terrorists in close-quarters fighting and by calling in IAF strikes. In addition, they destroyed terrorist infrastructure.

Nahal Brigade infantrymen, operating under the command of the 143rd “Gaza” Division, killed Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist operatives in the Strip’s southernmost Rafah area, the IDF said.

“Over the past day, forces identified a terrorist squad that was operating from a military building where mines were stored that were intended to harm our forces,” the statement added. “Forces directed an IAF aircraft that attacked and eliminated the terrorists and destroyed the weapons.”

Israeli ground forces entered Gaza on Oct. 27, 2023, following a weeks-long air campaign in response to the Oct. 7 massacre. Jerusalem’s stated goals for the war are to destroy Hamas as a military and governing force in the Strip, ensure that it cannot threaten Israel again and return all hostages.

Returning the 101 remaining captives has become the “most important mission” in Gaza, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared during an Oct. 30, 2024, visit to the site where IDF soldiers killed Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar.

The IDF death toll in Gaza since the start of the ground operation stands at 368, while the figure on all fronts since Oct. 7, 2023, is 780.

Additionally, Ch. Insp. Arnon Zamora, a member of the Border Police’s Yamam National Counter-Terrorism Unit, was fatally wounded during a hostage rescue mission in Gaza in June, and civilian defense contractor Liron Yitzhak was mortally wounded in the Strip in May.

(JNS)

Mossad Director David Barnea told relatives of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in a recent meeting that the prospects for an agreement with the terrorist group are low, Channel 12 reported on Monday.

During the meeting, a family member asked Barnea about the status of talks, to which he replied: “We still haven’t received a response from the intermediaries regarding either the Qatari or Egyptian proposals, so it’s best to wait. At the moment, the chances for a small-scale deal are low; Hamas insists on stopping the war.”

The family member asked about the situation in Gaza, to which Barnea responded that Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu had not given negotiators a mandate to move forward with a comprehensive deal that would end the war.

An end to the ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza does not appear to be on the horizon, with Ynet reporting on Sunday that raids to clear Hamas terrorists from northern Gaza could take at least another six months, according to IDF officials.

On Sunday, Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu had held a closed-door consultation on the status of the negotiations with senior security officials and ministers at the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem.

“In the meeting, an update was provided on the state of negotiations for a deal. The political echelon was informed that after another round of talks, Hamas had not yet given an official response to the Qatari proposal,” according to the report.

“However, the understanding in Israel is that Hamas is not prepared to relinquish its prior demands from July 2, including a commitment by Israel to halt fighting and a complete withdrawal of the IDF [from Gaza], even after the era of [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar.” Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces in southern Gaza on Oct. 16.

The proposal from Doha last week reportedly involved the release of 11 hostages in exchange for a one-month ceasefire, with priority given to living female captives. Qatar also clarified that there had been progress in the talks.

Fifty-one out of the 101 hostages still being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip are alive, according to the latest Israeli intelligence assessments. JNS

{Matzav.com Israel}

American Airlines has announced that it is suspending service to and from Tel Aviv through the end of next summer.

The move, which was reported by Israeli travel agencies on Sunday, means AA’s daily non-stop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Tel Aviv will not resume until September 2025 at the earliest.

“To provide customers with certainty when planning travel to Tel Aviv, we are expanding our travel alert to allow customers whose travel plans are impacted to rebook their itinerary for travel involving a partner airline or cancel for a refund,” the airline said in a statement.

The Dallas-based airline has not operated flights to and from Tel Aviv since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 invasion of southern Israel, the longest suspension of service of the three U.S. legacy carriers.

Israel’s flagship carrier El Al is currently the only airline offering non-stop service to and from the United States.

The Atlanta-based Delta Airlines is scheduled to resume flights to Israel from New York on April 1, 2025, while the Chicago-based United Airlines, which used to operate the most flights to Israel of all the U.S. carriers, has canceled its service to Tel Aviv indefinitely.

The dearth of flights between Tel Aviv and New York has led to skyrocketing prices on the most popular route out of Tel Aviv and spurred an ongoing investigation against El Al for price gouging.

Israeli travel experts said on Sunday that American’s decision to further delay flights was not surprising.

“American Airlines has never been enthusiastic about flying to Tel Aviv and her debut here was an unmitigated disaster,” Mark Feldman, Jerusalem Director of Diesenhaus Tours, told JNS, noting that business travelers have routinely avoided the carrier due to its many cancellations even before the war broke out last year, while their economy fares were typically non-refundable, unlike their competitors. “Bottom line, when the war ends her absence will not be felt.” JNS

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Sunday that Israel’s actions concerning ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon could affect the “nature and severity” of Iran’s reaction to recent Israeli attacks on its territory, according to Xinhua news agency.

During a cabinet session, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran would not let any aggression against its sovereignty or security go unanswered.

“They know very well that in case of making any mistake against the Islamic Republic of Iran, they will receive a teeth-breaking response,” Pezeshkian cautioned.

He added, “However, if they reconsider their behavior, accept ceasefires (in Gaza and Lebanon) and stop killing the region’s oppressed and innocent people, it may impact the type and intensity of our response.”

Pezeshkian also condemned what he described as the “double standards” of the United States and some European countries regarding the regional conflict, accusing the U.S. of a history of inciting wars in various regions.

His remarks come amid reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has directed the Supreme National Security Council to plan a retaliatory strike against Israel.

A report from The New York Times last Thursday indicated that Khamenei’s decision was based on a comprehensive briefing from top military officials detailing the extent of damage to Iran’s missile production facilities, air defense systems near Tehran, key energy infrastructure, and a major southern port.

An Israeli military official later informed CNN that Israel is maintaining a “high level of readiness” for any Iranian retaliation.

Pezeshkian had previously issued a warning to Israel about further provocations.

“Enemies of Iran should know these brave people are standing fearlessly in defense of their land and will respond to any stupidity with tact and intelligence,” Pezeshkian stated.

{Matzav.com}

Prominent election analyst Nate Silver described the upcoming presidential race as a “pure toss-up” on Sunday, suggesting that former President Donald Trump holds a slight advantage over Vice President Kamala Harris in his latest projections.

According to Silver’s model, Trump has a 51.5% likelihood of securing the Electoral College, while Harris stands at 48.1%, as detailed in a Substack post on Sunday morning, according to Mediate.

Silver tweeted on Sunday, “[New York Times] swing state polls good for Harris but not great. Morning Consult swing state polls good for Trump but not great.” He concluded with, “It’s a pure toss-up.”

The Times/Siena College swing state poll indicated that the two candidates are neck and neck in the seven battleground states just two days before Election Day.

Harris holds narrow leads in Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia, and Wisconsin, while Trump has a more noticeable advantage in Arizona. The two candidates are effectively tied in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

The Morning Consult poll indicates that Trump has very slight leads in North Carolina, Georgia, and Wisconsin, with a tie in both Arizona and Pennsylvania, as reported by Forbes.

This latest round of polling follows the Des Moines Register’s revelation of surprising data from renowned pollster J. Ann Selzer, showing Harris leading Trump in Iowa by 47% to 44% in a state that typically leans Republican.

Silver remarked that the Selzer poll “probably won’t matter” in influencing the ultimate outcome of the presidency. However, he did acknowledge that supporters of Harris might find the unexpected result encouraging.

“I think Harris voters are reasonable in rejoicing over the Selzer survey,” Silver noted, according to Mediaite.

“At the very least, it clinches the case that there will be plenty of numbers from high-quality pollsters in the final batch of polls that support a Harris victory — along with roughly as many that imply a Trump win.”

He added, “If Trump had ‘momentum’ in October, it has now petered out in November. And we will very likely go into Tuesday night with the race being truly a toss-up, not leaning or tilting toward Trump.”

In the national polling average that Silver released on Sunday morning, Harris was ahead of Trump, 48.5% to 47.6%. However, he cautioned that his model places less emphasis on national polls at this point.

In swing states such as Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, Silver’s polling average gives a slight advantage to Trump, while Harris maintains a narrow lead in Michigan and Wisconsin.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris reaffirmed her stance on advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and a deal for the release of hostages, along with her support for a two-state solution.

Harris made these statements during a campaign event in Michigan, just two days ahead of the upcoming election on Tuesday. She remarked, “On the subject of Gaza, I have been very clear, the level of death of innocent Palestinians is unconscionable.”

She continued, “We need to end the war, and we need to get the hostages out. And as president of the United States, I will do everything in my power to achieve that end, and a two-state solution where Palestinians will have the right to self-determination and security and stability in the region.”

The Vice President has consistently emphasized her belief that the conflict in Gaza must conclude, and that a resolution for the safe return of hostages is necessary.

In prior negotiation attempts, the United States had been advocating for a framework concerning a ceasefire and a hostage release agreement, which President Joe Biden initially proposed in May. However, Hamas has continually rejected this framework as well as other suggestions put forward.

Recently, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri reiterated that any potential agreement must encompass a complete withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza.

{Matzav.com}