Matzav

The Knesset on Monday evening passed a landmark law restoring the authority of the batei din to adjudicate child support cases within the framework of divorce proceedings. The move comes months after a controversial Supreme Court ruling stripped the rabbinical courts of this jurisdiction, a decision that drew sharp criticism from rabbinic leaders and religious lawmakers.

Speaking after the law’s passage in its second and third readings, Rishon LeTzion Rav Dovid Yosef expressed gratitude and relief, describing the development as a victory for halacha and for the traditional legal order. “In the Supreme Court, there is a judge named Yael Willner—remember that name,” he said. “That judge decided that the batei din have no authority to deal with child support, which accounts for 70 percent of all cases. For 80 years, the courts handled these issues without a problem, and suddenly, what was legal became illegal.”

Rav Yosef recounted how repeated petitions to the High Court had paralyzed the batei din after that decision. “Every case we received, they told us: ‘You have no authority.’ I turned to Justice Yitzhak Amit and asked him to allow a rehearing on this critical issue—it’s not even written in the law! But he rejected my request outright. The only solution left was to make a new law,” Rav Yosef said.

He added that the process had caused him great distress. “I won’t weary you with how much pain and effort this took,” he said. “Just minutes ago, Rav Elbaz sent the Knesset members from here to vote in the final readings, and baruch Hashem, with Heaven’s help, we are restoring the crown to its former glory.”

The newly approved legislation reaffirms the provision originally enacted in 1953, explicitly granting rabbinical courts the authority to rule on “child support claims of the couple’s children” that are linked to divorce proceedings. This restores the status quo that existed before the Supreme Court’s February ruling, issued by Justices Yael Willner and Ruth Ronen against the dissenting opinion of Justice Noam Sohlberg, which had removed that authority and created confusion in the family law system.

Under the new law, the reinstated powers will be applied as a temporary measure for two years. During that period, a special committee appointed by Rav Dovid Yosef, who also serves as President of the Rabbinical High Court, will formulate recommendations for how to calculate and distribute child support responsibilities between parents, ensuring uniformity across both rabbinical and civil courts.

“The Supreme Court’s decision caused serious confusion and disrupted the proper order of family law in Israel,” Rav Yosef said. “Restoring the rabbinical courts’ authority will bring back the needed stability. The expert committee I appointed will, be’ezras Hashem, produce a halachic framework that is fair, balanced, and respectful of both parents’ responsibilities. Our goal is to clarify the criteria, ensure consistency in rulings, and prevent unnecessary disputes between spouses during their most difficult moments. The welfare of the children of Israel remains foremost in our minds.”

MK Simcha Rothman, chairman of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee, who sponsored the bill, called the passage of the law a “historic correction.”

“I’m pleased to announce that the bill from my committee, amending the Rabbinical Courts Jurisdiction Law on marriage and divorce, was approved today,” Rothman said. “This law restores the authority of the batei din as intended and returns the legal status to what it was before the High Court ruling. It clarifies the law, allows the rabbinical courts to handle child support cases linked to divorce, and prevents double litigation.”

Rothman added, “The High Court’s decision created needless chaos and undermined the courts’ legal authority. I’m proud that the Knesset and the committee acted quickly and responsibly to restore order and certainty until a permanent arrangement is established, be’ezras Hashem, through future legislation.”

{Matzav.com}

The special investigative team handling the explosive Force 100 (Sde Teiman) case made significant progress on Monday, marking a key development in their ongoing inquiry.

According to Yisroel Hayom, investigators successfully retrieved data from the mobile phone of former Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, which had been submerged in water after being lost earlier this month. The phone was reportedly pulled from the sea roughly ten days ago, about five days after it had allegedly gone missing on the beach.

Authorities are now combing through the recovered data in search of possible links or collaborators connected to the leak of the Force 100 video. Officials emphasized that the process is being carried out strictly under judicial supervision, in compliance with a court-issued order, and utilizing pre-approved search terms to ensure lawful access.

The latest development comes amid uncertainty regarding Tomer-Yerushalmi’s legal status. Her house arrest, which was supposed to expire on Sunday, has not yet been formally extended. Last week, she was rushed to the hospital after reportedly ingesting an excessive quantity of sleeping pills.

Emergency responders from Magen David Adom were dispatched to her residence in Ramat Hasharon, where they found her semiconscious but not in life-threatening condition, according to reports.

Before the incident, the Tel Aviv Magistrates Court had ruled that Tomer-Yerushalmi remain under ten days of house arrest and refrain from communicating with anyone linked to the investigation for a total of 55 days.

Investigators are now hoping the retrieved phone data could provide crucial evidence in tracing how the sensitive Force 100 video was leaked and who might have been involved in its distribution.

{Matzav.com}

Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams has extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attend the upcoming inauguration of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on January 1, 2026, calling it an opportunity to demonstrate unity and support for New York’s Jewish community.

During his visit to Israel, Adams described the invitation as a gesture meant to “send a strong message to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel.” He expressed hope that Netanyahu’s presence at the ceremony would reinforce ties between New York and the State of Israel at a time of growing tension.

Adams, who referred to his trip as a farewell visit, voiced concern about the direction the city might take under Mamdani’s leadership, particularly in relation to Israel and Jewish residents. “I think many of us are disappointed by the election results,” he said. “But we must not allow that energy to damage the atmosphere for Jewish New Yorkers or the relationship between Israel and the city.”

He emphasized that even after leaving office, he intends to continue advocating for Jewish New Yorkers and combating antisemitism. “I will no longer be mayor, but I am not going anywhere,” Adams said. “I intend to continue the work I have done for many years surrounding issues of hate in general and antisemitism in particular.”

The invitation comes against the backdrop of heightened friction between Adams and the mayor-elect. Mamdani has publicly stated that if Netanyahu were to visit New York while he is mayor, he would order his arrest under the International Criminal Court warrant issued against the Israeli leader for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Netanyahu dismissed the threat as “silly,” saying he is not concerned about visiting New York.

Adams, however, warned that such rhetoric risks deepening divisions and alienating parts of the city’s population. “Does a mayor create an environment where one group is treated differently from others?” he asked. “That is not New York.”

By inviting Netanyahu to the inauguration, Adams seeks to reaffirm the city’s historic ties with Israel and reassure the Jewish community that its concerns remain central. “I believe the prime minister should visit the city,” he said. “He needs to make clear to the entire community that he will continue visiting the city as often as possible.”

Adams also reminded the public that New York’s mayor operates within a broader governmental framework. “Mayor, not emperor,” he quipped. “He will have to navigate the role of mayor while coordinating with other layers of government.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Monday celebrated the United Nations Security Council’s approval of a resolution supporting his sweeping 20-point plan for Gaza, calling it one of the most significant diplomatic milestones in UN history.

“Congratulations to the World on the incredible Vote of the United Nations Security Council, just moments ago, acknowledging and endorsing the BOARD OF PEACE, which will be chaired by me, and include the most powerful and respected Leaders throughout the World,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, moments after the vote.

He praised the international backing his plan received, noting, “This will go down as one of the biggest approvals in the History of the United Nations, will lead to further Peace all over the World, and is a moment of true Historic proportion! Thank you to the United Nations, and all of the Countries on the U.N. Security Council, China, Russia, France, The United Kingdom, Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, South Korea, Pakistan, Panama, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia. Also thank you to those Countries that weren’t on this Committee, but strongly backed the effort, including Qatar, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkiye, and Jordan.”

Trump added that “The members of the Board, and many more exciting announcements, will be made in the coming weeks,” hinting at forthcoming details about the new international body he intends to lead.

The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained. The measure formally authorizes the creation of an international stabilization force for Gaza, mandates the disarmament of Hamas, and outlines what it calls a “pathway to the establishment of a Palestinian state.”

That final clause sparked controversy in Israel, where several senior ministers denounced any language hinting at Palestinian statehood. Despite their objections, the text of the resolution went to a vote unchanged.

The UN endorsement follows weeks of diplomatic maneuvering surrounding Trump’s Gaza plan, which both Israel and Hamas had previously agreed to begin implementing in stages. The resolution now provides the international legitimacy needed to move forward with the plan’s security and governance framework.

Meanwhile, in Yerushalayim, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu reiterated his government’s steadfast position. “Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any part of this territory has not changed in the slightest,” he said on Sunday, underscoring Israel’s refusal to accept a two-state solution west of the Jordan River.

{Matzav.com}

Amazon has entered a new lane in e-commerce—automotive retail—by partnering with Ford Motor Company to let customers browse and buy vehicles directly through its platform. Starting today, shoppers can explore the inventories of participating Ford dealers and purchase certified pre-owned cars without ever stepping foot in a traditional showroom.

The pilot program is launching in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas, giving buyers access to certified used vehicles that have undergone comprehensive inspections and come with special warranties. While purchases can be completed online, customers will still pick up their vehicles from the dealership itself.

Ford said that between 160 and 180 dealers have expressed interest in joining the initiative, with about 20 already in the process of offering cars through Amazon. The move follows similar steps by Hyundai, which became the first automaker to sell new models on Amazon in late 2023. “Ford is the second car company to offer its models on the platform,” a spokesperson for Amazon Autos confirmed.

Traditional car manufacturers have been searching for ways to simplify the buying process and appeal to consumers who would rather click than negotiate in person. Tesla, which sells its vehicles directly online, bypasses the dealership system entirely—a structure that Ford and General Motors cannot replicate due to state franchise laws.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has acknowledged the advantages of Tesla’s direct-sales model, noting that it “affords it a significant cost advantage.” Under his leadership, Ford has been steadily expanding its online retail presence, particularly for electric vehicles.

{Matzav.com}

A strongly worded letter from former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchak Yosef denounced the recent assault on MK Yoav Ben-Tzur and condemned the escalating campaign of incitement against Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri. The attack on Ben-Tzur occurred outside the Yazdim shul in Yerushalayim following his weekly shiur, when a group of extremists confronted and assaulted him amid growing tensions over the proposed Giyus Law.

Rav Yosef also addressed those who have attempted to misrepresent his view on the general Giyus matter.

In his letter, Rav Yosef expressed outrage over both the physical attack and the broader smear campaign targeting Shas representatives. “The instigators who spread slander and falsehood against public representatives are the same individuals who have sown division within the chareidi community for decades and who persecuted my father, Maran zt”l, during his lifetime,” he wrote. “It is clear that their intentions are not for the sake of Heaven, and one must distance themselves from them and their harmful ways.”

Rav Yosef’s remarks come amid intensified protests against Shas lawmakers and gedolim and rabbonim involved in the ongoing deliberations over the Giyus Law, legislation that seeks to formalize the status of bnei yeshiva and protect the framework of full-time Torah study while complying with court directives.

In defense of the process, Rav Yosef voiced full confidence in the rabbinic committee overseeing the matter, emphasizing that the responsibility for drafting the law rests with those appointed by the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah. “We have already expressed our position on regulating the status of bnei yeshiva,” he wrote. “Everything has been entrusted to the special committee appointed by the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, which is carrying out its task faithfully and ensuring that the integrity of the Torah world is safeguarded.”

{Matzav.com}

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The United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party issued a scathing statement on Monday condemning recent assaults on chareidi Members of Knesset, calling the attacks a “disgraceful display of violence” that only serves to harm the Torah community and fuel animosity against it.

The statement followed a wave of verbal and physical attacks against MK Yaakov Asher of Degel HaTorah and MK Yoav Ben-Tzur of Shas, both targeted in recent days by extremists protesting the advancement of the new draft law. Behind the scenes, UTJ officials have pointed fingers at activists associated with the Yerushalmi faction for orchestrating the assaults.

In its official declaration, UTJ wrote: “The United Torah Judaism faction strongly protests and denounces the violent incidents that have taken place in recent days against the shluchie derabbonon, the chareidi Members of Knesset.”

The party rejected attempts to frame the incidents as mere demonstrations, stating: “Members of the faction utterly repudiate the baseless claim that these are ‘protests.’ These are severe acts of violence that have no place anywhere, under any circumstances.”

UTJ lawmakers further warned that “these violent outbursts provide ammunition to those who seek to harm and persecute lomdei Torah, giving them yet more excuses to attack while portraying the Torah community as violent.”

The statement concluded: “Our representatives reaffirm their unwavering commitment to continue working on behalf of Torah learning and Torah scholars throughout Eretz Yisroel, in accordance with the guidance of gedolei Yisroel.”

During the Shas party meeting held the same day, party leader Aryeh Deri also condemned the recent assaults, referencing the attack on MK Yoav Ben-Tzur outside a shiur given by Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchak Yosef on Motzoei Shabbos.

“We all denounce in the strongest possible terms the serious assault on MK Yoav Ben-Tzur,” Deri said. “When we hear how Liberman now speaks disparagingly about lomdei Torah as a result of this event, we understand the magnitude of the chillul Hashem caused by those rioters. The attack was a real danger to life and could easily have ended far worse. To our dear friend Reb Yoav we say: Chazak ve’ematz, Hashem imcha gibor hachayil!”

Meanwhile, police have raised security precautions for several chareidi MKs following the surge in threats and protests. Israel Police Operations Chief, Commissioner David Filo, officially designated MKs Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher as being under Level 4 threat, meaning regular police patrols will monitor their homes and security cameras will be installed on-site.

In addition, the Knesset Guard recently offered personal protection to Aryeh Deri, though he declined the proposal.

The heightened security comes amid intensifying demonstrations outside the homes of chareidi lawmakers—particularly those of Deri and Asher—over the proposed draft law to regulate the status of yeshiva students. The bill includes higher enlistment targets and sanctions, drawing fierce opposition from parts of the chareidi community.

Last night, dozens of protesters affiliated with the Yerushalmi faction gathered outside MK Asher’s home, prompting a large police response and several arrests after clashes broke out.

On Motzoei Shabbos, MK Yoav Ben-Tzur was violently attacked after leaving Rav Yitzchak Yosef’s weekly shiur at the Yazdim shul in Yerushalayim’s Bucharim neighborhood.

President Yitzchak Herzog condemned the wave of violence, declaring: “Violence against public representatives is a red line that must never be crossed. Israeli society is already in a tense and sensitive period, and it is incumbent upon all of us to denounce any expression of violence, incitement, or humiliation—from any side. This is a test of the character of our nation. I call on Israel Police to bring all those involved to justice.”

{Matzav.com}

The UN Security Council voted Monday to approve a U.S.-sponsored resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s blueprint for ending the war in Gaza, while also granting authorization for an international stabilization mission in the region. The resolution’s passage marks a significant step toward implementing the first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace proposal, which Israel and Hamas agreed to last month — including a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The UN move is viewed as key to establishing an interim governing authority and providing assurance to countries weighing participation in the rebuilding of Gaza.

The adopted resolution invites UN member states to join the Board of Peace, a transitional body that will oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and economic revival. It also formally approves the creation of the stabilization force tasked with ensuring demilitarization — dismantling weapons networks and eliminating military infrastructure. Trump’s 20-point framework is attached as an annex to the resolution, outlining the full roadmap for Gaza’s postwar future.

Russia, a permanent Security Council member with veto power, had earlier signaled skepticism toward the measure but ultimately abstained, allowing the resolution to move forward. The Palestinian Authority publicly voiced support for the American-led initiative in a statement released on Friday, calling it an essential step toward recovery and governance reform in the enclave.

However, the decision has sparked heated debate within Israel. Many government figures are concerned that the resolution implicitly leaves room for a potential Palestinian state. The text itself states that “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” once the Palestinian Authority completes its reform process and Gaza’s reconstruction advances. It adds that “The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.”

Facing pressure from right-wing members of his coalition, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu made clear that his government remains firmly opposed to Palestinian statehood, reaffirming that Israel will move forward with Gaza’s demilitarization “the easy way or the hard way.”

Meanwhile, Hamas and its allied factions have categorically rejected the resolution. In a statement issued late Sunday, the Hamas-led coalition denounced the measure as “a dangerous step toward imposing foreign guardianship over the territory,” accusing the United States of advancing Israeli interests under the guise of peace. The group has refused to lay down its arms, signaling that despite the UN endorsement, the path to lasting calm in Gaza remains fraught with tension.

{Matzav.com}

Dear Matzav Inbox,

Lately, a question keeps echoing in my mind—softly at first, then more insistently: Is this really where I’m meant to be?

I have a steady job here in the United States, a predictable routine, and the familiar comforts that come with stability. Yet beneath it all, something feels unfinished. I find myself thinking more and more about Israel—and about the possibility of dedicating myself to bringing our secular brothers and sisters closer to authentic Judaism.

It isn’t that my life here lacks meaning. It’s that I feel called toward a deeper one. Every time I visit Israel—or even just think about it—that feeling returns. There’s something about the land, the people, the rhythm of Jewish life that resonates with a different part of my soul. The mornings feel different there, the conversations feel different, and even the air seems charged with history and destiny.

Israel doesn’t just feel like a place I love—it feels like the place where I could become the person I’m meant to be.

Part of what draws me is the realization of how many Jews in Israel live without ever truly tasting Torah. Not because they reject it, but because they’ve never encountered it in all its depth and sweetness. I imagine what it might be like to help bridge that gap—with warmth, sincerity, and genuine respect. Something inside me whispers that maybe I could help ignite that spark in others.

Of course, leaving my job in the U.S. would mean giving up stability, family, and stepping into the unknown. So I’ve been thinking: what if I took a first small step? Perhaps I could spend a couple of weeks in Tel Aviv this summer—holding on to my life here, but dedicating some time to explore this dream.

Is there anyone out there who feels the same pull, the same quiet tug toward something greater? Maybe we could create something together—a kind of Yarchei Kallah of Kiruv.

Any interest?

A Yid

To submit a letter to appear on Matzav.com, email MatzavInbox@gmail.com

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The opinions expressed in letters on Matzav.com do not necessarily reflect the stance of the Matzav Media Network.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Eliyahu Raful zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Neveh Eretz in Be’er Yaakov. He was niftar this morning at the age of 95.

Rav Raful was one of the foremost marbitzei Torah of the past generation and a true pioneer of the Sephardic yeshiva movement in Eretz Yisroel. Following the storied legacy of Yeshiva Porat Yosef, he established Yeshiva Neveh Eretz, which became a spiritual lighthouse for generations of Sephardic bnei Torah, guiding them toward a life of Torah learning and yiras Shamayim.

Renowned for his extraordinary Torah knowledge, sharp intellect, and profound humility, Rav Raful exemplified the essence of a genuine Torah educator. He devoted his life entirely to spreading Torah and building the next generation of talmidei chachomim. Over the decades, he produced hundreds of talmidim, many of whom went on to serve as rabbonim, dayanim, roshei kollel, and roshei yeshiva across the Torah world.

After a period of declining health, Rav Raful passed away peacefully at his home in Bnei Brak.

The levayah took place today at his home at 5 Harav Hirsch Street in Bnei Brak, continuing to the Ponovezh Cemetery for kevurah.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams received a rare bipartisan standing ovation in the Knesset today as he concluded his farewell visit to Israel. Adams, who will soon be succeeded by Zohran Mamdani—widely regarded as anti-Israel—was warmly welcomed by members of both the coalition and opposition during his appearance in the plenum.

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Earlier, Adams met with Knesset Speaker Amir Ochana in the Speaker’s Office, joined by Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis. Ochana expressed gratitude for Adams’s “unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish people throughout his tenure, particularly in the days following October 7.”

Addressing the plenary session, Ochana publicly hailed Adams as “a true friend of Israel, of the Jewish people, and of the largest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel.” He added, “Your heartfelt words in your speech just days after October 7—‘We are not OK’—touched the hearts of so many here in Israel and reflected genuine moral clarity. Your leadership in the fight against antisemitism shows courage and true solidarity. Because of leaders like you, we will be OK.” Members of Knesset rose to their feet, applauding Adams for several minutes.

Earlier in the day, Adams met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at the Kirya in Tel Aviv. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, “Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Mayor Adams for his strong support of Israel and for being a true friend of the Jewish people.”

Adams also met with President Yitzchak Herzog at the Presidential Residence in Yerushalayim. “You are a dear and close friend of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people,” Herzog told him. “We will never forget your moving words and the solidarity you showed on and after October 7. I will personally never forget your historic visit in the early days of the war—meant to strengthen us and express confidence. Your contribution to the relationship between Israel and New York City is tremendous.”

Herzog continued, “You have done wonders for New York, and I have always admired the dignified way you led the city. Your presence here now is deeply meaningful. As you know, we are concerned about the situation following the recent mayoral elections in New York. I thank you for your friendship and solidarity over the years and wish you much success in all your future endeavors.”

In his remarks, Adams responded, “Like many of my colleagues, we want to send a clear message: 49% of New Yorkers made it clear they do not accept an anti-Israel philosophy. We still view Israel as an ally and a friend. I come here, as I leave office, to reaffirm that I will not abandon my commitment to Israel and to the Jewish people around the world. Your contributions through innovation and technology impact quality of life globally.”

Acknowledging rising antisemitism, he added, “We can’t deny that there’s an increase in antisemitism around the world, including some of what we hear in New York. I believe what we need now is clarity—clarity in our message—and I will continue to emphasize that message in the fight against hatred wherever it appears.”

{Matzav.com}

An unusual yet heartwarming scene was captured at a gathering in Bnei Brak last night. During a fundraising dinner for Keren Olam HaTorah, held at the home of philanthropist Yissachar Knoll, attendees witnessed a rare and touching interaction between two of the generation’s gedolim, HaGaon Rav Dov Landau, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, and HaGaon Rav Don Segal, the renowned mashgiach.

In the midst of the formal proceedings, the two gedolim were seen engaged in a quiet, handwritten exchange, passing notes back and forth with deep concentration. A photo taken by Ezra Trabelsi shows Rav Segal initiating the correspondence, penning a message and handing it to Rav Landau, who promptly responded in his own handwriting.

The exchange continued for several minutes, even as the official program carried on around them. At one point, the intensity of their written discussion appeared to heighten, suggesting that a particularly weighty matter had come up for deliberation.

Observers were moved by the sight, a silent Torah dialogue unfolding between two towering figures, conducted with reverence and discretion amid a bustling event.

{Matzav.com}

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A temporary classroom structure in Beit Shemesh collapsed suddenly on Sunday, injuring four young girls and exposing a disturbing reality: many of the city’s educational institutions are operating out of makeshift, unsafe buildings. The incident has reignited public outrage over the lack of oversight and safety enforcement in one of Israel’s fastest-growing cities.

The collapse occurred on Ben Azai Street, where a lightweight prefab building used as a special education kindergarten gave way without warning. One girl was moderately injured and three sustained light injuries. Beyond the physical harm, residents say the incident symbolizes a much deeper failure — an ongoing pattern of negligence and dangerous shortcuts in construction across Beit Shemesh.

A visit to several school sites in the city revealed alarming conditions: flimsy modular classrooms stacked on top of each other, supported by thin, shaky columns; access to upper floors via suspended metal staircases bolted to iron poles; and sharp, exposed metal bars perilously close to play areas. Parents described the situation as a ticking time bomb.

“There are hundreds of school buildings like this all over Beit Shemesh,” said Chaim, a local resident. “They’re thrown together hastily to meet demand, often without permits or proper inspections. It’s become normal to have classrooms standing on stilts. They’re literally gambling with our children’s safety.”

Parents who arrived at the scene of the collapse were shocked to find that even as city engineers and emergency personnel worked nearby, other similarly unstable structures remained in use just meters away. “They saw another building just like it — unsafe, packed with children — and didn’t order it shut down immediately,” one parent fumed. “This isn’t just negligence. It’s abandonment.”

Simcha, a United Hatzalah medic and father of a child who attends the affected school, recalled the chaos of the rescue. “Like every morning, I dropped off my son and went to work. Then I got a message about ‘danger to life’ and rushed over. We had to stop bleeding, cut the power, and rescue four girls. It was a miracle no one was trapped underneath. My son sometimes plays right there. It could’ve ended much worse.”

Opposition council member Tami Zusman condemned what she described as systemic failure. “The chareidi community already experienced the tragedy of Meron. Here in Beit Shemesh, we’re seeing the same recipe for disaster — zero transparency, zero planning, and zero accountability,” she said. “If a structure is unsafe, it must be closed. If it’s illegal, it must be demolished. The engineering department simply can’t keep up. We’re courting another tragedy.”

Despite orders from the city engineer to evacuate the damaged structure, the broader issue remains unresolved. Across Beit Shemesh, precarious metal stairways, makeshift supports, and trailers stacked two stories high are still being used daily by hundreds of children. Residents warn that unless the city imposes strict engineering supervision and halts unsafe construction, another disaster is only a matter of time.

The Beit Shemesh Municipality issued a response stating that it is “conducting a thorough investigation with all relevant authorities regarding the circumstances of the incident.” The city confirmed that “the building in question was an unauthorized addition” and emphasized that it “acts consistently against illegal construction.” The municipal building supervision department, the statement added, recently received a national excellence award for effective enforcement.

The city further noted that “independent educational networks are not part of the regular public school system and work directly with the Ministry of Education for safety approvals.”

For now, residents say, that bureaucratic distinction offers little comfort. “You can’t build on miracles,” one parent said bitterly. “At some point, you have to build on engineers.”

{Matzav.com}

A heated confrontation broke out during Monday’s United Torah Judaism (UTJ) faction meeting between MK Moshe Gafni, head of Degel HaTorah, and UTJ chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf. The clash erupted over recently circulated footage showing Goldknopf aboard a Danube River cruise, which sparked widespread backlash within the chareidi community and across social media.

According to reports, Gafni sharply rebuked Goldknopf for what he described as behavior damaging to the party’s image. “The chairman of United Torah Judaism cannot be seen enjoying himself on a boat with non-Jewish musicians,” Gafni reportedly said. “The public then assumes that it reflects on me and the rest of the members of the faction. This isn’t a private matter — it tarnishes the entire party.”

The video of Goldknopf sailing along the Danube in Hungary, accompanied by local musicians, triggered a wave of criticism. Many questioned how a representative of the chareidi public could take part in such an event, accusing him of “a lack of public sensitivity” and causing reputational harm to the movement.

During the meeting, Gafni urged his colleagues to exercise greater awareness of their public roles and the scrutiny they face as representatives of a religious constituency. “You represent a large public,” he told Goldknopf. “You can’t do things that later become a burden for all of us.”

In addition to the internal clash, the faction also addressed recent protests outside the homes of MK Yaakov Asher and MK Michael Malchieli.

In an official statement, United Torah Judaism said: “The UTJ faction strongly condemns and denounces the violent incidents of recent days against chareidi Members of Knesset who serve as emissaries of our gedolei Yisroel. These are not legitimate protests but acts of violence — something that has no place anywhere or in any form.”

The statement warned that such attacks “serve only the enemies of Torah,” giving them “more ammunition to portray Torah learners as violent.” The party concluded by reaffirming its mission: “Our representatives will continue to act with full strength on behalf of Torah learning and those who study it throughout Eretz Yisroel, in full accordance with the guidance and direction of our gedolei Yisroel.”

{Matzav.com}

The Chief Rabbinate Council of Israel convened an emergency meeting on Monday to protest what it described as unacceptable interference by Israel’s Supreme Court in halachic decisions.

The session, led by the two Chief Rabbis of Israel — Rishon LeTzion and President of the Great Rabbinical Court Rav Dovid Yosef, and Chief Rabbi and President of the Chief Rabbinate Council Rav Kalman Meir Bar — was called following the recent High Court ruling that women must be allowed to sit for rabbinical exams on equal terms with men.

During the meeting, members of the Chief Rabbinate Council voiced sharp opposition to what they termed judicial encroachment into halachic and religious matters that, according to Israeli law, fall under the exclusive authority of the Chief Rabbinate. “The participants expressed strong protest over the Supreme Court’s intervention in issues that, in the view of the Chief Rabbinate Council, are halachic in nature and fall under its jurisdiction by law,” the Council stated.

The Chief Rabbis lamented the High Court’s involvement in matters that have clear halachic implications, emphasizing that questions of halacha, ordination, and spiritual leadership for the Jewish people must remain within the purview of the Chief Rabbinate, which operates under the legal framework of the Chief Rabbinate Law.

In its declaration, the Council reaffirmed its mission “to safeguard the Jewish character of the State of Israel and to preserve the heritage and traditions practiced faithfully throughout the generations.”

Addressing the specific issue of rabbinical exams for women, the Council explained: “The examinations are intended solely to assess knowledge as part of the process of granting rabbinical ordination. However, it is clear that Torah knowledge alone does not confer eligibility for certification. Additional conditions are required, including years of study, personal interviews, and a lifestyle consistent with the responsibilities of the position.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump stunned Washington on Sunday night by urging House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing files tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case — a marked shift from his earlier opposition.

“We have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party,” Trump wrote on social media after returning to Washington from Florida.

The change in tone came as bipartisan pressure built around a bill compelling the Justice Department to make Epstein-related documents public. With momentum clearly against GOP leadership, Trump’s pivot signaled an acknowledgment that supporters of the measure had secured enough votes for passage in the House, though its prospects in the Senate remain uncertain.

For months, a coalition of Democrats and Republicans had accused party leaders of blocking transparency. “There could be 100 or more” GOP lawmakers ready to back the measure, said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who co-sponsored the bill. “I’m hoping to get a veto-proof majority on this legislation when it comes up for a vote.”

Massie joined Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., in filing a discharge petition back in July — a rare procedural maneuver that allows lawmakers to force a floor vote despite leadership resistance. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had criticized the effort, even adjourning Congress early in August amid pressure from rank-and-file members to move forward on the Epstein issue. Democrats accused Johnson of stalling the seating of Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., to prevent her from becoming the 218th signer needed to force the vote. She added her signature immediately after being sworn in last week.

As the measure headed toward the floor, Massie predicted that party leaders — including Trump and Johnson — were about to “take a big loss this week.” “I’m not tired of winning yet, but we are winning,” he said.

Johnson, sensing the inevitable, said the chamber was ready to act. “We’ll just get this done and move it on. There’s nothing to hide,” he remarked, noting that the Oversight and Government Reform Committee had already been publishing “far more information than the discharge petition, their little gambit.”

The bill calls for the release of all Justice Department documents and communications tied to Epstein, as well as materials about the investigation into his 2019 death while in federal custody. Information about ongoing investigations or victims would be redacted to protect privacy.

The debate has intensified amid new disclosures, including a 2019 email in which Epstein told a journalist about Trump. The White House blasted Democrats for “selectively leaking” documents to smear the president. Johnson defended Trump, saying, “He has nothing to hide from this. They’re doing this to go after President Trump on this theory that he has something to do with it. He does not.”

Trump’s name appeared among those mentioned in files previously released by the Justice Department earlier this year. The president has never been accused of any wrongdoing, and officials have stressed that inclusion in those records does not imply criminal conduct.

Epstein’s social network extended across political and celebrity circles, and Trump was among many public figures acquainted with him. Epstein’s 2019 suicide in jail while awaiting trial on trafficking charges only deepened suspicions and public demand for accountability.

While Massie was bullish about GOP support, Khanna tempered expectations. “I don’t even know how involved Trump was,” he said. “There are a lot of other people involved who have to be held accountable.” He also urged Trump to meet victims of Epstein’s abuse, noting that several planned to appear at a Capitol Hill press conference on Tuesday.

Massie warned that Republican lawmakers voting against transparency might regret it later. “The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump’s presidency,” he said, emphasizing that opposing the bill could haunt those aligned with the president.

Among the Republicans siding with Massie were Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Lauren Boebert of Colorado. Trump recently cut ties with Greene, announcing he would back a challenger against her in 2026 “if the right person runs.”

Greene attributed their rift to the Epstein files controversy. “Unfortunately, it has all come down to the Epstein files,” she said, arguing that “the country deserves transparency on the issue.” Confused by Trump’s stance, she added, “I have no idea what’s in the files. I can’t even guess. But that is the question everyone is asking, is, why fight this so hard?”

Even if the measure clears the House, its fate in the upper chamber remains uncertain. Massie expressed hope that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., “will do the right thing.” “The pressure is going to be there if we get a big vote in the House,” he said, predicting “we could have a deluge of Republicans.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli security forces launched a manhunt Monday evening after dozens of Israelis stormed the Palestinian village of Jaba in the West Bank, setting homes and vehicles ablaze, according to the IDF. The military said the attack came just hours after the evacuation and demolition of an unauthorized outpost near Efrat.

Following the violence, the IDF said, “after the evacuation of the illegal structures… IDF, Border Police, and Israel Police forces rushed to the village of Jaba following a report that dozens of Israeli civilians had set fire to and vandalized homes and vehicles in the area.” Security forces are still “searching for those involved,” the statement added, noting that “the incident is still ongoing.”

In its statement, the army stressed that it “views all violence of any kind gravely and condemns it, as it harms security in the area,” emphasizing that such “acts of violence divert the attention of commanders and soldiers from defense and counterterrorism missions.”

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz voiced strong backing for Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, head of the IDF Central Command, amid the surge of settler violence. “We will not tolerate attempts by a small, violent, criminal group of anarchistic law-breakers to take the law into their own hands and tarnish the settler public, and we will not allow them to harm IDF soldiers, undermine order, or divert forces from their missions of protecting the citizens of Israel and thwarting Palestinian terrorism,” Katz declared.

“There will be no leniency toward anyone who resorts to violence. The security forces will continue operating on the ground, and we will continue to give them full support,” Katz continued, announcing that within weeks the government will consider a proposal to empower Col. (res.) Avichai Tanami—appointed earlier this year to address extremist settlers—with “tools and a budget” for “extensive and systemic action.” “I am confident this will lead to a significant change on the ground,” he added.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu also denounced the attack, describing the settlers’ actions “with utmost severity” and pledging to deal with the situation immediately. “I view the violent riots and the attempt to take the law into one’s own hands by a small extremist group – which does not represent the settlers in Judea and Samaria — with utmost severity,” Netanyahu said in a statement from his office.

The prime minister urged law enforcement “to apply the full weight of the law to the rioters,” promising to “address this personally and convene the relevant ministers as soon as possible in order to respond to this serious phenomenon.” He concluded, “I express my support for the IDF and the security forces, who will continue to act firmly and without fear to maintain order.”

{Matzav.com}

A new survey conducted by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs shows that an overwhelming share of Israelis reject the creation of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders. The poll, released Monday just ahead of a UN Security Council vote on a U.S.-backed plan that could pave the way for recognition of such a state, highlights the deep public opposition that has intensified since October 7.

The nationwide poll, carried out November 16–17 by Dr. Menachem Lazar of the Lazar Research Institute and based on responses from 698 Jewish and Arab Israelis, found that 70% of Israelis oppose a Palestinian state along those lines—the highest level of resistance recorded since the current war began. Among Jewish respondents, that figure jumps to 79%. Just 8% support the plan outright, while another 13% say they would only back it if the state recognized Israel as the Jewish homeland and remained entirely demilitarized. Nine percent expressed no opinion.

The results also indicate that normalization with Saudi Arabia would not sway most Israelis on the issue. Sixty-two percent oppose creating a Palestinian state even if it meant a peace agreement with Riyadh. Among Jewish Israelis, opposition soars to 73%, whereas a majority—56%—of Arab Israelis favor the idea, with roughly one-third supporting it unconditionally.

When respondents were asked about the possibility of Saudi Arabia obtaining F-35 fighter jets from the United States in exchange for dropping its demand for a Palestinian state, opinion was divided. Forty-three percent opposed the move, while 40% said they would support it, though most of those emphasized that American guarantees to preserve Israel’s military superiority would be a prerequisite. Only 6% said they would favor the deal without any conditions. Of those opposed, nearly one in four said they simply did not trust Saudi Arabia’s long-term intentions.

The survey further addressed attitudes toward a potential Israeli statement of future support for a Palestinian state as part of the U.S. initiative at the UN. Nearly half—49%—reject any such declaration outright, even if internal Palestinian reforms were implemented. Among Jewish Israelis, opposition rises to 57%. Twenty percent said they would only consider it if the proposed state were demilitarized and explicitly recognized Israel as the Jewish state.

On the question of post-war governance in Gaza, Israelis remain divided but cautious. Sixty-two percent favor deploying an international stabilization force, with most preferring that it be composed solely of American or Western troops. Only 10% want Turkey or Qatar involved. More than a quarter—26%—believe that Israel alone should maintain full military control of Gaza once the fighting ends.

{Matzav.com}