Matzav

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivered a powerful statement on Thursday night in response to the tragic murder of Israeli Embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington, DC.

“Last night in Washington, something horrific happened,” Netanyahu began. “A brutal terrorist shot in cold blood a young beautiful couple – Yaron Lischinsky and Sara Milgrim. Yaron had just bought an engagement ring for Sarah. He was planning to give it to her in Jerusalem next week. They were planning to start a new and happy life together. Well, that tragically did not happen.”

Netanyahu emphasized that this was not a case of random violence. “The terrorist who cruelly gunned them down did so for one reason and one reason alone – he wanted to kill Jews. And as he was taken away, he chanted, ‘Free Palestine!’”

The prime minister connected this slogan to the atrocities committed in Israel on October 7. “This is exactly the same chant we heard on October 7th,” he said. “On that day, thousands of terrorists stormed into Israel from Gaza. They beheaded men. They raped women. They burned babies alive. They butchered 1,200 innocent people and took 251 innocent people hostage to the dungeons of Gaza.”

Recalling a visit by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, Netanyahu said, “A short time afterwards, Chancellor Scholz of Germany visited Israel. And after he saw the horrors, he said to me, ‘These Hamas terrorists are exactly like the Nazis.’”

Netanyahu agreed with that assessment. “He was right. And if they could get away with it, these Hamas terrorists would have slaughtered every last Jew on earth. For these neo-Nazis, ‘Free Palestine’ is just today’s version of ‘Heil Hitler.’”

He continued by highlighting the deeper aim behind Hamas’s ideology. “They don’t want a Palestinian state. They want to destroy the Jewish state. They want to annihilate the Jewish people, who have been in the Land of Israel for 3,500 years.”

Frustrated by international responses, Netanyahu asked, “I could never understand how this simple truth evades the leaders of France, Britain, Canada, and others. They are now proposing to establish a Palestinian state and reward these murderers with the ultimate prize.”

Netanyahu referenced the history of Gaza under Palestinian control as a cautionary example. “Well, for 18 years, we had a de facto Palestinian state. It’s called Gaza. And what did we get? Peace? No. We got the most savage slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust.”

He then pointed to recent political statements that, in his view, embolden Hamas. “You won’t be surprised to learn that Hamas thanked President Macron and Prime Ministers Starmer and Carney for demanding that Israel end its war in Gaza immediately,” he said. “Hamas was right to thank them.”

Criticizing these leaders, Netanyahu said, “Because by issuing their demand – replete with a threat of sanctions against Israel, against Israel, not Hamas – these three leaders effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power. They want Israel to stand down and accept that Hamas’s army of mass murderers will survive, rebuild and repeat the October 7th massacre again and again and again because that’s what Hamas has vowed to do.”

Speaking directly to those leaders, he declared, “I say to President Macron, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer: When mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you’re on the wrong side of justice. You’re on the wrong side of humanity and you’re on the wrong side of history.”

Netanyahu argued that these international leaders were not moving the world closer to peace. “These leaders may think that they’re advancing peace. They’re not. They’re emboldening Hamas to continue fighting forever,” he asserted. “And they give them hope to establish a second Palestinian state from which Hamas will again seek to destroy the Jewish state.”

He dismissed the notion of a stable Palestinian state. “And mind you, it’s not going to be a state free of Hamas,” Netanyahu added. “When you establish a Palestinian state, we’ve seen it, the radicals take over. Iran sends them in and they take over. So don’t give us this talk, ‘It’ll be a peaceful Palestinian state’. It won’t be.”

The prime minister then turned his attention to accusations about humanitarian conditions in Gaza. “The hypocrisy doesn’t stop there,” he said. “These and other leaders have bought into Hamas’s propaganda that says Israel is starving Palestinian children.”

He criticized the role of international voices in spreading misinformation. “And not only is Hamas putting out this lie,” he continued. “A few days ago, a top UN official said that 14,000 Palestinian babies would die in 48 hours. You see many international institutions are complicit in spreading this lie.”

Netanyahu blamed the cycle of misinformation for inspiring further violence. “The press repeats it. The mob believed it. And a young couple is then brutally gunned down in Washington,” he concluded.

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu spoke by phone with President Donald Trump, who conveyed “deep sorrow over the shocking murder in Washington of two Israeli Embassy employees: Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, of blessed memory.”

The prime minister expressed his appreciation to President Trump “for the efforts he and his administration are making against displays of antisemitism in the US.”

They also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Trump reaffirming his commitment to “the objectives set by Prime Minister Netanyahu for releasing the hostages, bringing about the elimination of Hamas and advancing the Trump plan.”

The two leaders agreed that one critical priority must remain unchanged: preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Less than a day after two Israeli embassy staff members were slain in a horrific terror attack in Washington, the Algerian government submitted a proposed resolution targeting Israel to the United Nations Security Council. The vote on the measure is expected to take place this coming Wednesday, May 28.

The proposed resolution calls for Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza, demands that all restrictions on the flow of humanitarian aid into the territory be lifted, and insists on the release of prisoners. Notably, the document omits any reference to Hamas or the barbaric assaults carried out against Israel on October 7, 2023.

Reacting strongly to the proposal, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, issued a scathing condemnation: “While the blood of Israeli representatives is not yet dry on the sidewalk in Washington – the Security Council is meeting to condemn Israel. This is a moral disgrace. Instead of condemning terrorism – it has become a tool serving those who carry it out.”

The Trump Administration has taken a dramatic step in its ongoing clash with Harvard University, blocking the school from admitting international students, according to a report from the Associated Press. This latest action stems from Harvard’s alleged unwillingness to confront growing antisemitism on its campus, fueling the intensifying legal standoff between the government and the Ivy League institution.

As a result of this decision, current international students enrolled at Harvard are being forced to either transfer to another academic institution or leave the United States altogether.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a letter to the university outlining the move: “I am writing to inform you that effective immediately, Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification is revoked.”

This follows an earlier move by the Trump Administration, which withdrew $2.2 billion in federal funds from Harvard. Officials explained that the cut was prompted by the university’s failure to adequately respond to antisemitic behavior and alleged racial discrimination occurring on its campus.

In a broader push, President Donald Trump has also called for stripping Harvard of its tax-exempt status, adding to the growing list of punitive measures.

In an effort to fight back, Harvard recently filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the federal funding freeze. The university claims it is temporarily covering the budget shortfall using its $53.2 billion endowment but cautions that this is not a sustainable solution. “Without the federal funding at issue, Harvard would need to operate at a significantly reduced level,” the lawsuit states.

A few weeks earlier, Harvard released two internal assessments examining bias on campus, focusing on incidents involving Jewish, Muslim, and Arab students during last year’s protest activity. The findings revealed that certain students felt silenced or sidelined for expressing their political beliefs.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

In the shadow of heartbreak, a flicker of hope has emerged.

Just days after the horrific attack that claimed the life of Tzeela Gez (z”l), her family has announced the name of the child she never got to hold: Ravid Chaim.

His name carries a world of meaning — and a nation’s prayers.

“Ravid”, a name that Tzeela herself cherished, – a fitting tribute to the soul who gave so much light to the world.
“Chaim”, meaning life, was added as a prayer — a cry from the depths of grief that this baby, born into sorrow, should live, grow, and thrive.

Ravid Chaim never saw his mother’s face, never felt the warmth of her embrace. But through his name, he carries her essence. And through our actions, he will carry her legacy.

Donate Now

The Gez family chose this name. It’s not just a memory, but a mission — a plea to Am Yisrael to continue davening, to continue giving, to continue holding this family close as they rebuild their world from the rubble of tragedy.

Let the name Ravid Chaim echo in our tefillos.
Let it move our hearts to action.
Let it be a symbol of what we stand for — that life is sacred, and no Jewish child should ever walk alone.

We cannot bring Tzeela back.
But we can bring her children security.
We can bring her husband strength.
We can bring light back to a home that was shattered in an instant.

📍 Partner with the Gez family. Help build a future for Ravid Chaim and his siblings.

Because Am Yisrael does not forget.
Am Yisrael does not abandon.
And Tzeela’s light will shine — through Ravid Chaim. Through us.

charidy.com/Gezfamilyfund

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu revealed his selection for the new head of the Israel Security Agency, naming Major General David Zini as the individual chosen to lead the Shin Bet.

Zini brings with him an extensive military background, having held numerous high-level roles within the Israel Defense Forces. His experience includes serving as a commando in the prestigious Sayeret Matkal unit, leading the 51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade, commanding the Egoz reconnaissance unit, overseeing the Alexandroni Brigade, establishing and heading the IDF’s Commando Brigade, running the Education and Training Division, and directing the General Staff Corps.

Prime Minister Netanyahu also notified IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir of his decision to appoint Zini to this critical security post.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump is deeply “saddened and outraged” following the tragic killing of two Israeli Embassy employees, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night, according to a statement made Thursday by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Leavitt shared emotional details about the victims, saying, “Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were a beautiful young couple. In fact, we’ve learned that Yaron was planning to propose to Sarah next week in Jerusalem.”

She relayed the heartbreak expressed by Yaron’s father, Daniel, who recalled how close the couple had been. “They were in love, the Embassy told us they were like a star couple at the Embassy. I never expected something like this, he had his whole life before him,” he said.

Leavitt reflected on the pain in Daniel’s words, remarking, “These words, especially every parent knows, are heartwrenching. The evil of antisemitism must be eradicated from our society.”

She further noted that she had spoken with the Attorney General earlier in the day and affirmed that “the Department of Justice will prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law.”

She closed her remarks with a firm condemnation of hatred and a message of solidarity: “Hatred has no place in the United States of America under President Donald Trump. Everyone at the White House is praying for the victims’ friends and families during this unimaginable time.”

{Matzav.com}

The United States Mint will stop producing pennies next year, phasing out a coin that has been in circulation for over two centuries, the Wall Street Journal reports. The move is part of a long-running, bipartisan campaign to axe the lowest-denomination currency, which is rarely spent and costs the government around $85 million each year to produce. Of the 3 billion pennies produced each year, up to $68 million worth are either lost or thrown away, with the Federal Reserve estimating that around 60 percent of all actively circulating pennies, totaling around $14 billion, sit indefinitely in coin jars and change purses.

The final batch of new pennies was ordered earlier this month, and although Americans will still be able to use the coins for transactions, they will gradually be phased out of circulation. Businesses will be required to round their prices up and down to the nearest five cents in order to adjust to the changes, the Treasury announced in a statement.

President Donald Trump has long been critical of penny production, as was his predecessor, former President Barack Obama. The move marks rare bipartisan agreement between Democrats and Republicans and follows in the footsteps of Canada, which stopped producing pennies in 2012. Read more at The Wall Street Journal.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sat down for an exclusive conversation with Arutz Sheva–Israel National News, sharing reflections on his hectic first weeks in the position. “I have not come up for air since I’ve come off the airplane,” he remarked, highlighting the whirlwind pace of his new role.

Recalling the moment President Donald Trump appointed him to the post, Huckabee described how it came as a surprise. “I didn’t ask him for the job, I never lobbied for it, I never had a conversation with him about it until the day he called me a few days after the election. President Trump doesn’t ask you, he tells you. He called and said: ‘Mike, you’re going to be Ambassador to Israel, you’re going to be great.'”

Responding to speculation that the President is unhappy with how the Israeli leadership is conducting the campaign in Gaza, Huckabee explained that the ongoing conflict is due to Hamas refusing to accept the terms laid out by Trump. “The reason it’s keeps going is that Hamas won’t come to the conclusion that the President laid out for them – you’re not having a future here, you’re not going to govern and rule here, you’re not going to be militarized here. That’s what President Trump made very clear.”

Addressing claims that Trump wants the conflict to end at all costs, Huckabee pushed back. “That defies what he has said repeatedly. The fact that he would like the war to end, so would I, and so would you. There’s no one but Hamas that wants to keep this going. But it can’t end with a Hamas victory.”

He also expressed empathy for families of hostages still held in Gaza. “If someone would abduct my child, I would just want them to come home as quickly as possible. I probably wouldn’t care what it took to get them home.” He stressed that the continued captivity is solely because of Hamas, not the Israeli government. “When I hear people say that the Israelis don’t want this war to end, that isn’t true. Or specifically, that the Prime Minister wants to keep the war going for political purposes – that’s not true.”

Humorously, Huckabee described how much time he’s spent with Prime Minister Netanyahu since arriving in Israel. “I told him the other day that if I spent any more time with him, he’s going to have to put me on his family health insurance plan as a dependant.”

The ambassador characterized the relationship between the U.S. and Israel as one of deep mutual benefit. “It is not a one-way street where Israel benefits greatly from America and America gets nothing in return; America gets a lot in return, and it’s a true partnership.”

Reacting to the recent condemnations of Israel by countries like the UK, Canada, and France, Huckabee voiced strong disapproval. “It’s such an outrage that what should be educated, thoughtful European nations, would come out and blame Israel for what’s happening in Gaza rather than blaming Hamas and putting pressure on them. They’re the ones who won’t come to any significant agreement to get the hostages out.”

He questioned whether Europeans had forgotten the hard truths of their own history. “Do the people in France and the UK not remember their history in World War II? How did the war end? Did it end with Churchill saying ‘You know what, this has gone on too long, let’s just call it a draw?’ They bombed the heck out of Germany. Had it not been for that, maybe the war wouldn’t have ended.”

Continuing, he criticized European efforts to pressure Israel. “I just don’t think the Brits have any business telling Israel how to prosecute a war that they’re fighting not only to avenge the slaughter of their own people, but a war that stops Hamas from staying there because Hamas has vowed even a recently as two weeks ago that if they have the opportunity they will do it again.”

When asked why President Trump skipped visiting Israel during his latest regional trip, Huckabee clarified the reasoning. “His trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE was an economic development trip. It’s not a snub to Israel. He goes to a lot of places, as President, this was his focus. His focus in the States is business development.”

He added that the purpose of the visit was to lay the groundwork for more countries joining the Abraham Accords.

Touching on the “America First” policy, Huckabee explained that it doesn’t imply isolationism. “It doesn’t mean America only. If it did, then he wouldn’t have visited these countries. America first means that our primary objectives are to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. To do that, it doesn’t mean that America is America only, that we live without understanding that we live in a world and that we benefit from trade, tourism, normalization, and recognition of other countries.”

He described President Trump’s foreign policy as one that respects national sovereignty. “One of the biggest things the President did on this trip was that he went to governments that are totalitarian, and told them: ‘We’re not here to try to change your governing style or try to impose our governing style on you.'”

Dismissing fears that the U.S. would pressure Israel into accepting a Palestinian state in exchange for normalization deals, Huckabee said there’s no truth to that notion. “I don’t hear anything on our side even intimating something like that. This is not trying to force Israel to do something, we already have a partnership with Israel. Israel is not just a friend or ally – it is a partner. What is the difference? A partner is more like a marriage. We’re in this for the long haul. We’re never going to get a divorce because neither side can afford to pay the alimony. We are that entrenched with each other.”

He went on to describe the connection between the two nations in spiritual as well as strategic terms. “It’s not just a geopolitical relationship and an economic relationship, it’s a spiritual relationship. We are both living on the same foundation of a Judeo-Christian understanding of Western civilization, we can not escape that.”

On the question of U.S. involvement in creating a Palestinian state, Huckabee was unequivocal. “It’s not our business. Israel is a sovereign nation. It would be like Israel passing a resolution in the Knesset demanding that America give Texas back to the Mexicans.”

Turning to the topic of Iran and its nuclear ambitions, Huckabee reiterated the administration’s red lines. “They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon. They’ve got to agree to total dismantlement and complete loss of capability. They’re not going to have enriched uranium, centrifuges, and reactors. You don’t get any clearer than that. If the Iranians think they can gain Donald Trump, they’ve never dealt with him.”

He also insisted that Israel retains full freedom to act in its own defense. “America is not telling Israel how to defend itself against the existential threat that Iran has posed to them for forty-something years. The Iranians haven’t changed their message, they still chant ‘death to Israel’ and ‘death to America.’ I want Americans to remember that their aspiration doesn’t end at the Mediterranean.”

Asked why the U.S. even negotiates with a regime that wants to destroy it, Huckabee responded that diplomacy is about giving others a chance to show the world they can behave responsibly. “You have to give it a chance. You have to show the world that you have given the Iranians an opportunity to act like civilized people, to show that they want to be real neighbors in the world.”

Addressing concerns that the U.S. would stop pushing for the release of hostages now that Edan Alexander—the last living American captive—has been freed, Huckabee gave reassurance. He stated that Trump “has not given any indication that he is wiping his hands of what’s going on in Gaza with the hostages. He’s also the one who said, let’s get them some humanitarian aid as long as it doesn’t reach the hands of the Hamas monsters.”

He criticized media distortion of Trump’s stance. “He’s been consistent. If people would listen to what the President says, not what some ‘unnamed source’ in the Washington Compost, I think people would relax a lot more.”

{Matzav.com}

IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a message on Thursday directed at the population of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, cautioning them about Hamas operations being carried out in civilian areas of their city.

Adraee’s post included the statement: “This is a warning about Hamas elements hiding among you!” Alongside his warning, he shared an aerial photo highlighting specific sites that the IDF says are being used by Hamas fighters.

He stated that the image illustrates the way Hamas operatives embed themselves in densely populated civilian areas, relying on infrastructure meant for public use while conducting terrorist activities.

The image pointed to four particular locations—a university, a mosque, a hospital, and the Deir al-Balah municipal building—where, according to Israeli military intelligence, high-ranking Hamas leaders are currently stationed, including a commander linked to the Nukhba force.

Adraee emphasized that Hamas is taking advantage of local infrastructure and the resources of ordinary residents to support its terror campaigns. “We call upon you to expel the terrorist elements from among you and to stay away from the Hamas structures that are near you.”

The grieving father of a young woman who was murdered along with her partner outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, revealed that his daughter had devoted herself to fostering Israeli-Palestinian cooperation and expanding humanitarian efforts to Gaza — only to be slain by a man who allegedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” after opening fire.

Robert Milgrim, 73, expressed outrage over what he described as the deeply antisemitic nature of the attack carried out by suspect Elias Rodriguez, calling it especially disturbing given that his daughter, Sarah Milgrim, 26, was committed to easing the plight of Palestinians.

“Last night, she was attending an affair to figure out how to get more aid into Gaza,” Milgrim told The Post. “The night she was killed, she was trying to help the situation – that’s the irony.”

Authorities are now investigating the possibility that Rodriguez authored an anti-Israel diatribe online shortly before carrying out the deadly shooting that claimed the lives of Sarah and her fiancé, 28-year-old Yaron Lischinsky.

According to her father, Sarah was deeply invested in her work at the Israeli embassy and had previously spent several summers in Israel, participating in programs aimed at reconciliation and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians.

Her professional background includes a role in the embassy’s Department of Public Diplomacy, where she coordinated trips and initiatives promoting understanding of Israeli society, as outlined in her LinkedIn profile.

Sarah held two advanced degrees — one in international affairs from American University and another in natural resources and sustainable development from the University for Peace.

Before joining the embassy, she worked at Tech2Peace in Tel Aviv, contributing to research focused on joint peace-building efforts between the two peoples.

“My passion lies at the intersection of peacebuilding, religious engagement, and environmental work,” Milgrim wrote on LinkedIn.

The double homicide has left Sarah’s family devastated, Milgrim said, and the heartbreak was compounded by the discovery that Lischinsky had planned to propose in the coming days.

“We didn’t even know about it. She was leaving on Sunday to Israel to meet his family. They were going together,” Milgrim said.

“She was happier now than she ever was in her life. She was truly in love with Yaron and vice versa,” he added.

Rodriguez, originally from Chicago, is accused of ambushing the couple outside the Capital Jewish Museum just as they were leaving a diplomatic event.

The attack occurred during a period of sharply rising antisemitic incidents, following the brutal Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.

{Matzav.com}

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spotlighted four major contributors to the dramatic rise in chronic illnesses among children in a striking new report issued Thursday — the first major policy move under President Trump’s initiative to address what the administration calls a growing public health emergency affecting nearly 40% of the country’s youth.

According to the report, a combination of harmful food habits, exposure to industrial toxins, insufficient physical activity, and excessive reliance on pharmaceuticals are fueling a surge in long-term health conditions — such as obesity, autism spectrum disorders, cancers, psychological disorders, and allergic reactions. “The health of American children is in crisis,” the commission warned.

Unhealthy Eating Habits

The commission highlighted “ultra processed foods” as a major factor in this widespread health decline. While such foods may have been developed with good intentions, they now dominate the diets of American youth. In fact, 70% of what children in the U.S. consume is made up of these high-calorie, nutrient-deficient items.

The foods in question typically include refined grains, sugars, and industrial fats — ingredients that were not present in traditional diets a century ago. The report notes that these processed products now constitute half of the American diet, in contrast to countries like Portugal, Italy, and France, where they only account for 10% to 31% of daily consumption.

Toxic Exposures

Another contributing factor, the report explains, is the presence of hazardous substances in the environment — with children particularly vulnerable, even beginning from the prenatal stage.

The document points to toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, synthetic compounds found in cleaning agents and beauty products, as well as microplastics. Additionally, the report raises red flags about electromagnetic fields from devices such as smartphones and laptops, citing potential health risks.

Reduced Physical Activity

The shift toward a screen-heavy, indoor lifestyle is also identified as a threat to children’s well-being. Kids today are spending more time sitting and less time moving, which the commission believes is adding to the chronic disease burden.

Instead of engaging in outdoor play, walking or biking to school, or participating in physical games, many children are glued to digital devices. Nearly half of American teens admit to being online nearly all the time, a trend the report links to not just physical health issues but also emotional challenges like sleep disorders, chronic anxiety, and increased isolation.

Excessive Medical Intervention

The report also raises concerns about the number of American children routinely taking prescription medications. Currently, one in five children in the United States is on pharmaceutical drugs, including stimulants for ADHD, antidepressants, antibiotics, and more.

Although the long-term impacts of this widespread medical treatment have not been thoroughly researched, the commission suggests it may play a role in the chronic health issues now seen in today’s youth.

This comprehensive analysis was issued by the Make America Healthy Again Commission, a panel created through a February executive order signed by President Trump to explore root causes of childhood chronic disease and advise on federal health policy.

Kennedy leads the commission, which includes Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, OMB Director Russell Vought, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, among others.

{Matzav.com}

All are asked to daven for Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Philadelphia, zekan roshei yeshivos of the United States, and senior member of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of Agudas Yisroel of America, who was hospitalized overnight.

Boruch Hashem, the rosh yeshiva is in stable condition, but he is in need of a refuah. 

All are asked to daven for Shmuel ben Itta Ettil.

{Matzav.com}

‘Fox & Friends’ co-hosts discuss former President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis and key points from Jake Tapper’s new book on the previous administration’s cover-up of Biden’s decline.

WATCH:

Fox News contributor Dan Hoffman joins ‘America’s Newsroom’ to discuss the latest on the effort to end the war in Ukraine after President Donald Trump’s phone call with Russian President Putin and the possibility of Vatican peace talks.

WATCH:

Agudath Israel of America applauds the inclusion of game-changing federal school choice legislation in the budget reconciliation bill passed this morning. This legislation will help millions of children across the country including those wishing to attend yeshivas and other nonpublic schools.

Following a model already operating successfully in more than twenty states, the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) will provide $5 billion in K-12 scholarships per year. It does this by allowing a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for donors who contribute to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO). These SGOs would then provide scholarships for a range of educational expenses, including private school tuition

“Agudath Israel applauds the US House for including game-changing federal school choice legislation in the reconciliation bill,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel’s National Director of Government Affairs. “We look forward to working with the Senate to ensure that the “biggest and most beautiful” scholarship tax credit proposal possible is included in the final budget reconciliation package.”

For more information about the bill, go to Agudah.org/schoolchoice.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., breaks down his findings about the TSA ‘Quiet Skies’ program on ‘The Will Cain Show,’ after reports alleged DNI Tulsi Gabbard was on the agency’s watch list.

WATCH:

[COMMUNICATED]

The Gold family has suffered the unimaginable. After five years of fighting a brutal battle with cancer, their precious son Refael passed away this past Pesach.

The man accused of murdering two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington, DC, has a background connected to a militant leftist group that has championed Black Lives Matter protests and strongly supports the Palestinian cause.

Authorities say Elias Rodriguez, 31, admitted to opening fire on the victims outside the Capital Jewish Museum late Wednesday. Witnesses reported that he shouted, “Free, free Palestine,” during the deadly attack.

As law enforcement seeks to understand what led to the antisemitic act of violence, more information has surfaced about Rodriguez’s past activism and ideological ties.

Rodriguez previously had involvement with the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), an extreme left-wing organization that frequently shares messages opposing Israel on its social media channels.

Just hours prior to the shooting in the nation’s capital, the group posted, “End the genocide. Israel out of Gaza now,” echoing the kinds of sentiments Rodriguez was allegedly voicing.

Following the incident, PSL acknowledged Rodriguez’s prior connection to the group, while also attempting to distance itself from his actions.

“We reject any attempt to associate the PSL with the DC shooting. Elias Rodriguez is not a member of the PSL,” the group stated in a message posted to X early Thursday morning.

“He had a brief association with one branch of the PSL that ended in 2017. We know of no contact with him in over 7 years. We have nothing to do with this shooting and do not support it.”

In a previously available, now-removed article on PSL’s Liberation News platform, Rodriguez was featured as a participant in a 2017 demonstration organized by Black Lives Matter in front of then-Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s home. The rally marked the anniversary of the police killing of Laquan McDonald, a 17-year-old African American.

At that protest, Rodriguez lashed out at Amazon, blaming the corporation for exacerbating inequality and contributing to racial gentrification in urban centers.

“[Amazon’s] whitening of Seattle is structurally racist and a direct danger to all workers who live in that city,” he was quoted as saying.

“So do we in Chicago and all across the country want a nation of cities dominated and occupied by massive corporations where only the rich and white can live and the vast majority of us must live on the edges of the city and society living in deeper and deeper poverty?”

His professional history, according to LinkedIn, includes a role as an oral history researcher at The HistoryMakers, an organization dedicated to preserving African American narratives.

The nonprofit’s website once listed a biography for Rodriguez, since taken down, stating that he earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“Prior to joining The HistoryMakers in 2023, he worked as a content writer for commercial and noncommercial firms in the technology space, both national and regionally based,” the page read.

“He enjoys reading and writing fiction, live music, film, and exploring new places.”

Rodriguez was in custody Thursday morning, undergoing interrogation by detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department as well as the FBI, while investigators attempted to piece together a clearer profile of his background and motivations.

Eyewitnesses said Rodriguez appeared agitated as he walked back and forth outside the museum shortly before the shots were fired.

Bystanders, not realizing the danger, reportedly offered him water, thinking he was in distress and needed assistance.

According to both witnesses and law enforcement officials, when police confronted him, Rodriguez pulled out a red keffiyeh and began shouting, “Free Palestine,” several times.

Footage captured after the shooting shows Rodriguez — dressed in a suit jacket and slacks — being escorted away in handcuffs.

{Matzav.com}

The House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump’s ambitious tax and spending package by a razor-thin margin early Thursday, with a 215-214-1 vote, narrowly beating Speaker Mike Johnson’s Memorial Day target. Two Republicans, Reps. Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, broke ranks and voted alongside every Democrat. Meanwhile, Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland abstained by voting “present,” effectively enabling the measure to pass.

With House approval secured, the bill now heads to the Senate for its next hurdle.

“The media and the Democrats have consistently dismissed any possibility of House Republicans succeeding in our mission to enact President Trump’s America First agenda,” Johnson declared in a statement following the vote. “Once again, they have been proven wrong.

“Today, the House has passed generational, nation-shaping legislation that reduces spending, permanently lowers taxes for families and job creators, secures the border, unleashes American energy dominance, restores peace through strength, and makes government work more efficiently and effectively for all Americans.

“House Democrats voted against all of it — which clearly proves they want tax hikes on their constituents, open borders, and Medicaid for illegal immigrants.

“We look forward to the Senate’s timely consideration of this once-in-a-generation legislation and stand ready to continue our work together to deliver The One Big Beautiful Bill to the president’s desk.”

Rep. Rick Allen of Georgia added his own praise for the bill and urged quick Senate action.

“House Republicans have met the moment before us with passage of today’s historic legislation,” Allen said in a statement. “Through months of hard work, valuable input from all Members of our conference, and a clear mandate from 77 million Americans — the House has delivered the people’s agenda.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act codifies President Trump’s priorities by providing resources to secure the border, making a generational investment in America’s defense, bolstering domestic energy dominance, avoiding the largest tax hike in history, and protecting our most vulnerable communities.

“My colleagues in the Senate must move expeditiously in passing our bill and sending it to President Trump’s desk. The sooner this legislation is signed into law, the sooner our economy will experience record growth and American families, workers, and businesses will see the relief they have long deserved.”

Among the bill’s major provisions are the extension of Trump’s 2017 tax reforms, new deductions targeting service workers and borrowers, sharp reductions in climate-related subsidies, and an increase in military and immigration enforcement budgets. It also calls for stricter eligibility rules for low-income aid programs, including healthcare and food assistance.

The legislation also lifts the national debt ceiling by $3.8 trillion, setting a new cap of $36.2 trillion, as reported by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

In a dramatic overnight session, Republicans stayed on the House floor into the early hours to ensure the bill’s passage. With President Trump applying pressure behind the scenes and Johnson managing competing demands within the party, the GOP ultimately unified to push the bill through just before dawn.

Facing internal divisions and mounting urgency, many conservatives relented and supported the legislation after Trump personally lobbied them at a White House meeting. Debate began just before midnight, and by morning, the bill had passed by a single vote.

“To put it simply, this bill gets Americans back to winning again,” said Johnson.

The road to passage was marked by a whirlwind of legislative activity, with nonstop committee hearings and backroom negotiations. Republican lawmakers argued that the bill fulfills the mandate given to them by voters and will reignite economic momentum.

Trump personally intervened multiple times, meeting with GOP members in Congress and hosting discussions at the White House. Prior to the vote, his administration issued a blunt warning: “Failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal.”

A centerpiece of the package is the continuation of $4.5 trillion worth of tax cuts from Trump’s 2017 overhaul, now accompanied by several new tax breaks promised during his 2024 campaign, including exemptions for tipped wages, overtime, and auto loan interest.

To offset the resulting revenue losses, Republicans proposed curbing federal benefits such as Medicaid and food assistance by enforcing stricter work requirements. At the same time, the bill rolls back tax credits for clean energy initiatives enacted under President Biden.

The proposal also injects an additional $350 billion in federal spending, with $150 billion directed to military efforts — including Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” defense system — and the remainder earmarked for border enforcement and deportation initiatives.

The CBO projected that these changes would leave approximately 8.6 million people without healthcare and reduce monthly food aid for 3 million others. While the wealthiest Americans would see increased resources under the plan, the poorest households would experience a decline.

In a passionate critique, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries read aloud constituent letters highlighting the potential harm of the cuts. “This is one big ugly bill,” he said.

Lacking the votes to block the bill, Democrats instead launched a series of procedural maneuvers and floor speeches to voice their opposition. One of their first moves was a failed attempt to adjourn debate immediately after it resumed.

“In the dark of night they want to pass this GOP tax scam,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar of California.

Other Democrats denounced it with terms like “big, bad bill” and “big, broken promise.”

Johnson faced a delicate balancing act to secure passage, managing a fractured Republican caucus. Fiscal hawks demanded more dramatic spending reductions, while moderates hesitated over policy changes that might hurt their districts.

A major sticking point involved a concession to Republicans from high-tax states, who won an expansion of the SALT deduction from $10,000 to $40,000 for households earning up to $500,000 — a provision that sparked backlash from fiscal conservatives.

To win over skeptics, GOP leadership unveiled a late-night 42-page amendment containing various changes. These included moving up the timeline for implementing Medicaid work requirements to December 2026 and accelerating the phaseout of renewable energy credits.

They also added unexpected measures, like a $12 billion fund for the Department of Homeland Security to reimburse states that support federal deportation and border operations.

In a symbolic gesture, a proposed children’s savings program originally named “MAGA” accounts was renamed “Trump” accounts in honor of the president.

Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana dismissed Democratic warnings about the bill’s consequences. “We can unlock the ‘Golden Age’ of America,” she said, referencing Trump’s slogan.

By dawn, it appeared that most holdouts had come around. Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina remarked that they “got some improvements.”

Still, two Republicans opposed the measure. Massie, a prominent critic of deficit spending, reiterated his concerns: “This bill is a debt bomb ticking,” he warned.

Rep. Harris chose not to oppose the bill outright but instead voted present, citing the need for more deliberation. A few other Republicans were absent.

A full breakdown of the bill’s financial impact is still underway.

The package includes provisions to raise the standard deduction to $32,000 for married couples, lift the child tax credit to $2,500, and introduce a $4,000 deduction for qualifying seniors to ease the tax burden on Social Security income.

To rein in federal spending, the legislation requires childless, able-bodied adults on Medicaid to engage in at least 80 hours per month of work or approved activities. Similar conditions would apply to those receiving food stamps through SNAP, extending to individuals as old as 64 and some parents of school-aged children.

Republican lawmakers said the changes aim to eliminate inefficiencies and misuse in federal assistance programs.

{Matzav.com}

Nike is preparing to hike prices on a range of its products in response to the upcoming tariffs imposed by President Trump.

The company is planning to raise prices on gear and clothing produced overseas, with different levels of increases depending on the product category. Footwear in the $100 to $150 range will see a $5 increase, while shoes priced above $150 could jump by $10, according to a source who spoke to The Hill.

These price changes are expected to roll out by June 1, roughly four weeks before the full implementation of Trump’s tariff plan.

Although a 90-day grace period was granted for some countries—including Vietnam, where Nike manufactures a significant share of its products—those exemptions are temporary. The tariff rate on imports from Vietnam, which began at 46 percent, has been scaled back to 10 percent for the duration of the pause. Meanwhile, Chinese-made Nike products are being hit with a 30 percent tariff as they enter the U.S. market.

Full enforcement of the tariffs is scheduled to return on July 8, ending the president’s 90-day suspension of duties on several trading partners.

Despite these shifts, Nike is expected to keep prices steady on some of its best-known product lines. A person close to the company’s plans said that prices for the Jordan brand, Air Force 1s, children’s merchandise, and items under $100 will remain unchanged.

“We regularly evaluate our business and make pricing adjustments as part of our seasonal planning,” a Nike representative said in a statement to The Hill.

Nike isn’t the only major company adjusting to the new tariff landscape. Retail giants Walmart and Apple are also expected to raise their prices in response to the changes.

{Matzav.com}