Matzav

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., discusses the success of Operation Midnight Hammer, Iranian regime change and more on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’

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Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican candidate for governor in New Jersey, issued a call this week to New York City residents and entrepreneurs, urging them to consider relocating across the Hudson River in light of Zohran Mamdani’s win in the city’s Democratic primary.

“To all the residents and business owners of New York City who don’t want a socialist, defund the police, antisemitic mayor representing them, I encourage you to move to New Jersey,” Ciattarelli declared in a social media post, as Mamdani’s victory appeared inevitable, according to Politico.

He went on to promise significant policy reforms if he wins the governorship this fall. “When I win the governorship in 4+ months, we’re going to transform NJ into a beacon of commonsense, affordability, economic opportunity, and law and order,” he said, describing Mamdani’s win as “proof that the modern Democratic Party has lost its mind.”

Ciattarelli also warned that should Mamdani eventually secure the governor’s seat in New York, the ripple effects could be felt in neighboring states. He pledged to take a firm approach if elected: “Proactive” measures, he said, would be necessary to prevent “the lawlessness and chaos that will ensue” under Mamdani’s leadership.

Highlighting the contrast between his own agenda and that of progressive Democrats, Ciattarelli criticized the policies he associates with the far left. “While NJ Democrats roll over to their extreme far-left base, I will take action to protect New Jersey,” he wrote. He also slammed Mamdani and his allies, saying, “While Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, and his far-left allies push socialist handouts paid for with massive tax increases on working people, I will overhaul NJ’s tax system – lowering and capping property taxes, reducing income & biz taxes, and making NJ affordable.”

Addressing foreign policy from a state-level perspective, Ciattarelli drew a sharp line on Israel. “As Mamdani and his allies attack Israel and push the BDS [Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions] movement, I will expand NJ’s economic collaboration and partnership with Israel’s government and the business community,” he promised.

Others in the GOP also weighed in following Mamdani’s win. Billy Prempeh, a frequent Republican congressional candidate, even joked that Staten Island should break away from New York and join New Jersey instead.

Meanwhile, the Republican Governors Association issued a statement challenging Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey. The group questioned her stance on the rise of Democratic Socialists, stating that she “must decide if she is jumping on board with the Democratic Socialist movement. Voters across the tri-state area are begging to know.”

Sherrill responded by distancing herself from Mamdani while still aligning herself with his supporters’ concerns. “Plenty of disagreements with Mr. Mamdani,” she noted, adding that she does share “his voters’ goals of making life more affordable.”

Refocusing attention on her Republican opponent, Sherrill said, “I’m focused on my race and bringing costs down in New Jersey, while Jack Ciattarelli represents politics as usual: a 100% MAGA lackey who has voted to raise taxes at every level of government, and has been running for office since before my kids were born.”

{Matzav.com}

State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, should not be labeled antisemitic, said former Mayor Bill de Blasio during an appearance on Newsmax. De Blasio defended Mamdani, stating that the assemblyman had clearly spoken out against the atrocities committed on October 7.

“He disagrees with the government of Israel, and you can debate that all you want, but we’ve got to be clear about the facts,” de Blasio emphasized on the program American Agenda.

“Don’t say someone supported Hamas when they didn’t support Hamas. He has condemned those attacks very, very clearly,” he continued, pushing back on claims made against Mamdani in the political discourse.

De Blasio also pointed out that “many Israelis believe there should be, for example, a two-state solution and that Palestinians have rights, too. There’s nothing shocking about that. I think we have to really get clear,” he said.

Insisting that criticism of Israeli policy does not automatically equate to antisemitism, de Blasio asserted, “He’s not an antisemite. I’m really sick of people throwing antisemitism around so lightly. Look, I was mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population on earth. I am a strong supporter of the state of Israel. I believe that Israel is important in this world.”

He added that his opposition to Israel’s current leadership doesn’t diminish his support for the state itself. “I disagree fundamentally with the Netanyahu government. I’m not an antisemite because I disagree with Benjamin Netanyahu. I think the point is, and there are people who are Zionists, I subscribe to that, but there are also people who have real problems with the Israeli government. That doesn’t make them antisemitic.”

{Matzav.com}

El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. has announced that it is reopening ticket sales for both inbound and outbound flights to Israel. Over the past few days, the airline has been primarily focused on rescheduling trips for passengers whose flights were canceled during the course of the military campaign against Iran. Full flight operations to all regular destinations are set to restart this Sunday, June 29. Sun D’or, El Al’s low-cost subsidiary, will resume flying again on Tuesday, July 1.

El Al is offering a special fixed pricing structure for travelers booking flights that depart before the end of June. These prices will remain in effect until next Tuesday, providing some certainty for passengers planning immediate travel.

The airline confirmed that any customer holding tickets from either El Al or Sun D’or for flights that were canceled amid the Iran operation can now rebook without paying extra. The new flight must originate from the same region as the original. Travelers can process rebookings by contacting El Al’s service center or through the travel agent they originally used.

In another customer-oriented measure, El Al stated that passengers holding tickets for flights leaving before July 15 who no longer want to fly may cancel their bookings and request a travel voucher instead. This must be done at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled departure. “The vouchers are valid for two years and can be issued independently on the company’s website,” the airline noted.

Arkia also confirmed it will resume its Tel Aviv to New York route this week, gradually reinstating its seasonal summer schedule. This week, Arkia will operate two flights on the route using aircraft leased from the Bulgarian airline GullivAir. Passengers with tickets from previously canceled flights during the Iran conflict will be able to use them on the upcoming flights, provided there is availability and their ticket terms allow it. Departures on June 26 and 28 from Israel will include a technical stop in Larnaca for a crew swap, though passengers will remain onboard. A one-way seat from New York to Tel Aviv next week is priced starting at $1,000.

Several international airlines are also beginning to return to Israel. flyDubai resumed flights last night, while both TUS Airlines and Blue Bird are scheduled to restart service today. Cyprus Airways will relaunch its operations tomorrow, and Hainan Airlines from China is expected to resume flights next week. Air Europa is targeting a mid-July return to Tel Aviv.

Tourism wholesalers are gradually reactivating their travel offerings from Ben Gurion Airport as well. Companies such as Flying Carpet and Aviation Links are resuming trips to Mediterranean and Eastern European destinations in early July by chartering planes from European carriers.

Nevertheless, only a limited number of foreign airlines are anticipated to resume flying to Israel in the short term. Transport Minister Miri Regev acknowledged that “this summer, most of the activity at Ben Gurion Airport will be by Israeli airlines.” She noted that many international carriers have already redirected their aircraft to other destinations and are unlikely to return quickly. This will lead to fewer available flights during the high-demand summer travel season, pushing ticket prices higher.

According to pricing data gathered by Globes, ticket costs for one-way flights to Israel in the coming weeks vary considerably. For example, flyDubai is offering seats from Dubai starting at $374. On TUS Airlines, low-cost fares from Larnaca are available until July 1, after which ticket prices rise to $352. Blue Bird lists flights from Athens beginning at $349.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Amid Israel’s ongoing transition back to routine following its recent war with Iran, the legal and political standoff over the chareidi draft issue remains at the forefront of national debate.

Late Thursday night, the Attorney General’s office submitted a formal request to Israel’s Supreme Court for a 16-day extension to respond to a petition demanding clarity on the government’s position regarding the enlistment of yeshiva students.

The request was submitted in light of an earlier Supreme Court directive requiring the state to explain why the IDF is not currently conscripting chareidi youth, despite the absence of a binding legal framework regulating draft deferments for full-time Torah students.

The Attorney General cited Operation Am KeLavi, Israel’s preemptive military campaign against Iran, as the reason for the delay. According to the government, key decision-makers responsible for addressing the draft issue were occupied with immediate national security concerns throughout the operation.

The draft law crisis has intensified in recent weeks, as no updated legislation has been enacted to formally define the status of yeshiva students in the national service structure. Over a month ago, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi instructed the head of the IDF’s Human Resources Directorate, Maj. Gen. Dudu Bar Kalifa, to prepare a comprehensive plan addressing the future of chareidi enlistment.

Lt. Gen. Halevi reportedly called for a plan that would both expand and accelerate the issuance of draft notices to chareidi men, while simultaneously increasing the army’s capacity to integrate and absorb them. Sources say the IDF is preparing to send out over 60,000 draft orders. Any chareidi male of draft age who has not yet turned 26 and does not respond to the notice could face legal consequences, including arrest.

Military officials emphasized at the time: “In light of operational realities and the evolving conflict, the Chief of Staff directed the Human Resources Directorate to urgently present a strategy to widen and maximize draft orders for the chareidi population, along with preparing the army to accommodate them effectively.”

According to reports from officials close to the IDF’s leadership, plans are underway to promote voluntary enlistment among chareidim while simultaneously enforcing compliance. A separate outline for stricter enforcement measures against draft dodgers is also expected to be released soon, aimed at boosting IDF manpower.

{Matzav.com Israel}

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Our sweet Chaya, just 3 and a half years old, was born with severe brain damage. She can’t walk. She can’t talk. She can’t even eat on her own. Every day is a struggle, every moment a battle.

Early Friday, the IDF published its formal assessment of Operation Rising Lion, the military campaign launched on June 13 to counter Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear and missile initiatives. The strike was described as a proactive measure taken to eliminate what Israeli officials considered an imminent and existential danger.

The report details how, in the months before the operation, Israeli Military Intelligence compiled compelling evidence showing that Iran had begun enriching uranium to 60% purity—enough to quickly assemble multiple nuclear weapons. Intelligence services also uncovered clandestine activity involving sophisticated weapons development across several sensitive domains.

At the same time, Iran was accelerating plans to increase production of precision-guided missiles, aiming to expand its stockpile from 2,500 to 8,000. This military buildup was part of a comprehensive plan that included a wide-scale assault on Israel, combining long-range missile attacks—directly from Iran and via its regional allies—with an eventual ground incursion on multiple fronts.

Faced with a shrinking window to act, Israeli forces, closely aligned with the United States, pinpointed critical weaknesses in Iran’s infrastructure. A coordinated and unexpected assault was launched to halt Iran’s momentum before it crossed a point of no return.

Operational planning intensified in October 2024, while the IDF was engaged in significant clashes with Hezbollah. The military effort zeroed in on essential Iranian assets including nuclear installations, leadership centers, missile production facilities, strategic air defenses, and government institutions.

The initial wave of attacks caught the Iranian military completely off-guard, giving the Israeli Air Force immediate control of the airspace. Flying over 2,000 kilometers into hostile territory, Israeli pilots carried out over 1,500 missions, hitting in excess of 900 targets. Roughly 80 out of 100 Iranian anti-aircraft batteries were neutralized. The IAF conducted 370 airstrikes, some over 2,400 kilometers away, supported by more than 600 mid-air refueling operations.

Concurrently, Israeli forces managed to dismantle roughly half of Iran’s surface-to-surface missile platforms. In addition, 80 anti-aircraft batteries, 70 radar installations, six military airbases, and more than 35 weapons manufacturing sites were destroyed. The offensive involved full cooperation across Israel’s military branches—air, ground, naval, and intelligence—with thousands of soldiers, including reserves, participating.

Throughout the conflict, over 30 top-ranking Iranian defense figures were killed, including the country’s three highest military officials. Numerous Iranian troops were also eliminated. Israel hit crucial nuclear development locations in Natanz, Arak, and Isfahan, wiping out thousands of uranium centrifuges. According to the IDF, this cut Iran’s enrichment capabilities by about 90%, greatly delaying its ability to construct a nuclear core.

Israel’s defensive systems were also put to the test. Air defense units successfully intercepted hundreds of incoming rockets and drones, with a success rate surpassing 99%. The Israeli Navy took out more than 30 aerial threats. Meanwhile, the Home Front Command played a critical role, issuing over one million alerts to the public, deploying 100+ mobile shelters, and managing operations at more than 170 emergency sites.

In its final summary, the IDF stated that Operation Rising Lion fulfilled its core mission: dismantling the existential nuclear threat, crippling Iran’s missile capabilities, exposing the vulnerability of the regime’s defenses, and asserting clear Israeli aerial superiority in Iranian airspace.

In a conversation published Thursday by Makor Rishon, retired Supreme Court President Judge Aharon Barak expressed his approval of a negotiated resolution that would put an end to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s ongoing trial.

“I am in favor of an agreement with Netanyahu. It doesn’t matter if it’s a pardon or a plea bargain, the important thing is that we reach an agreement. This could lead to calm. I don’t know why this isn’t happening. If it were up to me, I would make an effort to reach an agreement,” Barak stated, emphasizing that his priority is national stability rather than the specific legal mechanism.

Barak also voiced concern over President Donald Trump’s recent remarks urging Israel to dismiss the case against Netanyahu, calling the intervention inappropriate. He said Trump’s involvement was “very troubling.”

Meanwhile, individuals close to President Isaac Herzog revealed that he, too, had previously advocated for resolving Netanyahu’s legal issues through a plea deal.

The sources added that Herzog believes time is of the essence and that serious discussions should begin immediately to find a solution that prioritizes the nation’s well-being, in line with what the judiciary has recommended. They further noted that any move toward a presidential pardon would have to be initiated by Netanyahu himself.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei renewed his threats toward Israel on Thursday, just hours after declaring that Iran had emerged victorious from the recent conflict.

“The Zionist regime must know that attacking the Islamic Republic of Iran will result in a heavy cost for them,” Khamenei warned in a statement posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account.

His comments came after breaking a prolonged public silence during which Israel, backed by the United States, launched strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

“I find it appropriate to congratulate the great Iranian nation, first and foremost, on the victory over the fake Zionist regime,” Khamenei proclaimed in his first public address since the conflict escalated.

“With all the noise, with all the claims, the Zionist regime was nearly crushed under the blows of the Islamic Republic,” the Iranian leader declared, portraying Iran’s response as overwhelming.

He also accused the United States of stepping in to prevent Israel’s complete collapse, saying, “The American regime entered the war directly because it felt that if it didn’t, the Zionist regime would be completely annihilated. Here too, Iran was victorious and in return delivered a harsh slap to America.”

Khamenei concluded by asserting that Washington walked away from the confrontation empty-handed: “The American regime gained nothing from this war,” he claimed.

{Matzav.com}

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This summer, those heading upstate on Thursday evenings can now daven Mincha in comfort, thanks to the relocation of a popular minyan site to an air-conditioned indoor facility.

For the first time, the well-known Tefilas Mordche Mincha Area will be operating inside the Marketplace shopping center in Spring Valley, just moments from exit 14 on the New York State Thruway. Starting today, June 26, and continuing weekly through August 28, minyanim will be held every Thursday in a newly designated area within the mall. Visitors can use the mall’s first entrance for quickest access, with clear signage directing them to the minyan.

The Marketplace offers more than just a convenient minyan location. With retailers such as Target and Bingo, a variety of dining options, and several clothing stores, it’s an ideal stopover. Tesla drivers will also benefit from new superchargers currently being installed in the center’s lot.

Originally founded over three decades ago to give drivers a safe and respectful alternative to pulling over at the side of the Thruway near the Harriman tolls, the Mincha Area has become a fixture for thousands of frum travelers each summer. In 2010, the site was renamed in memory of Rabbi Mordche Friedman z”l, who spent countless Thursday evenings overseeing operations and ensuring smooth minyanim for the public.

“We’re incredibly thankful to all those who made this new arrangement possible,” said Rabbi Abe Friedman, liaison to law enforcement. “Providing a secure and comfortable space to daven is a real zechus, and we’re proud to continue this important initiative.”

Tens of thousands are expected to benefit from the upgraded minyan location throughout the summer season.

{Matzav.com}

A widely accepted assumption in recent years has been that any child diagnosed by medical professionals as a “special needs” child is automatically considered a shoteh (halachically exempt from mitzvos). That belief has now been directly challenged by a significant new ruling from one of the leading poskim, Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein.

In a detailed conversation with Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Goldknopf, director of the P’tachiyah organization, who sought halachic guidance on various matters related to children with special needs, Rav Zilberstein addressed a critical question: Who is truly considered a shoteh according to halacha?

Rav Zilberstein clarified that medical labels, often assigned by health clinics or social services, do not automatically determine halachic status. Many children, despite developmental challenges, possess intelligence and understanding sufficient to obligate them in mitzvos.

He warned that modern definitions—shaped by foreign psychological and educational systems in countries such as England, Romania, and Hungary—can misrepresent a child’s actual abilities. According to halacha, what matters is not a medical diagnosis, but a clear assessment of the child’s comprehension.

Rav Zilberstein then shared a specific case brought before him: A father approached with concerns about his 13-year-old son, who had been labeled as developmentally limited. The father asked whether the boy was halachically obligated in mitzvos. Rav Zilberstein decided to evaluate the boy himself with a few straightforward but telling questions.

First, he asked the child about shofar—did he know when it is blown? The boy replied that it is blown on Rosh Hashanah and described the Yom Tov. Then the rav asked about money: Could the boy buy ice cream and understand receiving change? The boy demonstrated that he grasped the concept of buying and giving change.

Based on this, Rav Zilberstein ruled that according to Torah law, a child who understands such basic matters is considered a bar daas, someone with halachic awareness. He is obligated in mitzvos and is even halachically eligible to perform kiddushin. “Anyone who rules otherwise based solely on foreign criteria is mistaken—not the child,” Rav Zilberstein emphasized.

He strongly stated that each case must be evaluated individually, using halachic standards—not secular medical definitions. Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt”l, he said, had supported this method of evaluation and had encouraged that the Torah’s true view be publicized to counter the secular influences affecting the religious community.

Rav Zilberstein declared that it is halacha—not medicine or secular psychology—that determines a person’s status. Parents who are unsure whether their child meets the halachic definition of a shoteh, he said, must seek guidance from their rabbonim or consult with a gadol b’Yisroel for a proper ruling.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz shared in a conversation with Channel 13 that Israel was prepared to carry out an assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but circumstances never allowed it.

“If he had been in our sights, we would have taken him out,” Katz said, continuing, “We wanted to eliminate Khamenei, but there was no operational opportunity.”

When pressed on whether Israel had coordinated with the United States in seeking approval for such a strike, Katz made it clear: “We don’t need permission for these things.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

During a speech delivered Thursday at the White House, President Donald Trump unleashed pointed criticism at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, accusing him of turning his back on the Jewish community.

Trump’s comments were made at an event promoting the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping Republican-backed tax and spending measure that GOP lawmakers are aiming to pass and send to Trump’s desk by Independence Day.

While discussing his broader grievances with the Democratic Party, Trump singled out Schumer—who is himself Jewish—as an example of what he sees as the party’s abandonment of traditional values, especially in its embrace of transgender rights.

“It’s crazy, and it’s so demeaning, and they don’t want to change. I saw it the other day, guys like Chuck Schumer, our great Palestinian senator,” Trump said, drawing a mix of uneasy laughter from attendees. “He’s changed. He used to like Jewish people. Now he’s totally against Jewish people. It’s the most incredible transformation I think I’ve ever seen.”

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Earlier in the week, Trump had already used the same jab in a post targeting Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, following her renewed call for his impeachment.

“Stupid AOC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the ‘dumbest’ people in Congress, is now calling for my Impeachment, despite the fact that the Crooked and Corrupt Democrats have already done that twice before,” Trump wrote, before referencing speculation that she might launch a primary campaign against Schumer.

“Instead of her constant complaining, Alexandria should go back home to Queens, where I was also brought up, and straighten out her filthy, disgusting, crime ridden streets, in the District she ‘represents,’ and which she never goes to anymore,” Trump concluded. “She better start worrying about her own Primary, before she thinks about beating our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, whose career is definitely on very thin ice!”

{Matzav.com}

In a moment reminiscent of the aftermath of the Gulf War, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, together with the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, will hold a festive Rosh Chodesh ateres tefillah at the Kosel tomorrow, Friday, Rosh Chodesh Tamuz, June 27, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.

The event is being organized as an expression of gratitude to Hashem following the miraculous outcomes of Operation Am KeLavi, Israel’s recent military campaign. In addition to the standard Rosh Chodesh tefillos, the gathering will include special kappitlach of Tehillim to acknowledge the Divine kindnesses experienced during the war.

The ateres tefillah will take place in the presence of Israel’s Chief Rabbis, the rov of the Kosel and holy sites, members of the Chief Rabbinate Council, city rabbanim, dayanim, roshei yeshiva, public figures, and a large crowd of participants from across the country.

In preparation for the ateres tefillah, the Chief Rabbis of Israel and the rov of the Kosel issued a heartfelt call to all sectors of Israeli society to join together in unity and gratitude at the holy site: “We are called upon to fulfill the words, ‘U’vemacha’los revavos amcha beis Yisrael… lehodos u’lehallel, leshabe’ach ulefa’er, leha’dar ulevarech, le’aleh ulekales – latzur tehilaseinu for all the goodness He has bestowed upon us.”

In their message, the rabbanim recalled a similar ateres tefillah held at the Kosel after the conclusion of the Gulf War in 1991, organized by the Rishon LeTzion, Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l, and attended by leading gedolim and thousands of Jews.

{Matzav.com}

The victory of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday sparked an immediate and intense reaction from conservative figures across the country.

Outside of the five boroughs, many on the political right reacted with fury, with some commentators zeroing in on Mamdani’s Muslim faith as a central theme in their criticism.

“New York City has fallen,” wrote Donald Trump Jr., quoting another post that said, “I’m old enough to remember when New Yorkers endured 9/11 instead of voting for it.”

Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene shared an AI-generated image that portrayed the Statue of Liberty cloaked in a black burka, adding the caption: “This hits hard.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina posted an image of Mamdani in a traditional kurta, attending Eid prayers at the Parkchester Islamic Center in the Bronx. She wrote: “After 9/11 we said ‘Never Forget.’ I think we sadly have forgotten.”

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, chimed in shortly after the primary results. “24 years ago a group of Muslims killed 2,753 people on 9/11. Now a Muslim Socialist is on pace to run New York City,” he wrote. In a follow-up post, he warned, “time for the west to wake up,” referencing claims that Mamdani’s political rise could lead to the imposition of “Sharia Law” in the U.S.

Activist Laura Loomer launched into a lengthy tirade over social media. In one post, she claimed the Trump administration could “literally bar Zohran from running for office and criminally charge him.” Loomer accused Mamdani of being financed by the Muslim Brotherhood and compared his religious views to those of Iranian Ayatollahs, citing his adherence to Shi’a Islam.

In another message, Loomer pointed to a tweet from Bill Clinton congratulating Mamdani and used it to assert, “The Democrat Party is undeniably pro-Islamic terror.”

Benny Johnson, a staunch Trump supporter, posted a haunting photo of the Twin Towers engulfed in smoke on 9/11, writing: “NYC in 2001: We will never forget! NYC in 2025: elects Muslim jihadist.”

Dinesh D’Souza also weighed in, dubbing Mamdani the “Muslim Obama. Don’t Say I didn’t warn you.”

{Matzav.com}

The State Prosecutor’s Office filed a formal indictment today (Thursday) in the Yerushalayim District Court against a 23-year-old resident of Beitar Illit who is accused of deliberately setting two separate fires, one of which targeted the shul where the Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, regularly davens. The acts resulted in property damage and posed a serious risk to human life.

According to the indictment, submitted by Attorney Ariel Elouz of the State Prosecutor’s Office, the accused allegedly planned and carried out an arson attack on the door of a residential apartment in the Sanhedria neighborhood of Yerushalayim. He also set fire to the chair and shtender used by Rav Yitzchak Yosef at the Or Chaviv shul, which is located nearby.

To carry out the attacks, the defendant reportedly armed himself in advance with acetone, black spray paint, and a lighter. Late at night on June 8, 2025, he arrived at the apartment building, sprayed graffiti on residents’ doors, poured acetone on a door and the elevator, and set them ablaze. The fire reached the floor of the apartment, but residents managed to extinguish it before it spread further.

Later that same night, the suspect made his way to the nearby shul. There, he poured acetone on the chair used by the Rishon LeTzion and ignited it. The flames quickly spread, causing significant damage: the chair was completely destroyed, the shtender was badly burned, sifrei kodesh were harmed, and the air conditioning and electrical system of the shul sustained major damage.

In its statement, the Prosecutor’s Office announced that it is requesting the court to hold the accused in custody until the conclusion of the legal proceedings. The statement also emphasized that a court-issued gag order remains in effect prohibiting the publication of the defendant’s name.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Andrew Cuomo will remain in the New York City mayoral race beyond Friday’s deadline to withdraw from the general election, according to sources who spoke with CNN. His continued presence on the ballot means the strategic groundwork he laid before the Democratic primary — anticipating a potential face-off against both Zohran Mamdani and current Mayor Eric Adams — remains in play for the fall.

Although Cuomo acknowledged defeat on Tuesday night and conceded to Mamdani, insiders say he hasn’t made a definitive commitment to campaign actively in the coming months. Nonetheless, the former governor will retain his place on the “Fight & Deliver” party line for the November election, according to three people familiar with the matter.

Cuomo and his advisors are banking on the broader general election electorate diverging substantially from the more progressive-leaning primary voters who backed Mamdani, whose candidacy centered on aggressive affordability proposals and a savvy social media presence. They anticipate that as Mamdani moves closer to clinching the Democratic nomination — pending the final ranked-choice tabulation — his platform, including proposals such as rent freezes and publicly run supermarkets, will be placed under more critical examination.

“Ultimately Andrew’s decision and my decision matters less than the decision that voters already took on Tuesday night,” Mamdani told CNN’s Erin Burnett on Thursday.

When asked about a potential general election showdown with Cuomo, Mamdani said on OutFront, “We did it once and it turned out pretty well.”

Despite Mamdani’s primary night victory, notable Democratic leaders have withheld official endorsements. While Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have all expressed praise for Mamdani, none have offered formal backing. Meanwhile, two House Democrats representing competitive districts outside New York City voiced concerns over Mamdani’s ascendancy, and Republicans have taken the opportunity to portray Mamdani as emblematic of the Democratic Party’s leftward shift.

The general election is shaping up to be a three-way contest, with Mamdani expected to be joined by Adams, who bypassed the Democratic primary to pursue an independent candidacy, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.

By choosing to remain on the ballot, Cuomo preserves the possibility of re-entering the race in earnest, potentially staging a return to public life four years after stepping down amid sexual harassment allegations, which he continues to deny. Once seen as the leading candidate, Cuomo has faced intense backlash from progressives not just for those allegations, but also for his pandemic-era leadership while serving as governor — backlash that helped fuel Mamdani’s grassroots surge.

Cuomo’s campaign team is evaluating whether he could emerge as a consensus alternative for voters disillusioned with the two other major contenders: Mamdani, a 33-year-old self-described democratic socialist, and Adams, who was previously indicted on federal bribery charges that were later dropped under President Donald Trump’s administration in exchange for his cooperation on immigration enforcement.

Cuomo could also choose to maintain his ballot status without running an active campaign — a strategy he employed back in 2002, when he dropped his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor but remained on the ballot under the Liberal Party line.

As of now, Cuomo hasn’t announced when, or if, he’ll launch an official campaign for the general election.

“There’s no clock ticking,” one source remarked.

{Matzav.com}