Matzav

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to revise a long-standing regulation on orange juice, a move that industry experts believe will help American citrus farmers without altering the familiar taste of the drink, Fox News reports.

For the first time since 1963, the FDA is recommending lowering the minimum sugar requirement for pasteurized orange juice.

The proposal, unveiled on August 6, would adjust the mandated Brix level — a measure of dissolved solids, primarily natural sugars — from 10.5% to 10%. According to the agency, this matches the natural sugar levels currently found in U.S. oranges and equals about one gram less sugar per 8-ounce serving, reducing from 18 grams to 17 grams.

The effort follows a 2022 petition submitted by the Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual, which noted that Florida oranges averaged a Brix level of 9.7 during the 2022–23 season.

Back in 1963, when the existing rule was adopted, Florida oranges averaged a much higher 11.8 Brix.

In recent years, citrus greening disease and extreme weather have driven Brix levels down, compelling juice makers to mix in sweeter imported juice from Mexico and Brazil to satisfy federal requirements, the FDA explained.

“For years, we’ve been wasting beautiful American oranges simply due to an outdated regulation, while relying on a high volume of imports,” FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said in a statement.

By lowering the threshold, the agency estimates producers could cut reliance on foreign juice and save more than $50 million annually.

The FDA emphasized that growers could continue producing juice with higher Brix levels if their fruit allows.

Uncle Matt’s Organic, a Florida-based company that sells organic juices, lemonades, and teas, said it will not be lowering its Brix.

“Uncle Matt’s Organic orange juice contains no added sugar,” co-founder Susan McLean told Fox News Digital. “The naturally occurring sugar content comes directly from the fruit itself, and our Brix is consistently above 11.8, which is well above the minimum threshold.”

Still, the company endorsed the FDA’s proposed change.

“The update will allow struggling growers to market their fruit more effectively without compromising transparency or food safety,” McLean said.

The adjustment is part of the FDA’s broader review of over 250 Standards of Identity (SOIs) — federally defined rules that specify what foods must contain and, in some cases, how they must be produced in order to bear a particular label.

“The agency is working to ensure its rules are science-based, relevant and responsive to today’s food supply and consumer needs,” the FDA said in its statement.

The proposed rule is open to public feedback until November 4, and the FDA is also asking whether it should consider dropping the Brix level further.

Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus, welcomed the development, saying the organization has long backed an update but does not support doing away with standards altogether.

“We support science-based updates that reflect current growing conditions, while protecting Florida oranges, our growers and the future of Florida orange juice,” Shepp told Fox News Digital.

“These standards are created in a spirit of honesty, so that consumers know exactly what they are getting from properly labeled products.”

Food scientist Bryan Quoc Le, author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered, said the difference in sugar levels will have little effect on orange juice overall.

“There may be very minor changes in flavor profile, fiber content and other components that come along with orange juice, but ultimately this will not be particularly noticeable from either a health or an industry standpoint,” he said.

Dr. Michael Ednie, a Florida physician and registered dietitian, agreed the impact on health would be negligible.

“Orange juice has been criticized for its sugar content because drinking lots of sugary beverages – including fruit juices – can increase risks of health problems, like diabetes and tooth decay,” Ednie told Fox News Digital.

He added that current dietary recommendations already advise consuming fruit juice in moderation.

“So, the main message for public health stays the same: Orange juice is best enjoyed in reasonable amounts as part of a balanced diet.”

{Matzav.com}

The State Department has revoked over 6,000 student visas in 2025 because of overstays, criminal activity, and in some cases, ties to terrorism, Fox News Digital reports.

The Trump administration has rolled out a series of measures designed to tighten immigration enforcement, focusing on foreign students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities.

Students who have taken part in pro-Palestine demonstrations have been under particular review. In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that officials were examining the visa eligibility of those who joined such protests.

According to the State Department, the majority of the 6,000 cancellations stemmed from students overstaying their visas or facing criminal charges, including assault, DUI offenses, burglary, and involvement in terrorist activities.

“Every single student visa revoked under the Trump Administration has happened because the individual has either broken the law or expressed support for terrorism while in the United States,” a senior State Department official told Fox News Digital. “About 4,000 visas alone have been revoked because these visitors broke the law while visiting our country, including records of assault and DUIs.”

Roughly 800 of those affected had their visas canceled following arrests or charges connected to assault, the State Department said.

Between 200 and 300 visas were revoked after investigations found the students had engaged in pro-terrorism activities such as fundraising for Hamas, a group the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization, according to the same official.

Overall, the State Department reported that about 40,000 visas have been rescinded in 2025 so far, compared to 16,000 revoked during the same period under the Biden administration.

“Even if the previous administration was doing less, they were still revoking visas,” the official said. “It’s not something that just started on January 20 … So this has happened for years.”

In testimony before lawmakers in May, Rubio estimated that “thousands” of student visas had been revoked since the beginning of the year.

“I don’t know the latest count, but we probably have more to do,” Rubio told senators on the appropriations subcommittee for foreign affairs on May 20. “We’re going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities.”

Democrats, however, have criticized the administration’s approach, arguing that it violates constitutional protections.

“I do think it’s a fundamental attack on freedom, because due process is the guardian of the gate to keep a government from taking away people’s life or liberty, and liberty is what happens when you take away a visa without due process,” Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., told Rubio on May 20.

Student visas allow foreign nationals to study at U.S. schools for a fixed period, but they differ from green cards, which permit long-term residency for noncitizens.

The student visa enforcement push follows executive actions signed by President Donald Trump in January, which were aimed at protecting the United States from terrorism and other security threats, as well as confronting antisemitism.

One of those orders instructed agencies including the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the attorney general, and the director of national intelligence to “vet and screen to the maximum degree possible all aliens who intend to be admitted, enter, or are already inside the United States, particularly those aliens coming from regions or nations with identified security risks.”

Another order required federal agencies to employ “all available and appropriate legal tools, to prosecute, remove, or otherwise hold to account the perpetrators of unlawful anti-Semitic harassment and violence.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump took aim at The Wall Street Journal on Monday after its editorial board issued a strong caution against taking Russian President Vladimir Putin’s word at face value concerning Ukraine.

The comments followed Trump’s meeting with Putin on Friday in Alaska. During their talks, Putin reportedly offered a deal: he would halt his campaign against Ukraine and refrain from expanding aggression elsewhere if Russia were allowed to keep control of the eastern Donetsk region.

On Sunday, the Journal’s editorial board dismissed that pledge outright, warning that Putin’s “promises are worse than worthless.”

In response, Trump blasted the paper on Truth Social, writing, “I’ve settled 6 Wars in 6 months, one of them a possible Nuclear disaster, and yet I have to read & listen to the Wall Street Journal, and many other who truly don’t have a clue, tell me everything that I am doing wrong on the Russia/Ukraine MESS, that is Sleepy Joe Biden’s war, not mine.”

He continued, “I’m only here to stop it, not to prosecute it any further. It would have NEVER happened if I was President. I know exactly what I’m doing, and I don’t need the advice of people who have been working on all of these conflicts for years, and were never able to do a thing to stop them.”

Trump went further, declaring, “They are ‘STUPID’ people, with no common sense, intelligence, or understanding, and they only make the current R/U disaster more difficult to FIX. Despite all of my lightweight and very jealous critics, I’ll get it done — I always do!!! President DJT.”

{Matzav.com}

The D.C. Police Union released updated data on Monday indicating that crime in the capital has fallen 8% since President Donald Trump announced the federal government would assume control of the city’s police department last week.

Representing about 3,000 officers in the Metropolitan Police Department, the union reported that carjackings plunged by 83% after the transition, while robberies dropped by 46%.

In the week following the arrival of federal law enforcement in the District, violent crime was down 22%, car theft decreased 21%, and both assaults with deadly weapons and property crimes saw a 6% decline.

“While federal assistance gives us a boost, we must repeal the misguided Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Act in order to make these changes permanent,” the union posted on X Monday morning.

The D.C. City Council passed the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022 in December of that year. When the measure went to Congress in January 2023 for review, both chambers rejected it. Then-President Joe Biden vetoed their action, allowing the law to go into effect in April 2023.

The law introduced new limits on use-of-force practices, adjusted the rules for officer employment and termination, and expanded the public’s ability to access police disciplinary records.

According to USA Today, the following year 21 members of the D.C. police were removed from the force under the terms of the 2022 act. Twelve of those dismissals were directly tied to the bill, while the contracts of the remaining nine officers were not renewed “for a variety of reasons.”

“This bill, which is inarguably the worst piece of public safety legislation the DC Council has ever passed, continues to wreak havoc on the police department,” the union declared at the time.

“The bill prohibits the hiring of sworn personnel if they have ever received sustained discipline from any law enforcement agency … meaning that these officers, who have spent their careers serving and protecting this city, are ineligible to be retained by the MPD due to prior administrative personnel matters, some of which are over 20 years old,” the union added.

{Matzav.com}

Pakistani textbooks are full of antisemitic content and recurring hostility towards both Jews and Israel, according to a study released on Monday.

The analysis of more than 80 government-approved textbooks on an array of subjects by the London-based research institute IMPACT-se found repeated instances of hostility toward Jews, with antisemitic tropes embedded in Islamic Education content and Judaism entirely absent from comparative religion sections.

Rehashing centuries-old antisemitic tropes, “the Jews” as they are often collectively described in the textbooks, are consistently accused of treachery and disloyalty as “usual” traits, the study found.

Judaism is entirely absent from comparative religion sections, which cover Hinduism, Christianity, Confucianism and Taoism.

Where Jews are mentioned in the Pakistani school curriculum, it is typically in a hostile context. A Grade 6 textbook for example claims Jewish tribes in Medina repeatedly conspired against the Prophet Mohammed, while a Grade 5 textbook uses the trope that Jews “caused Prophet Isa and his mother to suffer,” accusing them of plotting against Jesus out of fear of losing authority.

“These narratives frame Judaism as inherently treacherous and promote intolerance,” the report states. Israel is depicted as a hostile enemy, solely responsible for the current war in Gaza, the study found, while textbooks promote support for Muslim nations in conflict with Israel.

The Holocaust is omitted entirely, while a Civics textbook praises Hitler for restoring German pride while making no mention of Nazi atrocities, the report said.

“Given Pakistan’s prominent regional role, its nuclear status, and large percentage of young people, this curriculum has far-reaching consequences,” said Marcus Sheff, IMPACT-se CEO. “What is taught in classrooms today will define Pakistan’s future global outlook, including its relationship with Israel and the Jewish people.”

Pakistan has no diplomatic relations with the Jewish state.

“An educational system that presents such a narrow and one-sided view poses serious risks for young minds and future generations,” Pakistani journalist and documentary film director Sabin Agha told JNS on Monday. “It can limit critical thinking, reinforce prejudice and prevent young minds from understanding diverse perspectives and historial realities.”

Earlier this year, a delegation of 10 Pakistani journalists and educators made a rare visit to Israel, defying a travel ban imposed by the South Asian Muslim country. JNS

{Matzav.com}

Reports from Arab news outlets, quoting Hamas insiders, indicated that the terror group has accepted the latest plan put forward by Egypt and Qatar in ongoing negotiations.

Hamas’s answer came soon after President Donald Trump declared that the only path to resolution lies in confronting Hamas directly. He stated, “We will see the return of the remaining hostages only when Hamas is confronted and destroyed—the sooner this happens, the greater the chances of success.”

Prior to this, Al-Arabiya revealed that the majority of Palestinian Arab factions were already on board with the initiative, while Hamas initially asked for more time to deliberate internally. The plan outlines a step-by-step release of hostages and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, reflecting modifications to Hamas’s earlier stance.

According to Al-Hadath, Egyptian mediators pressed Hamas and other Palestinian Arab groups to remain in Cairo until a final arrangement is reached. The framework merges partial and full-scale solutions, with the United States providing assurances.

The details of the proposal reportedly include freeing ten Israeli hostages alive and returning the remains of eighteen others, allowing humanitarian relief into Gaza through global organizations such as the Red Crescent and the United Nations, and implementing a 60-day truce. Once the truce is underway, discussions on a broader cessation of hostilities are scheduled to take place.

At the same time, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty addressed reporters at the Rafah crossing, standing alongside Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa. He said, “Egypt will continue to support the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. We send a message of solidarity to the Palestinian people from the Rafah crossing. Egypt’s position on the Palestinian issue remains firm.”

The minister further stressed that Egypt rejects talk of a so-called “Greater Israel,” and he pointed out that 70% of the humanitarian shipments reaching Gaza so far originated in Egypt. He pledged that Cairo will persist in its efforts to mediate a ceasefire.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Australia has denied entry to Israeli parliamentarian Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionism) ahead of a planned solidarity visit with the country’s Jewish community, which faces escalating antisemitic attacks, the Australian Jewish Association announced on Monday.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke justified the move by claiming Rothman was coming “to spread a message of hate and division,” Australia’s ABC News reported. However, the AJA confirmed on Monday that one of the written reasons provided by the government for the ban was that Rothman’s statements calling for “the elimination of Hamas … have been received by members of the Australian community as inflammatory and concerning.”

Australia has listed Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist organization for financial sanctions since 2001.

In addition to the visa cancellation, Rothman received a three-year ban from traveling to Australia. It is reportedly the first major action taken by Canberra since last week’s announcement that Australia intends to recognize a Palestinian state at next month’s United Nations meeting.

“This decision by the Australian government is essentially caving to terror. There is no other way to see it. The messages they accused me of spreading are simply that Hamas is bad and Israel is good—positions that enjoy broad consensus in Israel and in any freedom-loving country,” Rothman told JNS on Monday.

Rothman argued that views such as condemning Hamas, urging the world to side with Israel, holding Hamas responsible for Palestinian suffering and warning that a Palestinian state threatens Israel’s survival are not just his personal positions but reflect a resolution supported by two-thirds of the Knesset. He maintained that Australia’s decision was, therefore, directed not at him individually but at the State of Israel.

“Australia is afraid of Islamic terrorists threatening its government. That is the real reason for banning my entry. And I am not alone—eventually, Australia will learn that appeasing terror never works. It always leads to more terror. Israel learned this at a heavy price on Oct. 7,” said Rothman, referring to the Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Rothman said he was ready to appeal the decision if asked, but would follow the lead of Australia’s Jewish community on the matter.

Israeli Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli harshly criticized the decision in an X post, calling it “an extension of the Albanese government’s disgraceful choice to honor the rapists and murderers of Hamas.” The ban “reflects a broken moral compass, discrimination and a grave assault on free speech,” he added.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the leader of the Religious Zionism Party, in a message addressed to Rothman on X wrote: “In the face of all the antisemites in the world, the people of Israel stand behind you and support you.” He urged Rothman to continue “proudly voicing Israel’s stance,” adding: “We won’t stop until complete victory.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced retaliatory measures, including revoking the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority, and instructing Israel’s embassy in Canberra to closely scrutinize any future visa requests.

“While antisemitism is raging in Australia, including manifestations of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions, the Australian government is choosing to fuel it by false accusations, as if the visit of Israeli figures will disrupt public order and harm Australia’s Muslim population. It is shameful and unacceptable!” Sa’ar wrote on X.

AJA CEO Robert Gregory called the last-minute visa cancellation “a viciously antisemitic move from a government that is obsessed with targeting the Jewish community and Israel.”

In a statement posted to X, Gregory said that Rothman, chair of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, had been scheduled to meet with victims of antisemitism, visit Jewish institutions and address Jewish schools and synagogues.

“I have just returned from Israel and can attest that there is growing alarm there about the situation for Jews in Australia under the Albanese government,” Gregory wrote, emphasizing that Rothman’s trip was in no way connected to current events in the Middle East.

The cancellation was “spiteful and intended to cause maximum harm to the Australian Jewish community,” Gregory asserted, saying that the paperwork was filled out correctly and on time and the visa was approved, only to then be canceled on the day that Rothman was to have headed to the airport.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been highly critical of the anti-Israel policies put forth by the left-wing Labor government led by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, linking them to recent antisemitic incidents.

The Australian government in June canceled the visa of Hillel Fuld, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and prominent pro-Israel social media personality. In November last year, Canberra declined to grant an entry visa to former Israeli justice minister Ayelet Shaked, who had planned to travel there to attend a pro-Israel event.

Australia joined four other countries in June imposing sanctions on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for allegedly “inciting violence” against Palestinians in Judea and Samaria.

“The message from the Albanese government to Jews is clear and we urge all Jews to seriously consider whether it is safe for them to visit Australia under this government,” Gregory wrote.

“AJA is hearing from increasing numbers of Australian Jews who feel unwelcome under this government and are planning to leave. It seems the government is happy to replace them by importing thousands of Gazans,” he continued.

While Rothman was banned for three years, the Australian government, in the months leading up to January 2025, granted nearly 1,000 three-year humanitarian visas—mostly to Palestinian nationals (though some were also offered to Israelis)—fleeing the Israel-Hamas conflict. Many recipients were already in Australia on visitor visas, thereby gaining the right to work, study and access social benefits.

“Israel is fully justified in taking strong measures in response to this and we have briefed contacts in the Trump Administration, who are also concerned about events in Australia,” Gregory concluded. JNS

{Matzav.com}

it is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the tragic passing of Mrs. Miriam Gewirtzman a”h.

Mrs. Gewirtzman, née Stern, was the devoted wife of Reb Mayer Gewirtzman of Flatbush.

Together with Reb Mayer, she built a home filled with Torah, chesed, and ahas Hashem.

Her family, friends, and all who knew her will remember her as one of the sweetest and most selfless people, whose sincerity and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who was known for her warmth, kindness, and genuine care for all those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Reb Mayer, along with their wonderful family of children and grandchildren.

The levayah will take place at Shomrei Hadas Chapels in Boro Park.

Yehi zichrah boruch. 

{Matzav.com}

President Trump announced Monday that he intends to issue an executive order aimed at what he described as restoring “HONESTY” to the 2026 midterm elections by eliminating both mail-in ballots and electronic vote-counting machines.

“I am going to lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS, and also, while we’re at it, Highly ‘Inaccurate,’ Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial VOTING MACHINES,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Although Trump denounced voting machines as “highly inaccurate,” he presented no proof to support that charge. In reality, most Americans submit paper ballots that are later scanned by machines, with several layers of verification to safeguard results.

“WE WILL BEGIN THIS EFFORT, WHICH WILL BE STRONGLY OPPOSED BY THE DEMOCRATS BECAUSE THEY CHEAT AT LEVELS NEVER SEEN BEFORE, by signing an EXECUTIVE ORDER to help bring HONESTY to the 2026 Midterm Elections,” the president wrote.

Trump gave no timeline for when the order might be signed, nor did he explain what specific measures it would contain.

In the United States, election oversight primarily falls to individual states and municipalities, though federal law sets certain standards.

Statutes such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 shape how elections are conducted nationwide. Federal agencies also play roles: the FEC supervises federal campaign activity, the Election Assistance Commission provides resources to state officials, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency defends election systems from interference.

By contrast, in March 2021, President Joe Biden used his own executive order to press federal agencies to increase voter registration efforts, a decision that drew harsh criticism from Republicans.

Earlier this year, Trump attempted to restrict states from counting ballots that were mailed by Election Day but arrived afterward. That executive order was struck down by a judge in June, who ruled the president lacked the authority to impose such limits.

Still, Trump maintains that he has the power to dictate how votes are tallied across the nation.

“Remember, the States are merely an ‘agent’ for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes. They must do what the Federal Government, as represented by the President of the United States, tells them, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY, to do,” he asserted.

Observers noted that Trump’s renewed push for election changes seemed to stem from his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

“You know, Vladimir Putin said something, one of the most interesting things,” Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity after the summit.

“He said, ‘Your election [in 2020] was rigged because you have mail-in voting.’ He said, ‘Mail-in voting, every election.’ He said, ‘No country has mail-in voting. It’s impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections.’”

According to Trump, Putin also suggested that the war in Ukraine might have been avoided had Trump secured reelection in 2020.

“ELECTIONS CAN NEVER BE HONEST WITH MAIL IN BALLOTS/VOTING, and everybody, IN PARTICULAR THE DEMOCRATS, KNOWS THIS,” Trump declared. “I, AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, WILL FIGHT LIKE HELL TO BRING HONESTY AND INTEGRITY BACK TO OUR ELECTIONS.”

{Matzav.com}

Seven months after the devastating terror attack near the Samarian village of Al-Funduq, in which three Israelis were murdered, including police investigator Elad Winkelstein, his widow Tal has given birth to a son. The child, born on Tu B’Av, has been named Gilad Menachem in memory of his father.

The shooting attack, which occurred about half a year ago, claimed the lives of Rachel Cohen, Aliza Raiz, and Elad Winkelstein, who was gunned down in front of his 10-year-old son sitting beside him in the car. At the time of the tragedy, Tal was in the early stages of pregnancy. Now, she has welcomed the baby boy into the world, offering her family a ray of hope and comfort in the shadow of immense loss.

Tal shared that the day of the attack coincided with her entering the tenth week of pregnancy. “I was sure the pregnancy wouldn’t survive because of the difficulty of going through such a long period alone,” she recalled. “But with time, I understood that this was a mission placed before me. I know it will be hard, and there will be challenges and complications, but this child will bring light and joy into our home. That’s what children give us.”

For the grieving family, the birth has become a profound symbol of consolation and continuity. “I called him Gilad Menachem. He was born on Tu B’Av, in the month of Menachem Av. I gave him that name because ‘Gilad’ recalls the name Elad, and also serves as a memorial. And ‘Menachem’ because there is comfort in this month,” Tal explained.

Elad left behind two other sons: Omer, a toddler, and Neveh, age 10, from a previous marriage. It was Neveh who tragically witnessed his father’s murder during the attack.

Tal described the difficulties of raising children without a father’s presence. “There’s a fear in raising children alone — on the practical level, you need to depend on others and ask for help. And of course, emotionally, for a child growing up without a father — and a father like Elad — that absence is strongly felt. He was a unique father. Elad knew the most important thing was the home, and even when he was offered promotions in the police, he always thought about family life and raising the children. When he was with them, he wasn’t just supervising; he was building memories with them.”

Despite the grief and hardship, Tal emphasized her inner strength and faith. “I would say my personal story connects to this entire period, and that we were chosen, because we are part of something bigger. I hope and believe this brings us closer to the days of complete redemption. I hope I can raise my children in the healthiest way possible.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump released a sharp statement about the hostages still in Gaza, stressing that their freedom depends on defeating Hamas.

“We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!!” President Trump declared on social media. “The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be.”

He reminded his audience that he has dealt with this issue before, both in America and Israel.

“Remember, I was the one who negotiated and got hundreds of hostages freed and released into Israel (and America!),” he said.

Trump also pointed to his broader foreign policy track record.

“I was the one who ended 6 wars, in just 6 months. I was the one who obliterated Iran’s Nuclear facilities,” he wrote.

He closed his remarks with a blunt message.

“Play to win, or don’t play at all!”

Trump’s comments came shortly after reports that Hamas had been presented with a new truce arrangement for Gaza and was expected to issue a reply soon.

According to Al-Hadath, the plan includes the return of ten Israeli hostages alive, along with 18 bodies, the transfer of humanitarian supplies through international groups such as the Red Crescent and the United Nations, and a pause in fighting for 60 days. Negotiations to secure an end to the war would begin at the start of that pause.

Asharq News added that sources close to Hamas suggested the group may accept the terms, though Arab news outlets did not mention whether the deal involved any Israeli troop pullback.

{Matzav.com}

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has had to move out of her private residence for the time being because of heightened threats against her and targeted “vicious doxxing,” according to a statement from her department provided to Fox News Digital.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin explained, “Following the media’s publishing of the location of Secretary Noem’s Washington D.C. apartment, she has faced vicious doxxing on the dark web and a surge in death threats, including from the terrorist organizations, cartels, and criminal gangs that DHS targets. Due to threats and security concerns, she has been forced to temporarily stay in secure military housing. Secretary Noem continues to pay rent for her Navy Yard residence.

“It’s a shame that the media chooses sensationalism over the safety of people enforcing America’s laws to keep Americans safe,” McLaughlin added.

Just last week, Noem pointed out that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are being attacked at record levels. She said that ICE agents “are now facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them as they risk their lives to arrest the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.”

In a post shared on X, she also declared, “We will not and have not let this violence stop us or slow us down. Everyday our law enforcement continues to enforce the law and arrest the most depraved criminals including pedophiles, terrorists, murderers, gang members, and … predators.”

Earlier reporting in July revealed that ICE saw an 830% rise in physical assaults between January 21, 2025, and July 14, 2025, when compared with the same period in the previous year. That surge coincided with the period beginning the day after President Donald Trump resumed office.

{Matzav.com}

Dear Matzav Inbox, As the summer winds down and the crisp air of Elul fills our hearts with anticipation, a new school year begins. The halls of our yeshivos and Bais Yaakovs will once again echo with the sweet sounds of Torah and tefillah, as children of all ages embark on another journey of growth, learning, and connection to Hashem. But before we dive into the rhythm of carpools, homework, and lunchboxes, let us pause for a moment to recognize and express our deepest hakaras hatov to the unsung heroes of our communities: the rabbeim and morahs. These tireless mechanchim and mechanchos are not merely educators—they are builders. Builders of neshamahs, shapers of futures, and catalysts for greatness. They dedicate their days, nights, and hearts to ignite within our children a passion for Yiddishkeit, a love for Torah, and a commitment to middos tovos. And their dedication begins long before the first bell rings. While others enjoy the slower pace of summer, our rabbeim and morahs are hard at work behind the scenes, preparing for the year ahead. They spend countless hours planning engaging lessons, organizing classrooms, designing activities, and thinking deeply about every child they will teach. Each bulletin board, seating chart, and curriculum choice is created with care, ensuring that their talmidim and talmidos will feel inspired, supported, and ready to grow. Every parsha they teach, every gemara they clarify, every aleph they patiently review is infused with a sense of mission—to ensure that the mesorah of Klal Yisroel burns brightly in the next generation. And it is not only the Torah they teach but the warmth and care they pour into each child. Who among us hasn’t seen the glow in a child’s eyes as they recount a story from class, or the pride as they master a new concept? Rabbeim, morahs, you are the pillars of our communities. You are the ones who plant seeds of Torah in tender hearts, who nurture them with love and dedication, and who guide young neshamahs to grow into true bnei and bnos Torah. Whether it’s a warm smile in the morning, a gentle word of encouragement, or the wisdom to see the unique potential in every child, your avodah is nothing short of holy. As parents, as grandparents, as members of Klal Yisroel, we owe you so much. Your effort during the summer months, your tireless planning, and your commitment to excellence do not go unnoticed. As the school year begins, let us daven for your continued success, strength, and siyata dishmaya. Let us support you in every way we can, recognizing that the precious children you teach today are the builders of tomorrow. May this year be one of brachah and hatzlachah for all our rabbeim, morahs, and the precious talmidim and talmidos they inspire. May the Torah learned in their classrooms bring nachas to the Ribono Shel Olam and bring us closer to the geulah sheleimah, bimheirah beyameinu. L’kavod rabbeim, morahs, and the future of Klal Yisroel—thank you. Thank you for everything. Binyomin Waldman

 

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{Matzav.com}

With just days before the start of Elul, the Israeli Ministry of Transportation convened a meeting on Sunday to prepare for the tens of thousands of Israelis planning to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah.

The session, chaired by Transportation Minister Miri Regev, included the ministry’s director general Moshe Ben Zaken, Foreign Ministry director general Eden Bar Tal, Deputy Knesset Speaker MK Eliyahu Revivo, representatives of the Breslover community, travel agents, and other professional officials. The discussions focused primarily on ensuring smooth passage through Moldova, which serves as a central gateway for pilgrims traveling to Uman.

Minister Regev emphasized her ministry’s commitment to coordinate with all relevant authorities to secure proper arrangements with Moldovan officials and other international partners.

MK Revivo, who himself travels annually to Uman, voiced strong concern: “One of the main weak points is the Kishinev crossing. As long as there is no clear and prior agreement with the Moldovan authorities, we may face a serious problem. It is crucial that we show the travelers that the State of Israel is standing behind them and ensuring their journey is safe and dignified.”

In recent weeks, Breslover communities have grown increasingly anxious after reports that Moldova has not yet granted landing approvals for Israeli charter flights to Kishinev Airport, the main route for the thousands of chassidim seeking to reach Uman.

Rav Yaakov Jan, chief rabbi of Uman, sent an official letter to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Minister Regev, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, urging immediate intervention with the Moldovan government. He warned that the delays are creating immense logistical difficulties and could endanger the ability of travelers to reach the tziyun of Rav Nachman of Breslov, especially given the ongoing security situation in Ukraine and the lack of convenient alternative flight routes.

At the same time, Breslover rabbonim in Israel and abroad have declared special days of tefillah for the success of the diplomatic efforts. These gatherings will include recitations of Tehillim, Tikkun Haklali, and public tefillos in the chassidus’s central batei knesses, with the hope that a resolution will be reached soon to allow tens of thousands of travelers to arrive safely and without difficulty.

{Matzav.com Israel}

This past Shabbos, Rav Berel Povarsky, rosh yeshiva of Ponovezh, spoke about the atzeres tefillah that was held Thursday night outside Israel’s Prison’s 10, where he joined with other roshei yeshiva from across the spectrum to daven for the plight of yeshiva students under threat of arrest.

During seudas shlishis at his home, the rosh yeshiva reflected on his participation in the gathering. “We were there on Thursday night, davening outside the military prison,” he said. “Do you think it will affect anyone? The judges? The ministers? Most likely they didn’t even hear about it, and even if they did, it certainly wouldn’t make any impression on them.

“So why did I go?” Rav Povarsky continued. “The answer is simple: to show Hakadosh Baruch Hu that I care about the situation, where the government in Eretz Yisroel is arresting bochurim who want to learn Torah.”

The rosh yeshiva then continued. “Every day we say: ‘V’sein b’libeinu l’havin u’lehaskil, lishmoa, lilmod u’leilameid, lishmor v’la’asos u’lekayeim es kol divrei salmud Torasecha b’ahavah.’ I have a question: what does lishmor—to ‘guard’—mean? To understand and to comprehend, that makes sense. To learn and to teach, that too is understandable. But what does it mean to ‘guard’ the Torah? If it’s referring to observing the mitzvos, we already continue and say la’asos u’lekayeim. So what are we asking for when we daven that Hashem should give us understanding to ‘guard’ the Torah?

Explaining further, Rav Povarsky said: “When we received the Torah, we promised Hashem to guard it. But how do we guard the Torah itself? With sword and spear? No. Only with the power of tefillah, so that Torah and mitzvah observance will be preserved from generation to generation. That is our mission now. Every Jew is obligated to guard the Torah, and this shemirah obligates us to daven to Hashem that yeshiva bochurim in Eretz Yisroel will be able to continue learning Hashem’s Torah.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

All are asked to daven for the refuah sheleimah of Rav Yonason David, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Pachad Yitzchok in Har Nof, Yerushalayim, who has undergone a cardiac-related procedure.

Rav Yonason is  one of the senior roshei yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel and is renowned as one of the great baalei machshavah of our time.

His wife, Rebbetzin Bruria David a”h, was a daughter of Rav Yitzchok Hutner, the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin.

All are asked to daven for Yonason Dovid ben Devorah Rochel.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Rav Shmuel Eliyahu, Chief Rabbi of Tzfas and a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, sharply criticized Sunday’s general strike, warning that it will not bring the hostages in Gaza closer to freedom but will only push their release further away.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Moreshet, Rav Eliyahu expressed empathy for the families’ suffering but insisted that the strike undermines Israel’s position. “There is no doubt that the last thing that will help bring about their release is today’s strike. The strike today only distances their release,” he said.

He explained that demonstrations and strikes provide Hamas with a sense of public and political pressure inside Israel, which in turn emboldens the terror group to harden its demands. “They are full of conditions and demands. They want to reach the line of Be’eri, Nir Oz, and Kfar Aza without one meter of Israeli control. They are demanding billions for rebuilding Gaza, and guarantees from the UN Security Council that we won’t attack them. What is that if not national suicide?”

Rav Eliyahu stressed that while his heart is with the families, the state must take a broader view. “It is difficult to stand before the families. Our hearts are with them; we truly love them and feel their pain. But the country needs to understand: the strike does not bring the release closer. It drives it further away. The more public pressure grows, the higher Hamas raises the price, making their demands impossible.”

He also noted that the Torah itself sets clear limits that cannot be crossed. “It is forbidden to release murderers. The Torah says: ‘Lo sikchu kofer lenefesh rotzeach’—you shall not take ransom for the life of a murderer. Every time terrorists were released in the past, we paid for it with blood many times over. Anyone who thinks that mass releases are a solution is ignoring the responsibility for the lives of other citizens who will be harmed in the future.”

Addressing Israel’s military strategy, Rav Eliyahu called for a decisive conclusion to the war. “The Torah says: do not fight a half-war. Fight until full victory, until the end. Anyone who thinks he is helping the hostages by striking is, in truth, harming them.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Forty-seven Israeli tourists remain stuck abroad after the hotel they were staying in discarded their passports in the garbage.

The bizarre incident occurred in Bosnia, where the group was preparing to return to Israel. As they looked for their passports ahead of their flight, they were shocked to discover that the documents had been thrown away by hotel staff, according to a report by Ynet.

The travelers were scheduled to return home last night but were unable to fly without their passports and were forced to remain at the hotel.

Security footage reportedly revealed that the passports had been mistakenly tossed into a trash bin at the hotel reception. From there, they were collected by garbage trucks and taken to a landfill. “They forced us to stay in the hotel for another 48 hours, maybe longer,” the tourists said. “We’re afraid we might be stuck here for more than a week.”

One Israeli tourist told Ynet: “This was no innocent mistake. How can passports just be thrown out? And everyone is staying silent. The suspicion is that the passports were discarded because they had the emblem of Israel on them. There must be a clear explanation, because this is a serious act that harms people.”

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that “the incident is known and is being handled by the Department for Israelis in Distress Abroad and the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade.” The hotel has not issued a response.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Against the backdrop of growing reports of tension between Jordan and Israel, Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II announced on Sunday the revival of Jordan’s national military service program, which will reinstate mandatory conscription for the first time in 34 years.

Speaking at a gathering with young people in Irbid, in northern Jordan, the Crown Prince declared that the new framework would reintroduce compulsory service, according to the Jordanian news agency Arab News.

Prince Hussein emphasized that the younger generation must be prepared to serve and defend their homeland. “Those who have already experienced military service know its importance—not only from a security standpoint, but also in shaping one’s character and instilling discipline. Military service will strengthen national identity and deepen young people’s connection to their homeland,” he said.

The Crown Prince noted that he had previously instructed the government to work with its partners in developing the program and said that its implementation would follow a clear timetable, to be published soon.

Mandatory conscription in Jordan was abolished in 1991. At the time, men aged 18 to 40 were required to serve two years in the army. Since then, Jordan has relied heavily on U.S. military aid and a defense agreement with Washington, under which thousands of American soldiers are stationed in the kingdom.

This dramatic move comes amid increasing unease in Amman, where both official statements and recent policy steps have signaled concern over the shifting dynamics along Jordan’s border with Israel.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has the ability to bring the conflict with Russia to an end “almost immediately” if he chooses.

The statement was issued just before Trump’s scheduled talks with Zelenskyy and a group of European heads of state in Washington, D.C. on Monday.

“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”

On Sunday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb all confirmed their participation in the Washington meeting.

Their attendance reflects Europe’s determination to show unity as the war with Russia continues with no end in sight.

Ahead of the White House session, Zelenskyy met with von der Leyen in Brussels, where they set priorities for the talks, including long-term Western military support, Ukraine’s efforts to join the EU, and maintaining transatlantic resolve against Moscow’s aggression.

At a joint press briefing, von der Leyen said she was pleased to be joining Zelenskyy and other leaders in Washington on Monday.

Trump, in turn, described hosting the gathering as a “great honor.”

“Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!!” he said in another Truth Social post.

He also pushed back against media narratives about his meeting with Vladimir Putin. “The Fake News has been saying for 3 days that I suffered a ‘major defeat’ by allowing President Vladimir Putin of Russia to have a major Summit in the United States,” Trump said in another post. “Actually, he would have loved doing the meeting anywhere else but the U.S., and the Fake News knows this. It was a major point of contention! If we had the Summit elsewhere, the Democrat run and controlled media would have said what a terrible thing THAT was.

“These people are sick! They even want CRIME IN D.C., and other BLUE Cities throughout our Country, but don’t worry, I won’t let that happen,” Trump continued. “Just like our now secure Southern Border (ZERO illegals in last 3 months!), our cities will be Secure and Safe, and D.C. will lead the way!”

The upcoming White House discussions with Zelenskyy follow Trump’s high-profile summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage on Friday. During that encounter, Trump abandoned his earlier demand for a ceasefire and instead pushed for a comprehensive peace arrangement.

After that meeting, Trump stated that Putin was prepared to bring the fighting to a halt if Kyiv agreed to major territorial concessions. He stressed that Ukraine should consider the proposal since “Russia is a very big power, and they’re not.”

Zelenskyy, along with his European allies, has consistently refused any plan that would involve ceding Ukrainian land to Russia.

{Matzav.com}