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A deadly attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir has again moved India and Pakistan closer to war as the two rivals downgraded diplomatic and trade ties, closed the main border crossing and revoked visas for each other’s nationals. Pakistan has denied it was behind Tuesday’s attack that killed 26 mostly Indian tourists at a popular scenic spot in the Himalayan region, where India claimed it restored a sense of calm despite a decades-long rebellion. A previously unknown militant group calling itself Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility for the attack. Here’s what to know about an escalation in tensions between the two nuclear armed rivals. They have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, which is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety. What’s at the heart of the dispute? Ties between India and Pakistan have been shaped by conflict, aggressive diplomacy and mutual suspicion, most notably in their competing claims over the stunning Himalayan region of Kashmir. Armed insurgents in Kashmir have resisted New Delhi for decades, with many Muslim Kashmiris supporting the rebels’ goal of uniting the territory either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country. India accuses Pakistan of fomenting violence, a charge denied by Islamabad. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict over the years. How has Pakistan responded to India’s reprisals? On Tuesday, gunmen fatally shot 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, in an attack near the picturesque town of Pahalgam. New Delhi immediately linked Pakistan to the attack, although it did not publicly produce any evidence. India announced a string of punitive measures. It downgraded diplomatic ties, suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad and on Thursday, India’s Foreign Ministry said it had revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals. India also said it will reduce its staff in its high commission in Pakistan and bring down the number of Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi to 30 from 55 from May 1. Pakistan called India’s actions “irresponsible” and canceled visas for Indian nationals, suspended all trade with India including via third countries and closed its airspace to Indian aircraft. Islamabad warns dispute over water could lead to war India’s decision to suspend the water treaty could potentially mark a major turning point in how the two neighbors manage an essential shared resource between them. Pakistan warned Thursday that any Indian attempt to stop or divert the flow of water between them would be considered an “act of war.” The Indus Water Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, allows for sharing the waters of a river system that is a lifeline for both countries. The treaty has survived two wars between the countries, in 1965 and 1971, and a major border skirmish in 1999. It governs sharing of the water supply from the Indus River system and its distributaries. Under the treaty, India has control over the eastern rivers of Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas, and Pakistan controls the western rivers of Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus that follow through Kashmir region. Water treaty is Pakistan ‘vital national interest’ Pakistan said the treaty was a binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank and contained no provision for unilateral suspension. Pakistan described it as a “vital national interest” and a lifeline for the country’s 240 million people. The treaty is essential for supporting Pakistan’s […]

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has formally referred two members of the intelligence community to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution over alleged leaks of classified information to major media outlets, Fox News Digital reported. A third referral is expected imminently. According to a senior official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the individuals are accused of leaking sensitive intelligence to The Washington Post and The New York Times. The official characterized the move as a warning to others within the intelligence community. “Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nation’s security at risk and must end,” Gabbard said in a statement. “Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” In remarks to Fox News Digital, Gabbard was explicit in her accusations, saying the leaks were “for partisan political purposes to undermine President Trump’s agenda.” She added that she intends to cooperate closely with the Justice Department and FBI to “investigate, terminate, and prosecute these criminals.” An ODNI official explained that the decision followed a comprehensive internal review, with the case now in the hands of the DOJ, which is expected to refer the matter to the FBI for a full investigation. The official added, “We are aggressively investigating other leaks and will pursue further criminal referrals as warranted.” The Trump administration, the official noted, is committed to identifying and prosecuting intelligence community members who disclose classified information without authorization. The development comes amid a broader crackdown by Gabbard on what she describes as systemic abuses within the intelligence apparatus. Earlier this month, she launched the Director’s Initiative Group (DIG), a new task force tasked with exposing internal politicization and unauthorized disclosures, as well as declassifying information deemed in the public interest. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In a powerful reiteration of his support for Torah-oriented engagement with the World Zionist Organization (WZO), HaGaon Rav Avrohom Gurwicz, Rosh Yeshivas Gateshead, has released an updated endorsement, urging all shomrei Torah umitzvos to register and vote for the Eretz HaKodesh party in the current WZO elections.

The new statement, dated today, 26 Nissan 5785, follows and builds upon a foundational letter issued by Rav Gurwicz earlier, in which he echoed the directive of Gedolei Yisroel—Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l and Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky shlit”a—emphasizing the critical importance of Torah Jewry having a voice in decisions affecting Eretz Yisroel through the WZO.

“Now that elections have been called with the opportunity to elect representatives who will have the authority to decide the future direction of the World Zionist Organisation,” Rav Gurwicz wrote in his latest addendum today, “it is a matter of obligation to register and vote in these elections for the Eretz Hakodesh party.”

The original letter, written on Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5782 and reaffirmed in Adar II of this year, explained the immense influence wielded by the WZO over developments in Eretz Yisroel, and called on Torah Jews to take responsibility by joining the Eretz HaKodesh movement. This, Rav Gurwicz stated, would grant the Torah community “a deciding say in the appointments of the leaders of the World Zionist Organization,” thereby helping to promote kavod haTorah and “at the very least, to prevent its desecration.”

Rav Gurwicz noted that his prior letter “still retains its validity,” and with the opening of the voting period, it was necessary to reemphasize the obligation to act.

Below is the letter containing Rav Gurwicz’s latest statement, penned today:

Hod Hasharon Mayor and Yesh Atid member Amir Kochavi spoke at a Yom HaShoah event and compared the IDF’s actions in Gaza to Naza atrocities. “We must not remain silent in the face of atrocities against people of other nationalities in the world – even if they are carried out in our name,” he said. “Jewish morality dictates – never again, not only to us, but to all nations as an ethical and moral commandment of a just and healthy society.” “There are 59 people in Gaza; their ‘never again’ is still going on. Lust for revenge, blood, and destruction has not brought back the dead – and not the living either.” “As descendants of Holocaust survivors who, together with other pioneers, established the Jewish state, we must ensure that the memory of the Holocaust, the processes that led to it, its legal and ethical justifications, and the silence that accompanied it, all serve as a warning sign to the whole world. Also to us, so that we remember and be careful.” His words caused a major furor. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman responded sharply, stating: “On Yom HaShoah, while 59 hostages are languishing in the inferno of Gaza, the mayor of Hod Hasharon, Amir Kochavi, is inciting against the IDF and standing by the terrorists. I expect Yair Lapid, with whose party Kochavi is identified, to condemn his words immediately.” Culture Minister Miki Zohar responded: “The embarrassing words of the mayor of Hod Hasharon are a spit in the face of Holocaust survivors – those who immigrated to Eretz Yisrael, established a state, and survived the terrible massacre carried out by ‘other nations’. I have no doubt that the vast majority of Hod Hasharon residents disavow these outrageous statements.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

As President Donald Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his historic second term, a new Fox News survey paints a mixed—and in some areas bleak—picture of public opinion surrounding his presidency. Trump receives his highest approval rating on border security, with 55% of voters expressing approval, the only issue where he maintains a net positive. On immigration, approval hits a record high of 47%—though still narrowly underwater. But on most other key issues, including the economy, inflation, and foreign policy, voters are expressing growing dissatisfaction. Only 38% approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, compared to 56% who disapprove. His lowest rating comes on inflation, with a meager 33% approval, while 59% disapprove, underscoring the persistent strain of high prices. Similarly weak ratings follow on issues like tariffs (33% approve), taxes (38%), and foreign policy (40%). Overall job approval has dipped to 44%, down from 49% in March. That puts Trump behind where his predecessors stood at this point in their presidencies—Joe Biden (54%), Barack Obama (62%), and George W. Bush (63%). It’s also slightly lower than Trump’s own approval (45%) at the 100-day point during his first term in 2017. Public sentiment remains largely pessimistic: 59% say they are unhappy with the direction of the country, down from 68% at the end of the Biden presidency, but still worse than at the beginning of Biden’s term or Trump’s first 100 days. On the economic front, the mood is gloomy. 71% of voters rate the economy negatively, and 55% say conditions are worsening for their family, though both figures are slight improvements from December. A significant 22-point margin say Trump’s policies are doing more harm than good for the economy. While 82% of voters remain deeply concerned about inflation, that’s the lowest figure since September 2021—down from a peak of 93% in July 2022. Other top concerns include political division (78%), healthcare (76%), government spending (73%), and a possible recession (72%). The administration’s trade policy is also under fire. A record 55% say tariffs hurt the economy, and 72% believe they will increase consumer prices. Even among Republicans, over half agree. On government reform, Trump’s much-touted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gets mixed reviews: 49% believe DOGE will make government more efficient, while fewer think it will lead to improved services (46%) or lower taxes (43%). Only 39% approve of Elon Musk’s leadership of DOGE, with 56% disapproving. Voters also weigh in on constitutional issues. Amid legal pushback to Trump’s executive policies, 58% say federal judges are acting within their authority, while 33% believe they are overstepping. Notably, two-thirds say the president cannot ignore court rulings—a sentiment that cuts across party lines. Perhaps most striking is the shift in voter goodwill. While 62% say they want Trump to succeed, that’s down sharply from 80% who expressed the same hope in 2017. Among Democrats and Independents, that figure has dropped more than 30 points. Despite the controversies and declining numbers, 89% of Trump’s 2024 voters say they are still satisfied with their choice—though that too is a drop from previous years. Overall, 85% of voters are satisfied with their vote, including 90% of Kamala Harris supporters. Last but not least, one-third of voters believe divine intervention played a role in Trump’s return to the White House—highlighting the belief among his core […]

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., encouraged President Donald Trump to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities rather than wasting time trying to negotiate with “that kind of regime.”

Trump has said repeatedly that Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons. Late last week, he said he was in no hurry to launch an attack over the issue.

Fetterman told The Washington Free Beacon that Trump should forget trying to negotiate with Iranian leaders and take out the Middle Eastern country’s nuclear facilities.

“Waste that ….,” Fetterman told the Free Beacon on Wednesday. “You’re never going to be able to negotiate with that kind of regime that has been destabilizing the region for decades already, and now we have an incredible window, I believe, to do that, to strike and destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.”

It was reported Wednesday that Iran has agreed to allow in an International Atomic Energy Agency technical team in the coming days to discuss restoring camera surveillance at nuclear sites, the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog said, calling it an encouraging signal of Iran’s attitude toward nuclear talks with the U.S.

Such news likely did not impress Fetterman, who dismissed the possibility that a military strike on Iran would lead to a regional war.

“And remember, all of these so-called experts were all wrong,” he said. “You know, they’ve been saying for years and years Hezbollah was the ultimate …. that kept Israel in check, and we can’t move on anything beyond that.”

However, the Iranian proxy group “couldn’t fight for ….,” he said. “And Hamas, literally, are just a bunch of tunnel rats with junkie rockets in the back of a Toyota truck. And now the Houthis have been effectively neutered as well. So what’s left? You have Iran, and they have a nuclear facility, and it’s clearly only for weapons.”

Fetterman commended Trump for pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, three years after then-President Barack Obama agreed to it.

“Years ago, I completely understood why Trump withdrew from the Obama deal,” Fetterman told the Free Beacon. “Today, I can’t understand why Trump would negotiate with this diseased regime. The negotiations should be comprised of 30,000-pound bombs and the IDF.”

Fetterman’s remarks to the Free Beacon echoed what he said last month during his second trip to Israel in the past year.

“I don’t think you can really effectively negotiate with that regime,” he said, Jewish News Syndicate reported.

Pressed further, he said, “Oh yeah. Blow it up! Blow it up! I think we should waste what’s left of their nuclear facilities.”

{Matzav.com}

UPDATE: At least 4 people have been shot at a Miami car dealership. The shooter has been eliminated.

New video shows the terrifying moment gunfire erupts at car dealership business in Miami-Dade, Florida.

President Donald Trump on Thursday offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to “STOP!” after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. “Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!” Russia struck Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones. At least 12 people were killed and 90 were injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July. Trump’s frustration is growing as a U.S.-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress. Trump lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the “killing field” by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal. Russia illegally annexed that area from Ukraine in 2014. Zelenskyy has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognizing occupied territory as Russia’s is a red line for Ukraine. Zelenskyy noted Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a U.S. ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscow’s attacks had continued. Trump’s criticism of Putin is notable because Trump has repeatedly said Russia, the aggressor in the conflict, is more willing than Ukraine to get a deal done. “I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy,” Trump told reporters Wednesday. “So far it’s been harder, but that’s OK. It’s all right.” In his dealings with Zelenskyy and Putin, Trump has focused on which leader has leverage. Putin has “the cards” and Zelenskyy does not, Trump has said repeatedly. At the same time, the new Republican administration has taken steps toward a more cooperative line with Putin, for whom Trump has long shown admiration. Trump is set to meet later Thursday with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss the war in Ukraine, U.S. tariffs and other issues. Norway, a member of NATO and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile (198-kilometer) border with Russia. Gahr Støre said in a social media post Thursday that he would underscore during the talks that “close contact between Norway and the USA is crucial.” “We must contribute to a lasting and just peace in Ukraine,” he said. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said Putin should “stop lying” when he claims to want “peace” while continuing to bomb Ukraine. “There is only one answer we are waiting for: Does President Putin agree to an unconditional ceasefire?” said Macron during a visit to Madagascar. Macron added that “the Americans’ anger should focus on just one person: President Putin.” The French Foreign Ministry also offered measured pushback on Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy over the Ukrainian’s stance on Crimea. During talks last week in Paris, U.S. officials presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a deal, according to a European official familiar with the matter. The matter was discussed again Wednesday during talks with U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials. “The principle of Ukraine’s territorial integrity is not something that can be negotiated,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine said. “This was the position taken last week and reiterated yesterday in London […]

President Donald Trump sharply criticized Harvard University in response to its president’s remarks defending free speech amidst accusations of unchecked antisemitism on campus. After Harvard’s president Alan Garber spoke out against the Trump administration’s move to freeze over $2 billion in federal funding, Trump responded with a blistering statement, branding the institution as a haven for radical ideologies. “Harvard is an antisemitic, far-left Institution, as are numerous others, with students being accepted from all over the world that want to rip our country apart,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “The place is a liberal mess, allowing a certain group of crazed lunatics to enter and exit the classroom and spew fake anger and hate.” He continued, “It is truly horrific!”

Garber, acknowledging the rise in antisemitic incidents at Harvard since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, nonetheless defended the university’s stance. In an interview with NBC’s Lester Holt, he said, “We are defending what I believe is one of the most important linchpins of the American economy and way of life — our universities.” Garber explained that despite recognizing the seriousness of the issue, he felt obligated to push back against what he saw as politically motivated interference in academic independence.

Trump, however, dismissed Harvard’s stance as hypocritical and dangerous. He accused the university of pretending to change only after being pressured. “Now, since our filings began, they act like they are all ‘American Apple Pie,’” he wrote. “Harvard is a threat to democracy, with a lawyer who represents me, who should therefore be forced to resign, immediately, or be fired.”

According to reporting from The Harvard Crimson, the university filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the funding freeze, with its legal team including Robert Hur and William Burck. Hur previously served in Trump’s Department of Justice, while Burck once represented The Trump Organization. Trump commented on Burck’s role in the suit with a parting shot: “He’s not that good, anyway, and I hope that my very big and beautiful company, now run by my sons, gets rid of him ASAP!”

In a detailed letter dated April 11, the Trump administration had called on Harvard to overhaul its leadership and admissions systems, conduct an internal review of its diversity programs, and cease recognition of certain student groups. The administration also demanded structural reforms as a condition for restoring frozen federal research funds.

Harvard’s lawsuit, filed Monday, challenged the legality of the freeze, arguing that there was no legitimate link between the university’s handling of antisemitism and the research projects affected by the funding suspension. “The government has not — and cannot — identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation,” the complaint stated. It further warned that halting billions in federal support could gravely damage scientific advancement and national competitiveness.

But the administration quickly issued a forceful rebuttal. In a statement Monday night, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields made it clear that the days of unchecked federal funding for elite universities were over. “The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families, is coming to an end,” Fields said. “Taxpayer funds are a privilege, and Harvard fails to meet the basic conditions required to access that privilege.”

Meanwhile, legal experts are already weighing in. Harvard Professor Emeritus Alan Dershowitz told Newsmax that the law was likely on Trump’s side in this confrontation. “Harvard’s going to lose,” he said during an appearance on “The Record With Greta Van Susteren.” “It has no obligation legally, the government, to fund a $53 billion university. I don’t understand the basis of the lawsuit.”

Dershowitz emphasized that while Harvard has the right to free speech and academic freedom, that does not entitle it to federal dollars. “They’re claiming First Amendment. But, you know, Harvard has the First Amendment right to speak and to teach and academic freedom, but it doesn’t have the right to get funding.”

He suggested the legal maneuvering might be strategic. “I think the lawsuit is designed to send a message to the administration: Come sit down and negotiate. Their two lawyers who they hired initially are negotiators; they’re close to the Trump family and Trump business. And I think this is simply a ploy to try to get a resolution.”

{Matzav.com}

On Tuesday, April 22, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Mahmoud, et. al. v. Taylor, et. al., a case about public school parents’ right to have their children “opt out” of certain curriculum that does not comport with the parents’ religious beliefs. Legal experts note that the case could have important implications for yeshivos and other nonpublic schools as well.

The Mahmoud case was filed by parents of public school students in Montgomery County, Washington, D. C. who objected to the inclusion of books and other materials that contained morally objectionable themes in the curriculum of their children’s schools. The District Court and United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit declined to allow the objecting parents the right to be notified in advance regarding the objectionable materials so that their children could opt out of participating in class when those materials were being taught. Despite these setbacks, the parents pressed on, and the Supreme Court agreed to take their case.

Agudath Israel of America, along with other religious advocacy groups, filed an amicus (“friend of the court”) brief in the Supreme Court, arguing that the lower court rulings disregard a long line of caselaw that gives parents the right to direct the upbringing – and particularly the educational upbringing — of their children.

Moreover, amici argued that the lower courts’ determination that the government is permitted to utilize its resources — in this case, the public school system — without regard to parents’ religious concerns, is contrary to recent Supreme Court decisions that require sensitivity to the Free Exercise Clause and generally prohibit government resources from being withheld from sectarian institutions.

“This case is not just about public schools,” said Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel of America. “In light of the ongoing efforts in certain jurisdictions to dictate what must be learned in yeshivos and other nonpublic schools, and by whom it must be taught, there is a lot riding on the outcome of this case. We look forward to a reaffirmation by the nation’s highest court that parents are the ultimate decision-makers when it comes to their children’s education.”

Agudath Israel’s general counsel, Daniel I. Kaminetsky, Esq., added: “Agudath Israel has always been vigilant to protect the rights of all individuals to freely exercise their religion. The government’s position in the Mahmoud case is yet another attempt to erode the religious rights guaranteed by our Constitution. That erosion must be stopped.”

Agudath Israel thanks Steven T. McFarland and Laura Nammo of the Center for Law and Religious Freedom, the Christian Legal Society and Eric Treene and Roman P. Storzer of Storzer and Associates, for their leading role in drafting the amicus brief.

{Matzav.com}

Reporter: “Today you told Vladimir Putin to stop with the attacks. Do you think he’ll listen to you?” President Trump: “I do, yeah”

REPORTER: “Can you clarify with whom the U.S. is speaking with China? They’re saying it’s fake news that trade talks are happening.” PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Had a meeting this morning… we may reveal it later, we’ve been meeting with China.”

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir tells officers in the Gaza Strip today that if there is no hostage deal in the near future, the military will significantly expand its offensive against Hamas. “We are continuing with the operational pressure and tightening the ring around Hamas as needed, and if we see no progress in the the return of the hostages, we will expand our activities to an intense and even more significant move, until we reach the defeat [of Hamas],” Zamir says.

President Trump welcomes Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to the White House.

Volunteers from the Israel Police’s rescue Unit worked to rescue a 36-year-old hiker who was injured in a car accident deep in the Judean Desert.

President Trump says that he will be meeting later today with Jeffrey Goldberg, the Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic who was inadvertently added to a Signal group-chat early last month by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

Kamala Harris just sent out an email saying the Democrats’ funds are drying up… And she blames it on Elon Musk.

The number of voters who believe the United States in on the right track has jumped by 11% since January.

WATCH: Stunning video showcases the triumphant launch of China’s Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, the nation’s 15th crewed space mission.