Matzav

The Histadrut on Wednesday morning announced a sweeping sectoral labor dispute that includes all Israeli airlines as well as the Israel Airports Authority, in protest of the government’s decision to permit the foreign low-cost airline Wizz Air to open a permanent operating base at Ben Gurion Airport.

According to the Histadrut, the government advanced the move on its own, without comprehensive groundwork and without consulting workers’ representatives. Union officials argue that such a significant step in the aviation sector requires coordination and prior dialogue.

The declared dispute applies to El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa, in addition to the Israel Airports Authority, which manages Ben Gurion Airport, Ramon Airport, Haifa Airport, and the heliports in Herzliya and Rosh Pina. Altogether, more than 11,000 employees across the industry are expected to be impacted.

Worker representatives have voiced deep concern over what they describe as the economic and security consequences of granting a foreign carrier terms they believe create an uneven playing field. They are demanding collective negotiations regarding how the establishment of a Wizz Air base in Israel will affect employment conditions, wages, labor rights, and job stability.

In addition, the unions are calling for formal agreements addressing how the new base could influence the financial resilience of Israeli airlines and the Airports Authority, as well as the operational burden on ground services at the country’s airports.

Roi Yaakov, acting chairman of the Histadrut, said: “In the world of labor relations, there is no such thing as unilateral decisions, especially in the aviation sector, where broad national coordination is required. Establishing a base for a foreign operator in Israel without an in-depth systemic examination and without considering the potential consequences will harm not only the job security of the workers but also the stability of the sector and the national interests of the State of Israel. The Histadrut will use all the tools at its disposal to stop the harm to workers and the public interest.”

Attorney Eyal Yadin, who heads the Transport Workers Union, echoed those concerns, stating: “We are in favor of competition, but what is being attempted here is not fair competition. It is a one-sided move that gives an unfair advantage to a foreign operator at the expense of workers, Israeli companies, and national interests. In such a sensitive sector like aviation, decisions that undermine the operational and security stability of the country cannot be made. We insist that any changes be made in cooperation, with professional planning, and protection for the workers who are the backbone of the sector.”

The El Al Workers Council also issued a sharp statement directed at Transportation Minister Miri Regev, declaring: “Transportation Minister Miri Regev is the most failed transportation minister in the history of the state. Under her watch, there was a major failure in the fight against traffic accidents, leading to a drastic increase in casualties. During her tenure, there has been no real response to the worsening traffic congestion crisis, and failures have been recorded in all sectors under her responsibility.”

The council further stated: “Instead of addressing these failures, the minister has chosen to divert the discussion and run a publicized campaign against the Israeli airlines – a cynical move aimed at diverting the public discourse. Even within her own ministry, professional voices are being heard claiming that the move regarding Wizz Air is populist and impractical.”

Continuing its criticism, the workers’ council said: “Minister Regev ignores the strategic importance of Israeli airlines, especially El Al, in times of emergency and wartime, just ahead of a potential conflict with Iran. For two years, while missiles were fired at Israel and foreign companies fled, it was the Israeli airlines that maintained the country’s air connections with the world.”

“The El Al Workers Council will continue to fight for the job security of its workers and for the security of the State of Israel and the strength of Israeli aviation, for the benefit of the entire public,” the statement concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Hassan Kashahala, a 26-year-old former IDF combat soldier who died in January while being held under administrative detention at Gilboa Prison, has yet to be laid to rest, with his family saying they still have not received official details explaining the circumstances of his death.

Relatives were informed of his passing last month. However, according to a report in Haaretz, authorities have not provided the family with formal clarification regarding how he died, and his body continues to be withheld.

Kashahala joined the IDF in 2020, serving in the Bedouin Tracking Battalion as a combat soldier for three years. His family says he took part in military operations during the war in Gaza.

In May 2025, the Shin Bet detained Kashahala along with two additional suspects, alleging that he was affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist organization and had committed other offenses, including planning a terror attack.

One month later, prosecutors announced that charges would not be filed against him. Despite that decision, on the day he was scheduled for release, Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, acting at the Shin Bet’s request, signed a six-month administrative detention order against him. The detention was subsequently renewed.

Kashahala was held in the security wing of Gilboa Prison alongside inmates convicted of terrorism-related offenses. During a hearing at the Be’er Sheva District Court in August, he said: “I am in danger in prison. I’m afraid they will identify me as a soldier who completed a full military service. I’m afraid of dying here.”

This week, his family submitted a petition to the Supreme Court demanding that his remains be returned for burial. The filing states, “From a combat soldier in the IDF to an administrative detainee who died under mysterious circumstances.” The family added: “There is still to this day no reliable evidence that he committed a crime, and there is even no conclusion that the deceased was a ‘terrorist.'”

{Matzav.com}

Iran has been selected to serve as vice-chair of the United Nations Charter Committee, a body tasked with addressing the core tenets of the UN Charter and examining proposals to “strengthen the Charter,” prompting criticism from Israel’s envoy to the UN.

The decision was finalized during the committee’s opening session, where members approved the leadership lineup as part of a broader agreement on the panel’s executive structure. The slate was adopted by consensus, without the need for a formal vote.

The Charter Committee operates under the umbrella of the UN’s Legal Committee and meets annually. Although it is intended to focus on issues tied to the foundational framework of the United Nations, its requirement for unanimous agreement has often limited its ability to advance concrete initiatives. In recent years, the forum has increasingly served as a stage for political disputes, including pointed attacks on Israel.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned Iran’s elevation to the vice-chair position. “This is a moral absurdity. A country that systematically violates the basic principles of the UN cannot sit in a leadership position that deals with strengthening them. The UN cannot continue to grant legitimacy to regimes that violate the very principles of its own charter.”

President Trump has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford — the largest and most advanced warship ever built — to deploy to the Middle East, accompanied by a substantial contingent of aerial refueling aircraft and top-tier fighter jets, according to published reports. The sweeping reinforcement of American military assets marks the clearest signal yet that Trump may be positioning the United States for significant military action against Iran if ongoing negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program and its harsh suppression of protesters collapse.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford departed the Atlantic on Tuesday and is en route to the Strait of Gibraltar, the key gateway to the Mediterranean Sea, USNI reported. Once in the region, it is expected to link up with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, creating a formidable dual-carrier presence as Washington presses Iran in high-stakes nuclear talks.

As the most technologically sophisticated carrier in the US fleet and the largest ever constructed, the Ford is capable of deploying more than 75 aircraft. Its air wing includes F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters, F/A-18F Super Hornets, and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets designed to jam enemy radar systems. The carrier strike group is escorted by three guided-missile destroyers — the USS Bainbridge, the USS Mahan, and the USS Winston Churchill.

Prior to this deployment, the Ford had been stationed in the Caribbean Sea since mid-November, supporting US naval operations tied to Trump’s broader regional initiatives in South America.

The carrier’s reassignment is part of a broader surge of American forces into the Middle East, as Trump continues to signal that military strikes remain a viable option if diplomacy with Tehran falters. In addition to the Lincoln strike group, the US currently has four destroyers operating in the Arabian Sea and three more positioned in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS Delbert Black is deployed in the Red Sea, while two additional combat ships are stationed in the Persian Gulf.

The air component of the buildup is equally substantial. According to Axios, more than 50 US fighter jets were transferred to the region on Tuesday alone. Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft include F-16 Falcons, F-22 Raptors, and F-35 fighters. The F-35s, in particular, are equipped with stealth technology that could enable them to penetrate Iranian airspace undetected by local air defense systems.

These aircraft will reinforce other US warplanes that have been dispatched in recent weeks, including strike fighters based in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Defense analysts previously told The Post that the scale of the deployment would give the United States the capability to carry out deep-penetration airstrikes inside Iran while simultaneously shielding American forces and regional allies from retaliation.

Tehran has issued repeated warnings that any US attack would be met with counterstrikes against American troops and allied targets. Earlier this week, Iran temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz to conduct live missile exercises, underscoring the rising tensions in the region.

Tucker Carlson said he and members of his team were briefly held by Israeli airport security after traveling to Israel to interview U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, describing the encounter as unusual and unsettling.

In remarks to The Post, the podcast host and former Fox News personality recounted what he said took place at the airport. “Men who identified themselves as airport security took our passports, hauled our executive producer into a side room and then demanded to know what we spoke to Ambassador Huckabee about,” he said.

He added, “It was bizarre. We’re now out of the country.”

Carlson had earlier shared a photo on social media showing himself alongside his business partner, Neil Patel, standing outside Ben Gurion Airport. The image was accompanied by the caption, “Greetings from Israel.”

The 56-year-old commentator has taken an increasingly critical stance toward Israel since his departure from Fox News in 2023.

The following year, he debuted an independent online program titled “The Tucker Carlson Show,” where he has featured a number of controversial figures, among them Nick Fuentes, who has openly expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler.

In December 2025, the advocacy group StopAntisemitism designated Carlson as its “Antisemite of the Year.”

Some observers also criticized Carlson for remaining inside the airport during his brief stay, which reportedly lasted just a few hours.

“Too bad Tucker stayed in the airport in the face of so many invitations to see so many wonderful places. A huge and obviously intentional missed opportunity,” David Friedman, the former US ambassador to Israel during Trump’s first term, wrote on X.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that homeowners and property owners could face a tax increase if state lawmakers decline to approve his proposal to raise income taxes on high earners.

While unveiling the city’s preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027, Mamdani stated that a 9.5% increase in property taxes would be imposed on certain residents if Albany refuses to authorize a 2% income tax hike targeting wealthy New Yorkers.

“There are two paths that we can walk: One that offers long-term stability, and a second one with significant pain that we deeply hope to avoid,” Mamdani said.

According to the mayor, the possible property tax hike would impact more than three million residential properties as well as over 100,000 commercial buildings, though The National News Desk (TNND) was unable to independently verify those figures. The proposed wealth tax would apply to individuals earning more than $1 million per year.

Governor Kathy Hochul appeared to temper the mayor’s warning. Speaking at a separate press conference, she said she was not convinced that such an increase would ultimately take place, telling Spectrum News NY1 that she wasn’t “certain there’s a property tax increase.”

“[The city] is required by law to announce where it is today, but it’s not resolved until there’s a lot of negotiation with the city council and a review with his budget team of what their real expenses are and what they need to be, and that’s not due until July, so there’s a lot of time to work this out,” Hochul explained.

City officials have reported a $5.4 million budget gap. Mamdani has argued that the current financial strain stems from decisions made by his predecessor, former Mayor Eric Adams, accusing him of mishandling the city’s finances. Adams, however, has defended his approach to managing the budget.

Mamdani described the deficit as a “steep mountain,” saying it can be addressed if the city’s financial relationship with the state is recalibrated. He contended that New York City has been sending more money to Albany than it receives in return.

“We know that for far too long, New Yorkers have given far more to the state than what we have received in return,” the mayor said. “It is time to end the drain.”

Although Hochul did not respond to TNND’s request for comment, she announced Monday that the state would direct $1.5 billion to assist New York City in managing its fiscal challenges. In that announcement, she emphasized her support for the city and noted that she has also pledged to expand universal childcare, a key plank of Mamdani’s campaign platform.

“A strong New York City means a stronger New York State,” Hochul said.

“New Yorkers expect the state and the city to work together, and I’m proud to partner with the Mayor to deliver for working families,” the governor added.

President Donald Trump cautioned the British government on Wednesday against relinquishing control of the strategically vital Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, arguing that the United States may require the facility if Iran declines to reach an agreement with Washington.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump pointed to the military importance of the island and a separate airfield in the United Kingdom, writing, “Should Iran decide not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous regime.”

Trump added that any such strike could be aimed at protecting Britain as well as other allied nations, warning that the threat would extend to the UK and other “friendly countries.”

The president sharply criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer over a recently signed lease arrangement concerning the island, arguing that sovereign territory should not be handled through long-term leasing agreements. He described the decision as a “big mistake.”

“Prime Minister Starmer should not lose control, for any reason, of Diego Garcia, by entering a tenuous, at best, 100 Year Lease,” Trump wrote.

He further asserted that Britain is effectively surrendering authority over the strategically located island due to what he described as questionable claims by unfamiliar parties. Calling those claims fabricated, Trump stated, “This land should not be taken away from the U.K. and, if it is allowed to be, it will be a blight on our Great Ally.”

Trump emphasized that the United States stands firmly behind Britain militarily but said the UK must demonstrate resolve. He declared that America would remain prepared to defend its ally while urging British leaders to stay strong “in the face of wokeism, and other problems put before them.”

“Do not give away Diego Garcia,” he said.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reinforced the president’s message, saying the post “should be taken as the policy of the” Trump administration.

Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago, has functioned as a joint British-American military installation since the 1970s. Under a treaty finalized in May, sovereignty over the Chagos Islands will shift from the United Kingdom to Mauritius, while the military base itself is set to remain under British control for a minimum of 99 years.

Trump’s warning comes at a time of rising friction between Washington and Tehran and a major expansion of U.S. forces in the Middle East as diplomatic talks continue.

Earlier this year, Trump came close to approving an additional military strike following Iran’s crackdown on protesters. He ultimately held back after Tehran halted the executions of demonstrators.

The Slonimer Rebbe, who recently concluded his annual visit to the United States to spend time with his chassidim, left behind a strongly worded letter cautioning his American followers about the spiritual dangers of modern technology and artificial intelligence, which he likened to “a venomous snake.”

The Rebbe visited his chassidim in Monsey and participated in a farewell gathering that included the writing of a Sefer Torah last week at his beis medrash in Boro Park. During the trip, he spoke publicly about concerns surrounding the draft decree in Eretz Yisroel and also addressed the issue of increasingly tall shtreimels.

After returning home, the Rebbe sent a letter to members of the American community explaining that due to the many demands on his time and the constant stream of people seeking meetings throughout his visit, he felt he had not sufficiently addressed the serious spiritual threats posed by technology.

Opening his letter warmly to his followers in the United States, he wrote of the special atmosphere he experienced during his stay and expressed his hope that the unity and inspiration would continue.

He then explained that because of the heavy schedule and large crowds, he felt he had not adequately warned about what he described as a major spiritual stumbling block. He wrote that technological devices spread impurity and act like a deadly poison to souls, adding that many have fallen as a result. He cautioned that those who were lenient with themselves, offering various justifications, have paid a very heavy price, including harm to their sons and daughters both physically and spiritually. He warned that no one should assume they are immune, noting that even strong families have been affected. He cited the posuk, “A wise man fears and turns away from evil, but a fool rages and is confident.”

The Rebbe emphasized the obligation to educate children to regard such devices as forbidden and to distance themselves from those connected to them. Even for those who require technology for their livelihood and use approved filtering systems, he warned of the inherent danger. He wrote that such devices are “like a venomous snake bound in iron chains,” explaining that if they are not watched with extreme vigilance, they can break free and cause spiritual destruction. He cautioned followers not to rely on lenient opinions that easily permit tools whose damage is great, quoting the verse, “Do not come near the entrance of her house,” and the teaching, “Go, go, say to the nazir, do not come near the vineyard.”

Turning specifically to artificial intelligence (AI), the Rebbe wrote that he became aware of its growing presence during his stay in the United States. He described it in especially harsh terms, calling it “the father of all impurity and heresy,” and warning that its destructive potential is very great. He wrote that one must distance oneself from it with all strength, because it is a danger and a trap for those ensnared in its web.

In closing, the Rebbe called on members of the community to unite in strengthening spiritual boundaries and standing firm against harmful influences. He urged them to help one another and to encourage each other to remain strong, to sanctify themselves even in permitted matters, and to live as free people not bound by the net of the yeitzer hara.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiffany and Moish Lehrer began seriously considering relocating their family of six. The Los Angeles–based couple — she, a teacher originally from New Jersey, and he, a marketing consultant originally from Montreal, Quebec — wanted to be closer to family, and Moish’s remote position enabled him to work from anywhere in the world. With two children entering sixth and fourth grade, and twins starting second grade, the Lehrers felt the timing was right. 

“We were initially looking into Phoenix,” says Tiffany. “But my father had moved to West Hartford, Connecticut, and he encouraged us to explore it at the OU Savitsky Home Relocation Fair. I was already very familiar with the fair, as I had previously researched communities on the fair website.” 

Launched in 2008 by former OU President Steve Savitsky, the biennial fair, geared toward singles and families of all ages, showcases affordable communities that combine the amenities of an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle with an enhanced quality of life. This year’s fair will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Anyone considering relocation, now or in the future, is invited to register for free. 

The Lehrers attended the fair in 2019 and, like Tiffany’s father, fell in love with West Hartford. They have been calling it home for the past four years. 

“The community reminded me of the small town where I grew up,” Tiffany says. “I love the quaintness and intimacy of small towns, where you get to know everyone. I’ve lived in New York and Los Angeles, and you can get lost in the crowds.” 

With travel and in-person hosting curtailed by the pandemic, Tiffany notes the fair made it far easier for their family to take the leap to West Hartford. 

“Through the fair’s chat platforms, we were able to meet community members online when we couldn’t really travel or be hosted,” she says. “Ironically, one of Moish’s childhood neighbors lives in West Hartford, and he was on one of our chats. We also met Young Israel of West Hartford’s rabbi and the shul president at the time, among others.”  

What began as a modest event has grown into a major virtual program, inspiring thousands to relocate to communities where they can strengthen Jewish life while enjoying lower living costs. In 2022, the fair shifted to a virtual format, enabling access to participants worldwide. The platform also gives families with young children the freedom to participate without worrying about childcare, and offers discretion for those wishing to discuss sensitive matters, such as family members with special needs or recent unemployment. 

In 2024, Steve and his wife, Genie, reaffirmed their commitment to Jewish communal development and long-term sustainability through a generous contribution to the Savitsky Communal Growth Initiative. The investment supported a variety of efforts, among them enhancements to the fair and its accompanying Community Guide, featuring communal amenities and services. 

More than 2,000 people from 24 countries, including Argentina, China, Ethiopia, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UAE, registered for the fair in 2024. Among them were Morgan and Grant Hilsenrath of Manhattan. Parents to six-month-old Ezra, they were searching for a community close enough to the city, where Grant works as a CPA, and Morgan is a social worker specializing in geriatric and palliative care at a local hospital, in addition to maintaining a private practice. 

“We knew that living in Manhattan and raising a family wasn’t for us, but we were struggling to find a place we could afford where we would both feel part of the community,” says Grant. “Someone mentioned that the OU fair takes place every other year. Luckily for us, 2024 was one of the ‘on’ years!” 

Morgan was highly impressed by the breadth of the religious spectrum of communities – from Modern Orthodox to Yeshvish – represented at the fair. 

“There were so many that I didn’t even know existed, and the fair really highlighted them well,” she says. “The virtual platform was incredibly easy to use. We were able to click on links to community websites for information, and most importantly, to filter by location. It made the process of narrowing down communities that much easier. I also loved being able to message community representatives directly; it felt so personal, and our questions were answered very quickly. As an added bonus, we were invited to community events, such as a brunch, to meet community members in person.” 

After weighing the pros and cons of each community they explored, the couple chose Oceanside, New York, a 40-minute train ride from Manhattan. 

“Being the accountant that I am, I put together a spreadsheet that tracked the things we cared about most when picking a community, such as price, size, distance to my parents, commute time to Manhattan, how friendly the people are, and how we’d fit in,” says Grant. “Once we had all that down, we narrowed down the list, visited a few communities, and ultimately landed on Oceanside.” 

The 2026 fair will feature 50 communities from 20 U.S. states, including Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Nebraska, and Oregon, as well as four communities in Israel: Carmei Hanadiv, Carmei Gat, Har Nof, and Sderot. Seven sponsors, including realtors and financial institutions, will also lead sessions and host booths. 

OU Senior Director of the Savitsky Communal Growth and SPIRIT Retiree Initiatives Rebbetzin Judi Steinig oversees the fair and works closely with exhibitors before and after the event to ensure participants get the most out of the experience. 

“In many ways, we act as a matchmaker, connecting people looking to move with communities eager to expand,” she says. “When our communities thrive, we all share in that success. We want to facilitate connections. Our support extends beyond the fair; it is always available to those considering relocation and the communities eager to grow.” 

Participants may join the nine-hour virtual fair for as little or as long as they like. Attendees will enter a dynamic venue featuring moving escalators, a central lobby linking to an expo hall, an auditorium, and avatars representing the full spectrum of Orthodoxy. 

Highlights of the fair will include short community introduction videos, downloadable e-brochures, discussion groups, and private meetings with community representatives before, during, and after the event. Those unable to attend live may access all sessions on demand at ou.org/fair, which also features up-to-date information on each community. 

Lieba Abecassis of Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the founders of Grow Jax, a grassroots initiative launched by 12 community members from Chabad, Etz Chaim Synagogue, and The Shtiebel to help grow Jacksonville’s Orthodox community. 

“Jacksonville currently has over 100 frum families, and we continue to host families considering relocation to our community,” says Abecassis. “Jacksonville has participated five times in the OU Savitsky Home Relocation Fair — this will be our sixth — and, Baruch Hashem, it has helped us to recruit a number of families over the years.” 

Grow Jax committee member Breindy Lazor notes that the fair gives emerging communities a meaningful opportunity to showcase the best they have to offer. 

“The fair opens the door for people at different life stages, and from diverse backgrounds within Orthodoxy, to discover communities outside the Tri-State Area,” she says. “That visibility was tremendously impactful for us. Being part of a fair that reflects our values has supported our community’s growth.” 

Abecassis adds, “We are tremendously grateful to the Savitsky Communal Growth Initiative, former OU President Steve Savitsky, and Rebbetzin Judi Steinig for their dedication to out-of-town communities like Jacksonville. Their crucial work helps amplify the voices of communities like ours.” 

To register for the OU Savitsky Home Relocation Fair and to order the 2026 Orthodox Jewish Community Guide, visit https://go.ou.org/mPCups. 

### 

CONTACT: 
Rebbetzin Judi Steinig
Senior Director, Savitsky Communal Growth and SPIRIT Retiree Initiatives
212-613-8188 
steinigj@ou.org 

About the Savitsky Communal Growth Initiative
Founded in 2008 by former OU President, Stephen Savitsky, and his wife, Genie, the Savitsky Communal Growth Initiative helps Orthodox singles, couples, families, and retirees discover affordable communities that provide the full infrastructure of Jewish life, enabling the growth of religious communities outside major metropolitan areas, and enhancing its members’ quality of life. 

About the Orthodox Union
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union (OU), or Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs.

Elon Musk is intensifying his campaign against what he describes as politically slanted artificial intelligence, unveiling Grok 4.2 as a direct challenge to competitors he brands as overly “woke and sanctimonious” — and declaring that “Grok must win.”

In a series of early Wednesday posts on X, Musk shared multiple screenshots comparing Grok 4.2’s responses with those generated by rival systems from Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic. Framing the rollout as part of a larger ideological struggle, Musk wrote, “Grok must win or we will be ruled by an insufferably woke and sanctimonious AI.”

A day earlier, Musk had revealed the test release of Grok 4.2 on X, encouraging users to weigh in. “Critical feedback is appreciated. Unlike prior versions of Grok, 4.2 is able to learn rapidly, so there will be improvements every week with release notes,” he wrote.

As access to the beta version expanded, Musk began circulating side-by-side examples that he said demonstrate Grok’s greater directness and its refusal to hedge on politically sensitive topics.

Among the comparisons he highlighted was a question asking whether the United States was founded on “stolen land.”

According to the image Musk posted, Grok was the only chatbot to answer “No,” while other platforms framed the issue as nuanced or debated.

Musk pointed to that exchange as evidence that Grok 4.2 is “BASED,” arguing that it stands out because it is the only AI chatbot that “doesn’t equivocate when asked if America is on stolen land.”

“The others are weak sauce,” he said.

Musk also amplified a message from Katie Miller, the wife of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who commended Grok for being the only chatbot to answer “No” when asked whether “Critical Race Theory” should be included in school curricula.

Additional screenshots Musk shared showed Grok providing a “yes” when asked whether “White Pride” was acceptable, describing affirmative action as “racist,” and demonstrating a willingness to misgender Caitlyn Jenner — examples Musk presented as proof that the system is less constrained by prevailing norms of political correctness.

The latest round of posts adds to Musk’s ongoing clashes with competitors in the artificial intelligence sector.

His dispute with OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman, has played out publicly for years and includes a high-profile lawsuit. Although Musk helped found OpenAI, he filed suit in 2024 against the organization and its leadership, alleging that it had strayed from its original mission of building open-source Artificial General Intelligence to “benefit humanity” and instead shifted its focus toward profit.

OpenAI answered with its own countersuit, asserting that Musk had advocated in 2017 for converting the company into a “for-profit” entity under his leadership as CEO.

Musk has also taken aim at Google, particularly after controversy erupted in early 2024 over historically inaccurate images generated by its Gemini platform.

While he previously downplayed Anthropic as a major competitor, Musk later acknowledged its strengths in programming tasks and expressed frustration that xAI engineers lost access to its systems. “Anthropic has done something special with coding. It was a helpful motivator that they cut us off @xAI and not good for their karma,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

The Food and Drug Administration has changed its position and will now evaluate Moderna’s new influenza vaccine, the company announced Wednesday, reversing an earlier decision that stunned its leadership.

Just days ago, the agency informed Moderna that it would not proceed with reviewing the company’s updated flu shot, stating that the submission lacked sufficient supporting research. The unexpected move left Moderna’s president, Dr. Stephen Hoge, in “complete shock.”

In an exclusive interview with The NY Post, Hoge said he was “completely surprised and honestly pretty confused” after receiving the letter from Dr. Vinay Prasad.

The FDA’s decision to reconsider comes after The Post published an editorial cautioning that halting the final phase of the vaccine’s approval process could cost lives, warning that such a move might result in the deaths of “hundreds, maybe thousands, of senior citizens.”

To accelerate the process, Moderna had submitted a divided application. The company sought full approval for individuals between the ages of 50 and 64, while requesting accelerated approval for those 65 and older, with a commitment to carry out a follow-up study in older adults after the vaccine becomes available.

According to Moderna, the FDA has now established an August deadline to determine whether the vaccine will receive approval. Should the agency give the green light, older Americans could receive the new flu shot ahead of the 2026–2027 influenza season.

Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie are facing significant challenges in retrieving additional surveillance footage from her Arizona home, with the sheriff leading the case acknowledging that the odds of obtaining more critical video appear low.

Guthrie, 84, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, had several security cameras installed at her residence outside Tucson. So far, however, investigators have managed to secure only Google Nest footage from the front of the property, which shows a masked individual walking up to her front door.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said detectives have repeatedly contacted Google in an effort to determine whether more footage can be accessed. Despite those efforts, the company indicated that further recovery may not be possible. “We don’t think we can get anything,” the sheriff told NewsNation on Tuesday.

Complicating matters, Nancy did not maintain an active subscription for her camera system, a factor that has made the retrieval process particularly complex, Nanos said.

“It’s like peeling paint — you have images over images over images. And you’ve got to peel back very easy because you might destroy the layer you wanted,” the sheriff explained.

Even so, Nanos expressed hope that any additional video, if recovered, could prove crucial in locating Nancy. Footage released to the public last week has already prompted nearly 5,000 tips from concerned citizens.

The investigation has now entered its 18th day as search efforts continue.

Despite the obstacles, the sheriff said he has “100% faith” that law enforcement will ultimately solve the case.

“If you were the guy, if you were that monster, you should be worried,” he said.

Officials have announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information that leads to Nancy’s safe return or results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

In a further setback Tuesday, authorities revealed that DNA evidence collected from a glove discovered roughly two miles from Nancy’s home did not produce a match in the FBI’s national DNA database, known as CODIS.

Bnos Penina of Lakewood, NJ has announced that it will cease operations, citing severe financial shortfalls and the loss of its school building, according to a letter sent to parents on Tuesday.

In the emotional letter, the administration informed families that the school would be unable to continue operating after this week due to unmet financial commitments and mounting tuition arrears.

“Bnos Penina has been more than a school to us. It has been our life’s work, our passion, and our privilege,” the letter began. “We love your daughters. We love our staff. We love our school. We love the warmth, the growth, the רוח and the beautiful atmosphere that has defined Bnos Penina from its very beginning.”

School leadership wrote that they had made clear earlier in the year that they could not continue to shoulder the institution’s financial burden alone. They said the school opened this academic year only after receiving commitments from parents to assume greater financial responsibility and partner in sustaining operations.

“Unfortunately, those commitments were not carried through as needed to keep us financially viable,” the letter stated.

The administration further explained that tuition payments were required to remain fully current in order for the school to meet its most basic obligations. According to the letter, many accounts fell behind, contributing to the school’s inability to function.

“It must be stated clearly: had tuition obligations been maintained as agreed, we would not be in this position today,” the letter read. “Unfortunately, both the broader financial commitments and many tuition obligations have not been fulfilled. A school simply cannot function this way. Without the financial backing that was committed, we are not in a position to secure the space or meet the obligations required to continue operating.”

In a development that effectively sealed the school’s fate, the administration informed parents that the landlord had notified them that the building would no longer be available after Wednesday.

“Our landlord has just informed us that the school won’t be able to use the building after this Wednesday. Please do not send your children to school as of Thursday, Feb 19, 2026,” the letter stated.

School officials said the decision followed months of effort to find a sustainable solution, including numerous discussions and attempts to stabilize finances.

“After much effort, many conversations, and every possible attempt to find a sustainable path forward, we have reached the painful conclusion that we will not be able to continue after this Wednesday,” the letter continued. “This decision was not made lightly. It comes after speaking with תורה דעת, giving it tremendous thought, tears, and sincere attempts to avoid this outcome.”

At this point, the administration wrote, it is up to parents to determine the “אחריות of their daughters’ חינוך,” expressing hope that families might still step forward in a meaningful and immediate way to make continuation possible.

“It is our sincere hope that our wonderful and loyal parents will step forward in a meaningful and immediate way to make continuation possible,” the letter concluded.

The sudden closure leaves families scrambling to secure alternative placements for their daughters in the middle of the school year. No further details were provided regarding potential future efforts to reopen or reorganize the school.

{Matzav.com}

A landmark moment is set to take place this evening as Hagaon Rav Asher Arieli will, for the first time, deliver remarks outside the framework of his regular shiurim. The highly anticipated address will be delivered at the Malki Rabbanan gathering, scheduled to take place tonight at the Pais Arena in Yerushalayim.

For decades, Rav Arieli — the most prominent maggid shiur in the Torah world — has declined invitations to appear before large public audiences beyond his daily shiur at the Mir. His shiurim, which draw approximately a thousand lomdim each day, have become legendary. Yet despite his stature, he has consistently avoided public speaking engagements and any form of personal publicity, devoting himself exclusively to delivering Torah through his daily shiur and smaller chaburos. He also delivers a shiur each week at Yeshiva Tiferes Tzvi and a shiur each year to the participants of Agudas Yisroel’s Yerushalayim Yarchei Kallah.

According to information obtained behind the scenes, the decision follows a personal request from the Rosh Yeshiva of Mir, Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, who urged Rav Arieli to address the Malki Rabbanan event in light of the significance of the occasion and its importance in being mechazeik the Olam HaTorah.

Event organizers explained the deeper message behind the gathering. “Specifically at this time,” they said, “in a period when the honor of Torah is being trampled and in the public square one hears voices of ‘Mai ahanu lan Rabbanan,’ this event comes to proclaim in a clear voice the public’s appreciation for those who toil in Torah, as Chazal said: ‘Man malki? Rabbanan!’”

{Matzav.com}

Mark Zuckerberg is set to take the witness stand in a closely watched trial examining whether Meta’s social media platforms were intentionally designed in ways that addict young users and contribute to mental health harm.

The Meta CEO is scheduled to testify Wednesday under questioning from lawyers representing a now 20-year-old woman identified as KGM. She alleges that her use of social media beginning at a young age led to addiction and worsened her depression and suicidal ideation.

Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube remain the only defendants in the case after TikTok and Snap reached settlements. The lawsuit is one of several targeting major technology companies over the impact of their platforms on minors.

Zuckerberg has previously appeared in court and testified before Congress about youth safety issues tied to Meta’s services. During a prior congressional hearing, he apologized to families who said social media tragedies had devastated their lives.

This proceeding, however, will be the first time Zuckerberg addresses such claims before a jury. Families who have lost children and believe social media played a role are expected to attend, filling the limited public seating available in the courtroom.

The lawsuit has been designated, along with two related cases, as a bellwether trial. Its outcome could influence how thousands of similar claims against social media companies are resolved nationwide.

In a statement, a Meta spokesperson said the company firmly rejects the accusations and expressed confidence that the trial will demonstrate “our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”

During opening arguments, Meta attorney Paul Schmidt told jurors the company does not deny that KGM has struggled with mental health challenges. Instead, he argued that Instagram was not a significant cause of those issues.

Schmidt cited medical documentation referencing instability at home, and both he and YouTube’s legal counsel contend that the plaintiff used the platforms as a way to cope with or escape existing mental health difficulties.

Zuckerberg’s appearance follows testimony last week from Adam Mosseri, who heads Instagram. On the stand, Mosseri said he rejects the notion that users can become clinically addicted to social media.

Mosseri also testified that Instagram prioritizes the safety of younger users and stated that it is “not good for the company, over the long run, to make decisions that profit for us but are poor for people’s well-being.”

Attorney Mark Lanier, representing the plaintiff, devoted much of his questioning of Mosseri to Instagram’s appearance-altering filters, pressing on how those tools may affect young users’ self-image. Lanier is expected to pursue similar lines of questioning with Zuckerberg.

Zuckerberg is also anticipated to be asked about Instagram’s algorithm, the continuous scroll format of Meta’s feeds, and other platform features that plaintiffs argue are structured to keep users engaged for extended periods.

In addition to this case, Meta is defending itself in a separate trial underway in New Mexico that began last week.

{Matzav.com}

A tense clash erupted Wednesday morning near the Knesset after bereaved parents removed photographs of their murdered children from a left-wing protest encampment, accusing activists of using the images for political purposes without their consent.

The parents, members of the “Din V’Tzedek Forum,” arrived at the protest site adjacent to the Knesset building to protest what they described as the unauthorized use of their children’s photos as part of a political campaign against the government.

According to a report on Channel 7, the situation quickly escalated into a loud and emotional confrontation between the grieving families and protest activists. Police forces were eventually called to the scene in order to separate the sides and restore order.

The parents expressed outrage over the inclusion of their loved ones’ photographs on protest signage without their permission. During the heated exchange, the families charged that “they are using pictures of our children who were murdered for their political goals without receiving our permission.”

As tensions rose, the parents began physically removing the signs bearing their children’s images from within the protest encampment. Protest activists, however, attempted to block them from taking down the signs, leading to a bitter and emotional exchange between the two sides.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Tuesday marked five years since the death of conservative radio pioneer Rush Limbaugh, praising him as “a really great man” and declaring that “there will never be another Rush Limbaugh.”

In a video message shared on Truth Social, Trump spoke about Limbaugh’s influence on the conservative movement and the role he played during Trump’s first presidential campaign.

“This is the fifth anniversary of the loss of a really great man, a great conservative, somebody that loved our country … but he was a friend of mine — Rush Limbaugh,” Trump said.

The president recounted that when he first entered the 2016 race for the White House, he had not yet met Limbaugh personally, but soon learned that the longtime broadcaster had publicly backed his candidacy.

“I had never met Rush when I announced I was running — I’ll never forget, 2015,” Trump said.

“And I got a call all excited that Rush just endorsed you. I’d never met him. And he liked my opening speech.”

Trump explained that over time, their professional connection turned into a personal bond, and he gained a deeper appreciation for Limbaugh’s character.

“Then I got to know him and I realized what a great guy he was,” he said.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Trump emphasized the void left by Limbaugh’s absence.

“It’s five years and we miss Rush. There will never be another Rush Limbaugh.”

“To his great wife and family, I just wanna say, we miss you all. We miss him and there’ll never be anybody like him,” Trump said.

Limbaugh died on Feb. 17, 2021, at the age of 70 following a struggle with lung cancer. Over the course of his career, he became one of the most prominent voices in conservative politics.

For decades, his nationally syndicated program, “The Rush Limbaugh Show,” led the talk radio landscape, attracting millions of listeners and energizing Republican voters across the country.

Throughout Trump’s time in office, Limbaugh was a steadfast advocate of the administration’s agenda.

In 2020, during the State of the Union address, Trump presented Limbaugh with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, hailing him as a “special man” and a “legend.”

Limbaugh’s early endorsement during the 2016 campaign was widely viewed as a key moment that strengthened Trump’s standing among conservative activists and talk radio audiences nationwide.

[COMMUNICATED]

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.) 

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. 

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own. 

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden. 

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

 “Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory. 

ShasYiden.com

The Justice Department has issued a fresh round of subpoenas as part of a Florida-based criminal investigation examining individuals who took investigative or legal steps against President Donald Trump, while also revisiting the federal government’s handling of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to several people familiar with the matter.

In November, prosecutors sent out an initial set of subpoenas seeking records tied to the creation of a U.S. intelligence community assessment that outlined what officials described as an extensive and coordinated effort by Moscow to aid Trump in defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Whereas the earlier subpoenas focused on documents connected to the period surrounding the January 2017 release of the intelligence assessment during the final days of the Obama administration, the newer demands cast a much wider net. According to people who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the subpoenas are not public, investigators are now requesting materials covering the years that followed.

The Justice Department declined to comment Tuesday on the ongoing investigation.

The latest subpoenas signal that prosecutors continue to pursue one of several criminal investigations launched by the department involving Trump’s political adversaries.

Among those receiving subpoenas are former intelligence and law enforcement officials. Attorneys representing former CIA Director John Brennan — who played a central role in overseeing the drafting of the 2017 intelligence assessment — have said they were informed that he is a target of the investigation, though they have not been told of any “legally justifiable basis for undertaking this investigation.”

The intelligence assessment, released shortly before Trump took office, concluded that Russia had shown a “clear preference” for Trump in the 2016 race. It also determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin had directed an influence campaign designed to undermine confidence in the American electoral system and damage Clinton’s prospects.

That finding — along with the broader inquiry into whether the 2016 Trump campaign coordinated with Russia — has remained a focal point of the president’s complaints for years. Trump has repeatedly criticized the officials involved and pledged to hold them accountable.

Last year, the Trump administration’s Justice Department brought false statement and obstruction charges against former FBI Director James Comey, but the prosecution was later dropped.

Numerous official reviews, including bipartisan congressional investigations and a criminal probe led by former special counsel Robert Mueller, concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election in ways that benefited Trump. Those efforts included hacking and releasing Democratic emails as well as orchestrating a covert social media campaign aimed at inflaming divisions and influencing public opinion.

Mueller determined that while the Trump campaign welcomed assistance from Russia, his investigation did not find sufficient evidence to prove that Trump or his associates conspired with Russian operatives to alter the election outcome.

The Trump administration has recently renewed scrutiny of the original intelligence assessment in part because its classified annex referenced a summary of the so-called “Steele dossier.” That document, funded by Democrats and compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, was turned over to the FBI and included allegations about Trump’s possible ties to Russia.

The dossier contained claims that were not independently verified and included salacious material. Trump has long cited those weaknesses to challenge the credibility of the broader Russia investigation.

The Florida probe appears to be one element of a wider effort by the administration to revisit decisions and conclusions that emerged from the Russia investigation years ago.

A CIA tradecraft review that was declassified last July by current Director John Ratcliffe did not dispute the conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. However, it identified “multiple procedural anomalies” in how the intelligence community assessment was prepared and criticized Brennan for allowing the classified version to reference the Steele dossier.

Brennan has told Congress and written in his memoir that he opposed incorporating dossier material into the assessment because neither its content nor its sources had been validated. He has said the dossier did not shape the assessment’s core judgments and has maintained that the FBI advocated for its inclusion.

The newly released CIA review offered a different interpretation of Brennan’s role, stating that he “showed a preference for narrative consistency over analytical soundness” and dismissed concerns about the dossier because he believed it aligned “with existing theories.” The review cites him, without additional context, as writing that “my bottomline is that I believe that the information warrants inclusion in the report.”

It remains uncertain whether the Florida-based investigation will ultimately lead to criminal charges.

In a letter sent last December to the chief judge of the Southern District of Florida, Brennan’s attorneys questioned the legal foundation of the inquiry. They asked what justification prosecutors had for opening the case in that jurisdiction and said they had not been informed of the specific crimes under investigation.

“While it is mystifying how the prosecutors could possibly believe there is any legally justifiable basis for undertaking this investigation, they have done nothing to explain that mystery,” the lawyers wrote, characterizing the probe as “manufactured.”