Matzav

President Trump said he sees an opening for peace in Ukraine and suggested he would consider traveling to the country to help push an agreement forward, even raising the possibility of urging lawmakers there to accept territorial concessions to Russia. Speaking after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, Trump said peace is “closer than ever before.”

The comments followed a lengthy meeting and working lunch at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump and Zelensky reviewed possible pathways to ending a war Trump described as “the biggest war, certainly the deadliest war, since World War II,” now approaching its fourth year.

Asked at a press conference whether he would personally go to Ukraine to assist negotiations, Trump said, “I’d have no problem with doing it.” He added, “I don’t anticipate it. I would like to get the deal done and not necessarily have to go,” but stressed that he had already offered to address Ukraine’s parliament if that step became necessary.

“I’ve offered to go and speak to their parliament,” Trump said, explaining that such a move could be relevant if Kyiv were asked to give up parts of the Donbas region.

Trump said Washington and Kyiv are largely aligned on Zelensky’s updated 20-point peace proposal, putting agreement at “95 percent,” while acknowledging that territory remains the hardest obstacle.

“There are one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues,” Trump said, singling out Donbas as an “issue they’re gonna have to iron out, but I think it’s moving in the right direction.”

He warned that delaying an agreement could worsen Ukraine’s position. “I think the land — you’re talking about — some of that land has been taken,” Trump said. “Some of that land is maybe up for grabs, but it may be taken over the next period of a number of months — and you’re better off making a deal now.”

Zelensky, for his part, emphasized that he does not have unilateral authority to give up Ukrainian territory, noting that any such decision would require parliamentary approval or a national referendum.

“It’s their land,” Zelensky said, referring to the Ukrainian public. “The land, not of one person, it’s the land of our nation for a lot of generations.”

Russia’s position remains uncompromising. President Vladimir Putin has insisted Ukraine relinquish the remainder of Donbas, even though Russian forces have been unable to seize it outright since the war began.

Zelensky’s revised plan pares down an earlier 28-point U.S. framework that had been criticized as leaning too far toward Moscow. The new proposal centers on security guarantees from the United States, NATO, and European allies, protections for Ukrainian sovereignty, and a proposed non-aggression arrangement.

Security guarantees, Zelensky said, are the linchpin. “We discussed all the aspects of the peace framework, which includes the 20-point peace plan — 90% agreed, and U.S.-Ukraine security guarantees — 100% agreed. U.S.-Europe-Ukraine security guarantees — almost agreed. Military dimension — 100% agreed,” he said.

Trump said he expects Russia to participate in rebuilding Ukraine once fighting ends and claimed the Kremlin “wants Ukraine to succeed.” Zelensky appeared uneasy as Trump made the remark, offering no public response.

Ukrainian officials have tread carefully around Trump, wary of provoking him. During the press conference, Trump briefly alluded to the volatile Oval Office clash with Zelensky on Feb. 28, a moment that has made Kyiv cautious in its dealings with the president.

Trump framed the stakes starkly. “There’s nothing more important,” he said of ending the conflict. “I solved eight wars, and this is the most difficult one.”

He warned of catastrophic losses if fighting continues. “I think if this goes on, you’re gonna have millions of additional people will be killed, millions, and no one wants that,’’ Trump said.

According to a June 2025 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, roughly 250,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, with total Russian casualties nearing 950,000 and another 50,000 missing. Zelensky said in January that about 400,000 Ukrainians have been killed or wounded, with 35,000 missing.

Despite his optimism, Trump declined to set a timeline for a deal.

Ahead of Sunday’s summit, Zelensky told reporters that Ukraine is “willing to do whatever it takes” to stop the war, even as Russian attacks intensified. Ukrainian officials said the country endured more than 2,100 drone strikes, nearly 800 guided bombs, and 94 missiles in the past week alone.

“Ukraine is willing to do whatever it takes to stop this war. For us, priority number one – or the only priority – is ending the war. For us, the priority is peace. We need to be strong at the negotiating table,” Zelensky said.

Before meeting Zelensky, Trump spoke with Putin and described the call as “good and very productive.” When pressed on details, he deflected, saying only, “We didn’t talk about the weather.” Trump added that he plans to brief Putin after his talks with Zelensky.

Putin struck a far more pessimistic tone on the eve of the summit, signaling little interest in compromise. “If Ukraine does not want to resolve everything peacefully, Russia will resolve all its objectives by military means,” Putin said, according to a translation. Moscow’s demands include major territorial concessions, limits on Ukraine’s armed forces, and a ban on Western alliances.

After the Mar-a-Lago talks, Trump said he and Zelensky spoke by phone with several European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also joined the discussions.

Trump said he expects to convene another round of talks with Ukraine and European partners next month.

Sunday’s meeting marked the first in-person talks between Trump and Zelensky since Oct. 17 and included senior U.S. officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine. Also present were special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and senior adviser Stephen Miller.

{Matzav.com}

Hagaon Rav Meir Greineman was rushed to Sheba Medical Center late Friday night after suffering a cardiac event.

A grandson who had been learning with Rav Greineman on Friday night noticed that he was not responding and immediately summoned emergency medical services. Paramedics arrived at his home and decided to evacuate him to the hospital for urgent care.

Rav Greineman was admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit, where he is receiving close medical supervision. Hospital sources said he is in stable condition and is expected to undergo the implantation of a pacemaker.

Now 93, Rav Greineman is the last surviving nephew of the Chazon Ish zt”l and the author of the seforim Imrei Yosher.

All are asked to daven for Meir ben Tzivia.

{Matzav.com}

A discussion in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee exposed sharp gaps between political promises surrounding the chareidi draft law and the Israel Defense Forces’ actual manpower requirements.

During the heated session, Brig. Gen. Shay Taib, head of the Planning and Manpower Administration Division of the Israel Defense Forces, acknowledged that the targets proposed in the draft law fall well short of what the army needs.

Taib told lawmakers that even if the proposed framework is fully implemented, it will not provide an effective response to the IDF’s immediate manpower shortage. “The answer is still no — far from it,” he said bluntly, rejecting claims that the legislation would resolve the crisis in combat personnel.

According to data presented to the committee, the IDF expects to recruit approximately 10,000 chareidi men over the next two years. However, Taib conceded that a significant portion of those recruits would likely enlist anyway through existing general-track units. He described the political goal of having 35 percent of chareidi recruits serve as combat soldiers as “a very complex event,” noting that many recruits arrive at older ages or with various limitations that complicate combat placement.

One of Taib’s most striking statements concerned the timeline for creating a full chareidi brigade. Even under optimal conditions, he said, the IDF would only be able to establish such a brigade by 2030. “And even then,” he emphasized, “it will not replace the reserve forces.”

Addressing internal concerns within the military, Taib warned against what he termed “symbolic recruitment.” Without a rigorous screening mechanism to ensure that recruits meet the necessary physical and personal criteria, he cautioned, the targets would remain theoretical. Among the tougher alternatives raised was a proposal requiring that at least 50 percent of recruits be under the age of 21, a condition that would directly affect yeshiva students in the traditional post-yeshiva and shidduch-age brackets.

{Matzav.com}

The Satmar Rebbe, Rav Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, personally toured two newly constructed, grand event halls in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, “Eden Yoel” and “Eden Alta Faiga,” which are nearing completion and will soon serve the Satmar community.

During the visit, the Rebbe closely followed the accelerated pace of construction work, receiving detailed updates on the progress toward completing the expansive halls.

The project has drawn particular attention due to its commitment to providing high-quality facilities while adhering to regulated, significantly reduced takanah pricing, ensuring accessibility for families.

Both halls have been dedicated in name and spirit to the revered founders of Satmar: the rebbe Rav Yoel Teitelbaum and the Satmar Rebbetzin.

{Matzav.com}

Dozens of rabbanim and chassidishe rebbes convened Sunday evening in Yerushalayim to mount unified opposition to the proposed draft law in Israel. The location of the meeting was kept confidential until the late afternoon hours, and invitations were delivered quietly, as organizers sought to coordinate an uncompromising response to what they described as an existential threat to the Torah world.

The dramatic gathering took place as the chareidi public had been anticipating a scheduled meeting of the Chassidishe Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah at the residence of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe in Ora, which was ultimately canceled due to the frail health of the Gerrer Rebbe.

In parallel, the emergency assembly went ahead at the Vizhnitz Hall on Rechov Nechemia in Yerushalayim, drawing a cross-section of rabbonim.

Against the backdrop of intense deliberations surrounding the draft law, speakers at the gathering called for heavy pressure to be placed on Agudas Yisroel representatives and other chareidi political parties not to yield to any draft framework. Sharp words were heard from the podium warning of a dangerous escalation. “They began by taking bochurim who were not within the walls of the yeshivos to military prison, and then moved on to taking the finest bochurim,” one speaker declared. “The draft law is exactly that—a law meant to draft.”

A particularly emotional moment gripped the hall during the address of the Slonimer Rebbe, who spoke directly to public criticism leveled at the Torah community. “They tell me that people are dying in war while your sons sit in yeshivos,” he said. “Every day we accept upon ourselves the yoke of malchus Shamayim to give our lives for the Torah. There are values that are above life itself.”

Among those present were rebbes from courts including Slonim, Lelov, Bohush, Zvhill, Skulen Yerushalayim, Biala Bnei Brak, Pinsk-Karlin, Sasov, Vizhnitz Beit Shemesh, and others, alongside various roshei yeshiva and Sephardic rabbanim. Influential mashpi’im and mekubalim also took part.

Following lengthy deliberations, the participants reached a decision to hold a massive public rally on Monday, 16 Teves, in Yerushalayim.

A detailed statement outlining the decisions of the gathering was released. In it, the rabbanim declared their fierce protest against what they termed a “terrible decree of conscription” threatening observant Jews in Eretz Yisroel, with particular reference to the severe targeting of Sephardic yeshiva students. They asserted that the government has effectively declared war on Torah observance, with the aim of uprooting Jewish identity from the hearts of the nation.

The statement further ruled that it is strictly forbidden for any chareidi Jew to enlist in the army, including frameworks marketed as “chareidi tracks,” which the rabbanim said inevitably lead to spiritual destruction. This prohibition, they added, extends as well to alternative state-run programs such as national or civil service. The rabbanim warned against draft legislation that includes quotas, targets, or sanctions, stating that any law that involves agreement—direct or indirect—to the enlistment of chareidim is forbidden to support, even through abstention.

[Video below.] A storm of outrage erupted Sunday night following violent clashes between police and chareidi demonstrators at the Givat Shmuel junction, where members of the Peleg Yerushalmi were protesting the arrest of yeshiva students labeled as draft evaders. Graphic footage obtained by Matzav.com shows a police officer striking, choking, and throwing a young chareidi boy to the ground.

The protest took place amid a tense and chaotic evening in Bnei Brak and surrounding access roads, as demonstrators took to the streets in response to recent arrests of yeshiva bochurim. According to eyewitnesses, security forces moved forcefully to disperse the crowd, leading to physical confrontations and scenes that many described as shocking.

As police declared the demonstration illegal and began clearing the roadway, a video published from the scene quickly spread through the chareidi community. The footage shows a police officer slapping a young boy, gripping him by the neck, and hurling him to the ground with apparent brutality.

In response to the uproar, Police Commissioner Danny Levy ordered an immediate internal investigation and instructed that the officer involved be removed from operational duty pending clarification of the incident.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Against the backdrop of repeated demonstrations and road blockages on Geha Highway, residents of cities neighboring Bnei Brak are organizing an anti-chareidi counter-protest that could significantly affect traffic into the chareidi city ahead of Shabbos, according to a report by Walla News.

Posts circulating in protest groups outline plans for a coordinated “slow-drive” at key entrances to Bnei Brak, particularly on Fridays, with the stated goal of applying pressure in response to recurring highway closures and traffic disruptions in recent months. Organizers argue that police have been unable to prevent repeated blockages along Geha Highway, prompting them to pursue what they describe as a civilian, lawful form of protest.

Fridays are among the busiest traffic periods in Bnei Brak, and any slowdown during those hours could place heavy strain on movement throughout the city and complicate residents’ preparations for Shabbos.

Organizers say they intend to operate strictly within the law and claim they are in contact with police. According to their statements, they were told that as long as the activity remains legal, authorities are not expected to intervene.

No official response had been issued by police as of publication, and it remains unclear whether the planned action will go forward as described.

{Matzav.com}

Three years after a moment that brought widespread joy to the Chassidic world, Rav Ephraim Fishel Yisrael Weinberger, Av Beis Din of Turka and a leading mashpia of the Bobov-45 kehillah in Yerushalayim, marked another deeply emotional milestone this week with the upsherin of his son, who has reached the age of three.

The birth of the child, after 34 years, was announced three years ago and was received with great celebration throughout the Chassidic community. At the time, Yerushalayim saw large gatherings for the shalom zachar, vach nacht, and the bris, all attended by multitudes who came to share in the simchah.

This week’s upsherin took place at the residence of the Rebbe of Toldos Avraham Yitzchak. Despite his weakened state, the Rebbe personally cut locks from the three-year-old child’s hair.

Following the ceremony, the Rebbe offered heartfelt brachos that the child should grow to be a talmid chacham, following in the path of his father and his distinguished ancestors.

{Matzav.com}

There was widespread joy and excitement among the Jewish communities of Zurich this past Shabbos, as residents observed their first Shabbos following the completion of a fully halachic eruv encircling the city’s Jewish neighborhoods.

With the eruv now in effect, Zurich joins the growing list of cities in Eretz Yisroel and around the world where carrying on Shabbos is permitted under halachah. The development is expected to significantly ease Shabbos life, allowing families to move about more freely, visit relatives, and enjoy the long Shabbos afternoons in a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The project was carried out as a joint initiative of Zurich’s two central kehillos: Agudas Achim, led by the city’s gaavad, Rav Tzvi Elimelech Padwa, and Adas Yeshurun, under the leadership of Rav Chaim Moshe Levi. From the earliest stages, the rabbonim were closely involved, overseeing every halachic detail and working in consultation with leading experts in the complex laws of eruvin.

Alongside the rabbinic oversight, community askanim worked extensively with municipal authorities to address all administrative and legal requirements. The project, which spanned approximately five years, progressed steadily and methodically, reflecting a high level of care and perseverance.

In recent weeks, as construction was completed, the rabbonim conducted comprehensive inspections throughout the city, carefully examining the mechitzos and tzuras hapesach. Several final adjustments were made to ensure that the eruv meets the highest halachic standards. In addition, special supervisors were appointed to conduct weekly inspections and ensure the ongoing integrity of the eruv.

In the final stage, the customary sechiras reshus with city authorities was carried out in accordance with halachah, completing all necessary preparations.

Following these steps, a public notice was issued announcing that carrying is now permitted in Zurich as of last Shabbos.

{Matzav.com}

Rabbi Binyomin Kluger, a longtime writer for Hamodia, concluded his regular work with the newspaper this past Friday, bringing to a close a writing career there that spanned five decades.

He marked the occasion with a special farewell column addressed to the paper’s readers.

Kluger, 77, a Chassid of Sanz and a resident of Yerushalayim’s Givat Shaul neighborhood, has been a familiar and respected voice in Hamodia since its early years. Alongside his journalism, he has long been active in the Torah world, serving as an inspector for the monthly examinations held in batei midrash across the country, a role connected to the Mifal HaShas initiative founded by his rebbe, the Sanzer Rebbe, the Shefa Chaim zt”l.

Writing under the pen name “K. Binyamin,” Kluger authored weekly columns for decades and published dozens of seforim in parallel to his newspaper work. His final column appeared on Friday, when he formally took leave of his readership.

In his farewell essay, Kluger reflected on his lifelong commitment to the printed word, writing that throughout his years of journalism he chose to remain loyal to print media, believing that “when words are written in black and white, their power is intensified.”

Looking back on more than fifty years of writing, he described Hamodia as a home for his words and recounted the countless hours and settings in which articles were produced — in the early hours of the morning, under blazing sun, in the depths of night, and in every conceivable environment. He noted that at the moment of writing, a journalist never truly knows who will read the words, how they will be received, or whether the intended emotion will fully carry through.

Kluger also wrote about the discipline he maintained over the years, explaining that he never skipped a weekly column or took time off, out of a sense of responsibility and gratitude for the privilege of having a regular platform. In recent years, he added, his “Past and Present” column became firmly woven into the contemporary pages of Hamodia.

Expressing thanks, Kluger wrote that he is deeply grateful to Hashem for the merit of being counted among the newspaper’s writers, and he extended appreciation to the editorial staff and management, whom he praised for their sense of mission and shared purpose. As he departs, he offered a blessing to those who continue the work, invoking words of peace, unity, and goodwill.

While stepping away from his official role, Kluger emphasized that he is not abandoning journalism. He plans to devote himself to writing future books in a quieter setting, describing his departure not as a full goodbye, but as “only a half-farewell.”

{Matzav.com}

A new public opinion poll released following a high-profile interview on Kan 11 indicates notable shifts across Israel’s political landscape, including the first-ever Knesset entry of a party widely identified with opposition to the chareidi community.

The changes come in the wake of an interview given by Eli Feldstein on Kan 11’s investigative program hosted by Omri Asenheim, which appears to have influenced voter sentiment across multiple blocs.

According to a special survey conducted by Kan News in cooperation with the Kantar Institute, Likud, led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, has weakened, losing two seats compared to the previous poll. Parties led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid also each dropped by two seats, while the Democrats party headed by Yair Golan lost one mandate.

Kan News reported that the most dramatic development was recorded in the center-right segment of the political map. For the first time since its establishment, the reservists’ party led by Yoaz Hendel crossed the electoral threshold and entered the Knesset with four seats, largely at the expense of centrist parties. At the same time, Benny Gantz continued to lose ground and fell further below the threshold required to enter the Knesset.

Under the poll’s breakdown, Likud stands at 25 seats, down from 27 in the previous survey. Bennett’s party dropped to 20 seats from 22. Shas, led by Aryeh Deri, strengthened slightly, gaining one seat to reach a total of 10 mandates. Yisrael Beiteinu, Otzma Yehudit, and the Democrats party each received nine seats.

Yesh Atid, led by Lapid, fell to eight seats, down from 10. Hadash–Ta’al and Ra’am each secured five mandates, while Hendel’s party entered the Knesset with four seats. Blue and White, Religious Zionism, and Balad did not cross the electoral threshold.

In the overall bloc calculation, the Netanyahu-led coalition stands at 51 seats, short of a Knesset majority.

The poll also examined public attitudes following Feldstein’s interview. A relative plurality of respondents said they were more inclined to believe Feldstein’s version of events than that of Prime Minister Netanyahu, though a large portion of the public remains undecided. According to the survey, 36 percent said they believe Feldstein, 24 percent said they believe Netanyahu, and 40 percent said they are unsure whom to believe.

Public skepticism was also evident regarding the establishment of a government commission of inquiry. A majority of respondents said they do not believe the commission being formed by the government will conduct a thorough, optimal, and objective investigation into the events that led to the October 7 massacre. Fifty-three percent expressed distrust in the commission’s ability to do so, 29 percent said they believe it will, and 18 percent said they do not know.

{Matzav.com}

Security personnel at Ben Gurion Airport once again intercepted a passenger who had been caught last week attempting to board a flight with concealed ammunition and a firearm, Israeli media reported.

According to the report, airport security staff recognized the individual upon his arrival at Terminal 3 on Sunday. The man was stopped for questioning immediately after entering the terminal. During the inquiry, security officials learned that he had arrived at the airport without a flight ticket and was attempting to purchase one on site. Following the questioning, he was escorted out of the terminal and barred from continuing further at the airport.

The incident comes just days after the same passenger was detained during a routine security screening prior to a flight. As previously reported, security officers discovered handgun bullets hidden inside the man’s walking cane. A subsequent, more thorough inspection of his luggage led to the discovery of a handgun frame concealed in his suitcase.

Once the items were found, the security screening was halted immediately and the passenger was transferred to questioning by security authorities. He was not permitted to board the flight.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas is moving toward selecting a new leader, with a decision expected in the coming days or weeks, according to a report by the Saudi outlet Asharq that cited sources close to the terror group’s senior leadership.

The report said the vote will be conducted by Hamas’s general Shura council, a body of roughly 50 members drawn from the organization’s three regional politburos: Gaza, the West Bank, and the Palestinian diaspora. Hamas traditionally holds leadership elections every four years. While the most recent vote took place in March 2021, the next round — initially planned for early 2025 — was postponed due to the war in Gaza.

According to Asharq, the two leading contenders are Khaled Mashaal, a former head of Hamas, and Khalil al-Hayya, who currently leads the group’s politburo in Gaza.

Sources cited in the report said that while leadership elections are imminent, they have “ruled out holding general elections before the war comes to a complete end.”

The same sources described a sharp contrast between the candidates’ policy outlooks, particularly regarding Israel’s presence in Gaza. Hayya, who is viewed as closely aligned with Iran, was said to favor continuing “armed conflict with Israel in the Gaza Strip until the war ends and the Israeli army withdraws from the Strip entirely.” Mashaal, by contrast, is described as supporting “negotiated compromises to end the occupation of Gaza.”

Mashaal is also said to advocate “trying to move Hamas away from Iran” and “closer to the moderate Arab states,” according to the Asharq report.

Despite those differences, the sources assessed that Hayya is the frontrunner, citing his backing from senior Hamas figures in both Gaza and the West Bank, including Zaher Jabarin, the group’s West Bank politburo chief.

The leadership shakeup follows a series of assassinations that decimated Hamas’s top ranks. Ismail Haniyeh, who was elected leader in 2021, was killed by Israel in Tehran in July 2024. His successor, Yahya Sinwar, was later killed by Israeli forces in Rafah in October of the same year.

Since then, the organization has been overseen by an interim leadership council led by general Shura council head Muhammad Ismail Darwish. The provisional body also includes Hayya, Mashaal, Jabarin, and Gaza politburo member Nizar Awadallah.

Observers quoted by Asharq said Hamas’s push to proceed with elections now reflects both the current ceasefire with Israel and growing friction within the interim leadership over key questions, including “the fate of the movement’s rule in Gaza and regional alliances.”

Under US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire framework, Hamas is required to relinquish control of Gaza to international forces. However, senior Hamas figures — including both Hayya and Mashaal — have said such forces should function only as a buffer between Israel and Gaza, rather than replacing Hamas’s authority outright.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] As diplomatic talks over ending the Russia-Ukraine war unfolded at Mar-a-Lago, a brief and unscripted exchange involving food and the press drew attention before the formal discussions began.

Moments before sitting down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President Donald Trump paused the proceedings on Sunday to address a reporter in the room, joking about whether offering lunch could be considered an improper inducement.

“Would you like to have food, or would you consider that a bribe?” Trump asked. “And therefore you could not write honestly, or therefore you have to write a bad story.”

The exchange took place as Trump was seated alongside senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A Fox News broadcast captured the moment as Trump, smiling, pressed the reporter further.

“Would you like something to eat at this time? Yes or no? You can speak,” Trump said.

“Yes sir,” the reporter replied.

The answer prompted visible reactions around the table. Hegseth broke into a wide grin, while Trump gestured to communications adviser Margo Martin “to take him outside and tell them to serve him a little lunch.” Cameras also caught Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, appearing amused, while White House adviser Stephen Miller looked on stone-faced as the scene played out.

As members of the press were escorted from the room, Trump continued the banter. “That should guarantee good stories, but it won’t. They’ll only get worse,” he said. Turning back toward Zelensky, seated across from him, Trump made a passing remark referencing a hamburger.

The lighthearted moment came against the backdrop of serious negotiations. Trump and Zelensky were meeting to discuss pathways toward ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking to reporters outside Mar-a-Lago earlier Sunday, Trump said there was “nothing more important” to him than bringing the conflict to a close, and he bristled at what he described as a “dumb question” regarding security guarantees.

The talks followed Zelensky’s release this week of a 20-point peace proposal that includes security assurances and a plan to transform disputed territories into a demilitarized free economic zone.

Ahead of Zelensky’s arrival, Trump also held a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump told reporters he intended to speak with Putin again after concluding his meeting with the Ukrainian leader, describing the discussions as “pretty complex, but not that complex.”
WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

The Yerushalayim District Court has ruled that the Hamas terror organization must pay close to one billion shekels in damages to hundreds of people harmed in the October 7 massacre, issuing the decision after Hamas failed to submit a defense.

The default judgment was delivered by Eran Shila following petitions filed by hundreds of plaintiffs — including survivors of the attack and heirs of those murdered — who were represented by attorney David Simana. The court acted after Hamas did not respond to the lawsuit.

The claims were brought under Israel’s Terror Victims Compensation Law, which took effect in 2024 and authorizes punitive damages against perpetrators of terror attacks and those deemed responsible. While the ruling targets Hamas, enforcement is expected to be challenging. Separate proceedings against the Palestinian Authority are continuing; that authority did file a defense, and the present ruling does not address those pending claims.

According to the lawsuits, the plaintiffs include people wounded in the October 7, 2023 assault as well as dependents and heirs of victims who were killed. Many live in kibbutzim and communities near the Gaza border. The filings assert that all plaintiffs suffered physical and/or psychological harm as a direct result of the attack.

Under the law cited by the plaintiffs, punitive damages are set at 10 million shekels for heirs when a terror attack results in death, and 5 million shekels for victims who sustained permanent disabilities.

One survivor who was at Zikim Beach during the attack described the impact of the ruling, saying: “On October 7 we were at Zikim Beach. We arrived the day before to fish. We saw them with our own eyes. I tried to help others. Since that day I have been traumatized. Saying post-trauma minimizes the reality. I am not post. Illnesses erupted in me because of the event. The decision is very important for our rehabilitation. I want to thank the court and the law office that accompanied and continue to accompany us and are doing sacred work. It is time that the victims receive what we deserve. Hopefully we will get a new horizon. I sincerely hope we receive the money for our rehabilitation now and not in 20 years. The state must step in and ensure this.”

The mother of a young man who was murdered while returning home from the Nova music festival also reacted to the verdict. “I am in total shock from the ruling. I did not expect it. It is unprecedented. The judge sees the families and the victims. For me, this ruling is about being seen, when in our country responsibility was not taken and a state commission of inquiry was not established. It was important for us to be recognized. We raised our children here, and our son did not move to Tel Aviv but grew up here. My son knew this area as paradise. We never imagined October 7, or that our paradise would turn into hell in seconds. My son and his friends who were murdered trusted this area so much. What is happening now is closure.”

In some of the cases, plaintiffs are additionally represented by attorney Maayan Yohai of the Yohai Atzofi law firm.

Attorney David Simana welcomed the outcome, saying: “I welcome the court’s decision, which gives justice to the victims and their families. We are aware of the difficulties in collecting the compensation awarded from Hamas, but we will examine all options available to us. It is important to emphasize that this is only a partial ruling.”

He added: “I hope that in the proceedings against the Palestinian Authority, after more than 5 billion shekels have already been seized for the benefit of about 2,000 of our clients, the court will accept our arguments, recognize the Palestinian Authority’s responsibility for the events of October 7, and order it to compensate the victims. My team and I will continue to act on behalf of our clients and stand up for their rights in all the lawsuits being conducted in their name, in Israel and in the United States.”

An aggressive and unusually early flu season is sweeping across New York, pushing hospitals and emergency rooms toward levels not seen in years and raising concerns that the worst may still be ahead.

During the week ending December 20, hospitals across New York State recorded 3,666 inpatient admissions tied to influenza, a sharp rise from 2,251 hospitalizations the prior week. Health officials note that most patients requiring hospitalization have preexisting medical conditions, and there is no indication at this point that the circulating strain is inherently more severe than in previous seasons.

Emergency departments, particularly in New York City, are already under significant pressure. City hospitals logged 9,857 emergency room visits for flu-like illness during that same week, marking the highest level reported in at least a decade. Laboratory data underscores the scope of the outbreak: 32,239 confirmed flu cases were identified in the city alone, with children accounting for more than half of those infections.

Statewide figures paint an even starker picture. According to the New York State Department of Health, 71,123 positive flu cases were recorded in the week ending December 20 — the largest single-week total since flu tracking began in 2004. That figure represents a 38 percent increase from the previous week and brings the total number of reported flu cases this season to 189,312.

Health officials say the spike began weeks earlier than is typical and continues to climb as the flu season approaches its usual January peak. While expanded testing may be identifying more cases than in past years, the surge is nonetheless unprecedented in scale.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the numbers represent the highest weekly flu totals ever documented, cautioning that broader testing alone does not fully explain the dramatic rise.

Virologists report that the dominant strain circulating this season is H3N2, which contains mutations that may allow it to partially evade immune defenses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early findings suggest that while this year’s flu vaccine may be less effective at preventing infection altogether, it still significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

Public health experts are urging residents to get vaccinated, monitor symptoms closely, and stay home when sick, warning that case numbers could continue to increase in the coming weeks as flu activity intensifies statewide.

{Matzav.com}

Traffic on Route 4 was brought to a standstill on Sunday afternoon after demonstrators affiliated with the Peleg Yerushalmi launched a protest near Bnei Brak, as part of a renewed wave of demonstrations over the continued arrests of yeshiva students.

Within a short time of the protest’s start, the highway was fully blocked in both directions between the Aluf Sadeh Interchange and the Em HaMoshavot Interchange. Police declared the demonstration illegal, and heavy traffic congestion quickly built up throughout the area.

As a result of the protest, service on the light rail in Petach Tikva was also disrupted.

Transit officials announced that due to a demonstration near the Shenkar station, the light rail would operate on a shortened route, with Line R2 running only between Kiryat Aryeh in Petach Tikva and the Komemiyut station in Bat Yam, in both directions.

Israel Police said officers from the Dan District and the National Traffic Police were deployed to the scene, working to redirect vehicles to alternate routes.

Traffic heading south from the Em HaMoshavot Interchange was diverted toward Petach Tikva.

Earlier in the day, the Peleg Yerushalmi had announced the resumption of protests nationwide, citing anger over the continued detention of yeshiva students. Protest locations were not disclosed in advance, and police had prepared for possible road blockages and traffic disruptions.

Police emphasized that the right to protest would be upheld as long as demonstrations remain within the bounds of the law, but warned that blocking major roads, disrupting freedom of movement, or engaging in behavior that endangers public safety would not be tolerated.

During the unrest, United Hatzalah medics treated a pedestrian — a 15-year-old boy — who was lightly injured after being struck by a vehicle on Route 4 near the Givat Shmuel Interchange. Paramedics said he suffered injuries to his limbs during the protest and was treated at the scene.

A 15-year-old student at a school in Saint Petersburg was severely assaulted by a classmate and an older student after posting a profile picture featuring the Israeli flag, according to Russian media reports. The incident has prompted Russia’s Investigative Committee to open a formal probe.

Reports indicate that the confrontation began in early December, when another student objected to the Israeli flag appearing in the boy’s online profile photo. The alleged attacker, who reportedly espoused extreme nationalist views, threatened the teenager and hurled verbal abuse at him, including remarks referencing the Holocaust.

According to a report by Ynet, the dispute escalated following a verbal exchange, after which the victim was summoned to what was described as a “conversation” with the aggressor. When he arrived, he encountered both the attacker and an older student who blocked his path. The two demanded that he kneel and apologize. When the boy refused to submit to the humiliation, he was punched repeatedly in the face.

As a result of the assault, the teenager suffered a fracture to the eye socket. He was hospitalized and underwent surgery under full anesthesia to remove bone fragments. He remained in the hospital for more than a week and is now continuing treatment on an outpatient basis.

The boy’s mother has filed a police complaint. Authorities confirmed that the Investigative Committee is examining the circumstances surrounding the attack, while regional education officials said they are also reviewing the incident.

A powerful and uplifting Shabbos experience returns this winter as the 5th Annual Shabbos of Emunah & Bitachon with Rabbi Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin will take place February 6–8, Parshas Yisro, at The Westin in Princeton, New Jersey. Designed to inspire, strengthen, and illuminate, this special Shabbos offers participants the opportunity to step away from daily pressures and reconnect—both spiritually and emotionally—in a warm, elevated environment.

Set in luxury accommodations with a five-star menu, the Shabbos will feature a rich and thoughtfully curated program focused on clarity, inner strength, and living with deeper trust in Hashem. Throughout the Shabbos, participants will enjoy inspiring tefillos, spirited seudos, and a meaningful oneg, all infused with an atmosphere of warmth and purpose.

Rabbi Rubashkin will be joined by an outstanding roster of guest rabbanim and speakers, including Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz, Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, singer Rabbi Shloime Taussig, and Rabbi Getzel Rubashkin. Their divrei chizuk and guidance will address timeless and timely themes, offering insight and inspiration that resonate long after Shabbos ends.

The program has been carefully structured to meet the needs of the entire family. Alongside the main sessions, there will be special talks for women led by Rabbi Rubashkin and Mrs. Rubashkin, as well as dedicated programming for teens. Children will enjoy an exciting kids’ program, and babysitting will be available for infants, allowing parents to fully participate in the Shabbos experience.

Now in its fifth year, the Shabbos of Emunah & Bitachon has become known for its unique ability to combine depth with warmth, inspiration with joy, and personal connection with communal uplift. Attendees consistently describe the Shabbos as transformative—a time of renewed perspective, strengthened faith, and meaningful connection.

Registration is now open, and space is limited. Those seeking a Shabbos of insight, inspiration, and genuine spiritual recharge are encouraged to reserve their place.

For registration or more information, CLICK HERE.

For additional information or to register, interested participants may visit bitachonshabbos.com or alephbeisgimmel.com, email shabbos@alephbeisgimmel.com, or call or text (732) 354-1496.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has been the beneficiary of tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from liberal billionaire George Soros and his family members, according to a report published Sunday by the New York Post.

Campaign finance disclosures cited by the Post show that Soros and relatives have sent more than $71,000 to political efforts supporting James since 2019. Included in that sum is $31,000 earmarked for her 2026 reelection campaign.

The records indicate that George Soros himself contributed $18,000 in July 2024, while his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Soros, made a $13,000 donation two months earlier, in May.

When earlier contributions are added in, the Post reported that the Soros family has directed approximately $40,000 more to James over the past several years.

The reported figure does not include indirect political support flowing to James through organizations backed by Soros. Among them is the Working Families Party, which has received millions in funding from Soros-linked entities and continues to support James’ political career.

According to the Post, Soros’ Open Society Foundations have sent more than $865,000 to the New York arm of the Working Families Party since 2018.

James’ relationship with the Working Families Party dates back decades. She first gained statewide attention in 2003 when she won a Brooklyn City Council seat as the first candidate elected in New York under the WFP banner.

Although James ran as a Democrat during her 2018 attorney general campaign alongside then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and avoided running under the WFP label, she has remained aligned with the party’s platform and accepted its endorsement again during her successful 2022 reelection bid, the Post reported.

“George Soros has spent years financing the radical left’s most extreme projects, and the outcome is almost always the same: instability and disorder that is destroying our state,” Michael Henry, a Republican challenger seeking to defeat James in the 2026 election, told the Post.

James has drawn national attention for her aggressive legal actions against President Donald Trump, including civil fraud cases that focused on his business valuations and financial statements.

Opponents of those prosecutions have accused her office of engaging in political lawfare, arguing that the cases relied on novel legal interpretations, selective enforcement, and unusually large financial penalties intended to damage Trump’s business operations and undermine his presidential campaign rather than prosecute clear criminal conduct.

In August, Trump scored a significant victory when a New York appellate court struck down more than $500 million in fines that had previously been levied in the case.

James has also faced scrutiny related to her own conduct. In October, the Department of Justice filed mortgage fraud charges connected to a property she owns in Virginia.

That case, however, did not proceed. A judge ultimately dismissed the charges after ruling that the federal prosecutor who brought them had been improperly appointed.

{Matzav.com}