Matzav

In a fiery shmuess delivered Motzoei Shabbos during his weekly Chumash shiur, Rav Velvel Soloveitchik, rosh yeshivas Brisk and son of Rav Dovid Soloveitchik, sharply denounced the chareidi institutions that have recently joined the Mamlachti Chareidi (state-run chareidi) school system.

At the outset, Rav Soloveitchik remarked that he was uncertain whether his words would have any effect, “but there is a fire burning here, and it is necessary to cry out and protest.”

The rosh yeshiva focused on the history of so-called “exempt schools” (mosdos p’tur), which decades ago began accepting state funding. “They told everyone that the moment the government would intervene, and so much as dare say anything about the curriculum, they would immediately stop taking money. Everyone knows the results. Not only do they intervene incidentally, but they are the ones who now decide the curriculum—what should be studied and what should not be studied.”

He continued, “And of course, even those who permitted it back then permitted it only under the framework of mosdos p’tur. But it never entered anyone’s mind that, from the outset, people would agree to move over to Mamlachti Chareidi or any similar program for the sake of money. Meaning, with mosdos p’tur, the interference was the ‘classic’ kind that comes with taking money, where the administrators are trapped and unable to free themselves. But those institutions that are now switching over to Mamlachti Chareidi know exactly what they are doing, and still they agree to place themselves under programs of change in the school curriculum. They do this purely for the sake of money—large budgets and payouts.

“This is not a case of being forced to make changes after already taking money,” Rav Soloveitchik declared. “Rather, they are walking like sheep to the slaughter into the prohibited core studies.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

With just three weeks remaining before the annual gathering at the kever of Rav Nachman in Uman on Rosh Hashanah, the IDF is reportedly intensifying its crackdown on draft evaders.

Enforcement will not be limited to Ben Gurion Airport but will also extend to various crossings and checkpoints throughout Israel.

According to a report by Nir Dvori on Channel 12 News, military police have been stationed in areas with heavy concentrations of travelers, including Elad, Beitar Illit, and around Yerushalayim.

These forces will conduct spot inspections aimed at identifying deserters and draft evaders as part of the IDF’s broadened enforcement campaign — on land, in the air, at sea, and at border points.

Since July alone, 52 draft evaders have been arrested at Ben Gurion Airport. While the numbers remain relatively small, the IDF has made clear that the policy is to ramp up its presence and enforcement measures in the coming weeks.

{Matzav.com Israel}

People close to Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein released a strong statement on Sunday condemning the spread of videos that misrepresent his words about army service.

The statement accused “coordinated and deliberate persecution” by “self-interested parties” who come to his public shiurim with the intention of taking lines out of context and presenting them to the public “in a misleading manner.”

The family of Rav Zilberstein made it clear that “the recently published videos are edited, cut, and manipulated in a biased way, including partial quotes and statements taken out of context.”

According to the statement, the circulation of these clips has caused “great distress to the rabbi,” and his close aides consider “any attempt to harm the honor of the Torah through media manipulation as extremely serious.”

Rav Zilberstein explained that he “does not wish to rule on public matters, particularly on matters pertaining to enlistment in the military,” and that in general he directs such shailos to the manhig hador, Rav Dov Landau.

Concerning remarks that were quoted in his name about chillul Shabbos to avoid drafting a yeshiva bochur, his aides clarified that “these remarks were cited from his teacher, Rav Yechezkel Abramsky, solely to illustrate the gravity of the issue, and not as practical halachic rulings.”

The statement also responded to what was attributed to Rav Zilberstein regarding the Netzach Yehuda unit, explaining that “one of the attendees attempted to mislead the rabbi on this matter,” and emphasizing that Rav Zilberstein wished to make clear that Rav Shteinman “never forgave or excused those who claimed he had founded or supported this unit until the end of his life.”

The aides of Rav Zilberstein urged “all parties and media outlets to act responsibly, accurately report statements, and refrain from misleading the public.”

They further voiced their disappointment at “repeated attempts to harm the rov’s honor and distort Torah teachings on serious matters.”

{Matzav.com}

The Gerrer Rebbe was admitted this evening to Hadassah Har HaTzofim Hospital in Yerushalayim after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

The public is urged to daven for the complete recovery of the Rebbe, Rav Yaakov Aryeh ben Yutta Henna.

Earlier today, the Rebbe left his home to undergo medical examinations at Hadassah Har HaTzofim. Following the evaluations, doctors determined that hospitalization was necessary due to the pneumonia.

Over the past week, the Rebbe’s strength had weakened, and on Friday he experienced difficulty breathing. This comes several weeks after he suffered a fall in Moshav Ora.

Although there had been signs of improvement in his condition over Shabbos, a CT scan conducted today revealed severe pneumonia, prompting doctors to admit him for treatment.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Republicans in Congress notched a major win this summer when they succeeded in passing President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” of tax cuts and spending reductions without the support of a single Democrat. But as lawmakers reconvene in Washington following their August recess, the challenge ahead will be navigating around—or working with—Democrats as the threat of a government shutdown looms.

The battle over federal funding is set to dominate September’s legislative agenda. At the same time, Senate Republicans are weighing a rules change to overcome Democratic obstruction on nominations, and senators are also debating a proposal that would place hefty tariffs on certain countries that continue to trade with Russia while the U.S. pressures Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.

In the House, GOP lawmakers plan to continue their investigations into former President Joe Biden. Speaker Mike Johnson must also deal with internal divisions among Republicans about whether the Trump administration should release additional records tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Congress’s most urgent responsibility is to prevent a government shutdown when funding runs out on September 30. At this point, it’s still unclear if Democrats and Republicans will be able to reach common ground to avoid it.

To keep the government running past the deadline, legislators will likely need to approve a temporary spending bill. However, Republicans can’t pass such a measure without Democratic votes, and Democrats are sure to demand concessions. Earlier this year, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s decision to vote with Republicans to avert a shutdown led to sharp backlash within his own caucus.

Another complicating factor is Trump’s push to roll back money previously approved by Congress. The GOP passed a bill this summer clawing back nearly $9 billion in foreign aid and funding for public broadcasting, and just this past Friday Trump again told Congress he would block $4.9 billion in foreign aid.

Democrats argue that these actions could undermine the broader spending talks. “Trump is rooting for a shutdown,” Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut wrote Friday on social media.

The Senate will return to the same fight that consumed it before the recess: Trump’s nominees.

Frustrated Republicans left town in August after making little headway on confirmations due to Democratic opposition, which left many administration posts vacant and aggravated Trump. The impasse even led to an unusual Saturday session that ended in failure, prompting Trump to lash out online, writing that Chuck Schumer could “GO TO HELL!”

Now, Republicans are considering changing Senate rules to break the logjam, and discussions on how to do so will occupy much of their time in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a close ally of Trump, has been urging the president to endorse his bipartisan sanctions bill. The measure would impose steep tariffs on countries fueling Russia’s war by purchasing its oil, gas, uranium, and other exports. While 85 senators back the bill, Republican leadership has said they won’t move forward without Trump’s support.

Graham has increased his calls since Trump’s meetings last month with Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy, after which Russia continued to escalate attacks. “If we don’t have this thing moving in the right direction by the time we get back, then I think that plan B needs to kick in,” Graham told the Associated Press.

This Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy will testify before the Senate Finance Committee about his health care priorities. His appearance comes less than a week after he removed Susan Monarez as head of the CDC, a shake-up that also triggered several high-level resignations in protest.

Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who chairs the Senate HELP Committee and also sits on Finance, has called on the CDC to postpone a planned meeting of outside experts on vaccine policy until Congress can conduct oversight.

The Epstein case is also expected to resurface in the House, which left town in July amid disputes over whether to force Trump’s administration to release more information about the investigation into the disgraced financier. Pressure for transparency is likely to grow stronger when lawmakers return.

Bipartisan calls are mounting, with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie promoting legislation that would compel the Department of Justice to publicly disclose its findings. They are organizing a press event this week alongside Epstein’s victims, while the House Oversight Committee continues its own probe.

Democrats, in particular, are eager to keep the issue alive, criticizing the Trump administration for failing to follow through on promises of openness. For years, the Epstein saga has fueled speculation and conspiracy theories over who may have been complicit in his crimes.

Alongside that, the Oversight Committee is pressing ahead with its investigation into Biden’s mental acuity during his presidency. Nearly a dozen of Biden’s close aides and advisers have already been questioned, with more scheduled for September, including Jeff Zients, Biden’s final chief of staff, Karine Jean-Pierre, his press secretary, and Andrew Bates, a senior communications aide.

Chairman James Comer has said the public should expect hearings and a full report later this fall.

Another issue gaining traction is legislation to prevent lawmakers from trading individual stocks, an idea long floated to avoid conflicts of interest given the sensitive information Congress often handles.

Momentum has grown recently, with a Senate panel approving a bill from Sen. Josh Hawley that would expand the trading ban to cover future presidents and vice presidents — though Trump would be excluded. In the House, lawmakers are also advancing versions of the measure, with some threatening to bypass leadership to force a vote.

Nevertheless, resistance remains strong from members of both parties, especially wealthier legislators who profit from their investments and have little interest in curbing them.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump declared on Sunday that he is in excellent health, saying he has “never felt better,” while also pointing to Washington, DC’s new crime-free status as a victory under his leadership.

After a quiet stretch over the weekend, when he spent time golfing at his Virginia resort, Trump returned to Truth Social with a burst of energy.

“NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE. Also, DC IS A CRIME FREE ZONE!” he wrote, highlighting the results since he assumed oversight of the DC Metropolitan Police Department.

His message came after several days of mounting speculation online about his condition, as critics and supporters alike noted the president’s absence from public appearances and spun theories about his health.

Following his post about feeling well, Trump shifted the spotlight to the economy, tying the upcoming Labor Day holiday to celebrations of what he described as America’s continued financial strength.

{Matzav.com}

A delegation visited the home of Rav Dovid Cohen, rosh yeshivas Chevron, on Sunday to present him with the newly printed Zohar Bnei Heichala, authored by the Ashlag Rebbe in accordance with the system of the Baal HaSulam.

The sefer, scheduled for release next week, has already stirred much excitement in the Torah world.

Upon receiving the volume, Rav Cohen immediately began to leaf through its pages, examining it intently for a long period. His interest was evident as he sought to understand the unique qualities of the new edition.

Rav Eliezer Yisroel Ashlag, chairman of Machon Bnei Heichala, explained at length the special features of this Zohar, highlighting that it is designed to be accessible to all and could potentially bring about a major transformation in the study of the Zohar.

The rosh yeshiva expressed great admiration for the monumental achievement, calling it a profound blessing for our generation. He emphasized that this edition will surely draw many more people into the world of the Zohar and the sacred teachings of the Baal HaSulam.

הגר”ד כהן עם הזוהר בני היכלאצילום: אלחנן קוטלר הגר”ד כהן עם הזוהר בני היכלאצילום: אלחנן קוטלר הגר”ד כהן עם הזוהר בני היכלאצילום: אלחנן קוטלר הגר”ד כהן עם הזוהר בני היכלאצילום: אלחנן קוטלר הגר”ד כהן עם הזוהר בני היכלאצילום: אלחנן קוטלר הגר”ד כהן עם הזוהר בני היכלאצילום: אלחנן קוטלר הגר”ד כהן עם הזוהר בני היכלאצילום: אלחנן קוטלר הגר”ד כהן עם הזוהר בני היכלאצילום: אלחנן קוטלר

הגר”ד כהן עם הזוהר בני היכלאצילום: אלחנן קוטלר

{Matzav.com Israel}

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said on Sunday that testimony from staffers and other witnesses has raised new questions about whether Joe Biden was truly exercising full authority during the final stretch of his presidency.

“When you have Ian Sams, who was the face of the White House response to the very damaging report that said Joe Biden was a forgetful old man, he was the one that would always respond and say he had talked to Joe Biden, Joe Biden was vibrant, Joe Biden did not do this,” Comer told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures.

Comer noted that when Sams, who served as a White House spokesman under Biden, gave testimony under oath, “He admits, well, I only saw Joe Biden two times over a two-year period. That’s unprecedented.”

Sams confirmed to the Oversight Committee that in over two years with the administration, he met Biden in person only twice, aside from one virtual meeting and a single phone call.

Comer contrasted that with the amount of time special counsel Robert Hur spent with Biden, pointing out that Hur questioned him for nearly six hours over two days in 2023 regarding the classified documents investigation — a greater level of contact than Biden’s own spokesman had.

Hur ultimately decided not to recommend charges against Biden, reasoning that a jury would likely view him as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” making it difficult to prove criminal intent.

On Sunday, Comer also said investigators are now examining who operated the presidential autopen, which was used to sign executive orders and pardons.

He added that some individuals questioned by the committee have invoked their Fifth Amendment rights, complicating efforts to determine who was actually making key decisions.

“It’s becoming very apparent that Joe Biden really wasn’t the one in command at the end of his presidency,” Comer said.

The Kentucky Republican also claimed that entrenched government officials politicized federal agencies, referencing testimony from FBI whistleblowers who alleged they faced retaliation under Biden.

“These activists tried to weaponize the federal government in various forms, whether to enact policy or ruin the lives of people or influence elections,” Comer said.

He argued that the responsibility for accountability now falls on the Justice Department, headed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, while also pointing to recent remarks from President Donald Trump, who has declared that “the day of accountability is near.”

Meanwhile, the Oversight Committee is preparing to meet with individuals who were victimized by Jeffrey Epstein, after the Justice Department agreed to provide related documentation. Comer emphasized that lawmakers from both parties will be part of those discussions.

“We want to listen to those victims and their families and their attorneys to see how best we can present this information,” he explained, while noting the importance of maintaining redactions to protect sensitive details.

He added that while releasing the Epstein files remains a major public goal, privacy safeguards are essential since “there are victims that are involved here, and we want to protect their futures and their reputations and their families.”

{Matzav.com}

Powerball players will have another opportunity on Monday night to chase a massive jackpot that has climbed past the $1 billion mark, after yesterday’s drawing once again produced no grand prize winner.

The top prize has been growing steadily since May 31, with no one managing to match all six numbers. It now stands at $1.1 billion, making it the fifth-largest payout in Powerball’s history. The eventual winner could choose between annual installments paid out over 30 years or opt for a one-time cash option estimated at $498.4 million before taxes.

The chance of hitting all six winning numbers is incredibly slim — just 1 in 292.2 million. Statistically, being struck by lightning is more likely. Still, with millions of tickets sold, it’s only a matter of time before someone’s life changes overnight.

Last night’s winning numbers were 3, 18, 22, 27, and 33, with the Powerball number 17.

Each ticket costs $2, and Powerball is available in 45 states, as well as in Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings take place three times a week — every Monday, Wednesday, and Motzoei Shabbos.

{Matzav.com}

After hundreds of girls in Rechasim were left without the start of their school year, Rav Yosef Brandeis has reversed his earlier position and given his approval for the schools to open tomorrow. The resolution came after Independent Education Network Director Rabbi Eliezer Sorotzkin personally met with the rav to address concerns and provide solutions.

The controversy, which surrounded the opening of the new Bais Yaakov in Rechasim, was first reported earlier today. By this evening, the tension had been resolved when Rav Brandeis, rov and moreh hora’ah of Kehillas Chayei Torah in Rechasim, issued a letter granting his blessing for the school to proceed, ensuring that classes will begin tomorrow as usual.

In his letter, Rav Brandeis wrote: “To the precious avreichim of our kehillah in Giv’ah Gimel, this past Motzaei Shabbos Parshas Shoftim I was zocheh to meet with Maran Rosh Yeshiva HaGaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, where I presented before him the difficulties facing the avreichim of Giv’ah Gimel regarding the new school. I heard from him that he instructed the director of Chinuch Atzmai to meet with me urgently.”

Rav Brandeis continued: “Today, the director came to my home and stated that, under the present circumstances, there is no alternative but to open the school as planned due to various considerations that cannot be detailed in writing. At the same time, he assured me that he will personally see to it that every issue that may arise in the school will be dealt with. Therefore, I can only extend my blessing to all the talmidos of the schools, that they should succeed in their learning and merit a life filled with love of Torah and yiras Shomayim.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Rabbi Leo Dee, who suffered the devastating loss of his wife and two daughters in a brutal terror attack, ascended Har Habayis on Sunday morning just hours before his chasunah.

While there, Rabbi Dee put on tefillin. Police officers intervened and placed him under detention for doing so.

Following his detainment, he was brought before a hearing, where authorities decided to prohibit him from entering Har Habayis for one week. The decision also included a stipulation allowing the ban to be extended for as long as six months.

Rabbi Dee’s tragedy became widely known in April 2023, when terrorists attacked his family as they traveled in the Jordan Valley. His wife, Lucy, was critically wounded and fought for her life for several days before being niftar. Two of their daughters, Maia and Rina, were killed immediately in the attack.

In recent weeks, Rabbi Dee shared the news of his engagement to Aliza Teplitsky. The couple is scheduled to celebrate their wedding later on the same day as his detainment.

{Matzav.com}

Kan News has disclosed that security arrangements have been dramatically intensified for Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, and other top-ranking Israeli officials.

The report noted that the Shin Bet has rolled out “special and extraordinary measures” designed to shield Israel’s senior political and defense figures. These precautions come in light of threats from Yemen, where retaliation was vowed following the killing of leading members of the Houthi regime.

Last week, in an Israeli Air Force strike on central Sana’a, fighter jets targeted a specific site in the Yemeni capital.

According to intelligence gathered by the Military Intelligence Directorate (AMAN), senior Houthi leadership had assembled at the location to view a speech by their leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.

The airstrike hit a facility where more than ten high-ranking Houthi officials — spanning military and political roles — were meeting. Those in attendance included Houthi Chief of Staff Muhammad Abd Al-Karim al-Ghamari, who had previously escaped an assassination attempt two months earlier, along with the group’s Defense Minister and Interior Minister.

{Matzav.com Israel}

At a formal handover ceremony for the leadership of the Judea and Samaria Division, IDF Brig. Gen. Yaki Dolf transferred command to Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller on Sunday.

Central Command chief Avi Bluth opened his remarks with words from the Torah portion of the week. “On the coming Shabbat we will read the portion that begins ‘When you go out to war against your enemy’ and ends ‘Remember what Amalek did to you.’ On October 7, these two verses came together — when we, as an army, failed to defend our citizens, and the enemy, Hamas — like Amalek — launched a wicked attack.”

Bluth explained that one of the central takeaways from October 7 is that the military must evaluate the enemy based on its capabilities and strike firmly. “Problems must be killed while they are small and not left to grow. We should not place our hopes solely on early warning and deterrence. The same applies to disturbances of the peace — we have determined not to tolerate disturbances but eliminate them immediately.”

He went on to say that the changes in Judea and Samaria over the past two years — especially since the start of Operation Wall of Iron — will be analyzed for years to come. “All this was accomplished amid a war in which Israel is engaged on seven fronts. Yaki, you are handing over a sector that is much more stable and secure than the one you received.”

Bluth emphasized the difficulty of the task in the central sector. “It is no secret that the central arena is the most complex of all arenas and requires a professional and value-based approach as well as a moral backbone to implement this approach. Day by day you, the commanders and soldiers, prove that it is possible to win and remain humane. Our mission as a command is to ensure that the central and eastern arenas remain stable and secure even as the challenges are great.”

He noted that the IDF operates with full awareness of the population in the region. “We are not confused; we know we operate in an area that has a civilian population and we see everyone. We set clear priorities — protecting Israelis, fighting terrorism and, yes, enforcing law and order. The decisive action against anarchist fringe youth has led to a decrease in nationalist crime over the last three months. We are committed to ensuring that this trend continues.”

The general stressed that military activity is always guided by both determination and moral principles. He said operations are carried out “with an offensive and cunning approach that sanctifies initiative, and all while adhering to the state’s laws and rules of morality. The Torah says ‘Justice, justice shall you pursue’ — and we pursue it! We also pursue our enemies, and doing so while justice, morality and the law are our guiding light.”

Looking forward, he warned that the coming weeks would present new tests. “The holidays and the olive harvest are at hand, the battle for control of Gaza is ongoing, and there are various initiatives and statements that could shake the arena. Our enemies, though they were struck hard, try continuously to direct terrorism in the West Bank sector and from the eastern arena. Nevertheless, we are determined to continue the positive trends alongside our operational readiness for shifts and escalation.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Rudy Giuliani was badly hurt in a car crash in New Hampshire on Saturday night, according to his representative.

The 81-year-old was taken to the hospital with a fractured vertebra along with multiple cuts and bruises, including injuries to his left arm and lower leg. His spokesperson, Michael Ragusa, said the accident happened when a rental car Giuliani was driving was struck from behind.

“Mayor Giuliani was flagged down by a woman who was a victim of domestic violence prior to the accident. He rendered assistance and contacted 911, remaining on scene until responding officers arrived to ensure her safety,” explained Ragusa, who also serves as Giuliani’s head of security.

“The accident occurred after he re-entered his vehicle, which was then hit from behind at high speed,” Ragusa continued.

Giuliani, who served as mayor of New York City between 1994 and 2001, is currently recovering and maintaining a positive outlook.

“The mayor is in great spirits. He’s a beast. He survived 9/11,” Ragusa said.

According to Ragusa, Giuliani is expected to remain under observation at a hospital in the Manchester area for the next several days and will then need to wear a brace for his spinal injury.

Maria Ryan, his business partner and a nurse by profession, is actively involved in overseeing his medical treatment.

“He’s getting further tests and stabilization of his injuries,” Ryan stated.

{Matzav.com}

After reports surfaced highlighting severe problems with infrastructure and hygiene at an IDF base near Eilat, Ynet revealed that a soldier was punished with 13 days of detention for filming and circulating video clips from inside the facility.

The soldier had captured footage of eggs in the base’s dining hall that appeared to contain dead chicks. He later uploaded the recording to social media, which prompted disciplinary measures for breaking security rules regarding photography and distribution of material from within a military compound.

An IDF spokesperson stressed that the eggs shown in the clip were never given to soldiers to eat, and explained: “Last Monday, a soldier at the base was sentenced to 13 days of detention for breaching information security regulations. He admitted to filming and distributing content from within the camp. The base has explicit rules prohibiting photography on its premises, in line with IDF-wide directives.”

The case comes against a backdrop of sharp criticism from troops and their families about the poor conditions at the base. During a recent heatwave, the compound suffered a blackout that left soldiers without air conditioning or steady access to water. Some soldiers also said the food provided in the dining hall was moldy and inedible.

At the same time, approximately 400 female recruits had just begun their service at the base.

As complaints mounted, the IDF responded by giving the majority of soldiers there an extended weekend furlough, keeping only one company behind to handle security. By the following day, even that group was released as well.

{Matzav.com Israel}

With chasdei Shamayim, the surgery performed today on the Belzer Rebbe was completed successfully, according to doctors at Hadassah Medical Center.

The public is urged to continue davening for the refuah sheleimah of the Rebbe, Rav Yissachar Dov ben Miriam.

Throughout the duration of the surgery, chassidim gathered to pour out their tefillos in every beis medrash of the chassidus, as well as at the tziyun of the previous Belzer Rebbe, Rav Aharon of Belz.

Senior staff at Hadassah, including Dr. Saar Hashavia, deputy director of the hospital, and the surgeons Dr. Eri Libergal and Dr. Ram Moshayov, personally updated the Rebbe’s son, along with the Rebbe’s longtime gabbai Reb Michoel Firer, and askanim Ahrele Fried, who coordinated the arrangements at the hospital, and Motti Eichler, who remained on site throughout the procedure.

The Rebbe is now resting comfortably in his hospital room, and it is hoped that his recovery and rehabilitation in the coming days will be smooth and speedy.

At the conclusion of a large public Tehillim gathering today in the main Belzer beis medrash, Rav Shalom Rokeach, the Rebbe’s eldest grandson, conveyed a request from his father. Quoting the posuk in Tehillim, “Mi ha’ish he’chafetz chaim, ohev yamim liros tov…”, he asked that all those who are able should accept upon themselves, as a merit for the Rebbe’s recovery, to refrain from speaking lashon hara or gossip for at least one hour each day.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Qatar, a regime that openly supports Hamas, has funneled money into film and stage productions by Mira Nair, the mother of socialist politician Zohran Mamdani, whose work has often attacked Israel. Now, according to the New York Post, a member of Qatar’s royal family is promoting Mamdani’s bid for mayor.

Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, the sister of the ruling emir, has directed state-backed cultural institutions that have supported Nair’s artistic projects since at least 2009. She even extended Nair a personal invitation to take part in cultural events organized for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup celebrations.

Since June, the sheikha has actively pushed Mamdani’s campaign online, sharing polling numbers favorable to him on Instagram and dropping fire emojis under a TikTok clip showing him hugging his mother.

“They are buying somebody who is willing to be bought and at the time of their choosing they will ask for what they want,” warned Danielle Pletka, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, speaking of Nair’s ties to Qatar. “They need a rainbow coalition of people who will support the ideology they promote: sometimes it will be Islamism, sometimes it will be antisemitism, sometimes it will be anti-Israel.”

The NY Post uncovered multiple links between Nair and the Qatari royal family.

Qatar’s legal system, rooted in sharia, prohibits women from marrying or holding government positions without male approval. These realities clash with the progressive image that both Nair and her son have sought to project.

Human rights groups estimate that thousands of migrant laborers died in scorching 125-degree heat while building Qatar’s World Cup infrastructure, under what has been described as “modern day slavery.”

Yet Nair, in an interview with Qatar Happening during the World Cup and the run of her Monsoon Wedding musical, spoke glowingly about the regime. “Her Highness Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani has loved the movie but also supported the inception of this musical over several years,” Nair said.

Nair has refused to attend the Haifa International Film Festival, citing Israeli policies that she claimed “privilege one religion over another.” Meanwhile, Qatar forbids public worship by non-Muslims, and the U.S. State Department has warned that the regime is “pursuing a number of actions which will ultimately lead to the eradication” of its Bah’aii community.

Despite these abuses, Nair was photographed as recently as November 2024 at a major opening at the Qatar National Museum. She has never publicly condemned the regime’s well-documented record of human rights violations.

Analysts have labeled Qatar “America’s ultimate ‘frenemy,’” pointing out that while it funds Islamist movements hostile to the U.S., it also hosts a major American airbase. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies described the country as “both arsonist and firefighter”: aiding groups like Hamas and the Taliban while offering itself as a broker between them and the West.

Schanzer expressed alarm that there could be “one degree of separation” between the Qatari royals and the potential mayor of New York City, especially given the country’s track record of using its wealth to buy influence, such as the scandals involving ex-Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and members of the European Parliament.

“The Qataris are hyperactive in terms of international diplomacy, international investment, and everything that they do is designed to spread their funds and spread their influence,” Schanzer warned.

No evidence has surfaced of a direct financial connection between Mamdani and the Qatari state. The assemblyman has said he has never traveled to the country nor received funding from its institutions.

However, his campaign refused to clarify whether he had accepted help from his mother, or if he has had any contact with the sheikha. His team would not issue a direct condemnation of the Al-Thani regime, offering only a statement about “his belief in universal human rights and the freedom to advocate for justice everywhere.”

“The attempt to weaponize his mother’s career against him is an insult to voters who care about actual issues, not manufactured distractions,” campaign spokeswoman Dora Pekec said.

{Matzav.com}

The popular Israeli children’s performer Chaim Osadon, best known on stage as “David Chaim” and cherished by countless families for his lively shows, announced that he will no longer appear on Shabbos.

In an emotional message on Instagram titled “David Chaim – Closed on Shabbos,” Osadon shared his decision with his fans and supporters.

“Dear friends and colleagues,” he wrote, “after many years, I’ve made a deeply personal and significant decision for myself and my family. I have decided that I will no longer perform on Shabbos.”

Recognizing that this step could affect his career, Osadon admitted, “I understand the consequences—this year, for the first time, I will not be participating in a major Hanukkah production. Still, I am ready to accept this ‘price’ with love and a full heart.”

He ended his post with a note of optimism: “This year, I’ll continue performing for municipalities, shopping centers, workers’ unions, and other clients who wish to bring my show to their audiences. Wishing everyone only good news.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Rav Yitzchak Yosef, the former Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel, used his weekly motzoei Shabbos shiur to make clear that yeshiva bochurim should not cooperate with the Military Police if they attempt to arrest those avoiding the draft.

At the beginning of his words, Rav Yosef declared that the victories of the IDF and the very survival of the state are due solely to the power of Torah. “Your Torah, yeshiva students, and the heads of households who study in the morning and evening – it is in this merit that even the heretics are victorious,” Rav Yosef said.

“How is it possible? The Chief of Staff was a heretic, what about Rafael? Do you remember him? How was Ariel Sharon? How were the heretics? How were the anti-religious? And they succeeded? How did they succeed? Torah.”

Rav Yosef noted that political leaders have no real grasp of what Torah learners contribute to Klal Yisroel. He explained, “They don’t know this. If they knew, they would grant us all sorts of benefits. Anyone who learns in yeshiva, who is a son of Torah, would get a free apartment, exemption from municipal taxes. The sages have always been exempt from taxes,” he said. “But they don’t know, they don’t understand. Poor things, they were educated in non-religious schools; they don’t understand what this is.”

In his sharpest comments, Rav Yosef urged bochurim not to allow security forces to enter the yeshivos. “Thank God, they don’t enter the yeshivas. Don’t be afraid. If the Military Police come, stand up to them. It is unacceptable for them to go there. They will not come. Don’t think about it at all,” he emphasized.

He repeatedly underscored the idea that Torah learning provides protection for Klal Yisroel. “The entire people of Israel who were saved from the missiles the Houthis are firing – it is in the merit of Torah study. You are giving strength to the soldiers. This is our Torah,” he said. He concluded: “Anyone who says otherwise is a heretic, G-d forbid.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

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