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It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rabbi Aryeh Zak z”l, a longtime resident of Lakewood, NJ renowned for his deep ahavas haTorah, his boundless generosity, and his lifelong dedication to spreading Torah through the seforim he cherished and sold.

Originally from Eretz Yisroel, Rabbi Zak, 74, was the esteemed proprietor of Torah Treasures in Lakewood, as well as a popular seforim store in Florida. But to describe him merely as a storeowner would be to overlook the heart and soul he poured into his avodah. Every sefer on his shelves was loved, appreciated, and offered to customers with sincerity, passion, and ahavas haTorah. His knowledge of seforim, combined with his deep humility, drew people in, not just to make a purchase, but to engage in heartfelt discussions about Torah, life, and community.

More than a businessman, Rabbi Zak was a quiet but powerful baal chesed and baal tzedakah. His stores were famous not only for offering the lowest prices, but for being places where everyone enjoys visiting.

He helped countless individuals and families discreetly, with respect and dignity, and his chesed extended far beyond the walls of his stores. Whether someone needed help with a simchah, a discount they didn’t have to ask for, or just a listening ear, Rabbi Zak gave—generously, selflessly, and lovingly.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Rivka Zak, and a beautiful family of bnei and bnos Torah who carry forward his legacy of Torah, chesed, and yiras Shamayim.

Levayah details will be announced as they become available.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

The Sheraton Crossroads hotel in Mahwah, a towering 24-story structure and recognizable landmark off Route 17, was demolished in a controlled implosion on Saturday, May 10, ending a 36-year chapter in the region’s architectural history.

NJ Democrat Mayor Ras Baraka says Trump is creating an “authoritarian” government after being arrested for breaking the law: “In a time where if you are opposed to ideas, you can be threatened… Turning it into an authoritarian government.”

Pakistani Border Guard fighters are shelling Indian forward positions along the Punjab international border with 81mm mortars.

During an interview with Kan News, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued a stern message to the Iran-backed Houthi militia, warning that continued aggression toward Israel could draw serious consequences from the United States.

“Israel may not be a formal party to the U.S. agreement, but the Houthis understand what’s at stake,” Huckabee said. “If they continue to attack Israel, they are potentially attacking America, since there are 700,000 Americans living in Israel. If they harm an American, they are essentially attacking America.”

Huckabee made it clear that the security of American citizens abroad—especially in regions threatened by terror—is of utmost importance to the U.S. government, and any escalation would be taken seriously.

Addressing the ongoing hostage crisis involving Israeli citizens held by Hamas, Huckabee underlined the urgency with which the administration is working to bring them home. “I worry every day about the hostages. This is my highest priority, and the highest priority of President Trump regarding Israel. Whatever happens to the hostages will be on Hamas’s head. That’s the only thing they hold onto. It’s a shame they don’t behave like civilized and normal people.”

He noted that international channels are being leveraged fully to secure their release. “No stone is going unturned. There are many factors working on this together.”

Huckabee also delivered a resolute message about Hamas’s future, asserting that their days are numbered. “Whatever is being done is being done first for the hostages, second to end the conflict, and third to end Hamas forever. No one I know will say that Hamas has a future.”

When it came to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Huckabee reiterated the administration’s strong opposition. “The president has been clear that they will not have nuclear weapons. They don’t need enriched uranium for energy anyway. There are other ways to produce energy.”

Commenting on Saudi Arabia’s evolving posture in the region, he acknowledged the complexities while noting a shift in perception regarding Israel. “They are not a democracy yet, and can only go as far as their people are willing. I think the Crown Prince was wise to take this into account. Israel is not looked at as a threat anymore – no one says that Israel wants to take a piece of Saudi Arabia.”

Though Huckabee has previously expressed strong support for Israeli development in Judea and Samaria, he took a more measured tone in his current diplomatic capacity. “As ambassador, my role is to represent the administration, not my personal views,” he said. Yet he refrained from condemning Israeli building efforts in disputed territories. “America will not make the decision on how Israel will act in Judea and Samaria,” he concluded.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH: The moment Pakistan attacked India with the launch of Operation “Solid Structure”

As President Donald Trump prepares for his first significant overseas visit of his second term, with the Middle East as a primary destination, Jared Kushner is once again playing a key role, according to a report by CNN on Friday.

Though he is not part of the official travel team, Kushner has been actively advising on diplomatic efforts with Arab nations behind the scenes. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that his outreach includes ongoing discussions with leaders in countries such as Saudi Arabia.

Kushner’s renewed involvement draws on the deep ties he built with Middle Eastern leaders during Trump’s previous term. His contributions have been particularly valuable in talks centered on expanding diplomatic normalization between Israel and Arab states—a continuation of the Abraham Accords initiated during Trump’s first time in office, CNN reported.

A main objective of Trump’s upcoming journey is to finalize economic agreements with nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These deals are intended to channel new investments into the American economy. At the same time, Trump’s team, with Kushner’s guidance, is pursuing the larger goal of bringing more Arab countries into the fold of the Abraham Accords.

Although Kushner won’t be traveling with the president, his strategic input remains crucial. He played an essential role in brokering the 2020 normalization agreement between Israel and the UAE and is now offering critical insight as the administration shapes its approach to talks with Saudi leadership.

Insiders say they don’t expect a dramatic breakthrough with Riyadh during this trip, but stress the importance of the discussions. “We fully expect other countries to sign (agreements) first before Saudi,” said one senior administration official, emphasizing the long-term nature of the effort.

White House officials continue to credit Kushner’s diplomatic skills and regional knowledge. “When it comes to the Middle East, Jared is an expert,” one senior official stated. “He knows all the players and is one of the few people who has the ear of the Arab leaders, as well as the Israelis.”

CNN noted that Kushner’s close rapport with the Saudi Crown Prince remains a potential asset. He is reportedly reviewing proposals that might pave the way for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords—contingent on progress toward a Palestinian state.

Even though Kushner doesn’t hold an official title in the delegation, his close contact with key figures involved in the trip, including Steve Witkoff, reflects his continued influence. He remains actively engaged in strategy discussions and offers guidance based on his familiarity with both regional dynamics and the individuals involved.

“Jared’s been able to help Steve (Witkoff) get connected with folks there, he gives Steve input,” a senior official told CNN. “He’s comfortable being in the background, but he’s been Witkoff’s biggest champion.”

This report aligns with CNN’s coverage from November, shortly after Trump’s return to the White House, which described Kushner as central to shaping the administration’s vision for the Middle East—even though he is not expected to assume a formal government role.

In a related note, Kushner’s wife Ivanka Trump announced in 2022 that both she and Kushner would be stepping away from political life to focus on their family. “While I will always love and support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena,” she said at the time.

{Matzav.com}

Minister Yitzchok Wasserlauf of the Otzma Yehudit party has made clear that he and his fellow party members will not back any initiative that would place the historic Tiferes Yisroel Shul under the control of groups who might choose to eliminate tefillos for the welfare of IDF soldiers from the services held there.

In a statement posted to social media, Waserlauf said, “I grew up in the Jewish Quarter of Yerushalayim, on the ruins of the historic Tiferes Yisroel Shul. Words cannot describe the emotion I felt when I first entered the restored synagogue building. In the government’s Yerushalayim decision, I, along with others, worked for the restoration and rehabilitation of this important shul.”

He went on to stress his opposition to a potential handover of the site’s administration to elements who may remove nationalistic prayers. “Now, some want to transfer its management to parties that might remove the prayer for the welfare of the State and the welfare of IDF soldiers. I will not support this, nor will my party leader, Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and neither will any member of Otzma Yehudit.”

Earlier this week, cabinet discussions addressed the possible transfer of authority over the Tiferes Yisroel Shul in Yerushalayim’s Old City, a move that has sparked quiet yet growing concern.

According to insiders, the plan is being pushed forward with little resistance, framed as a response to current security concerns. The lack of public outcry is attributed to the fact that many who might oppose it are preoccupied—either directly engaged in military operations or bearing the brunt of the ongoing national crisis.

One high-ranking source denounced the initiative, calling it “a cynical exploitation of the situation.” He added, “Our children are being killed in Gaza right now, and there are those who choose to seize more and more spiritual and physical assets and hand them over to chareidi hands. It is absurd that during this entire war, with the funerals of our children, and the economic situation in the economy, the government finds time to make decisions on a single shul in Yerushalayim, important as it may be. We will fight this decision.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A 4.1-magnitude earthquake in Tennessee woke up families and rattled homes as far away as Atlanta as it spread tremors across portions of the southern U.S. on Saturday morning. No injuries or major damage were immediately reported. The website for USGS said the earthquake originated shortly after 9 a.m. EDT about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Greenback, Tennessee, which is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Knoxville. More than 23,000 reports from the public were received by USGS in the first hour after the earthquake, USGS spokeswoman Ayesha Davis told The Associated Press in an email. Meteorologists at television news stations serving Georgia and North Carolina reported feeling the tremors as well. There is a 5% chance of a magnitude 4 or larger aftershock in the next week, according to USGS. Gabriela Reilly was making waffles with her husband when they felt their entire home shake in Braselton, Georgia, which is northeast of Atlanta. “Our ceiling fan started shaking for about 10 seconds,” she said. “I thought a giant aircraft had flown low right over the neighborhood, but my husband said, ‘No, that was definitely an earthquake!’” Jason Pack was still in bed at his home outside Knoxville when he felt the walls shaking and heard a rumbling that was loud enough to wake up his family and for the dog to start barking. “In east Tennessee, you’re used to tornadoes and floods, that kind of thing,” Pack said. “It’s unusual to have an earthquake.” Pack has experienced tremors before, although this one is probably the strongest he’s felt in Tennessee. “Even though this one was small, it’s a good reminder — if it had been a big quake, would you know what to do? Drop, cover, and hold on if you’re inside,” said Pack, a retired FBI agent who now works in crisis communications. “Stay clear of buildings if you’re outside.” Damage does not usually occur from earthquakes until they reach a magnitude of somewhere above 4 or 5, according to USGS, although it depends on variables such as building construction, soil and distance from the epicenter. The southeastern U.S. carries a significant earthquake risk, particularly around the New Madrid Seismic Zone to the west and in the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, which is where Saturday’s earthquake occurred, said Davis. Since 1950, 15 other earthquakes of magnitude 4 or larger have occurred within 155 miles (250 kilometers) of Saturday’s earthquake, Davis said. The largest of those was a magnitude 4.7 earthquake near Knoxville in November 1973. More recently, two tremors struck the seismic zone in December 2018. One was a 4.4 magnitude earthquake that was centered in Decatur, Tennessee, which is south of Knoxville. It shook homes as far away as Atlanta. Another earthquake struck a few days later with a magnitude of 3.0. Its epicenter was about two miles (four kilometers) southeast of Mascot, near Knoxville. It also was felt in parts of Georgia, Kentucky and North Carolina. Seismic waves from earthquakes spread more efficiently in the Eastern U.S. compared to the West because of the region’s geology, Davis said. “Earthquakes in the East are felt over a much larger distance and by more people,” she said. (AP)

New York Attorney General Letitia James told a crowd that she is being surveilled on orders from President Trump, making the claim just days before it was reported that Trump’s Department of Justice had initiated a criminal investigation into mortgage fraud allegations against her.

“They got individuals coming to my house, standing outside my house. Last Sunday – church Sunday while I was in church – these individuals were in front of my house, taking pictures and then streaming it, putting it on social media,” she told the audience during a rally at the National Action Network’s Harlem headquarters, led by Rev. Al Sharpton.

“This isn’t nothing more than a revenge tour! This is nothing more than vindictiveness! This is nothing more than an individual who is upset at me because we secured a $454 million judgment against him and his family and his company!” James said, referencing the civil fraud ruling against President Trump. She had appeared at the event to endorse City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ underdog campaign for mayor.

James, who has drawn Trump’s fury after pursuing a major civil fraud case against him and the Trump Organization — resulting in a massive monetary judgment that Trump is currently appealing — did not clarify whether the surveillance she referred to was taking place at her Brooklyn residence or at a lesser-known property she owns in Norfolk, Virginia.

Both the Department of Justice and the White House offered no comment on James’ statements made during the Harlem appearance.

A spokesperson for James also declined to identify which social media posts she was referencing or to elaborate further on her public claims.

The DOJ probe is said to be based on a request from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte, a Trump appointee, who claims James manipulated records in order to secure advantageous mortgage terms.

Federal investigators say that James provided false information about the number of residential units in her Brooklyn home and also misrepresented her Norfolk property as her primary residence.

Her attorney, Abbe David Lowell, dismissed the allegations outright, calling them “baseless and long-discredited.”

“This appears to be the political retribution President Trump threatened to exact that [U.S. Attorney General Pam] Bondi assured the Senate would not occur on her watch,” Lowell stated. “If prosecutors are genuinely interested in the truth, we are prepared to meet false claims with facts.”

Commenting on James’ recent speech, veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf observed, “It also shows she is prepared to mount a political defense as well as probably a legal defense.” He added, “She’s doing whatever she can to alert people who support her . . . which gins up that audience and gets them excited. It makes them ready to fight.”

According to reports published Thursday, the Department of Justice has officially launched a criminal investigation into mortgage fraud accusations against Letitia James.

{Matzav.com}

Two months ago, following high-level talks between Ukrainian and American delegations in the Saudi city of Jeddah, the United States proposed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly announced on that same day that Ukraine was ready to accept the proposal, provided Russia did the same. The Russian leader balked, saying a temporary break in hostilities would only benefit Ukraine and its Western allies by letting them replenish their arsenals. Since then, Russia has continued its military campaign, maintaining attacks along the roughly 1,000-mile (1,600-kilometer) front line and targeting civilian infrastructure. In some cases, it has stepped up its attacks on residential areas with no obvious military targets. An Associated Press tally based on reports from Ukrainian authorities found at least 117 civilians have been killed and more than 1,000 wounded in Russian aerial attacks since Ukraine announced on March 11 its willingness for a ceasefire — all of them attacks involving long-range drones and a variety of missiles. The tally does not include casualties caused by short-range weapons, including mortars, multiple launch rocket systems, S-300 and S-400 ballistic missiles, drone-dropped explosives and aerial glide bombs, which Russia continues to use along the front line and nearby areas. Ukrainian officials do not provide overall casualty figures nor do they release official figures on how many Ukrainian troops have been killed on the battlefield. Among the deadliest attacks recently was a Russian ballistic missile that struck in the packed center of Sumy in northeast Ukraine on a busy Palm Sunday morning in mid-April. At least 35 people, including two children, were killed and around 120 wounded. Another blasted a playground in Zelenskyy’s hometown, killing 20 people including nine children. A deadly barrage targeting the capital Kyiv prompted rare criticism from President Donald Trump for the Russian leader. “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. In the past two months, Putin has twice unilaterally declared a brief ceasefire, one for Easter and the other to mark Victory Day in World War II. Both were repeatedly violated. Ukraine, meanwhile, has continued to launch droves of drones at Russian regions. This week, Russia’s Victory Day festivities were overshadowed by reports of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow and triggering severe disruptions at the capital’s airports, as well as cellphone internet outages amid jamming aimed at foiling more potential attacks. Here’s a look at some of the deadliest attacks by Russian troops targeting Ukraine since March, 11: ___ March 24: A Russian missile hit a densely populated area of Sumy, damaging 30 residential buildings and a school. Local authorities said 101 people were wounded, including 23 children. April 3: Russian forces launch Shahed drones at a residential neighborhood in Ukraine’s second largest city of Kharkiv. Regional officials reported five people killed and 34 others wounded. Among the victims was an entire family, including their 12-year-old daughter. April 4: Russian forces carry out a combined missile and drone attack on a residential area in Kryvyi Rih that blasted a playground. According to local authorities, 20 people were killed, including nine children, and 74 others were wounded. The assault damaged more than 60 apartment buildings and private homes. April 13: On a busy Palm Sunday morning, a Russian ballistic missile strikes […]

Nine members of the IDF’s Yerushalayim Brigade (Unit 16) sustained light injuries after an improvised explosive device detonated during a mission in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

The blast occurred early Saturday morning in the Shejaiya area while IDF forces were carrying out searches. The device had been planted in advance and exploded as the troops passed through.

According to an announcement from the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, all wounded soldiers were transported to a hospital for care, and their families have been informed. Among those hurt were the commanding officer of Battalion 6310 and the deputy commander of Division 252.

Separately, on Friday, Israeli forces engaged in combat in northern Gaza shot and killed two terrorists who had come dangerously close to the troops and posed an imminent threat.

Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on roughly 60 targets connected to terror groups within the Gaza Strip.

At the same time, ground forces operating near Rafah and along the Morag Corridor hit a structure rigged with explosives, from which several terrorists were operating and endangering nearby troops.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In an attempt to reassure Israeli concerns amid rising diplomatic unease, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee pushed back against claims that President Donald Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip — which notably skips Israel — signals a snub. The former Arkansas governor, speaking to Israel’s Channel 12, acknowledged that Trump’s first regional tour as president-elect includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, but not Jerusalem — a move that’s raised eyebrows across the Israeli political spectrum. “His first trip is about economic opportunity. That’s where his focus is,” Huckabee explained. “It’s not about leaving Israel out. He’s spent more time with the Israeli prime minister than with any other leader. That should tell you everything you need to know.” Still, the decision comes at a time when U.S.-Israel ties appear more complex than in years past. While Trump once branded himself the most pro-Israel president in history, his recent diplomatic maneuvers — including a pivot toward Gulf partnerships and renewed nuclear talks with Iran — have sparked worry over shifting priorities. “People need to relax,” Huckabee insisted. “Donald Trump loves you. There’s no doubt about that. He’s got your back.” The ambassador also weighed in on the contentious issue of Israeli sovereignty in dealing with Iran. When asked whether Trump would back an Israeli strike on Iran in the event of a U.S.-Iran deal, Huckabee said, “Israel has the right to do what it has to do.” He added that while the Trump administration would have “recommendations,” Israel would act according to its own security needs, as it always has. As for reports of a cooling relationship between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Huckabee dismissed them outright. “That’s a very unfair characterization,” he said. “They’ve spent a lot of time together recently. It’s warm, it’s personal, and it’s cordial.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

During a speech at the “Lion of Israel” award ceremony hosted by the Magbit Foundation, which supports efforts to bolster Israel’s strength and resilience, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant delivered a sobering warning regarding the Iranian threat. “Israel has a narrow window of opportunity that may not return—we must act now against Iran’s nuclear program before it is too late,” he cautioned.

Gallant, who played a central role in overseeing key military decisions during the recent war, delivered a stark assessment of the remaining threats to the country. “Even after the impressive achievements in the war, Israel still faces one existential threat—a military nuclear capability in the hands of an irresponsible and dangerous regime in Iran. Today, there is no goalkeeper at Iran’s gate—this is the time to act.”

He referenced a major Israeli air operation from October, stating, “destroyed Iran’s air defense systems and missile production facilities in the most dramatic airstrike since the Six Day War.” He followed with a grim warning: “If we do not act soon and miss the opportunity to neutralize Iran’s nuclear facilities, it could be an irreversible gamble on Israel’s future.”

Turning to the situation in Gaza and the plight of Israeli hostages, Gallant shared that he had spoken to some of the freed captives, who had a unified message: “What gave them strength in captivity was the knowledge that the State of Israel would do everything to bring them home—this is our commitment.”

He stressed that the military’s role in Gaza must be aligned with a specific mission—paving the way for a hostage release agreement. “The military creates the conditions; the government must secure the deal.”

Gallant clarified the order of priorities going forward. “First, returning the hostages; then, eliminating Hamas and replacing it with an alternative. If we reverse the order, there will be no hostages left to bring back.”

He ended with an urgent appeal for decisive leadership. “This is not a choice between options—it is a national decision. The time to act is now.”

{Matzav.com}

Today, Hamas released a new video that shows hostages Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Chaim Ochana alive, marking the latest installment in the terror group’s ongoing psychological campaign. The families of both men have given their consent to share the footage publicly.

This video release is widely seen as part of Hamas’ psychological warfare strategy, aiming to apply pressure and shift focus as Israel’s military campaign intensifies and advances deeper into Gaza.

The two hostages were first shown in a video distributed by Hamas on March 24. That recording referenced the breakdown of the ceasefire and the resurgence of combat in Gaza as of March 18. A second clip, featuring only Bohbot, was issued on April 19, in which he addressed his wife, Rivka, and made mention of hostilities in Lebanon.

Bohbot, a 35-year-old resident of Mevaseret Zion, was abducted while working with the production team at the Nova music festival in Re’im. At 8:00 a.m. that morning, he reassured his wife by phone, saying, “Everything is fine, I’m trying to evacuate people, I will come home.” Shortly after that call, all communication ceased. Later that day, Rivka saw a video circulating online—sent to her by a friend of Elkana’s—which confirmed her worst fears: he had been taken captive.

Ochana, age 24, from Kiryat Malachi, was also seized at the Nova event. Initially declared missing, his status remained uncertain for two weeks until officials confirmed he had been taken to Gaza. Eyewitnesses from the festival reported that Yosef had been helping the wounded before being captured.

{Matzav.com Israel}

India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire Saturday after U.S.-led talks to end the most serious military confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals in decades but accused each other of violating the deal just hours later. The ceasefire had been expected to bring a swift end to weeks of escalating clashes, including missile and drone strikes, triggered by the massacre of tourists by gunmen last month that India blames on Pakistan, which denies the charge. But multiple explosions were heard in two large cities of Indian-controlled Kashmir hours after the countries agreed to the deal. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said late Saturday that “there had been repeated violations of the understanding arrived between the two countries” and accused Pakistan of breaching the agreement. “We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility,” he said at a news conference in New Delhi. Misri said the Indian army was “retaliating” for what he called a “border intrusion.” In Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry blamed Indian forces for initiating the ceasefire violation. The ministry said Pakistan remains committed to the agreement and its forces were handling the situation with responsibility and restraint. “We believe that any issues in the smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels,” the ministry said. The first word of the truce came from U.S. President Donald Trump, who posted on his Truth Social platform that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire: “Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a speech Saturday that his country agreed to the ceasefire in the larger interest of peace in the region and hoped all the outstanding issues with India, including the long-running dispute over the Kashmir region, would be resolved through peaceful dialogue. Misri said the head of military operations from both countries spoke Saturday afternoon and agreed “that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, and in the air and sea.” However, hours after the agreement, explosions heard by residents in Srinagar and Jammu in Indian-controlled Kashmir were followed by blackouts in the two cities. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Omar Abdullah, the region’s top elected official, said in a post on social media: “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!” Working toward a broader agreement Conflict between India and Pakistan is not rare, with the two countries having periodically engaged in wars, clashes and skirmishes since gaining independence from British India in 1947. The ceasefire in the latest hostilities came after the countries fired volleys of cross-border missile strikes Saturday, when India said it targeted Pakistani air bases after Islamabad fired several high-speed missiles at military and civilian infrastructure in Punjab state. Pakistan said it responded with retaliatory strikes. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and Vice President JD Vance had engaged with senior officials from both countries over the past 48 hours. They included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sharif, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and the Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir. Rubio said the two governments agreed to “start talks on […]

Syrian media is reporting that the body of American journalist Austin Tice has been discovered buried in a cemetery located in Aleppo. Tice had been missing for over ten years, and this development marks a possible end to a case that has haunted the journalism and diplomatic communities.

Tice, a decorated Marine veteran turned freelance reporter, was abducted during the summer of 2012 while documenting the devastation of Syria’s civil war. The incident occurred near a checkpoint situated to the west of Damascus, after which all contact with him ceased.

Throughout the years, both U.S. officials and Tice’s family have steadfastly held on to hope, asserting that he remained alive despite the passage of time and lack of concrete updates.

Although Tice was an American national and a journalist whose work had garnered acclaim, his story quickly receded from the public eye. His abduction symbolized not only the loss of an intrepid war correspondent, but also the silencing of a witness committed to shedding light on human suffering amid chaos.

Tice distinguished himself through fearless, insightful journalism that emphasized the lived experiences of those caught in geopolitical turmoil. His ability to convey powerful, personal narratives earned him accolades from major institutions like McClatchy and The Washington Post, as well as a place in the larger conversation about journalism’s essential role in conflict zones.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions within the Israeli government coalition continue to mount, as United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas maintain a coordinated boycott of all Knesset votes, demanding progress on legislation to secure continued draft exemptions for yeshiva bochurim. The protest began last week after a senior IDF official, Brigadier General Shai Taib, warned of a growing shortage of manpower in the army, asserting that the IDF is short 12,000 soldiers—including 7,000 for combat roles. While the army’s concerns were presented in technical terms, many saw the comments as a signal toward renewed pressure on the chareidi community to increase enlistment. In response, UTJ suspended its participation in all votes, effectively paralyzing parts of the coalition’s legislative agenda. Several bills scheduled for this past Wednesday—including proposals to restructure the attorney general’s role and raise salaries for ministers and MKs—were pulled from the Knesset calendar due to lack of support. Shas has since joined UTJ in the boycott, dismissing appeals from coalition officials who warned of the potential fallout. According to Channel 13, figures close to Prime Minister Netanyahu have urged Shas to distance itself from UTJ’s stance, warning that the government could face instability. Shas responded bluntly: “We will not serve as a political safety net.” Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to participate in a closed-door meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Sunday to address the issue. The discussion will reportedly focus on the IDF’s manpower concerns and the broader political ramifications of the chareidi draft exemption stalemate. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)