Matzav

A 16-year-old boy who was run over during Monday’s protest by the Peleg Yerushalmi faction was forced to arrive by ambulance at the police station on Wednesday evening in order to provide testimony, according to a report by Army Radio correspondent Tuvia Yeglnik.

Police stated that the injured teen had been summoned for coordinated questioning on suspicion of disorderly conduct and that his arrival was arranged together with his parents. His family sharply disputes that claim, insisting that they spent the past two days pleading with police to come take his statement, with no response. They say police refused to collect testimony at the hospital and only afterward informed them that the teen would be questioned for alleged disorderly behavior.

The incident stems from Monday’s demonstration near the Geha Interchange, where a 24-year-old driver from Bnei Brak was arrested after allegedly accelerating into the crowd and striking the teen.

On Tuesday, the driver was released to house arrest after the court noted that no formal complaint had yet been filed and no testimony was taken from the victim or other witnesses. The judge rejected the police request to extend the suspect’s detention by six days and ordered his release until December 14. During the hearing, police said the driver had “lost patience” in the traffic jam created by the protest.

In his interrogation, the suspect admitted being involved in the incident but maintained that he drove cautiously. “I didn’t notice that I hit anyone, and only later did I realize there had been contact,” he said.

Medical officials reported that the teen suffered injuries to his abdomen, pelvis, and limbs, and was evacuated in moderate condition to Schneider Children’s Medical Center. Police say that at this stage it remains unclear whether the ramming was intentional.

{Matzav.com}

A rare illustrated machzor from the early 15th century, plundered by the Nazis from the Rothschild banking dynasty during the Holocaust, is slated for auction next year and is expected to fetch at least $5 million.

The machzor, created in 1415 by Moshe ben Menachem, a Jewish scribe and artist, was written for the Yamim Nora’im. It features Hebrew text adorned with bird illustrations, silver and gold leaf, and decorative elements designed to make the pages shimmer. Eventually, the manuscript made its way to the international Rothschild family, where it remained until it was seized by the Nazis in the early years of World War II.

After sitting for decades on a library shelf, the manuscript was recently returned to the Rothschild heirs by the Austrian government and will be sold by Sotheby’s, with experts estimating a sale price between $5 million and $7 million.

“Illuminated Hebrew manuscripts are extraordinarily rare,” said Sharon Liberman Mintz, a Judaica expert at Sotheby’s. “They were costly to produce, so only a small number were created.” Mintz explained that Jewish communities throughout history were often destroyed or expelled, leaving their books behind. “Between destruction, upheaval, and migration, the fact that this survived 600 years is nothing short of miraculous,” she added, noting that crafting such a manuscript on parchment would have taken more than a year.

Dr. Katrin Kogman-Appel, a medieval manuscript scholar and professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Münster who examined the book for Sotheby’s, said the survival of any such volume from that era is exceptional. If the machzor is sold to a private collector, she said, it is critical that the buyer “make it accessible and visible at least to the scholarly community, and hopefully to the wider public.”

The New York Times reported that little is known about the manuscript’s first 400 years. It will be displayed at Sotheby’s in New York from December 11–16 ahead of its February 5 auction. In 1842, it was purchased for 151 gold coins by Salomon Mayer von Rothschild, a prominent Jewish banker in Austria and founder of the Vienna branch of the Rothschild Bank, as a gift for his son, Anselm Mayer von Rothschild. The machzor remained in family ownership for generations and eventually entered the library of French financier Mayer Alphonse James Rothschild.

During Germany’s annexation of Austria in March 1938, Baron Louis de Rothschild was detained at the airport while attempting to flee the country and was later imprisoned. The Nazis held him hostage for a year, forcing him to sign over his property and art collection. At the same time, Alphonse Rothschild and his wife Clarice were in London, and in their absence, the Gestapo emptied their Vienna palace—including the treasured machzor.

According to the New York Times, many of the Rothschilds’ finest artworks were shipped to Germany, while others were incorporated into Austrian museums. The machzor and additional volumes were transferred to the Austrian National Library.

After World War II, the Rothschild family managed to recover portions of their looted property. Austrian restitution laws eventually changed, leading the government in 1999 to return hundreds of artworks, furnishings, and jewels to heirs of families whose assets had been confiscated.

But the Rothschild manuscripts in the National Library went unnoticed and remained locked away for decades. In 2021, the Jewish Museum Vienna mounted an exhibition dedicated to the Rothschilds, which drew attention to the forgotten volumes.

“It sparked everyone’s curiosity about how the manuscript ended up in the library,” Mintz said. “The Rothschild family didn’t even know it was there. It sat on a shelf for 60 years and was never cataloged.” Following the exhibition, the Austrian government investigated the manuscript’s provenance and voluntarily agreed in 2023 to return it to the Rothschild heirs.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi issued an unusual set of sweeping restrictions today, ordering a halt to weekend releases, a ban on field navigation exercises, and significant limitations on troop movement and training until Friday morning, subject to ongoing operational assessments.

According to a report on i24, the directives took effect late Thursday afternoon as the military prepared for a powerful storm system expected to hit the country in the coming days. The goal, the army said, is to reduce movement and minimize risk to soldiers during hazardous weather conditions.

The orders sent to commanders prohibit releasing soldiers from their bases to return home from Thursday at 20:00 until Friday at 06:00. All foot or vehicle-based training is suspended unless a division-level general grants a specific exemption. All navigation exercises—of any kind—are completely forbidden, and marches or outdoor overnights are banned unless defined as essential operational needs by a regional division commander.

Physical training may continue only indoors, and operational activity will be restricted to essential missions. Movement of forces has also been sharply limited: operational foot or vehicle movements will require a demonstrated critical need, while administrative vehicle movement will require authorization from a colonel or branch commander.

The restrictions will remain in place until Friday at 06:00, with further updates to be issued by the Operations Directorate and the Ground Forces Command as weather and operational assessments evolve.

{Matzav.com}

Knesset Member Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, issued a sharply worded response on Wednesday to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara after she released a statement voicing her opposition to the government’s proposed draft law.

Bismuth accused the attorney general of attempting to divert public attention, writing on X: “Nice attempt, Adv. Miara, to deflect the discussion with your legal opinion, precisely on the day when dark questions are being raised regarding your involvement in the Sde Teiman affair. Nice try, but not this time.”

His comments came amid renewed controversy surrounding the investigation into the alleged leak in the Sde Teiman case. According to a report published yesterday by journalist Avishai Greenzweig on the i24NEWS website, Deputy Military Advocate for Operational Matters Gal Asael—appointed by Baharav-Miara to examine the leak—told police investigators that he acted with full coordination with senior officials in the State Prosecutor’s Office.

During his interrogation, when police accused him of conducting a negligent review, Asael reacted sharply and directed blame squarely at the attorney general.

“Not only am I not negligent, but there is no action I took for which I did not receive praise from the attorney general’s office,” Asael reportedly said. He added that senior prosecutors had described his review as “thorough and serious,” noting that the attorney general’s office had used that description in subsequent filings to the High Court. “So what do you want from me?” he asked.

Asael further insisted that every step he took was guided and supervised by the attorney general’s office. “All my actions were accompanied and directed by the attorney general’s bureau, which is well-versed in leak investigations and has far more experience than I do in this field. There is nothing criminal here on my part,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

A ruling from the Supreme Court has set off a political earthquake in Texas, clearing the legal obstacles for the state to overhaul its congressional map. According to Rep. Keith Self, the decision could translate into a significant windfall of House seats for Republicans in 2026 and dramatically alter the national electoral landscape.

Speaking with Newsmax, Self said the outcome was long expected and entirely logical. “Well, frankly, we knew it was going to happen. It makes sense,” he remarked on Wake Up America Early, projecting a substantial jump in GOP representation. “We will go from 25 to 30 Republicans. We will add to our largest Republican delegation in Congress, and we will have 30 seats.”

Even with several senior lawmakers preparing to retire, Self noted that the incoming seats would keep the Texas GOP delegation heavily fortified. “We’re going to lose some tremendous voices. Chairman [Michael] McCaul, Chairman [Jodey] Arrington, in the next term. But we’re going to add five seats. I think we will continue to be a major force.”

The conversation turned next to Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the Dallas Democrat now attempting to unseat longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Her rising national presence, fueled by persistent media visibility, was characterized by Self as emblematic of a Democratic Party he views as led by its most ideological flank. “Look, the Progressive left controls the Democrat Party today. You look at AOC, you look at Jasmine Crockett. [Vermont Sen.] Bernie Sanders is now the patron saint of the Democrat Party,” he said. “I will tell you, I think that they are making waves across the Democrat Party.”

Self said the party’s centrists have been pushed to near extinction. “The moderate Democrat is almost a dinosaur today,” he argued, adding that he would be “delighted” to see Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Crockett leading the Democratic ticket in 2028. “They now rule the Democrat Party, the Progressive left,” he declared.

As immigration and cultural debates continue to dominate Texas politics, Self reiterated his long-standing warnings about ideological clashes with Western values. “It’s absolutely anathema, incompatible with the U.S. Constitution, with the ideas contained in the Declaration of Independence, with our rule of law, we are built on the freedom of the individual,” he said, referring to Islam and Sharia law.

He urged Americans to draw lessons from global history. “I mean, this is what they do,” he said. “History tells us we need to be very cautious about this, and we need to take the steps to defend our Western culture, our Western civilization, built on the freedom of the individual, consistent with civil society. They do not believe that.”

The discussion concluded with the economy, where Self credited President Donald Trump and GOP-led tax policy for early signs of improvement. “Well, I will tell you, the economy is starting to, we’re starting to see life in the economy,” he said. The Working Families Tax Cuts Act, approved less than half a year ago, is beginning to show results, he argued.

He predicted that the impact would soon become unmistakable. “I think the big change will come when they see their federal income tax returns,” he said. “So let’s just give it a few more months. We’re starting to see the green shoots of it. It’s going to explode soon.”

{Matzav.com}

Internal debate inside the Trump administration has intensified as senior officials explore imposing terrorism-related penalties on UNRWA, a move that has sparked fierce legal and humanitarian objections from within the State Department. Two individuals directly familiar with the conversations said the discussions have advanced far enough to alarm diplomats overseeing the U.N. portfolio.

UNRWA, the United Nations agency responsible for assisting Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, serves as a critical provider of education, food distribution, medical care, and emergency shelter. U.N. leaders and members of the Security Council have repeatedly described the agency as the backbone of humanitarian operations in Gaza, where the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas has produced catastrophic suffering.

The administration has taken a sharply different view, insisting the agency is compromised by Hamas ties—an accusation UNRWA has forcefully rejected. Washington, once the agency’s principal funder, halted all support in January 2024 after Israel alleged that several UNRWA employees participated in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas assault that set off the war in Gaza.

The confrontation escalated further when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio charged in October that UNRWA had become “a subsidiary of Hamas,” a statement that sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles. Despite this rhetoric, insiders say administrators have not settled on whether they are considering sanctions against the entire organization or targeting only specific personnel or operations.

Among the ideas circulating is an FTO designation—labeling UNRWA a “foreign terrorist organization.” The sources said this has been debated at various points, though it remains unclear if it is still under active consideration. Such a label would financially suffocate the agency and sever it from support networks worldwide.

Officials warning against the move caution that disrupting UNRWA outright could devastate relief efforts for millions of displaced Palestinians already struggling amid a severe funding shortfall. The consequences, they argue, could be swift and dangerously destabilizing for the region.

Sanctioning a U.N. agency on terrorism grounds would be a dramatic departure from precedent, particularly given that the United States serves both as a founding member of the United Nations and its host nation. UNRWA was established in 1949 through a U.N. mandate designed to address post-war displacement.

William Deere, who oversees UNRWA’s Washington office, said the agency would be “disappointed” if speculation about an FTO designation proves accurate. He stressed that such a step would be “both unprecedented and unwarranted.” Deere added, “Since January 2024, four independent entities have investigated UNRWA’s neutrality including the U.S. National Intelligence Council. While occurring at different times and from different perspectives, they have all come to the same conclusion: UNRWA is an indispensable, neutral, humanitarian actor.”

A State Department official, responding to a request for comment, took the opposite tack, describing UNRWA as a “corrupt organization with a proven track record of aiding and abetting terrorists.” The official added, “Everything is on the table. No final decisions have yet been made.” The White House declined to comment.

While Washington has a broad menu of sanctions tools—including targeted asset freezes and travel bans—an FTO designation ranks among the severest, typically used only for entities known for intentional attacks on civilians, such as branches of al-Qaeda or the Islamic State.

The possibility of labeling any part of UNRWA as terrorist-linked also raises thorny diplomatic questions about whether foreign governments that fund the agency could themselves be exposed to secondary sanctions. Many of America’s closest allies finance UNRWA’s operations.

The U.N. has acknowledged that nine employees may have been involved in the Oct. 7 attack and were dismissed. Additionally, intelligence later revealed that a Hamas commander killed in Lebanon held a job with the agency. The U.N. has pledged to investigate every allegation thoroughly and continues to request documentation from Israel, which it says has not supplied the evidence it asserts exists.

Those who have followed the internal deliberations say career diplomats and legal experts have repeatedly raised alarms over both humanitarian implications and the legal defensibility of such sanctions. They noted that political appointees have largely driven the push to penalize the agency, while seasoned State Department personnel have urged caution.

One source said the issue has recently been taken up by the State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism and by members of the Policy Planning Staff, emphasizing how seriously some within the administration view the matter. Gregory LoGerfo, nominated to lead the counterterrorism bureau, has recused himself from all UNRWA-related deliberations pending Senate confirmation.

Israel has long advocated dismantling the agency, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branding UNRWA as an institution that fuels anti-Israeli hostility. As of Jan. 30, Israel formally barred UNRWA from operating on Israeli-controlled land—including East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed unilaterally—and suspended all coordination with its personnel. Despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement between Israel and Hamas in October, ceasefire breaches remain frequent, and substantive advancements toward the agreement’s broader objectives have been slow.

The U.N. continues to report alarming casualty figures among its field staff, noting that more than 370 UNRWA employees have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began.

{Matzav.com}

As lawmakers continue struggling to push through a new draft law, a behind-the-scenes uproar erupted Tuesday over an attempt to slash funding for bnei yeshiva. United Torah Judaism announced early on that it would fight the move, while today, Shas rushed to release its own statement claiming the issue had already been resolved — sparking an embarrassing tussle over who deserved credit. Questions also resurfaced about a long-standing promise to anchor yeshiva funding in the state budget, a commitment that has never been fulfilled.

Although chareidi MKs are formally not part of the coalition, they are expected to support the state budget — reportedly in exchange for passage of a draft law, as pledged by Prime Minister Netanyahu. Meanwhile, efforts to chip away at support for the Olam HaTorah have not subsided.

This time, the budget for yeshiva students was at risk. Treasury officials, together with legal advisers, attempted to reduce funding by lowering the “point value,” the mechanism through which yeshivas receive state support per student.

The first to detect the move was Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni, who issued a statement Tuesday warning:

“The yeshiva budget is expected to drop sharply this month in the point value compared to previous months. This does not concern students who are obligated to enlist according to law, but rather avreichim and foreign students who are fully entitled to this support.”

Gafni added: “It is absurd that the legal advisers are preventing use of funds approved by the government and the Knesset for those eligible. I have contacted all relevant officials to address this immediately. We will not allow this to pass quietly!”

Later, UTJ released an official statement announcing that MK Uri Maklev would convene the faction before the Knesset plenary to address what they called “harassment by the bureaucracy and the Attorney General’s Office against the yeshiva budget.” Shas, at that time, remained silent.

Today, after chareidi lawmakers managed to settle the dispute with the prime minister, Shas rushed to issue the first announcement claiming the matter had been resolved — positioning themselves as the ones who delivered the solution.

The Shas statement read: “Good news for the Olam HaTorah: Through the efforts of Shas chairman Rabbi Aryeh Deri, the funds cut from the yeshiva world have been restored, and the point value will once again stand at approximately 400, as it did at the start of the year. As is known, due to the intervention of the legal advisers, the point value was cut this year to 320. This issue has now been settled.”

The party added: “Shas will continue fighting within the 2026 budget to raise the point value to the highest level it has ever been.”

UTJ published its own statement more than 50 minutes later, saying: “The UTJ faction convened this morning for an urgent session following the harassment by the bureaucracy and Attorney General’s Office against the yeshiva budget. Through the efforts of MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni, funds were reallocated so the point value will not be reduced this month and will be paid at the same rate as in previous months.”

But their release also included a familiar — and embarrassing — pledge: “We will continue working to ensure that the yeshiva budget is included in the base budget for the coming academic year.”

The statement concluded by noting that funding for foreign students and welfare-related institutions “has still not been resolved,” and that the faction would continue working to address the issue.

What Is the “Point Value”?

The “point value” is the fixed amount the government pays a yeshiva per student, with each student type assigned a specific number of points. The total points determine how much state support the institution receives.

A yeshiva student typically counts as one point (around NIS 476–480), while a full-day kollel student is weighted at about 1.8 points (roughly NIS 846).

Nearly two years ago, the High Court ruled on aspects of this system, affecting how support is calculated. The government nevertheless found ways to continue funding yeshivas within the basic framework.

The Elusive Goal: Embedding Yeshiva Funding in the Base Budget

UTJ once again pledged — as it has many times in the past — to anchor the yeshiva budget directly into the state’s base budget rather than relying on coalition allocations. Despite repeated promises before and after elections, this goal has never been achieved.

During the Bennett–Lapid government, when chareidi parties sat in the opposition, the issue took on renewed urgency, and chareidi politicians declared that the next coalition would surely resolve it. That did not happen.

The central question remains: Why did chareidi lawmakers repeatedly agree to rely on temporary coalition funds for something so essential to their constituency, instead of legislating permanent funding in Knesset law?

One insider said: “Maybe we were complacent, thinking we’d be in power for 200 years and would never be thrown out. Bennett, Lapid, and Lieberman taught us a lesson. If we do even half of what they’re doing now, we’ll break records.”

MK Uri Maklev, who headed multiple coalition negotiations for UTJ, described the dilemma as a cost-benefit analysis: “The natural growth of the yeshiva world is ‘unnatural,’ so for every three million shekels we wanted to add, there were days of arguments. We exhausted every negotiation. We fought every time, but you have to know what’s worth fighting for and what isn’t.”

According to Maklev, the Treasury often offered a large one-time sum versus a much smaller permanent increase in the base budget. With many other community needs on the table, the chareidi parties opted for the one-time boosts.

Not everyone accepts that explanation. Some political insiders — including chareidi figures — argued that electoral considerations played a part:

“The truth is it served our political interest. It ensured people would keep voting for us.”

Others within Shas and UTJ rejected that claim: “This is not the only reason we’re in the Knesset. We have many other responsibilities. The yeshiva budget is not the centerpiece of our campaign messaging. Anyone saying otherwise just wants to provoke.”

Some critics pointed at former Finance Committee chairman MK Moshe Gafni: “He was the father and mother of the Finance Committee. How did he not insist this be included every budget cycle? Look at how Koushner is operating now — without brakes.”

Gafni responded sharply: “It’s ingratitude. I didn’t travel abroad; I worked day and night to approve every shekel — battling legal advisers and the media. I added 840 million shekels to the base budget when previously there were only 200 million. To claim I stopped incorporation of the yeshiva budget into the base budget, as if I’m in some internal election — it’s nonsense. It doesn’t interest me.”

Former Shas minister Meshulam Nahari added: “The entire chareidi funding framework is flawed. During the 2009 coalition talks, we had a genuine chance to legislate this and activate the automatic-growth mechanism, but it was lost due to political mistakes. This must be fixed through legislation. We cannot remain beggars.”

{Matzav.com}

A shocking antisemitic assault near a Miami Beach Jewish day school on Tuesday has prompted widespread outrage from city officials, parents, and community leaders. Police say a 38-year-old homeless repeat offender attacked a Jewish teacher just steps from Lehrman Community Day School, striking her, spitting at her, and hurling antisemitic slurs before destroying her cellphone.

According to investigators, the teacher had parked her car along the 500 block of 77th Street and was walking toward the school when the suspect, identified as Slemons Graves, approached her. Police say Graves spat directly in her face, shouted “dirty Jew,” slapped her on the left side of the head, and grabbed her cellphone, smashing it repeatedly until it shattered. The victim later told detectives she had been wearing a Magen David necklace at the time, further underscoring the antisemitic nature of the attack.

The teacher ran toward the school for safety, where a co-worker immediately alerted police. Officers arrived within minutes and launched a sweeping search of the area. Miami Beach police, park rangers, undercover detectives, and a drone operator formed a coordinated response, ultimately locating and arresting Graves. He is being held on multiple charges, including strong-arm battery and battery with prejudice, and remains in custody as a hate-crime investigation proceeds.

Parents at the school expressed shock and fear following the incident. Among them was sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has children enrolled at Lehrman. “It really hurts and it hits home,” he said.

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner issued a forceful condemnation, calling the assault “horrific.” In a social-media statement, he wrote: “A homeless repeat offender was arrested after a physical and verbal antisemitic attack on a Jewish teacher near Lehrman Community Day School. I spoke with our State Attorney’s Office and Police Chief to ensure this case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including hate crime charges. We treat all hate crimes with zero tolerance in Miami Beach to protect our residents, schools, and communities.”

Commissioner David Suarez also denounced the assault, noting that he took the incident “personal” as a Jewish elected official.

Police say Graves will remain behind bars as detectives continue gathering evidence and preparing the case for prosecutors.

{Matzav.com}

The White House rolled out a major immigration initiative today as President Donald Trump revealed that the long-promised Trump Gold Card application portal is now operational. Announcing the launch on Truth Social, he proclaimed, “THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT’S TRUMP GOLD CARD IS HERE TODAY! A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent. Live Site opens in 30 minutes!”

The idea behind the initiative emerged earlier this year, taking shape in September when Executive Order 14351 formally introduced a new investor-based immigration track. Designed to accelerate permanent residency for applicants with substantial financial means, the program describes itself as a “fast-track” route for affluent individuals seeking a U.S. Green Card.

At the signing ceremony, President Trump underscored the program’s financial promise for the country, remarking, “We’re taking in hundreds of billions of dollars. The Gold Card will be taking in hundreds of billions of dollars, and companies will be able to keep some people they need. They need people of expertise, great expertise.”

While the Gold Card is the centerpiece, the system is tiered. Alongside it stands a corporate version geared for employers and, above both, a top-tier Platinum Card that adds significant benefits for the highest investors.

Applicants entering through the individual Gold Card lane must submit a one-time $1 million “gift,” a non-refundable contribution, along with a separate $15,000 processing fee payable to the Department of Homeland Security. Fees vary by tier, but all require substantial capital commitments.

Companies hoping to secure quick immigration clearance for prized employees can obtain a Trump Corporate Gold Card at a cost of $2 million plus the same $15,000 DHS processing fee. This corporate card is transferable, allowing firms to reassess staffing needs by shifting the benefit to another employee with only a 5% transfer charge and a new DHS background check.

At the top end, the Trump Platinum Card demands a $5 million payment in addition to standard processing fees. Its most notable perk is the ability for its holders to remain in the United States for up to 270 days each year without U.S. taxation on income earned abroad. Additional minor State Department charges may apply across all tiers.

With the website now active, applications officially opened on Wednesday, greeting prospective applicants with the pitch: “Unlock life in America.” Current instructions outline the steps:

Visitors begin at https://trumpcard.gov/, where individuals may choose between the Trump Gold Card and the forthcoming Trump Platinum Card, while employers can opt for the Trump Corporate Gold Card. At present, the Gold Card and the corporate version are live, while Platinum remains marked “coming soon.”

After choosing a program, applicants are guided to supply detailed personal information, including name, contact information, birth details, citizenship status, home address, and number of dependents. Once the form is complete, users proceed to checkout, where the DHS processing fee is listed as $15,375. Credit card payments incur an added 2.5% charge.

{Matzav.com}

On “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” Border czar Tom Homan addressed allegations of immigration fraud involving Rep. Ilhan Omar and the investigation into the matter.

WATCH:

A deep sense of grief has spread through the Gateshead yeshiva community following the sudden passing of the esteemed maggid shiur, Rav Shlomo Steinhaus zt”l, who served for decades as a R”M at Yeshivas Tiferes Yaakov. He was 77.

Rav Steinhaus had been seated at his table this morning, fully immersed in preparing his daily shiur. His Gemara, pen, notebook, and magnifying glass were beside him as he reviewed the material for his talmidim. In the midst of this, he suddenly collapsed. Emergency responders rushed to the home and made every effort to revive him, but tragically, he passed away.

Rav Steinhaus had been a central pillar of Yeshivas Tiferes Yaakov since its founding, shaping generations of talmidim with unwavering dedication. As the most veteran R”M in the yeshiva, he was known for his exceptional diligence, clarity in teaching, and heartfelt commitment to transmitting Torah and yiras Shomayim.

This marks the second tragedy to strike the yeshiva in recent months. In Tammuz, the community mourned the loss of Rav Moshe Chaim Dinner zt”l, the mashgiach of Yeshivas Tiferes Yaakov, who passed away at the age of 48 after battling illness.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Ambassador Danny Danon offered a sweeping, hard-edged assessment of Israel’s security landscape and diplomatic horizon during a one-on-one conversation with Arutz Sheva — delivered in the brief window between two meetings with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz. Danon said the whirlwind tour he and Waltz conducted along Israel’s borders was intended to give the incoming Trump administration an unfiltered view of the dangers Israel continues to confront.

Danon described their shared visit to the Gaza periphery — including a stop with the family of fallen soldier Ran Gvili, whose remains are still held by Hamas — as a stark reminder of why the organization cannot be permitted to retain power. “Hamas will not stay here. Period. With all due respect to reconstruction and humanitarian issues, the main focus should be on the fact that Hamas cannot stay in power in Gaza,” he declared.

Pressed on whether President Donald Trump’s eagerness to move swiftly on diplomatic initiatives might produce pressure on Israel, Danon argued that Trump’s own plan provides clear guardrails. He emphasized that the document itself requires Israel to secure the release of every hostage before any political process moves forward. “When you read the resolution and the initiative of President Trump, it says very clearly that the next stage will be after all the hostages are back home and we are going to insist on this point that all of them must come back home,” he said.

Aerial assessments of the Golan Heights brought Waltz face-to-face with the volatility simmering along the Syrian frontier. Israeli troops attempted to apprehend a terrorist in Quneitra during the visit, though the suspect fled. Danon used that moment to stress that Israel will not allow Syria to become a repeat of Lebanon. “We want to see results on the ground. We learned the lesson. We saw what happened in Lebanon. We made a mistake allowing Hezbollah to build their forces on the border. We are not going to repeat that mistake on the Golan Heights. We will not allow those militias to build their presence, their bunkers, tunnels on the Golan Heights.”

Regarding Lebanon, Danon said Hezbollah’s attempts to rebuild under cover of a ceasefire are unacceptable, and that Israel expects Beirut to take real action — not simply issue statements. “The Lebanese government are talking about efforts to neutralize, but we want to see actions. It’s not enough to declare. If they will not take the necessary steps, we will have to step in and neutralize. We are not going to wait forever for the Lebanese government,” he warned.

Danon added that Washington would not fault Israel if it is forced to intervene. “If Lebanese will deal with that, that’s okay. If they will not deal with us, our colleagues in DC will understand that we have no other choice,” he said.

On the diplomatic front, Danon brushed aside recent European-backed attempts at the UN to advance Palestinian statehood as hollow political theater. He said the moves “has no meaning” and thanked the United States for opposing them, while accusing Spain, Norway, Ireland, and Slovenia of amplifying “anti-Israel propaganda at the UN and in the EU,” even amid the Gaza ceasefire.

Despite ongoing military operations, Danon said he sees Arab and Muslim countries edging closer to Israel in unprecedented ways. “I can feel it and I see that Muslim leaders and leaders from the Arab League are getting closer to Israel. We have better dialogues and I think it will happen sooner than later. I’m very optimistic about it. I know that President Trump it’s on his agenda to make it happen and I believe it will happen very soon.”

When asked whether future normalization — including with Saudi Arabia — might hinge on Palestinian statehood, Danon pointed to the existing peace treaties with Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, none of which required the establishment of a Palestinian state. He argued that Arab leaders understand there is simply “no viable partner” within the Palestinian leadership, citing Hamas’s rule in Gaza and dysfunction inside the Palestinian Authority.

Danon praised Ambassador Waltz — a former U.S. Army Green Beret commander — as “a friend of Israel, of the Jewish people, very committed, very knowledgeable,” noting that his military background gives him an instinctive sense of the stakes Israel faces. “The fact that we actually have to fight for our freedom and that’s what we are doing for the last 24 months the entire n20ation fought. we called the reserves, 400,000 people showed up. He gets it.”

{Matzav.com}

A new LendingTree analysis paints a stark picture of the rental landscape in New York, revealing that no major metro saw a sharper escalation in the cost of a one-bedroom apartment over the past several years.

Though longtime residents hardly need a data report to remind them of the city’s punishing housing costs, the findings quantify just how sharply rents have climbed. While the typical increase across 50 major U.S. metros between fiscal years 2021 and 2026 was $457, New York’s one-bedroom Fair Market Rent soared by $854—jumping from $1,801 to $2,655.

Fair Market Rents, the federal metrics HUD relies on to set assistance thresholds, reflect what a standard, decently maintained unit costs at roughly the 40th-percentile level in each region. And by that measure, New York’s trajectory has been the steepest in the nation.

San Diego came in a distant second, with its one-bedroom benchmark increasing by $817 over the same period, rising from $1,642 to $2,459.

Across all surveyed metros, the typical one-bedroom rent climbed from $1,122 in FY 2021 to $1,578 in FY 2026—a 40.7% rise that has left many households stretched to the limit.

The report underscored the burden these jumps have created, describing them as a “massive strain” on renters. As the study put it, “The reality for most renters is that their wages have likely not kept up with these rent increases,” referencing U.S. Treasury data showing that 90% of Americans live in counties where housing costs have outpaced wage growth from 2000 to 2020.

{Matzav.com}

it is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of the esteemed Breslover mashpia, Rav Binyamin Zev Knopelmacher zt”l, after years of illness. He was 75.

Rav Knopelmacher was regarded as one of the most influential spiritual guides in Breslov, and for decades, thousands sought out his brocha, counsel, and heartfelt encouragement. His gentle manner, clarity of thought, and ability to uplift struggling souls made him a beloved figure whose impact reached far beyond his immediate circle.

He was born in Denmark to his father, Rav Yitzchak Knopelmacher zt”l, and was raised and educated in the Vizhnitz institutions of Torah and chassidus. In later years, he drew close to the Breslov community, where he eventually became one of its leading and most respected mashpi’im.

Countless individuals streamed to his home seeking advice, spiritual direction, or simply a word of inspiration. He devoted himself to strengthening avodas Hashem among the younger generation, instilling within them the pathways of Breslov with sincerity and warmth.

Faithful to Breslov tradition, he traveled annually to Uman for Rosh Hashanah to spend the Yom Tov near the tziyun of Rebbe Nachman.

Rabbi Knopelmacher leaves behind a family of children and grandchildren who follow the path of Torah and mitzvos.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A Republican proposal in the Senate that would route up to $1,500 directly into Americans’ health savings accounts has quickly earned President Trump’s enthusiastic backing.

Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, the president made clear why the idea appeals to him. “I like the concept. I don’t want to give the insurance companies any money,” he said, blasting the industry for its practices. “They’ve been ripping off the public for years,” he continued, calling Obamacare “a scam to make the insurance companies rich. … Billions and billions of dollars is paid directly to insurance companies.”

The legislation had been expected to reach the Senate floor this week. Its aim is to relieve the financial pressure on roughly 24 million people insured under Obamacare, many of whom are facing higher out-of-pocket costs.

A key feature of the bill is a direct cash allotment into health savings accounts: $1,000 for eligible Affordable Care Act enrollees aged 18 to 49, and $1,500 for those aged 50 to 64.

Eligibility hinges on several factors, including income. Individuals and families must earn no more than 700% of the federal poverty level to receive the benefit — meaning a single enrollee could qualify with income up to $109,550, and a family of four could qualify with income as high as $225,050.

In addition, only those enrolled in bronze-level plans — about one-third of ACA participants — or catastrophic plans are included. These plans come with steep deductibles but differ in premium costs: bronze plans can require paying up to 40%, while catastrophic plans generally carry minimal premiums.

The proposal sets aside as much as $10 billion for these health savings account payments. It explicitly bars any of the funds from being used on abortions or gender-reassignment procedures. Certain legally present immigrants may also qualify.

Notably, those on silver, gold, or platinum Obamacare plans — which offer higher coverage in exchange for higher premiums — do not qualify for the HSA deposits. The same exclusion applies to people insured through their employers, as well as those covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, one of the bill’s architects, praised the president’s stance. “I absolutely agree with President Trump that we need to redirect subsidies from insurance companies and give patients the power,” he told The Post. He added, “Republicans want real solutions that actually make health care affordable and put money in families’ pockets. I applaud the President for his leadership on this issue.” Cassidy teamed up with Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo of Idaho to introduce the bill.

The Senate is expected to weigh this proposal Thursday alongside an $83 billion Democratic measure that would extend every Obamacare subsidy for another three years — a vote Democrats secured through last month’s shutdown-ending agreement.

The debate lands at a time when Trump is shifting his economic messaging ahead of the 2026 midterms, unveiling a slate of populist policies that include possible $2,000 tariff rebate checks and $1,000 Trump savings accounts for children.

Voters, meanwhile, continue to feel the squeeze of the roughly 20% cumulative inflation tied to Joe Biden’s term. Prices increased another 3% over the past year, according to the newest Bureau of Labor Statistics release.

The White House has rejected claims that tariffs are fueling higher consumer prices. Officials point instead to historic private-sector investment in U.S. manufacturing and a rebalancing of global trade agreements that they say benefits American workers.

At a Pennsylvania event earlier the same day, Trump underlined his economic message once more, declaring he has “no higher priority than making America affordable again.” He also defended his trade policies, telling attendees, “If we didn’t have tariffs, you would have no steel. We wouldn’t have one steel mill anywhere in the United States, and that would be really bad for national security.”

Addressing energy costs, he reminded the crowd, “When energy comes down, your other prices come down.”

He then highlighted tax relief already set to take effect. “We’re also putting thousands of dollars in the pockets of hard-working Pennsylvanians with the largest tax cuts in American history: That’s no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security for our great seniors,” he said. “And all of that kicks in on Jan. 1.”

The administration also framed the health-care legislation as part of its broader effort to fight runaway medical costs. White House spokesman Kush Desai criticized the opposing party’s approach. “The current system is not working to deliver health care at reasonable prices for everyday Americans. Democrats’ push to maintain these high prices by giving more money to insurance companies is not a real solution for President Trump,” he said.

Desai noted the president’s focus on negotiating with drug manufacturers and cracking down on systemic waste. “The President has instead focused on lowering prescription drug costs by hammering out deals with pharmaceutical companies, as well as taking on waste, fraud and abuse in the system to deliver results for patients, and will continue to deliver policy solutions that lower costs in the healthcare market for the American people.”

{Matzav.com}

A federal court has once again stepped into the standoff between Washington and Sacramento, with U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ordering that California must regain authority over its National Guard units currently stationed in Los Angeles. His ruling on Wednesday temporarily blocks the Trump administration from continuing to deploy those troops without the state’s consent, though he paused the injunction until Monday.

State officials had gone to court arguing that the circumstances used to justify the troop activation were no longer relevant. When President Donald Trump initially assumed command of the California National Guard in June, more than 4,000 service members were mobilized. By late October, that presence had dwindled dramatically, leaving only “a 100 or so troops” positioned in the Los Angeles area, California noted.

The administration defended the continued deployment, insisting that Guard forces were still needed to bolster security around federal staff and facilities. “U.S. Justice Department lawyers said the administration still needed Guard members in the Los Angeles area to help protect federal personnel and property.” Requests for comment submitted to the White House on Wednesday were not answered.

The political confrontation intensified when the Republican administration extended the mission through February and pushed to send California Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, as part of a broader attempt to move federal forces into cities governed by Democrats—despite repeated objections from local officials.

California maintained throughout the legal battle that the Guard was being conscripted into service as a presidential security arm, contrary to long-standing restrictions on domestic military involvement. “California argued that the president was using Guard members as his personal police force in violation of a law limiting the use of the military in domestic affairs.”

The origins of the dispute trace back to large demonstrations against Trump’s expanded immigration enforcement. In response, Trump assumed command of the Guard without a gubernatorial request—the first such move in decades—and placed troops around a downtown Los Angeles federal detention center where protesters had gathered. Units were also assigned to accompany immigration agents during arrests in surrounding neighborhoods.

California quickly filed suit, prompting Judge Breyer to initially issue a temporary restraining order requiring control of the Guard to revert to the state. That ruling was later frozen by an appellate court panel while the case proceeded.

For its part, the administration argued that the judiciary had no authority to interfere with the president’s determination that unrest surrounding the protests amounted to conditions in which “violence during the protests made it impossible for him to execute U.S. laws with regular forces and reflected a rebellion, or danger of rebellion.”

After a full trial, Breyer concluded in September that the federal deployment violated the governing statutes. His decision aligned with rulings from other courts that had similarly blocked attempts to send National Guard units to Portland and Chicago as part of the administration’s urban enforcement strategy.

{Matzav.com}

Intense consultations inside the Religious Zionist party — including a gathering of its leading rabbonim — have led to a developing consensus that the faction may ultimately support the government’s proposed draft law, even though it grants wide exemptions to the chareidi tzibbur. The matter drew unusual public scrutiny, prompting the party to convene a serious, in-depth gathering on Tuesday to address the wave of criticism over the possibility of backing the bill.

At the closed-door meeting, party MKs sat together with rabbonim, who were invited to express their views on the bill’s long-term consequences for Klal Yisroel. Among those who came to weigh in were Rabbi Chaim Gantz, Rabbi Chananel Etrog, Rabbi Shimon Cohen, Rabbi Chaim Wolfson, Rabbi Eliyahu Blumenzwieg, Rabbi Yaakov Medan, Rabbi Yoel Manovitch, Rabbi Eyal Greiner, Rabbi Yigal Levenstein, Rabbi Yehuda Sadan, Rabbi Shmuel Haber, and Rabbi Eliezer Shinwald.

The party later explained that the purpose of the gathering was to “examine ways to enable significant chareidi enlistment to the IDF,” particularly given the sharp disagreements over the proposed framework. A range of perspectives was voiced. Some argued that the bill was unlikely to produce meaningful results on the ground, while others cautioned that pushing it through without revisions could weaken trust between the party and its core dati leumi supporters — especially after repeated commitments to the Hesder yeshivos were, in their view, not adequately honored.

By the end of the discussion, the assembled rabbonim had reached a unified recommendation: the party should insist on substantial amendments. Party chairman Minister Bezalel Smotrich accepted the guidance of the rabbonim and committed to pursue changes that would reshape the proposal into one that is workable, fair, and aligned with the party’s responsibilities to the tzibbur.

In its statement, the party emphasized that it will continue the internal dialogue and intends to push for revisions that ensure any final law includes genuine, actionable mechanisms to encourage chareidi enlistment, while safeguarding Torah values and maintaining respect for those who already serve.

As public speculation intensified, the party released a follow-up announcement clarifying: “Contrary to various reports, no practical decisions have yet been made, and the faction is formulating its demands and conditions for supporting the law. The meeting was held as part of an in-depth learning process for faction members and rabbis, focusing on the law, its implications, and ways to correct historical injustices and encourage haredim to enlist in the IDF. At the meeting, various opinions were expressed, both by the rabbis and the faction members, and it was agreed that the discussions would continue.”

The faction underscored that its only guiding principle is the protection of Am Yisroel: “Even now, the entire faction is determined to vote only for a law that will lead to real and swift enlistment of chareidim to the IDF, in order to meet Israel’s security needs and ease the burden on the combat soldiers and their families. The Religious Zionist party, which represents the sector that serves the most, is committed to changing the current situation in practical terms and will make its decisions solely based on the merits of the matter, detached from campaigns and political interests from all sides. The faction has only one consideration before its eyes: the security of Israel and the religious and national obligation of IDF service for all parts of the nation,” the statement concluded.

{Matzav.com}

A series of lawsuits filed Wednesday in Dallas County claims that American-made microchips repeatedly surfaced inside Russian missiles and drones used in lethal attacks across Ukraine, Newsmax reports. The filings come against the backdrop of staggering civilian losses, with the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights confirming at least 14,775 civilian deaths — including 755 children — while cautioning that the true toll is “likely significantly higher.”

The complaints collectively accuse several major U.S. semiconductor manufacturers of failing to prevent their technology from entering Russia’s weapons pipeline, despite export bans, sanctions, and what the filings describe as “extensive notice” that their electronics were appearing inside President Vladimir Putin’s missiles. The suits argue that the companies ignored clear warnings and allowed sensitive components to be diverted into military systems used to bombard Ukrainian cities.

Each lawsuit names Texas Instruments, AMD, Intel, and distributor Mouser Electronics, asserting that their semiconductors turned up in weapons used in deadly attacks and alleging the firms “armed the Russian military” through what the filings call “domestic corporate negligence.” Plaintiffs say the companies prioritized profits over legal obligations, citing the accusation that they “have chosen to maximize profit ahead of and in favor of their duties to take reasonable, and legally required, steps to keep their products out of the wrong hands.” Newsmax has reached out to the manufacturers for comment.

Below is a complete rewrite of the detailed breakdown of all five lawsuits, preserving every quoted line exactly as written:

Lawsuit 1: Shumylo et al. vs. Texas Instruments, AMD, Intel, Mouser (Attack on Kryvyi Rih – Apr. 4, 2025)
The first case focuses on the April 4, 2025 strike in Kryvyi Rih, alleging that U.S.-origin parts “powered Iskander-M ballistic missiles and drones that Russia used to attack Ukrainian citizens on April 4, 2025, in Kryvyi Rih.” The filing identifies multiple victims, stating: “This strike killed Plaintiff A.K., the daughter of Plaintiff Marta Shumylo; Plaintiff D.N., the son of Plaintiff Nataliia Nikitska; and Plaintiff T.T., the grandson of Plaintiff Valentina Tsvitok.” The lawsuit contends defendants “armed the Russian military by selling semiconductor components … that Russia used as critical components in weapons systems for its attacks on Ukraine and its citizens.” It also argues the companies were repeatedly warned, noting “Defendants had extensive notice … that their products were being diverted to Russian and Iranian weapons programs” but still “failed to implement and enforce reasonable measures to prevent such diversion.” In closing, the complaint asserts the harm was foreseeable, stating: “Defendants’ domestic conduct in Texas … was a substantial factor in causing the injuries suffered abroad.”

Lawsuit 2: Dmytrivna et al. vs. Texas Instruments, AMD, Intel, Mouser (Attack on Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital – Jul. 8, 2024)
This filing centers on the attack against Ukraine’s largest pediatric medical center and claims the weaponry involved included U.S.-linked components that “powered Kh-101 missiles and Shahed 136 drones” used in the strike. Two of the young plaintiffs, M.D. and S.F., are described as children receiving dialysis at the moment of impact, with the filing noting they “were patients at the children’s hospital receiving kidney dialysis care when the Russian military launched the attack,” and emphasizing that the blast “killed multiple civilians, including a hospital doctor.” Medical staff were also endangered, with the complaint stating that Dr. Olha Babicheva and nurse Viktoriia Didovets were “treating patients at the hospital when it came under attack,” making clear they were “directly in harm’s way as Defendants’ products enabled greater strike precision.” The filing cites political warnings as well, including the statement: “Looking the other way when you know your products continue to empower Russian slaughter is not just morally dubious, it is against the law.” This lawsuit argues the assault was facilitated through “the illicit flood of semiconductors into Russia … enabled by the knowing neglect or willful ignorance of American companies.”

Lawsuit 3: Babich et al. vs. Texas Instruments, AMD, Intel, Mouser (Attack on Kryvyi Rih – Jun. 13, 2023)
The third suit revisits another devastating attack in Kryvyi Rih, alleging U.S. electronics were used in weapons that “killed Plaintiff Anton Babich … Plaintiff A.R. … Plaintiff Khvitcha Khupatsaria … and Plaintiff Vladyslav Kuznetsov.” The filing claims those components “powered Kh-101 missiles and Iranian-made Shahed drones that Russia used to attack Ukrainian citizens on June 13, 2023.” It further accuses the defendants of ignoring overwhelming evidence, asserting they “had extensive notice from government agencies, public advisories, forensic investigations, and media reporting that their products were being diverted,” yet “failed to implement and enforce reasonable measures to prevent such diversion.” The complaint frames this as a breach of responsibility, stating: “Defendants owe a common-law duty of care to the Ukrainian people … to not empower Russia to use their products to facilitate unlawful military attacks on civilians.” As in the earlier filings, it stresses foreseeability: “The foreign injuries were the foreseeable and natural consequences of Defendants’ Texas-based decisions.”

Lawsuit 4: Zaplyvanyi et al. vs. Texas Instruments, AMD, Intel, Mouser (Attack on Uman – Apr. 28, 2023)
This lawsuit focuses on the Uman strike, arguing defendants’ components “powered drones and Kh-101 missiles that Russia used to attack Ukrainian citizens on April 28, 2023, in Uman.” It recounts the human toll, noting the assault “killed multiple civilians, including a 2-year-old child,” and demolished residential buildings. The filing maintains that the companies disregarded clear warning signs, stating they “failed to identify and resolve distribution red flags” despite the fact that “U.S. laws imposed a duty … to exercise reasonable care” to prevent diversion. The complaint then summarizes the accusation: “Defendants’ semiconductor components foreseeably powered missiles and drones that struck Plaintiffs’ homes, workplaces, hospitals, and communities, causing death, severe injury, and widespread devastation.” It additionally charges the firms with complicity in “a conspiracy to evade and/or violate export restrictions to Iran and Russia.”

Lawsuit 5: Tereschenko et al. vs. Texas Instruments, AMD, Intel, Mouser (Attack on Rzhyschiv – Mar. 22, 2023)
The final filing turns to the Rzhyschiv drone strike, alleging that U.S.-made parts “powered Iranian-made Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones that Russia used to attack Ukrainian citizens on March 22, 2023,” destroying a high school dormitory. According to the lawsuit, “This strike killed Plaintiffs Natalia Pipchenko, Oleksander Gorgul, and R.Z.,” and left many others injured, including minors V.M. and Z.M., after the building collapsed. The complaint says the defendants “failed to implement adequate export-controls, distributor screening, and diversion-prevention systems — conduct that directly caused the injuries abroad.” It argues that decisions made in the United States “materially contributed to the diversion of semiconductor components overseas” and ultimately enabled the attack. Congress’ warning is quoted once more: “Every day, millions of dollars are made … while American technology is still fueling Russia’s murderous war against Ukraine.”

{Matzav.com}

At a campaign stop in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump ignited a new line of attack against Joe Biden, claiming that key personnel decisions at the Federal Reserve may not hold up legally. Trump told the crowd he had been informed that Biden had used an autopen to sign the documents elevating several Democrats to the Fed’s Board of Governors, a detail he argued could undermine their authority.

Trump used the Pennsylvania rally, billed as an economic address, to raise doubts about whether those appointments conform to federal law. He said he is weighing whether to formally challenge the validity of the signings, noting that he plans to speak with legal advisers before deciding how to proceed.

He folded the Fed appointments into a broader critique of what he called Biden’s “autopen presidency,” maintaining that an array of Biden-era actions lacked legitimacy because the signatures weren’t personally executed. Trump argued that many directives, memos, and administrative decisions “should not carry the force of law” if Biden did not physically sign them.

During Biden’s tenure, aides openly acknowledged frequent reliance on the autopen — a device used by multiple past presidents — for routine paperwork or when Biden was out of Washington. The practice was described as a standard procedural tool for managing a high volume of official documents.

Trump has already vowed to roll back a number of Biden-era measures on the grounds that they were finalized with an autopen. He has said that certain regulatory steps and administrative orders will be canceled because, in his view, they lacked direct presidential authorization.

Democrats have rejected that premise, arguing that Trump’s denouncements distort a long-accepted White House practice and create unnecessary confusion about the legitimacy of government processes.

Legal scholars in recent commentary have emphasized that the decisive factor is whether the president authorized the action, not whether the ink on the page came from his own hand. They maintain that Biden’s team consistently met those requirements.

Experts have also pointed out that presidents from both parties — including George W. Bush and Barack Obama — used the autopen to sign routine matters and even time-sensitive legislative items.

Analysts say that the legality of such signatures hinges entirely on the president’s explicit direction, a condition they argue Biden satisfied throughout his term.

Trump closed his remarks in Mount Pocono by suggesting that Biden’s autopen usage raises deeper questions about who was “actually running things” in Washington. He cited reporting from Reuters as justification for raising the issue with supporters.

{Matzav.com}

A highly unusual and distinguished encounter took place when the Ashlag Rebbe visited the bais medrash of the senior kabbalist Rav Dovid Batzri, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivat HaShalom, accompanied by his son Rav Moshe Batzri. The meeting brought together two influential figures in the world of Kabbolah, along with a circle of their leading talmidim.

The Rebbe arrived at the bais medrashin Bnei Brak at the head of a delegation from the editorial team behind the new Zohar edition, Bnei Heichala. Rav Batzri, who has delivered his teachings there for years, welcomed the Rebbe with great honor. During the visit, the Rebbe presented him with the newly released volume of the Zohar featuring the Bnei Heichala commentary, prompting an extended discussion on the essential role of in-depth Zohar study and the commentary’s contribution to greater clarity.

When the Rebbe entered the bais medrash, Rav Batzri was in the middle of delivering an advanced shiur on the inner dimensions of Torah. Surrounding him were prominent talmidim, rabbanim, and fellow mekubalim. After greeting his guest, Rav Batzri was shown the first volume of the new edition, which incorporates the classic Sulam commentary alongside additional layers of analysis.

The Rebbe described the decades of work that went into producing the commentary and supplements. He remarked, “Here, in this place, there is certainly no need to elaborate on the importance of precision in every single word of the Zohar. At times, one word changes the entire picture and the entire understanding.” He demonstrated several examples where a single term in the text significantly shifts the meaning, explaining the necessity of an “analysis” section within the new Zohar edition, one that lays out questions, contradictions, and textual challenges with methodical, deeply grounded answers.

The Rebbe further noted that in the writings of the Arizal there are more than ten thousand citations from the Zohar, yet the Arizal often does not specify the source. “The more one can trace the Arizal’s foundations back to the Zohar itself, the more the entire inner Torah becomes illuminated,” he told Rav Batzri. The senior mekubal expressed profound admiration for the new work, praising its depth, clarity, and rigorous organization.

After closely reviewing the volume, Rav Batzri spoke with extraordinary enthusiasm. “I testify that there has never been a Zohar like this! It is literally like Shulchan Aruch!” he declared before the Rebbe and the assembled talmidim. He lauded the precision and coherence of the edition and offered a heartfelt brocha to the team behind it, expressing hope that it would “make a revolution in the world,” enabling more people to learn the Zohar and thereby come closer to the teachings of the Arizal and the inner essence of Torah.

The Rebbe also shared a story told to him by Rav David Abuhatzeira: that his grandfather, the Baba Sali, studied the Zohar with the Sulam commentary during his years in Morocco and later said that this commentary gave him “very great clarity in the Zohar.”

Throughout the encounter, the two mekubalim explored numerous intricate passages from the Zohar, engaging in deep discussion on the mysteries of Torah. Rav Batzri referenced the teaching of Rav Shalom Buzaglo in his classic Kisei Melech nearly 280 years ago, emphasizing that one hour of Zohar study with understanding is equivalent to tens of thousands of hours of study in the revealed aspects of Torah.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Rav Batzri accompanied the Rebbe out with warm friendship, and the two parted with heartfelt brachos.

{Matzav.com}