Matzav

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara issued a legal opinion on Monday declaring the appointment of Major General David Zini to lead the Shin Bet as both unlawful and invalid.

Baharav-Miara argued that Prime Minister Netanyahu should not have played a role in this appointment due to a conflict of interest. She maintained that such a decision must be made collectively by the government. “Netanyahu acted contrary to the Supreme Court’s Decision, while deliberately violating the binding legal guidelines. Looking to the future, the Prime Minister must refrain from dealing the the appointment of the Shin Bet director or an acting director, whether directly or indirectly, at least until the investigations into the relevant cases conclude,” Miara stated.

She proposed that the process be removed from Netanyahu’s hands altogether and entrusted to another cabinet member. “To enable the functional continuity of the Shin Bet, and the proper appointment of the director at this moment, the legal solution is to transfer the authority to appoint the director to another minister, who will bring the candidate for the cabinet’s approval.”

In her analysis, Baharav-Miara cast doubt on the legitimacy of Zini’s candidacy, citing procedural concerns. “Given the significant flaws already attached to the dismissal and appointment processes, and the serious concern that the minister entrusted with the appointment will effectively serve as an extension of the Prime Minister. First, the appointment process must be conducted again from the beginning, applying strict rules to ensure that no foreign considerations influence it. Second, there is a real doubt whether Major General Zini can be appointed to the position.”

She emphasized the urgency of resolving the leadership vacuum in the Shin Bet but insisted it must be done properly. “Against the backdrop of the current security situation, there is a supreme national importance in appointing a permanent head of the Shin Bet as soon as possible, before Ronen Bar’s term ends. For this reason, it is essential to strictly uphold a legal, proper, and untainted process. An action involving a conflict of interest, in contradiction to the Supreme Court ruling and ignoring binding legal guidelines, is not only illegal but also delays the completion of the process and harms the achievement of this important security and political goal,” she concluded.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Trump delivered a heartfelt Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring fallen military heroes while also taking a swipe at his predecessor. He promised the nation would always remember the sacrifices of its service members, stating, “We certainly know what we owe to them. Their valor gave us the freest, greatest, and most noble republic ever to exist on the face of the earth, a republic that I am fixing after a long and hard four years.”

Without mentioning Joe Biden by name, Trump made pointed allusions to his administration, criticizing the condition in which he said the country had been left. “Who would let that happen?” Trump asked. “People pouring through our borders unchecked. People doing things that are indescribable and not for today to discuss. But the republic is now doing so very well.”

While his main focus was honoring the memory of America’s fallen heroes, Trump also looked ahead to upcoming milestones, referencing major national events on the horizon. These included the United States’ semiquincentennial in 2026, the jointly hosted World Cup that summer, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“We’re going to have a big, big celebration, as you know, 250 years,” Trump said. He then appeared to reflect on his 2020 election loss, saying, “In some ways, I’m glad I missed that second term where it was because I wouldn’t be your president. In addition, we have the World Cup, and we have the Olympics.” He added, “Can you imagine? I missed that in four years, and now look what I have — I have everything. God did that.”

During his remarks, Trump highlighted three individual service members who died in recent American wars: Air Force SMSgt. Elroy Harworth of Erhard, Minnesota, whose aircraft was shot down in North Vietnam in 1966 and whose remains were identified two decades later; Army Cpl. Ryan C. McGhee of Fredericksburg, Virginia, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2009; and Navy CTTC Shannon M. Kent of Pine Plains, New York, who died in a 2019 ISIS attack in Syria and was later honored with a posthumous promotion.

“These warriors picked up the mantle of duty and service, knowing that to live for others meant always that they might die for others,” said Trump. “They asked nothing. They gave everything. And we owe them everything and much, much more.”

Addressing Gold Star families in attendance, Trump expressed deep appreciation for their sacrifices. “Thank you for giving America the brightest light in your lives,” he said. “It’s what you’ve done. We will never ever forget our fallen heroes, and we will never forget our debt to you.”

The observance also featured speeches from Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier preceded the event.

Vance, himself a former Marine, emphasized the moral responsibility leaders have in valuing the lives of those in uniform. “The US ought to commit ourselves and expect from our leaders to treat the lives of our troops as the most precious resource,” he said. “The second way that I try to honor the fallen is to commit ourselves to being worthy of their sacrifice. If you’re a husband, be the best husband you can be. If you’re a mom, be the best mom that you can be. If you’re a citizen, be the very best citizen that you can be.”

Hegseth echoed sentiments he’s shared in the past, reiterating that “the American soldier fights not because he hates what’s in front of him, but because he loves what’s behind him.” He concluded, “We owe a duty to those who have fallen in war. They have paid a debt we can never repay, and for that, we owe gratitude and remembrance.”

{Matzav.com}

Russia responded on Monday to President Trump’s stinging rebuke of Vladimir Putin by implying that the American leader might be reacting out of heightened emotion. Trump had slammed the Russian president as “crazy” following an intensified military campaign in Ukraine.

When asked about Trump’s remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the United States’ support in helping move forward the peace talks. “We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process,” Peskov said. However, he noted that the situation is emotionally charged for all involved. “Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.”

Sunday night saw what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as the most extensive air raid carried out by Russia since the war began three years ago.

Reacting to the massive assault, Trump posted late Sunday, stating, “He has gone absolutely CRAZY” in reference to Putin’s escalation, which he found particularly outrageous after previous reports that peace negotiations were to begin imminently.

This wave of strikes came just days after Ukraine and Russia completed their most extensive prisoner exchange of the war, involving more than 1,000 individuals, both military and civilian.

According to Zelensky, the bombardment involved a staggering 355 kamikaze drones and nine cruise missiles, a detail he shared in a post on X.

Trump, who once touted a strong rapport with Putin, expressed dismay over the Russian leader’s recent decisions. “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever.”

Trump didn’t hold back criticism of Ukraine’s leader either.

“Everything out of [Zelensky’s] mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop. This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelensky’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not ‘Trump’s,’ I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred,” he said.

Zelensky has yet to publicly respond to Trump’s accusations. However, in a statement posted on X, he suggested that world leaders were prioritizing discussions over concrete pressure on Russia.

“Only a sense of total impunity can allow Russia to carry out such strikes and continue increasing their scale. There is no real military logic to this, but there is significant political meaning,” he said.

He went on to accuse Putin of manipulating the global community’s preference for diplomacy over action. “In doing this, Putin shows just how much he despises the world — the world that spends more effort on ‘dialogue’ with him than on real pressure.

“Like any criminal, Russia can only be constrained by force. Only through strength — the strength of the United States, of Europe, of all nations that value life — can these attacks be stopped and real peace achieved,” he continued.

In light of Russia’s renewed bombardments, Zelensky appealed for additional punitive measures.

“The increase in Russian strikes should be met with increased sanctions. Russia’s disregard for diplomacy and refusal even to consider a ceasefire must be met with a freeze on Russian finances and a halt to its oil trade,” he said.

“I thank everyone around the world who is advocating for exactly this kind of strong agenda. Russia must end its war. And for that to happen, we must deprive them of the resources that fuel their will to fight.”

{Matzav.com}

Charlie Rangel, who represented New York City in Congress for nearly 50 years and became one of Harlem’s most prominent political figures, has passed away at the age of 94.

Rangel made history in 1971 when he unseated Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. to secure a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, launching a long and influential career in Washington.

“The Lion of Lenox Ave was a transformational force of nature,” wrote House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on X. “Harlem, NYC & America are better today because of his service.”

“May he forever rest in power,” Jeffries added.

In a heartfelt tribute, New York businessman and grocery chain owner John Catsimatidis described Rangel as “a symbol of Harlem, a fighter for justice, a skilled diplomat.”

“We knew each other for more than 50 years,” Catsimatidis recalled. “Charlie was a Harlem youth. You couldn’t walk down a street without someone calling his name.”

The City College of New York, located in Harlem and home to the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service, honored Rangel’s legacy in a public statement, praising his deep commitment to the people of New York City.

“He served for 23 terms in the House of Representatives and was cited as the most effective lawmaker in Congress, leading all of his colleagues in passing legislation,” the college noted.

Rangel also played a key role in Harlem’s influential “Gang of Four,” a group of trailblazing Black political leaders that included Rangel, David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson. Together, they wielded significant political influence across Upper Manhattan for decades.

Israeli officials have reportedly issued stern warnings to several European governments, stating that if they go ahead with recognizing a Palestinian state without coordination, Israel may enact its own independent measures in response—potentially including moves to annex territories within the West Bank.

According to a foreign diplomat quoted by Haaretz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer personally cautioned both French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He reportedly said that Israeli retaliation for any unilateral recognition could involve annexing Area C of the West Bank and formally recognizing unauthorized settlements.

Israel Hayom published a separate account indicating that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar relayed a comparable message to foreign ministers from France, the United Kingdom, and other allied nations. According to the report, Sa’ar said that if international partners act against Israel unilaterally, Israel would respond in kind by asserting sovereignty over settlement blocs in the West Bank and areas of the Jordan Valley. “Unilateral moves against Israel will be met with unilateral moves by Israel,” Sa’ar was quoted as saying.

These warnings come as anticipation builds for a summit next month in New York, spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to use the event to encourage a unified approach to recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Although the United States has confirmed it will not be attending, several European nations are still deciding their stance. Some, including Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, are said to oppose acting unilaterally. However, others, such as Spain—which already recognized Palestinian statehood last year—and Malta—which has announced plans to follow suit at the upcoming summit—are anticipated to support individual countries making their own declarations.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

A Dedication Ceremony Was Held at Ramot Mall in Jerusalem for the New “Lehachayot” Kindness Club

At the Ramot Mall in Jerusalem, a dedication ceremony was held for the new Kindness Club of the “Lehachayot” organization – a special, thoughtfully designed space dedicated to the well-being of children with special needs and their families. The initiative was spearheaded by the energetic Chabad community activist, Rabbi Mendy Lebel.

The club was inaugurated by the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, and former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau.

Rabbi Lebel founded the “Beit Halomotai” center for individuals with special needs, was the driving force behind the project.

Photo: Mendi Kotler

The new facility offers a spacious environment that includes a music room, a relaxation and play area, and refrigerators stocked with treats for the children. It will operate throughout the week, providing a warm, inclusive, and supportive space for the kids.

In addition, Rabbi Lebel placed special emphasis on supporting the children’s families. The center will also host support evenings for parents and siblings.

The event was honored by the presence of esteemed rabbis, including Jerusalem’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, and former Chief Rabbi Rabbi David Lau. Distinguished donors also attended, led by the Chimi family and Chani Steiglitz, who partnered in establishing the center.

The ceremony was hosted by Rabbi Elazar Weber, and the emotional event was attended by public figures such as Mr. Tzvika Cohen, as well as other dignitaries, children with disabilities, and their families – all deeply moved to see this vision become a reality.

The new club marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the “Lehachayot” organization to serve the community. It is expected to bring joy, support, and empowering experiences to the children.

“This is just the first branch in Israel – we’re already working on more,” said Rabbi Lebel in his speech.

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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu indicated that an update may be imminent concerning the 58 hostages still being held in Gaza.

“I hope we can announce something today or tomorrow regarding the hostages,” Netanyahu stated.

This remark came after a Reuters report claimed that Hamas had consented to release ten hostages in two separate batches in return for a ceasefire lasting seventy days.

Despite that report, Barak Ravid of Axios noted that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed the suggestion that Hamas had agreed to the terms he had proposed.

“What I have seen from Hamas is disappointing and completely unacceptable,” Witkoff told Ravid.

Witkoff, however, acknowledged that Israel had accepted a proposal for a limited truce and a hostage agreement. According to him, the deal involves the return of half of the surviving hostages as well as half of the bodies of those who have died, and would initiate meaningful talks aimed at achieving a lasting end to the conflict. “That deal is on the table. Hamas should take it.”

Sky News Arabia reported earlier in the day that prevailing expectations are for President Donald Trump to publicly announce a ceasefire in Gaza shortly. The move is anticipated to coincide with an agreement for the liberation of the Israeli captives held by Hamas. It is believed that roughly 20 of the remaining hostages are still alive.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has warned that he may strip Harvard University of an additional $3 billion in federal grants, citing what he described as the school’s refusal to take action against antisemitism.

“I am considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land. What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The Trump administration had already rescinded $2.2 billion in federal support that had previously been earmarked for Harvard, blaming the decision on what it said was the university’s persistent tolerance of antisemitic incidents and discriminatory practices.

This latest potential funding cut would bring the total amount withheld from Harvard to $5.2 billion.

In addition to slashing funding, the administration also moved to block Harvard from admitting new international students. However, a federal judge temporarily paused that order with a restraining decision issued Friday, delaying its implementation for the time being.

{Matzav.com}

A Texas doctor who exploited his medical credentials to orchestrate a multimillion-dollar scam—built on lies and fake diagnoses—has been sentenced to a decade behind bars.

Jorge Zamora-Quezada, 68, was found guilty of falsely diagnosing patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic and irreversible disease, in order to collect massive sums from both government and private insurance companies. The fraudulent operation netted him $118 million and financed a life of extreme luxury.

Along with the 10-year prison sentence, the federal court ordered Zamora-Quezada to surrender more than $28 million in assets. This included a lavish collection of possessions: 13 properties, a private jet, and a Maserati GranTurismo.

In a statement following the sentencing, Matthew R. Galeotti of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division said:

“Dr. Zamora-Quezada funded his luxurious lifestyle for two decades by traumatizing his patients, abusing his employees, lying to insurers, and stealing taxpayer money. His depraved conduct represents a profound betrayal of trust toward vulnerable patients who depend on care and integrity from their doctors.”

Zamora-Quezada operated the scheme out of his clinic in Mission, Texas, near the U.S.–Mexico border. Evidence presented in court showed that his employees were often mistreated and intimidated into going along with the deception, many fearing for their jobs and legal status.

Prosecutors detailed how the doctor routinely subjected patients to unnecessary and dangerous medical interventions. These included infusions, injections, x-rays, MRIs, and other procedures—often carrying serious health risks. He would then forge documents and lie to insurers to justify the billing.

Some patients suffered devastating health consequences. According to the DOJ, those harmed experienced side effects such as strokes, jawbone necrosis, liver damage, hair loss, and excruciating pain that made even basic daily activities unbearable.

“Constantly being in bed and being unable to get up from bed alone, and being pumped with medication, I didn’t feel like my life had any meaning,” one patient testified during the 25-day trial.

A mother described her child being treated like a “lab rat,” while others said they gave up on dreams of higher education or felt as if they were “living a life in the body of an elderly person.”

Doctors from the Rio Grande Valley also testified against Zamora-Quezada, telling the court that many of his supposed patients were actually healthy when examined under their care.

Adding to the disturbing picture, the DOJ shared photographs of how patient records were stored: in a dilapidated shed infested with rodents and termites, littered with waste and contaminated documents.

Authorities also revealed that the doctor weaponized immigration status to exert control over his employees. He referred to himself as “eminencia”—Spanish for “eminence”—and had no qualms about using violence or coercion. One incident involved him throwing a paperweight at a staff member who failed to schedule enough fake procedures. Others were threatened with deportation if they didn’t comply, as many were hired on J-1 visas.

When questioned about missing records, Zamora-Quezada would reportedly instruct his staff to fabricate patient files on demand.

Ultimately, the jury convicted him on several charges: one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, seven counts of healthcare fraud, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump marked Memorial Day with one of his trademark fiery messages, unleashing a pointed attack on his critics in a post filled with capital letters and strong language.

In a statement shared Monday morning, Trump extended his holiday wishes to the nation—while fiercely denouncing what he described as those responsible for trying to ruin the country.
“HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL, INCLUDING THE SCUM THAT SPENT THE LAST FOUR YEARS TRYING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY THROUGH WARPED RADICAL LEFT MINDS, WHO ALLOWED 21,000,000 MILLION PEOPLE TO ILLEGALLY ENTER OUR COUNTRY, MANY OF THEM BEING CRIMINALS AND THE MENTALLY INSANE, THROUGH AN OPEN BORDER THAT ONLY AN INCOMPETENT PRESIDENT WOULD APPROVE, AND THROUGH JUDGES WHO ARE ON A MISSION TO KEEP MURDERERS, DRUG DEALERS, RAPISTS, GANG MEMBERS, AND RELEASED PRISONERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, IN OUR COUNTRY SO THEY CAN ROB, MURDER, AND RAPE AGAIN — ALL PROTECTED BY THESE USA HATING JUDGES WHO SUFFER FROM AN IDEOLOGY THAT IS SICK, AND VERY DANGEROUS FOR OUR COUNTRY,” he wrote.

Trump, who began his second term just over four months ago, emphasized that meaningful gains have already been achieved since his return to office.

In the continuation of his statement, he appeared to lash out further at members of the judiciary, referring to some as “MONSTERS.”

“HOPEFULLY THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT, AND OTHER GOOD AND COMPASSIONATE JUDGES THROUGHOUT THE LAND, WILL SAVE US FROM THE DECISIONS OF THE MONSTERS WHO WANT OUR COUNTRY TO GO TO HELL. BUT FEAR NOT, WE HAVE MADE GREAT PROGRESS OVER THE LAST 4 MONTHS, AND AMERICA WILL SOON BE SAFE AND GREAT AGAIN! AGAIN, HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!” he wrote.

The president has repeatedly expressed irritation over obstacles to his policy agenda, many of which have come in the form of court rulings that he views as politically motivated and harmful to national security.

{Matzav.com}

A former deputy mayor of Los Angeles who once held responsibility for the city’s public safety has agreed to plead guilty to fabricating a bomb threat that falsely claimed an anti-Israel motive and targeted City Hall in 2024.

Federal prosecutors in California revealed that Brian K. Williams, 61, has been charged with one felony count of issuing a bomb threat involving explosives. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in federal prison.

According to the indictment, Williams sent a message on October 3, 2024, to Mayor Karen Bass and other senior city officials, claiming he had received a threatening phone call. In the message, he wrote that someone was angry over the city’s support for Israel and had allegedly placed a bomb in City Hall, possibly in the rotunda. Williams texted:

Bomb threat: I received phone call on my city cell at 10:48 am this morning. The male caller stated that “he was tired of the city support of Israel, and he has decided to place a bomb in City Hall. It might be in the rotunda.” I immediately contacted the chief of staff of LAPD, they are going to send a number of officers over to do a search of the building and to determine if anyone else received a threat.

Authorities later determined that Williams had made the call himself using a Google Voice number on his personal phone.

Williams had been selected by Mayor Bass in 2023 to serve in a key role overseeing the police and fire departments, placing him in a position of considerable trust.

This fictitious threat came just months before massive wildfires swept across parts of the Los Angeles region in January, devastating communities, destroying thousands of residences, and claiming 30 lives.

In the aftermath of the disaster, some accused both Mayor Bass and the Los Angeles Fire Department of being inadequately prepared. It remains unclear what role, if any, Williams played during the critical days leading up to the fires, when weather warnings indicated extreme fire danger.

Williams is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the near future.

Federal prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the offense given the tense political environment fueled by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“In an era of heated political rhetoric that has sometimes escalated into violence, we cannot allow public officials to make bomb threats,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “My office will continue its efforts to keep the public safe, including from those who violate their duty to uphold the law.”

“Mr. Williams…not only betrayed the residents of Los Angeles, but responding officers, and the integrity of the office itself, by fabricating a bomb threat,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Government officials are held to a heightened standard as we rely on them to safeguard the city.”

Prosecutors have not provided a specific motive behind Williams’ actions, but Davis noted that he was “relieved that Mr. Williams has taken responsibility for his inexplicable actions.”

Williams’ attorney, Dmitry Gorin, told the Los Angeles Times that his client accepts full responsibility, echoing the FBI’s remarks.

“This aberrational incident was the product of personal issues which Mr. Williams is addressing appropriately, and is not representative of his character or dedication to the city of Los Angeles,” Gorin added.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States will postpone the start of a planned 50% tariff on imports from the European Union, pushing the implementation date from June 1 to July 9 to allow additional time for trade discussions with the EU.

The decision followed a phone conversation earlier in the day between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Trump said von der Leyen expressed a strong desire to move forward with serious negotiations.

“I told anybody that would listen, they have to do that,” Trump told reporters in Morristown, New Jersey, before heading back to Washington. According to Trump, von der Leyen promised to “rapidly get together and see if we can work something out.”

Just two days earlier, Trump had used social media to warn that he would impose the steep tariffs starting June 1, accusing the EU of being uncooperative in trade matters and criticizing what he described as stagnant negotiations.

Despite the tough rhetoric on Friday, Sunday’s conversation between the two leaders appeared to ease tensions, at least temporarily.

“I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to do so,” Trump wrote on Truth Social following his remarks to the press.

Von der Leyen, meanwhile, struck a diplomatic tone, highlighting the importance of the transatlantic partnership.

“Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively,” she said. “To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9.”

She also noted that the EU and the U.S. “share the world’s most consequential and close trade relationship.”

{Matzav.com}

A former staff member who worked closely with President Joe Biden has disclosed that individuals within the White House felt it was acceptable to cross democratic boundaries in their efforts to prevent Donald Trump from returning to office.

During an appearance on Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream, Axios reporter Alex Thompson shared that insiders within the Biden administration believed they were the ones truly steering the country, often insulated from the president’s direct input or awareness.

“If you believe — and I think a lot of these people do sincerely believe — that Donald Trump was and is an existential threat to democracy, you can rationalize anything, including sometimes doing undemocratic things,” Thompson explained.

Thompson also recounted that one White House aide confided in him that the primary goal was simply to secure a Biden win — after that, they assumed the president could largely fade from view.

“Just had to win, and then he could disappear for four years,” the aide reportedly said. “He’d only have to show proof of life every once in a while,” Thompson quoted the aide as saying. “His aides could pick up the slack.”

The same aide added, “When you’re voting for president, you’re voting for the aides around him.”

This comes as President Biden faces a serious health challenge. He has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, according to an official statement provided to CNN and CBS.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement said.

“On Friday he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the update continued. “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

{Matzav.com}

According to a report from Egypt’s “Al-Ghad” news channel, Hamas has agreed in principle to release ten living hostages and return the bodies of sixteen Israeli captives as part of a developing ceasefire agreement.

Israel is currently reviewing Hamas’ conditions, which reportedly include the release of all Palestinian prisoners from Gaza who were arrested before or after the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Sources familiar with the negotiations, which are taking place in Doha under Qatari, American, and Egyptian mediation, told the Cairo-based outlet that significant progress has been made. The proposed deal reportedly centers around a 60-day comprehensive ceasefire, during which hostages would be released in stages.

As outlined in the report, the plan involves the release of five Israeli hostages on the first day of the ceasefire’s implementation, followed by another five on the 60th day. In addition, Hamas is expected to transfer the remains of sixteen Israeli captives in accordance with a pre-arranged schedule. This timeframe would allow Hamas to locate and retrieve the bodies during the ceasefire period.

One of Hamas’ central demands is the release of all Palestinian prisoners from the Gaza Strip who were detained either before or after the October 7 massacre. Israel has yet to issue an official response to this condition.

{Matzav.com Israel}

What began as a May 30 tribute to America’s fallen service members has, since 1971, been officially recognized as Memorial Day—a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May each year.

While originally intended as a solemn day of remembrance, the holiday has increasingly become associated with commercial activity, with many businesses choosing to stay open and offering large-scale sales. Today, Memorial Day weekend is also one of the busiest times for travel and retail in the United States.

Here’s a rundown of what’s open and closed this Memorial Day:

Government Services
All federal, state, and local government offices—including courts, post offices, and public schools—will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Banks and Financial Markets
Both the U.S. stock exchanges and major banking institutions will not operate on Memorial Day. In addition, most regular FedEx and UPS delivery and pickup options will be unavailable. However, certain specialized services may still be provided.

Retail Outlets
Costco, the popular membership-only warehouse chain, will shut its doors for the day. Nonetheless, the majority of other retailers will be open, many of them offering Memorial Day promotions and discounts. Customers are encouraged to check local store hours as they may differ by location.

Travel and Transportation
Memorial Day weekend also serves as the informal kickoff to the summer vacation season, and this year is shaping up to be a record-breaker. Despite ongoing issues in the travel sector, Americans are planning to hit the road—and skies—in historic numbers.

According to AAA, more than 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday, an increase of 1.4 million from last year. If predictions hold true, this will surpass the previous record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers set two decades ago.

The organization’s fuel pricing tool indicates that drivers will see some relief at the pump compared to last year. As of Wednesday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.18—down from $3.60 at the same time in 2023.

AAA forecasts that 39.4 million people will be traveling by car, the highest ever recorded for Memorial Day since the group began tracking travel patterns in 2000. Air travel is also expected to see a bump, with 3.61 million passengers projected to fly—an increase of nearly 2% over last year’s 3.55 million.

However, some fliers remain uneasy due to recent aviation concerns. In January, a tragic midair collision involving a commercial jet and a U.S. Army helicopter over Washington, D.C. resulted in 67 fatalities. Other close calls have kept the spotlight on aviation safety.

Compounding the issue, travelers have faced delays and cancellations caused by staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and equipment failures, particularly at the busy Newark, New Jersey, air traffic control center. These complications have left some would-be fliers reconsidering their travel plans.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Mrs. Dina Bracha Dvorkes a”h, the wife of Rav Elyakum Dvorkes, one of Givat Ze’ev’s most prominent rabbonim and a widely recognized morah horaah. She was 74 years old.

Mrs. Dvorkes was born in Romania to her father, Reb Yehoshua Avraham z”l, and her mother, Esther a”h.

She married Rav Elyakum Dvorkes, who today stands among the senior rabbinic leaders of Givat Ze’ev, Yerushalayim, and serves as a posek on the Bais Din of She’eiris Yisroel. He is the author of various popular seforim on halacha.

Together, they built a home founded on Torah and yiras Shamayim. Mrs. Dvorkes was known as a woman of deep modesty, sincere chesed, and noble character.

In recent times, she endured a difficult illness and accepted her yissurim with bitachon.

Her levayah was held on Sunday night, beginning at her home on Re’em Street in Givat Ze’ev, and proceeding to Har HaMenuchos in Yerushalayim for kevurah.

Yehi zichrah boruch.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that recent discussions with Iran were highly encouraging, as the fifth round of indirect negotiations took place between the two nations.

Addressing the press, Trump conveyed optimism regarding a potential breakthrough in the talks. “We had some very good talks with Iran yesterday and today, and let’s see what happens. But I think we could have some good news on the Iran front,” he said.

Trump went on to link the Iran talks with efforts to calm the conflict in Gaza, noting ongoing diplomatic outreach in the region. “Likewise, with Hamas on Gaza. We want to see if we can stop that. And Israel, we’ve been talking to them, and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation as quickly as possible. But having to do with nuclear, we’ve had some very, very good talks with Iran, and I don’t know if I’ll be telling you anything good or bad over the next two days, but I have a feeling I might be telling you something good. We’ve had some real progress, serious progress.”

Following these latest meetings, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi provided a similarly upbeat assessment of the dialogue, expressing cautious optimism about the trajectory of the discussions. “We have just completed one of the most professional rounds of talks,” Araghchi told state TV on Friday. “We firmly stated Iran’s position… The fact that we are now on a reasonable path, in my view, is itself a sign of progress.”

A high-ranking U.S. official echoed those sentiments, characterizing the latest nuclear negotiations as “constructive.” The official acknowledged that although headway had been made, challenges remain. “We made further progress, but there is still work to be done,” the official stated, confirming that both parties plan to reconvene “in the near future.”

Despite signs of movement, Iran has maintained its firm stance on uranium enrichment, declaring that its right to do so is not up for debate. This position stands in direct contrast to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who has deemed enrichment a “red line.”

Ahead of the recent session, Araghchi underscored Iran’s unwavering position with a pointed message on social media. “Figuring out the path to a deal is not rocket science: Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal. Time to decide…”

Even as initial talks were broadly viewed in a positive light, skepticism remains. Just last week, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, voiced reservations about the likelihood of any real breakthrough.

{Matzav.com}

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