Matzav

The violence in Gaza will only come to a halt when Hamas realizes it has no future there, according to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. In a detailed interview with Newsmax Middle East correspondent Zach Anders, which aired on Sunday during “Wake Up America Weekend,” Huckabee laid the blame squarely on Hamas for initiating and continuing the bloodshed.

“This was started by Hamas on October 7,” Huckabee said. “They created this nightmare. They perpetuated the nightmare. They’ve kept it going for over 600 days.”

Huckabee emphasized the brutality of Hamas’ actions during the October 7 attack, which included atrocities committed against hostages, among them American citizens.

“They murdered over 1200 people on the day itself, Oct. 7, taking over 250 hostages, including a lot of Americans, and a lot of Americans tend to forget that Americans were taken hostage,” said Huckabee. “Americans were murdered. Their remains are still being held by Hamas. This all comes down to one thing: the absolute uncivilized savagery of Hamas.”

He explained that both the Israeli and American governments have made it clear they are open to a resolution—if Hamas is willing to step aside.

“The one thing that has been consistent, and President [Donald] Trump has never wavered from this, is that Hamas has no future there,” said Huckabee. “They can’t govern. … Put the blame where it is. It isn’t on Israel. It’s with Hamas solely, and they can fix it as soon as they decide that they are willing to take an exile, which Israel is willing to let them do, but they’re not going to let them stay in Gaza.”

Huckabee also addressed the ongoing issue of civilian deaths in Gaza, attributing much of the destruction to Hamas’s deliberate strategy of putting civilians in danger.

“Who announces in advance they’re going to hit a particular area?” he said. “The Israelis do, because they’re trying to keep from civilian casualties in a war. You don’t always have that luxury. So what did Hamas do? They pushed their people right into the very target that Israel had announced. That’s why so many have been a part of the carnage.”

Despite his strong stance on Hamas, Huckabee made it clear that he harbors no animosity toward the Palestinian people and expressed a desire to see them thrive. He also mentioned his intentions to hold meetings with leaders from the Palestinian Authority.

“I don’t hate anybody,” he said. “I want them to succeed. I want their people to have great opportunities. But I have not only already met with some Palestinian leaders, mostly business leaders, but I plan to meet with Palestinian government leaders to talk about whether there are ways forward.”

Huckabee reminded viewers that his role as ambassador was meant to encompass all regions of Israel.

“That includes Judea, Samara, and all parts of it,” he said. “I want to be faithful to that task.”

When asked about French President Emmanuel Macron’s reported plan to propose the establishment of a Palestinian state at the United Nations, Huckabee offered a pointed critique.

“If you want a Palestinian state so badly, why don’t you host it?” Huckabees said. “You’ve got plenty of land. People don’t understand. Israel has less than a tiny fraction. Muslim-controlled countries have 644 times the amount of real estate that Israel has. So when people say, well, carve out some of Israel, what are they asking them to do? Carve out a bit of a tiny piece of property that’s the size of New Jersey?”

{Matzav.com}

Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian activist aboard the ship Madleen, which is currently en route to the Gaza Strip as part of a controversial flotilla, claimed on Sunday that their systems have been compromised. According to Ávila, the disruptions are likely the result of Israeli interference as a prelude to an attempt to intercept their mission.

In a video update, Ávila described what he called suspicious developments. “I’ve received some very weird news that according to our tracker, we are no longer 162 nautical miles from Gaza, which is where we are, but according to it, we are in the Jordan airport. We know what that means when they start jamming our communications, when they start messing with our devices, it means that they are preparing for an interception or an attack.”

He continued, warning of possible military action by Israeli forces. “We all heard the Israeli media saying that they confirmed that Unit S (Shayetet) 13 (Israel’s naval commando unit) of IOF (Israel Occupation Forces) special forces are preparing to commit a warcrime, and we need to stop that, we can still stop that. I’m convinced that if we mobilize enough, if we pressure the nation states enough, we can make such pressure in the Zionist entity that they can not afford to attack us, to intercept us.”

Ávila urged viewers to spread his message in hopes of deterring action against the flotilla. “We still have a chance to save this humanitarian aid, to preserve this boat, this mission, and ourselves, and we count on you right now.”

The Madleen is expected to reach the vicinity of Gaza’s shoreline by Monday. The voyage is being spearheaded by far-left demonstrators, including well-known environmental advocate Greta Thunberg.

In anticipation of the flotilla’s approach, Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a directive earlier in the day to the IDF, authorizing all necessary measures to block the vessel from arriving in Gaza. The stated rationale is to uphold the blockade that Israel argues is vital for stopping arms from reaching Hamas.

“Israel will not allow anyone to violate the naval blockade on Gaza, which is primarily aimed at preventing the transfer of weapons to Hamas — a murderous terrorist organization that is holding our hostages and committing war crimes,” Katz stated.

He added pointedly, “I have instructed the IDF to ensure that the ‘Madleen’ flotilla does not reach Gaza. To Greta the antisemite and her Hamas propaganda-spouting friends, I say clearly: turn around — you will not reach Gaza. Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organizations — by sea, air, or land.”

{Matzav.com}

A body recovered from a subterranean Hamas site in Khan Younis was recently confirmed to be that of Mohammad Sinwar, who held a senior position in the terror organization’s hierarchy.

The remains were located during an IDF operation in the Khan Younis region, where several corpses were retrieved and transported back to Israel for identification. Authorities have now verified that one of them is Sinwar.

Mohammad Sinwar held a top-tier role in Hamas’s military leadership, serving as chief of operations. He was a principal architect of the October 7 massacre, directing planning and execution as head of the group’s military operations division.

Roughly two weeks ago, Israeli officials announced that Sinwar had been killed in a targeted airstrike on May 13 in Khan Younis. The strike employed approximately 40 specialized bunker-busting munitions, weighing about one ton in total.

That same bombing also eliminated two other senior Hamas operatives: Mohammed Shabana, who led the Rafah Brigade, and Mahdi Khuwara, the commander overseeing southern Khan Younis.

According to the IDF, the strike hit a subterranean Hamas command center located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, where the terrorists were sheltering.

Following the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, Mohammad assumed leadership of Hamas’s military faction. In this role, he wielded significant influence over the organization’s operational strategy and military decisions.

Earlier in his career, Mohammad Sinwar commanded the Khan Younis brigade and oversaw operations for the group’s military wing. He was also involved in the planning and execution of the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit.

Mohammed Shabana played a central role in organizing the October 7 attacks and was responsible for detaining hostages in southern Gaza. Throughout the “Iron Swords” conflict, he orchestrated numerous assaults on IDF troops in the south and directed sustained rocket fire into Israel from the Rafah Brigade.

Mahdi Khuwara’s involvement with Hamas began as a weapons engineer in Khan Younis. He later rose through the ranks to lead the elite “Nukhba” unit and ultimately commanded the southern Khan Younis battalion.

{Matzav.com}

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg described the current atmosphere aboard the vessel Madleen as both peaceful and upbeat, as she and other activists continue their voyage toward Gaza. In a recorded message sent to The Sunday Times, Thunberg said, “I would say it’s fairly calm, but high spirits,” adding, “We are very happy to be actually going, to be sailing.”

Thunberg embarked on the journey from Sicily on June 1 with 11 other activists who support the Palestinian cause. Their goal was to arrive in Gaza by June 7. Although they missed that target, the group now reports that they have passed Egyptian waters and intend to reach Gaza on Monday—unless stopped by the Israeli navy. While the group describes their mission as a humanitarian effort to bring aid to Gaza, Bild, a German publication, reported that some participants are known for extreme anti-Western views, support for terrorist organizations, and calls for the dismantling of Israel.

Explaining her involvement in the voyage, Thunberg said to The Times, “What brought me on this boat? Just being human, seeing the footage from Gaza, hearing the reports and feeling that I need to do something, whatever that is.” She continued, “And for some reason I have a platform, and if I can use that platform, for example, being on this boat and amplifying the Palestinian cause, then of course I have to do that. Because I care about justice and because … I cannot just sit around and watch this genocide happening without doing something.”

Thunberg further argued that climate activism cannot be separated from global injustices. “You cannot be a climate justice activist if you are ignoring all the marginalized people today and their suffering,” she said. “Both the climate crisis, the genocide in Palestine and other humanitarian crises all over the world are results of systems that sacrifice the vast majority of people and … the planet just for a very fortunate few to be able to make profit and to profit out of that exploitation and to be able to keep their geopolitical power at all costs. So I see many parallels. What is happening in Palestine is not only a genocide but also an ecocide.”

In response to criticism that her activism may carry antisemitic undertones, Thunberg rejected the accusation outright. “Every day since I was 15 I have received criticism from every possible angle, no matter what I do. If they can’t find anything, they make something up, for example like antisemitism accusations,” she said. She added: “We are saying that no one should be valued more or less than anyone else because of their background. And that applies to everything, also to the Palestinian cause.”

Despite her vocal support for Gaza, Thunberg has yet to make any statement denouncing the brutal Hamas-led assault on Israelis on October 7, nor has she commented on the civilians who were murdered or taken hostage during that attack.

While the activists describe their journey as a mission of mercy, the roster of participants raises questions. Among them are Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian European Parliament member who is barred from entering Israel; Omar Faiad, a reporter for Al Jazeera; Yasemin Acar, who posted a video of herself dancing as Iranian missiles were fired at Israel; and Thiago Avila, who was present at the funeral of Hezbollah figure Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon.

Reva Viard, a French member of the delegation, shared her reflections with The Times. “The more time passes, the closer we get to the point of tension — but the more time passes, the more the international community mobilizes. So we’re all calm on board, and hope grows as we move forward. So the possibility that the Israeli army will attack or board the Madleen obviously exists … but there are also other boats that have reached Palestine. So we’re banking on this scenario more than any other.”

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed that his home was the target of a swatting attempt, a malicious tactic that endangers both the intended victim and responding officers.

During a conversation with Joe Rogan, Patel made the revelation about the recent incident, according to a Fox 5 report published Friday.

“As director of the FBI I have a responsibility. I’m not just gonna bring a case because somebody hurt me. They did, and they continue to do it. Shit, my house just got swatted yesterday,” he told Rogan, who reacted with disbelief.

“You got swatted?” Rogan asked. Patel confirmed. “The head of the FBI gets swatted?” Rogan pressed again.

“Yeah, these people play… it’s the ultimate height of hypocrisy. They have two sets of rules, one against you and one for them,” Patel stated.

Earlier this year, Breitbart News reported that multiple prominent conservative figures were targeted in a spate of swatting incidents within a short period in March.

Swatting is a dangerous hoax in which someone places a false emergency call — often masked by VPNs or spoofed phone numbers — reporting a violent crime such as a shooting or hostage situation. The aim is to provoke a heavily armed police response to an unsuspecting person’s home, sometimes with fatal consequences.

In response to the increasing number of these incidents, Patel took to X to condemn the practice, stating: “The FBI is aware of this dangerous trend, and my team and I are already taking action to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.”

“This isn’t about politics,” Patel wrote. “Weaponizing law enforcement against ANY American is not only morally reprehensible but also endangers lives, including those of our officers. That will not be tolerated.”

He added that the bureau is “fully committed to working with local law enforcement to crack down on these crimes,” and assured the public that “more updates” would follow.

According to Fox, the swatting attempt at Patel’s home occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Fortunately, police contacted the residence and determined the report was false before deploying emergency units.

Patel was confirmed to his position as head of the FBI in February, despite opposition from Democrats attempting to derail his appointment.

{Matzav.com}

In a deeply disturbing incident overnight, the beis medrash of the former Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, was set on fire in the Sanhedria neighborhood of Yerushalayim.

The blaze, which authorities have described as an act of arson, destroyed the rav‘s chair and some sefarim.

Security footage from the scene revealed harrowing images of the fire tearing through the beis medrash, while walls nearby were found vandalized with swastikas and Christian symbols, evidence pointing to an antisemitic hate crime.

The shul that was targeted is Or Chaviv, where Rav Yitzchak Yosef regularly davens and delivers shiurim. The perpetrators apparently gained access overnight and deliberately set fire to the shul.

Surveillance cameras documented the attack, and images from the scene show the devastating aftermath of the blaze.

Israeli police launched an immediate investigation and are treating the incident with utmost seriousness. Graffiti discovered on an adjacent building include crosses and other markings.

Volunteers from the Mishmar security team were among the first to notice heavy smoke emerging from the building in the early hours of the morning. They quickly assisted fire and rescue services in containing the blaze and joined police in combing the area for suspects.

“We arrived at the shul and saw the flames. We rushed to help the emergency teams,” recounted Moshe Mishali, Yona Diamond, and Shlomo Richmond, three volunteers with Mishmar. “But nothing could have prepared us for the horrifying sights we saw—the burned-out shul, the desecration, and hateful symbols scrawled nearby.”

Minister of Religious Affairs Michael Malchieli issued a forceful condemnation: “These shocking images, with clear antisemitic symbols in the Or Chaviv shul where Maran Rishon LeTzion Harav Yitzchak Yosef shlita davens, are deeply disturbing. All religious leaders—of all faiths—must denounce such vile acts. I call upon the Israeli Police to act swiftly and with full force against the perpetrators of this disgraceful crime.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that Elon Musk may have burned too many bridges to repair his standing with President Donald Trump, following a recent clash that escalated rapidly and publicly.

Vance found himself having to address Musk’s string of critical social media posts in real time while recording an episode of a podcast. Among Musk’s accusations was a claim that Trump appeared in the “Epstein files.”

Speaking on the podcast episode released yesterday, Vance condemned Musk’s comments, calling the outburst a serious miscalculation. “I’m always going to be loyal to the president, and I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold,” Vance said, with a portrait of Trump behind him. “Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear.”

The fallout between Trump and Musk has grown increasingly hostile over the past week. The deteriorating relationship came to a head when Musk — who previously held the role of Department of Government Efficiency chief — publicly criticized Trump, dredging up Epstein-related allegations and even suggesting Trump should be removed from office.

Although Trump’s name has appeared in court-released documents tied to the Epstein case, no allegations of criminal conduct have ever been made against him in connection to Epstein.

Musk’s attacks seem to stem, at least in part, from his dissatisfaction with a major spending initiative endorsed by Trump. He claims the bill will significantly deepen the federal deficit. In response, Trump fired back, publicly mocking Musk’s mental state and hinting that the tech mogul’s government contracts might be in jeopardy.

A large number of Republican officials have stood behind Trump during the feud, including Vance, who made it clear where his loyalties lie. “If he and the president are in some blood feud, most importantly it’s going to be bad for the country, but I don’t think it’s going to be good for Elon either,” Vance told podcast host Theo Von.

Though Musk eventually removed the post accusing Trump of being part of the “Epstein list,” he has continued to reference the accusation indirectly in other posts.

Vance expressed disbelief that Musk would provoke such a high-stakes conflict. “I just think it’s a huge mistake for the world’s wealthiest man … to be at this war with the world’s most powerful man,” he said during the show.

{Matzav.com}

Tonight’s Adirei Hatorah event is being held at Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, PA.

The event is taking place as part of the annual campaign to raise funds to cover the kollel budget of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, NJ.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the event is being held, a continuation of an initiative started several years ago. This is also the fourth consecutive year that Matzav.com is providing you with a full broadcast of the event.

There’s no need for you to go anywhere else for full coverage of the event. You can watch it from beginning to end right here on Matzav.com. 

WATCH THE FULL EVENT LIVE HERE ON MATZAV.COM BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30 PM:

{Matzav.com}

New research indicates that consuming sugar in liquid form could pose a greater health risk than once believed.

The findings come from an international study led by Brigham Young University (BYU) in partnership with institutions in Germany. Researchers examined health data from more than 500,000 individuals across various regions and discovered a strong connection between sugar-sweetened beverages—like soda and juice—and a heightened likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, sugars found in solid foods didn’t show the same correlation and were in some cases even tied to reduced diabetes risk.

Karen Della Corte, the study’s principal investigator and a professor of nutritional science at BYU, emphasized that this was the first time a study clearly established a “dose-response” link between different kinds of sugar intake and diabetes risk. “It highlights why drinking your sugar, whether from soda or juice, is more problematic for health than eating it,” said Della Corte.

The report points to metabolic differences as a likely explanation. Sugars found in sweetened drinks are rapidly absorbed and can spike blood sugar levels, leading to liver dysfunction and increased fat accumulation. This process contributes to insulin resistance—one of the key mechanisms behind Type 2 diabetes.

In contrast, naturally occurring sugars in foods like fruit, whole grains, and dairy come packaged with fiber, fats, or proteins, which help regulate how sugar is processed in the body. These components ease the impact on blood sugar and prevent the liver from becoming overloaded.

“This study underscores the need for even more stringent recommendations for liquid sugars such as those in sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice, as they appear to harmfully associate with metabolic health,” Della Corte said. “Rather than condemning all added sugars, future dietary guidelines might consider the differential effects of sugar based on its source and form.”

The peer-reviewed study has been published in the Advances in Nutrition journal.

{Matzav.com}

California Governor Gavin Newsom raised the possibility Friday of the state reconsidering its contribution of federal tax dollars, following reports that President Donald Trump is weighing deep cuts to funding programs that benefit California.

The remarks came on the heels of a CNN story claiming the administration is exploring a “full termination” of federal grants for California’s public university system — a potential move that would strike at the heart of the state’s higher education infrastructure.

In a pointed message shared on X, Newsom wrote, “Californians pay the bills for the federal government. We pay over $80 BILLION more in taxes than we get back,” citing a Rockefeller Institute study showing the state paid approximately $83 billion more to the federal government in 2022 than it received in return. “Maybe it’s time to cut that off,” he added.

The idea of using tax dollars as leverage gained traction quickly. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas posted on Bluesky just before Newsom, arguing that withholding taxes may be warranted in the face of what he characterized as political retribution. “We’re the nation’s economic engine and the largest donor state, and deserve our fair share,” Rivas posted. “I’ll use every legal and constitutional tool available to defend CA — we must look at every option, including withholding federal taxes.”

A spokesperson for the White House, Kush Desai, downplayed any definitive decision but defended the administration’s critique of California’s policies. “The Trump administration is committed to ending this nightmare and restoring the California Dream,” Desai said. “No final decisions, however, on any potential future action by the Administration have been made, and any discussion suggesting otherwise should be considered pure speculation.” He went on to accuse the state of embracing “lunatic anti-energy, soft-on-crime, pro-child mutilation, and pro-sanctuary policies.”

Trump has repeatedly used the threat of withholding federal support as a political tool, including a recent episode in which he suggested slashing California’s funding if a transgender athlete were allowed to participate in a state track meet for girls.

The timing of Newsom’s proposal is notable, as he continues to voice opposition to Trump’s policies while simultaneously pursuing federal disaster funds for wildfire recovery and economic initiatives. Just weeks ago, Newsom attributed a $16 billion hole in California’s budget to Trump-era tariffs, even as he privately reached out to administration officials to discuss aid for the state’s struggling film sector.

State Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire also weighed in via X, condemning what he called “this President’s illegal and unprecedented attack on our state,” though he stopped short of endorsing the idea of withholding federal tax payments.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump clarified that he did not authorize the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national who had been deported in March under contested circumstances.

“That wasn’t my decision,” Trump said in an interview with NBC News. “The Department of Justice decided to do it that way.”

Abrego Garcia was brought back to the United States on Friday to stand trial on federal human trafficking charges in Tennessee, following the release of a formal indictment earlier this week. His deportation months ago, which the Trump administration later acknowledged was a mistake, was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. The court directed the government to “facilitate” his return, igniting fierce legal and political debate nationwide over the administration’s broader deportation strategy.

“It should be a very easy case” for federal prosecutors, the president told NBC News. Trump also mentioned that he had not spoken with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador regarding the matter.

Even after the Supreme Court issued its directive, Trump administration officials were reluctant to comply, citing the fact that Abrego Garcia remained under the jurisdiction of Salvadoran authorities.

“There is no scenario where Abrego Garcia will be in the United States again,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told lawmakers last month.

The administration repeatedly portrayed Abrego Garcia as a dangerous gang member, a claim rejected outright by both his legal team and family members. A federal judge further dismissed the characterization as “a vague, uncorroborated allegation.”

While officials referred to his removal from the U.S. as “an administrative error,” they failed to act swiftly on the Supreme Court’s order to bring him back.

The situation triggered a wave of criticism. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) even traveled to El Salvador, where he met with Abrego Garcia and called for his return. Republicans fired back, accusing Van Hollen and other Democrats of siding with a potentially dangerous individual.

Abrego Garcia’s legal team has asked the public to approach the charges with skepticism.

“They’ll stop at nothing at all — even some of the most preposterous charges imaginable — just to avoid admitting that they made a mistake, which is what everyone knows happened,” Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, one of his attorneys, told reporters Friday. “He’s not going to be convicted of these crimes,” the lawyer added. “There’s no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy.”

{Matzav.com}

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Iranian state-controlled media and affiliated news organizations asserted today that Tehran had successfully acquired a massive cache of highly classified Israeli intelligence, supposedly including details about Israel’s defense systems and nuclear infrastructure. No proof was presented to substantiate these claims.

State television announced, “Iran’s intelligence apparatus has obtained a vast quantity of strategic and sensitive information and documents belonging to the Zionist regime,” emphasizing the alleged magnitude of the haul.

The announcement was echoed by Hezbollah-aligned al-Mayadeen and the semi-official Iranian outlet Tasnim, though none of the reports offered any specifics about the contents or origin of the purported documents.

Among the materials allegedly obtained, Iranian officials claim to have secured “thousands of documents related to the regime’s nuclear plans and facilities,” though no examples or files have been made public.

According to the Iranian broadcast, the material — said to include videos, photographs, and documents — was seized during a secretive mission. The trove was reportedly examined in detail after being transported securely back to Iran. The operation, they added, took place “some time ago,” but disclosure was delayed to allow time for data analysis and safe transfer.

Tasnim, which maintains close ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), linked the intelligence windfall to Roy Mizrahi and Almog Atias, two Israelis apprehended in May. They are accused of spying for Iran and collecting intelligence inside Israel.

Authorities said the two were captured while surveilling the town of Kfar Ahim, home to Defense Minister Israel Katz. Officials have described the case as another escalation in Iran’s growing intelligence campaign within Israeli borders.

Mizrahi and Atias, both 24 and residents of Nesher near Haifa, were taken into custody in late April after a collaborative investigation between the Shin Bet and the Israel Police’s Lahav 433 unit, which handles national-level crimes.

According to security officials, Mizrahi was in frequent contact with Iranian intelligence figures during 2025 and engaged in several missions at their direction. In some instances, he acted together with Atias, allegedly aware that their tasks were coordinated by Tehran.

One such operation involved digging up a bag suspected to contain an explosive device and moving it to a different location under instructions from Iranian handlers.

Reports say Mizrahi had procured a new phone and used encrypted messaging software to maintain discreet communication with his Iranian contacts.

A senior security figure stated, “This case joins a series of recent incidents that point to persistent efforts by hostile terrorist and intelligence entities to recruit Israeli citizens to carry out missions intended to harm the security of the State of Israel and its citizens.”

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City earlier today eliminated Asaad Abu Sharia, the head of the Mujahideen Brigades, a smaller terror group affiliated with Hamas. The group was implicated in the October 7, 2023, abduction and killing of several hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her two young sons. In a separate operation, another senior figure from the same organization, Mahmoud Kaheel, was also killed.

The Mujahideen Brigades acknowledged that both Abu Sharia and Kaheel had been killed. Abu Sharia led the group, which, though less prominent than Hamas, played a key role in the brutal attacks. Kaheel held a high-ranking position within the organization.

“The news represents another step for us in closing the circle and the process of accepting the great loss,” the Bibas family said in response to the announcement. They added, “Shiri, Ariel and Kfir will not return, but there is some comfort in knowing that the vile murderers will not harm another family.”

Shiri Bibas and her husband, Yarden, along with their children Ariel, age four, and nine-month-old Kfir, were taken hostage from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the day of the October 7 assault, when Hamas-led terrorists infiltrated the Gaza border, murdering 1,200 people and abducting 251 others in the deadliest attack on Israeli soil.

During a brief truce in February between Israel and Hamas, Yarden Bibas was released. Hamas subsequently returned the bodies of Ariel and Kfir, along with those of fellow hostage Oded Lifshitz and a deceased woman from Gaza who they falsely claimed was Shiri Bibas. Following objections by Israel, Hamas later returned Shiri’s actual remains.

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari at the time disclosed that the two boys were murdered by their captors in November 2023. He said they were killed “in cold blood” and “with bare hands,” and that Hamas operatives tried to cover up the killings. “Yarden Bibas asked me to make sure the world knows and is horrified by the way his children were murdered,” Hagari said.

The military noted that in addition to the Bibas family, the Mujahideen Brigades were also behind the kidnapping and murder of Gadi Haggai and Judih Weinstein, as well as Thai worker Nattapong Pinta. The bodies of Haggai and Weinstein were recovered from Gaza Wednesday night. Pinta’s body was returned to Israel today.

Haggai and Weinstein, ages 72 and 70, were an American-Israeli couple. They were killed during their morning walk near Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, and the IDF confirmed their deaths in December 2023.

Pinta, a 31-year-old Thai national working in agriculture in Israel, had come to the country a year and a half before the attack. He was abducted from the same kibbutz where he worked in the fields, and later killed in captivity. He had been supporting his wife and young son back in Thailand.

Palestinian media outlets reported that more than 30 people were killed in the airstrike on the Sabra neighborhood that took out Abu Sharia. The separate strike targeting Kaheel also killed members of his family, including his wife and children, according to statements from the terror group.

The IDF said Abu Sharia was among the terrorists who stormed Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 and that he played a central role in the abduction and murder of civilians, including the Bibas family. The military also accused him of orchestrating attacks within Gaza and directing terror activity from the West Bank aimed at harming Israelis.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas today released a new image of Matan Zangauker, an Israeli hostage, and claimed that Israeli forces were surrounding the location in Gaza where he is allegedly being kept. The group threatened to kill him if the army came any closer.

In a response, the Israeli military issued a statement clarifying that they had not carried out any rescue attempt for Zangauker.

The photo shows Zangauker lying on his side, partially covered by a blanket. An IV bag is visible in the background, suggesting he is receiving some form of medical treatment.

“The enemy will not be able to recover him alive. We have preserved his life for 20 months; if this prisoner is killed during an attempt to free him, the occupation army will be the one responsible for his death,” declared Hudhaifa Kahlout, the Hamas military spokesman also known as Abu Obeida.

“This is a final warning,” he warned.

This new image emerged as the Israeli military ramps up its operations throughout Gaza, coinciding with ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire and negotiate the release of hostages.

After the photo was made public, Zangauker’s mother, Einav, who has become a leading voice in the campaign to secure a hostage deal, addressed demonstrators at a protest on Begin Road in Tel Aviv. Speaking to the crowd of around 1,000, she said, “I’m very worried about Matan’s physical and emotional state. I’m very afraid of a deterioration in his condition.”

She continued, blaming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to act. “Our heart is broken by the knowledge that without [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s political calculations, all this would have been avoided,” she said. In a direct message to Netanyahu, she added that her son’s “blood will stain your hands” if efforts to return him are not made.

Back in May, Channel 12 News reported that Zangauker was having difficulty standing and was experiencing persistent digestive issues. The information came from Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli citizen who was held captive with him and has since been freed.

That report also noted that Zangauker had spent extended periods isolating himself in the tunnel where he’s being detained. During those times, he reportedly refrained from speaking or eating, and was observed shaking and appearing physically weakened, likely due to muscle atrophy.

Zangauker was abducted on October 7, 2023, from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his girlfriend, Ilana Gritzewsky. Gritzewsky was released on November 30, 2023, as part of a brief truce agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Previously a Netanyahu supporter, Einav Zangauker has since become an outspoken critic, frequently appearing in the media and leading demonstrations in support of a deal that would end the war and free the hostages.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a dramatic effort to stabilize the financial future of Gerrer mosdos across the globe, the Gerrer Rebbe departed Eretz Yisroel shortly after midnight on Motzoei Shabbos for a high-stakes fundraising mission in the United States.

The emergency trip comes amid the ongoing political crisis and sweeping cuts to yeshivah and kollel budgets in Israel. With the looming uncertainty surrounding the draft law and the status of bnei Torah, Gerrer leaders have launched a bold campaign to raise a massive sum — enough to support all Gerrer institutions in Israel and abroad for the next two years.

The Rebbe departed from Ben Gurion Airport aboard a private jet provided by prominent philanthropists Reb Yoeli Landau of Williamsburg and his partner Reb Dovid Geffner.

The Rebbe’s journey marks the beginning of an ambitious campaign during one of the most turbulent periods for the Torah world in recent memory.

The itinerary includes personal visits to the homes of leading donors across the United States, culminating in a major fundraising dinner hosted by Mr. Shloime Werdiger, Chairman of the Board of Agudath Israel of America.

Additionally, the Rebbe is expected to participate in the inauguration of a new building of the Gerrer cheder, Talmud Torah Imrei Emes, in Boro Park, Brooklyn.

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic scene unfolded on Fifth Avenue recently when an entire section of the iconic Manhattan street was shut down to accommodate an enormous delivery to Jeff Bezos’ lavish penthouse in the NoMad neighborhood — an event captured in a now-viral TikTok video.

The footage shows a massive, shrink-wrapped piece of furniture suspended midair as a crane carefully lifted it over the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 26th Street. The area below was cordoned off with caution tape and barricades, surrounded by heavy equipment and moving trucks.

Scores of workers were seen coordinating the delivery and managing traffic, while curious onlookers gathered to watch as the colossal item ascended toward 212 Fifth Ave., a 24-story building where Bezos is said to own five adjoining units across the top four floors, together valued at $119 million.

Raffi Arslanian, who owns the luxury candle brand Thompson Ferrier and works nearby, filmed the whole operation and shared it online.

“You want to see how Jeff Bezos delivers his furniture? Let me show you,” said Arslanian, narrating from just a block away.

He then added a humorous note: “I think we all can relate to this.”

“Now back to reality, where, when we move, we get a U-Haul and we do it ourselves, or at best, we get a company to do it — but we don’t close the street,” Arslanian joked.

His clip has racked up over 970,000 views and thousands of comments, many from users speculating about the mysterious oversized item being hoisted skyward.

“It’s a hot tub,” one person guessed.

“A grand piano,” proposed another.

Some commenters were less interested in the item itself and more intrigued by the cost of such an extravagant moving job.

Relocating large objects with cranes can cost more than $20,000 per day and usually requires special permits to temporarily shut down city streets, according to industry sources.

“Amazon prime delivery, billionaire subscription,” one TikTok user commented, poking fun at the scene.

“We would all do the same if we had 100 billion dollars,” added another.

Bezos, whose fortune is estimated at $223 billion by Forbes, reportedly purchased the penthouse and surrounding units in a series of transactions between 2019 and 2021. The properties, housed in a converted office tower with views of Madison Square Park, make up one of the most exclusive residences in the city.

{Matzav.com}

Thousands gathered Thursday night at Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo in Rishon L’Tzion for the inauguration of the world’s largest and most ornate Aron Kodesh and the dedication of a new, exceptionally small Sefer Torah.

The celebration began with the writing of the final letters of the Sefer Torah at the home of Rabbi Moshe Buchris in Rishon L’Tzion. From there, a majestic procession made its way through the streets, which came to a standstill as throngs of locals joined.

Upon arrival at the yeshiva campus, joyous dancing erupted. Leading the festivities were the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin, along with the yeshiva’s roshei yeshiva and rabbanim, while thousands of talmidim danced throughout the beis medrash, singing and rejoicing as the miniature Sefer Torah was brought into the massive Aron Kodesh — the largest and most magnificent of its kind in the world.

Following the hachnasas Sefer Torah, the assembled moved to the main plaza of the yeshiva where a distinguished gathering of gedolei Yisroel joined the celebration. Among them were Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rav Berel Povarsky, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, Chacham Nissim Ben Shimon, Rav Yitzchok Soloveitchik, Rav Shraga Steinman, Rav Shimon Galai, Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband, and others. Wealthy philanthropists from across the globe were also in attendance.

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל

חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל חנוכת ארון הקודש והכנסת ס”ת בעטרת שלמהצילום: יעקב נחומי, דניאל נפוסי ופנחס עמנואל