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By Rabbi Moshe Dov Heber

Menachem Chaifetz was a bochur in Yeshivas Chaim Berlin in the 1990s. When he became engaged to the daughter of Rav Avrohom Turin zt”l, the esteemed Mashgiach of Scranton Yeshiva, it was a joyous occasion for both families.

Menachem eagerly anticipated his first Pesach in his father-in-law’s home. The thought of spending Yom Tov in such a distinguished Torah environment filled him with excitement. The home of Rav Turin was known for its warmth, depth of Torah, and unwavering commitment to mesorah.

Erev Pesach arrived, and as the house bustled with final preparations, Rav Turin called Menachem aside.

“Although the maror, the lettuce, has already been checked as stated on the package, do you mind looking it over once more to ensure it was truly cleaned?”

Menachem, eager to assist and fulfill his father-in-law’s request, sat down to carefully examine the leaves. With Yom Tov quickly approaching, he gave the maror a decent check. To his eye, everything looked fine. Confident in his efforts, he set it aside, ready for the Seder.

That evening, as the Seder began, the atmosphere was extraordinary. The table was beautifully set, divrei Torah flowed effortlessly, and the family sang with deep feeling as they moved through the Haggadah. Unfamiliar with all of the family’s minhagim, Menachem simply followed along, relishing the uplifting experience.

Then came the mitzvah of maror. Plates of lettuce were distributed, and Menachem took a deep breath as he watched his father-in-law make the bracha. As the family took their first bites, a voice suddenly rang out.

“Stop eating! I may have found a worm!”

Time seemed to freeze. Menachem’s heart dropped, and his face drained of color. The most humiliating moment of his life had just unfolded before his eyes. He had been entrusted with checking the maror, and now, on this most sacred night, an insect had possibly been found. He had failed his new family. He had failed his revered father-in-law.

But before the weight of embarrassment could fully settle in, Rav Turin, without a moment’s pause, simply said, “One worm isn’t a reyusa.”

His words carried profound meaning: if only a single issue is found, it does not cast doubt on the entire batch. Without hesitation, Rav Turin continued eating, his tranquil demeanor unchanged. No further mention was made of the incident, and the Seder carried on, as glorious and uplifting as it had begun.

More than three decades have passed since that night, and Menachem—now Rabbi Chaifetz, an esteemed mechanech—often reflects on the lesson he learned that evening. Life presents challenges, and mistakes happen. But rather than fixating on a single flaw, one must look at the whole picture. A single imperfection does not define the entire experience.

That Pesach, in the warmth of the Turin home, Menachem absorbed a lesson in leadership, perspective, and kindness—one that continues to guide him in his avodas hakodesh to this very day.

This remarkable story reminded me of another timeless account:

A group of bachurim from Rav Yitzchok Hutner zt”l’s yeshiva were conducting their Seder when one of them, while pouring the second cup of wine, accidentally spilled some on the Rosh Yeshiva’s white kittel. The boy was stunned at his carelessness. His face turned red, and he was terrified, knowing his rebbi would make a comment. But what would he say?

Without hesitating, Rav Hutner offered something unforgettable. He said (in Yiddish), “A kittel without a wine stain is like a Yom Kippur machzor without tears.”

Rav Hutner saved the night. He elevated a moment that could have been so embarrassing. Everyone felt energized. Greatness had been displayed. The great teacher had defined a moment in his inimitable way. Now, decades later, we are still talking about it.

Both Rav Turin and Rav Hutner exemplified what true gadlus is. They did not dwell on imperfection or assign blame. Instead, they lifted those around them, transforming what could have been moments of shame into powerful lessons of resilience and perspective. Their approach to life and to people continues to inspire, reminding us that a single mistake does not define an experience, and a true leader builds others up, even in moments of difficulty.

Rabbi Moshe Dov Heber is a rebbi at Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury and a division head in  Camp Romimu. He is a writer and public speaker, focusing on topics related to inspiration and education. Rabbi Heber could be reached via email mdheber@ykwaterbury.org

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Rav Meir Mazuz, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Kisei Rachamim, was once again taken to the hospital last night, just days after being released following a previous hospitalization.

On Sunday evening, Rav Mazuz was transported to Mayanei HaYeshua Medical Center in Bnei Brak for continued medical treatment.

This marks the second time within a week that the rosh yeshiva has required hospitalization.

Close associates of Rav Mazuz reported that the return to the hospital was necessary for further care and monitoring of his condition.

Just before Shabbos, Rav Mazuz had been discharged after spending a full week in the hospital.

All are asked to daven for Rav Meir Nissim ben Kamsana.

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Billionaire investor Bill Ackman, who backed President Trump last year, has issued a blunt critique of the administration’s aggressive new tariff agenda, cautioning that the plan could push the economy into a downward spiral — with Trump’s own voter base suffering the most.

“Business is a confidence game. The president is losing the confidence of business leaders around the globe. The consequences for our country and the millions of our citizens who have supported the president — in particular low-income consumers who are already under a huge amount of economic stress — are going to be severely negative,” he wrote.

In a post on X, Ackman began by applauding Trump’s focus on reforming global trade policies, calling the American public “100%” supportive of leveling a trade system he believes is stacked against the United States.

However, he warned that while Trump succeeded in elevating the trade issue, “by placing massive and disproportionate tariffs on our friends and our enemies alike and thereby launching a global economic war against the whole world at once, we are in the process of destroying confidence in our country as a trading partner, as a place to do business, and as a market to invest capital,” Ackman wrote.

He suggested Trump consider a short pause in the tariff rollout — a “90-day time out” — during which negotiations could take place and the administration could seek to resolve unfair trade arrangements while also attracting significant new investment to the U.S.

Without that step, Ackman argued, and if the current course continues — a full-blown “economic nuclear war” against virtually every country — it could bring business activity to a standstill, crush consumer spending, and leave the U.S. with a badly damaged reputation that would take a long time to rebuild.

“What CEO and what board of directors will be comfortable making large, long-term, economic commitments in our country in the middle of an economic nuclear war? I don’t know of one who will do so.”

He cautioned that if markets tumble, the ripple effects could be devastating: “new investment stops, consumers stop spending money, and businesses have no choice but to curtail investment and fire workers.”

Stock indices have already suffered steep losses over two consecutive trading days following Trump’s tariff announcement, with futures also sharply lower on Sunday night as investors braced for Monday’s open.

Ackman said not only large corporations, but also startups and independent business owners, would be exposed to major financial pressure. He also challenged the idea that price increases would be limited — something White House officials have attempted to downplay.

“Almost no business can pass through an overnight massive increase in costs to their customers. And that’s true even if they have no debt, and, unfortunately, there is a massive amount of leverage in the system,” he wrote.

He further warned that the very people who have stood by Trump could end up bearing the brunt of the fallout.

“This is not what we voted for. The President has an opportunity on Monday to call a time out and have the time to execute on fixing an unfair tariff system. Alternatively, we are heading for a self-induced, economic nuclear winter, and we should start hunkering down. May cooler heads prevail.”

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President Trump on Sunday pushed back against criticism of his broad new tariffs as stock markets continued to slide, insisting that he wasn’t hoping to see economic losses.

“When you look at the trade deficit we have with certain countries, with China it’s a trillion dollars,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew back to Washington, D.C., from Florida on Sunday evening.

He stressed that the ongoing trade imbalance with Beijing must be addressed. “And we have to solve our trade deficit with China. … Hundreds of billions of dollars a year we lose with China. And unless we solve that problem, I’m not going to make a deal,” Trump continued.

Describing the situation as untenable, he said plainly, “This is not sustainable.”

“The United States can’t lose $1.9 trillion on trade. We can’t do that and also spend a lot of money on NATO in order to protect European nations, we cover them with military and we lose money on trade. The whole thing is crazy, and I got elected on that basis. We explained it. You know, the American people understand it a lot better than the media, but the media understands it, and much of the media writes correctly about it.”

The markets reacted negatively last week to Trump’s tariff announcement, with significant drops on both Thursday and Friday. On Sunday night, futures were also sharply down, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average off by over 1,300 points as of 8:18 p.m., ahead of the Monday open.

When pressed about whether there was a certain point where he would become concerned about falling markets, Trump didn’t hide his disdain for the question.

“I think your question is so stupid. I don’t want anything to go down. But sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something,” he said.

He has repeatedly claimed that U.S. trade policy has long been slanted in favor of foreign nations, putting American industries and workers at a disadvantage.

While members of his team have occasionally hinted that nations could negotiate their way to lower tariffs, they’ve also indicated the new trade barriers might be long-term.

On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to tout the impact of his economic measures, predicting a major shift.

“We have been the dumb and helpless ‘whipping post,’ but not any longer,” he wrote on Truth Social. “We are bringing back jobs and businesses like never before. Already, more than FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS OF INVESTMENT, and rising fast!”

Speaking again Sunday on Air Force One, Trump seemed unconcerned with market volatility.

“What’s going to happen to the markets I can’t tell you. But our country is much stronger,” he said.

He noted that he’s been in contact with leaders from around the globe.

“I spoke to a lot of Europeans, Asians, all over the world. They’re dying to make a deal,“ Trump said.

Still, not everyone is backing his approach. Even some of his political and business allies have expressed doubts.

Investor Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager, posted a warning on X over the weekend that the tariff plan might lead to a recession and disproportionately hurt the voters who support Trump.

Trump, however, said tech executives he’s spoken with see things differently.

“They said we don’t blame you,” he added.

“Yeah, I talk to the biggest in the world. I talk to the biggest of them all – many of them. … I’ve talked to four or five that are considered the biggest,” he said. He declined to name them publicly, saying he would need their permission first.

When asked whether he supports the idea of zero tariffs with Europe — something Elon Musk has promoted — Trump reiterated his belief that the continent has taken advantage of the U.S.

“Europe has made a fortune off us. … Europe has treated us very very badly,” he said.

“They are coming to the table. They want to talk but there’s no talk unless they pay us a lot of money on a yearly basis.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Sunday night, ahead of a key meeting with US President Donald Trump and several high-level American officials set for Monday.

Upon his arrival, Netanyahu was greeted by members of the US administration, who welcomed him with full ceremonial honors, including a red carpet reception and an honor guard.

President Trump, speaking Sunday night, shared that trade would be a primary focus during his conversation with Netanyahu, highlighting the importance of strengthening economic ties between the United States and Israel.

Earlier in the day, as he prepared to depart from Hungary en route to Washington, Netanyahu told reporters he was traveling to the United States at the president’s request “to talk with him, of course, about these issues: The hostages, achieving victory in Gaza and – of course – the tariff regime that has been imposed on Israel. I hope that I will be able to help on this issue. That is the intention.”

Netanyahu underscored that he would be the first foreign leader to engage Trump directly on the tariff issue. “Which is so important to the Israeli economy. There is a long line of leaders who want to do this regarding their economies. I think that it reflects the special personal link, as well as the special ties between the US and Israel, which are so vital at this time.”

Trump and Netanyahu are expected to meet Monday at 1:00 p.m. local time, after which they will hold a joint press conference to address the media.

In advance of his sit-down with Trump, Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet tonight with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for discussions focused on the US-imposed tariffs on Israel.

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In an urgent meeting, leading halachic authorities convened at the home of Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva Rav Dov Landau to address growing concerns surrounding modern technological appliances and their impact on Shabbos observance.

The meeting was prompted by alarming new information about everyday electrical devices — including water pumps — which, without proper halachic oversight, may involve serious chilul Shabbos.

Rav Landau opened the session with a strong and emotional call to action: “We must cry out ‘Shabbos!’ People are violating severe prohibitions!”

Participating in the meeting were various respected halachic voices: Rav Shmuel Eliezer Stern, Gaavad of Western Bnei Brak and head of Shaarei Horaah; Rav Yitzchok Mordechai Rubin, author of Orchos Shabbos; Rav Shevach Tzvi Rosenblatt, Chief Rabbi of Bnei Brak; Chief Rabbi Rav Dovid Lau; Rav Menachem Mendel Lubin of Ramat Aharon; and Rav Shmuel Yosef Shtitzberg of the Mishmeres HaShabbos institute, led by its chairman, Rav Eliahu Cohen Beifus.

Rav Landau expressed astonishment at the widespread leniency regarding such critical matters, saying, “How can we treat these things lightly when they involve clear violations of Shabbos? How can someone purchase a home without knowing whether the water pump is halachically approved?”

The discussions focused on the halachic severity of modern water pumps. “With anything technological, one must be vigilant,” Rav Landau emphasized, “and certainly when it comes to water pumps.”

Rav Yitzchok Mordechai Rubin addressed the gathering, stressing the need for heightened awareness to prevent unintentional Shabbos desecration. Expressing his gratitude to Rav Beifus and Mishmeres HaShabbos director Rav Ariel Cohen for their work, he added with a touch of humor: “If not for them, Shabbos observers might still be cooling food with ice cubes like in the old days…”

Delving deeper into the topic, Rav Rubin explained, “Today’s water pumps, if not carefully supervised, operate using motors that actively draw water.” When asked whether this falls under the category of psik reisha d’nicha lei, Rav Rubin responded unequivocally: “This is direct intent.” He noted that the problem is especially severe in high-rise buildings.

Rav Landau offered a sharp critique of current attitudes: “People just want it to be permissible, no matter how. They say, ‘Just take care of it for us,’ because they don’t like the word ‘assur.’”

Rav Beifus, chairman of Mishmeres HaShabbos, delivered a detailed overview of the organization’s efforts, noting, “We act only in situations with no halachic doubts and ensure every device meets the highest standards of lechatchilah without any hesitation.”

Rav Shmuel Yosef Shtitzberg highlighted the crucial need to examine modern electric appliances closely. “I can testify that Rav Beifus studies each device for weeks and months,” he said. “You cannot decide these matters without a Rav who both knows the halachah and understands the current technology. There are those who rely on outdated rulings that simply don’t apply anymore. Comparing today’s devices to what existed fifty years ago is a serious error.”

The discussion shifted to contractors who install water pumps that do not meet halachic standards. Rav Shtitzberg suggested the need to raise awareness among contractors, but Rav Landau insisted the public must be addressed first. “If the public becomes informed,” he explained, “contractors will be forced to adapt and follow the guidelines of Mishmeres HaShabbos.”

Rav Landau spoke with passion and urgency: “People are violating serious issurim.” He contrasted this with the cautious way people treat gebrokts, saying, “With gebrokts, people say, ‘I don’t eat it.’ But here, they say, ‘There are those who are lenient.’”

Rav Shmuel Eliezer Stern added his voice in support of the efforts being made to protect Shabbos. “Mishmeres HaShabbos protects Klal Yisroel. Every new stringency shields us from ‘leniencies’ that cannot be allowed.”

Chief Rabbi Rav Dovid Lau praised Rav Landau’s meticulousness, saying, “The Rosh Yeshiva is exacting with every letter — this is heavenly work, where every letter makes a difference. How much more so when it comes to the 39 melachos, where every category has numerous subcategories…”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced disappointment on Sunday over the absence of a reaction from the United States after Russia turned down a proposal for “a full, unconditional ceasefire.” This comes as Russia launched a deadly aerial offensive that took the lives of two people.

Describing the overnight onslaught as intense, Zelenskyy warned that Russia had carried out a “massive” coordinated assault involving both drones and missiles. He cautioned that the frequency and scale of these airstrikes appear to be rising, signaling that Moscow is increasing its aggression. “The number of Russian air attacks is increasing,” Zelenskyy said, adding that it demonstrates “the pressure on Russia is still insufficient.”

Despite Ukraine agreeing to the U.S.-backed unconditional ceasefire plan in the conflict that has raged for over three years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to participate. “We are waiting for the United States to respond – so far there has been no response,” said Zelenskyy, clearly frustrated by the silence from Washington.

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s first deputy prime minister, confirmed the severity of the attack. “Launched a massive nationwide attack on Ukraine using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones,” she said, emphasizing the wide scope of the offensive.

In the capital, Kyiv, residents were awakened by blasts that pierced the night. Smoke columns rose over the city by morning. Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, confirmed that one person was killed and three others were injured in the strikes. Mayor Vitali Klitschko later added, “The body of a man killed in an enemy attack was discovered in Darnytsia district.”

One missile strike caused significant damage to a facility housing the state’s foreign-language broadcasting services. Freedom, a Russian-language channel, reported that its newsroom was destroyed. Fires erupted in several non-residential buildings throughout the capital, according to emergency responders. In a nearby area, a man sustained burns after a drone attack triggered a house fire, military officials said.

The Ukrainian air force provided details about the scale of the assault, stating that Russia had launched 23 cruise and ballistic missiles along with 109 drones during the night. They managed to intercept 13 missiles and 40 drones, while another 54 posed no threat or caused no damage.

The southern region of Kherson experienced tragedy as well—a drone strike there killed a 59-year-old man. In the northeastern Kharkiv region, which borders Russia, two individuals were injured during an aerial bombing, local authorities confirmed. Meanwhile, in the west, Khmelnytsky officials said a missile was intercepted, but its falling debris damaged a house and injured a woman.

According to Zelenskyy, the past week has seen a dramatic uptick in Russian attacks: over 1,460 guided aerial bombs, nearly 670 kamikaze drones, and more than 30 missiles of various classes have been used against Ukrainian targets.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed a symbolic breakthrough, saying its troops had “liberated” Basivka, a village near the Kursk region border. However, Ukraine dismissed this as part of Moscow’s propaganda tactics. “The enemy continues its disinformation campaign regarding the seizure of settlements in Sumy region or the breakthrough of the border,” Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, told AFP.

Echoing Zelenskyy’s concerns, French President Emmanuel Macron called for urgent action. “A ceasefire is needed as soon as possible. And strong action if Russia continues to try to buy time and refuse peace,” Macron posted on X. He added that Russia continues “to murder children and civilians.”

The air raids over the weekend followed Friday’s horrifying missile attack in Kryvyi Rig, Zelenskyy’s hometown, which claimed 18 lives, including nine children.

Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned Russia’s tactics, stating the country was showing a “reckless disregard” for civilian lives by deploying “an explosive weapon with wide area effects.”

Moscow, for its part, asserted it had hit key military targets, including an artillery hub and drone production facilities. Russia also accused Ukraine of targeting its energy infrastructure, specifically mentioning a gas distribution center in the Voronezh region.

While U.S. President Donald Trump is encouraging both nations to settle on a partial ceasefire, those diplomatic efforts have yet to yield an agreement that satisfies both governments.

Meanwhile, efforts to restore U.S.-Russia diplomatic engagement are ongoing. Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who recently traveled to Washington—the most senior Russian official to do so since the start of the war—told Russian state TV that further bilateral talks could take place “next week,” according to state-run news outlets.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi acknowledged Sunday that allowing Donald Trump to legally pursue a third presidential term would be extraordinarily difficult under current law. Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Bondi stated, “I wish we could have him for 20 years as our president, but I think he’s going to be finished, probably, after this term.”

The U.S. Constitution, amended in 1947 following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic four-term presidency, imposes a two-term limit for presidents. Any attempt to reverse that amendment would demand a rigorous legal process requiring significant political consensus — a scenario many experts say is nearly impossible in today’s polarized climate.

“That’s really the only way to do it,” Bondi explained. “It’d be a heavy lift.”

While many initially dismissed Trump’s musings about a third term as far-fetched, he reignited speculation during a March 31 interview with NBC News, stating plainly that he was “not joking” about staying in office beyond a second term. He added that there were “methods” he believed could make it feasible.

Bondi’s remarks align with constitutional experts who overwhelmingly maintain that a third term would be unconstitutional without a formal amendment. But her words carry additional weight, given her role as a steadfast Trump supporter now serving as the nation’s top law enforcement officer.

Bondi also used her Sunday interview to push back on the wave of lawsuits that have dogged the Trump administration since its early days. “We’ve had over 170 lawsuits brought against us — that should be the constitutional crisis right there,” she said. “We’ll continue to fight” those cases as they move through the courts.

Her defense of the administration extended to its capital punishment policy. She spoke about the Justice Department’s pursuit of the death penalty in the high-profile case involving Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing insurance executive Brian Thompson in Manhattan late last year. “The president’s directive was very clear: we are to seek the death penalty when possible,” Bondi emphasized. “If there was ever a death case, this is one.”

She also highlighted a recent legal triumph for the administration at the Supreme Court. On Friday, the justices sided with the White House in a dispute over the Department of Education’s suspension of $64 million in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) grants aimed at teacher training and professional development.

“We just got a great win,” Bondi said, “and we’ll continue to fight every day.”

{Matzav.com}

More than 50 nations affected by President Donald Trump’s new tariff policy have approached the administration to initiate trade discussions, according to senior officials speaking on Sunday. The wide-reaching import taxes, which have unsettled global markets and sparked fears of economic downturn, are scheduled to take effect this Wednesday, ushering in a period of unpredictability in international trade.

Israel, one of America’s closest allies, is among the countries caught in the crossfire of these new tariffs and is facing a 17% rate. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to address the issue directly with Trump during his visit to Washington on Monday. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that tariffs would be among several topics covered in a joint press briefing, alongside ongoing conflict in Gaza and regional security.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that there would be no delay in implementing the new measures. “The tariffs are coming. Of course they are,” he stated firmly. Lutnick explained that the administration’s goal is to recalibrate global trade dynamics, though he only committed to the tariffs remaining in place “for days and weeks.”

The policy, first announced on April 2, marks the fulfillment of one of Trump’s core campaign promises, enacted unilaterally without congressional approval. It reflects Trump’s long-standing disdain for international trade deals he believes disadvantage the U.S., and it signals his willingness to accept short-term financial discomfort in the name of economic reformation. “WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy,” the president wrote online over the weekend as he played golf in Florida.

Trump’s economic aides were deployed across media outlets Sunday to make the case for the tariffs and calm growing unease. “There doesn’t have to be a recession. Who knows how the market is going to react in a day, in a week?” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “What we are looking at is building the long-term economic fundamentals for prosperity.”

The scope of the tariffs has hit both adversaries and allies, leaving foreign governments grappling with how to respond. Some have already announced retaliatory actions, while others are signaling a willingness to negotiate. “There is concern, and there’s concern across the country. People are watching the markets,” admitted Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate. “There’ll be a discussion in the Senate. We’ll see which way the discussion goes.”

Vietnam, a key U.S. trading partner in textiles, has also reached out to the administration. Trump revealed that during a recent phone conversation, the country’s leader expressed interest in reaching a deal. “Wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make an agreement with the U.S.,” Trump said.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are weighing their response. Although many Republicans have traditionally backed free trade, some are now pushing for a legislative check on executive tariff authority. Nebraska Representative Don Bacon announced plans to introduce a bill in the House requiring congressional approval for any future tariff actions. “We gave some of that power to the executive branch. I think, in hindsight, that was a mistake,” Bacon said, while noting that passing the measure could prove difficult unless economic indicators worsen.

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett pointed to the wide interest in negotiations as proof the policy is having its intended effect. “Angry and retaliating,” he acknowledged of other nations, but added, “by the way, coming to the table.” He cited information from the U.S. Trade Representative indicating that over 50 countries had expressed a desire to begin trade talks.

Scott Bessent emphasized the complexity of the negotiations ahead. “The kind of thing you can’t negotiate away in days or weeks,” he said. The U.S., he noted, must assess “what the countries offer and whether it’s believable.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s point man for government cost-efficiency, Elon Musk, finally weighed in at a conference in Italy. Though previously quiet on the tariff issue, Musk called for a mutual dismantling of trade barriers. He said he’d like to see the U.S. and Europe transition to “a zero-tariff situation.” The remarks drew criticism from Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro, who pushed back. “Elon, when he is on his DOGE lane, is great. But we understand what’s going on here. We just have to understand. Elon sells cars,” Navarro said. “He’s simply protecting his own interest as any business person would do.”

Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers also raised concerns about the administration’s strategy. If the U.S. intends to simultaneously encourage domestic manufacturing and eliminate tariffs through deals, he warned, that contradiction could prove counterproductive. “If it’s a permanent revenue source and trying to get businesses to relocate to the United States, then we’re going to have these tariffs permanently. So the president can’t have it both ways,” Summers said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni voiced her disapproval of the U.S. tariffs but signaled her willingness to respond constructively. “Ready to deploy all the tools — negotiating and economic — necessary to support our businesses and our sectors that may be penalized,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

A poignant ceremony took place on Sunday in Plainview, Long Island, as a section of Manetto Hill Road was officially renamed in honor of the late Captain Omer Neutra. An American-Israeli IDF soldier whose body remains in the hands of Hamas, Omer was remembered through the dedication of the newly named “Captain Omer Neutra’s Way.”

After the street was renamed, Omer’s family recorded a heartfelt video message ahead of an upcoming meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Standing in solidarity with them were Adi and Yael Alexander, the parents of Edan Alexander, another American-Israeli soldier.

“We’re standing here in Plainview, Long Island, New York, dedicating this street, Manetto Hill Road. It is now dedicated to Omer Neutra, after our son: Captain Omer Neutra’s Way. And it’s a tribute to his dedication to Israel, to the Jewish people. We’re very blessed to have such a community,” Omer’s parents said.

They added a direct plea to the American and Israeli leaders: “We’re here calling on President Trump to do everything in his power, together, tomorrow, with his meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, to do everything to bring the 59 hostages home. Among them, Edan Alexander – his parents are here – a brave IDF soldier that is known to be alive, and Omer Neutra, our son, to come and to get a proper burial in the land of Israel. It has to happen now. And we’re calling on them to act swiftly and bring all the 59 hostages back home.”

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On Sunday night, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu held a phone call with Defense Minister Yisroel Katz from the Wing of Zion aircraft, during which he was briefed on the rocket attacks launched from Gaza.

In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, it was noted, “The Prime Minister instructed that a vigorous response be carried out and approved the continuation of the intensive IDF activity in the Strip against Hamas.”

Later, Defense Minister Katz addressed the escalation involving rockets fired toward the Ashkelon region.

“I have instructed the IDF to continue and expand Operation ‘Might and Sword’ and to deliver a very powerful blow against Hamas in Gaza in response to the firing. For every piece of shrapnel that hit an Ashkelon resident, Hamas murderers must pay the heaviest price. We will not tolerate missile fire toward Israel,” Katz said.

In response, the IDF carried out airstrikes against the rocket launchers in Gaza that were used to fire at Israeli targets earlier in the day.

“The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat to Israeli civilians,” said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.

Earlier in the evening, a barrage of ten rockets was fired from Gaza, triggering alert sirens in Ashkelon, Ashdod, and nearby communities.

According to the IDF, approximately five of the rockets were intercepted by Israeli Air Force systems. The military added, “Falls were identified in several areas. IDF Home Front Command soldiers are dispatched to the scenes and are operating in cooperation with Israeli security forces.”

Fragments from the rockets landed in Ashkelon, causing damage to multiple vehicles. Security personnel were sent to the impacted locations to manage the aftermath.

{Matzav.com Israel}

A dramatic surge in iPhone prices may be on the horizon for American consumers, with some models potentially hitting $2,300, as a result of steep new tariffs unveiled by President Trump targeting imports from China and other major trade partners, industry experts caution.

The production cost for the iPhone 16 Pro with 256GB of storage is expected to leap from $550 to $820, TechInsights analyst Wayne Lam revealed to The Wall Street Journal.

That dramatic rise stems from a 54% tariff imposed on Chinese imports — a significant blow to Apple, which relies on China for assembling most of its devices, though components are sourced globally.

While Apple was granted a waiver on China tariffs during Trump’s previous term, no such exceptions have been granted for individual products this time around.

Factoring in manufacturing, quality checks, and other operating expenses, the total cost of producing an iPhone could climb by about 43%, analysts at Rosenblatt Securities told Reuters.

Should Apple choose to shift the added burden to its American buyers, the standard iPhone 16, currently priced at $799, could spike to approximately $1,500.

Meanwhile, the flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max, which boasts a 6.9-inch screen and one-terabyte of storage, may see its price jump from $1,599 to $2,300.

For that amount, a consumer could hang on to their existing device and enjoy a four-night Disney Cruise to the Bahamas — with spare change.

The iPhone 16 does bring new perks to the table, like an improved chip, better battery, enhanced camera, and the addition of Apple Intelligence, but those upgrades might not justify the massive price tag for many shoppers.

The Wall Street Journal also broke down where Apple sources key parts: the rear camera, priced at about $127, is made in Japan. Taiwan supplies the $90 processor. The screen comes from South Korea and costs $38. The memory, one of the few American-made elements, adds just $22 to the bill.

While many customers in the U.S. purchase iPhones through installment plans baked into wireless service contracts, analysts told Reuters that global iPhone sales have been on the decline.

Still, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick floated an alternative solution: shift iPhone production to the U.S.

“The army of millions and millions of human beings screwing in little screws to make iPhones — that kind of thing is going to come to America,” Lutnick said during a Face the Nation appearance.

However, manufacturing iPhones stateside would mean a steep increase in labor costs — from $30 per phone in China to $300 in the U.S., according to Wayne Lam’s comments to the Journal.

And unless Apple also figures out how to locally produce all the individual components, the company would continue to face inflated costs for imported parts.

Armed settlers stormed the Palestinian village of Tuba in the South Chevron Hills area of the West Bank in what appeared to be a calculated attempt to pressure local residents to abandon their homes and land, according to village witnesses.

Residents said that although police were called to the area, they only arrived after the settlers had already departed.

According to Beyond the Herd, an Israeli activist group that supports Palestinians in the South Chevron Hills, the incursion was intended to incite local Palestinians into reacting violently, thereby giving settlers a “pretext” for further aggression. The group said such provocations are a common tactic used by extremists in the area.

One of the settlers identified in the raid was Yissochor Manne, a dual US-Israeli citizen who had previously been sanctioned by the Biden administration for his involvement in attacks on Palestinians. Manne and another American had challenged those sanctions in court, but the penalties were eventually lifted when the Trump administration took office.

Tuba is part of the Masafer Yatta region, a collection of Palestinian villages featured in the Academy Award-winning documentary No Other Land, which focused on settler violence and demolitions carried out by the Israeli military. Since the film’s release, residents say settler harassment has intensified.

Community members maintain that these attacks are part of a broader strategy to displace Palestinians and are often carried out with impunity, as arrests or prosecutions are rare.

Just days earlier, a group of about 50 settlers launched an assault on the village of Duma in the northern West Bank. According to reports, three Palestinians were injured, homes were damaged, and property was set on fire during the attack.

In response to the Duma incident, Defense Minister Yisroel Katz declined to call the violence an act of terrorism. “I don’t define this as ‘terror.’ This is my perspective,” he said.

“There was lawbreaking here, and we must deal with it. We must enforce [the law] against whoever did this,” Katz stated. He continued, “I am against violence, I support enforcing the law,” emphasizing that such behavior cannot be tolerated.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu arrived in Hungary last week, officials from the International Criminal Court submitted a formal request to the Hungarian authorities, urging them to hand him over.

According to a report from Channel 12, the ICC’s appeal included a call for Netanyahu’s temporary detention in accordance with the Rome Statute, the treaty that governs the court. The request cited several controversial allegations, among them: “use of starvation as a weapon of war,” “crimes against humanity,” and “attacking civilian areas.”

The court insisted that the request remain strictly confidential in order to preserve the integrity of the judicial process leading up to a possible arrest.

But Hungary went further than simply declining to act on the ICC’s demand. In a bold move timed with Netanyahu’s visit, the government announced its decision to exit the treaty and renounce its participation in the Rome Statute altogether.

The ICC had previously issued arrest warrants for both Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Prior to Netanyahu’s arrival, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban provided assurances that Netanyahu would not face detention while visiting the country.

This marks the first time a nation belonging to the ICC has hosted Netanyahu since the court’s warrants were issued.

{Matzav.com}

A 13-year-old child suddenly lost consciousness on Sunday while on the pedestrian bridge located on Route 4, directly across from Bar Ilan University. The incident occurred near a demonstration held by the Peleg Yerushalmi faction.

Emergency responders from Magen David Adom rushed to the location, provided immediate medical attention, and transported the boy in critical condition to Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Petach Tikva.

Upon arrival at the hospital, medical staff did all they could to stabilize him. Despite prolonged efforts, they were ultimately forced to pronounce him dead.

Jonathan Yisraeli, a volunteer with ZAKA, shared: “I arrived at the scene on the Givat Shmuel bridge following a report about a 13-year-old boy who collapsed and was seriously injured in the head. Unfortunately, he was declared dead in hospital care. With the assistance of additional volunteers, we are collecting the evidence left at the scene and helping the family in their difficult time with whatever is needed.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A barrage of ten rockets was fired from the Gaza Strip on Sunday night, triggering warning sirens across Ashkelon, Ashdod, and nearby towns.

The attack was claimed by Hamas, which said the rockets were launched from Deir al-Balah, a central Gaza location where Israeli forces have not yet conducted operations.

According to the IDF, “Following the sirens that sounded at 21:01-21:02 in the Lakhish area, approximately ten projectiles were identified crossing into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Most of them were successfully intercepted. The details are under review.”

In a subsequent update, the military added, “Approximately five projectiles were successfully intercepted by the IAF. Falls were identified in several areas. IDF Home Front Command soldiers are dispatched to the scenes and are operating in cooperation with Israeli security forces.”

Fragments from the intercepted missiles fell in Ashkelon, leading to damage to multiple cars. Emergency teams arrived quickly to secure the locations.

Police released a statement saying: “The police are currently tending to fallen shrapnel at a scene in the Ashkelon area, without injuries at the moment. Police sappers from the Southern District and officers from the Ashkelon police station are searching for additional remnants to remove threats to the public.”

A local government update from the Ashkelon Municipality reported: “One rocket fell in the city limits – damage was caused to property. One individual was apparently lightly wounded.”

Magen David Adom said its medics assisted several people suffering from emotional trauma and transported three individuals with minor injuries to Assuta Hospital.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Academy of the Hebrew Languages has announced that it has changed the Hebrew name of the spotted orange butterfly in honor of murdered Israeli hostage Ariel Bibas, 4.

The name was changed from Kitmit Yerushalayim (Orange Yerushalayim) to Kitmit Ariel (Orange Ariel) in memory of Ariel, who was killed by Palestinian terrorists along with his mother and nine-month old brother shortly after the family was abducted from their homes in southern Israel during the Hamas-led massacre on Oct. 7, 2023.

The Hebrew word Ariel is one of the 70 names of Yerushalayim.

“May this be some consolation in your grief, and may his memory be a remembrance for all those who perished and fell in this great disaster,” the academy wrote to the child’s father, Yarden, who was released from captivity in February.

The decision to rename the Melitaea ornata (eastern knapweed fritillary) butterfly was taken unanimously by the Academy after securing the permission of Yarden Bibas.

The Bibas family became a symbol of the Oct. 7 massacre, while the color orange became associated with the effort to free them, inspired by the vivid reddish orange hair of Ariel and his younger brother, Kfir. The two siblings were brutally murdered by their Palestinian captors with “bare hands,” according to the Israeli military. JNS

{Matzav.com}

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tells “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that the new tariffs announced by President Trump are not going anywhere as they will help “reset the power of the United States of America,” calling it a “national security issue.”

WATCH:

Market expert and CNBC host Jim Cramer issued a dire warning that the U.S. could face a financial catastrophe akin to the infamous “Black Monday” crash of 1987 if President Trump moves forward with his proposed tariff strategy without reconsideration.

Cramer, referencing the devastating single-day plunge of 22.6% in the Dow Jones Industrial Average that occurred in 1987, cautioned that a similar collapse could happen again. His comments came after Wall Street experienced a steep two-day decline triggered by Trump’s announcement of broad tariffs impacting nearly 90 countries.

“If the president doesn’t try to reach out and reward these countries and companies that play by the rules, then the 1987 scenario… the one where we went down three days and then down 22% on Monday, has the most cogency,” Cramer said during his show on Saturday.

“We will not have to wait too long to know. We will know it by Monday,” he added.

The president rattled financial markets worldwide on Wednesday when he declared an across-the-board 10% tariff on all goods entering the United States. An additional wave of increased tariffs is scheduled to take effect on April 9, hitting key trade partners such as China, the European Union, Japan, and Vietnam.

In response to the announcement, China declared that it would impose retaliatory tariffs of its own.

In the wake of what Trump dubbed “Liberation Day,” the Dow Jones suffered a staggering 3,910-point loss over two days — the largest two-day fall since the COVID-19 market crash.

The S&P 500 was also hit hard, dropping nearly 6%, while the Nasdaq Composite saw similar declines as investor confidence took a severe blow.

Altogether, U.S. stock markets lost approximately $6.6 trillion in value during the selloff.

Although Cramer had initially expressed support for Trump’s tough trade measures, he signaled that he might be forced to change his stance if financial conditions deteriorate further.

“If President Trump stays intransigent and does nothing to ameliorate the damage that I saw these last few days, I’m not going to be constructive here,” Cramer said.

“And if Europe moves against our fabulous tech companies next week, then I will be furious.”

Torsten Slok, chief economist at Apollo, also weighed in with a stark prediction, cautioning that the U.S. economy may tip into a recession if the tariff standoff continues.

“If these levels of tariffs stay in place for several months and other countries retaliate, it will cause a recession in the US and the rest of the world,” the expert said on Friday.

Despite the increasingly bleak projections from economists and market observers, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insisted the administration has no intention of backing down and attempted to allay concerns about a potential downturn.

“There doesn’t have to be a recession. Who knows how the market is going to react in a day, in a week. We’re building the long term,” Bessent, a former hedge fund manager, said in an appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press.