Matzav

Speaking at a dramatic gathering Monday night in his home in Bnei Brak, Hagaon Rav Dov Landau sharply condemned the recent arrests of yeshiva bochurim and delivered a stark warning to the authorities, declaring that “anyone who is a partner to this terrible crime should know—there is a Creator of the world, there is judgment (yeish din), and there is a Judge (v‘yeish Dayan).”

The remarks were delivered alongside Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch during an event marking the completion of Maseches Negaim by Kollel Taharos. Opening his address, Rav Landau praised the growth of Torah learning, saying, “Boruch Hashem, Torah is increasing among the people of Israel. Those who learn Torah are toiling in every place with depth, effort, and devotion, in all areas of Torah.” Turning to the participants, he added words of encouragement: “You are engaged in the study of Seder Taharos, and with siyata d’Shmaya you are completing a masechta learned with true chavrusah dedication. May Hashem help you continue onward and rise higher in Torah learning.”

Immediately afterward, Rav Landau turned to the issue of the arrests. “Unfortunately, there are those who do not understand the greatness and spiritual power of the Torah, and they even pursue those who learn Torah,” he said. “In recent days, Torah learners have once again been arrested. This shakes the heart of every Jew.” He then issued his pointed warning: “Anyone who is a partner to the terrible crime of restricting those who learn Torah should know—there is a Creator of the world, there is judgment, and there is a Judge.”

Rav Landau expressed deep solidarity with those who have been detained and their families. “We all share in the pain of those who have been imprisoned because of their desire to learn Torah, and in the pain of their families, and we pray with all our hearts that this evil decree will pass like dissipating smoke,” he said. He also alluded to ongoing efforts behind the scenes, noting, “Everyone also knows that actions are being taken now to ensure that such cases do not continue.”

At the same time, Rav Landau cautioned that the current situation is dangerous and issued practical guidance to bochurim and yungeleit who fear arrest. “It is clear that we are now in a difficult state in which Torah learners are being pursued and searched for everywhere,” he warned. “Certainly, bochurim and yungeleit who are at risk of arrest must be careful not to come into contact with the authorities. In times of danger, all paths are considered dangerous, until the situation is resolved, with Hashem’s help, in the near future.”

Rav Landau concluded, “May it be His will that we always rejoice with the Torah without any interference, and that this decree be nullified.”

{Matzav.com}

The wife of a yungerman who was arrested for failing to report to the draft office broke down in tears during an emotional phone call with Rosh Yeshiva Rav Avraham Salim, who reached out to offer chizuk, guidance, and reassurance amid the unfolding crisis.

During the conversation, Rav Salim spoke with Esti Ben Dayan, the wife of Reb Avraham Ben Dayan, who was detained after an encounter with civilian police and transferred to military custody. The call was marked by pain, fear, and encouragement, alongside a commitment from the Rosh Yeshiva to remain personally involved and to daven for her husband’s release.

Rav Salim opened the conversation with words of chizuk, acknowledging the severity of the situation. “It’s very hard, but don’t worry, don’t worry. Everyone is davening for him and doing everything possible so that he should truly be released. They only want to frighten. This is a great test. I heard that you were married only recently. But this is a harsh decree on all bnei Torah,” he said.

Esti Ben Dayan then described to the Rosh Yeshiva the chain of events that led to her husband’s arrest and the difficult days that followed. According to her account, her husband was stopped during what appeared to be a routine civilian police check when he stepped out briefly to take care of an errand. “They stopped him just for a regular inspection,” she said. “They told him they wouldn’t do anything to him—and from Motzaei Shabbos I had no contact with him. I didn’t know where he was. Only the next day, at two in the afternoon, did he call me for the first time. They told me they took him to Prison 10.”

She went on to describe how shaken her husband sounded when they finally spoke. “He sounded completely broken, terrified by everything that happened. He was worried that the family shouldn’t find out. There’s no real way to communicate with him. We’re waiting for every phone call. This is a decree that’s impossible to bear. He simply went out and never came back,” she said.

Mrs. Ben Dayan also recounted the deep pain her husband expressed over not being allowed to put on tefillin while in custody. “He said, ‘It’s not enough that I’m arrested—they don’t even let me put on tefillin.’ He was completely broken by that,” she told Rav Salim.

The Rosh Yeshiva responded with further words of chizuk, expressing both personal empathy and a broader sense of responsibility for the tzibbur. “This causes a lot of worry, it brings so much anxiety. I understand—it’s truly cruelty. This is a test; we need to accept everything with love, and everything will pass. This isn’t only about him, it’s not only about you—it’s about everyone. This is what all bnei Torah are going through. And these are our fellow Jews—that’s what hurts. You need patience. Know that everyone truly cares about him. With Hashem’s help, when he is released—all of the Torah world, the entire yeshiva world, is with you,” Rav Salim said.

At the end of the call, Mrs. Ben Dayan asked that the Rosh Yeshiva do whatever he could to help secure her husband’s release and to continue davening on their behalf. Rav Salim promised to speak again with the attorney handling the case and asked for the detainee’s full name for tefillah: Avraham ben Basya Rus.

{Matzav.com}

Senior chareidi figures involved in advancing legislation on the draft and the legal status of yeshiva bochurim are voicing sharp criticism of the legal adviser to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, accusing her of deliberately stalling the process to prevent the law from passing during the current term.

According to chareidi officials, frustration is mounting over the conduct of the committee’s legal adviser, Miri Frenkel-Shor, whom they claim is intentionally obstructing progress on the draft legislation.

Within the chareidi factions, a decision was made—following guidance from gedolim—not to advance any bill that does not receive the backing of the Knesset’s legal advisers. Lawmakers warned that passing legislation without such support would likely prompt the High Court to issue an interim injunction, causing more harm than benefit.

In recent days, discussions in the Knesset have focused largely on negotiations with the Knesset’s legal advisory bodies, in an effort to reach understandings that would allow the draft law to move forward.

Until recently, there was a sense of optimism that agreements could be reached by the end of the current week. However, chareidi parties now say the gaps remain wide and difficult to bridge.

Anger within the chareidi factions is directed primarily at the committee’s legal adviser, whom senior chareidi figures describe as the main obstacle to reaching agreed-upon language for the draft law.

“She has become Yuli Edelstein 2,” senior chareidi officials said last night. “She is behaving like Edelstein and doing everything she can to ensure the draft law does not pass. She is afraid to have her name attached to the law, and that is the result.”

Despite the tensions, Shas and Degel HaTorah have not given up hope and continue to believe that understandings may still be reached with the Knesset’s legal advisers in the coming days, enabling the draft law to pass its second and third readings. “We will not give up on the final and meaningful attempt before the Knesset is dissolved,” party officials said.

As previously reported, coalition officials assess that the draft law ultimately may not be enacted. Nevertheless, they expect the chareidi parties to support the state budget in its second and third readings toward the end of March 2026, alongside setting a date for early elections, likely in June or September 2026.

{Matzav.com}

During the shiva of renowned Torah philanthropist Rabbi Zev “Willy” Stern of Brazil, the family revealed an extraordinary personal letter he once wrote to a young boy who, like Rabbi Stern himself, had lost a hand just before reaching bar mitzvah age.

The letter, shared with the family’s permission, was sent years ago by Rabbi Stern, who lost his own hand in his youth, to a boy who had recently lost his left hand. In it, Stern offered a deeply moving message drawn from his own life experience.

In the letter, Rabbi Stern described how his physical limitation became a driving force rather than an obstacle—something that pushed him forward, motivated him to act, and never give up on life.

He wrote that he chose not to allow his disability to define him, and that once those around him saw this, they related to him accordingly—as a regular person. From that mindset, he explained, he was able to build a full and meaningful life: establishing a home, marrying a woman who did not view his disability as a barrier, and sustaining a loving marriage and family life for decades.

Rabbi Stern went on to recount his broad personal and public accomplishments over the years, including Torah study, professional work, building and managing a successful business, public service, and extensive support for Jewish causes. He noted his merit in helping bring numerous Artscroll / Mesorah Publications books to print, as well as his many years of involvement with the Efrat organization, through which he helped save thousands of children.

A central theme of the letter runs quietly but consistently throughout: a physical disability does not prevent a person from living a full life. Rabbi Stern described how he continued to engage in physical activity, to love, to create, and to contribute—never allowing the loss of his hand to dictate the boundaries of his life.

He concluded the letter with a direct and deeply empathetic message to the young boy, expressing faith in his abilities, encouraging him to trust himself, and assuring him that a full, meaningful, and good life lay ahead. He blessed the boy to grow in Torah and mitzvos, to bring pride and joy to his family, and to succeed in all his endeavors.

Rabbi Stern was one of the central figures of the Jewish community in São Paulo, Brazil. A veteran businessman, he devoted decades of his life to strengthening the Torah world, saving lives, and advancing Jewish initiatives in Israel and around the world. Despite the scope of his activity, he consistently avoided public attention, viewing the work itself as his true mission.

Alongside his business pursuits, Stern dedicated significant time and resources to public philanthropy. He was a long-standing supporter of the Efrat organization in Israel, which assists pregnant women and saves thousands of children each year. Those close to him say he viewed this work as a true calling and pursued it with daily devotion. He was also regarded as one of the leading supporters of the Torah world, a role his son, Rabbi Yaakov Stern, continues today with even greater intensity.

The letter he sent to the boy ahead of his bar mitzvah—now revealed by the family during the days of mourning—perhaps captures Rabbi Stern’s essence more than anything else: a man who lived with challenge, yet chose to transform it into a language of strength, encouragement, and hope for others. It was not a letter of consolation, but of shared destiny, quietly conveying the message that it is possible to grow, to build, and to live a life of meaning even through hardship.

This is how Rabbi Willy Stern will be remembered: a man who believed in the power of will, the power of kindness, the power of Torah, and the power of a timely, well-chosen word.

{Matzav.com}

Another yeshiva bochur was arrested after midnight by Israeli police and transferred to the custody of the Military Police, deepening what chareidi leaders are calling an unprecedented crisis facing the Torah world.

The bochur, a Chabad chassid from Tel Aviv, was detained by police in Rosh HaAyin and handed over to military authorities. He spent the night behind bars, and later today a military judge is expected to rule on his case and decide whether he will remain in custody in a military prison in the coming days.

The latest arrest is part of a series of recent detentions of yeshiva bochurim, carried out by the Israel Police, who have transferred the detainees—classified as draft evaders—to the Military Police. The arrests have taken place despite repeated public statements and directives from Police Commissioner Danny Levy that police officers would not take part in such arrests or transfer draft evaders to military authorities.

In the chareidi political parties, discussions are underway regarding how to respond to the recent arrests. Representatives of Shas said last night, “These are yeshiva bochurim being arrested for the crime of learning Torah. They are sitting in prison for learning Torah, and all of this is happening in the Jewish state. This is something that cannot be met with silence.”

The arrests have also sparked protests, with demonstrations held against the detention of yeshiva bochurim.

The issue was addressed last night during a gathering at the home of Hagaon Rav Dov Landau, who spoke forcefully about the arrests and the conduct required of yeshiva bochurim during this period.

“Unfortunately, there are those who do not understand the greatness and spiritual power of the Torah, and they even persecute those who study it,” Rav Landau said. “In recent days, Torah scholars have once again been arrested. This shakes the heart of every Jew. Anyone who is a partner in the terrible crime of restricting those who learn Torah should know: there is a Creator of the world, there is judgment, and there is a Judge.”

He added, “We all share in the pain of those who have been imprisoned because of their desire to learn Torah, and in the pain of their families, and we pray with all our hearts that this evil decree will dissipate like smoke.”

Rav Landau noted that efforts are currently underway to prevent such cases from continuing, but warned that the current situation remains grave. “It is clear that we are now in a difficult state in which Torah learners are being pursued and searched for everywhere. Certainly, yeshiva bochurim and married scholars who are at risk of arrest must be careful not to come into contact with the authorities. In times of danger, all paths are considered dangerous, until the situation is resolved with Hashem’s help, speedily.”

He concluded with a tefillah: “May it be His will that we always rejoice with the Torah without any interference, and that this decree be nullified.”

Nearly four years after Moishy Kleinerman went missing in the Meron area, the investigation remains active, with police and family members emphasizing that the case is still a priority and that new developments continue to surface.

Despite the significant time that has passed, authorities confirmed that the probe is ongoing. This week, Judea and Samaria District Commander Moshe Pinchi met with members of the Kleinerman family to review the status of the case. Moishy disappeared in March 2022 while staying near Mount Meron, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.

The investigation was launched shortly after a missing person report was filed at the Modi’in Illit police station when the teenager did not return home. From the outset, police carried out extensive searches involving large numbers of personnel, along with a wide range of resources and investigative tools in an effort to locate him. At a later stage, responsibility for the case was transferred to the district’s central investigations unit, which continues to handle the matter.

During the meeting, family members were updated on recent developments and on new actions being taken as part of the ongoing efforts to find Moishy. Police stressed that, alongside intelligence gathering and investigative work, advanced technological methods are being used, including cooperation with civilian organizations.

District Commander Moshe Pinchi told the family that locating the missing teen remains a central objective. “Finding the missing person is a major district-level challenge, and we will continue to invest extensive efforts to solve this case,” he said. “As part of this investigation, we are using special methods and tools and are also integrating innovative technological solutions in cooperation with civilian companies. This important meeting was held in order to update the family on the details of the investigation.”

Moishy’s mother, Gitti Kleinerman, said she continues to hold on to hope despite the years that have passed. “I have not lost hope, even though almost four years have passed. The case is still on the table, and we remember Moishy all the time,” she said. “The meeting gives us a sense that the case is very important, and we see that there are constantly new developments. We thank the police for the updates and hope for good news.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Ministry of Health has authorized a new enforcement step allowing unvaccinated children to be kept out of kindergartens and other educational institutions if they were exposed to measles, as authorities intensify efforts to contain a severe outbreak spreading across the country.

The decision followed a confirmed exposure event on February 4 at a kindergarten in the Samaria community of Emanuel, where a child who was later diagnosed with measles attended while contagious. That incident initially led to the exclusion of two unvaccinated children, a number that later rose to six across two kindergartens operating in the same facility.

The order is based on Section 19 of the Public Health Ordinance and applies only to unvaccinated children who had close contact with a confirmed measles patient and did not receive post-exposure preventive treatment, such as vaccination within 72 hours of exposure.

Health officials note that measles is among the most infectious diseases known, with more than a 90% chance of transmission to unvaccinated individuals following close contact. The virus can incubate for as long as 21 days, and infected individuals are capable of spreading it before symptoms become visible. Severe complications may occur, including encephalitis, with mortality estimated at roughly one in every 1,000 cases and a similar likelihood of lasting neurological damage. In rare cases, a fatal degenerative brain disease can develop years after infection, particularly when exposure occurs before the age of two.

The outbreak, which began around April of last year, has so far produced about 2,900 confirmed cases, though health officials believe the actual number may exceed 10,000. Fourteen children have died, and 20 patients remain hospitalized, including 10 in intensive care units. Cases have been reported in Yerushalayim, Beitar Illit, Bnei Brak, Modi’in Illit, Kiryat Gat, Petach Tikva, and Netivot.

The Ministry of Health’s Public Health Division underscored the importance of vaccination, stating: “After an exposure event, the risk of developing the disease is very high. We recommend preventive vaccination within 72 hours, which prevents illness very effectively.” Officials also stressed that while parents are entitled to make decisions for their own children, “parents cannot decide for other children,” warning that allowing exposed, unvaccinated children to attend group settings endangers others, including immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women.

In Israel, measles vaccines are offered free of charge at one year of age and again before first grade, and are widely regarded as safe and highly effective based on extensive research. The Health Ministry urged parents to act quickly, emphasizing that vaccination can avert serious illness and fatalities.

The exclusion orders are temporary and will be reassessed on a weekly basis or adjusted if new medical developments arise, such as the onset of symptoms. Authorities warned that sending an exposed, unvaccinated child to school in violation of the order could be treated as a criminal offense.

Officials described the policy as a necessary precaution in the face of an extreme public health emergency, aimed at safeguarding the wider population during one of the most serious measles outbreaks Israel has faced in recent years.

A White House official reiterated on Monday that US President Donald Trump opposes Israel extending sovereignty to Judea and Samaria, underscoring the administration’s position amid recent Israeli government decisions affecting the area.

“A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administration’s goal to achieve peace in the region,” the official said in remarks to the Reuters news agency.

The statement followed Israeli cabinet approvals a day earlier of a series of moves expected to significantly alter the legal and civil framework in Judea and Samaria, with an emphasis on cutting red tape and speeding up settlement growth.

The initiatives, advanced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz, are designed to roll back regulations dating to the Jordanian period and to modernize land administration. Among the central steps is the declassification of land registry records that had long been kept sealed, a change intended to increase transparency and enable lawful property transactions.

In addition, ministers voted to abolish the prohibition on selling real estate to Jews, nullifying a Jordanian-era law that barred such sales. Under the new policy, Jewish purchasers will be able to buy land through procedures closer to those used inside central Israel. Authority over planning in Jewish areas near Hebron’s Cave of the Patriarchs was also shifted to the Civil Administration, a move expected to simplify and accelerate planning approvals.

Further cabinet actions include enhancing the administrative status of Rachel’s Tomb to improve the delivery of municipal services, expanding state enforcement powers in Areas A and B for environmental and legal matters, and reviving a land acquisition committee that had been inactive for years in order to secure land for future settlement activity.

Trump has previously made his position clear on the issue. In September, he told reporters that he would “not allow” Israel to move forward with sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. No, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” Trump said at the time when asked directly about the matter.

When questioned about whether he had discussed the issue with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, Trump responded, “Yeah, but I’m not going to allow it,” reiterating his firm stance.

{Matzav.com}

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned on Monday that America’s heavy dependence on ultra-processed foods is damaging children’s health, characterizing efforts to confront the problem as “spiritual warfare,” according to a report by the Washington Examiner.

Kennedy made the remarks during a sit-down conversation with Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts marking the first anniversary of his Make America Healthy Again initiative. He argued that highly processed foods now dominate what Americans eat and are a major driver of chronic illness, especially among children.

“It’s spiritual warfare. It’s a war at scale against cellular activity. It’s an assault on children,” Kennedy said, citing administration figures indicating that about 70% of the calories consumed by American children come from ultra-processed foods.

He likened the long-term health consequences of these products to tobacco use, asserting that ultra-processed foods are “much worse than cigarettes” in terms of their lasting impact on health.

Kennedy also pointed to the financial toll of poor diet, saying chronic illnesses linked to nutrition now account for a substantial portion of federal healthcare spending. He estimated that roughly 40 cents of every taxpayer dollar is spent treating preventable metabolic disease.

Addressing criticism that his approach could lead to excessive government control, Kennedy dismissed claims that his policies amount to a “nanny state.”

He emphasized that Americans should continue to have the freedom to decide what they eat, including indulgences like soda or sweets, but argued that people are entitled to clear, honest information about the health effects of those choices.

“I’m not going to take away anybody’s donuts or Coca-Cola,” Kennedy said, stressing that individual choice must go hand in hand with accurate and transparent guidance.

Kennedy further took aim at what he described as outsized corporate influence on nutrition research and public health messaging, urging parents to view food advertising and official recommendations with “fierce skepticism.”

He maintained that both government institutions and the food industry have fallen short in protecting children from harmful dietary patterns.

As part of his broader agenda, Kennedy has advocated for changes to the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans, calling for increased emphasis on protein, healthy fats, and whole foods, while reducing reliance on refined carbohydrates and processed products.

The remarks reflect Kennedy’s wider push to challenge established public health assumptions and redirect federal policy toward what he says is a more candid, preventive, and health-focused approach.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

An extremist was detained after allegedly planning to spray pepper spray at the Stoliner Rebbe, according to sources on Monday, following a separate incident earlier in the day in which radical protesters publicly harassed the rebbe.

Journalist Yoeli Brim reported that a zealot was apprehended while carrying pepper spray that he intended to use against the Stoliner Rebbe. According to the report, police later released the suspect and did not confiscate the pepper spray.

Earlier in the morning, a group of extremists from the fringes of the chareidi community confronted and humiliated the Stoliner Rebbe as he arrived in the Gush Shemonim area to attend a bris for the son of one of his chassidim.

The protesters, who oppose the Rebbe’s involvement in efforts to arrange adapted military service frameworks for the chareidi public, lay in wait for him and vandalized his vehicle by throwing eggs, ketchup, and other objects at it.

The Rebbe himself was not harmed in the attack, though visible damage was caused to his car, as seen in the photo above obtained by Matzav.com.

Despite the incident, the Rebbe instructed his chassidim—consistent with his long-standing approach over decades—to remain silent and not respond in any way to the provocations.

Across the chassidic world and beyond, strong condemnations were voiced over what many described as a severe affront to kavod haTorah.

{Matzav.com}

Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz announced Monday that Shas and Degel HaTorah will vote in favor of splitting Israel’s Arrangements Law, despite sharp disagreements that last week led to a last-minute postponement amid strong chareidi opposition.

Speaking after intensive coalition talks, Katz said that although disputes remain, the two chareidi parties will support the move alongside the coalition. He added that negotiations over the draft exemption legislation and passage of the state budget will continue “until a solution is reached.”

The vote had been delayed just days earlier after chareidi factions signaled anger over unresolved issues, threatening to withhold support. Even on Monday, coalition tensions persisted, with last-minute efforts underway to secure agreements and prevent another breakdown.

At the same time, criticism of the chareidi parties is growing from within the coalition itself. Eli Dalal, a Likud lawmaker who serves as coalition coordinator on the Knesset Finance Committee, publicly called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to restore order.

“What is happening in the Knesset these days is simply unbearable, inappropriate, and must stop,” Dalal wrote on X. “I call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to announce that if the chareidi parties do not immediately agree to pass the budget, he should declare elections. It is unacceptable to hold the entire people of Israel hostage.”

The developments underscore continued friction within the governing coalition as it works to advance key budgetary legislation while navigating disputes over military service exemptions and broader arrangements tied to the state budget.

{Matzav.com}

El Al has informed passengers of a new safety policy prohibiting the use of portable power banks during flights, citing concerns over fire hazards caused by overheating and ignition incidents onboard aircraft.

The Israeli airline announced over the weekend that passengers are no longer permitted to use portable chargers at any point during a flight, nor may they charge such devices using the aircraft’s electrical outlets. The move brings El Al in line with international aviation safety standards already adopted by many global carriers.

In a notice to customers, the airline stated that there is now an absolute ban on using portable power banks during flight, as well as a prohibition on charging them through onboard power sockets. El Al also clarified that power banks with a capacity exceeding 100 watt-hours are not approved for air travel.

Under the updated guidelines, each passenger may bring only one portable power bank onboard, and its capacity must not exceed 100Wh. Chargers that do not clearly display their watt-hour rating will not be permitted on the aircraft.

El Al warned that passengers who do not comply with the new requirements risk having the device confiscated by the flight crew. The airline emphasized that it bears no responsibility for loss or damage to power banks that are seized due to failure to meet safety regulations.

The airline said the decision was driven by multiple cases worldwide in which portable chargers caught fire during flights, posing a serious safety risk.

The updated policy aligns with recommendations issued by international aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the International Air Transport Association, and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Similar restrictions have already been implemented by other airlines. Swiss International Air Lines, for example, banned the use of portable power banks during flights beginning January 15 and limited passengers to carrying no more than two such devices.

El Al said the new measures are part of its ongoing efforts to enhance onboard safety and reduce the risk of fire-related incidents during air travel.

{Matzav.com}

What was once considered an eccentric indulgence reserved for a handful of outliers has quietly become a mainstream choice across the chareidi world: spending the Yom Tov season abroad. A quick glance at the chareidi press today reveals an almost endless list of mehadrin kosher Yom Tov programs in destinations across Europe and beyond. To understand how this shift happened—and why it continues to accelerate—we spoke with program organizers, participants, and kashrus supervisors who accompany this rapidly growing industry year after year.

Anyone passing through Ben Gurion Airport’s Terminal 3 in the weeks leading up to Pesach might momentarily think they’ve wandered onto Rechov Rabi Akiva or into the heart of Geulah. Thousands of families, weighed down with suitcases, children, and seforim, stream through the terminal, leaving behind the dust, scrubbing, and pressure of pre-Pesach cleaning in favor of a fully prepared, strictly kosher Yom Tov experience overseas.

What began roughly a decade ago as a trickle has since turned into a flood. Today, Pesach programs abroad are no longer the domain of the wealthy elite. Instead, they have become a practical—and often preferable—option for the average chareidi family.

“It’s simple math,” says Menachem, a father of seven from Modi’in Illit, as he compares offers. “A decent hotel in Yerushalayim or Netanya for ten days can cost me like a mortgage. In Greece or Cyprus, I get a five-star resort, flights for the entire family, and food at the level of high-end weddings—and when all is said and done, the final number in my bank account is often lower than if I stayed in Israel.”

Paradoxically, economics have become the main engine driving the phenomenon. In the past, foreign vacations were seen as extravagant, while Israeli alternatives felt more reasonable. Today, the reality has flipped. With Israeli hotels burdened by high kashrus costs and peak demand from the general public, chareidi entrepreneurs abroad capitalize on Europe’s off-season. Entire resorts are rented at bargain rates, kashered from the ground up, and transformed into all-inclusive Pesach destinations that would be unthinkable in Israel.

But money is only part of the story.

For many families, the overseas experience offers something Israel simply cannot: Yom Tov Sheini. “There’s something uplifting about two consecutive days of Yom Tov,” explains Rav Y., a veteran mashgiach who has accompanied these programs for years. “It gives families real time to elevate themselves spiritually, without the abrupt rush of Yom Tov ending so quickly like it does in Israel. The tefillos, the seudos, the singing at the second ‘closing’ of the chag—it creates an atmosphere of a Yom Tov that lingers. It’s not just a vacation; it’s a spiritual experience that leaves a lasting impression on children.”

Concerns that once surrounded “foreign food” have also largely disappeared. Today’s Pesach programs operate with near-military precision. Teams of mashgichim arrive weeks in advance, dismantling kitchens and rebuilding them from scratch with brand-new Pesach equipment.

There are no “secondary kitchens” or compromises. Menus are built to the highest standards: no gebrokts, no kitniyos, and meat from the most stringent shechitos, including Kehillos, Eidah HaChareidis, and Rav Landau. “The luxury is American-level,” says one organizer, “but the kashrus is Meah Shearim. Guests don’t need to ask questions—they know every crumb has passed through layer upon layer of supervision.”

And then there is perhaps the most transformative element of all: freedom for mothers.

In a community where Pesach preparations are a relentless logistical operation, the decision to go to a hotel is, above all else, an act of self-preservation. Instead of scrubbing shutters and baking under pressure, chareidi mothers find themselves by the pool or in a plush lobby, while their children attend organized Pesach day camps staffed by counselors flown in from Israel.

It is one of the few settings in which a chareidi mother truly does not have to cook, clean, or serve. For once, she is genuinely free.

Judging by the numbers, the trend shows no sign of slowing. The chareidi market has discovered that the world is wide, and that it is possible to combine halachic stringency with a high standard of living. What was once viewed as a reluctant compromise has become, for thousands of families, the preferred option—Pesach celebrated lechatchilah, with hiddur, joy, rest, and a very real sense of cheirus.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas on Monday evening issued a sharp response to reports that Israel is fast-tracking approval of legislation that would allow the death penalty for terrorists, following disclosures that preparations for implementing the law have already begun.

The terror group reacted to a report aired on Channel 13 News regarding the acceleration of the legislative process and initial steps to establish enforcement mechanisms. In a statement, Hamas accused Israel of exposing what it called its true nature. “(The move) exposes the true face of this entity, which exists on bloodshed, organized crime and collective punishment,” the organization claimed.

Hamas further alleged that advancing the legislation constitutes a serious violation of international law and global conventions. Referring to Israel’s prison policies, the group described the proposed law as part of what it termed an escalation against incarcerated terrorists.

“It is about unprecedented steps within a policy of ‘slow killing’ that the occupation is carrying out against the prisoners,” the statement asserted, adding that the measures reflect “sadism and systematic torture inside the prisons.”

The organization also alleged that prisoners are subjected on a daily basis to “abuse, medical neglect and deliberate starvation,” which it claimed is a continuation of what it described as Israel’s war against the Palestinian people.

Hamas concluded its statement with an appeal to the international community, calling for immediate intervention. “We call on the United Nations and all international legal and humanitarian institutions to act immediately and effectively to protect our prisoners and to stop this dangerous crime,” the statement read.

As previously reported, the Israel Prison Service has in recent days begun advancing dedicated preparations for the possible implementation of the death penalty law for terrorists, which has already passed its first reading in the Knesset. The preparations reportedly include establishing a designated facility for carrying out sentences, formulating operational procedures, training personnel, and examining practices in countries where similar punishment exists.

{Matzav.com}

Reports from the Gaza Strip said Monday that one of four terrorists killed earlier in the day in eastern Rafah was Anas Issa al-Nashar, the son of Issa al-Nashar, identified as one of the founders of Hamas.

According to the reports, the four terrorists were killed after emerging from an underground shaft connected to the subterranean tunnel network in the eastern Rafah area. Al-Nashar was named as one of those eliminated during the incident.

Additional details circulating in Gaza claimed that the slain terrorist’s mother is a senior figure in Hamas’ women’s movement. It was also reported that one of his brothers was killed in 2006, while another brother and other members of the family were killed during the current war. The reports further noted that al-Nashar was the nephew of Abu Ahmad al-Bawwab, the commander of Hamas’ eastern Rafah battalion, who was killed in early 2025.

The incident occurred during ongoing operations by Israel Defense Forces to clear the area of terrorists and terror infrastructure in eastern Rafah. According to the IDF, troops identified four terrorists emerging from an underground shaft in the area and opening fire on forces from the 7th Brigade.

IDF troops returned fire and killed all four terrorists. The military said that, b’chasdei Shomayim, there were no injuries to Israeli forces during the exchange.

{Matzav.com}

Senior rabbis from the Religious Zionist community issued a public warning on Monday against what they described as deliberate attempts to inflame tensions and sow division between Religious Zionists and the chareidi public, particularly surrounding the ongoing debate over military conscription.

In a letter signed by dozens of rabbis along with bereaved families, the authors cautioned that outside interests are exploiting the sensitive issue of the draft to pit one sector against another. “In recent times, parties with vested interests are trying to stir conflict between different groups in Israeli society, including between the chareidi public and the national camp,” the letter states.

The rabbis acknowledged that disagreements exist, including within the Religious Zionist camp itself, but stressed that these differences must not become a source of internal fracture. “It is no secret that there are ideological gaps and disagreements on the issue of conscription between different streams within the national camp,” they wrote, adding, “We will continue to discuss and argue, but we will do so as loving brothers.”

They further warned that political maneuvering around the draft issue could have broader consequences, cautioning that “the attempt to dismantle the national camp and the right-wing government under the pretext of the ‘draft law’ is falling into a trap.”

Alongside the warning, the rabbis voiced support for the proposed draft legislation, saying that in its current form it has the potential to significantly increase enlistment from the chareidi sector. They wrote that the bill could result in “triple the number of chareidim being drafted into the IDF in a way that will ease the burden on reserve soldiers and strengthen the IDF.”

The letter described chareidi backing for the legislation as a rare opportunity, stating, “The chareidi agreement to the law is a historic opportunity that must not be missed.” The rabbis concluded by expressing support for political leadership on the right, saying, “We strengthen the hands of the leaders of the camp to continue leading the right-wing government for many more years.”

{Matzav.com}

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Israel Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Amitai Gonen, an 11-year-old boy from Shilo–Shvut Rachel, who has been missing since Monday afternoon.

According to police, Amitai left school in Ofra at approximately 1:30 p.m. and was last seen in the area of the Ofra hitchhiking point. Since then, contact with him has been lost and his whereabouts remain unknown. Searches are currently ongoing in the Binyamin region.

Amitai is described as approximately 1.35 meters (4 feet 5 inches) tall, with a slim build, light complexion with freckles, light brown hair, and blue eyes. At the time he was last seen, he was reportedly wearing a light brown hoodie and matching light brown pants.

Anyone with information regarding Amitai’s location, or who may have seen him, is urged to contact the Israel Police emergency center by dialing 100, or to call the Binyamin police station at 02-970-6444.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Meir Bar, took part Monday in the 15th Conference of Religious Leaders in Israel, held in Nazareth, where senior figures from multiple faiths gathered to discuss shared challenges, promote unity, and coordinate efforts to combat extremism and violence.

The conference, organized by the Interior Ministry and its Department for Religious Communities, was held at the Golden Crown Hotel in Nazareth and focused this year on the theme “From Polarization to Unity,” with an emphasis on strengthening social cohesion, advancing peace, and confronting evil.

During the proceedings, Rav Bar played a central role in interfaith discussions with religious leaders, focusing on the responsibility of spiritual leadership to reduce polarization in Israeli society and to foster coexistence and peace. He also participated in a dedicated working group that examined the impact of polarization on public life and explored practical ways to address it.

Addressing the gathering, Rav Bar said: “This gathering of religious leaders is important both practically and symbolically. We must use the power we have as religious leaders to promote peace and goodness in the world — not only in matters that directly affect us.”

He continued by pointing to global conflicts and humanitarian crises. “If a war in Ukraine has claimed the lives of nearly a million people, we have an obligation to speak out clearly. And if there are other places of suffering, hunger, and evil, it is our duty to raise a clear and unambiguous voice. Not only to issue statements, but also to advance initiatives, partnerships, and concrete actions to increase goodness and eradicate evil in the world.”

Rav Bar stressed that the very act of convening carried an important message. “Judaism is not an enemy of Christianity or Islam. On the contrary. Judaism is a religion of peace, especially when it comes to other faiths that believe in one God. We are all children of one Father. And precisely when there are those who try to ignite a religious war by distorting religion and using it to justify terror and the harming of innocents, we declare loudly: there is no religious war between Judaism and Islam. On the contrary. There is brotherhood and peace — and above all, a shared mission to eradicate evil, fight it, and promote goodness and peace for all who live in this land.”

Interior Ministry Director-General Israel Uzan also addressed the conference, emphasizing the influence of religious leadership. “The heads of religions and communities in Israel have a central role and significant ability to promote values of unity, tolerance, peace, and shared living. Meetings between religious leaders, based on open and respectful dialogue, are an important pillar in strengthening social cohesion and building a more united and healthy society. We will continue to reinforce this area in the Interior Ministry by advancing meetings, dialogue, and cooperation, viewing religious leaders as key partners in shared responsibility and in preserving the fabric of life in Israel.”

The conference concluded with a formal signing ceremony of a joint declaration by the religious leaders, read aloud in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, expressing a shared commitment to social unity, interfaith dialogue, and the advancement of peace.

Among the participants were Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, Latin Patriarch Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the head of the Greek Catholic Church, Druze spiritual leader and chairman of the Supreme Druze Council Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, Muslim Sharia Court of Appeals judge Dr. Iyad Zahalka, Interior Ministry Director-General Israel Uzan, Emir Mohammed Sharif, and representatives of Israel’s various religious communities.

{Matzav.com}