Matzav

In a candid interview with CNN on Wednesday, former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert stated that he can no longer justify Israel’s actions in the face of allegations of war crimes.

Olmert said his intensifying disapproval of Israel’s leadership stems from its failure to articulate any plan for what lies ahead. “A lack of any vision for what comes next. What are we going to do in order to end the war, release the hostages, and start to move it towards some kind of political horizon?” he said.

Pointing to controversial statements made recently by members of Israel’s government, Olmert highlighted remarks such as, “We should starve Gaza.”

“What is it if not a war crime?” Olmert asked, citing those comments and Israel’s ongoing suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza that began on March 2.

He went further, accusing Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and his administration of carrying out conduct that, in his view, is indefensible. “Committing actions which can’t be interpreted any other way,” he said.

Addressing Israel’s recent widening of its military campaign in Gaza—a move Netanyahu said was necessary to regain full control of the region and stop Hamas from seizing aid—Olmert pushed back. “We have to make sure that no uninvolved people in Gaza are hurt because of this expansion of military operations, which is entirely unjustified and does not serve any important interest of the State of Israel at this point.”

Olmert also voiced his desire to see the current coalition step down, telling CNN that he believes public sentiment is shifting. “I believe the majority of Israelis are sick and tired of these policies, these statements, and the terrible damage this government has caused to the moral integrity of the state and its people.”

When the conversation turned to international influence, Olmert shared his view that President Donald Trump is uniquely positioned to intervene and bring about an end to the conflict. “I really certainly think that he is the only person, perhaps, that can force the Israeli prime minister to come to terms with reality and with the moral reality of what is being accomplished by this government,” he said.

Asked about the potential for Netanyahu to initiate a military strike on Iran if diplomacy breaks down, Olmert offered a measured response. “You have to distinguish between what he can do and what he says.”

He concluded the interview with a statement of optimism about diplomatic efforts. “I still believe that there is a good chance that President Trump will succeed in his negotiations.” He added that while Iran is a serious concern for Israel and the global community, “there is no one better aware of this and more prepared to deal with it than President Trump.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A federal judge has stepped in to stop the U.S. Department of Transportation from cutting off funding to New York as part of the Trump administration’s effort to derail the city’s congestion pricing initiative. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman issued a preliminary injunction, following his earlier temporary restraining order, that blocks federal officials from denying funds or necessary approvals for New York infrastructure projects.

In his lengthy 109-page decision, Liman sharply criticized the federal government’s approach, writing that the Transportation Department had essentially forced New York into a dangerous standoff. He wrote that officials were telling the state to either abandon the congestion pricing plan or “brace for impact and prepare to suffer the effects” of penalties for noncompliance.

Under the congestion pricing plan, most cars driving into the area of Manhattan below 60th Street during busy hours are charged a $9 toll.

The Trump administration revoked its prior sign-off on the plan on February 19, arguing that the initiative should be halted. The program is intended to ease gridlock and generate revenue to modernize the city’s deteriorating subway and bus services.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that if the “One Big Beautiful Bill” fails to pass, Democrats will be responsible for a massive 65 percent hike in taxes. He laid the blame squarely on their shoulders during remarks from the Oval Office following a swearing-in ceremony for interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro.

“You know, if it’s up to the Democrats, they’ll take the 65 percent increase. If that doesn’t get approved, this country is going to have a 65 percent increase in taxes and lots of other problems, big problems, almost bigger than that,” Trump said, stressing that the legislation would deliver “the largest tax cut in the history of our country.”

He acknowledged that talks over the bill are still ongoing, and said while there are elements of the plan he supports enthusiastically, others give him pause. “I’m not happy about certain aspects of it, but I’m thrilled by other aspects of it. That’s the way they go. It’s very big. It’s the Big Beautiful Bill, but the beautiful is because of all of the things we have,” Trump said, underscoring that the tax reductions remain the heart of the proposal.

The legislation not only seeks to cement the tax cuts introduced in 2017 under Trump’s first term but would also eliminate taxes on employee tips and overtime wages, in addition to cutting taxes on Social Security benefits paid by seniors.

“Tremendous amounts of benefit are going to the middle-income people of our country, low and middle-income people of our country,” Trump stated during his comments on Wednesday.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” also calls for the completion of Trump’s signature border wall project. The package includes plans to build 701 miles of wall and 900 miles of river barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. In another major provision, the bill would remove Medicaid coverage from approximately 1.4 million illegal immigrants.

Trump praised House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for their efforts thus far. The bill has already cleared the House and is now under review in the Senate, though Trump acknowledged it is expected to go back to the House before final passage. “I have to say Speaker Johnson and Thune have done an incredible job,” he said.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the necessary Republican support is within reach, despite the lack of backing from the opposing party. “So we have no Democrat votes. That means we have to get almost all Republican votes, and I think we’re very close to doing that,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

In a searing address delivered Wednesday from the Knesset plenum, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Almog Cohen of the Otzma Yehudit party lashed out at Democratic Party chairman Yair Golan and former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, calling them “disgraceful” and “lowly” individuals.

Cohen, speaking forcefully from the podium, slammed Golan for past remarks made about IDF soldiers: “The message I’m sending,” he said, “to Yair Golan, who described our soldiers as baby killers for sport — see under: sadists — is that you should be ashamed of yourself. You are a lowly person. You are a disgraceful person.”

He went on to criticize Olmert as well: “Joining your ranks is a former convict, Ehud Olmert. I have news for you: our soldiers are lions and lionesses — they are true heroes.”

“They are currently crushing Hamas until we bring our brothers home,” Cohen declared, “and Am Yisrael will prevail even without you — a reckless group of barn burners.”

Earlier in his speech, Cohen responded to media reports claiming he had been appointed Deputy Minister for Artificial Intelligence. With a mocking tone, he addressed the speculation: “The fearmongering and poison-spreading channels told the public that Almog Cohen is the Deputy Minister for AI, but there’s a problem: there is no such position.”

He added humorously, “I’m not a professional. I’m not an expert in the field — aside from using ChatGPT, which some might say I use quite frequently.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a powerful and emotional interview broadcast Wednesday night on Channel 12’s Uvda, Ori Megidish—the first hostage successfully freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza—shared her gripping account of survival, unwavering emunah, and the harrowing experiences she endured during her time in enemy hands.

“I had faith that God was by my side, watching over me and would get me out of there,” Megidish stated, describing how her belief in divine protection never wavered. “I would ask a question, like if I’m supposed to get out of here, let there be a boom. And then there was a boom. There were all sorts of signs.”

In one striking moment, she recalled seeking reassurance through an unusual request: a butterfly. “Suddenly, one of the captors pulled out a toy shaped like a very colorful butterfly. I started smiling, even though I had stitches in my face—I felt He was with me.”

Her most frightening ordeal came during her third Shabbat in captivity, when Israeli airstrikes hit the building where she was being held. “The ceiling collapsed, the house was engulfed in flames. I didn’t even feel that I was injured.” It wasn’t until afterward that she discovered she had suffered a fractured skull. She also described how her captors crudely stitched her facial wounds without any numbing agent. “It was pain you can’t describe,” she said.

Megidish revealed that she had been asleep at the time her rescue operation began. “There’s gunfire outside, and when I realize something is happening, I go behind the fridge and crouch down. I shout in Hebrew, I don’t know why, but it was like I felt, I don’t know, that this was a rescue.”

She initially wasn’t sure whether to trust the soldier who appeared before her, as he didn’t have any visible insignia. “I was conflicted—thinking it could have been another kidnapping, at that level. It could have happened.” But as they drove away from the site, she heard him speaking her native language. “I remember exchanging glances with him, and I saw how excited he was.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

During a heated Knesset debate on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid accused Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of alienating the Trump Administration and diminishing Israel’s standing with its most critical ally.

“I once told you that you no longer understand the new America. That you’re stuck in the 1980s. You argued with me and said you’re still in the loop. That argument is over. There has never been such a low point in the relationship. Ever,” Lapid said in his opening remarks.

He went on to charge Netanyahu with mishandling diplomatic relationships, saying, “You lost Trump. The Americans made a deal with the Houthis behind your back without your knowledge. The President met with the President of Syria without your knowledge. He renewed ties with Erdoğan — without your knowledge. You can’t tell me the fairy tales you tell Channel 14.”

Highlighting what he portrayed as a moment of public embarrassment for the prime minister, Lapid said, “President Trump brought you to Washington, announced to you that he resumed negotiations with Iran without bothering to inform you, and then sat you down in front of the cameras of the whole world and repeated that announcement.”

He concluded his criticism by referencing a high-profile regional event Israel did not attend: “We missed the most important summit in the Middle East in Saudi Arabia. We could have been there. You missed it because you’re afraid of Smotrich and Ben Gvir. The world saw exactly what’s happening.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz

Shavuos may be the shortest of the Shalosh Regolim but its impact is immeasurable. For on this one day (or two, in chutz la’aretz), we remember and relive the special occasion which defines us: the giving of the Torah. This is the day for which the world was created, when Heaven touched Earth and a nation found its purpose. While our footsteps once led to the Beis Hamikdosh, our hearts still ascend year after year toward that same sacred encounter at Har Sinai.

“Kofah aleihem har kegigis.” Chazel tell us that Hakadosh Boruch Hu, so to speak, held Har Sinai over the Jewish people and told them that either they accept upon themselves to study and observe the Torah or He would drop the mountain upon them and they would be buried alive.

Many explanations are given for why Hashem forced them to accept the Torah under the penalty of death. One of the many is that the world was created for Torah and for the Bnei Yisroel to accept it. If they would not agree to study and be governed by the laws of the Torah, the world would cease to have a purpose and would be returned to its original inert state.

The path was laid by the avos, Avrohom, Yitzchok and Yaakov, and passed on to the shevotim and to their children. In Mitzrayim, their offspring grew exponentially, but sank to levels of depravity that endangered their ability to continue their glorious heritage.

Before they reached the point of no return, Hashem redeemed them, miraculously removing them from Mitzrayim. They went to the Yam Suf to escape the clutches of decadence and immorality and began the trek back to the hallowed land of their forefathers.

After 49 days of preparation, they were ready to fulfill their destiny and accept the Torah. They proclaimed the immortal words, “Naaseh venishma,” accepting upon themselves the Torah’s obligations and, by doing so, setting the world on its proper trajectory.

At that moment, Klal Yisroel proclaimed that although they were mortals fashioned of flesh and blood, they were willing to live on a higher and loftier plane, with the Torah as their guide.

Malochim objected to the notion of giving the Torah to humans, but after the Bnei Yisroel demonstrated their worthiness, the malochim placed crowns on their heads (Shabbos 88a). There are different interpretations as to what the crowns consisted of, what their significance was, and what they accomplished. Most likely, they did not resemble the adorable golden paper crowns that children wear to celebrate Shavuos and the receipt of their siddurim and Chumoshim, but those crowns keep the message alive and remind us of the heights we reached and can still attain even in our day.

Shavous contains the power and potency evident on the day the Torah was first given to us. Every year, on Chag Mattan Toraseinu, the gift that was first given at Sinai is regifted to those who have undertaken the proper preparations and made themselves worthy. Even in our day, when tumah is all around, it is possible to live a life of kedusha.

The further a person is removed from Torah, the more he is affected by tumah, silliness and ideas that weaken his inherent goodness.

The Meshech Chochmah at the end of Parshas Yisro writes that until Matan Torah, people were only able to serve Hashem through ruchniyus. When the Torah was given, acts that were previously purely gashmiyus and physical were invested with kedusha. With the acceptance of the Torah, people were empowered to sanctify themselves and all human needs and instincts.

That is why Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu at the s’neh, the burning bush, “Shal ne’alecha mei’al raglecha – Remove your shoes from your feet.” He was saying, “Remove the vehicles for your gashmiyusdike physical lives as you approach Me.”

After Matan Torah, Hashem told the Jewish people, “V’anshei kodesh tihiyun li—And you shall be holy people” (Shemos 22:30). It’s a powerful instruction that reveals something essential about our identity and mission. Hashem did not ask us to become malochim. The Torah does not expect us to transcend our human nature. Instead, it teaches us to live fully human lives, while elevating ourselves with holiness.

We are meant to be people: working, building, raising families, maintaining relationships, facing challenges, and experiencing growth. But as we do so, we are expected to live as anshei kodesh, human beings who sanctify our lives through the Torah.

This concept lies at the heart of Shavuos. On this Yom Tov, we celebrate not only the giving of the Torah, but the idea that Hashem gave it to us flawed, growing, learning human beings. The Torah wasn’t given in the heavens, but here on earth. It wasn’t meant only for the spiritually elite, but for everyone: the busy parent, the student, the worker, the neighbor, the friend. Torah is a guide for life in this world, for people who strive to elevate the physical through the spiritual.

In fact, the Gemara points out something unique about Shavuos. While there is a machlokes regarding how other Yomim Tovim should be divided between spiritual pursuits (laShem) and physical enjoyment (lochem), on Shavuos, “hakol modim deba’inan nami lochem—all agree that there must be an element of lochem, of physical enjoyment.” This is not a contradiction to holiness, but a celebration of it. On Shavuos, we demonstrate that even our physical desires can be influenced, refined, and uplifted by the Torah.

Chazal (Pesikta Zutrasa, Va’eschanon) teach us: “Chayov adam liros es atzmo ke’ilu mekabel Torah miSinai,” every person is obligated to see themselves as if they are receiving the Torah today. We are all familiar with this directive regarding Yetzias Mitzrayim. In fact, a central theme of the leil haSeder is to perceive ourselves as if we were let out of Mitzrayim. On Shavuos, we need to view ourselves as if we are receiving the Torah.

Imagine if today were the day you stood at the foot of Har Sinai.

Imagine hearing the voice of Hashem, the thunder, the lightning, and the indescribable awe as the Aseres Hadibros echoed through the universe. Imagine feeling your neshomah and entire being rise, connecting to something far greater than yourself. Imagine walking through the wilderness, day after day, step by step, growing closer to your purpose, until you are finally standing at that mountain and hearing the truth that would change everything.

Now imagine your life without Torah. No mitzvos. No davening. No Shabbos or Yom Tov. No purpose, no anchor. Just an endless cycle of busyness and noise – meals, meetings, work, posts, clips, chats. A life filled with motion, but lacking meaning.

Then imagine discovering Torah for the first time  – today. Imagine being invited to learn Hashem’s word, to feel its depth, to live by its values. Imagine being given the opportunity to lead a life that has eternal meaning, clarity, and light. How grateful would you feel? How inspired would you be?

That’s what Shavuos invites us to experience. Not as a memory, but as a living moment.

Hayom hazeh nihiyeisa le’am. This is the day. Today, we are once again receiving the Torah. Today, we recommit ourselves to living as anshei kodesh.

Yes, we face distractions. Yes, it’s hard to concentrate on tefillah, to carve out time for learning, to push back against a world that often seems to pull us in every direction. But that’s the point. Torah wasn’t given to malochim. It was given to us. To human beings with struggles and limitations, but with souls capable of greatness.

Holiness is not a contradiction to humanity. It’s our potential.

Let us embrace it. Let us live it. Let us become, once again and always, anshei kodesh.

Hayom hazeh! Today and every day. Despite the degeneration of the world, despite the struggles we experience with every tefillah and the challenge of concentrating fully when we learn, despite the many forces competing for our attention and time, we have a new Kabbolas HaTorah.

Human shortcomings are but a hindrance that we can overcome.

There was once a time, not so long ago, when reverence for Torah was instinctive, deeply rooted in the hearts of even the simplest Jews. It wasn’t taught through slogans or campaigns. It was lived. It pulsed through communities, shaping their values, their choices, and their relationships with those who carried the torch of Torah.

In the town of Volozhin, this reverence was visible and tangible. Before each new zeman began, townspeople would gather at the train station, awaiting the arrival of the yeshiva bochurim. They didn’t come to observe. They came to serve. Competing for the chance to pull wagons loaded with the talmidim and their luggage, they saw honor in serving those who toiled in Torah.

When the famed Volozhin Yeshiva made a siyum upon completing a masechta, it wasn’t only the students who celebrated. The entire town felt the joy. Local tradesmen would make their way to the yeshiva to take part in the simcha. But they didn’t come as honored guests. They came as waiters.

At the celebratory meal, it was these upstanding members of the community who moved from table to table, serving food to the bnei hayeshiva. And when the celebration ended, they stayed behind to clean up. This wasn’t done begrudgingly. It was done with pride, with love, and with a sense of profound privilege. They may not have known every daf, but they knew what it meant to honor Torah. They set aside time to learn what they could and cherished those who spent their days and nights learning.

Today, we hear stories like this and we smile. There’s a sweetness to them, a charm that feels almost quaint. But more than that, they are windows into a world that understood something deep and eternal. A world that recognized the holiness of Torah and the people who bear its burden. A world that viewed service not as subservience, but as sacred opportunity.

Stories such as this one are not just nostalgic vignettes. They are a call to remember who we are and what we value. They are gentle reminders of a world that was, and of a world that we can, and should, strive to recreate.

Shavuos is a time to refocus on what Torah means to us and on how blessed we are to be able to spend time by a Gemara or Chumash or Shulchan Aruch, surrounded by more talmidei chachomim and yeshiva bochurim than there have been since the days of Sura and Pumpedisa.

We open our arms wide and accept the Torah just as those who came before us have done for thousands of years. We cherish its words, raising our children and helping guide them to see the honey under each letter.

It is who we are and what we are about. Our lives revolve around it. It is Torah.

With our feet dragging through the dust of life, temptations, parnossah and health challenges, we persist in walking with our eyes on Him and on His Torah, knowing that it is meant for us, to give us the tools to climb higher.

Modim anachnu loch shesamta chelkeinu m’yoshvei bais hamedrash. Thank You, Master of the universe, for allowing us to have a connection with Torah, to have tasted the truest joy of all.

We are the most blessed people, living in a blessed time. Let us show Hashem, our families and ourselves that we appreciate all that we have been given to be able to realize our purpose in this world.

Let us demonstrate that we are worthy of all that we have and use what Hashem has given us to enhance our own lives and those of our families and those around us. Let us show through our actions that we strive to become holier and better.

On Shavuos and throughout the year, we are called to draw closer to the Torah by learning more, by learning deeper and understanding better. To engage with Torah in a way that stirs our hearts and touches our souls, bringing us back to that sacred moment at Har Sinai, where everything began. To perform mitzvos with love, happiness and precision.

When the Bnei Yisroel gathered to receive the Torah and proclaimed, “Naaseh v’nishma,” 600,000 malochim descended from heaven and placed two crowns upon each person, one for naaseh and one for nishma. These were not just symbols of acceptance. They were testaments to our greatness, potential, and deep-rooted connection to Hashem.

But then came the sin of the Eigel. In its aftermath, 120,000 angels of destruction came and removed the crowns. It appeared as though the radiance was lost, the holiness withdrawn, the glory stripped away.

Rav Dovid Cohen, rosh yeshivas Chevron, offers a deeply comforting insight in his Beiurei Chochmah (p. 75), quoting the teachings of the Leshem. The malochim, he explains, only removed the crowns that adorned our physical bodies, our guf and chomer. The spiritual crowns, the ones embedded in our neshamos, our inner essence, were never taken. They remain, even now, resting within our souls, quietly shining.

We may not fully understand the depth of this mystical teaching, but one thing is clear: the kedusha inside us was never erased. Despite mistakes, despite pain, despite all we’ve been through, we are still crowned. We are still holy. That spark remains intact.

And so, we must stop saying that we’re not capable of reaching those heights. We must stop believing that holiness is out of reach, reserved for others but not for us. It is not true. We were at Har Sinai. Our neshamos were at Har Sinai. We carry that memory in our spiritual DNA. We carry those crowns within us.

Especially now, after all the challenges we’ve endured, it is time to rise. To remember who we are. To believe in what we still hold inside.

Let us show that we are more than resilient, that we are sacred. We are strong, we are good, and, yes, we are holy. We are an am kadosh comprised of anoshim kedoshim, looking to imrove, to rise, and to fulfill our mandates of being anshei kodesh.

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk, billionaire tech mogul and founder of multiple ventures, revealed on Wednesday that he has concluded his tenure as a key adviser to President Donald Trump. Musk had been tapped to lead efforts aimed at curbing government inefficiencies and cutting down on unnecessary expenditures.

Using his social media network X to make the announcement, Musk wrote, “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

An official from the White House, speaking on condition of anonymity, later confirmed Musk’s exit to The Associated Press.

The announcement came shortly after Musk openly criticized one of President Trump’s flagship initiatives, often referred to as the “big beautiful bill.” In an interview with CBS, Musk described the package — which blends tax reductions with stricter immigration controls — as a “massive spending bill” that worsens the national deficit and “undermines the work” of his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful,” Musk said. “But I don’t know if it could be both.”

Responding to Musk’s remarks, President Trump acknowledged the challenge of crafting legislation, saying, “I’m not happy about certain aspects of it, but I’m thrilled by other aspects of it,” while indicating that changes might be made down the line.

Musk had been appointed by Trump shortly after his reelection in November to help lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. Initially, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was expected to co-head the effort, but he opted out mere hours after Trump was sworn in again this January.

Rumors of Musk’s pending resignation had been circulating for weeks. Several reports indicated that Trump had already informed members of his Cabinet and close allies that Musk would be stepping down soon.

The speculation intensified after Musk declared his intention to launch an inquiry into the personal wealth of U.S. lawmakers, questioning how many had managed to amass large fortunes despite drawing a relatively modest congressional salary of $174,000 annually.

{Matzav.com}

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed on Wednesday that the Trump administration plans to begin a sweeping effort to cancel visas issued to certain Chinese students.

According to Rubio, the initiative will focus on Chinese nationals involved in sensitive academic areas or with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. These individuals will face visa revocations under a broad campaign led by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the US State Department will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields,” Rubio said in a statement.

He continued by explaining that visa policies will undergo revision to increase oversight of new applicants from both mainland China and Hong Kong. “We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong,” he added.

Rubio did not go into detail about which disciplines would be considered sensitive or high-risk under the new guidelines.

When asked for clarification, the State Department did not immediately provide a response to The Post.

Each year, nearly 300,000 Chinese students are issued visas to study in the United States. That figure was cited by Rep. Riley Moore of West Virginia, who has already introduced a bill aimed at curbing that influx.

“The CCP poses an existential threat to the US,” Moore wrote on X following Rubio’s announcement. “We should not be letting 300,000 Chinese nationals into our research institutions every year.

“This is a huge move from the Trump Admin, and now Congress must codify the president’s agenda by passing my Stop CCP Visas Act.”

Moore pointed out that China’s sweeping 2017 National Intelligence Law compels its citizens and organizations to collaborate with the country’s intelligence services, no matter where they are located.

“We’ve literally invited the CCP to spy on our military, steal our intellectual property, and threaten national security,” Moore said when he introduced his legislation in March. “Just last year, the FBI charged five Chinese nationals here on student visas after they were caught photographing joint US-Taiwan live fire military exercises.

“This cannot continue.”

The announcement comes just one day after Rubio instructed U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide to halt all new interview appointments for student visa applicants, according to a classified cable obtained by Politico.

“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor … visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued [separate telegram], which we anticipate in the coming days,” the cable read.

A State Department source told The Post last month that Rubio has already rescinded over 4,000 visas held by foreign nationals linked to crimes such as arson, trafficking in humans and animals, child abuse, drunk driving, robbery, and domestic violence.

Additionally, the administration has started going after international students connected to anti-Israel demonstrations, including Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate of Columbia University.

Just last week, a legal attempt by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to revoke visas from 7,000 Harvard students was thwarted by a federal judge.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White in Oakland, California, imposed a nationwide order blocking any federal effort to cancel visas or detain international students currently enrolled in U.S. institutions.

In response to the legal setback, Trump on Wednesday suggested limiting Harvard’s foreign student population to no more than 15%. Last month, the administration froze $2.2 billion in federal aid earmarked for the Ivy League university. Just days ago, they also halted Harvard’s ability to register new international students after the school declined demands to crack down on antisemitism and refused to submit a list of foreign students to the government.

{Matzav.com}

A federal court delivered a major setback to President Trump’s sweeping tariff initiative on Wednesday, ruling that he had gone beyond the powers granted to him in pushing forward one of his hallmark economic strategies.

The Court of International Trade, based in Manhattan and composed of a three-judge panel, strongly criticized Trump’s tariffs targeting a wide range of foreign nations, stating that his actions were “contrary to law.” Trump had relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify his actions, claiming that it gave him the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs.

But the court made clear that setting tariffs is typically within the jurisdiction of Congress and that Trump’s justification under the emergency powers law fell short. The judges ruled that the circumstances he cited did not rise to the level required to bypass legislative involvement.

“The President’s assertion of tariff-making authority in the instant case, unbounded as it is by any limitation in duration or scope, exceeds any tariff authority delegated to the President under IEEPA,” the panel concluded.

“The Worldwide and Retaliatory tariffs are thus ultra vires and contrary to law.”

The challenge was filed by the Liberty Justice Center, a nonpartisan legal group, on behalf of five small businesses whose supply chains were impacted by tariffs levied against countries targeted by Trump’s policy.

This legal defeat affects one of Trump’s largest economic moves since returning to office: the rollout of “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2. The policy was aimed at addressing what Trump described as long-standing, massive trade imbalances that harmed the U.S. economy.

Under that initiative, the administration implemented a general 10% tariff on imported goods and added country-specific rates that rattled global markets. Officials maintained that these steps were essential to revive American manufacturing.

Previously, Trump also levied steep tariffs against Canada, China, and Mexico, asserting that the threat of economic penalties would force those nations to curb illegal immigration and the flow of narcotics into the United States.

The administration imposed an additional 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico and a 10% surcharge on imports from China.

The court decision temporarily blocks those tariffs, leaving only a few elements of Trump’s trade agenda in place. The ruling drew sharp criticism from the administration.

“The judicial coup is out of control,” Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, posted on X.

Officials have continued to argue that these trade measures are vital to counter the nation’s ongoing deficits.

White House spokesman Kush Desai defended the tariffs, calling the chronic trade imbalance a national emergency “that has decimated American communities, left our workers behind, and weakened our defense industrial base — facts that the court did not dispute.”

“It is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency,” Desai said, adding that the administration “remains committed to using every lever of executive power to address this crisis and restore American Greatness.”

The administration responded swiftly, filing a notice of appeal. The case is expected to escalate, potentially ending up before the Supreme Court for a final verdict.

White House officials argue that decisions on whether the president can invoke emergency powers to issue tariffs are inherently political and should be left to Congress — not the judiciary.

Not all of Trump’s trade maneuvers were undone by the ruling. The 25% tariffs on most imported automobiles and parts, along with duties on foreign-produced steel and aluminum, remain intact under authority granted by Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

Several states that filed related lawsuits were included in this broader legal case, consolidating their arguments with those of the small businesses.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, who led the multistate effort, praised the court’s decision.

“This ruling reaffirms that our laws matter, and that trade decisions can’t be made on the president’s whim,” he said.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, a longtime opponent of Trump, also weighed in.

“A court just ruled in our favor and permanently stopped the Trump administration’s illegal tariffs,” she posted.

“This is a major victory for working families, businesses, and the rule of law.”

President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the coming days will determine whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is truly engaging in meaningful talks to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine—or merely stalling for time.

Following the swearing-in ceremony for Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, which took place in the Oval Office, Trump took a few moments to speak with members of the press.

In response to a question about whether he believes Putin is genuinely interested in peace, Trump replied that more clarity would come shortly. “I can’t tell you that, but I’ll let you know in about two weeks. Within two weeks. We’re going to find out very soon,” he said. “We’re going to find out whether or not he’s tapping us along or not, and if he is, we’ll respond a little bit differently.”

Trump indicated that Russia appears to be leaning toward reaching an agreement, though he noted that verbal signals mean little without a formal commitment. “They seem to want to do something, but until the document is signed, I can’t tell you,” he remarked.

He went on to criticize Russia’s recent military actions during a time of supposed negotiations. “I can say this… I’m very disappointed at what happened a couple of nights now where people were killed in the middle of what you would call a negotiation. I’m very disappointed by that — very, very disappointed,” Trump said.

Trump was also questioned about a Truth Social post from the day prior, where he warned that Putin “is playing with fire,” and was asked what repercussions Russia could face. He declined to lay out specifics but reinforced his discontent. “Well, I’m not going to tell you exactly, but the words speak pretty loud…We’re not happy about that situation,” he said, before shifting the discussion to highlight developments in diplomatic efforts elsewhere in the Middle East.

These remarks follow a strongly worded post Trump shared on Truth Social on Sunday, in which he asserted that Putin “has gone absolutely CRAZY.” He cautioned that any attempt by Russia to seize all of Ukraine would ultimately spell its “downfall.”

In response to Trump’s comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov issued a statement Monday acknowledging the president’s role in promoting dialogue. “We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process,” Peskov told Reuters.

Peskov also acknowledged the emotionally charged nature of the situation. “Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

Am I allowed to make egg and onion on Shabbos?

How to choose a shirt from a pile of clothing and not transgress borer on Shabbos?

Can you put food in the oven on Shabbos?

Numerous Shabbos questions are impossible to answer without thorough knowledge of its laws. Shabbos comes once a week, so if a person is not well-versed in its intricacies, then it is inevitable that transgressions will take place.

The many books of basic laws are wonderful, but to really understand the halachos and to apply them, it is essential to learn and remember hilchos Shabbos with the background discussion.  What is the challenge we face? It takes several years for a full-time advanced Torah learner to cover the laws of Shabbos in depth.  Kinyan Hilchos Shabbos for men offered a solution. World famous Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Kollel, HaRav Hagaon Yitzchak Berkovits shlit’a used his vast knowledge to arrange all the Gemaras with the commentators on each area of hilchos Shabbos and presented it in the form of source sheets that cover material from the Gemara until practical halacha. This enables one to cover the main opinions in each topic and gain a deep understanding of the halacha without being overwhelmed with a lot of information.

Rabbi Yehonasan Gefen, a close talmid of Rav Berkovits who spent eight years as a Rosh Chaburah in Rav Berkovits’s famous Jerusalem Kollel, with the Rav’s endorsement, took on the monumental task of adaptng the Hebrew sheets into English to make the program available for busy professionals.

After successfully running the Hilchos Shabbos program for several years, Rabbi Gefen joined forces with Rabbi Dr. Yakov Pesah, also a musmach of Rabbi Berkovits, and together they co-founded ‘Kinyan Hilchos Shabbos’ program for men and launched it online. It became an instant success worldwide.

During the launches of the Hilchos Shabbos course for men, it became crystal clear that a course especially tailored for Jewish women was necessary.  The program received many emails asking for a women’s cohort of this important and highly relevant series.  Women, just as much as men, require practical knowledge on how to keep the myriad halachos of Shabbos.  Indeed, they may even be faced with more scenarios than men.  Therefore, Rabbi Gefen, in consultation with Rabbi Berkovits has adapted the original curriculum to be uniquely tailored to Torah observant women, as an online program in Hilchos Shabbos (www.HilchosShabbosforWomen.com), accessible to motvated women worldwide. It empowers women to know the laws of Shabbos that are so relevant to their lives.

Participants in each online chabura receive source sheets with explanations in English. In addition to the weekly online Zoom shiur with Rabbi Gefen, he is available for questions.  There are tests in each section, and the option of a signed certificate of completion from Rav Berkovits.

While this course for women is in Hilchos Shabbos, several months ago, Rabbi Gefen has also launched another online program for women in Hilchos Bein Adam L’Chaveiro. This program is based on a curriculum of Kollel Linas Hatzedek / Center for Jewish Values, a premier international Bein Adam L’Chaveiro resource, whom we thank for their permission. The Bein Adam L’Chaveiro online program for women taught by Rabbi Gefen became very successful already in its first launch.

“As women, we are required to learn halacha in order to fulfill it properly.”  Says Dr. Shoshana Snyder from Los Angeles. “Rabbi Gefen’s course … provides women with a level of knowledge and understanding of the halacha from the primary sources to the halacha l’maasei.  The depth of the learning is gratifying. Participating in this program has raised my awareness of the need to apply the halacha in situations that would have escaped my notice in the past.  The shiurim are clear and there is plenty of opportunity for questions.  Rabbi Gefen is available for questions via email in between shiurim as well.  I am not aware of any other opportunity available for women to learn halacha at this level. I look forward to receiving the sources and hearing the shiur every week!”

“It’s been a real pleasure to be part of the … program. I look forward to the source sheets and shiur every week. I have an increased appreciation of the halachos and how to apply them in daily life. The material has abundant sources with varying opinions and a halacha lmaaseh section…I highly recommend the program!” – says Basya Gutmann from Clifton, New Jersey.

Over 1000 of our past and present participants in our programs come from six continents and range in skill level from beginner to advanced,” adds Rabbi Dr. Pesah. “Our vision is to enable everyone to learn halacha in a structured way and make it doable for every motivated person.”

Mrs. Batya Eshel from Safed in Israel shares her experience: “The shiur is well focused in general, and of course the more prepared I am the more I get out of it. Questions from the participants are handled well, and we all get a lot out of the shiur. Using Zoom allows us access to a shiur that we wouldn’t be able to access in person.”

Says Rabbi Berkovits: “Imagine never getting stuck again on Shabbos not knowing what to do!”

The first shiur is on June 11th.

For more information, tuition, and to apply go to: www.HilchosShabbosforWomen.com

A Mexican national residing unlawfully in the United States has been apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following threats he allegedly made to assassinate President Donald Trump.

On Wednesday, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed that ICE agents detained 54-year-old Ramon Morales-Reyes on May 22, after he allegedly made direct threats against the president’s life.

Authorities said that one day prior to his arrest, Morales-Reyes approached an intelligence officer and delivered a handwritten letter containing a violent threat targeting Trump and referencing an intent to leave the country afterward.

In the note, Morales-Reyes wrote: “We are tired of this president messing with us Mexicans — we have done more for this country than you white people — My family and I think it is time Donald J. Trump get what he has coming to him. I will self-deport myself back to Mexico but not before I use my 30 yard 6 to shoot your precious president in is [sic] head — I will see him at one of his big rallies.”

“This threat comes not even a year after President Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania and less than two weeks after former FBI Director Comey called for the President’s assassination,” Noem continued. “All politicians and members of the media should take notice of these repeated attempts on President Trump’s life and tone down their rhetoric. I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of President Trump.”
She added, “Thanks to our ICE officers, this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars.”

ICE officials disclosed that Morales-Reyes had unlawfully crossed into the U.S. on at least nine separate occasions between 1998 and 2005. His criminal record includes serious offenses such as felony hit-and-run, property damage, and disorderly conduct tied to domestic violence.

He is currently being held by ICE at Dodge County Jail in Juneau, Wisconsin, as officials prepare for his removal to Mexico.

{Matzav.com}

In a firm response to the growing tensions over the draft law and the recent uptick in arrests of yeshiva students who failed to report to IDF recruitment centers, Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Dov Landau has issued a clear directive: any yeshiva student who has received a draft notice is forbidden to leave the country without explicit permission.

The instruction, issued through the Vaad HaYeshivos and signed by its nosi, Rav Landau, was revealed Wednesday evening and is set to be published in the Thursday morning editions of major chareidi newspapers.

The letter opens with a stirring message, tying the directive to the spiritual preparations for Shavuos: “As we stand in the days of preparation for Zeman Matan Toraseinu, in which ‘He separated us from those who stray and gave us a Torah of truth, planting eternal life within us,’ we take strength from the words of Rav Nechunya ben HaKanah, who taught that ‘one who accepts upon himself the yoke of Torah is spared the yoke of government and worldly burdens.’ We echo his brief but profound tefillah of gratitude to the One who placed our lot among the Torah scholars. Indeed, how fortunate we are to be counted among the shevet of Levi, upholding the world through our Torah.”

The letter emphasizes that in this sensitive time, yeshiva students must exercise the highest level of caution in areas that were previously considered straightforward. “These responsibilities demand heightened awareness and adherence to the behaviors expected of true yeshiva students, both in their diligence in Torah study and in preserving the character and identity of bnei yeshiva. This includes following all relevant regulations that protect their exemption status. Straying from these obligations could harm both the individual and others.”

The central directive is then stated unequivocally: “In light of the above, by the instruction of the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Dov Landau, president of the Vaad HaYeshivos, and with the agreement of the gedolei Yisroel shlit”a, we hereby declare in the clearest terms that any student who has received a draft order is strictly forbidden from leaving Eretz Yisroel under any circumstances, except in extremely rare and urgent cases, and only with the explicit approval of the Rosh Yeshiva following a thorough inquiry through our office.”

The letter notes that this order was prompted by recent changes in governmental policy and troubling incidents in which talmidim suffered significant distress and harm. “This applies equally to talmidim in both high school-level yeshivos and advanced kollelim. This is the path of Torah, to establish fences and safeguards so that no misstep results from our actions.”

The message concludes with an emotional plea in the spirit of Shavuos: “On the day of Matan Torah, which is also a Yom HaDin for Torah—as cited by the Shelah HaKadosh in the name of the Tola’as Yaakov—we pour out our heartfelt tefillos for the preservation of the strongholds of Torah, sealed with purity, just as they have been throughout the generations.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The heads of Yeshivas Chevron in Givat Mordechai, Yerushalayim, have issued a directive to discourage bochurim in the fifth year shiur from getting engaged during the winter zeman. The decision comes just days after the leadership of the Ponovezh Yeshiva expressed concerns about extended engagement periods between chassanim and kallahs, as previously reported by Matzav.com.

The Chevron announcement was made during a special asifa held today attended by all of the roshei yeshiva — Rav Dovid Cohen, Rav Moshe Mordechai Farbstein, Rav Shlomo Katz, and Rav Yosef Chevroni.

The asifa was prompted by the recent collapse of the yeshiva’s fifth shiur after a majority of its members became engaged.

During the asifa, Rav Dovid Cohen and Rav Moshe Mordechai Farbstein addressed the bochurim, stating clearly that engagements should not take place during the winter zeman at all. Only summer engagements would be allowed. They further emphasized that any bochur who does get engaged during the winter will no longer be permitted to stay in the yeshiva dormitory. For those residing in Yerushalayim, this means sleeping at home; for out-of-town bochurim, alternative accommodations will be arranged.

The purpose of the new policy is to eliminate unnecessary social pressure around getting engaged and to maintain the intense learning atmosphere within the dormitory — an environment they feel is compromised when bochurim are already emotionally and mentally half outside the yeshiva.

The roshei yeshiva were careful to clarify they are not forbidding engagements entirely. Rav Shlomo Katz, one of the roshei yeshiva, explicitly stated that it would not be halachically correct to ban engagements altogether.

However, he did address the growing problem of social pressure and distractions, noting that bochurim frequently discuss things related to their kallahs and engagement that lead to an atmosphere they believe is inappropriate within the yeshiva. The roshei yeshiva strongly urged the students to refrain from such conversations.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The son of the Belzer Rebbe, Rav Aharon Mordechai Rokeach, paid a visit on Wednesday evening to the home of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshiva of Slabodka, in Bnei Brak.

According to sources, the two discussed pressing issues concerning the olam haTorah, as well as the chareidi community’s complex and often tense relationship with the current right-wing government, particularly in light of the ongoing stalemate surrounding the controversial draft law.

While the meeting was private and unpublicized, it carries considerable political weight. Both Rav Hirsch and the Belzer Rebbe’s son represent moderate factions within their respective communities and are known for avoiding public confrontation with the government, even as the legislative paralysis over the draft law continues to deepen.

Sources speculate that behind closed doors, efforts may be underway to formulate a unified, responsible approach that could allow the chareidi parties to maintain their political alliance with the government while preserving the core values of the Torah world.

Meanwhile, Channel 12 News reported that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu summoned MK Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, for an urgent meeting regarding the draft bill.

The timing of these parallel meetings—one in the heart of the chareidi leadership and the other in the Prime Minister’s Office—appears far from coincidental. As tensions over the draft law continue to build, Israel’s political system seems to be bracing for a critical moment of reckoning, with coalition stability hanging in the balance.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made it clear on Wednesday that he will oppose any agreement with Hamas that does not include the release of all hostages, responding to the announcement by US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff about a new proposed deal between Israel and Hamas.

“We need to continue tightening the rope around Hamas’ neck and force it into a complete surrender deal with all the hostages at once,” he wrote in a post on X.

“It would be delusional folly to release pressure now and sign a partial deal with it [Hamas] that would give it oxygen and a lifeline and allow him to recover. I will not allow such a thing to happen. Period.”

In contrast, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar offered a different take, saying that if there’s a viable opportunity to secure hostage releases, it should be taken. According to him, this aligns with the sentiments of most Israelis.

“Actions should be taken according to national interests, not according to political pressure and threats,” he added.

Sa’ar emphasized that Prime Minister Netanyahu is not at risk of losing his governing coalition over the issue. “[Some] 600 days after the start of the fighting — he has no excuse,” he wrote. “He must accept the American proposal and advance a plan that will bring back all the hostages.”

Speaking to the press, Witkoff expressed optimism about the possibility of a temporary truce in Gaza.

The updated proposal is the result of recent meetings in Washington between Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Witkoff, along with separate negotiations led by Bishara Bahbah in Qatar involving Hamas leadership.

According to terms previously floated, the initial phase of the deal would see 10 live hostages released in exchange for a 60-day cessation of hostilities.

However, the key dispute remains unresolved: what should occur at the end of that two-month truce if both sides are unable to finalize a broader agreement.

{Matzav.com}

In a major milestone, the IDF revealed on Wednesday that it successfully used an unidentified laser defense system—related to the Iron Beam—to take down multiple airborne threats during the ongoing conflict.

Although The Jerusalem Post had previously discovered that Israel had deployed laser defense systems as early as fall 2024, it was prevented from publishing the information at that time due to security restrictions.

The Defense Ministry credits Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for developing the Iron Beam and its related technologies, calling them the world’s most sophisticated operational laser defense solutions. While countries like the United States and the United Kingdom are also advancing in this space, Israel’s system is seen as the most capable.

Sources familiar with the matter told the Post that the Iron Beam stands out due to its consistent performance in varying weather conditions, its range flexibility, ability to target multiple types of aerial threats, and adaptability for use in different operational theaters.

However, those same sources declined to disclose the identity of the second laser system revealed on Wednesday, which is reportedly part of the same family of technologies.

Back in October 2024, Rafael participated in the AUSA defense exposition in Washington, DC, where it introduced a new system called Lite Beam. This laser-based interceptor was featured as an enhancement to the Trophy platform, known for its multipurpose defense applications.

Although the Lite Beam hasn’t garnered as much attention as the Iron Beam, defense officials told the Post it still represents a meaningful step in laser-based defense, particularly for short-range threats. They confirmed it has been used operationally, but withheld specifics on its deployment in locations like Gaza or Lebanon.

Defense insiders implied that Lite Beam is well-suited for countering drones and possibly mortar fire. However, it likely lacks the strength to neutralize most rockets or long-range missiles, which is where the Iron Beam is expected to play a role as its capabilities expand.

Laser defense systems are increasingly seen as a game-changer in military strategy, offering a solution to the financial imbalance in modern warfare—where wealthier nations spend vastly more to defend against cheap but deadly threats from smaller adversaries.

Currently, each interceptor launched by the Iron Dome system costs between $50,000 and $100,000, while Hamas’ simpler rockets cost as little as $300 to $800 to produce. The discrepancy is even greater for more advanced projectiles, the costs of which remain unclear.

Sources also emphasized that the Lite Beam includes “hard kill” capabilities, meaning it can physically destroy targets. It can be mounted on various vehicles and also function within the Drone Dome system, which combines hard kill with jamming and other soft kill techniques.

Rafael stated that Lite Beam “offers advantages such as engagement at the speed of light, an unlimited magazine, and negligible cost per interception.”

In February 2023, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Danny Gold, a senior official at the Defense Ministry, said that once fully operational, Israel’s laser defenses could neutralize drones of the type Iran has been supplying to Ukraine.

Speaking at an artificial intelligence summit at Tel Aviv University, Gold, who leads MAFAT (the Directorate of Defense Research & Development), said the ministry is now developing “the next generation of using lasers.”

He described multiple successful trials in which the system destroyed rockets. “We have done the same for mortars, rockets, and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), like the Iranian UAVs they are sending to Ukraine. The same concept of UAV, we can shoot them down.”

On Wednesday, Gold added, “Our vision for deploying laser weapons was realized during the war with tremendous technological and operational success. IDF combat units displayed boldness in integrating and carrying out the first successful operational deployments of the systems, and the lessons learned will be applied as we deploy more operational laser systems.

“Laser interception systems will provide an additional layer within Israel’s multi-tiered air defense array, which has been meticulously developed through the tireless efforts of the defense industries and Israel’s exceptional human capital. We will continue to advance this technology and deliver world-leading systems and capabilities to the IDF, turning vision into security in air, sea, land, and across every dimension.”

Brig.-Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes, who heads the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Research and Development, noted, “During the war, we deployed several high-power laser system prototypes, resulting in significant achievements, culminating in the world’s first successful high-power laser interceptions on the battlefield.

“Throughout this period, we gained substantial experience in optimizing and operating laser technologies in the field. We are currently integrating these insights into the systems under development while expanding the range of laser-based systems to protect Israeli civilians and IDF forces.”

Several top Israeli officials have forecast that Iron Beam will see broader deployment by the close of 2025.

Still, despite the recent successes and the expected rollout of Iron Beam, it is unlikely that laser systems will immediately displace Iron Dome. The current conflict has demonstrated that Israel faces a variety of aerial threats, and Iron Dome can be strained when hit with mass barrages of rockets and drones.

Therefore, the more probable scenario is one where lasers complement Iron Dome rather than replace it in the near term. Only when lasers prove capable of cost-effectively countering high-volume and complex attack scenarios will they begin to take over.

Moreover, at this stage, lasers are mainly intended to intercept threats within short to medium ranges. For high-altitude or long-distance targets like ballistic missiles, existing systems like Israel’s Arrow 3—which intercepts targets in the upper atmosphere—remain critical, as lasers currently lack the range to be effective at those altitudes.

{Matzav.com}