Matzav

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a deal with Qatar involving the donation of a luxury Boeing jet, which could eventually be used as part of the Air Force One fleet, a move strongly backed by President Donald Trump.

On July 7, Hegseth and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani finalized a memorandum of understanding that formalizes the transfer of a 13-year-old Boeing aircraft once used by the Qatari royal family. The agreement sets the stage for what might become one of the most significant foreign contributions ever accepted by a U.S. administration.

According to various sources, the signed agreement clearly defines the aircraft as a “bona fide gift” to the U.S. Department of Defense, with no cost to the United States.

“This donation is made in good faith and in the spirit of cooperation and mutual support between the parties,” the document states, as reported by CNN. “Nothing in this [memorandum of understanding] is, or shall be interpreted or construed as, an offer, promise, or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence, or corrupt practice.”

The document also emphasizes that the gift is not tied to any political, diplomatic, or governmental decisions, stating that it is “not connected or otherwise related to any governmental decision and, as such, is not made, offered, promised or accepted because of any past, present or future official act or decision and is not intended to obtain or retain any improper advantage or to influence any official decision.”

Although the Department of Defense revealed back on May 21 that the jet had been accepted, the final paperwork was only completed in the weeks that followed. Officials have indicated that the full execution of the agreement is expected shortly.

Trump originally revealed the forthcoming gift before his May trip to the Middle East. He has strongly promoted the acquisition as a timely addition to the Air Force One program, which has been hampered by setbacks and delays in the overhaul of the two Boeing 747s currently designated for presidential travel—upgrades that were initiated during Trump’s previous term.

Even though the plane comes with no purchase cost, the deal has stirred controversy on Capitol Hill. Critics from both parties have raised alarms over ethics and the potentially massive expenses U.S. taxpayers will face to modify the jet for secure presidential use.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized that the aircraft comes “free of charge.” However, transforming the donated jet into a presidential aircraft involves costly upgrades, including communications infrastructure, defensive systems, and security modifications.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink recently estimated the renovation cost would come in “less than $400 million,” but military budget experts caution that the actual figure could surpass $1 billion once all necessary alterations are made.

To cover the expense, the Air Force intends to divert funds from the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile modernization project into a classified budget area believed to support enhancements to Air Force One.

As of now, the donated aircraft is stationed in San Antonio, Texas, where it awaits the beginning of its transformation into a state-of-the-art presidential command plane.

{Matzav.com}

Dr. Stella Immanuel, a Houston-based physician recognized for treating thousands of COVID-19 patients with hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, stood on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court alongside fellow physicians and health freedom advocates to demand justice for those harmed by vaccine mandates and silenced voices during the pandemic.

The demonstration coincided with the fifth anniversary of the 2020 “White Coat Summit,” where Immanuel and other physicians went viral after declaring that hydroxychloroquine effectively treated COVID-19. According to Breitbart News, Immanuel had reported success treating 350 patients at the time.

The original summit,  drew massive online attention before being censored by Facebook under Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership, which restricted the video and removed it from the platform.

Addressing the crowd outside the Supreme Court, Immanuel recalled the momentous nature of their first appearance. “Of when we stood here to tell the world that COVID is treatable, and we don’t have to die,” she said, marking the five-year milestone.

Since then, Immanuel, originally from Cameroon, has reportedly treated over 100,000 COVID patients with her team. “After my team and I have treated 100,000 patients, today I can categorically say, not just anecdotally, that with my vast experience, that COVID was, and is still treatable, and we didn’t need to die,” she declared.

In a post on her X account, Immanuel noted that only a small number—fewer than 15 patients—passed away after seeking care too late. She also shared a MedPage article naming her the top prescriber of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin in the nation.

Immanuel then welcomed Dr. Simone Gold to the podium. Gold, a licensed physician and attorney, is the founder of America’s Frontline Doctors and also served time as a result of her participation in the January 6 events.

“Five years ago, we brought America’s Frontline Doctors to these very steps… We knew something was legally wrong — not just medically, legally,” Gold said.

She lamented the suppression of their viral summit video, which was on track to reach a billion views before tech platforms took it down. “Big Tech declared us the greatest threat on the planet, and they erased us,” she said.

Calling out Facebook’s CEO directly, she added, “Mark Zuckerberg, I am still waiting for that apology. And I renew my challenge — a public debate on COVID and free speech. You testified in Congress that I was spreading misinformation. But you understood neither science nor free speech. And you are dead wrong. Emphasis on dead, as in dead people.”

Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, another Houston-based physician, addressed the gathering with warnings about what she described as hidden truths regarding COVID vaccines.

“Here’s a fact — COVID has evolved into a cold, yet an alarming number of Americans continue to get these COVID shots,” she said. “According to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] CDC, 23 percent of Americans got the latest version of the shot, and 9.5 million children. When we brought this to the public eye, the CDC’s response was to just shut down the information. You can no longer find the vaccine update on our website, so we can only presume that this number is growing, and the government does not want us to know.”

Bowden said she treated more than 6,000 COVID patients throughout the pandemic and began to observe what she called “serious adverse events” linked to the vaccine.

“We now know that at least one-in-800 suffer a serious adverse event from this shot, which makes sense, because we all know somebody that was either harmed or killed from these shots,” she said. “So many people are suffering, and yet our government is completely ignoring them.”

Also present at the rally were several other doctors and medical professionals, including Drs. Sherri Tenpenny, Angelina Farella, Rudo Shoko, Katarina Lindley, and Michael Kirk Moore. Moore recently had charges dismissed by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi after being indicted last year for allegedly helping patients circumvent vaccine mandates.

Prominent media figures and activists such as investigative journalist Lara Logan, attorney Tom Renz, and Silk—of the “Diamond and Silk” duo—were also in attendance and addressed the crowd.

{Matzav.com}

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana made an appearance on Fox News Channel’s Hannity Monday night, rejecting calls for tighter gun laws following a deadly shooting in Manhattan.

Host Sean Hannity opened the segment by acknowledging the gravity of the tragedy: “We have five dead that we have confirmed at this point. We hope that the toll stays where it is and does not climb. We’re sorry for the prayers with the families that lost his loved ones. Is there anything you’re gleaning from the information that we have so far? We’ll know a lot more, probably within the hour.”

Responding with emotion, Kennedy expressed deep sorrow: “All you can do at a time like this is be sorry. And, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the civilians who were killed or injured. I don’t know why bad things happen to good people. I don’t if I make it to heaven, I’m going to ask. I’m sorry for the police officers who were killed or injured. I’m also thankful for those who ran into the danger and away from it. I’m grateful for them. And I’m sorry for the people in New York. This is going to cause them to have to live in further fear.”

Turning to the policy debate that often follows such attacks, Kennedy anticipated renewed demands from fellow lawmakers to enact new firearms legislation. “On Capitol Hill, probably beginning in the morning, there’ll be the inevitable call by some of my colleagues for more gun control laws. We’ve got hundreds of gun control laws. We don’t need more gun control. We need more idiot control. And I don’t know exactly how to do that, but I do know this: I don’t want to hear anyone feeling sorry for this guy who did this. And there will be some that say, well, he was mixed up. He was confused. He was just sick. His mama or daddy didn’t love him enough. All that may be true. But from the bottom of my heart, I don’t care. I believe there’s objective evil in this world. And we saw it today. And I’m just – I’m just sorry.”

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{Matzav.com}

In a dramatic public appeal, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called on President Donald Trump to intervene and bring an end to the war in Gaza, urging him to use his unique global influence to halt the fighting, allow humanitarian aid in, and end the suffering in the region.

Speaking on Monday, el-Sisi stated, “Because I have personal respect for him, and because he has the standing—he is capable of stopping the war, of bringing in aid, and of ending this suffering.”

Addressing Trump directly, el-Sisi added, “That’s why I’m appealing especially to President Trump—please, make every effort to stop the war and get humanitarian aid through. I feel that the time has come to end this war.”

El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s longstanding position in favor of a peaceful resolution, saying, “We have always taken a positive stance and called for an end to the war, for a two-state solution, and for resolving the Palestinian issue. Gaza needs between 600 and 700 trucks of aid on a regular day. In recent months, we have been working to bring in the largest possible amount of aid.”

Responding to criticism and speculation about the Rafah crossing, el-Sisi explained: “Rafah is designated for the movement of people. Its operation is not controlled solely by the Egyptian side but also depends on the other side, inside Gaza. There are over five crossings connecting to the Gaza Strip. The two connecting Egypt to Gaza are Rafah and Kerem Shalom.”

On the humanitarian situation, he emphasized: “We have a large number of Egyptian aid trucks ready to enter Gaza. There’s nothing preventing aid from going in. We stress that the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing must remain open. Our efforts in recent months have focused on delivering aid to the strip, which is experiencing tragic conditions.”

Concluding his address, el-Sisi declared, “Egypt cannot play a negative role toward our Palestinian brothers. Egypt’s role is dignified, loyal, and unwavering. I call on all the nations of the world to do everything they can to stop this war and to deliver aid.”

{Matzav.com}

While Israel continues to wage war in Gaza and face a national crisis over the draft law, Likud MK Boaz Bismuth, who was recently chosen to head the powerful Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, has left the country for an overseas trip, delaying his official entry into the post.

Last Wednesday, the Likud faction selected Bismuth to replace outgoing chairman Yuli Edelstein, who had shown reluctance to advance legislation formalizing the exemption of yeshiva students from military service. The appointment came at the urging of chareidi representatives who were pushing for movement on the law. Yet despite the urgency, Bismuth did not assume his role and failed to begin the transition process, opting instead to travel abroad.

According to a Channel 12 report on Monday, Bismuth had been expected to begin his duties this week in light of pressure from chareidi coalition members. However, he remains overseas, and his official appointment has been postponed.

The situation has left the committee in a peculiar and dysfunctional state. Edelstein, essentially on his way out, has one foot out the door, while Bismuth—who was supposed to step in and get up to speed—is simply not present. This, despite the fact that the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee continues to convene regularly during the Knesset’s summer recess due to the ongoing war.

Bismuth’s office issued a statement saying: “In consultation with coalition members and chareidi MKs, it was decided that the appointment will take place immediately after Tisha B’Av. MK Bismuth will assume the position as scheduled. We will do and we will succeed.”

Upon his selection last week, Bismuth had expressed gratitude and a sense of mission: “I thank my colleagues in the Likud and the Prime Minister for their trust. I see this position as a top national calling.”

He added, “Torah brought me here—and the army keeps me here. The draft law lives in my home. My daughter is a soldier with a red beret, and my son, with his tzitzis and yarmulke, learns in yeshiva. Torah and army—such a beautiful combination. I’m proud of both of them. You can integrate the two. One strengthens the other. The draft law is a national issue—not a political one. All of Am Yisrael for the sake of all of Am Yisrael.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply condemned Bismuth’s appointment, saying: “This is a black day for the State of Israel and for the people of Israel. Bismuth was chosen to promote draft evasion, and this is a slap in the face to the soldiers, reservists, and their families. It’s also a dark day for the Likud party, which has turned into a branch of the chareidim and the draft dodgers.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Rahm Emanuel, the Jewish politician who once led Chicago, came out swinging on Monday with harsh criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government, holding them accountable for the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. He alleged that Israel is enabling the starvation of civilians.

During an appearance on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Emanuel accused Netanyahu of turning a blind eye to the suffering of Gaza’s population and failing to prepare for the aftermath of the conflict. “It has nothing to do with Israel’s security. You need to get food into that area, Gaza, to feed the people there and stop enforcing some type of collective punishment on the people of Gaza,” Emanuel said.

Emanuel blamed the Israeli leadership for ignoring advice to plan ahead. “He was warned 18 months ago, you have to have a day-after plan,” Emanuel continued. “The idea that you’re calling Israeli soldiers up on the third or fourth tour of duty to shoot at hungry people trying to get food shows you how bankrupt this entire policy is.”

His remarks followed a string of international condemnations over the growing number of deaths at food distribution centers in Gaza. In response to global pressure, the Israeli military recently announced a daily 10-hour suspension of operations in specific areas to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered more effectively.

Emanuel’s statements also come at a time when he is reportedly considering entering the race for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, a party landscape where support for Israel has become increasingly divided. Despite his long-standing support for Israel, his latest comments signal a pointed break with Netanyahu’s handling of the war.

Having previously served as Chicago’s mayor and as the U.S. ambassador to Japan under President Biden, Emanuel has fueled speculation about a national political future through recent interviews and media engagements.

In separate appearances with Bari Weiss of The Free Press and on The Megyn Kelly Show on SiriusXM, Emanuel highlighted both his loyalty to Israel as a “Jewish democratic state” and his history of direct confrontations with Netanyahu.

“I’m also the only person who has gone toe-to-toe publicly with Bibi Netanyahu,” he told Weiss, as he condemned how Netanyahu has overseen the war in Gaza.

“I don’t think young men and women should be called up for their fourth tour of duty in Israel to shoot hungry people,” he said. “That has nothing to do with the security of the state of Israel.”

Emanuel also referenced Jewish religious observance in his critique of Israel’s conduct in Gaza during the CNN interview. “On Friday nights, when you do Sabbath and the prayers over the candles, the wine and the challah bread, I have never remembered the prayer for starving children,” said Emanuel. “That Israel is participating in this, perpetuating it — wrong on every level.”

When Blitzer asked him directly if he was assigning blame to Israel for the crisis, Emanuel answered unequivocally: “They are responsible.”

“I am putting this at the doorstep of where it belongs, and the idea the prime minister just yesterday says there’s no starvation, people’s eyes do not lie to them,” said Emanuel. “And so I think in this case, from a strategic standpoint, from a moral standpoint, and from a political standpoint, it’s fully bankrupt.”

{Matzav.com}

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri participated Monday evening in a high-level security cabinet meeting convened by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza, despite the recent withdrawal of the chareidi parties from the government over the draft law crisis.

The meeting, which focused on the continuation of military operations in the Gaza Strip and the stalled negotiations over a potential ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, was also attended by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Deri’s participation came even though his party, along with other chareidi factions, officially exited the coalition following the ruling of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas due to dissatisfaction with the proposed IDF draft legislation. Nevertheless, the Moetzet made clear that Deri was still expected to continue advancing the cause of freeing the hostages held by Hamas.

One of the key issues reportedly addressed in the meeting was whether to authorize expanded military maneuvering inside Gaza City and other areas that the IDF has so far avoided, due to concerns that hostages may be present in those zones.

In the publicized decision by the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, the Moetzet stressed: “The Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah issues an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Netanyahu, imploring him to do everything in his power to quickly reach a deal for the release of our brothers who are languishing in Hamas tunnels, and are in immediate mortal danger.”

The Moetzet further instructed: “The Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah directs the Shas representatives and the head of the movement, Rabbi Aryeh Deri, to stand at the prime minister’s side on this matter, and to assist him in every way possible to advance the release of the hostages swiftly.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

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In a bold political move that could reshape the Israeli-Palestinian landscape, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to present a cabinet proposal for the gradual annexation of parts of the Gaza Strip, according to a report published Monday evening by Haaretz.

The plan, reportedly designed in part to maintain the support of Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich and bolster the stability of Netanyahu’s coalition, has received the blessing of the Trump administration, Haaretz correspondent Chaim Levinson reported.

According to the report, Israel would issue an ultimatum to Hamas: agree to a ceasefire within several days, or Israel will begin the process of annexing parts of the Gaza Strip. The first stage would include annexation of the buffer zone, followed by additional areas in northern Gaza near Sderot and Ashkelon. The eventual goal, the report says, is to annex the entire Gaza Strip.

Smotrich, who has been vocally opposed to increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza—a move recently initiated by the government—has so far refrained from quitting the coalition. Instead, he stated that he is involved in advancing a strategic initiative “that it’s not advisable to elaborate on at this time.” He added, “In wartime, political calculations are inappropriate. We will be judged by the results—Hamas must be defeated.”

Diplomatic officials reportedly anticipate that an Israeli declaration of annexation would spark fierce opposition from the international community—with the exception of the United States—and could lead additional nations to follow France in recognizing a Palestinian state or even consider sanctions against Israel.

The report further states that the plan was presented to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio by Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. Although the plan received the Trump administration’s approval, President Trump himself, currently visiting Scotland, was not present at the meeting.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Opposition leader Yair Lapid addressed the press on Monday evening, voicing serious concerns about the trajectory of Israel’s military operation in Gaza. He described the war effort as having lost direction and becoming increasingly chaotic.

Lapid took aim at the IDF’s current strategy, calling it repetitive and ineffective. “We are conquering Khan Yunis for the fourth time, Jabaliya for the third time,” he said. “Each time we leave, Hamas returns, booby-traps roads and houses, and waits for us to come back. The Israeli government no longer knows how to explain why soldiers continue to die in Gaza.”

He warned of the escalating consequences if the fighting continues without a clear plan. “If we don’t end the war now, the hostages won’t return, the IDF will continue to lose its best fighters, the humanitarian disaster will worsen, and the world will close its doors to Israelis. It doesn’t have to be this way. There is an alternative to what’s happening now.”

Lapid’s remarks drew sharp criticism from members of the government, including Education Minister Yoav Kisch, who accused him of aligning with enemy propaganda. “Lapid, it’s deeply unfortunate that you chose to echo Hamas’s messages. If we listen to you and your friends and surrender, Hamas will regain control of Gaza, the blood of our soldiers will have been shed in vain, and the next massacre is only a matter of time. Instead of standing with the State of Israel, you chose to raise a white flag and serve the enemy. Shame on you.”

Minister May Golan also slammed Lapid, linking his rhetoric to that of Hamas officials. “Yair Lapid, the propagandist of defeatism and the abandoner of the gas fields, is the face of the entire opposition – a verbatim echo of [Hamas spokesman] Abu Obaida’s talking points. What else will this former senior partner of the Muslim Brotherhood sell to save his party from the electoral threshold?”

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi joined in the condemnation, saying Lapid’s words demoralize troops on the front lines. “What are our soldiers in Gaza supposed to think when the opposition leader spits on their achievements and calls them a ‘complete disaster’? It took Lapid less than a month to join Liberman in slandering the IDF soldiers risking their lives on the battlefield. After thousands of strikes, eliminations, and the destruction of infrastructure, he demands we stop the war and leave Hamas on the fences just for a ‘time-out.’”

Karhi continued, challenging Lapid’s proposed approach. “He talks about a ‘comprehensive deal for everyone,’ but forgets to explain—what happens if Hamas deceives us again? Keeps hostages? Regains strength? This isn’t a ‘comprehensive deal’—it’s a complete surrender. This is not how you bring hostages back. This is how you lose a country.”

{Matzav.com}

Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it will not move forward with normalizing relations with Israel unless a Palestinian state is established, Bloomberg reported Monday. The message was delivered by the kingdom’s top diplomat during a press conference held at the United Nations alongside French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

At the briefing, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized that the kingdom’s stance has not changed. “Normalization can only come through the establishment of a Palestinian state,” he said.

He elaborated further, saying, “That position remains the same, and it is based on a strong conviction that only through the establishment of a Palestinian state and only through addressing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination can we have sustainable peace and real integration in the region.”

Riyadh has consistently maintained that diplomatic ties with Israel hinge on the realization of a Palestinian state. That prerequisite has been part of the Saudi position for years, even before recent developments.

In the months leading up to the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel, it seemed that a normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel was becoming increasingly likely. However, following that deadly attack, the kingdom halted the U.S.-brokered negotiations that had been progressing steadily.

Earlier in July, Prince Faisal was questioned about the kingdom’s diplomatic outlook. At the time, he responded that Saudi Arabia’s current focus is on achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, indicating that normalization talks were not a priority under the current conditions.

His most recent comments come in the wake of an announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron, who stated that France plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state by September—a move that adds another layer to the broader international discourse.

Meanwhile, efforts from the United States continue, with President Donald Trump leading the initiative to bring about an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. As part of this effort, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman recently visited the White House for a private meeting with Trump and senior officials.

Fox News reported that although normalization with Israel was discussed during the meeting, it was not the central issue addressed. Other strategic matters reportedly took precedence.

During Monday’s press event, Prince Faisal also referred to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. “There is no credibility to have a conversation about normalization with constant death and suffering and destruction in Gaza,” he remarked.

{Matzav.com}

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By Rabbi Berach Steinfeld

The Gemara in Taanis 30a says that all mitzvos that apply to an avel apply on Tisha B’Av. Included in this category is Torah learning. It is permissible to learn Iyov and the perakim in Yirmiyahu that discuss the misfortune that will befall K’lal Yisroel. This is based on the posuk in Tehillim that says, “Pikudei Hashem yesharim, mesamchei lev.”

The Radvaz explains that even though learning Torah is a mitzvah de’Oraisa and aveilus is a mitzvah de’Rabbanan, Chazal were okeir a de’Oraisa for aveilus de’Rabbanan because it is considered a shev v’al taaseh.

The Poskim argue whether an avel is required to learn these chapters in Iyov or if it is an optional practice. The Aruch Hashulchan and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach are of the opinion that it is optional and that the aveil has no chiyuv to learn Torah. The Divrei Yatziv and Rav Elyashiv held that there is always a chiyuv to learn Torah, and therefore, by definition, one who is an aveil or someone on Tisha B’Av must learn the chapters mentioned above.

There is also a disagreement amongst the Poskim whether an aveil may think in learning. The Leket Yosher says it is permissible to do so, whereas the Maharil says that it is forbidden. In a regular circumstance, thinking in learning is not considered learning, but in our case—since the reason one is not allowed to learn is because of simcha, and when one thinks in learning he will experience simcha—the Maharil is therefore of the opinion that one should not think in learning on Tisha B’Av or while in aveilus.

The question arises: may one learn the perakim mentioned above b’iyun or just b’kiyus?

Rabbeinu Peretz is of the opinion that one may only read; they may not be me’ayin. The Maharil argues and says that one may learn b’iyun as well. The Maharil explains that when it says to read these chapters, it does not mean like one who is reading without understanding; it means to fully understand it. Rabbeinu Peretz held that despite the fact that learning b’iyun is difficult and therefore one may not experience much simcha, nevertheless, when one finishes learning something and accomplishes, there is a great simcha—and that would be forbidden on Tisha B’Av or while in aveilus.

One may differentiate between learning alone—where it would be mutar to learn b’iyun—or learning with a chavrusa, in which case it would be forbidden to learn b’iyun.

If someone has a chiddush that he wants to write down on Tisha B’Av, he would not be allowed to do so according to Rav Shlomo Kluger. On Chol Hamoed, the Poskim allow a person to write chiddushei Torah despite the fact that kesivah is melachah; however, on Tisha B’Av—where the problem is not so much melachah, but more so the simcha one feels in writing chiddushei Torah—it would therefore be forbidden.

Let us hope that all these shailos will be resolved with the coming of Mashiach, when we will be allowed—and required—to learn Torah that brings us true simcha.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Monday, making it clear that if Iran attempts to rebuild the nuclear infrastructure that was targeted in last month’s American strikes, he will authorize a new round of attacks.

Speaking alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, Trump delivered the warning while discussing ongoing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Tehran, while denying any intention to develop atomic weapons, has remained defiant in its commitment to continue enriching uranium domestically, despite the recent destruction of three of its nuclear sites.

Addressing the media, Trump said Iran has been displaying alarming behavior, and he emphasized that any movement toward restarting nuclear activities would be swiftly countered.

“We wiped out their nuclear possibilities. They can start again. If they do, we’ll wipe it out faster than you can wave your finger at it,” Trump said.

{Matzav.com}

A powerful moment unfolded this past Shabbos morning in Spring Valley, as the Rachmastrivka Rebbe delivered a stirring protest against discord sown among the Rachmastrivka branches. The Rebbe wept openly before krias haTorah, expressing deep pain over individuals who have been stirring division between the different Rebbes of Rachmastrivka, despite the harmony and brotherhood that exists among them.

Standing before the aron kodesh, the Rebbe began his words by invoking the honor of his father-in-law, the renowned tzaddik, Rav Avrohom Dov Twerski. With visible emotion, he decried those who, through subtle disrespect and veiled provocations, have attempted to create strife between the Rachmastrivka courts. “There are individuals who do not show proper respect to other Rebbes,” he said, “and they introduce divisiveness in various ways. It is frightening. It tears the heart to hear about this.”

The Rebbe particularly lamented the dishonor shown toward the memory of his grandfather, the previous Rachmastrivka Rebbe of the United States, describing such behavior as “muktzah machmas mi’us“—repugnant and to be avoided at all costs.

The Rebbe’s tears and the raw emotion in his voice left a profound impression on the tzibbur. “It was a trembling moment that left us shaken,” said one of those present. “The Rebbe stepped far beyond his usual conduct to speak out.”

The Rebbe concluded his heartfelt words with a plea for peace and unity, invoking the zechus of Aharon HaKohein, whose yahrtzeit fell on Shabbos. “In the merit of Aharon, who loved peace and pursued peace,” the Rebbe said, “may we merit to increase peace in the world—ha’emes v’hashalom ehavu.”

The Rachmastrivka Rebbe of Spring Valley continues the legacy of his zaide, the Rachmastrivka Rebbe of the United States zt”l, who passed away in Elul 5783. he serves together with his six uncles, who all serve as Rebbes in the broader Rachmastrivka dynasty.

{Matzav.com}

A disturbing incident unfolded near Milan, Italy, where a Jewish man and his young son were assaulted by a group of people at a café located at a highway rest stop. The crowd reportedly began shouting slogans such as “Free Palestine!” upon realizing that the pair, who were visibly identifiable as Jewish due to their head coverings, were of the Jewish faith.

The French father and son had stopped at the gas station to use the restroom. According to reports, the situation escalated before the father even began filming the scene. At one point, he was reportedly thrown to the ground and kicked multiple times by members of the mob.

As detailed by The Times of Israel: “A Jewish father and his six-year-old son were targeted by a mob yesterday chanting ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Murderers’ at a cafe in a rest area next to Milan. According to reports in Italian media, several people joined in the chants and the father was pushed to the floor and repeatedly kicked.
…
“The incident began as one cashier yelled ‘Free Palestine’ as the father and son were about to enter the restrooms, and other joined in the chants.
…
“When the father and son left the restroom, the father said that some 15 or 20 people were waiting for them, demanding that he delete the video. When he refused, he found himself on the floor — while a bystander took the child to a corner to protect him.”

Additional details were reported by ynetnews.com: “A Jewish man from France and his young son were verbally assaulted at a gas station in Italy this week in what Jewish advocacy groups are calling a serious antisemitic incident. The pair was targeted with shouts of ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘murderers’ after passersby noticed the child wearing a kippah, a traditional Jewish skullcap. The child appeared visibly distressed, while his father responded by calling out ‘Am Yisrael Chai,’ Hebrew for ‘The people of Israel live.’ The confrontation was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, drawing both condemnation and inflammatory responses online.”

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Israeli government spokesman David Mencer pointed to a rise in antisemitic attacks globally, which he linked to misleading media coverage about alleged “starvation” in Gaza. He noted that such coverage often features images of malnourished children who, in reality, are suffering from unrelated health conditions.

{Matzav.com}

In a dramatic move reflecting growing concern over the increasingly precarious situation facing the Olam HaTorah, Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva Rav Dov Landau has directed the Chairman of the Vaad HaYeshivos, Rav Chaim Aharon Kaufman, to convene an emergency conference of all Roshei Yeshiva.

The gathering is expected to take place this coming Thursday at Heichalei Malchus in Bnei Brak, with invitations extended to roshei yeshiva from every stream and background.

Sources close to the matter said that Rav Landau’s call for the conference stems from deep concern over a recent surge in military draft orders. In recent days alone, tens of thousands of draft notices have reportedly been issued to yeshiva students, presenting the Torah world with a crisis of historic proportions.

At a meeting last Thursday, Rav Landau reportedly stated, “We must not wait. There is a pressing need for a gathering that will strengthen the community, the Roshei Yeshiva, and the bochurim — out of a sense of responsibility for future generations.”

The asifa, to be led by Rav Landau himself, will include participation from many of the most prominent Roshei Yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel.

A police officer and at least four other individuals lost their lives in a tragic shooting Monday evening when a gunman launched a violent attack at a luxury high-rise in Midtown Manhattan. Several more were wounded before the shooter ultimately turned the weapon on himself, according to law enforcement sources.

Authorities identified the attacker as 27-year-old Shane Tamura. Armed with a rifle, Tamura stormed the 44-floor tower — home to both Blackstone and the NFL’s headquarters — and began firing around 6:30 p.m. as commuters were heading home, sources informed The Post.

Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of terror as people sprinted from the building. Employees were also seen leaving the premises with their hands raised, escorted out under the threat of ongoing danger.

One person who had been on the first floor during the attack described the terrifying scene: “It sounded like a barrage of shots … Like an automatic weapon. Like a high-capacity weapon.”

Disturbing images revealed the shooter, reportedly a resident of Las Vegas, walking calmly through the building’s Park Avenue plaza, carrying an assault rifle moments before unleashing deadly chaos.

Law enforcement officials told The NY Post that the casualty count may increase as they continue searching the building following the violent rampage.

Sources confirmed that one police officer was shot in the back and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. In addition, four civilians were killed and multiple others sustained injuries.

After firing on his victims, Tamura barricaded himself on the 33rd floor of the building, where he was eventually found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Other victims were discovered on the same floor, sources reported.

A separate image showed Tamura lying motionless on the ground, already deceased.

It was not immediately known which business or office occupies the 33rd floor where Tamura was found.

According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Tamura acted alone. “The scene has been contained and the lone shooter has been neutralized,” she stated in a post on X roughly an hour after the incident began.

Police recovered the weapon used in the massacre — a Palmetto State Armory AR-15 — which was found covered in blood.

Authorities also located a car bearing Nevada license plates registered to Tamura near the site of the shooting, sources said.

Images shared online appeared to show distressed Blackstone employees stacking couches and furniture in front of a doorway in an attempt to block access.

Outside the building, a man who appeared to be a worker in the tower sat on a marble step, visibly shaken and breathing heavily, a bandage wrapped around his hand.

“I was at work and this guy came in with an assault rifle and started shooting. I was in the lobby at work,” he said while speaking on the phone with a loved one.

Nearby, 30-year-old Oleksandr Stupak recounted witnessing the terrifying moment armed officers descended on the area. “I was on the one block away and I heard shots being fired and then a bunch of police, they came to neutralize it,” he recalled. “I went to the Citizen app and it says active shooting. A lot of police started to come. I mean. [It’s] crazy.”

Police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, and emergency responders swarmed the surrounding blocks as helicopters hovered above.

Video footage captured a dramatic moment as officers rushed to administer CPR to one of the victims, pulling his limp body into the middle of the street.

Both the FBI and bomb squad were called to the scene in response to the shooting.

Mayor Adams was briefed on the unfolding situation and urged residents to avoid the area.

Sources reported that the fallen officer, 36, was assigned to the 47th Precinct but had been working a paid detail for Rudin Properties, the company that owns the building, at the time of the incident.

The officer had been serving on the force since December 2021 and leaves behind a wife who is eight months pregnant, according to a senior police official.

Amid the chaos, two apparent demonstrators were taken into custody near the building, including one individual who shouted, “Free Palestine, I’m not the shooter,” as he was detained.

{Matzav.com}