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During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, President Donald Trump dismissed the idea that he’s pursuing a third presidential term, despite speculation fueled by campaign merchandise.

Kristen Welker, the show’s host, brought up the topic, saying, “The Trump organization is selling hats that say Trump 2028. Are you seriously considering a third term, Mr. President, even though it’s prohibited by the Constitution or is this about staying politically viable?”

Trump responded, “I will say this: so many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that, but it’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do. I don’t know if that’s constitutional, that they’re not allowing you to do or anything else, but there are many people willing to wear the 2028 hats, but this is not something I’m looking to do. I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally, a great Republican, a great Republican to carry it forward, but I think we’ll have four years, And I think four years is plenty of time to do something really spectacular.”

Welker pressed further, pointing out, “The constitution does prohibit it. Some of your allies are pretty serious about this, though, Mr. President. I’ve spoken to them. They say they are coming up with potential ways obviously the biggest one would be a constitutional amendment.”

Trump replied, “That’s because they like the job I’m doing, and that’s a compliment.”

When asked about who he envisions as a possible successor, Welker inquired, “Who do you see as your successor?”

Trump said, “It’s far too early to say that, but I do have a vice president and typically and, JD is doing a fantastic job. I don’t want to get involved in that, I think he’s a fantastic, brilliant guy. Marco is great. There are a lot of them that are great.”

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

The Federal Reserve will likely keep its key short-term interest rate unchanged on Wednesday, despite weeks of harsh criticism and demands from President Donald Trump that the Fed reduce borrowing costs. After causing a sharp drop in financial markets two weeks ago by saying he could fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Trump subsequently backed off and said he had no intention of doing so. Still, he and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have said the Fed should cut rates. They argue that inflation has steadily cooled and high borrowing costs are no longer needed to restrain price increases. The Fed sharply ramped up its short-term rate in 2022 and 2023 as pandemic-era inflation spiked. Separately, Elon Musk, the head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, last Wednesday suggested that DOGE should look more closely at the Fed’s spending on its facilities. The heightened scrutiny shows that even as the Trump administration backs off its threats to fire Powell, the Fed is still subject to unusually sharp political pressures, despite its status as an independent agency. Even so, the Fed will almost certainly leave its key rate unchanged at about 4.3% when it meets Tuesday and Wednesday. Powell and many of the other 18 officials that sit on the Fed’s rate-setting committee have said they want to see how Trump’s tariffs affect the economy before making any moves. Trump, however, on Friday said on the social media platform Truth Social that there is “NO INFLATION” and claimed that grocery and egg prices have fallen, and that gas has dropped to $1.98 a gallon. That’s not entirely true: Grocery prices have jumped 0.5% in two of the past three months and are up 2.4% from a year ago. Gas and oil prices have declined — gas costs are down 10% from a year ago — continuing a longer-running trend that has continued in part because of fears the economy will weaken. Still, AAA says gas prices nationwide average $3.18 a gallon. Inflation did drop noticeably in March, an encouraging sign, though in the first three months of the year it was 3.6%, according to the Fed’s preferred gauge, well above its 2% target. Without tariffs, economists say it’s possible the Fed would soon reduce its benchmark rate, because it is currently at a level intended to slow borrowing and spending and cool inflation. Yet the Fed can’t now cut rates with Trump’s broad tariffs likely to raise prices in the coming months. Vincent Reinhart, chief economist at BNY, said that the Fed is “scarred” by what happened in 2021, when prices rose amid supply snarls and Powell and other Fed officials said the increase would likely be “transitory.” Instead, inflation soared to a peak of 9.1% in June 2022. This time they will be more cautious, he said. “That’s a Fed that is going to have to wait for evidence and be slow to adjust on that evidence,” Reinhart said. Plus, Trump’s badgering of Powell makes it harder for the Fed chair to cut rates because doing so anytime soon would be seen as knuckling under to the White House, said Preston Mui, an economist at Employ America. “You could imagine a world where there isn’t pressure from the Trump administration and they cut rates … sooner, because they feel comfortable making the […]

A number of Senate Democrats are treading carefully when it comes to the idea of Kamala Harris launching another presidential bid in 2028, following her loss in the 2024 race.

One senator from the Democratic Party, who chose to remain anonymous, dismissed the notion entirely when asked if Harris should run again. “No,” the senator responded, according to The Hill, adding that the 2024 results sent a clear message from the American people and that Harris should consider moving on from presidential ambitions.

Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado, who himself ran for the presidency in 2020, said Harris may not be the obvious favorite, even though she currently tops early polls due to widespread name recognition. Still, he acknowledged, “she could add valuable perspective to the political debate.”

Supporters of Harris within the Democratic Party believe her 2024 loss wasn’t necessarily indicative of her true electoral potential. They argue that her campaign was severely constrained, with only a limited window to connect with voters after President Biden withdrew from the race on July 21, leaving her just a few weeks to position herself as the nominee.

Back in March, when asked about her political future, Harris reportedly told Breitbart News, “I am staying in this fight,” signaling her ongoing interest in playing a role on the national stage.

That same month, Morning Consult conducted a poll showing that Harris was currently leading among potential Democratic contenders for the 2028 presidential primary. According to Breitbart News, “The survey asked both Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents who they would support in the 2028 presidential primary, and Harris — who lost handily to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in November — is leading the pack with 36 percent support.”

As speculation grows about future candidates, Harris’s 2024 running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, isn’t ruling out a potential bid for the presidency himself. Speaking candidly, he said, “Look, I never had an ambition to be president or vice president. I was honored to be asked. If I feel I can serve, I will. And if nationally, people are like, ‘Dude we tried you, and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that.”

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

You’ve tried everything, but not this.

😔 Miriam Brieger’s FREE REMOTE SARNO WORKSHOP reveals the science behind chronic symptoms & the Sarno method that’s helped hundreds of women and teens heal. 

SIGN UP HERE!

TONIGHT! Monday, May 5* (9:00 PM – EST)

What if, by the time you went to sleep tomorrow night, you already felt lighter? What if your pain/ discomfort/ skin condition/ anxiety was less acute? Less overwhelming? 

The workshop  includes the first step of the Sarno method — which means you could experience a reduction in your symptoms (or at least a major mindset shift) as early as tomorrow night.

In “The science behind Sarno: Take the first step toward eliminating your symptoms,” I’ll be answering THESE questions:

• Learn who Dr Sarno was, and hear why he developed the Sarno Method.

• Hear my personal story (and the gripping personal stories of two other women, LIVE.)

• Find out why you’re getting affected by this— (and not your husband, sister, or mother-in-law)

• Take a one-action step that has the power to help you feel better during the class

• Ask questions — or hear others’ questions — LIVE on the session.

Yes, there will be a recording available. But I’ll be talking about my Sarno course at the end of the session… and live attendees get an exclusive $100 discount coupon code 

SIGN UP HERE!

PS – Special 4 men’s pre recorded classes (45 minutes each) – covering all of Sarno and how it works. Topics covered include anxiety, why pain happens, and how to combat it before it gets out of hand.

Hundreds of leading roshei yeshiva, ramim, mashgichim, and educators from across the country took part this year in the annual kinus of Lev Shomea, an organization dedicated to strengthening chinuch in the yeshiva world. The event, which has become a staple on the calendar of the Olam HaTorah, was held for the first time at Binyanei Ha’umah.

Taking place during the final days of bein hazmanim following Pesach, the kinus drew some of the most prominent names in yeshiva leadership. Already from the early afternoon hours, the large auditorium began to fill with distinguished attendees representing the top ranks of the yeshiva world, who arrived from all over Israel.

At the heart of the conference were passionate, relevant discussions focused on today’s most pressing challenges in chinuch. Speakers addressed critical topics such as how to offer constructive feedback without breaking a bochur, how to foster a sense of belonging in a yeshiva, and how to transmit lifelong values that will remain with a ben Torah throughout his life.

The event featured a series of panels and lectures during which roshei yeshiva, seasoned educators, and renowned speakers engaged in honest and open dialogue. They spoke candidly about the communication gap between educators and today’s youth, emphasizing the importance of speaking to the younger generation rather than about them. Discussions also centered on the need to cultivate a deep, personal connection to limud haTorah through understanding, individual attention, and clear messaging.

Highlighting the gravity and centrality of the event in the yeshiva world, leading gedolei Yisroel, including Rav Dov Landau, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, and Rav Berel Povarsky, sent special letters of encouragement to the participants. The letters underscored the pivotal role the conference plays in shaping the spiritual direction and leadership of the next generation of bnei Torah.

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President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a hard-to-reach California island off San Francisco that has been closed for more than 60 years. In a post on his Truth Social site Sunday evening, Trump wrote that, “For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.” “That is why, today,” he said, “I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders.” Trump’s directive to rebuild and reopen the long-shuttered penitentiary was the latest salvo in his effort to overhaul how and where federal prisoners and immigration detainees are locked up. But such a move would likely be an expensive and challenging proposition. The prison was closed in 1963 due to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility, because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat. Bringing the facility up to modern-day standards would require massive investments at a time when the Bureau of Prisons has been shuttering prisons for similar infrastructure issues. The prison — infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters that surround it — was known as the “The Rock” and housed some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. It has long been part of the cultural imagination and has been the subject of numerous movies, including “The Rock” starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. Still in the 29 years it was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or didn’t survive the attempt. The fate of three particular inmates — John Anglin, his brother Clarence and Frank Morris — is of some debate and was dramatized in the 1979 film “Escape from Alcatraz” starring Clint Eastwood. Alcatraz Island is now a major tourist site that is operate by the National Park Service and is a designated National Historic Landmark. Trump, returning to the White House on Sunday night after a weekend in Florida, said he’d come up with the idea because of frustrations with “radicalized judges” who have insisted those being deported receive due process. Alcatraz, he said, has long been a “symbol of law and order. You know, it’s got quite a history.” A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that the agency “will comply with all Presidential Orders.” The spokesperson did not immediately answer questions from The Associated Press regarding the practicality and feasibility of reopening Alcatraz or the agency’s role in the future of the former prison given the National Park Service’s control of the island. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat whose district includes the island, questioned the feasibility of reopening the prison after so many years. “It is now a very popular […]

On Sunday night, the Houthi terror group declared their intention to establish a “comprehensive air blockade” against Israel, claiming responsibility for a series of attacks on Israeli airports as part of that effort.

Earlier that day, a missile launched by the Houthis struck near Terminal 3 of Ben-Gurion Airport, lightly injuring three individuals. The attack marked a serious escalation, as it directly impacted the country’s main international airport.

According to Israeli military sources who spoke with The Jerusalem Post, the missile was not intercepted due to a technical malfunction in the defense system, which failed to respond in time.

Houthi military spokesman Brig.-Gen. Yahya Saree wrote on Telegram that the attack was intended as retaliation for Israel’s widening campaign against Hamas in Gaza. This military escalation had just been approved by Israel’s security cabinet during a meeting on Friday evening, which also included plans to call up several reserve brigades.

In his Telegram statement, Saree warned that “all international airlines” should factor in the Houthis’ targeting of Israeli airports in their flight operations. He urged them to “cancel all scheduled flights to the airports of the ‘criminal enemy’ to preserve the safety of their aircraft and their agents.”

The missile strike prompted an emergency meeting of Israel’s security cabinet, which convened hours after the impact to discuss a potential response to the attack. A senior Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that authorities are now reviewing the country’s current strategy regarding Yemen.

“We’ve acted against them in the past, and we’ll act again in the future,” Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Four of the eight suspects, including seven Iranians, who were arrested over the weekend in the UK for an alleged plot to attack an unspecified target in London, were “hours away” from committing a major attack, UK media outlets reported on Monday. According to the reports, speculation is rising that the target was a shul or another Jewish target. The government called the suspects the biggest “counter-state threat and counterterrorism” operations for years. It said the premises were being given “advice and support.” The Israel-based IntelliTimes blog reported that the UK confirmed that the attack was planned against a “major Jewish target,” adding that in such a case,  Israeli intelligence agents were likely involved in helping to foil the plot. Locals witnessed Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers raiding one of the locations, the Daily Mail reported. ‘There was a massive explosion and flame. It was officers using explosives to blow open the door,’ one local said. The eight suspects were arrested on Saturday in two separate raids, three in London and five in various parts of the country, including in the Greater Manchester area, London, and Swindon. Forensic officers in blue overalls were photographed at a house in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, where one of the men was detained Rochdale resident Kyle Warren told Sky News he “heard a massive bang” and saw “20 or 30 police with guns” drag a man from a neighboring house. “We’ve seen a man getting pulled out from the back, basically got dragged down the side entry and thrown into all the bushes and then handcuffed,” he said. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Following a lengthy deliberation that lasted seven hours, Israel’s Security Cabinet gave its unanimous consent in the early hours of Monday to intensify the military campaign in Gaza.

The primary focus of the discussion was on new strategic initiatives intended to ramp up military pressure on Hamas. These plans include a significant ground incursion into sections of Gaza, where Israeli forces may remain on the ground for a prolonged duration.

Another key item approved during the session was a new approach to distributing humanitarian aid to Gaza. This measure passed despite objections from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Under this plan, future aid will be funneled through an international fund designed to ensure that none of it reaches Hamas.

In advance of this next phase of the operation, Israel plans to activate a considerable number of reservists. These troops will be deployed in two roles: some battalions will participate directly in the conflict, while others will take over duties from active-duty soldiers being sent into Gaza.

According to a high-ranking Israeli official cited by the Walla news site, the execution of the military plan is unlikely to begin until after President Trump’s expected visit to the region, which is scheduled to take place in about ten days. “Until then, reservists will be mobilized and trained for the expansion of the operation,” the official said.

The same official also mentioned that the Cabinet chose to prioritize efforts to secure a hostage release agreement before President Trump’s arrival. “The effort will be to bring Hamas back to the framework proposed by Egypt and to the plan of White House envoy Witkoff, under which several hostages would be released in exchange for renewing the ceasefire,” said the official.

Monday’s Cabinet session served to formalize agreements that had been discussed during a Friday meeting at the Kirya military base. That prior gathering included Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and other top military leaders.

Following that meeting, an Israeli official stated, “As long as Hamas does not release our hostages, we will significantly deepen our military operations.”

He further emphasized, “This is what will happen unless Hamas agrees at the last moment to a deal and releases the hostages.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Billionaire Warren Buffett will remain with Berkshire Hathaway as chairman of the board when vice chairman Greg Abel takes over as CEO to begin 2026. The board of directors at the cash-rich conglomerate voted Sunday to keep the legendary 94-year-old investor as head of the board, a decision likely to relieve investors worried about Berkshire’s remarkable winning streak as the U.S. and global economies are beset by tariff shocks, financial turmoil and a growing risk of recession. The board in the same meeting also approved Buffett’s chosen successor as CEO, veteran Berkshire executive Greg Abel, 62. In a surprise announcement Saturday, Buffett said he would step down from that top spot at the end of the year. Berkshire Class B shares fell more than 5% Monday after hitting an all-time high on Friday. Macrae Sykes, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, praised the transparent way Buffett announced the transition at the meeting and believes investors can have confidence that he isn’t going anywhere. “Retaining the position of Chairman means he can continue to mentor Greg and the Berkshire leaders, while also providing additional intellectual capacity when the inevitable time for more major capital allocation occurs,” Sykes said. In six decades at the helm, Buffett turned a Massachusetts textile company into a sprawling but nimble conglomerate that owns everything from Daily Queen and See’s Candies to BNSF Railway and giant insurers. As the company grew, Warren’s reputation grew with it as shares of Berkshire Hathaway climbed steadily, exceeding major indexes by wide margins and returning an average 19.9% each year versus 10.4% for the Standard & Poor’s 500. The decision to continue with the Oracle of Omaha, as Buffet is known, as head of the board differs from the succession plan laid out for after Buffett’s death. The billionaire has long said that Howard Buffett, the second-born of the investor’s three children, should become chairman when he is gone to protect Berkshire’s culture. A current vice-chairman, Abel, will take over as CEO as big questions hover over the company, but he has already been managing all of Berkshire’s non-insurance businesses since 2018. Buffett himself has said President Donald Trump’s tariffs were a big mistake. There are also worries that Berkshire might not able to avoid the fate of most conglomerates—forced to break up to recapture focus. Then there is Berkshire’s $348 billion in cash. Buffett says he doesn’t see many bargains to invest that money in now, not even Berkshire’s own stock, but assured some of the estimated 40,000 attendees of the company’s celebratory weekend annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, that one day the company would be “bombarded with opportunities.” Abel, a low-key Canadian with a love a hockey, has already shown he is a more hands-on manager than Buffett by asking managers tough questions and encouraging them to collaborate with other subsidiaries when it makes sense. He will now take on oversight of the insurance businesses and responsibility for investing the company’s cash. Vice Chairman Ajit Jain will stay on for now to help manage the insurance businesses that include Geico and massive reinsurers like General Re, but he is 73. Abel told shareholders Saturday that he wouldn’t change the Berkshire’s approach to investing, which he learned from Buffett. Maintaining Berkshire’s fortress-like balance sheet will always be a priority, he said. […]

You’ve tried everything, but not this. 😔 Miriam Brieger’s FREE REMOTE SARNO WORKSHOP reveals the science behind chronic symptoms & the Sarno method that’s helped hundreds of women and teens heal.  SIGN UP HERE! TONIGHT! Monday, May 5* (9:00 PM – EST) What if, by the time you went to sleep tomorrow night, you already felt lighter? What if your pain/ discomfort/ skin condition/ anxiety was less acute? Less overwhelming?  The workshop  includes the first step of the Sarno method — which means you could experience a reduction in your symptoms (or at least a major mindset shift) as early as tomorrow night. In “The science behind Sarno: Take the first step toward eliminating your symptoms,” I’ll be answering THESE questions: Learn who Dr Sarno was, and hear why he developed the Sarno Method. Hear my personal story (and the gripping personal stories of two other women, LIVE.) Find out why you’re getting affected by this— (and not your husband, sister, or mother-in-law) Take a one-action step that has the power to help you feel better during the class Ask questions — or hear others’ questions — LIVE on the session. Yes, there will be a recording available. But I’ll be talking about my Sarno course at the end of the session… and live attendees get an exclusive $100 discount coupon code  SIGN UP HERE! PS – Special 4 men’s pre recorded classes (45 minutes each) – covering all of Sarno and how it works. Topics covered include anxiety, why pain happens, and how to combat it before it gets out of hand.

Some intelligence analysts believe that the “attack” on the so-called Gaza “freedom flotilla” overnight Thursday was a self-inflicted attack designed to divert attention from another vessel on the same route—an Iranian cargo ship en route to Lebanon to deliver weapons and ammunition, Ynet reported. According to the theory, the “Conscience” ship was not attacked by Israeli drones, as the organizers alluded to, but instead suffered self-inflicted explosions. Regardless of the origin of the attack, the behavior of the ship’s crew following the incident was highly suspicious, choosing to be stuck at sea on a damaged ship rather than allow representatives of the Maltese government to board the ship to confirm that it is carrying “humanitarian aid” as they claimed. Ynet reached out to the Maltese government regarding the report. As noted, Malta, which is considered pro-Palestinian and emphasizes its “commitment to humanitarian aid to Gaza,” said that it offered assistance to the ship and even sent a tugboat to help extinguish the fire, but the captain refused to allow the entry of a surveyor and police representatives to verify the contents of the cargo. “We’re dealing with a situation where much remains unclear,” the official acknowledged to Ynet. “The Maltese government is holding intense discussions on the matter, and we’re examining every possible lead, including that theory.” He added that investigators are exploring the possibility that the explosions were self-inflicted. According to a Saudi report, Hamas is behind the ship, and the crew members and passengers intended to engage in combat with IDF forces as they neared the Gaza coast. For this reason, Malta, Greece, and Turkey refused entry for the ship, threatening to seize it if it came to port. In addition, the island country of Palau revoked its flag from the ship prior to the incident. Organizers of the ship contacted CNN overnight Thursday and reported that their ship was attacked by drones off the coast of Malta, adding that they believe that Israel was behind the attack. The organizers lied from the outset, claiming that  30 “international activists” were left aboard the sinking ship for “hours.” However, the Maltese government said that it promptly responded to the ship’s SOS call and offered to evacuate the 12 crew members and 4 civilians found on the ship, but they refused. The Maltese government also offered to pay for the ship’s repairs if its mission was indeed “humanitarian,” but the crew and passengers refused to allow authorities to board the ship. “There’s no chance we’ll accept the Maltese government’s offer, which clearly favors collaboration with the criminal Israeli government over providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza or to civilians stranded at sea,” said Tiago, an activist from Barcelona who joined the flotilla. “There are injured people onboard, suffering both physically and psychologically. We demand that the Maltese government allow the ship to dock at one of its ports.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

President Donald Trump is opening a new salvo in his tariff war, targeting films made outside the U.S. In a post Sunday night on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he has authorized the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to slap a 100% tariff “on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands.” “The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,” he wrote, complaining that other countries “are offering all sorts of incentives to draw” filmmakers and studios away from the U.S. “This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!” It wasn’t immediately clear how any such tariff on international productions could be implemented. It’s common for both large and small films to include production in the U.S. and in other countries. Incentive programs for years have influenced where movies are shot, increasingly driving film production out of California and to other states and countries with favorable tax incentives, like Canada and the United Kingdom. Yet Trump’s tariffs are designed to lead consumers toward American products. And in movie theaters, American-produced movies overwhelming dominate the domestic marketplace. China has ramped up its domestic movie production, culminating in an animated blockbuster grossing more than $2 billion this year. But even then, its sales came almost entirely from mainland China. In North America, it earned just $20.9 million. In New Zealand, where successive governments have offered rebates and incentives in recent years to draw Hollywood films to the country, the film industry has generated billions of dollars in tourism revenue driven by films which featured the country’s pristine and scenic vistas. More recently, a blockbuster movie was filmed entirely in New Zealand, and U.S. productions in 2023 delivered $1.3 billion New Zealand dollars ($777 million) to the country in return for NZ$200 million in subsidies, according to government figures. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was awaiting more details of Trump’s measures before commenting on them but would continue to pitch to filmmakers abroad, including in India’s Bollywood. “We’ve got an absolutely world class industry,” he said. “This is the best place to make movies, period, in the world.” The Motion Picture Association, which represents major U.S. film studios and streaming services, didn’t immediately respond to messages Sunday evening. The MPA’s data shows how much Hollywood exports have dominated cinemas. According to the MPA, the American movies produced $22.6 billion in exports and $15.3 billion in trade surplus in 2023. Trump, a Republican, has made good on the “tariff man” label he gave himself years ago, slapping new taxes on goods made in countries around the globe. That includes a 145% tariff on Chinese goods and a 10% baseline tariff on goods from other countries, with even higher levies threatened. By unilaterally imposing tariffs, Trump has exerted extraordinary influence over the flow of commerce, creating political risks and pulling the market in different directions. There are tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum, with more imports, including pharmaceutical drugs, set to be subject to new tariffs in the weeks ahead. Trump has long voiced concern about movie production moving overseas. Shortly before he took office, he announced that he had […]

Two suspects were arrested next to Ben Shemen Forest on suspicion of arson on Sunday The suspects, a minor and a 19-year-old, both residents of East Jerusalem, were arrested after an Israeli citizen called the police and reported seeing the two suspects on the side of the road, lighting something and throwing it into a wooded area. The suspects were arrested on the spot. Later on Sunday, Modi’in police officers brought them to a hearing in court, where the judge agreed to extend their detention for two days. Ben Shemen Forest, near Modi’in, is the largest forest in central Israel and one of the largest in the entire country. Most of the secondary fires that broke out last week in Israel in the wake of the massive fire in the Jerusalem Hills are believed to have been the result of arson. The Hamas terror group published posts on social media calling for Palestinians to “Light fires in forests near Jewish settlements” and “Ignite rage and flames of revenge in their homes and vehicles.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

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The IDF on Monday morning announced that a reserve soldier was killed on Sunday morning in an operational accident near the Gaza border. He was identified as Sgt. Maj. (res.) Dejen Daniel Sahalo, H’yd, 41, from Rechovot. He served as a heavy equipment operator in the Combat Engineering Corps’ 5067th Battalion. He was killed in the overturning of a military truck near Kibbutz Nachal Oz. Reservist forces from the Jerusalem Brigade are currently operating in the area to expand the buffer zone in the northern Gaza Strip. The IDF said that it is investigating the incident. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Israel’s security cabinet unanimously approved a decision to expand the military operation in the Gaza Strip in light of the lack of progress in reaching a hostage release deal. The decision was made early Monday morning following a seven-hour overnight discussion. It should be noted that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar did not attend the meeting, with his deputy attending in his place. According to a political source, the plan includes the conquest of the Strip, with IDF forces to remain in the Strip for an extended period. “The plan will include, among other things, the conquest of the Strip and holding the territories, moving the Gazan population south to protect them, denying Hamas the ability to distribute humanitarian supplies, and powerful attacks against Hamas,” the source said. “The cabinet also approved, by a large majority, the possibility of humanitarian distribution of aid, if necessary, that will prevent Hamas from taking control of the supply and destroy its governmental capabilities. In the cabinet discussion, it was said that at this stage, there is enough food in Gaza.” “The Prime Minister clarified that the plan is different from previous ones in that we are shifting from a raid method to conquering territories and staying in them,” the official emphasized. “The Prime Minister added that he is continuing to promote the Trump plan to allow the voluntary departure of Gazans, and that contacts are being held on the matter with a number of countries.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

In this episode, Rabbi Reinman contrasts Rechavam, the first king of Yehudah, and Yeravam, the first king of Yisrael, after the partition.

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Chapter Thirty: A Study of Two Kings

After Shlomo passed, his son Rechavam ascended to the throne. Rechavam did not possess a fraction of his father’s wisdom, and his rash actions immediately set into motion the fulfillment of the prophecy that the kingdom would be torn asunder.

For many years, there was an underlying tension between the ten northern shevatim and the southern shevatim of Yehudah and Binyamin. After Shaul was killed in battle, it took seven years of strife before they accepted the brilliant and charismatic David as the national king, but in the end, they embraced him. They also embraced his son Shlomo, the fabulously wise king who delivered wealth and status to his entire kingdom.

Rechavam, however, did not have any particularly extraordinary qualities. At most, he would be a caretaker king tasked with preserving the accomplishments of his predecessors, and the northern tribes were not confident that he would rise to even this challenge, let alone lead them to new heights. Nonetheless, with some reluctance, they agreed to accept Rechavam as their king, but they insisted that the coronation take place in Shechem, the principal city of the tribe of Ephraim.

Even before the coronation, they demanded that Rechavam ease the burden of taxes Shlomo had imposed on them. The counselors who had served Shlomo advised Rechavam to be prudent and conciliatory, but his hotheaded young friends urged him to assert his authority. Rechavam followed the advice of his friends and lost his kingdom. The ten northern tribes revolted, and after a narrow escape, Rechavam returned to Yerushalayim. The scheduled coronation never took place.

Israel was now split into two separate entities, the Kingdom of Yehudah in the south, comprised of the tribes of Yehudah and Binyamin, with its capital at Yerushalayim, and the Kingdom of Yisrael in the north, with its capital at Shechem. Rechavam was crowned as king of Yehudah in Yerushalayim. The Kingdom of Yisrael chose Yeravam ben Nevat of the tribe of Ephraim as its first monarch.

Yeravam ben Nevat, a brilliant scholar and a capable manager, was eminently suited for the responsibilities that come along with a royal crown. He was the foremost Torah sage of his time,[1] and he had also served under Shlomo as royal administrator of the tribes of Ephraim and Menasheh.[2] After the debacle of Shlomo’s pagan wives, the prophet Achiah of Shiloh had informed Yeravam that he would become the nagid[3] of the northern tribes, and now, the prophecy had come true.

The newly crowned Yeravam set about securing his realm and extending his royal power to all the tribes of the Kingdom of Yisrael. He transformed the provincial city of Shechem into a national capital. He built a royal palace, expanded the municipal boundaries and strengthened the fortifications. He undoubtedly looked forward to establishing a great royal dynasty, the House of Yeravam to rival the House of David, but he was faced with a problem.

Being that the Jewish people craved connection to God through the ritual sacrifice service, and being that the only place permitted for that service was the Bais Hamikdash in Yerushalayim, the people of the newly formed northern kingdom would have to travel to the capital city of the southern kingdom to bring their korbanos.

During the reign of Shlomo, they came to Yerushalayim from even the farther reaches of the land, but now that the kingdom was divided, Yeravam discerned a threat. By rule, only kings of the Davidic dynasty might sit in the Temple sanctuary; perhaps because they were spiritual exemplars and not just political functionaries. Therefore, when people from the north made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem during the annual Festivals, they would see King Yeravam standing while Rechavam was allowed to sit. Yeravam found this situation intolerable.

Why couldn’t Yeravam tolerate the requirement for him to remain standing even as Rechavam was allowed to be seated? It was because he saw the situation in the Temple sanctuary as a threat to his throne and to the continued independence of the northern kingdom …

Read full chapter and earlier chapters at www.rabbireinman.com.

[1] Sanhedrin 102a

[2] Redak, I Kings 11:26

[3] I Kings 14:7

As tens of thousands prepare to ascend Har Meron for the annual Lag Ba’omer hilula at the kever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai, the families of the 45 victims who perished in the 2021 Meron disaster have issued a heartfelt public letter, urging attendees to strictly adhere to safety guidelines.

The letter, released through the Meron Kedoshim 5781 Organization — headed by Rav Yisrael Shimon Elchadad, who lost two of his brothers in the tragedy — was penned with what the families described as “unfading pain” and a profound sense of “mission and responsibility for every Jew who sets foot on the mountain.”

This year’s hilula, which falls on Thursday night and Erev Shabbos, follows a similar schedule and timeframe to that of the tragic year, with only a narrow 16-hour window for all events. Due to the Shabbos schedule, crowding and time constraints are once again a pressing concern.

“The mountain cannot accommodate everyone at once,” the families warned. “Overcrowding — chas v’shalom — is a danger to life.”

They noted that under the guidance of event organizers, engineers, and safety officials, each visitor’s time on the mountain will be limited to a maximum of five hours. The letter appeals to the public’s sense of collective responsibility and unity.

“We beg you: Please follow the rules. Don’t push. Don’t cause unnecessary congestion. And here lies the key — practice areivus hadadit, mutual responsibility. Every Jew who ascends the mountain does so on behalf of his brother as well,” the letter reads.

The families urged visitors to make the most of their time by davening, rejoicing, and thanking Hashem, and then descending in peace so others may experience the same.

“When you arrive, daven, rejoice, and express gratitude to Hashem. And when you are done, descend with love, so others can merit that same opportunity. In this way, we will all be able to go up in tefillah, joy, and safety. In this way, we begin to heal the break, and we honor the kedoshim not just with memory, but through real acts of responsibility and unity.”

{Matzav.com Israel}