Matzav

For nearly a year and a half—482 excruciating days—Arbel Yehud was imprisoned deep inside Gaza, held in absolute seclusion and subjected to physical torment, deprivation, and abuse. In an emotional interview aired Friday night on Channel 12 News, she described the despair she felt during her captivity, the slivers of hope she clung to, and the inner strength she found through thoughts of her loved ones—especially her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, who is still being held hostage.

“There? The loneliest,” Arbel responded when asked how isolated she felt. “First, you wake up and realize you’re still alive. All that’s left is to hold on to hope and pray that one day you’ll get out. There are very, very, very tough moments when you briefly want to end it yourself, and those are truly terrifying moments.”

When asked if she personally experienced such despair, she quietly affirmed, “Yes. But I never lost that one percent of hope, even if it was just the last fumes.”

Recounting the horror of being kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, she shared the painful memory of being torn apart from Ariel: “In the vehicle. We held hands the whole time. He said a sentence, I said a sentence. ‘Our lives are gone.’ And then, they just… tore him away. I didn’t even get to say goodbye. I didn’t get to look into his eyes. I remember screaming for him, trying to move toward him, but they silenced me very quickly.”

Toward the end of her captivity, Arbel caught brief glimpses of the outside world through Al Jazeera broadcasts: “In the last month and a half to two months, a TV arrived… Suddenly, I saw that it was so many people from the kibbutz.”

She finds it difficult to piece together the details of her release: “At first, we were close to the Red Cross vehicle, then we turned right and moved away… There was fear, you know, because of the chaos, that there might be shooting in all directions. Later, in the crowd, I was in complete shock. There are parts I don’t remember.”

Even though she has physically returned home, Arbel says her soul remains shackled to her time in captivity: “Physically, yes, but not in my heart or mind. I’m there. You can’t leave a place like that. Knowing you got out, and others didn’t.”

Asked whether she thinks Ariel knows she survived, her response was somber: “To be honest, I don’t know. But I think… maybe, for the sake of psychological terror, they probably told him.”

And when asked how isolated she feels now, she answered with quiet intensity, “Not as alone as I was there, but I feel alone.”

Rather than focus on her own pain, Arbel has turned her attention to advocacy for the remaining hostages. On Ariel’s birthday, she organized a soccer match to honor him. Speaking about her current emotional state, she said, “I feel like I’m still restrained, like in captivity. As if everything is inside.”

When asked what she would say to national leaders, Arbel didn’t hold back: “The military pressure endangers the hostages, kills them, harms them physically and mentally.” And with unmistakable anguish, she concluded, “I don’t know if they don’t understand. I think they just don’t care.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

An Israeli source has indicated that a potential deal with Hamas—one that includes both a ceasefire and the release of hostages—might come together as soon as the upcoming week.

“The talks are progressing slowly, but they are progressing. The direction is positive, we have overcome a significant obstacle and we are continuing, hoping to achieve a breakthrough,” the official shared with Channel 12 News.

The source further noted that discussions have been moving at a high pace, and if Hamas refrains from introducing additional hurdles, there’s a strong chance that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff could be on his way to Doha within days. “The negotiations are very intensive, and if Hamas does not create new obstacles, it is possible that US envoy Steve Witkoff will arrive in Doha in the coming days.”

Still, the official emphasized that this isn’t the first time the talks appeared to be reaching their final stage—only to be derailed by new demands from Hamas. According to him, this pattern repeated itself multiple times over the past two weeks.

At this point, Minister Ron Dermer is not expected to be joined by a high-level team when he travels to Doha for the upcoming round of talks.

The same official also addressed President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding headway in the negotiations, clarifying that several complex issues still remain unresolved. These include the status of Palestinian security detainees and how humanitarian assistance will be allocated.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a pointed appeal to the Syrian regime on Saturday, urging them to take decisive steps to stop jihadist forces from committing atrocities in the country’s southern region.

“The US has remained heavily involved over the last three days with Israel, Jordan and authorities in Damascus on the horrifying and dangerous developments in southern Syria. The rape and slaughter of innocent people which has and is still occuring must end,” Rubio stated in a message shared on X.

He emphasized that if the Syrian government is truly interested in fostering a stable, united nation free of extremist groups and foreign interference, they must act decisively to block ISIS and other militant jihadists from entering the area and committing brutal acts. “If authorities in Damascus want to preserve any chance of achieving a unified, inclusive and peaceful Syria free of ISIS and of Iranian control they must help end this calamity by using their security forces to prevent ISIS and any other violent jihadists from entering the area and carrying out massacres. And they must hold accountable and bring to justice anyone guilty of atrocities including those in their own ranks,” he continued.

Rubio also demanded an immediate halt to internal violence among sectarian groups within the region. “Furthermore the fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups inside the perimeter must also stop immediately,” he declared.

His remarks came shortly after Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, revealed that both Israel and Syria had reached a ceasefire agreement.

“We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity building peace and prosperity with their neighbors,” Barrack posted on X when he shared news of the ceasefire.

Barrack’s statement followed several days of fierce confrontations in the Sweida area, where conflict between Druze and Bedouin factions escalated, prompting Syrian military involvement.

On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes targeted key Syrian government sites, including the main regime compound and the presidential residence in Damascus, after which Syrian troops exited the Sweida region.

Before Barrack’s ceasefire announcement, hostilities resumed in Sweida on Friday, compelling Syrian officials to declare that they would be sending forces back into the conflict zone.

Syrian official Al-Sharaa delivered a televised address early Thursday morning, blaming Israel for attempting to destabilize the country from within.

“The Israeli entity has always accustomed us to attempts to harm our stability and create fratricidal wars – since the fall of the Assad regime,” he alleged.

He went on to accuse Israel of seeking to fracture Syria by encouraging chaos and sowing division among its people.

Despite what he described as an option for direct confrontation with Israel, Al-Sharaa claimed the Syrian leadership chose to prioritize its citizens’ welfare and instead handed over local security responsibilities in Sweida to regional militias and Druze leaders.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

On Sunday, the Los Angeles community lost a true gem. Mr. Ido Giat Z”L, only 57 years old, was tragically niftar after a painful and courageous battle with a dreadful illness.

Ido was known to many by his warm, infectious smile and his genuine love for every person he encountered. Others knew him through the flower shop he lovingly built and ran with his wife, La Florista Flowers. But above all, Ido wished to be remembered as a devoted father to his three beautiful children and a loving husband to his beloved aishes chayil, Sarit.

The moving story of Everett Fortune was education in its truest form—not a lesson from a textbook, but real-life chinuch. It was about teaching children how to care, how to show respect, and how to recognize moments of Kiddush Hashem in everyday life. “It’s not enough to preach it,” Rabbi Yaakov Bender often says. “The children have to see it lived.” And they did.

WATCH:

Join the Living Kiddush Hashem Whatsapp Group! https://chat.whatsapp.com/DWNyGpYYlfz5MM5h12iyZi

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rabbi Sholom Yosef Tennenbaum zt”l, who was niftar over Shabbos.

A talmid chochom of quiet greatness, Rabbi Tennenbaum was a man whose life embodied pashtus, humility, and pure avodas Hashem, wrapped in a gentle and gracious spirit.

He was a son of Rav Tzvi Tennenbaum, rov in Chelsea, MA. He was a son-in-law of Rav Yaakov Yitzchok Eichorn, R”M in Yeshiva Toragh Vodaas.

Originally from Flatbush, where he lived for many years, Rabbi Tennenbaum later moved to Lakewood, settling in the Pine River Village community.

Throughout his life, he remained wholly immersed in Torah. With no fanfare or pretense, he sat and learned day and night, happy to live in the shadows while quietly achieving spiritual greatness. Though he hid his hasmadah, those privileged to know him recognized the depth of his yedios Torah and the sincerity of his yiras Shamayim.

While his wife, Mrs. Shaindy (Judy) Tennenbaum, ran a successful travel agency over the years, R’ Sholom Yosef remained entirely devoted to his learning. He didn’t seek accolades. He never demanded attention. He simply lived a life of quiet truth and nobility, with Torah as his anchor and humility as his crown.

R’ Sholom Yosef is remembered as one of the kindest, most pleasant people one could ever encounter. He was the epitome of middos tovos. He radiated warmth, his demeanor humble, and his character sterling.

He leaves behind a beautiful family who carry his legacy: his sons, R’ Tzali Tennenbaum and R’ Gershon Tennenbaum, his daughters, Mrs. Sari Nagel and Mrs. Leah Greher, and grandchildren.

The levayah will take place on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the Pine River Village Shul in Lakewood. Following the hespedim, the aron will be flown to Eretz Yisroel for kevurah.

WATCH THE LEVAYAH LIVE HERE.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced Friday evening that another group of 10 hostages is expected to be freed from Gaza in the near future, though he did not offer any further specifics regarding the timeline or identities involved.

Trump shared the update during a dinner at the White House attended by members of Congress, where he praised the work of his special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Witkoff has been playing a central role in the latest efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with negotiations currently underway in Doha. Talks resumed on July 6 and center around a U.S.-backed proposal that calls for a 60-day halt to the fighting.

“We got most of the hostages back,” Trump said. “We’re going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly.”

According to Israeli officials, around 50 hostages remain in Hamas custody out of the roughly 250 people the group abducted during its brutal assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Of those still being held, 27 are believed to have died in captivity.

{Matzav.com}

Under the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act, introduced by President Donald Trump, international travelers to the U.S. who require a nonimmigrant visa will soon face a mandatory “visa integrity fee” — an additional charge that cannot be waived.

Though the law states that travelers may be eligible for reimbursement, the process remains vague and implementation details are still being sorted out.

With little clarity available, many in the travel industry are expressing concern. “Significant challenges and unanswered questions regarding implementation,” is how a spokesperson from the U.S. Travel Association described the situation in comments to CNBC Travel.

So far, here’s what we know.

The fee will be no less than $250 for fiscal year 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025). However, the Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to set the cost even higher.

In future years, the amount will be adjusted according to inflation.

The new charge applies broadly to all individuals applying for nonimmigrant visas — covering tourists, business visitors, and students.

According to the law’s language, the fee is due upon the successful issuance of a visa. This means applicants whose visas are denied won’t be required to pay.

Importantly, the law specifies that this new fee is not a replacement, but rather is “in addition to” standard application fees already in place.

“As an example, an H-1B worker already paying a $205 application fee may now expect to pay a total of $455 once this fee is in place,” immigration attorney Steven A. Brown wrote on his law firm’s website.

In addition, travelers will still be required to pay the “Form I-94 fee,” which was raised from $6 to $24 under the same legislation. The I-94 is required for most nonimmigrant travelers entering the U.S.

To qualify for a refund of the new visa integrity fee, travelers must fully comply with the terms of their visa, including not overstaying by more than five days and not working without authorization. Refunds would only be issued after the visa has expired.

As of now, the fee hasn’t been implemented, Brown confirmed.

There is no confirmed start date.

“I believe it would need a regulation, or at least a notice in the Federal Register, regarding implementation on collection,” Brown added.

There’s also confusion over logistics. The U.S. Travel Association raised a critical question: since the Department of Homeland Security was tasked with collecting the fee, how will this be handled when DHS isn’t the agency that processes or issues visas?

“The bill directs the DHS Secretary to charge the fee, but DHS does not own the visa application, issuance or renewal process — so where and when would DHS collect the fee?” the spokesperson asked.

In response to CNBC, DHS said: “The visa integrity fee requires cross-agency coordination before implementation.”

And then there’s the matter of how the refund process would actually work.

With many visas valid for several years, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expects only a small percentage of travelers to actually seek refunds.

According to the CBO, “the Department of State would need several years to implement a process for providing reimbursements. On that basis, CBO estimates that enacting the provision would increase revenues and decrease the deficit by $28.9 billion over the 2025‑2034 period.”

Because of this uncertainty, Brown said he is telling his clients to think of the fee as lost money. “If you get it back, great. But it is usually difficult to get money back from the government,” he explained. “I would rather them view it as a ‘bonus’ if they get the refund.”

A DHS spokesperson defended the policy to CNBC, saying: “President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill provides the necessary policies and resources to restore integrity in our nation’s immigration system.”

While the government says the new measure is about enforcement, most travelers on nonimmigrant visas follow the rules. From 2016 to 2022, only about 1% to 2% of such visitors overstayed their authorized time in the U.S., according to the Congressional Research Service.

However, about 42% of the estimated 11 million undocumented people currently living in the U.S. originally entered legally but then overstayed, the data shows.

Brown warned that the new fee would hit B visa holders — those traveling for leisure or short business trips — and international students particularly hard. “For B visa holders, they may not want to add an additional $250 per person to their trip costs,” he said.

The changes come as the U.S. prepares for a surge in international travel tied to high-profile events in 2026, including the country’s 250th birthday celebration and several FIFA World Cup matches.

At the same time, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act sharply reduced funding for Brand USA, the national tourism promotion agency, slashing its budget from $100 million to $20 million. This follows the Commerce Department’s decision earlier this year to dismiss nearly half of Brand USA’s board members.

In a statement, Brand USA President and CEO Fred Dixon said the organization is “disappointed” by the funding cut but remains optimistic about funding levels for fiscal 2026. “We remain focused on growing legitimate international inbound travel and the vital boost it provides to the U.S. economy,” he said.

Prior to the bill’s passage, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman praised the measure for its investment in infrastructure and border security. But he added a strong note of criticism: “The smart investments in the travel process make foolish new fees on foreign visitors and reductions to Brand USA, America’s promotion arm, that much harder to swallow.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has officially filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch after the newspaper published a story alleging he once sent Jeffrey Epstein a lewd birthday letter. Trump followed through on his threat to take legal action, seeking billions in damages for what he calls a false and defamatory report.

As reported by CNBC Friday afternoon, court records confirm that Trump’s legal team filed a libel suit in the Southern District of Florida targeting Murdoch, Dow Jones (the Journal’s publisher), and the reporters responsible for the story.

According to Reuters, Trump is demanding at least $10 billion in damages, stemming from the Journal’s claim that he sent Epstein a birthday note in 2003 containing an explicit sketch and cryptic references to shared secrets.

The article describes the alleged letter as one of several birthday notes compiled for Epstein’s 50th birthday.

“I told Rupert Murdoch it was a Scam, that he shouldn’t print this Fake Story,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “But he did, and now I’m going to sue his … off, and that of his third rate newspaper.”

In a longer statement posted to his social media platform, Trump said: “The Wall Street Journal printed a FAKE letter, supposedly to Epstein. These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures. I told Rupert Murdoch it was a Scam, that he shouldn’t print this Fake Story. But he did, and now I’m going to sue his … off, and that of his third rate newspaper. Thank you for your attention to this matter! DJT”

Murdoch, an Australian-born billionaire who also owns Fox News, has long been accused by Trump supporters of harboring anti-Trump bias despite running conservative-leaning outlets.

Trump followed up with another message: “The Wall Street Journal, and Rupert Murdoch, personally, were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they printed by President Trump to Epstein was a FAKE and, if they print it, they will be sued. Mr. Murdoch stated that he would take care of it but, obviously, did not have the power to do so. The Editor of The Wall Street Journal, Emma Tucker, was told directly by Karoline Leavitt, and by President Trump, that the letter was a FAKE, but Emma Tucker didn’t want to hear that. Instead, they are going with a false, malicious, and defamatory story anyway. President Trump will be suing The Wall Street Journal, NewsCorp, and Mr. Murdoch, shortly. The Press has to learn to be truthful, and not rely on sources that probably don’t even exist. President Trump has already beaten George Stephanopoulos/ABC, 60 Minutes/CBS, and others, and looks forward to suing and holding accountable the once great Wall Street Journal. It has truly turned out to be a ‘Disgusting and Filthy Rag’ and, writing defamatory lies like this, shows their desperation to remain relevant. If there were any truth at all on the Epstein Hoax, as it pertains to President Trump, this information would have been revealed by Comey, Brennan, Crooked Hillary, and other Radical Left Lunatics years ago. It certainly would not have sat in a file waiting for ‘TRUMP’ to have won three Elections. This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS!”

Later, Trump added: “I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his ‘pile of garbage’ newspaper, the WSJ. That will be an interesting experience!!!”

This legal battle comes amid renewed focus on Trump’s past ties to Epstein, as critics continue to accuse his administration of concealing key details surrounding the disgraced financier’s crimes to shield wealthy elites.

On Thursday, Trump asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to release grand jury transcripts related to the Epstein case, pending court approval.

{Matzav.com}

NYC Mayor Eric Adams didn’t mince words in a recent sit-down with The NY Post, warning that New York City would plunge into lawlessness if socialist Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral race. He argued that the progressive candidate’s agenda would erase the strides made under his administration and leave both citizens and police in danger.

Speaking from the back porch of Gracie Mansion, Adams expressed grave concern about Mamdani’s proposal to drastically reduce the population of Rikers Island. “Look at [Mamdani’s] policies: once you empty out Rikers Island, that’s a major impact,” Adams said. “It’s going to go back to the communities that crime came from.”

Adams, a former NYPD captain, took aim at Mamdani’s stance on policing, particularly his call to have social workers — not officers — respond to domestic violence incidents. He pointed to the tragic deaths of NYPD Officers Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera, who were fatally shot while responding to such a call in 2022. “Mora and Rivera, the two cops who were shot in the beginning of my [mayoral] career, they died and were assassinated responding to a domestic violence call,” Adams said, his voice cracking with emotion.

“If Mamdani wins, I think we’re going to see some real errors,” Adams warned. “His policies are harmful to the city.”

In the wide-ranging interview, Adams said much of his first term has been spent correcting what he described as disasters left behind by state lawmakers and previous leaders. Dressed in a gray pinstripe suit and black loafers, Adams blamed bail reform and other progressive laws passed under Andrew Cuomo for the challenges he’s faced. Cuomo, now running as an independent, is also in the mayoral race.

Adams also addressed the explosive lawsuit filed earlier this week by Tom Donlon, a former top NYPD official, who accused the mayor of running the department like a criminal outfit. Adams dismissed the allegations outright, saying the lawsuit is “baseless” and driven by political motives. He said he fully supports Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and wants her to continue in the role if he secures another term. “She’s the commissioner as long as she wants to [be],” he said. “I’m excited about the work that she’s doing.”

He credited Tisch with coming up with impactful law enforcement strategies, including the “Q-Teams” focused on low-level crimes and the increased police presence in high-crime areas. Asked whether Tisch would play a public role in his reelection bid, Adams noted her popularity but added, “You can’t cross the line.” Still, he praised her public support. “She’s driving down crime, and whenever she has an opportunity, she makes it clear that this mayor has supported the law enforcement community and police,” he said.

As the race for mayor heats up, Mamdani, Cuomo, Adams, and Republican Curtis Sliwa are all vying for control of City Hall. With Mamdani drawing strong support from progressive voters and the others battling for the center and right, the 33-year-old socialist could benefit from a divided moderate base.

While all the contenders—except Mamdani—have made public safety a central part of their campaigns, Adams emphasized that he’s the only candidate who has already proven he can get results. “First of all, Curtis doesn’t have a record,” Adams said. “Andrew Cuomo is running from his record. Bail reform. I had to fix that. Cannabis Law. I had to fix that. Raise the Age — I had to fix that.

“You look at my record, and then you compare it to his record. I had to fix his mess. He created a mess for our city, and I got to fix it.”

Despite being viewed as the underdog going into the final months of the race, Adams said he’s not worried about others having a head start. He pointed to what he called “lawfare” — legal attacks — that kept him sidelined for over a year. “When you look at the lawfare that I experienced for 15 months, you’re being pounded for 15 months, you know,” he said, referencing federal corruption charges that were ultimately dropped and which kept him out of the Democratic primary.

“It’s amazing that people still at all say, ‘Hey, we want to be with this mayor,’” Adams added. “And they never knew my story. Now I have the opportunity to use my campaign dollars to speak to the [voters]. I’m now able to tell my story that has not been told for three years and seven months.”

Mamdani did not respond to media requests. Meanwhile, both Sliwa and Cuomo’s team pointed to the Donlon lawsuit as proof that Adams should be replaced. “Ask anyone in this city, and they’ll tell you they don’t feel safe because they aren’t,” said Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels.

“No one is buying what [Adams] is selling,” echoed Rich Azzopardi, spokesman for Cuomo.

Still, despite his criticism of Mamdani, Adams said he has no plans to leave the city, no matter who wins. “I’m a New Yorker,” he declared. “I’m going to continue to stay here and fight for the city. The city’s worth fighting for.”

{Matzav.com}

After weeks of mounting tension and political wrangling, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yoel (Yuli) Edelstein has reportedly decided to shelve the controversial draft law that became a flashpoint between him and the chareidi parties, Matzav.com has learned tonight.

Edelstein, who has been blamed for the collapse of negotiations surrounding the proposed legislation, stunned the chareidi leadership earlier this week when he submitted a version of the bill that diverged significantly from what had been previously agreed upon. The unexpected changes triggered an immediate backlash and led to the chareidi factions’ withdrawal from the coalition, following the guidance of leading rabbinic authorities.

According to sources, Edelstein has now concluded that without the support of the chareidi parties, the legislation has no chance of passing, and therefore he has opted not to bring it before the full Knesset for a vote.

The bill, which Edelstein had been working on for over a year in cooperation with chareidi representatives, was meant to establish a legal framework for yeshiva students’ deferments from military service. But after modifying key elements of the law, the partnership collapsed, and the bill was deemed unacceptable by the chareidi leadership.

In a fiery speech before Shabbos, Rav Yitzchok Yosef launched a scathing attack on Edelstein, referencing his family background: “There is one whose father converted and became a priest. This person grew up in the home of a priest and is now causing all the trouble for yeshiva bochurim. He wears a knitted kippah and causes all the trouble. You—your father converted and became a priest! And you come to harm those who learn Torah? What business do you have with lomdei Torah? Remove your shoes from this sacred place!”

Rav Yosef continued, condemning the proposed measures: “They’re imposing all kinds of decrees. Every yeshiva student would have to give fingerprints morning and night. No driver’s license until age 30, no travel abroad—not even to Uman—until 30. No property tax discounts, no daycare subsidies, no eligibility for housing lotteries. Fines and sanctions—absolute contempt for talmidei chachamim, outright disgrace of the Torah.

“Who knows what punishment awaits? Who knows what plague might come because of what they’re doing? Hashem does not overlook such things. This is a bizayon haTorah, a disgrace to talmidei chachamim. You must be strong. Our guiding line is Torah—not the army, not anything else.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a new set of guidelines published by the Karlin-Stolin Chassidus committee on technology and communications, bochurim and girls are explicitly prohibited from independently using artificial intelligence platforms for questions or advice, even in the presence of their parents.

The directives, released by the “Va’ad Bechol Derachecha Daeihu” (the Karlin committee for guidance in communication matters), address the growing influence of artificial intelligence in daily life. In the introduction, the committee explains that AI systems are based on vast global databases comprising billions of documents from across the internet, and that these systems have recently become widely accessible for private use in the form of chat interfaces that respond with seemingly human-like sophistication.

The committee warns that these technologies are developing at a rapid pace and will only become more advanced. They stress the responsibility each individual bears to use them in accordance with the values taught by the Stoliner Rebbe, who has provided clear guidance regarding the use of modern digital tools. These principles include:
A. Strict content filtering
B. Controlled and appropriate use
C. Special caution when it comes to youth.

The document outlines the only permitted method of using AI: through filtered devices approved by the Chassidus, and only for legitimate, focused information needs—not for entertainment or passing time, which they say could lead to uncontrolled overuse.

Usage should be limited and scheduled so that it does not interfere with one’s spiritual, personal, or familial obligations. Answers from AI should never be relied upon without thoughtful judgment and verification. In matters of life decisions or halachah, consultation must be reserved for qualified experts only.

The committee further warns: “It is strictly forbidden to rely on halachic responses produced by AI systems, even when they cite sources and precise references, or seem to quote directly. Too often, these citations are entirely fabricated. Therefore, one must never act upon these answers.”

Regarding young married men and their families, the guidelines urge anyone under age 25—and even beyond, where possible—to avoid owning a smartphone altogether, even if it includes high-level filtering, unless there is a truly essential need. Even minor conveniences in communication or access to information, they say, do not justify potential spiritual harm.

The rules for teenagers are unambiguous. “Boys and girls may not, under any circumstances, ask questions or seek advice through AI chat platforms—whether via text or voice,” the committee states. “This applies to all ages of boys and girls, including seminary students, even if parents are present.”

If necessary, parents may do the research or ask the question themselves, and then show their children the answer—only after reviewing it and confirming it aligns with Torah values.

For seminary graduates who must use AI tools in their professional training or jobs, the committee allows limited use under parental supervision, with the parents fully aware of how the tools are being used and ensuring that it remains strictly for work or study purposes.

The document concludes with a message from the Rebbe: “All these fences and guidelines are not meant to stifle but to help us avoid being swept away by empty distractions. The main thing is the personal responsibility each person has to guard himself, which is a matter between man and his Creator, of which it is said, ‘And you shall fear your G-d.’ This duty extends equally to one’s children and household—to watch over them with the care and dignity befitting members of the King’s legion.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the tragic passing of habochur Bezalel Mamo z”l, a bright and beloved 14-year-old boy who was killed in a horrific car accident on Friday afternoon, just hours before Shabbos.

Bezalel had traveled from his home in Yerushalauyim to the beach in Ashdod. According to eyewitnesses, while crossing the street, he was struck and fatally injured by a bus that was overtaking another vehicle. Onlookers reported that it took several minutes until a passerby noticed him and called emergency services. Sadly, nothing could be done to save him.

The heartbreaking incident occurred just one day after Bezalel had taken an entrance exam and been accepted to Yeshiva Nesivos Yehoshua in Yerushalayim. He was scheduled to begin learning there this coming Elul.

Bezalel was a talmid at Talmud Torah Avnei Shlomo in Givat Shaul. He was known for his refinement and good nature, and was considered one of the most distinguished and cherished talmidim in the cheder.

He was the beloved son of Rav Liel Yaakov Mamo, one of the prominent figures in the Givat Shaul neighborhood and a founding member of the daily shiur led by Rav Eliyahu Pinkus. His grandfather is the well-known attorney and baal chessed Reb Netanel Mamo, a respected elder in the neighborhood. His father is also among the group that transformed the Radlich Shul into a vibrant center of Torah and tefillah.

The levayah took place tonight, Motzoei Shabbos, at midnight, departing from Beis Knesses Radlich at 34 Yisrael Najara Street in Givat Shaul, proceeding to Har Hamenuchos for kevurah.

Umacha Hashem simah me’al kol ponim.

{Matzav.com Israel}

According to a report by Kan News, around 2,000 Druze citizens of Israel have put their names to a declaration expressing their willingness to take up arms in Syria should the violence against their Druze brethren by Bedouin militias and pro-regime forces continue.

“We are preparing to volunteer to fight alongside our brothers in Sweida. It is our time to be ready to defend our brothers, our land, and our religion,” the document reportedly states.

Kan notes that among those who signed the declaration are individuals currently serving in the IDF reserves. The announcement has triggered deep unease within Israel’s defense apparatus, which is working urgently to persuade Druze community leaders not to take matters into their own hands and to allow the Israeli military to manage any fallout.

Although a series of ceasefire agreements have been announced in the Sweida region over the past few days, each has collapsed shortly after being put in place.

Most recently, reports suggest that the situation in Sweida has quieted down and that Syrian government troops have succeeded in forcing Bedouin fighters out of the area as part of efforts to restore the ceasefire.

{Matzav.com Israel}

New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani remained silent when approached by Fox News Digital on Friday morning with pointed questions regarding accusations that he is a communist and whether he intends to walk back any of his more extreme political statements.

The exchange occurred outside Mamdani’s apartment in Queens. Despite increasing attention surrounding the heated mayoral race—featuring candidates Mayor Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa—Mamdani simply laughed when asked for comment and did not provide any response.

“Do you have any response to those who label you a communist?” Fox News Digital asked Mamdani. “Do you plan on walking back any statements when you meet with [House] leader Jeffries like seizing the means of production?”

Mamdani answered none of the questions and responded only with repeated laughter.

Among those voicing strong criticism of Mamdani are President Donald Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr., both of whom have taken aim at him using the term “communist,” while others have described him as a socialist.

“It’s finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor. We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he’s not very smart, he’s got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!”

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Trump Jr. expressed his concern about Mamdani’s rise, while suggesting it may inadvertently boost migration to Republican-led states like Florida.

“But what happens to New York then? And as a lifelong New Yorker, as someone who grew up here, someone who changed the skyline here with my father for many years before he got into politics, that’s a scary notion, but perhaps it’s exactly what America needs. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom, and I think if this communist mayor gets elected, rock bottom is what New York’s going to see,” Trump Jr. said.

Mayor Eric Adams also weighed in, highlighting Mamdani’s controversial public statements, such as a tweet from May 2020 quoting the Marxist phrase, “Each according to their need, each according to their ability.”

Another video that has gained traction online features Mamdani discussing his stance on housing, prompting backlash over his radical positions.

“My platform is that every single person should have housing, and I think faced with these two options, the system has hundreds of thousands of people unhoused, right? For what?” Mamdani questioned in a resurfaced video that has circulated on social media.

“If there was any system that could guarantee each person housing, whether you call it the abolition of private property or you call it, you know, just a statewide housing guarantee, it is preferable to what is going on right now,” Mamdani added.

Representative Nicole Malliotakis of New York slammed Mamdani’s political outlook, characterizing his rhetoric as aligned with Marxist ideology.

“He claims to be a socialist, whether it’s wanting to abolish private property or wanting to seize the means of production, these are communist ideas right out of the playbook of Karl Marx,” Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-NY, said.

Later Friday, Mamdani is expected to sit down with House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in New York City.

{Matzav.com}

It is with greatness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaLevi Kilav zt”l, av beis din, posek, and noted author of the acclaimed Avnei Barekes series. He was 86 years old.

Rav Kilav was born in 1939 in Yerushalayim. His father, Rav Yaakov HaLevi Kilav zt”l, was one of the founding roshei yeshiva of Merkaz HaRav after merging his own yeshiva, Mishkan Yisrael, with it. He also served as the rav of the Tel Arza neighborhood. His mother, Rebbetzin Basya a”h, was the daughter of Rav Dov Ber HaKohein Kook zt”l, the first rav of Afula and brother of Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohein Kook zt”l.

His mother once related that during a difficult labor, she had a vivid vision in which her late uncle, Rav Kook, appeared and touched her. Shortly thereafter, the baby was born easily, and he was named Avraham Yitzchak in the Ra’ayah’s memory.

Rav Kilav learned in his youth at Yeshivas Kol Torah and later at Yeshivas Ponovezh. After the sudden passing of his father in 1959, he moved to Yeshivas Merkaz HaRav to live close to his widowed mother.

He married Rebbetzin Sima a”h (née Weinberg), who passed away in 2020.

In Elul of 1966, at age 27, he was appointed as a R”M at Yeshivas Merkaz HaRav by Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook zt”l. At the same time, he studied at the Harry Fischel Institute under the leadership of his grandfather, Rav Dov Ber Kook, where he received semicha in both yoreh yoreh and yadin yadin.

Following Shavuos in 1984, he began serving as a dayan at the Be’er Sheva Rabbinical Court and left his teaching position at Merkaz HaRav. In 1988, he was appointed dayan in the Yerushalayim Rabbinical Court and later promoted to av beis din. In that capacity, he became a key figure in halachic rulings regarding giyur, marriage, fertility, and more.

He was instrumental in founding a monetary beis din operating under Torah law within the Rabbinical Court in Yerushalayim. However, following a 2006 High Court ruling revoking rabbinical jurisdiction in financial cases—even as arbitration—he was forced to shut it down.

Upon retiring in 2012 after 28 years of service, he reestablished the monetary beis din in the Yeshurun shul in Yerushalayim.

Rav Kilav also served for many years as the rav of the P’er Yisrael shul in the Katamon neighborhood, where he davened on Shabbos and Yom Tov. He headed the Bnei David Psagot Institute’s kollel for rabbanus and dayanus in the yishuv of Psagot.

A widely respected posek, Rav Kilav responded to thousands of halachic inquiries. His seforim include Avnei Barekes on the Torah and moadim, a haggadah shel Pesach, and Adas Ma’uzo on kiddushin and kesubah. He also published siddurim, Nezer Tiferes and Ateres Tiferes, in both Ashkenaz and Sefard versions.

His first sefer bore an enthusiastic endorsement from Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, who wrote, “From the little I have seen, I am confident that all who learn from this sefer will derive great benefit.”

He also published the works of his father, Rav Yaakov Kilav zt”l, including Eikev Anavah on the Rambam’s Hilchos Teshuvah and Eikev Mishpat on Choshen Mishpat. In 2001, Rav Kilav was awarded the Rav Kook Prize for Torah Literature in recognition of his contributions.

Countless rabbanim, dayanim, and morim hora’ah were privileged to learn Torah under his guidance, whether in formal settings or through his numerous shiurim.

Rav Kilav leaves behind a distinguished family: his sons, Rav Yaakov Kilav, Rav Chanan Kilav, and Rav Mordechai Kilav; and his sons-in-law, Dr. Hillel Applebaum and Rav Chananel Patchino. He merited to see generations of descendants following the path of Torah and mitzvos.

The levayah took place Friday at the Sanhedria Cemetery in Yerushalayim, where he was laid to rest near his father’s kever.

The family is sitting shivah at his home at 41 Rechov Charlap in Kiryat Shmuel, Yerushalayim.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

The chairmen of the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees issued a trio of letters demanding answers about U.S. funding that may have gone to anti-Netanyahu protest groups.

Reps. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) warned Blue and White Future, the Abraham Initiatives and the Tides Network that they failed to properly disclose information about U.S. government funding that they may have received.

“On March 26, 2025, the committees requested documents relating to funds that Blue and White Future reportedly received from non-governmental organizations that were originally disbursed by the U.S. Agency for International Development and State Department during the Biden-Harris administration,” the congressmen wrote.

“These reports are deeply troubling, particularly in light of the Biden-Harris administration’s prior efforts to weaken the relationship between the United States and Israel,” they stated.

“As noted in our initial letter, public media reporting revealed that Blue and White Future received approximately $4 million from the Middle East Peace Dialogue Network in 2023,” they stated. “Blue and White future also received approximately $18 million from PEF Israel Endowment funds in the same year.”

The committees “requested that Blue and White Future provide records concerning its relationship with both of those entities, which Blue and White Future did not produce,” they added.

Jordan and Mast demanded that the groups turn over the relevant documentation by the end of the day on July 14.

Blue and White Future and the Abraham Initiatives are charities that were at the forefront of organizing weekly demonstrations against the Netanyahu government’s proposed judicial reforms in 2023.

The Tides Network is a U.S.-based donor-advised fund that distributes money to left-wing causes and groups, including Code Pink, IfNotNow and Jewish Voice for Peace.

In April, Jordan and Mast wrote to Blue and White Future and five other NGOs about whether they had received U.S. government funding directed at “attempting to undermine Israel’s democratically elected government” during the Biden administration.

“Media reports later revealed that these protests were funded in part by U.S. grant money that had been funneled through various American and Israeli non-governmental organizations to groups directing the protests,” according to the lawmakers. “The use of federal grants in this manner not only jeopardizes America’s relationship with one of its closest allies but also undermines core civil liberties protected within the United States and Israel.”

The Trump administration has moved to shut down USAID, arguing that it had become a slush fund for left-wing causes overseas. Jordan and Mast repeated those accusations in their letters to the groups.

“These reports reflect the poor track record of USAID and the State Department in funding entities in the region,” they wrote. “USAID and the State Department have even provided direct support to Hamas and other terrorist groups.”

“From 2007 through 2024, USAID and the State Department sent at least $122 million to NGOs aligned with designated terrorist organizations,” they added. “Many of those NGOs have openly espoused antisemitic rhetoric and encouraged violence against Jewish individuals.” JNS

{Matzav.com}

The official website of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has published a disturbing antisemitic image generated using artificial intelligence, depicting Jews and IDF soldiers as terrified rats scurrying away from Iranian missile strikes while aboard a ship flying an American flag.

The AI-created cartoon appeared alongside a quote from a recent speech by Khamenei, in which he claimed that Iran’s missile attacks had forced Israel to seek U.S. intervention. “Israel needs the Americans and was not able to defend itself,” the caption reads. “If it could handle things on its own, it would not have turned to the United States. Turning to the U.S. means it understands it cannot stand up to the Islamic Republic.”

The speech, delivered a day before the image was posted, included even harsher rhetoric. Khamenei described the State of Israel as a “cancerous regime” and labeled it “America’s deadly dog.”

Iranian officials have repeatedly claimed victory following last month’s 12-day war with Israel, during which Israel reportedly struck military installations and nuclear facilities, killing hundreds of personnel, nuclear scientists, and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iran’s state-controlled media has a long history of promoting antisemitic content through films, festivals, and official addresses, but this latest use of AI to portray Jews in such a dehumanizing way has sparked renewed condemnation.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Solberg ruled on Friday that if the Israeli government moves forward with the dismissal of Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, the decision will not take immediate effect. The court must first be given time to review the legality of such a move before any irreversible action is taken.

“In order to allow for judicial oversight before an irreversible act is carried out,” Solberg wrote, “a government decision to remove the attorney general, should it be made, will not come into force right away.” He also hinted that the petition challenging the dismissal may have strong legal standing, stating that the case presents “a likelihood of success.”

The ruling came in response to a petition from the Movement for Quality Government, which requested an injunction to block the potential firing of Baharav-Miara, following a recommendation made by a ministerial committee. Although Solberg declined to issue an injunction immediately—since the government has not yet officially decided to dismiss her—he made it clear that the court would not allow the decision to go into effect without time for proper judicial review.

The court also noted that, legally, the authority to dismiss the attorney general lies with the full government, not the ministerial committee that issued the recommendation. The committee’s proposal had suggested that the matter be placed on the cabinet agenda for discussion and decision.

The Movement for Quality Government welcomed Solberg’s decision, calling it “an important step to ensure that any move to dismiss the attorney general does not become effective before the court can evaluate its legality.” The organization added that the ruling recognizes “the gravity of the situation” and helps “prevent irreversible harm to the institution of legal counsel and the rule of law.”

Communications Minister Dr. Shlomo Karhi harshly criticized the decision, saying: “I call on the Justice Minister to bring the dismissal of this political advisor to the government on Sunday and immediately appoint a new attorney general. We must uphold the law, not baseless judicial decisions. We will not allow the deep state to steal power from the people.”

Earlier in the day, the Movement for Quality Government had urgently petitioned the High Court to freeze Government Resolution 3125 and prevent any cabinet deliberations on the ministerial committee’s recommendation to fire Baharav-Miara. That recommendation followed her refusal to attend two hearings (on July 14 and 17), citing the process as “illegal and predetermined.” In response, the committee unanimously voted to advise the government to remove her.

According to the official government resolution, the cabinet must hold a discussion on the attorney general’s dismissal “at its first meeting following the placement of the issue on the agenda.”

{Matzav.com}

A top Israeli diplomatic official said Friday that notable headway has been made over the past two weeks in the push for a deal with Hamas to free the hostages.

Nevertheless, the source cautioned that major obstacles remain in the discussions. “Hamas is behaving as though time is on its side, but it will find the battlefield tells a different story,” the source warned.

Despite the ongoing difficulties, Israeli negotiators are still stationed in Qatar. “The situation cannot be described as either pessimistic or optimistic,” the source said. “But we must be realistic about Hamas’s conduct.”

The official expressed concern about Hamas’s stalling tactics. “We are approaching a critical juncture. Hamas’s foot-dragging, even if it believes it serves its interests, may ultimately work against it.”

Among the major sticking points in the talks is Hamas’s insistence on freeing a large number of prisoners held in Israel, with disputes persisting over who those prisoners are. There’s also been no agreement on the placement of military forces inside Gaza. The official stressed that Israel won’t return to its positions from earlier this year. “There is no basis for such an arrangement at any stage of the negotiations.”

According to the source, both Minister Ron Dermer and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have maintained consistent communication with the Israeli delegation. “Israel’s flexibility and approach to the negotiations are sound. We have advanced on several issues, though not on all. Once Hamas clears the way on this core matter, we will be able to advance further – on humanitarian concerns, IDF redeployment, and more.”

Meanwhile, Abu Obeida, the spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, claimed Friday that Netanyahu had rejected a Hamas offer to release all hostages. In his first recorded statement since March 6, he warned that without a ceasefire agreement in this phase of the talks, Hamas might not be open to agreeing to smaller, incremental deals going forward.

{Matzav.com Israel}