Matzav

The Satmar Rebbe addressed the ongoing war with Iran during Seudah Shlishis, speaking emotionally about the situation and cautioning against rejoicing over the military successes of what he referred to as the “Zionist Eigel.” The Rebbe said that even feeling happiness in one’s heart over such successes requires kapparah.

During his remarks, the Rebbe explained that he sees three different levels of people who become entangled, in his view, in the sin of the “Zionist Eigel” during the current war.

He began by recalling a memory from his childhood connected to the parsha of Ki Sisa, involving his uncle, the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum.

“I was then a child and I visited his home on Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Ki Sisa. He tested me on what I had learned in cheder, and tested me on Chumash Rashi from the weekly portion, Parshas Ki Sisa. I told him that we learned everything that is written about the sin of the golden calf, that the Jewish people worshipped the golden calf.”

According to the Rebbe, his uncle asked him how it could be possible that Klal Yisroel would bow down to a figure made of gold.

“And he asked me: ‘How can it be that the Jewish people would simply worship and bow down to a calf made of gold? How can that be?’. I was a child and I did not know how to answer him, and then he answered me based on what is brought in the Midrash: the calf was not just a silent calf made of gold, the golden calf had life; it danced, it sang, the calf performed wonders, it did tricks – it was just like a living calf. And therefore the Jewish people fell into its trap, and that caused them, heaven forbid, to worship the golden calf and to sin with that terrible sin.”

The Rebbe said that his uncle explained there were three levels of people who became involved in the sin of the Eigel.

“There were three levels of those who stumbled in the sin of the calf: some saw the wonders and simply began to worship the idol outright. The second group did not actually worship the calf, but they kissed and embraced the calf with affection. And there was a third group, which was the majority of the Jewish people, who simply rejoiced in their hearts; they saw the dancing and wonders of the calf and they enjoyed and were happy that the idol was able to perform all these wonders, and therefore everyone needed to bring atonement for the sin.”

Drawing a parallel to the current situation, the Satmar Rebbe said the lesson is very relevant to the present war with Iran.

“This is a very important lesson for our time, for this moment that we are standing in now with the war with Iran — the Zionist calf is performing wonders, it dances, it jumps, the whole world sees that it is succeeding in performing wonders. There are some among the Jewish people who bow to the idol — they serve the Zionist calf, and there are some who do not serve the calf but they kiss the Zionist calf.”

He continued by saying that the largest group, in his view, are those who simply feel joy in their hearts when they hear about military successes.

“But the main large group are those who rejoice in their hearts over the success of the calf, over the wonders that the calf succeeds with, over the dancing. They follow all day exactly every wonder, every success of the calf. You have no permission to think about it; even to rejoice in your heart is completely forbidden. They hear the news, they see all the strikes of the calf and they rejoice in their hearts over the success of the Zionist calf, and for that they need atonement — for the joy in the heart over the success of the idol.”

The Rebbe concluded by urging listeners to remember that avodah zarah remains forbidden even when it appears powerful or successful.

“Hashem should help and grant us understanding, to realize that idol worship is forbidden even when it succeeds in showing wonders. It dances, but the golden calf remains the golden calf. It is forbidden to serve it, forbidden to kiss it, forbidden to look at it and forbidden to rejoice in it. And this should be a guiding light for us, until Hashem helps and all idol worship will be abolished from the world, including this calf.”

{Matzav.com}

During a Purim celebration held in the court of the Biala Rebbe of Bnei Brak, the Rebbe delivered a fiery address that included sharp criticism of the Mizrachi movement and Zionism, drawing strong reactions from those present.

The remarks were delivered during the traditional Purim tish gathering held in the Rebbe’s court, where chassidim assembled to celebrate the holiday together with their Rebbe.

Opening his address, the Rebbe offered words of encouragement to the bochurim standing around the parenches, emphasizing the spiritual strength and value of every ben Torah.

“There is no such thing as a weak bochur,” the Rebbe declared passionately. “Every bochur is a precious treasure; each one is strong in his ruchniyus. Who are the truly weak ones? The people of Mizrachi and the Zionists — they are the klipah of Amalek in our generation.”

The Rebbe continued with pointed criticism, saying that anyone who adopts what he described as the outlook of Mizrachi is also considered part of that spiritual impurity.

“Anyone who goes with the ‘head’ like Mizrachi is also considered part of those klipos of Amalek that must be erased. This is the tumah from which we must distance ourselves completely.”

During the tish, in keeping with certain chassidic customs, the Rebbe was seen smoking a cigarette during moments of intense spiritual elevation, which according to chassidic tradition can symbolize lofty spiritual ideas and yichudim on this holy day.

{Matzav.com}

In recent days, unusual videos circulating online have shown what appear to be clusters of small glowing objects streaking across the night sky, sparking both curiosity and concern among the public.

Those images reflect a new security reality after Iranian barrages that included this type of missile struck central Israel. The attacks reportedly caused direct impacts and injuries from shrapnel in locations including Petach Tikvah and Tel Aviv.

The weapon involved is a ballistic missile equipped with a cluster warhead. Unlike a conventional missile that carries a single large explosive payload, this type of missile is designed to break apart during flight and release numerous smaller explosive units.

The process occurs high above the ground. At an altitude of roughly seven kilometers, the missile’s warhead opens and releases approximately twenty smaller submunitions. These small bombs then spread over a wide area, potentially covering a zone that can reach a diameter of up to sixteen kilometers from the point where the missile splits apart.

The glowing appearance seen in videos is caused by intense heat created as the submunitions pass through the atmosphere. Friction with the air generates bright light until the objects cool somewhat before reaching the ground.

Iran’s decision to deploy these missiles at this stage of the conflict appears to stem from both technological limitations and operational considerations.

One reason is that the weapon helps compensate for the relatively poor accuracy of some older Iranian missile systems, such as the Imad and Qadr missiles, which can miss their intended targets by more than a kilometer. By scattering dozens of explosive submunitions across a broad area, the missile increases the likelihood that at least one will strike something.

Another factor is the challenge such weapons pose to air-defense systems. Intercepting dozens of small objects can be far more difficult than stopping a single large missile. This creates an additional burden for defensive systems such as Iron Dome, especially if the missile is not intercepted earlier at high altitude by the Arrow system.

Security experts also believe the timing of their use may simply reflect availability. Some of these weapons are believed to have been stored in eastern Iran at sites that were less affected by recent strikes.

Paradoxically, cluster missiles are generally considered less destructive to buildings and protected spaces than missiles carrying a single large warhead.

A standard ballistic missile with a unified warhead weighing hundreds of kilograms can cause the collapse of an entire building. By contrast, each submunition in a cluster missile contains only about 2.5 kilograms of explosive material.

That amount of explosive is typically not enough to penetrate the reinforced concrete walls of a protected safe room or cause major structural damage. As a result, people who follow Home Front Command instructions and remain in protected areas are significantly safer.

However, for anyone caught outside, the danger can be severe. Each submunition spreads fast-moving and potentially lethal shrapnel across a wide area.

Another serious risk comes from unexploded submunitions. Some of the small bombs may fail to detonate when they hit the ground and can remain dangerous for years. These unexploded devices can detonate if touched or moved.

Authorities therefore stress that anyone who encounters suspicious objects or debris should avoid approaching them and report the location immediately to the police.

{Matzav.com}

Rabbi Moshe Yosef Edri has been chosen as the chief rabbi of the city of Givatayim following a vote conducted by the municipal rabbinical election committee, which was headed by Rabbi Yaakov Zamir, a retired judge of Israel’s Supreme Rabbinical Court.

The announcement was made Sunday after the ballots were counted, confirming Rabbi Edri’s victory in the election. He is the son of the late Rabbi Pinchas Edri, who previously served as Givatayim’s chief rabbi.

The appointment is part of a broader initiative by Israel’s Ministry of Religious Services to establish permanent rabbinical leadership in cities across the country, reflecting the ministry’s emphasis on stable and consistent Torah guidance for local communities. The decision carries particular significance for Givatayim residents following the passing of Rabbi Pinchas Edri.

The election committee was chaired by Rabbi Yaakov Zamir. Other members included Rabbi Dovid Cohen, the chief rabbi of Gan Yavne, as well as Moshik Goldstein, Sivan Goldberg, Yamit Yona, and representatives from the legal department of the Ministry of Religious Services. Tzuriel Porat served as the committee’s secretary.

Once the vote counting was completed, the committee reported that Rabbi Moshe Yosef Edri received 31 votes. Two ballots were submitted blank, while three members of the electoral body did not participate in the vote. Rabbi Edri, the son of the late Rabbi Pinchas Edri, is expected to continue the rabbinical legacy established by his father in the city.

Rabbi Edri studied at the Beit Shmaya and Kol Yehuda yeshivos and received semichah from several prominent poskim, including Rav Nissim Karelitz, Rav Mordechai Eliyahu, Rav Shalom Mashash, Rav Moshe Malka, and Rav Yaakov Edelstein.

He also holds official certification from Israel’s Chief Rabbinate to serve as both a city rabbi and a dayan. In addition, Rabbi Edri previously headed the Rav Pe’alim kollel, which trains rabbis and rabbinical judges, and authored the halachic work Imrei De’ah on the Shulchan Aruch.

MK Michael Malkieli, who previously served as Israel’s minister of religious services, praised the outcome of the election, saying that Givatayim’s residents have gained an outstanding city rabbi and the son of the late Rabbi Pinchas Edri, whom he described as the city’s longtime and beloved rabbinical leader.

Yehuda Avidan, director general of the Ministry of Religious Services, thanked the chairman of the election committee and Givatayim Mayor Ran Konik while congratulating Rabbi Edri on his selection. He said the appointment was the result of an orderly process initiated by the previous minister of religious services and carried out in coordination with all relevant authorities. Avidan expressed confidence that Rabbi Edri will continue his father’s legacy, work to strengthen residents’ connection to the world of Torah, and present Judaism in an accessible and welcoming way. He added that appointing a city rabbi provides spiritual and communal stability and allows residents to benefit from clear and committed Torah leadership.

Eitan Reuveni, chairman of Givatayim’s religious council, also welcomed the decision. He said the selection of a city rov is not merely a ceremonial moment but a meaningful statement about direction, responsibility, and partnership. According to Reuveni, the city has chosen rabbinic leadership that seeks to connect Torah with daily life, tradition with community, and spiritual depth with human sensitivity, marking both a continuation of the past and the beginning of a new chapter for the city and its residents.

{Matzav.com}

Col. (res.) David Rokni, who for decades served as the commanding officer of Israel’s Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl, passed away at the age of 94.

Rokni, who was born in Iran and later married there, immigrated to Israel in 1950 and joined Kibbutz Ashdot Yaakov.

He served in the Golani Brigade for 35 years, holding various staff and training positions, and during the 1970s he served as the sergeant major of Training Base 11. During his military service, he was appointed commander of the traditional torch-lighting ceremony held each year on the eve of Israel’s Independence Day at Mount Herzl.

For this role he was granted officer rank and was called up to reserve duty each year for a period of 42 days. Over the course of his tenure, Rokni oversaw 34 Independence Day torch-lighting ceremonies. He was later succeeded by Lt. Col. Shimon Deri, who was eventually promoted to the rank of colonel.

President Isaac Herzog paid tribute to Rokni, saying, “I received with great sorrow the news of the passing of Col. (res.) David Rokni, the legendary commander of the torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl for about 34 years. Rokni was the symbol of this national and unifying ceremony, always leading it with grace and the utmost precision. Rokni served in the IDF with dedication, professionalism, and great love for the State of Israel, and for many years led one of Israel’s flagship events – the torch-lighting ceremony on the eve of Independence Day. He was a model figure of statesmanship and love of the land, and his unique contribution will be remembered for many years. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

{Matzav.com}

A large fragment from an intercepted projectile struck a residential home in the city of Lod last night, causing major damage to the structure but leaving the family inside unharmed after they followed safety instructions and quickly moved to a protected area.

The incident occurred shortly after an air raid siren sounded. According to reports, the family immediately evacuated their apartment and moved into the building’s stairwell, which was the safest available location in the limited time they had to take cover.

Only seconds later, a heavy interception fragment crashed into the home.

Lod Mayor Yair Revivo arrived at the scene later in the evening to support the family and assess the damage caused by the impact.

Revivo said, “This case is a sharp reminder to all of us how much the Home Front Command’s instructions save lives. The members of the family showed exemplary responsibility, and that is what saved them today.”

Officials from the Lod municipality and the Home Front Command again urged residents to strictly follow safety guidelines during alerts.

In a statement, authorities said, “Continue to follow the instructions and reach a protected area in time. Remaining in the protected space for 10 minutes is critical to preventing injuries from shrapnel and interception debris.”

An Israeli reservist has been suspended from duty after being filmed vandalizing a memorial dedicated to the former Palestinian Authority chairman, arch terrorist Yasser Arafat, in the Samaria region. Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sharply criticized the decision and called for it to be reconsidered.

According to a report by I24NEWS journalist Shlomi Heller, the reservist, who serves in a battalion of the Menashe Brigade, was suspended from reserve service after footage circulated showing him damaging the monument in the Palestinian village of Zababida in Samaria. The memorial commemorates Arafat, whom many in Israel hold responsible for numerous terrorist attacks.

Ben Gvir responded strongly to the suspension, arguing that the move was misguided. He said, “The decision to suspend the reserve fighter who smashed the picture of the arch-terrorist and mass murderer Yasser Arafat — whose hands are stained with the blood of many Jews — is, in my view, a mistaken decision.”

The minister added that the soldier is currently serving during wartime, noting that, in his words, “his brothers and sisters were slaughtered and murdered.”

Ben Gvir said the act reflected “the pain, anger, and sense of justice of someone who is fighting for the people of Israel.”

He further argued that suspending a reservist under such circumstances was “a step too far,” and urged authorities to reconsider the decision.

{Matzav.com}

Senior envoys from President Donald Trump’s administration are expected to travel to Israel this week as the United States and Israel continue their coordinated military campaign against Iran.

The visit would mark the first such trip since the launch of Operation “Roaring Lion,” which began more than a week ago and has involved extensive joint strikes against Iranian targets.

Despite the close cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem during the conflict, no in-person meetings between senior officials from the two countries have taken place since the fighting began.

However, Israel’s Channel 12 News reported Sunday evening that meetings are expected to occur this week with the arrival of Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, along with the president’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

Kushner and Witkoff, both of whom have been involved in managing the war effort and coordinating closely with Israel, are expected to arrive on Tuesday. During the visit, they are scheduled to meet with senior Israeli political leaders.

The report noted that the two officials may also bring messages from President Trump.

It was also reported over the past week that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu have been speaking daily since the start of the war in order to coordinate the next stages of the military campaign.

[Video below.] A behind-the-scenes Kremlin video showing Russian President Vladimir Putin briefly stopping during a prerecorded International Women’s Day message and mentioning that his throat was irritated has reignited online speculation about his health, though there is no verified evidence that he is seriously ill.

The footage, which The Moscow Times reported was mistakenly released before being replaced with an edited version, shows Putin interrupting his remarks, switching off the camera, and commenting: “You know, let me say that again, because… my throat’s a bit scratchy. Yes, a bit scratchy. I almost started coughing. I’ve been talking a lot today.”

Russia’s state news agency TASS also reported that Putin delivered a video greeting for the March 8 holiday.

The brief moment was enough to trigger a new wave of speculation on social media suggesting that the Russian leader may be concealing a more significant medical problem.

However, similar rumors about Putin’s health have surfaced repeatedly in the past without being backed by credible evidence.

In 2023, The Associated Press reported on viral claims circulating online that Putin had suffered a heart attack. Investigators found the allegation originated from an anonymous Telegram account that researchers who track misinformation said lacked credibility.

According to the report, the Kremlin dismissed the claim as a “hoax,” while Reuters said that same month that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected another round of health rumors, stating: “Everything is fine with him, this is absolutely another fake.”

By itself, the recently circulated clip does not indicate that Putin is dealing with any serious health condition.

A momentary cough or throat irritation can be caused by many routine factors. In 2021, Putin also coughed during a televised government session and responded to concerns by saying he was healthy and regularly tested for COVID-19 and other illnesses.

What remains clear is that even minor incidents involving Putin attract intense attention because of their potential political significance, especially as Russia continues its war in Ukraine and maintains tight control over the president’s public appearances.

The video attracted interest largely because it captured an unusual unscripted moment, rather than providing proof of the longstanding claims about Putin’s health that have circulated for years.

The United Arab Emirates said Sunday that Iran launched a new wave of attacks, firing ballistic missiles and drones toward the country as regional tensions continue to escalate.

According to the UAE’s Defense Ministry, Iran launched 16 ballistic missiles along with more than 117 drones during the latest assault.

The ministry said air defense systems successfully intercepted all 16 missiles, while an additional missile fell into the sea. Officials also reported that most of the drones were shot down, though four drones ultimately landed inside UAE territory.

The ministry added that the country remains prepared to “firmly confront” any further threats.

Earlier Sunday, Iran’s president warned that Tehran could expand attacks against American targets across the Middle East in response to continuing Israeli and U.S. military operations.

The UAE did not provide details about the specific locations targeted in Sunday’s attacks.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Saturday he is not ruling out the possibility of deploying American troops into Iran, indicating that a ground operation could be considered to secure Iranian nuclear material as the conflict continues to escalate.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Dover Air Force Base back to Florida, Trump said any decision to send American forces into Iran would only be made if there were a compelling justification. He stressed that U.S. troops would be deployed only for a “very good reason.”

When questioned about whether American soldiers might eventually operate on Iranian soil, Trump suggested that Iran’s military would be too weakened to effectively resist such a mission if it were to occur.

He also identified one potential objective for such an operation: taking control of Iran’s nuclear materials.

Trump said the possibility has not been examined in detail but indicated it could become an option down the line, calling it “something we could do later” and “a great thing” if circumstances required it. His remarks went beyond the current campaign of airstrikes and long-range attacks, suggesting he is leaving open the door to a deeper U.S. military role if the war expands.

Asked how long the military effort might continue, Trump declined to offer any timeline.

“Whatever it takes.”

Trump also signaled that additional strikes against Iran remain under consideration.

He said American forces could target more Iranian military installations and personnel in the future, though he noted that no final decisions had been made. Trump described Iran’s armed forces as severely degraded, saying its missile manufacturing capability and launcher infrastructure had already been heavily damaged.

Despite the possibility of further escalation, Trump said he does not support every proposed military option.

He said he does not favor supplying weapons to Kurdish groups that might serve as potential ground partners, explaining that he does not want to complicate the conflict further.

At the same time, Trump repeated his demand that Iran accept “unconditional surrender.”

He also pointed to an apology issued by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to neighboring Arab countries that had been struck during the fighting, describing the gesture as evidence of weakness. Nonetheless, tensions in the region remain high, with the United Arab Emirates reportedly coming under repeated attacks on Saturday.

When asked about reports suggesting Russia may be helping Iran locate potential U.S. targets, Trump said he had “no indication whatsoever.”

Steve Witkoff, the president’s Middle East envoy, also expressed hope that Moscow is not assisting Tehran. Trump added that even if such cooperation were taking place, he believes it would make little difference because Iranian forces are already struggling.

After attending ceremonies at Dover marking the first American casualties of the conflict, Trump ended his remarks on a solemn note, acknowledging the human cost of the war and describing the loss of life as “a sad part of war” and “the bad part of war.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran’s next supreme leader will not remain in power for long unless the United States approves the selection, issuing the warning as Iran moves closer to choosing a successor to its current leadership.

Speaking in an interview with ABC News, Trump said the individual chosen to lead Iran would not be able to maintain authority without Washington’s acceptance.

“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” the president told ABC News. “If he doesn’t get approval from us he’s not going to last long. We want to make sure that we don’t have to go back every 10 years, when you don’t have a president like me that’s not going to do it.”

Trump said his concern is preventing a situation in which the international community repeatedly faces the threat of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

“I don’t want people to have to go back in five years and have to do the same thing again or worse let them have a nuclear weapon.”

When asked whether he would consider approving a leader who previously had ties to Iran’s existing regime, Trump indicated he would be open to the idea if the candidate proved capable of governing responsibly.

“I would, in order to choose a good leader I would, yeah, I would. There are numerous people that could qualify.”

Trump also argued that Iran had been preparing to dominate the broader region before recent military developments changed the situation.

“They are a paper tiger. They weren’t a paper tiger a week ago, I’ll tell you. And they were going to attack,” he said. “Their plan was to attack the entire Middle East, to take over the entire Middle East.”

Trump said he has not ruled out the possibility of deploying American special forces to secure Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium.

“Everything is on the table. Everything.”

A senior administration official said last week that Iran has already enriched enough uranium to reach weapons-grade levels within about ten days.

According to the official, large quantities of that material are believed to be stored at nuclear facilities that were targeted during Operation Midnight Hammer, including Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.

“In theory, if we had physical control of that territory, if we had physical control of those places where it’s located, we could send our people in and dilute it on premise,” the official said.

Over the weekend, Trump also met with the families of six U.S. service members who were killed. When asked whether attending the dignified transfers caused him to reconsider the conflict, Trump said it did not.

“No, not at all,” he said. “The parents would be upset if I did that. The parents said to me, every one of them, please sir, win this for my boy, and in one case a young woman, as you know. Please, win this for my child.”

Reflecting on the meeting with the families, Trump described the experience as emotional but meaningful.

“It was a beautiful event. It was a beautiful, beautiful event, where I met the parents. They were devastated but proud.”

Asked about how long the conflict might continue, Trump declined to offer a specific timetable.

“I don’t know. I never predict. All I can say is we are ahead of schedule both in terms of lethality and in terms of time,” he said.

Just days earlier, Trump had suggested the conflict could conclude within four to five weeks.

During the interview, the president also brushed aside concerns about rising gasoline prices, describing the increase as temporary.

“I think it’s fine. It’s a little glitch. We had to take this detour,” he said. “I knew exactly what was going to happen with the detour. But the nice part is we sank 44 of their ships which is their entire navy. We’ve knocked out their entire AirForce. We’ve knocked out all of their communications, telecommunications. Their anti-aircraft systems are gone. They have absolutely no defense. All they have is talk.”

Although some longtime supporters have questioned aspects of the operation, Trump said he has not faced meaningful opposition from his political base.

“It’s more popular than ever. It’s a very MAGA thing what we’re doing. A very very MAGA thing,” he said. “Because otherwise we won’t have a country either, we’ll be hit. And MAGA is all about saving America … I’m at the highest point I’ve ever been with MAGA.”

{Matzav.com}

Barack Obama delivered pointed remarks about the nation’s political atmosphere during a speech Friday at the funeral of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson in Chicago, criticizing what he described as ongoing attacks on democratic institutions without mentioning President Donald Trump by name.

The funeral drew a wide array of prominent political and civil rights figures. Former Presidents Joe Biden and Bill Clinton also addressed the gathering, along with several well-known progressive leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton.

Jackson, who was 84, passed away last month after suffering from the neurodegenerative disease progressive supranuclear palsy, according to a statement from his family. The longtime activist and former Democratic presidential candidate was widely recognized for his decades of civil rights work and for helping open doors for Black political leaders, including Obama.

Obama’s remarks during the service contained sharp criticism of the country’s political climate. Both he and the other former presidents in attendance have previously been criticized by President Trump, and Obama’s comments reflected those tensions.

“We are living in a time when it can be hard to hope,” Obama said. “Each day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions. Another setback the idea of the rule of law. An offense to common decency.”

“Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible,” he continued. “Each day, we’re told by those in high office to fear each other, and to turn on each other. And that some Americans count more than others. And that some don’t even count at all. Everywhere we see greed and bigotry being celebrated and bullying and mocker masquerading as strength.”

Later in his remarks, Obama acknowledged that such developments can make it difficult for people to remain hopeful.

“It’s hard to hope in those moments.”

He then turned to Jackson’s legacy, saying the civil rights leader’s life offered a different path forward.

“But this man, Rev. Jesse Jackson, inspires us to take a harder path. His voice calls on each of us to be heralds of change, to be messengers of hope,” Obama said.

Obama recently drew attention after President Trump reposted a video on social media depicting him and his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, as apes. The video was later removed by the White House following criticism and complaints from both Democrats and Republicans.

Joe Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president, spoke after him and delivered his own criticism of the current administration.

“We got an administration that doesn’t share any of the values that we have, and I don’t think I’m exaggerating a little bit,” Biden said, adding that Jackson “knew who we were at our best, that he simply refused to let us off the hook as a party, as a nation, or as individuals.”

Biden also reflected on Jackson’s role in pushing the country toward greater justice.

“And time and again, with triumph and turmoil, with relentless insistence on what is right and just, he helped lead us closer to fulfilling our nation’s promise of restoring the nation’s soul,” Biden said.

Bill Clinton, who awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000, was also present at the service. In his remarks honoring Jackson, Clinton avoided making any direct or indirect reference to Trump.

President Trump did not attend the funeral. After Jackson’s passing, however, he issued a public message recognizing the civil rights leader while also offering criticism of Obama.

“Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He had much to do with the Election, without acknowledgment or credit, of Barack Hussein Obama, a man who Jesse could not stand. He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed!”

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will not accept President Donald Trump’s demand for “unconditional surrender,” declaring that the country intends to keep fighting as the conflict continues.

Speaking in an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, Araghchi said Iran will not back down and will continue defending itself. “We never give up, we never surrender, and we continue to resist as long as it takes,” Araghchi said. “We continue to defend ourselves, and we are defending our territory, our people, and our dignity. And our dignity is not for sale.”

Araghchi also discussed the current structure of Iran’s leadership, explaining that the country is presently being governed by a temporary council while the Assembly of Experts prepares to select a new supreme leader.

“The council of the interim leadership council is now in charge, and they are doing their act in the absence of the leader, while a new supreme leader is going to be elected soon by the assembly of experts,” Araghchi said. “And the president and the cabinet are also in there, are doing their duties. Parliament, everything is in its place.”

When asked about speculation that the Assembly of Experts may have already chosen the next supreme leader — possibly Mojtaba Khamenei — Araghchi said the matter remains undecided and that the official process has not yet taken place.

“Nobody knows. Actually, there are lots of rumors around, but we have to wait for the assembly of experts to convene and vote for the new supreme leader and the one who is elected by them,” he said.

Araghchi also pushed back against the idea that any outside party could play a role in determining Iran’s next leader, after President Trump suggested he should select the country’s future leadership.

“We allow nobody to interfere in our domestic affairs,” Araghchi said. “This is up to the Iranian people to elect their new leader. They have already elected the assembly of experts, and the assembly of experts would do the job. It is only the business of the Iranian people and nobody else’s business.”

According to Araghchi, Iran believes the war should conclude with a lasting resolution rather than a temporary ceasefire.

“There should be a permanent end of the war,” he said. “Unless we get to that, I think we need to continue fighting for the sake of our people and our security.”

When asked whether Iran would agree to a ceasefire in order to resume negotiations, Araghchi argued that the United States and Israel must first explain what he described as the origin of the conflict.

“Nobody wants to continue this war,” he said. “This is not our war. This is not the war of our choice.”

The foreign minister also addressed Iran’s missile strikes in the region, saying the intended targets were American military sites rather than neighboring countries.

“We are not attacking our neighbors,” Araghchi said. “We are attacking American bases, American installations, American assets, which are unfortunately located in the soils of our neighbors.”

He added that Iran’s president had issued an apology to people in nearby countries for the disruption caused by the conflict.

“Apology in our culture is a sign of dignity and strength,” Araghchi said, adding that the apology was directed to people in the region for “the inconveniences they have faced because of this aggression by the United States and retaliation by us.”

Araghchi was also questioned about reports suggesting Russia has assisted Iran in locating American forces.

“We have a strategic partnership with Russia,” he said. “Military cooperation between Iran and Russia is not something new. It’s not a secret. It has been in the past and is still there and will continue in the future.”

When pressed on whether Moscow has been sharing intelligence with Tehran, Araghchi declined to give specifics.

“They are helping us in many different directions. I don’t have any detailed information.”

Araghchi also rejected claims that Iran was responsible for a strike on an elementary school in southern Iran that reportedly killed more than 170 people.

“It is our school. These are our students, our girls, and they are attacked by an American fighter, a jet fighter, and they have been killed,” he said. “Why Iran is responsible? Have we started this war? Have we attacked our own people?”

Responding to questions about the possibility of U.S. ground forces entering Iran, Araghchi said Iranian troops are prepared to defend the country.

“For the time being, we are capable enough,” he said. “We have very brave soldiers who are waiting for any enemy who enter into our soil to fight with them.”

Araghchi also dismissed claims that Iran is developing missiles capable of striking the United States, saying the country has intentionally limited the range of its missile program.

“We have intentionally limited ourselves to below 2,000 kilometers of range because we don’t want to be felt as a threat by anybody else in the world,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF announced Sunday that the Israeli Air Force carried out a strike in Tehran a day earlier that killed Abu al-Qassem Baba’iyan, a senior Iranian military figure closely tied to the country’s leadership. The operation was conducted based on precise intelligence gathered by the IDF Intelligence Directorate.

According to the IDF, Baba’iyan served as the Head of the Military Office of the Supreme Leader and as Chief of Staff of the emergency command at Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters.

Israeli officials said Baba’iyan played a key role in coordinating the activities of various military bodies within the Iranian regime responsible for planning and carrying out operations against the State of Israel, as well as overseeing emergency military responses.

The IDF said Baba’iyan had recently been appointed as the designated chief of staff for the Supreme Leader’s military office following the launch of Operation “Roaring Lion.” During the opening phase of that operation, Mohammad Shirazi, who had served as military chief of staff to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was killed.

Baba’iyan had also been named Chief of Staff of the emergency Headquarters after his predecessor, Ali Shadmani, was killed during Operation Rising Lion. In that role, he maintained close working relationships with senior Iranian military commanders and political leaders.

His death, the IDF said, is part of a broader series of targeted eliminations of senior figures within the Iranian regime since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, a campaign Israeli officials say has significantly weakened Iran’s leadership responsible for directing military operations.

A man in his 40s was seriously wounded in Tel Aviv after debris from an interceptor missile fell near a gas station during the latest round of attacks. Security camera footage documented the moment the debris struck the area.

Magen David Adom medics arrived quickly and administered emergency treatment at the scene before transporting the injured man to the emergency department at Ichilov Hospital. He sustained a neck injury and was admitted to the trauma room for continued treatment.

תיעוד הנפילה בתל אביב pic.twitter.com/AzMhMWH3Kb

— החדשות – N12 (@N12News) March 8, 2026

At the same time, MDA crews were responding to several other incidents across central Israel. In total, six additional people were treated for injuries in different locations. In Petah Tikva, two individuals were among the wounded: a man in his mid-20s who was moderately injured and a 56-year-old man who suffered light injuries.

Officials said the attack involved a fragmentation missile. Fire and Rescue Services reported that in one location in central Israel, a building apparently collapsed after being struck by shrapnel from the blast.

During the same round of sirens, a separate traffic accident occurred on Route 5 near the Barkan Interchange when a truck collided with a private vehicle. MDA paramedics treated the injured at the scene before transporting two victims to Beilinson Hospital. The driver of the car, a man about 40 years old, was reported in serious condition with multiple-system injuries but remained conscious. Another person sustained light injuries.

Senior MDA medic Yehezkel Goldreich, one of the first responders to arrive at the impact site in central Israel, described what he encountered when he reached the scene:

“I was in a park near the impact when the sirens sounded. Shortly afterward there was a loud explosion. I saw thick smoke rising from the area and rushed to scan the scene. I found frightened people lying on the grass, including a man in his 40s who had suffered a severe shrapnel injury. I provided him with initial medical care on site, and together with additional MDA teams we evacuated him to the hospital, where his condition was classified as serious.”

{Matzav.com}

The United States and Israel have discussed the possibility of sending special forces into Iran to secure the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium at a later phase of the war, according to four sources familiar with the deliberations.

Stopping Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon has been identified by President Donald Trump as a central objective of the conflict. A major factor in that effort is Iran’s estimated 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity — material that experts say could be further refined to weapons-grade levels within a matter of weeks.

Any attempt to take control of that material would likely involve American or Israeli personnel operating inside Iran, potentially in heavily fortified underground facilities, and doing so while the conflict is ongoing.

It has not yet been determined whether such an operation would be carried out by U.S. forces, Israeli units, or a combined mission involving both countries.

Officials familiar with the discussions say any such move would likely only be considered once both governments determine that Iran’s military is no longer capable of posing a serious threat to the forces involved in the operation.

During a congressional briefing on Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked about the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium and whether it would be secured. “People are going to have to go and get it,” he said, without specifying who.

One Israeli defense official said President Trump and his advisers are seriously weighing the possibility of deploying special operations forces inside Iran for targeted missions.

According to a U.S. official, the administration has examined two primary approaches: removing the uranium stockpile from Iran altogether, or sending nuclear experts to the site to dilute the material where it is stored.

Such an operation would likely involve a combination of special operations personnel and scientific experts, possibly including specialists from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Two individuals familiar with the matter said plans for such missions were among several military options presented to Trump before the war began.

NBC News reported Friday that Trump has discussed the possibility of sending a limited number of U.S. troops into Iran for narrowly defined strategic purposes.

Semafor similarly reported that the president’s list of potential responses includes Special Operations raids targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.

One U.S. official described the complexity of the challenge involved in securing Iran’s uranium stockpile. “The first question is, where is it? The second question is, how do we get to it and how do we get physical control?”

“And then, it would be a decision of the president and the Department of War, CIA, as to whether we wanted to physically transport it or dilute it on premises.”

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday, President Trump acknowledged that the use of ground troops remained a possibility — but only under specific circumstances.

“If we ever did that, [the Iranians] would be so decimated that they wouldn’t be able to fight on the ground level,” he said.

When asked directly whether troops could eventually be deployed to secure nuclear material, Trump did not dismiss the possibility. “At some point maybe we will. We haven’t gone after it. We wouldn’t do it now. Maybe we will do it later.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios that Trump “wisely keeps all options available to him open, and does not rule things out.”

In addition to the uranium stockpile, administration officials have also discussed the possibility of taking control of Kharg Island, a key oil terminal responsible for roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports.

The current location of Iran’s uranium stockpile has also been affected by earlier military action. U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last June buried much of the material under debris, according to American and Israeli officials, leaving the Iranians themselves unable to reach it.

Those same strikes also destroyed nearly all of Iran’s centrifuges, and officials say there is no evidence that uranium enrichment has resumed since then.

U.S. and Israeli officials believe that most of the remaining uranium stockpile is located in underground tunnel systems at the nuclear facility in Isfahan, with smaller portions stored at Fordow and Natanz.

In the opening days of the war, American and Israeli forces launched strikes on the Natanz and Isfahan facilities that appeared designed to seal the entrances, likely in an effort to prevent the material from being moved.

Officials from both countries view Iran’s 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent as a major threat, given that only a short amount of time would be required to increase the enrichment level to weapons-grade.

If the entire supply were enriched to 90 percent purity, experts say it could produce enough fissile material for approximately eleven nuclear weapons.

One senior U.S. official emphasized that talk of deploying troops does not necessarily mean a large-scale ground invasion.

“Boots on the ground for Trump is not the same as what it means for the media,” a senior U.S. official said.

“Small special ops raids — not a big force going in,” another source added.

“What has been discussed hasn’t been thought of in terms of boots on the ground,” a third source said. “People think Fallujah. That’s not what has been discussed.”

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Munish Weintraub zt”l, one of the ziknei Chasidei Gur in the United States, a respected talmid chochom whose life was devoted to Torah, chesed, and service to Klal Yisroel.

Rav Weintraub was born in Lisabek, Poland, to his father, Rav Aharon Yehuda zt”l, who served as the Rav of the city, and to his mother, Rebbetzin Leah Tesha a”h, who came from a distinguished rabbinic family in Poland. His father was a musmach of the Warsaw Mesivta and was known for his close relationship with the Gerrer Rebbes.

While still a young child, the family relocated to Eretz Yisroel, where Harav Aharon Yehuda assumed the position of Rav of Kiryas Yosef, today part of the greater Bnei Brak area. During those years, he developed a close and lasting relationship with the Chazon Ish zt”l and the Ponevezher Rov zt”l.

In the late 1940s, Rav Aharon Yehuda moved with his family to Boro Park. There he partnered with Rav Akiva Zilberberg zt”l in founding the renowned Gur yeshiva, Yeshiva Yagdil Torah, which grew into a prominent makom Torah. Rav Aharon Yehuda served as the Nasi of the institution for many years.

As a young bochur, Rav Munish studied at the well-known Yeshiva Ohr Yisroel in Petach Tikvah. After arriving in the United States, he continued his learning at Yeshiva Torah Vodaas. In later years he became actively involved with the Ezras Torah organization under the leadership of Rav Yosef Eliyahu Henkin zt”l.

Through that connection, he merited to assist Rav Henkin in numerous complicated halachic matters, particularly in areas of Even Ha’ezer. Following Rav Henkin’s guidance, he also assisted the Agudas Harabonim in addressing these delicate inyonim under the direction of Gedolei Yisroel, including Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l and Rav Chaim Tzvi Krieger zt”l.

Rav Munish married his Rebbetzin, Rebbetzin Rochel, daughter of the distinguished Yerushalmi tzaddik, Rav Yisroel Shimon Kastelanitz zt”l of Slonim. Together they built a home in Boro Park that was known as a center of Torah, chesed, and hachnasas orchim.

Rav Weintraub also played an important role in supporting and guiding the Diskin Orphanage, working to strengthen and assist yesomim and almanos in the spirit of Rav Yehoshua Leib Diskin zt”l.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Rebbetzin Rochel Weintraub; his son, R’ Yaakov Weintraub of Lakewood; his daughters, Mrs. Batsheva Garber of Boro Park, Mrs. Chavi Goldberg of Boro Park, and Mrs. Sima Zaks of Monsey; his sisters, Mrs. Chava Pechter, Mrs. Hadassa Hoffman, and Mrs. Tzipa Billig; along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren who continue in his path of Torah and chesed.

The levaya will take place Sunday at 1:30 PM at the Lakewood Chapel, followed by kevurah at the Lakewood Bais Hachaim.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

During his weekly shiur, the former Rishon Letzion Rav Yitzchok Yosef addressed the ongoing war with Iran, speaking about the great nissim that have taken place while also urging the public to strictly follow safety instructions.

At the opening of the shiur, Rav Yosef spoke about the many miracles that have occurred in recent days.

“We must thank Hakadosh Boruch Hu for the nissim and niflaos that we experienced this past week,” he said. “In other places many were harmed, and here as well there were some injuries, but relatively speaking there were nissim and niflaos. We must thank Hakadosh Boruch Hu that He should continue to perform nissim and niflaos for us.”

At the same time, Rav Yosef emphasized that recognizing the miracles does not lessen the obligation to follow safety guidelines.

He stressed the importance of carefully observing the directives of Pikud HaOref.

“One must pay attention to all the instructions,” he said. “V’nishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem — if a person hears a siren, he should not take it lightly. He must do what needs to be done, as the halacha requires.”

{Matzav.com}

Emergency responders rushed to multiple impact sites in central Israel after a new wave of Iranian missile fire struck the region, leaving several people wounded, including one man in serious condition in Tel Aviv.

Magen David Adom paramedics began providing emergency care to a man who sustained severe injuries in Tel Aviv following the latest barrage. At the same time, medical personnel were also assisting two additional victims in Petach Tikva, where one person was reported to be in moderate condition and another suffered minor injuries.

The seriously wounded victim from Tel Aviv was transported to the emergency department at Ichilov Medical Center after the strike. According to medical officials, the man sustained a neck injury and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital’s trauma unit.

Israel Fire and Rescue Services said one of the strike locations appears to involve the collapse of a building, likely caused by a cluster-type missile. Emergency crews from Magen David Adom remain active at the affected areas, searching for additional victims and assisting the wounded.

Senior MDA medic Yechezkel Goldreich, who was among the first responders at the site, described the chaotic moments following the strike. He said: “I was in a park near the crash site when suddenly alarms sounded, and shortly afterwards a loud explosion was heard. I noticed a lot of smoke rising from the impact area, and I rushed to scan the area. There, I found terrified people lying on the grass, and a man about 40 years old who suffered a serious injury from shrapnel. I gave him initial medical treatment on the spot, and later, together with other MDA teams that arrived at the scene, we evacuated him to the hospital, where his condition is described as serious.”

Police said officers and emergency personnel are working to secure the impact zones and prevent civilians from approaching the damaged areas.

The IDF stated: “Home Front Command search and rescue forces, together with emergency teams, are currently operating at the impact sites in central Israel. The circumstances of the impact are under review.”

{Matzav.com}