Matzav

Jews in New York City were the targets of 31 suspected hate crimes last month — roughly one incident per day — according to new figures released Monday by the New York City Police Department.

Those incidents represented 54 percent of the 58 total bias crimes reported citywide in January, making antisemitic offenses the largest single category during the month.

The January tally reflected a 182 percent increase compared with the same month last year, though it was lower than the 40 antisemitic incidents recorded in December. January also marked the first full month of the city’s new administration under Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

City officials noted that antisemitic crime levels tend to rise and fall based on a range of factors, including protest activity and seasonal conditions.

In addition to crimes targeting Jews, police recorded one incident motivated by age bias, five against Asians, two against Black individuals, two related to gender, one targeting Hispanic people, seven against Muslims, three aimed at other religious groups, five based on sexual orientation, and one targeting white people.

Authorities cautioned that the statistics are preliminary and may be revised following investigations. In some cases, incidents initially believed to be hate crimes are later determined to have been motivated by other factors. Convictions in hate crime cases also remain relatively uncommon.

Hate crimes carry harsher penalties than non-bias offenses because they are viewed as attacks on an entire community rather than a single individual.

At the same time, the NYPD reported that major crimes — including murder, robbery, shootings, and felony assaults — declined overall last month, continuing a broader downward trend in violent crime across the city.

Jews continue to be targeted in New York City at higher rates than any other group. In 2025, police recorded 330 antisemitic incidents, accounting for 57 percent of the 576 total hate crimes reported citywide, according to NYPD data.

Jewish security officials and experts on hate crimes have also warned that many antisemitic incidents likely go unreported and never reach law enforcement statistics.

Among the January cases, two teenagers were charged with spray-painting 73 swastikas on a playground used by Jewish children; a rabbi was assaulted on Holocaust Remembrance Day; and a driver rammed his vehicle into Chabad’s 770.

In response to rising antisemitism, members of the New York City Council announced last week the creation of a new Task Force to Combat Antisemitism and introduced legislation aimed at curbing hate crimes.

{Matzav.com}

US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Israel on Tuesday for high-level meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, according to two senior Israeli officials.

The talks are expected to focus largely on Iran, coming shortly after Zamir traveled to Washington, DC over the weekend for a round of consultations with senior American defense officials regarding the Islamic Republic.

After completing his visit to Israel, Witkoff is scheduled to meet Friday in Istanbul with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to discuss a potential nuclear agreement and related matters, a US official said on Monday.

“The president’s been calling for them to make a deal. The meeting is to hear what they have to say,” the official said.

Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt have been involved in facilitating the planned meeting, Axios previously reported, citing two sources familiar with the effort.

At the same time, Iranian media reported Monday that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed officials to initiate nuclear negotiations with the United States after President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement that could avert military action against Iran.

The reports follow a period of heightened tension after Iranian authorities responded forcefully to anti-government protests that reached their peak last month. In response, Trump threatened military action and ordered the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East.

Iran has warned that any US military strike ordered by Trump would prompt retaliation against Israel and American military targets throughout the region.

Netanyahu addressed those threats during a speech to the Knesset on Monday, declaring that Israel was “ready for every scenario.”

“Whoever attacks us will face unbearable consequences,” the premier warned.

Even as pressure mounts on Tehran, Trump has continued to say he hopes diplomacy will succeed. Iranian officials have also stated that they favor negotiations, while simultaneously vowing a severe response to any attack.

“President Pezeshkian has ordered the opening of talks with the United States,” the Fars news agency reported, citing an unnamed government source.

“Iran and the United States will hold talks on the nuclear file,” Fars said, without providing a timeline.

The report was also published by the state-run newspaper Iran and the reformist daily Shargh.

Without detailing the substance of any potential agreement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said regional countries are helping relay messages between the sides. “Countries of the region are acting as mediators in the exchange of messages.

“Several points have been addressed and we are examining and finalizing the details of each stage in the diplomatic process, which we hope to conclude in the coming days,” he added. “This concerns the method and framework.”

Speaking on CNN on Sunday, Araqchi said he believes Iran can reach an agreement with the United States.

Other countries in the region are also working to prevent the standoff with Iran from escalating further. Jordan’s foreign minister conveyed that position during a phone call Monday with his Iranian counterpart.

“Jordan will not be a battleground in any regional conflict or a launching pad for any military action against Iran,” Ayman Safadi told Araqchi, according to a statement from Jordan’s Foreign Ministry.

Safadi added that Amman, a close US ally, “will not permit any party to violate its airspace or threaten its security and the safety of its citizens,” while underscoring Jordan’s support for de-escalation and restoring calm.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said Russia continues efforts to reduce tensions surrounding Iran, noting that Moscow has long offered to assist by processing or storing Iran’s enriched uranium.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s dairy farmers announced on Monday that they will stop supplying milk to dairies beginning this morning, stepping up their protest against a dairy industry reform promoted by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

The farmers argue that the reform is “destructive,” warning that it could cause severe damage to local producers and jeopardize the long-term stability of Israel’s dairy sector.

The issue was addressed earlier Monday at a farm conference organized by the Binyamin Region, the Farm Alliance, and Arutz Sheva, where Smotrich was questioned about the possibility that farmers would suspend milk production.

Smotrich sharply criticized the move, saying it would only strengthen the case for reform. “If they stop milk production, they would play into my hands since they would explain to the citizens of Israel what happens when an industry is managed in such a communist, centralized manner where whoever wants can flip the switch.”

He went on to compare the farmers’ threat to actions taken by other sectors in the past. “Once it’s the electric company employees, after that it’s the ports, and now it’s the growers. This won’t happen. The citizens of Israel will not be hostages of any monopoly or any pressure group.”

The standoff comes after the Ministerial Committee for Legislation unanimously approved the dairy reform last month. According to estimates from the Finance Ministry, the changes are expected to save the public between one and two billion shekels annually.

The ministry said the reform is intended to open the dairy market to competition, reduce consumer prices, and dismantle the centralized planning system that has governed the industry for decades.

The legislation calls for the cancellation of the production quota system, a transition to an open market, and the removal of all tariffs on dairy products. It also includes a safety net for producers aimed at ensuring a consistent supply of fresh milk to consumers at affordable prices.

In addition, the reform establishes a new legal mechanism to regulate protected milk procurement, alongside a gradual program to buy back existing quotas as the market shifts to the new framework.

{Matzav.com}

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By Rabbi Berach Steinfeld In Shmos 35:2 The passuk says that during the six days of the week work should be done but on the seventh day should be holy. The Gemara in Kiddushin 41a tells the story that Rav Safra would cook the head of the animal lichvod Shabbos. Rava would salt the fish. The Chafetz Chaim in Biur Halacha 250 s.v. Ki and it is also brought down in the Shaarei Teshuva 2 they both ask the question of the Chavos Yair. There is a rule that if a zakein finds a lost object and it is not honorable for this zakein to be busy with such a trivial lost object, meaning he would be embarrassed to be seen walking in the public street with this item. If he would not take his own object because of his embarrassment, then he is not obligated to do so for someone else’s lost object based on the Gemara Bava Metzia 30b. The Rosh says that it is forbidden for him to do the hashavas aveida as he is being mezalzel in Kavod HaTorah. How could these Amoraim be mezalzel in their kavod to prepare for Shabbos? The Biur Halacha adds to the question that even if you would base your opinion on the shittas HoRambam in Hilchos Rotzeach 3 that there is a midas chassidus for a zakein to return a lost object even if it not according to his kavod. How could one say that one is obligated to do for Shabbos even when it is not lichvodo. We can understand that it is a middas Chassidus but to say you are chayev? There are a few answers. The first answer is from the Chavos Yair that says that since these Amoraim were doing something for Shabbos and it was obvious to anyone that saw them that that was what they were doing, so letzorech Mitzva it would not be a problem. The Pri Megadim agrees that something that is obvious that it is leshem mitzvah then there is no bizayon. It would be meduyak in the words of the Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 250 that a person should be mishtadel to prepare himself something lichvod Shabbos to honor the Shabbos. A person should not say that I will be pogem in my kavod because that is considered kavod for a person when he can be mechabed Shabbos. We find in Gemara in Sotah 41b that the parsha of the king was read at the end of the Shmitta year. Agripas the king read the Torah while standing even though he could have read it while being seated. The Chachamim praised him. The Gemara asks that we know the rule is that a king cannot be mochel on his kavod. How could he be mochel on his kavod? The Gemara answers that for a dvar mitzvah it is different. So long it is obvious it is being done for a mitzvah there is no problem of pechisas HaKavod. The Chavos Yair klers a shailoh in 205 if a young talmid Chacham who knows how to play an instrument and wants to play before a Chassan and Kallah would he be allowed or is it bizayon HaTorah? He says we cannot bring a raya from Dovid Hamelech that he danced and was mevazeh himself for Hashem as we find in Shmuel 2:6:17. The reason Dovid did it was because it was for a dvar kedusha. So too we find that a Talmid Chacham can build a sukkah which has kedusha as we find in Sukka 9a that a Sukka is compared to a chagigah they both have a sheim kedusha. He does conclude that a Talmid Chacham can play an instrument before a Chassan Kallah from Ksubos 17a that Rav Shmuel the son of Yitzchok would dance before the Kallah with three hadassim and he would juggle them. Rav Zeira criticized him for embarrassing himself but the Pischei Teshuva in Yoreh Deah 244:4 says that he was allowed to do so because it was letzorech Mitzva. The Chavos Yair says that when one does a Mitzvah in public, and it is obvious that he is doing a Mitzvah he can embarrass himself and it would not be a problem of bizayon HaTorah. It is known that Rav Chaim Pinchas Sheinberg used to polish the Chassan’s shoes at the wedding. A second tirutz could be that we only say the hetter of zakein ve’eino lefi kvodo regarding mitzvos bein adam lechaveiro but regarding bein adam laMakom there is no hetter of zakein ve’eino lfi kvodo. The Kovetz Shiurim Kesubos 17a says the same differentiation and says that when it come to mitzvos bein adam laMakom we say “Ein Chochma … Neged Hashem.” With this point we can also explain why someone needs to get rid of clothing of Klaiim in the street; only when it comes to a question of great bizayon to have to be in the street naked they were mattir al yedei shev ve’al taaseh. But small bizyonos would be acceptable when it is bein adam laMakom. A third tirutz could be that these Amoraim did not practice this in public. In their house it would not be a bizayon whereas finding a lost object in the street that would be considered a bizayon. A fourth and final answer is based on the Shaarei Tzion who asks, how were the Amoraim allowed to be mevatel Torah? He answers when it comes to kovod Shabbos it is allowed, since Shabbos is more chamur. Therefore, they would be mevatel Torah ands be mevazeh themselves because of the choimer of Shabbos. We see the great value of Shabbos and Talmidei Chachamim. Let us learn to respect them both!

A group of immigration advocates and affected individuals has gone to court to challenge a Trump administration decision that stopped the final processing of immigrant visas for applicants from dozens of countries.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in Manhattan, contends that the policy effectively bars legal immigration based on nationality and is grounded in what the plaintiffs describe as an “unsupported and demonstrably false claim” that immigrants from the affected countries are more likely to rely on government assistance.

At the center of the case is a State Department directive issued in January and implemented on Jan. 21, which placed an open-ended freeze on the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 mostly non-European countries, among them Brazil, Russia, Iran, and Somalia. The government said the move was tied to concerns about future dependence on public benefits.

While applicants from those countries are still permitted to submit applications and attend consular interviews, the State Department has suspended the final approval and issuance of visas while it reviews how it applies its “public charge” standards.

Opponents argue that the policy represents one of the broadest limits on lawful immigration in years, saying it resurrects and significantly widens prior public-charge enforcement by applying it wholesale to entire countries rather than evaluating applicants on an individual basis. They warn that this approach raises serious statutory and constitutional issues.

According to the plaintiffs, internal cables and guidance from the State Department replaced the traditional case-by-case “public charge” review with a blanket refusal system based on nationality. The lawsuit alleges that the policy:
• Automatically blocks immigrant visa approvals for applicants from 75 designated countries.
• Instructs consular officials to enforce “public charge” findings in an inflexible manner, weighing factors such as benefit usage, health history, and income in ways the plaintiffs say exceed the limits set by Congress.
• Abandons the individualized determinations required by the Immigration and Nationality Act in favor of categorical denials tied to country of origin.

The suit asks the court to issue both temporary and permanent orders stopping the policy and to formally rule that it violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution.

One of the plaintiffs, a U.S. citizen from Long Island, says the policy has left him separated from his immediate family. After traveling to Guatemala for his wife’s visa interview, Cesar Andred Aguirre returned to the United States alone, while consular officials informed his wife, Dania Mariela Escobar, that she would not be permitted to come back with him, leaving her and their young daughter abroad.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Shmaryahu Meltzer zt”l, one of the outstanding talmidei chachamim and marbitzei Torah of our generation, who devoted his entire life to Torah, avodah, and raising generations of bnei Torah. Rav Meltzer, Rosh Kollel of Beis Moshe and one of the roshei yeshiva of Yeshivas Toras Simcha in Yerushalayim, was niftar today at the age of 90.

Rav Meltzer was born in the month of Sivan 5695 to his father, Rav Shmuel Avraham Meltzer, mechaber of Ashdos HaPisgah. His father was among the prominent talmidim of Rav Baruch Ber Leibowitz zt”l in Kamenitz, and later relocated to the United States, where he was moser nefesh to uphold Torah and shechitah during a turbulent period, standing firm against the pressures of the time.

Shortly after his marriage in Chicago to the daughter of Rav Chaim Zalman Frank zt”l, Rav Shmaryahu was appointed as a rebbi in a yeshiva ketanah. Even at a young age, his gadlus baTorah was already evident, and he received semichah lehoraah.

In later years, Rav Meltzer served for an extended period as Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Itri, together with Rav Mordechai Elefant. He subsequently stood at the helm of Yeshivas Mishkan HaTorah on Rechov Sorotzkin for many years. At the direction of Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach zt”l, and with the support of the philanthropist Morris Esformes, he founded Kollel Beis Moshe.

Many of his talmidim attributed their entire ruchniyus to the foundations he laid. Despite his stature, he walked humbly, learning with constant hasmadah and never holding himself above others.

Rav Meltzer was deeply connected to his rabbeim and would often recount what he heard from his father in the name of Rav Baruch Ber Leibowitz. He would repeat the teaching Rav Baruch Ber said in the name of Rav Chaim Soloveitchik zt”l that one who educates his children merely to be an ehrlicher Yid is removing Torah from future generations; rather, a father must be mechanech his children to gadlus baTorah. Rav Meltzer lived this yesod, constantly instilling a drive for gadlus and ahavas Torah in all his talmidim.

He frequently spoke of his rabbeim in Eretz Yisroel and shared memories of his visits to Rav Shach and the Rav Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky. His hasmadah was legendary. Those who entered his home would find him immersed in learning deep into the night, and at times until morning, with remarkable diligence and sweetness. His shiurim were clear and illuminating, opening the eyes of talmidim to true understanding and depth in the sugya.

Last Nissan, Rav Meltzer suffered a devastating personal loss with the petirah of his son, Rav Hillel Yosef Meltzer zt”l, one of the prominent talmidei chachamim of Petach Tikva and among the city’s rabbanim, who was niftar at the age of 57.

Rav Shmaryahu leaves behind sons and sons-in-law who are all talmidei chachamim and marbitzei Torah, among them Rav Yeshayah Nosson Meltzer, mechaber of numerous seforim in halachah; Rav Dov Gershon Meltzer, a marbitz Torah in the Mir; and his sons-in-law Rav Daniel Septner, a talmid muvhak of Rav Nochum Pertzovitz zt”l; Rav Yitzchak Eizik Silver, a dayan, moreh tzedek, and mechaber of seforim, widely known for Mishpetei HaShalom; Rav Yaakov Yerucham Katzenelbogen of Neve Yaakov; and Rav Eliezer Yehuda Shmulevitz, among the chashuvei avreichim of Kiryas Mattersdorf.

The levayah took place today at Yeshivas Toras Simcha on Rechov Sorotzkin in Yerushalayim and proceeding to Har HaMenuchos for kevurah.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

A 34-year-old chosson collapsed Monday night during his wedding at an event hall in a kibbutz within the Gezer Regional Council and was evacuated to the hospital in serious condition following prolonged efforts to revive him.

According to a statement from United Hatzalah, medical teams from the organization were called to the scene after reports that a man had suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness in the midst of the simcha.

Ben Sinai, a United Hatzalah volunteer who was present at the wedding as one of the guests, described the dramatic moments inside the hall. “I was in the hall as one of the guests when I suddenly noticed a commotion and calls for help. I saw the chosson unconscious and without a pulse. I immediately called for assistance and began performing resuscitation together with other medics, including the use of the hall’s defibrillator. After prolonged resuscitation efforts, boruch Hashem, his heart began beating again,” he said.

The chosson was then transported by a mobile intensive care unit to the hospital, where his condition is currently described as serious.

The tzibbur is asked to be mispallel for hachosson Evyatar ben Vivian.

{Matzav.com}

ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני

ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני

ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני

ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני

ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני ט”ו בשבט אצל פוסק הדור הגר”מ שטרנבוךצילום: דוד ארזני

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Monday that federal immigration officers operating in Minneapolis will begin wearing body cameras, backing a measure long pushed by Democrats as tensions continue to run high around immigration enforcement in the city.

In a post on X, Noem said the decision followed consultations with border czar Tom Homan, Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons, and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott. She wrote that “every officer in the field in Minneapolis” will now be equipped with body cameras.

Noem added that the initiative will not be limited to one city, explaining that broader implementation is planned as resources allow. “As funding is available, the body camera program will be expanded nationwide. We will rapidly acquire and deploy body cameras to DHS law enforcement across the country,” the DHS chief added.

She framed the move as part of a broader commitment to openness under the current administration, writing, “The most transparent administration in American history—thank you @POTUS Trump.”

The deployment of body cameras is one of several changes congressional Democrats are seeking to include in a Department of Homeland Security funding bill expected to be debated this month. Their push follows the fatal shooting of two anti-ICE agitators in Minneapolis during an encounter with federal agents, an incident that intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices.

President Donald Trump reached an agreement last week with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass a temporary funding measure for DHS. The stopgap bill is intended to keep the department operating while lawmakers negotiate additional proposals, including restrictions on ICE agents wearing masks, requirements that agents clearly identify themselves, and mandates for judicial warrants prior to removals.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump signaled his support for Noem’s decision to move forward with body cameras. “I leave it to her,” he said. “They generally tend to be good for law enforcement, because people can’t lie about what’s happening. So it’s generally speaking, I think 80% good for law enforcement. But if she wants to do that, I’m okay with it.”

{Matzav.com}

ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

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ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

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ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ט”ו בשבט בסאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said Monday that Tehran is prepared for a military confrontation, declaring in an interview with Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen TV that “Iran is ready for any war.”

Shamkhani warned that a US attack on Iran would automatically expand the conflict to include Israel, arguing that the two countries act in concert. “Israel and America are not two different elements. They are one entity. Our response to Israel is inevitable and is tied to their actions and steps,” he said.

Turning to the prospect of renewed diplomatic engagement, Shamkhani said Iran is open only to direct talks with Washington, dismissing any European role. He said Tehran is ready for “practical negotiations with Washington and no one else, as Europe has proven its inability to do anything,” adding that any discussions would be limited strictly to the nuclear file.

He emphasized that Iran has no intention of exporting uranium enriched to high levels and rejected international demands to do so. “There is no reason to transfer the stored materials outside Iran. There is no need for all these complicated procedures. Our program is peaceful, our capabilities are domestic, and the 60% enrichment level can be reduced to 20%, but they must pay a cost,” Shamkhani said.

According to Shamkhani, Iran’s core positions in negotiations remain unchanged from earlier rounds. “In the previous rounds [of talks], we had three no’s: we do not seek a nuclear weapon, we will not go to produce it, and we will not store it, and they must offer a price for that,” he said.

His remarks come amid reports that US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are scheduled to meet Friday in Istanbul to explore the possibility of a renewed nuclear agreement.

US President Donald Trump has urged Iran to strike a deal with Washington over its nuclear program, while also signaling that military action remains an option if diplomacy fails.

Speaking with reporters on Sunday, Trump addressed recent warnings from Iran’s supreme leader, who cautioned that if “they start a war, this time it will be a regional war.”

“We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there… hopefully, we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right,” Trump said.

Trump also said Saturday night that Iran is “seriously talking” with the United States, adding that he hopes Tehran ultimately agrees to a deal that involves abandoning its nuclear weapons ambitions.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump addressed reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, offering pointed remarks about ongoing US engagement with Iran and emphasizing that diplomacy is unfolding alongside a significant show of force.

Trump said the United States is deploying major naval assets to the region even as discussions proceed. “We have big ships heading to Iran right now. The biggest and the best. We have talks going on with Iran, we will see how it all works out,” he said.

He declined to outline any next steps, stressing that the administration intends to keep its options close. “I can’t tell you what I’m going to do, because right now we have a tremendous force going there, just like we did in Venezuela – even bigger. And they’ll be there soon,” Trump continued.

Trump:

We have big ships heading to Iran right now.

We have talks going on with Iran, we will see how it all works out. pic.twitter.com/NcdvNjFXdW

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 2, 2026

At the same time, Trump reiterated that he would prefer a negotiated outcome, while warning of consequences if talks fail. “I’d like to see a deal negotiated. I don’t know that that’s going to happen. But if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you. I’d be very foolish if I were to tell you. But right now we’re talking to them. We’re talking to Iran. And if we could work something out, that’d be great. And if we can’t, probably bad things will happen.”

The comments come amid reports that US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are set to meet Friday in Istanbul to explore the possibility of a renewed nuclear agreement.

Trump has repeatedly urged Tehran to reach an agreement with Washington over its nuclear program, while making clear that military action remains an option if diplomacy does not succeed.

On Sunday, the president responded to recent warnings from Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, who cautioned that if “they start a war, this time it will be a regional war.”

“We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there… hopefully, we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right,” Trump told reporters.

Trump also said on Motzoei Shabbos that Iran is “seriously talking” with the United States, adding that he hopes Tehran ultimately agrees to a deal that involves giving up its nuclear weapons.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of the prominent Satmar philanthropist and supporter of Torah and chessed, Rabbi Yisroel Dov Goldberger z”l. A leading figure among the Satmar community in Kiryas Yoel, he was 86 years old.

Rabbi Goldberger was born to his father, Rabbi Yitzchak Goldberger, and was the eldest grandson of Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Goldberger, who survived the Holocaust together with all of his children. From a young age, he was deeply connected to the rebuilding of Torah life after the devastation of Europe.

Throughout his lifetime, Rabbi Goldberger played a central role in constructing and expanding Satmar mosdos in Kiryas Yoel, contributing sums totaling millions of dollars. Most recently, he financed the construction of a massive new building for the Bais Rochel girls’ school in Kiryas Yoel, continuing his lifelong commitment to chinuch.

Over the past 15 years, Rabbi Goldberger donated an estimated $40 million toward the building and expansion of Satmar mosdos. His most recent contribution, made just one month ago, was a donation of $3.5 million toward the renovation and enlargement of the Satmar Bais Medrash on Rodney Street in Williamsburg. The expanded bais medrash was named in his honor, Heichal Yisroel Dov.

His generosity extended beyond the United States. At the Satmar girls’ school in Yerushalayim, he funded an entire floor of the building, which bears his name as Komat Rav Yisroel Dov.

Rabbi Goldberger amassed his wealth through real estate ventures, but those close to him said his heart was as open as a great hall when it came to supporting tzedakah and building places of Torah and chassidus. His philanthropy was quiet, consistent, and driven by a deep sense of responsibility to Klal Yisroel.

He was closely attached to the leaders of the Satmar dynasty, maintaining a lifelong bond with the Satmar Rebbes, the Vayoel Moshe, the Berach Moshe, and the current Satmar Rebbe.

In recent weeks, Rabbi Goldberger’s health deteriorated and he was hospitalized in Florida. During that time, the Satmar Rebbe traveled specially for a 24-hour visit to be at his bedside.

Rabbi Goldberger is survived by his devoted family and by his wife, Hendel Miriam.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Monday that 16 people have been discovered dead outdoors across New York City since a severe cold spell set in more than a week ago.

According to the mayor, initial assessments show that most of the deaths were linked directly to the extreme temperatures. Of the 16 fatalities recorded since Jan. 24, 13 appear to have resulted from hypothermia, while three were attributed to drug overdoses.

City officials said none of the individuals were found inside homeless encampments, even as some advocates and critics have urged the city to dismantle such sites, arguing they pose safety risks for people reluctant to enter shelters.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Mamdani said the city has intensified its outreach efforts, deploying teams around the clock to locate people living outdoors and persuade them to seek shelter indoors.

“We’ve expanded more mobile warming units to a fleet of 20, which are moving throughout the city equipped with clinical staff to treat New Yorkers’ needs and get them off the street,” the mayor said.

Mamdani added that since the cold snap began, outreach workers have succeeded in bringing roughly 1,000 people indoors.

Beyond the humanitarian response, city agencies continue to work on clearing snow and ice. Mamdani said multiple departments are assisting sanitation crews as they clear streets, sidewalks, curbs, and corners throughout the city.

Although temperatures are expected to inch slightly higher this week — with daytime highs hovering around 32 degrees on Monday and Tuesday — conditions are forecast to remain near freezing for the rest of the week. Officials noted that if the pattern continues, the city could be experiencing its longest stretch of freezing weather in 65 years.

{Matzav.com}

Pesach 2026 offers a rare opportunity to experience Yom Tov in a setting that blends serenity, elegance, and spiritual uplift, as Greenwald Caterers and Elegant Essen Retreats present a premier Pesach program at the renowned Wigwam Resort in Phoenix, Arizona.

Set on more than 400 pristine acres, the Wigwam Resort is a two-story luxury property known for its expansive grounds, refined accommodations, and tranquil desert beauty. With palm-lined walkways, resort-style pools, and wide open spaces, the setting provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed yet elevated Pesach atmosphere—one that allows guests to truly feel the cheirus of the Yom Tov.

The program features Glatt kosher catering by Greenwald Caterers, celebrated for its exceptional cuisine, attention to detail, and uncompromising standards. Guests can expect thoughtfully prepared Yom Tov meals, beautifully presented, in an environment that reflects true Pesach dignity and warmth.

Spiritual enrichment and engaging programming will be led by a distinguished lineup, including Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky, Rabbi Eli Mansour, Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Rabbi Dovid Newman, Dr. David Lieberman, and Rabbi Kalman Topp. Musical highlights will include Beri Weber, Yumi Lowy, and Gershon Freishtat and Orchestra.

With direct flights available to Phoenix, travel is simple and convenient, making this destination easily accessible for families and guests from across the country. For those wishing to extend the experience, an optional post-Pesach Shabbos offers the chance to unwind further and savor the atmosphere beyond Yom Tov.

Arizona’s famously beautiful weather, combined with luxury amenities and a carefully curated Pesach program, creates an experience that is both restful and inspiring—ideal for families seeking a meaningful Yom Tov without compromise.

For additional information and reservations, please visit wigwampesach.com, email info@wigwampesach.com, or call 636-2-PESACH. WhatsApp inquiries are welcome at 973-780-6900 or via https://wa.me/7183540281.

Pesach 2026 at the Wigwam Resort promises to be Pesach as it’s meant to be—elegant, uplifting, and truly unforgettable.

Naftali Bennett said Monday night at a closed-door gathering of activists that he does not regret forming a coalition government with Mansour Abbas and the Ra’am party, despite the controversy it generated.

Bennett acknowledged that the move hurt many people but said he remains convinced it was the correct choice under the circumstances at the time. “I regret that I caused pain to people, but I stand behind my considerations. I stand behind the decision. At the time, we went to elections and I truly did not know Mansour Abbas; like all the parties, I said I would not sit with them,” he said.

At the same time, Bennett made clear that his current position is fundamentally different in light of the October 7 attacks. He said that the political reality in Israel has changed and ruled out any future reliance on Arab parties. “Since October 7, there is no mandate in the State of Israel to form a government based on Arab parties. We will establish a unity government under my leadership, a Zionist government based on an alliance of those who serve, and that is what will happen. We are going to win and we are going to form it,” Bennett declared.

While Bennett was speaking inside the venue, Likud activists gathered outside to protest. Addressing the demonstration, Bennett accused Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of avoiding a direct confrontation and instead encouraging disruption.

“Instead of doing a debate, which he is afraid to do, he sends activists to disrupt. Be a man, face me, don’t send activists. Whenever you want-name a place, name a time-I am ready to face Bibi on any issue. But not through paid activists; that’s not being a man,” Bennett said.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration is restricting cities from using road safety grants for automated cameras that enforce speed limits or other traffic laws, part of a shift away from safety measures that might slow or otherwise inconvenience car travel.

The letters to city officials went out in December, saying that “for consistency with Administration priorities,” traffic cameras outside of school or work zones will not get approval under the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The program was created by the 2021 infrastructure law and funds projects aimed at eliminating traffic deaths.

“This Administration will not allow critical safety dollars to subsidize the purchase of speed cameras so governments can pursue unfair revenue schemes,” U.S. Department of Transportation spokesman Nathaniel Sizemore said in a statement.

Proposals to extend sidewalk curbs farther into a roadway are also barred, although the number of exceptions is greater: transit stops, roundabouts, school zones, on-street parking and curb extensions that don’t take away lanes of traffic, according to the letters from the U.S. Department of Transportation. As with other administration grants, the language also says any “equity analysis” is disqualifying.

The cities had been awarded grants but did not yet have a signed agreement with the White House for their implementation. Until that happens, funds can be clawed back. The Trump administration has previously said grants that include “reducing lane capacity for vehicles” with bike lanes or pedestrian infrastructure are “hostile” to cars and “counter to DOT’s priority of preserving or increasing roadway capacity for motor vehicles.”

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has signaled his enthusiasm for driving in various ways. He has tried to stop congestion pricing in New York, has encouraged Americans to take road trips and on Friday announced plans to host an IndyCar street race around the capital in August, saying, “Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs!”

Alex Engel, a spokesman for the National Association of City Transportation Officials, a nonprofit coalition, said the change is an unwarranted restriction on “proven, lifesaving tools,” and that “limiting speed and red-light enforcement to construction and school zones leaves many of the most dangerous city streets unaddressed.”

Research indicates that speed, red-light and stop sign cameras are effective at reducing crashes and fatalities and popular with the public. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls them a “proven safety countermeasure” in a 2023 report and noted that “support appears highest in jurisdictions that have implemented red-light or speed cameras.”

Advocates say merely cutting federal funding is unlikely to slow the growth of camera programs because they generally pay for themselves with fines.

“I don’t see it as a huge barrier, given that that’s not usually where the funding comes from,” said Leah Shahum, who leads a Vision Zero Network that offers support to cities and counties trying to end road deaths. “It’s still consequential for those that have applied, and I would worry a little bit that it may send a message, that in some places it would slow enthusiasm.”

In-person traffic enforcement has collapsed across the country in the past six years, and more communities are turning to cameras to fill the gap. But there are vocal opponents who argue that it isn’t fair to enforce traffic laws without the discretion of a human officer and that cameras are used to fine people for speed limits that are too low.

Last month, Politico reported that the administration suggested stripping funding for the District of Columbia unless the city eliminates its many traffic cameras. D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) pushed back, saying doing so “would endanger people in our community” and “mean cuts to everyday services.” Cameras bring in more than $100 million a year through ticket revenue.

Several House Republicans are adamantly opposed to traffic cameras and have pushed for legislation banning them both in D.C. and nationwide. According to two people who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, officials at the Federal Highway Administration have also been gathering information on the city’s bike lanes and whether they took space away from cars and caused congestion.

(c) 2026, The Washington Post 

{Matzav.com}