Matzav

Negotiations between Israel and Syria over a potential security agreement have stalled, according to Israeli officials who spoke with Kan 11 News on Monday. The discussions, which had been progressing quietly for weeks, have now hit a standstill over Syria’s insistence that Israel retreat entirely from areas captured by the IDF following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Sources familiar with the talks explained that Israeli leaders flatly rejected President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s call for a complete withdrawal, deeming it unacceptable without a broader peace framework. They emphasized that Israel might consider giving up limited positions only in the context of a full peace treaty with Syria—something that appears unlikely for the foreseeable future.

The impasse follows statements al-Sharaa made last week during a visit to Washington, where he confirmed to the Washington Post that direct talks between Damascus and Israel were taking place. He reiterated his key demand that Israel return to the lines that existed prior to his rebel faction’s ousting of Assad. “We have gone a good distance on the way to reach an agreement. But to reach a final agreement, Israel should withdraw to their pre-Dec. 8 borders,” al-Sharaa said. “Today, we found that Mr. Trump supports our perspective as well, and he will push as quickly as possible in order to reach a solution for this.”

Al-Sharaa also dismissed suggestions that Syria might agree to a demilitarized zone south of Damascus, calling such a proposal unrealistic. “To talk about an entire region demilitarized, it will be difficult, because if there is any kind of chaos, who will protect it? If this demilitarized zone was used by some parties as a launching pad for hitting Israel, who is going to be responsible for that?” he asked. He continued, “At the end of the day, this is Syrian territory, and Syria should have the freedom of dealing with their own territory.”

In a separate Fox News interview broadcast one day earlier, al-Sharaa was pressed about whether Syria might join the Abraham Accords or formally recognize Israel. He avoided a direct answer, replying only, “Syria has borders with Israel, and Israel occupies the Golan Heights since 1967. We are not going to enter into a negotiation directly right now. Maybe the United States administration, with President Trump, will help us reach this kind of negotiation.”

Back in September, al-Sharaa had struck a more optimistic tone, telling journalists in Damascus that discussions with Israel over a potential security arrangement could “lead to results in the coming days.” He hinted that such an understanding might open the door to “additional agreements,” though he made clear that normalization or a formal peace treaty with Israel was not under consideration at that stage.

Now, with both sides holding firm to incompatible conditions—Syria demanding total withdrawal and Israel linking any territorial concessions to a broader peace—officials acknowledge that the once-promising negotiations have ground to a halt.

{Matzav.com}

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The Orthodox Union has announced a sweeping policy change concerning the kashrus of beer, significantly tightening standards for what will be permitted at OU-supervised establishments and events, Matzav.com has learned.

The OU Kashrus Division stated that beginning January 1, 2026, only beers with reliable kosher certification will be allowed at OU-certified venues and functions.

Historically, unflavored beers were widely assumed to be kosher because of their simple ingredient list—water, hops, barley, and yeast. However, the OU explained that “the rise of craft brewing and new production methods has led to a proliferation of flavored beers, diverse additives, and shared equipment that can compromise the kosher status of even seemingly straightforward brews.”

After extensive research and discussions with other leading kashrus agencies, including the Star-K and OK, the OU determined that a more rigorous approach is needed to “ensure our strict kosher standards will consistently be met.”

A letter regarding this matter from the OU notes that while many national brands already maintain kosher oversight and will remain acceptable, all craft beers will now be required to carry a kosher symbol or a letter indicating valid hashgachah.

The OU has a partial list of nearly 1,000 certified breweries and emphasized that it will continue working with proprietors to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The organization urges caterers and event planners to contact OU mashgichim in advance “to review the beer (and all alcohol) selections to ensure they will be compliant with this updated policy.”

The OU adds that this decision is a joint effort with the OK and Star-K, along with several local supervision agencies, “to uphold the highest standards of kashrus in the ever-changing landscape of food and beverage production.”

{Matzav.com}

In a characteristically provocative speech before the Knesset Finance Committee on Monday, MK Avigdor Lieberman lashed out at chareidi lawmakers over what he described as excessive funding to yeshivos and kollelim, while mockingly urging them to “learn more Torah.”

“The Finance Committee this week is busy with only one thing—handing out money wholesale to yeshivos and kollelim,” Lieberman said. “If the chareidi politicians learned Torah the way they study the state budget, the Beis Hamikdash would already be rebuilt tomorrow.”

Lieberman’s remarks, which he himself described as “messianic,” came just hours after he renewed his call to revoke the voting rights of chareidi men who study Torah but do not serve in the army. “We’ve seen gangs of bullies attacking MKs,” he said, referring to recent incidents of violence against chareidi lawmakers. “I heard today that both Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher were assigned personal security. These are criminals. If they learned Torah as well as they know how to riot, the Third Beis Hamikdash would already stand.”

The Yisrael Beiteinu leader went on to outline his proposed legislation targeting yeshiva students who do not enlist. “We will put all the draft dodgers in prison and then strip them of their right to vote,” Lieberman declared. “At the same time, we will build enough prisons to hold them all.”

He further announced his intention to introduce a bill denying voting rights to all inmates. “Draft evaders will go to jail and will not be allowed to vote,” he said. “What is democratic in the United States and in thirteen of the twenty-seven European Union countries will be democratic in Israel as well.”

Lieberman’s comments drew strong criticism across the political spectrum, with opposition figures accusing him of inciting hatred against the chareidi community. Nonetheless, the secular lawmaker—who has long positioned himself as a fierce critic of chareidi influence in government—appeared unrepentant.

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

Dear Matzav Inbox,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any interest?

A Yid

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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