Matzav

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, two outspoken critics of wealth inequality, were caught on camera stepping off a private jet while traveling for a campaign tour targeting America’s affluent elite.

Footage from Fox News shows the pair leaving a Bombardier Challenger 604 — a high-end jet valued between $5 million and $7 million, with a charter rate of around $15,000 per hour. Both politicians have been vocal opponents of private aviation and the wealthy individuals who use it.

Their flight was part of a multi-city tour branded as Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” campaign, which promotes public discourse on the influence of billionaires and large corporations in American politics. According to the campaign’s official website, the events aim to “have real discussions across America,” and push back against “the oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country.”

The website also includes a fundraising plea, suggesting that the campaign requires only “a modest amount of resources” to cover travel and related costs — a claim that seems at odds with the extravagance of private jet use.

In another jab at the wealthy, the campaign page declares: “Paid for by friends of Bernie Sanders (not the billionaires).”

The tour has included stops in cities like Tucson, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Nampa, and Bakersfield, where both lawmakers have spoken out against corporate greed and economic disparity.

“We as a community must choose and vote for Democrats and elected officials who know how to stand for the working class,” AOC declared to supporters at one event.

This marks a noticeable shift in travel style for Ocasio-Cortez, who had previously flown commercial. Just last month, she was seen in a first-class seat on a JetBlue flight from JFK to Las Vegas for a campaign rally — a choice that critics mocked as contradictory for someone crusading against privilege.

A first-class ticket for that same JetBlue route later this month tops $1,100.

Sanders, too, has faced backlash for his use of private aviation. During President Trump’s 2020 impeachment proceedings, Sanders reportedly chartered a private plane to travel between campaign events.

Recent Federal Election Commission records show Sanders’ campaign shelled out over $221,000 for private jet travel during the first quarter of 2025 alone.

{Matzav.com}

A Venezuelan man accused of gang ties, who was previously removed from the United States under President Trump’s orders, was later allowed to re-enter the country through a phone app program under the Biden administration, sources informed The NY Post.

Andry Hernandez Romero, 31, was one of 260 individuals deported to a notorious El Salvador prison in March after Trump utilized the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to the 1700s, to bypass standard deportation procedures and send them out without a court hearing.

Romero initially entered the United States by crossing the border into Texas in July 2024 but was swiftly removed, sources said. Just weeks later, he appeared again, this time making it into California.

By August, Romero used the CBP One mobile application—a program that has since been discontinued—to gain entry into the U.S. while in California.

That particular function of the CBP One app was terminated on Inauguration Day by the Trump administration. In its place, a new application called CBP Home was introduced, designed to allow illegal entrants to voluntarily exit the country.

According to his legal team, Romero fled Venezuela because he faced persecution due to his sexual orientation and political stance. In his home country, he had worked as a makeup artist for a government-run television network, as reported by CBS News.

“And the government had found that his threats against him were credible and that he had a real probability of winning an asylum claim,” said Lindsay Toczylowski, Romero’s attorney.

A photographer at the scene of Romero’s transfer to the massive prison complex in El Salvador reported that the detainee cried out, “I’m not a gang member. … I’m a stylist,” as guards struck him and shaved his head, CBS News reported.

“It’s horrifying to see someone who we’ve met and know as a sweet, funny artist in the most horrible conditions I could imagine,” Toczylowski remarked.

U.S. immigration officials identified Romero as a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang, citing his two crown tattoos as evidence.

However, Toczylowski rejected that narrative, asserting that the tattoos were tributes to his family.

“These are tattoos that not only have a plausible explanation because he is someone who worked in the beauty pageant industry, but also the crowns themself were on top of the names of his parents,” she explained.

“The most plausible explanation for that is that his mom and dad are his king and queen.”

Still, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, insisted the agency’s findings were not based solely on visible tattoos.

“This man’s own social media indicates he is a member of Tren de Aragua.”

Another alleged gang member, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was also believed to be part of MS-13, was deported alongside Romero to South America.

Although multiple courts, including the Supreme Court, ruled that Abrego Garcia had been erroneously deported due to a paperwork mishap and should be returned to the United States, the Trump administration has declined to comply.

Despite the judicial orders, the administration has not brought Abrego Garcia—who has been accused of trafficking, domestic violence, and gang involvement—back into the country.

{Matzav.com}

Senator Ron Johnson has launched an inquiry into the events of September 11, 2001.

Following his appearance on a right-wing podcast where he echoed controversial claims regarding the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, Johnson’s office confirmed that the senator is now collecting records and information with the aim of initiating congressional hearings on the nearly quarter-century-old tragedy.

He intends to pursue the investigation as chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, a prominent body within Congress known for probing major issues ranging from war profiteering to organized crime and the 2008 financial meltdown. As chair, Johnson has wide discretion to explore matters of national concern.

Speaking with MAGA commentator Benny Johnson on Tuesday, the senator claimed that one of the structures in the vicinity of the Twin Towers “was a controlled demolition.” He was referring to Building 7, which collapsed several hours after the initial attacks, when al Qaeda hijackers crashed two passenger jets into the World Trade Center towers.

The destruction of Building 7, which was not directly struck by a plane, has long fueled baseless speculation, with some theorists alleging that the structure was rigged with explosives, or even that the government orchestrated the entire collapse to implicate al Qaeda.

The building housed several federal offices, including a CIA facility, which has contributed to its role in online conspiracy culture. The phrase “jet fuel can’t melt steel beams” has become emblematic of this movement.

Ron Johnson also cited a film promoting such views, arguing that the government-led probe into Building 7’s collapse—carried out by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—was flawed. “What actually happened on 9/11? What do we know? What is being covered up?” he asked. “My guess is there’s an awful lot being covered up in terms of what the American government knows about 9/11.”

In addition to the two planes that destroyed the Twin Towers, the 9/11 attacks included a jet that crashed into the Pentagon and another that passengers forced down in Pennsylvania. These incidents have already been examined in depth by lawmakers and an independent bipartisan commission, which scrutinized intelligence failures and the potential involvement of Saudi government officials.

Despite that, Johnson appears to believe further probing is needed. He has also expressed skepticism about the official narrative surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot, saying in the podcast, “a massive cover-up of exactly what happened” is taking place.

He acknowledged that critics view him as “a conspiracy theorist.” “But,” he continued, “that’s how they keep things covered up.”

As for when hearings might be held, Johnson’s spokesperson said that would “depend on what information/documentation is obtained by our office.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich delivered an ultimatum on Wednesday, warning that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu carries full responsibility for the war’s direction in Gaza. Smotrich insisted that if Netanyahu does not authorize the reoccupation of Gaza and set up a provisional military administration, then “his government has no right to exist.” Many observers viewed his remarks as a clear threat to dissolve the ruling coalition.

Smotrich’s sharp criticism followed a reported clash with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir during a tense meeting of the security cabinet Tuesday night, where disagreements surfaced over how to handle humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Reports from Hebrew media said tensions rose when Defense Minister Yisroel Katz told cabinet members that Israel would soon need to resume aid shipments into Gaza, provided safeguards are in place to prevent Hamas from seizing the supplies.

Zamir allegedly responded that the IDF would not take charge of delivering the aid, prompting a fiery response from Smotrich, who insisted that the army must fulfill the mission assigned to it. “The army does not choose its missions,” he told Zamir, adding, “We have specified to you that you need to prepare for this. We will decide the goal and you will decide how to complete it. If you are not capable, we will bring in someone capable. If you do not know how to do it, we will find someone who does.”

He added: “There is a new chief of staff, we waited, we were patient, and we have reached the moment in which we need to move on. The war cannot continue as it is now, and it cannot go on forever.”

According to reports, Smotrich walked out of the room when Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar began speaking, claiming he “needed to go to the bathroom.”

Smotrich had previously pledged to shun Bar after the High Court intervened to block his removal from office.

In a Wednesday morning statement, Smotrich doubled down, stressing that preventing aid from falling into Hamas’s hands remains essential to defeating the terror group. “Managing the civilian effort in Gaza in a way that does not fall into the hands of Hamas was and remains the most critical component for defeating Hamas and winning the war,” he said.

“Without internalizing and implementing this, we will not be able to win,” Smotrich stated, clarifying that his frustrations were not aimed at the army’s leadership but at the Prime Minister. “My criticism is of the prime minister, who does not enforce the implementation of the political echelon’s policy on the IDF.”

He firmly declared: “Introducing logistical aid that goes to Hamas is a step that I will not be a part of. Period!”

Again calling out Netanyahu directly, Smotrich said: “The prime minister is the one who is ultimately responsible. Launch a campaign to defeat Hamas, occupy Gaza and implement a temporary military government until another solution is found, return the hostages and launch the Trump plan — or this government has no right to exist.”

The Religious Zionism party, led by Smotrich, holds seven seats in the Knesset — not enough to topple the coalition on its own, which currently controls 68 seats.

Despite his prominent role, Smotrich’s influence has waned among his core national religious supporters, many of whom are frustrated over his inaction on drafting chareidim. Recent polls show his party could fall below the electoral threshold if elections were held today.

In contrast, Otzma Yehudit — Smotrich’s former electoral partner — has gained ground. The Channel 12 survey released earlier this month projected that the party, headed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, would win nine to ten seats.

Ben Gvir has taken an even more hawkish approach, exiting the coalition over the recent ceasefire and only rejoining when military operations resumed. Smotrich, though critical, did not follow suit.

Smotrich’s heated rhetoric has also drawn backlash from chareidi lawmakers after he recently said that “returning the hostages is not the most important thing” when compared to dismantling Hamas.

After United Torah Judaism chairman Moshe Gafni voiced his disapproval, Smotrich fired back, declaring that Gafni “has no right to talk about the war” and should “send his children to fight” before making such comments.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid seized on the Smotrich-Zamir confrontation to argue that Netanyahu’s coalition is unfit to achieve victory. Meanwhile, Ben Gvir dismissed the entire exchange as foolish, saying: “The entire Strip should not receive any ounce of aid, as long as our hostages are being held there.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office responded to questions surrounding the delay in the start of the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony, attributing it to a temporary hold placed on the Prime Minister’s convoy due to a security issue.

“The Prime Minister’s motorcade was delayed this evening for a short time before arriving at the Holocaust Memorial Day opening ceremony due to a demand by security officials, due to a concern that an unidentified drone was in the area. When the concern was ruled out, the motorcade continued on its way,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated.

Speaking at the ceremony, Netanyahu condemned Hamas and vowed to eliminate the group in response to its atrocities. “We will destroy the Hamas monsters who perpetrated the cruelest massacre since the Holocaust. There will not be an Islamic caliphate, not in the south, not in the north, and not in Judea and Samaria,” Netanyahu stated.

Netanyahu also warned of the growing danger from Tehran, calling on the world to recognize the stakes involved. “The Iranian regime of horrors is a threat to the future of the entire human society. This is what will happen if it obtains nuclear weapons. The struggle with it will determine the fate of all free countries. Israel will not lose, give up, or surrender. What are nice words about the victory of the enlightenment, if at the moment of truth, you surrender to the barbarians?”

Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas delivered an address on Wednesday as he convened the 32nd session of the Palestinian Central Council in Ramallah.

During his remarks, Abbas laid out his strategy for what he described as the “day after” the war in Gaza. Central to his proposal was the reestablishment of the Palestinian Authority’s administrative control over the Gaza Strip, replacing Hamas as the ruling entity.

Abbas placed direct blame on Hamas for the devastation brought by the war, holding them responsible for the large number of casualties and describing the situation as a “Nakba” for the Palestinian Arab people. He dismissed the notion that these were just “tactical losses” or “numbers,” stating that the real cause of the suffering was the October 7 massacre and the ongoing holding of hostages—actions he said served as excuses for the destruction of Gaza and the displacement of its population.

He renewed his criticisms of Hamas, accusing the organization of undermining the broader Palestinian cause. He alleged that Hamas leaders had used the Palestinian struggle to solicit donations that ended up in their personal bank accounts.

Abbas outlined what he referred to as the key “Palestinian priorities.” These included an end to what he called a “war of annihilation,” a complete Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip, halting military operations in Judea and Samaria, safeguarding religious sites, ending the blockade on Gaza, and starting efforts to rebuild the region while opposing forced displacement.

He emphasized that the Palestinian Authority must be granted full governance over Gaza, with a mandate to disarm Hamas and transition the organization into a civilian political movement.

{Matzav.com}

At the official ceremony launching Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu made a firm commitment that Israel would not cease its battle against Hamas until the group is entirely eliminated.

“We will destroy the Hamas monsters who perpetrated the cruelest massacre since the Holocaust. There will not be an Islamic califate, not in the south, not in the north, and not in Judea and Samaria,” Netanyahu declared during his address.

He emphasized that military operations against Hamas would press on relentlessly. “The military pressure on Hamas will continue. We will bring back all the hostages. We will defeat Hamas and deny Iran nuclear weapons.”

Reflecting on the same day the previous year, Netanyahu pointed to the objections Israel faced from the international community regarding its military actions in Rafah. Despite foreign governments cautioning against the offensive and threatening arms restrictions, Israel moved forward. “If we need to fight with our fingernails, we’ll fight with our fingernails. Israel is not a vassal state. No pressure and no resolution can prevent us from settling the score with the barbaric murderers. Last Holocaust Remembrance Day, the operation in Rafah began. That was a turning point in the war.”

He also sounded a warning about the looming danger posed by Iran. “The Iranian regime of horrors is a threat to the future of the entire human society. This is what will happen if it obtains nuclear weapons. The struggle with it will determine the fate of all free countries. Israel will not lose, give up, or surrender. What are nice words about the victory of the enlightenment, if at the moment of truth, you surrender to the barbarians.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Jake Sullivan didn’t mince words when speaking about President Trump’s leadership in the early days of his second term, branding it an “unadulterated disaster” during a recent interview.

Speaking on the “MeidasTouch” podcast, Sullivan—who was a top official in the Biden administration—criticized Trump’s approach to global leadership. “And it’s not just about the policy. It’s that President Trump and his team have gone at the core American advantages in the world and systematically tried to dismantle them,” he said.

Sullivan turned his attention to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, faulting him for major upheavals within the Department of Defense. He referenced large-scale layoffs, budget cuts, and major reorganizations under Hegseth’s watch. “Now, I’m one who believed … that Secretary Hegseth should never have been nominated and should never have been confirmed in the first place. So all of this, in a way, wasn’t just predictable. It was predicted by a lot of people who said that putting a person like this into this role would result in disastrous leadership at the Pentagon, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen across the board,” said Sullivan.

He added that confusion and discontent among military staff have become commonplace under Hegseth’s management. “And we’ve seen other extraordinary statements from his former senior aides basically saying, we were fired for no good reason. We don’t get what’s going on, and if Secretary Hegseth can’t even run his front office, how can he possibly run the entire Pentagon?”

Sullivan argued that the administration’s domestic and foreign policy choices—ranging from immigration crackdowns to scientific defunding—have weakened the country’s global standing. “Across all of the major dimensions of the things that have been America’s major advantages, in less than 100 days, President Trump has put them all at risk. And that’s not even speaking about Ukraine or China or Gaza or the other issues that we could get into,” he told host Ben Meiselas.

According to Sullivan, this isn’t just about a shift in policy—it’s a fundamental weakening of America’s role in the world. “This is about the core foundations of American power and purpose in the world and President Trump’s effort essentially to knock them out,” he said.

He was particularly dismissive of Trump’s repeated claim that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of resuming office. “That is such a catastrophic misread of the situation, I don’t even know where to start. This war is Russia’s fault, and it’s ultimately [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin’s to end,” Sullivan said.

He accused Trump of misunderstanding global dynamics and misjudging the real drivers of the conflict. “Backwards,” was how Sullivan described Trump’s reading of the geopolitical landscape.

Looking ahead, Sullivan warned that international trust in U.S. leadership could continue to erode, pushing key allies closer to adversaries like China. He cited the ongoing trade conflicts and Trump’s past remarks about buying Greenland as examples of erratic diplomacy. “Only the United States of America has this network of strong, capable, democratic allies, and now what President Trump is doing is China’s work for it,” Sullivan warned.

“He is single-handedly taking away this huge asset, and I would say that there are a number of costs to that, but one of the biggest ones is that for us to compete effectively with China in the future, we need to be flanked by strong allies, capable allies, and going it alone in this trade war and the broader competition with China is a weaker way to approach things than with the strength of having a lot of people standing with us,” he elaborated.

Sullivan concluded with a sharp critique of how the administration is handling federal personnel, particularly in defense and scientific roles. He described a pattern of underqualified appointees being deployed to critical agencies, only to leave chaos in their wake. “They’re just sending young guys who know nothing into various agencies and slashing and burning in ways that they then have to go fix, like firing the folks responsible for our nuclear program,” he said.

His final remarks stressed the moral and practical consequences of these actions. “I find this absolutely unacceptable, cruel, and the kind of thing that should shock the conscience of Americans, who, yes, want to see more efficiency, but also want to see decent public servants treated the way they deserve to be treated.”

{Matzav.com}

During a session with reporters, President Trump expressed confidence that the elevated tariff rates currently applied to Chinese imports would be reduced through upcoming negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling progress toward a potential agreement.

“145 percent is very high. It won’t be that high, it’s not going to be that high … it won’t be anywhere near that high,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “It will come down substantially, but it won’t be zero.”

The current 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods was maintained after Trump granted a 90-day delay on new “reciprocal” tariffs aimed at other trade allies, with those rates temporarily lowered to 10 percent.

Trump indicated that the tone of the negotiations would be cooperative but firm. “We’re going to be very nice. They’re going to be very nice, and we’ll see what happens. But ultimately, they have to make a deal, because otherwise they’re not going to be able to deal in the United States,” he stated, referencing China’s economic position.

He pointed to his strong personal rapport with Xi as a key factor in the potential for resolution. The White House also issued a statement earlier in the day framing the administration’s moves as “setting the stage for a deal with China,” aiming to soothe market concerns and show that tangible steps were being taken.

“China was taking us for a ride, and it’s not going to happen. We’re going to be very good to China, have a great relationship with President Xi. But, they would make billions and billions and billions of dollars a year, and they would build their military out of the United States and what they made. So, that won’t happen,” Trump explained. “But they’re going to do very well, and I think they’re going to be happy, and I think we’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together.”

In a separate briefing with investors, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent conveyed that tensions between the U.S. and China over trade could soon begin to cool. Reports from those present at the meeting said Bessent predicted a “de-escalation” of the trade dispute. China, for its part, has imposed counter-tariffs on U.S. products.

Trump said that if trade partners fail to finalize agreements by the time the temporary tariff freeze concludes, his administration will move forward with implementing terms unilaterally. He also noted ongoing discussions with a large number of world leaders since announcing the pause, anticipating swift developments. “Many, many” leaders have been part of those talks, he said, and he expects the pace of negotiations to be brisk.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters that the U.S. has so far received 18 trade proposals from various nations amid these discussions, demonstrating wide-ranging interest in forming new trade arrangements.

{Matzav.com}

In the wake of a major counterterrorism breakthrough in Jordan, the country’s Interior Minister, Mazen Al-Faraya, announced a sweeping move against the Muslim Brotherhood, declaring the group’s operations illegal within the kingdom.

“It has been proven that members of the Muslim Brotherhood are engaged in activities that undermine stability and undermine security. This is something that no country can accept,” he said.

Minister Al-Faraya stated that Jordan would immediately begin applying legal measures against the Muslim Brotherhood, citing its classification as an unlawful group. “We are announcing the immediate enforcement of the provisions of the law against the Muslim Brotherhood, which is considered an illegal association. We have decided to confiscate the assets of the Muslim Brotherhood and ban all their activities.”

This announcement came on the heels of a major security bust, during which Jordanian intelligence apprehended 16 people believed to be orchestrating a large-scale attack. Officials revealed that the raid turned up rockets, a stash of explosives, and a drone production site.

Authorities allege the suspects were working to manufacture and smuggle weaponry into Jordan, including rockets intended for “illegal purposes.” A cache of arms and bomb-making materials was recovered. Among those detained was Khaled al-Juhani, identified as the head of the Muslim Brotherhood’s parliamentary office in Jordan, who was taken from his residence earlier in the day, local media reported.

The investigation suggests that the group had already prepared a launch-ready rocket, initiated a drone development program, and was attempting to expand its terrorist infrastructure by recruiting and training operatives inside the country—and even dispatching some abroad for further instruction.

The richest 19 American households saw an astonishing $1 trillion wealth increase in 2024. That is the largest 12-month surge on record, according to one economist. The small group—which makes up just 0.00001 percent of the population—commands a 1.8 percent share (around $2.6 trillion) of America’s total household wealth (around $148 trillion). Their share is therefore worth more than the total value of Switzerland’s economy, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

In 2023, the 0.00001 percent’s share of total U.S. household wealth stood at 1.2 percent, making the jump to 1.8 percent the largest on record for a single 12-month period, said Gabriel Zucman, an economist at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Paris School of Economics.

“You see this gradual rise and then, very recently, dramatic acceleration in the rise of the share of wealth owned by the truly super-wealthy,” said Zucman.

Trump acolytes Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are in the rarified group, as are other high-profile businessmen Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. Read more at the Wall Street Journal.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas released new evidence on Wednesday confirming that Omri Miran, one of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza, is still alive. In accordance with the wishes of the Hostages Families Forum, Matzav.com has chosen not to broadcast the footage.

Earlier in the day, Omri’s wife, Lishay, gave an emotional interview to Arutz Sheva, stating: “I went to the Knesset today, the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day, to remember the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust, and to remind everyone that on October 7th there was a new Holocaust, a Holocaust in our time. My Omri is still in the Holocaust in Gaza.”

Speaking before the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, she addressed what she sees as an unbearable contradiction. “Lately, they tell me that the families speak out of feelings, and that you can’t talk only out of feelings since a state is run with logic. What logic is there for a three-and-a-half-year-old girl and a two-year-old girl to be standing in the square in Tel Aviv and to blow out a candle for their father, who has been in captivity for and year and a half?” she wondered.

Lishay emphasized the heartbreaking reality her family is enduring. “This is his second birthday in captivity. They talk about logic? How do you think our children could go to the army today? How do you think girls like my girls, who have been abandoned for a year and a half, after they were hostages, one two years old, the other half a year old, and no one comes? And for over a year and a half, they left their father. We have been living in a fiction for a year and a half.”

She concluded her remarks with a scathing critique of the government’s handling of the situation. “What independence are you talking about? We surrender every day to a terror organization when we wake up in the hostages are still in Gaza. That is true surrender,” Lishay Miron claimed.

{Matzav.com}

Rabbi Menachem (Mendy) Raitport z”l, a beloved Crown Heights figure known both for his presence in the local food industry and his efforts in klal engagement, tragically lost his life in a fatal accident Tuesday night. He was 57 years old.

Rabbi Raitport was the father of eight and the husband of Esther. He once operated the Crown Kosher Meat Market on Kingston Avenue, a cornerstone of the community for many years.

More recently, he served as a menaker in the shechitah process, providing his expertise under several prominent hechsherim, including CHK and Skver, among others.

Although he never secured an elected position, Rabbi Raitport made multiple attempts to enter public office. His campaigns reflected a sincere desire to improve civic life, particularly in areas such as public safety, education, and local governance.

The fatal accident that claimed his life occurred in Georgia as he was traveling back to New York following Pesach, which he had spent in Florida.

Rabbi Raitport leaves behind his wife, Esther, and their children: Eliyahu, Yehuda, Shloimy, Dovid, Dubi, Avrami, Zevi, and Chanoch.

He is also mourned by his parents, Rav Yitzchok and Shaindel Raitport of Boro Park—well known for their philanthropic work—and by his siblings: Chana Kaplan, Chaim Raitport, Shloime Zalman Raitport, Yossi Raitport, Peshy Waxman, Miriam Rothberg, Ezriel Raitport, Moishe Raitport, Rivkah Raitport, Bracha Sternbach, Fraida Mindel Hess, and Batsheva Raitport. He was predeceased  by his brother, Sholom Dovber Raitport z”l.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, accusing him of obstructing diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution with Russia. The comments came after Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would never accept Russia’s seizure of Crimea, stating that it remains sovereign Ukrainian land.

Using his Truth Social platform, Trump dismissed Zelensky’s assertion regarding Crimea, writing that the region was “lost years ago” and “is not even a point of discussion.”

According to reports, Trump has floated a plan offering U.S. recognition of Russia’s 2014 takeover of Crimea as part of a broader peace framework. That proposal was reportedly shared separately with both Moscow and Kyiv last week.

Trump has warned that Ukraine and Russia have only a limited window to agree to a deal. He indicated that if the sides do not reach a resolution soon, the United States could step back from its involvement in facilitating negotiations. However, it remains uncertain whether this would also involve curtailing American aid to Ukraine.

At a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday, Zelensky stood firm. “Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea… There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution.”

In response, Trump took to social media, leveling harsh criticism at Ukraine’s military performance, pinning blame on the Obama administration for letting Russia build its hold on Crimea, and casting Zelensky as an obstacle to peace.

Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 came during a moment of upheaval in Ukraine. Protests had forced out the pro-Kremlin president in Kyiv, and Moscow capitalized on the disarray by moving forces into Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

While the Obama White House refused to recognize Russia’s control of the region, Trump’s first administration echoed that stance in 2018, officially demanding that Moscow withdraw.

Yet in his latest post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory,” before condemning the Ukrainian president’s “inflammatory statements… makes it so difficult to settle this war.”

Trump’s remarks further strained relations between Washington and Kyiv, with the president appearing to lean more favorably toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has eased off pressure on Moscow while appearing to ramp up demands on Ukraine.

Back in March, the U.S. president halted weapons shipments and intelligence cooperation with Ukraine for close to two weeks. The pause followed a tense Oval Office confrontation where Zelensky clashed with Trump and Vice President JD Vance over whether Putin was truly seeking a diplomatic solution.

Military support from the U.S. resumed after Ukraine, acting unilaterally, agreed to a partial ceasefire proposed by Washington — a move that Russia subsequently declined.

Trump and Zelensky are scheduled to meet in person on Saturday at the funeral of Pope Francis. It will be their first face-to-face interaction since their contentious White House meeting in February.

{Matzav.com}

Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois and the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, announced Wednesday that he will not be running for re-election in 2026.

Durbin, who has served in the Senate since 1996, shared the news in a video message posted to X. At 80 years old, he reflected on the weight of the decision.

“The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy,” Durbin stated.

“I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch. So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term.”

As the senior senator representing Illinois, a reliably Democratic state, Durbin’s departure is expected to ignite a crowded race to fill his seat. Both parties are likely to field contenders, though Republicans have only managed to win a Senate seat in the state twice since 1984.

With Republicans currently holding a 53-47 edge in the Senate, Democrats face a challenging path to regain control.

Durbin’s political career began with his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, where he served seven terms. He succeeded Paul Simon in the Senate in 1996.

One of Durbin’s early legislative achievements was championing the ban on smoking on commercial airplanes. This effort culminated in a bill signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 and marked a turning point in national public health policy.

He was instrumental in passing the First Step Act in 2018, a bipartisan measure aimed at criminal justice reform. The law, signed by President Trump, reduced mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug offenses, encouraged early release through rehabilitation, and improved prison conditions.

Durbin has also long supported immigration reform. He co-authored the DREAM Act, which aimed to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as minors. While the legislation did not pass, his advocacy was central to the creation of DACA, which grants temporary legal status and work permits to those individuals.

Throughout his tenure, Durbin pushed for tighter gun control laws and was a vocal backer of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.

He also voted to convict President Trump during both Senate impeachment trials in 2020 and 2021, although Trump was acquitted in both instances.

Durbin’s decision to step down drew praise from his colleague, Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois.

“Dick Durbin is, and will always be, a giant of the United States Senate. He has dedicated his life to making our state—as well as our nation—stronger, and we are all better for it,” said Duckworth.

She also recounted her personal connection with Durbin, recalling how he visited her after she lost both legs in combat during the Iraq War.

“When Dick looked at me, he saw past the wounds, saw past the wheelchair,” she said. “He saw a soldier in search of her next mission. And he recognized well before I did that just because I would no longer be flying Black Hawks for the Army didn’t mean that I couldn’t find a new way to serve my nation.”

{Matzav.com}

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly considering a move that would mark a major shift in national vaccination policy: removing the Covid-19 vaccine from the federal list of recommended childhood immunizations, according to two individuals briefed on the matter who spoke with POLITICO.

If implemented, this change would take the Covid vaccine off the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s official childhood immunization schedule — a guide that many pediatricians use to determine which shots to administer and when. It would be the most consequential alteration Kennedy has pursued so far in his efforts to challenge mainstream vaccine protocols.

Kennedy, who has long voiced skepticism about vaccinations, has raised doubts about the necessity and safety of administering the Covid shot to children. He’s repeatedly pointed to research suggesting that healthy minors face a negligible risk of death from the virus.

This potential policy reversal wouldn’t ban the vaccine for children outright, but it would amount to a dramatic override of the CDC’s prior guidance. Just three years ago, the agency — backed by an independent advisory committee — recommended including the vaccine in the standard childhood schedule.

Such a change would likely have ripple effects. Many healthcare providers, insurers, and local governments rely on the CDC’s recommendations to shape their own rules, including determining insurance coverage and school vaccine requirements. Although, at present, no state mandates the Covid shot for school enrollment.

Sources familiar with internal talks say the discussions are still ongoing, and the details of the policy shift could evolve. These individuals were granted anonymity to speak freely about the deliberations.

“No final decision has been made,” said Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for HHS, in response to questions regarding the Covid vaccine’s inclusion on the CDC schedule.

Nevertheless, according to those close to the matter, Kennedy has been urging the department to take the vaccine off the list, insisting the scientific justification for its inclusion — especially so early in life — is weak.

Numerous studies show that most children who contract Covid recover quickly and face little risk of severe outcomes. Many European nations have likewise backed away from recommending additional annual Covid shots for healthy young people.

Kennedy and those aligned with him also believe that removing the vaccine from the CDC’s schedule could energize supporters of his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign — especially those who remain skeptical of the government’s pandemic response. Kennedy has criticized the CDC’s advisory panels, claiming they are overly influenced by pharmaceutical interests, despite existing safeguards against conflicts of interest.

His supporters argue that the move may not trigger widespread backlash, given that many parents have already opted not to vaccinate their children against Covid.

CDC data show only 13 percent of children have received the most recent version of the vaccine. As pandemic policies became increasingly polarized under President Donald Trump’s leadership, many states steered clear of mandating the vaccine.

In fact, 22 states have passed laws preventing schools from requiring Covid vaccinations for students, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy. In February, Trump signed an executive order warning that any educational institution enforcing such a requirement could lose federal funding.

Even so, if finalized, Kennedy’s plan would probably face significant criticism from health professionals and those who oppose his anti-vaccine stance, who fear that such a move could further erode public trust in immunization programs.

“It’s like in Jurassic Park, when the Tyrannosaurus rex keeps checking where in the fence is a weakness,” said Paul Offit, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “He could do a lot of harm. I think he will do a lot of harm unless somebody stops him.”

During his confirmation process, Kennedy pledged not to tamper with the vaccine schedule to secure the support of Senator Bill Cassidy, a key Republican vote and a physician by profession. However, after assuming leadership of HHS, Kennedy signaled his intention to revisit areas he described as “taboo or insufficiently scrutinized” — including the childhood immunization list.

The Covid vaccine was added to the CDC’s schedule in 2022, following a unanimous vote by an outside expert panel. At the time, CDC officials argued that including it would help normalize the shot and ensure Americans kept up with their immunizations.

While statistically, children are less vulnerable to Covid than older age groups, the CDC still reports over 1,800 pediatric deaths and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations attributed to the virus.

For Kennedy, challenging this inclusion would be a hallmark moment in his ongoing campaign against the Covid vaccine. As head of Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine advocacy group, Kennedy has promoted conspiracy theories and cast doubt on the vaccine’s safety, while launching multiple initiatives aimed at preventing its rollout during the Trump administration.

Among those efforts was a threat in 2022 to sue the Food and Drug Administration if it went ahead with authorizing the vaccine for children under the age of five. In a letter at the time, the organization wrote it would “seek to hold you accountable for recklessly endangering this population with a product that has little, no, or even negative net efficacy but which may put them, without warning, at risk of many adverse health consequences.”

Despite the pushback, the FDA approved the vaccine for young children a few months later, and the CDC quickly followed by recommending it and incorporating it into the national immunization schedule.

{Matzav.com}

Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that he suspects that the Trump administration has canceled his travel visa to the United States.

Petro, who had earlier relented to pressure from President Trump to accept deported migrants, made this assertion during a Cabinet meeting in Bogota, where he explained why he would be unable to attend the spring meetings organized by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington, DC.

“I can no longer go because I believe they took away my visa,” Petro remarked.

“I didn’t need to have one, but anyway, I’ve already seen Donald Duck several times, so I’ll go see other things,” the Colombian president continued, taking a jab at Trump.

The U.S. State Department, however, declined to verify or reject Petro’s statement, citing the confidentiality of visa-related information.

“Visa records are confidential under US law; therefore, we cannot discuss the details of individual visa cases,” a spokesperson from the State Department told The Post.

Earlier this year, Trump had warned of potential visa sanctions, heightened inspections for travelers, and emergency tariffs up to 50% on Colombia after a confrontation over the deportation of migrants.

Initially, Petro, a former leftist guerrilla leader, had resisted accepting deported Colombian migrants, criticizing the Trump administration for treating them as if they were “criminals.” However, after Trump’s threat, the Colombian president quickly changed his stance and even offered the U.S. his presidential plane to help transport the deported migrants back to Colombia.

“Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt at the time, referring to the dispute.

{Matzav.com}

Apple and Meta were both hit with massive fines on Wednesday, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, for breaching the European Union’s newly established competition regulations aimed at limiting the dominance of Big Tech.

Apple was penalized $570 million by EU antitrust authorities for preventing developers from directing users to less expensive alternatives outside its App Store.

Meanwhile, Meta faced a $230 million fine for coercing users of Facebook and Instagram into choosing between viewing ads or paying to avoid them, according to the European Commission.

These fines are the first to be issued to Big Tech giants under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, a landmark law introduced in 2022.

The penalties came after a lengthy investigation by the European Commission to determine whether the two companies were adhering to the new rules, which are designed to make it easier for smaller competitors to enter markets that are currently dominated by large players.

Apple has already promised to appeal the decision.

“Today’s announcements are yet another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users, bad for products, and force us to give away our technology for free,” said an Apple spokesperson in a statement.

Meta also condemned the fine, calling it unjust.

“The European Commission is attempting to handicap successful American businesses while allowing Chinese and European companies to operate under different standards,” a Meta spokesperson stated.

“This isn’t just about a fine; the Commission forcing us to change our business model, effectively imposing a multi-billion-dollar tariff on Meta while requiring us to offer an inferior service,” the spokesperson added.

The sanctions were expected to be announced in March, but EU officials reportedly delayed them due to President Trump’s ongoing trade tensions.

{Matzav.com}

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a fiery speech during the PA Central Council meeting on Wednesday, unleashing harsh criticism at Hamas and demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza. “Sons of dogs, hand over the hostages,” he declared in a televised address.

He emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict, citing the relentless loss of life. “The war must end,” Abbas said, explaining that “[Hamas] doesn’t want to hand over the American hostages. Sons of dogs – hand over the hostages and end the matter.”

Outlining key objectives, Abbas listed the return of hostages, the removal of Israel’s blockade on Gaza, coordination with Arab states to halt the displacement of Palestinians, and the preservation of what he called the “Palestinian cause.” “Returning the hostages; lifting the Israeli blockade of Gaza; stopping the displacement of our people in coordination with Arab countries; defending the ‘Palestinian cause.’”

Abbas demanded that Hamas relinquish power in Gaza and surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. “Hamas must end its control of the Gaza Strip and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority,” he stated.

He also urged Hamas to abandon its militant posture and transition into a political entity. “Talk to us instead of the Americans,” he said, calling for dialogue and internal Palestinian unity.

Turning his focus to the war’s broader devastation, Abbas placed blame on Hamas’s 2007 takeover of Gaza, which he claimed served as justification for Israel’s military operations. “The coup carried out by Hamas in 2007 gave Israel a pretext to destroy the Gaza Strip. 2,165 families were completely wiped out, and 6,664 were partially wiped out. More than two-thirds of the homes were destroyed in the war.”

He warned of the looming threat of widespread displacement. “We are facing serious dangers that could lead to a ‘new Nakba,’” he cautioned.

Abbas concluded by reaffirming his stance on the path to peace, which he said hinges on bringing an end to Israeli occupation and creating a Palestinian state. “Our vision for achieving peace in the Middle East is based on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing a state.”

{Matzav.com}

The White House confirmed that discussions toward a trade pact with China are moving forward, and noted a surge of interest globally, with 18 official trade offers submitted by foreign governments and over 100 countries expressing interest in forming economic partnerships with the United States.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump temporarily suspended retaliatory tariffs on goods from most foreign countries for 90 days — with China notably excluded from this moratorium. This pause is intended to provide a window for international partners to engage in talks and potentially finalize trade deals. Vice President JD Vance revealed Monday that the U.S. has outlined a trade strategy with India and is nearing an agreement with Japan as well.

Speaking to reporters, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared that she had earlier spoken with top members of the administration’s economic team, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and senior trade advisor Peter Navarro.

“There is a lot of progress being made,” Leavitt stated during her press conference, which was broadcast live via Newsmax and its streaming platform, Newsmax2. “We now have 18 proposals on paper that have been brought to the trade team. Again, these are proposals on paper that countries have proposed to the Trump administration and to our government.

“You have Secretary Bessent, Secretary Lutnick, Ambassador Greer, NEC Director Hassett and Peter Navarro, the entire trade team meeting with 34 countries this week alone. We are moving at Trump speed to ensure these deals are made on behalf of the American worker and the American people.”

Although she didn’t name the 18 countries that submitted proposals, Leavitt provided an update on where negotiations with China stand. China remains subject to Trump-imposed tariffs as high as 145%, while Beijing countered with 125% duties on American products.

“I asked the president about this before coming out here, and he wanted me to share with all of you that we’re doing very well in respect to a potential trade deal with China,” said Leavitt, noting that no direct communication has yet occurred between Trump and President Xi Jinping. “As I mentioned, there have now been 18 proposals and more than 100 countries around the world who are wanting to make a deal with the United States of America, and the president and the administration are setting the stage for a deal with China.

“So, we feel everyone involved wants to see a trade deal happen, and the ball is moving in the right direction.”

Leavitt voiced frustration that the milestone reached between the U.S. and India had been largely overlooked by the media following Vance’s diplomatic visit to New Delhi and his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“And just yesterday, it seemed to get a little bit lost in the news, and I think it’s a disservice to the American public that it did,” Leavitt said. “The vice president announced terms of reference for a trade deal with India. That is a big deal. We know when we look at the numbers, the monetary trade barriers and the nonmonetary trade barriers from India, they have been ripping off the United States and American workers for a very long time.

“So, the fact that the vice president, with Prime Minister Modi on that trip in India, announced these terms of reference, which is essentially a framework to move the ball forward to sign a good trade deal between our two nations, is great progress, and it speaks to the work ethic and the real labor that’s being put into this effort by the president’s trade team.”

{Matzav.com}