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With Shofars and Trumpets: Special Atzeres Tefillah Held at the Kosel
As Israel continues its fight in Operation Am K’Lavi, a special atzeres tefillah was held Monday evening at the Kosel, organized by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. The emotionally charged event featured the sounding of shofaros and trumpets, invoking a segulah for victory against Israel’s enemies.
The gathering, held against the backdrop of the ongoing war and difficult security situation, brought together a group of rabbonim and community leaders who led heartfelt tefillos for the safety and success of IDF soldiers and security forces, for the recovery of the wounded, the safe return of the captives, and for the unity and protection of Klal Yisroel.
Among those who participated were Chief Rabbi Harav David Yosef; Chief Rabbi Harav Kalman Bar; Harav Reuven Elbaz, member of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas and Rosh Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim; Harav Shmuel Rabinowitz, rov of the Kosel and mekomos hakedoshim; Harav Zamir Cohen; as well as other rabbonim and public officials.
The tefillos included Tehillim, Selichos, and special supplications for chizuk, accompanied by the stirring blasts of shofaros and trumpets.
In stirring remarks during the event, the rabbonim called on the public to strengthen themselves in tefillah, emunah, and ahavas Yisroel.
Due to current security regulations from the IDF Home Front Command and the Israel Police, the event was held in a limited format. Nevertheless, tens of thousands across the country joined the atzeres via a live broadcast transmitted by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation on radio stations and news websites.
{Matzav.com Israel}
Israel Activates ‘Barak Magen’ Aerial Defenses For System’s First Ever Interception
Israel deployed a newly developed air defense mechanism, named “Barak Magen” – Hebrew for “lightning shield” – successfully neutralizing a number of Iranian drones in its first operational use.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), eight Iranian drones were brought down by the Israeli Navy using both the “Barak Magen” and a long-range air defense (LRAD) interceptor system. The interceptions were carried out from aboard a Sa’ar 6-class missile corvette.
John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) and co-author of a recent report detailing Israel’s response to two major Iranian missile barrages in 2024, told Fox News Digital that the system represents a major upgrade to Israel’s naval defense capability.
“The Barak Magen is simply another arrow in the expanding quiver of Israel’s highly sophisticated and increasingly diverse multi-tiered missile defense architecture – which was already, by leaps and bounds, the most advanced and experienced air defense system fielded by any country in the world,” said Hannah.
The IDF noted that the system is capable of intercepting a wide variety of aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, ballistic projectiles, and anti-ship missiles launched from land.
Hannah emphasized that the system’s impact goes far beyond fleet protection. He pointed out that it plays a crucial role in safeguarding Israel’s offshore natural gas fields, essential maritime infrastructure, and the country’s densely populated coastal cities.
“It allows Israel to conduct interceptions at significant distances from the Israeli homeland, both out in the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and thereby adds critically important strategic depth when defending Israel’s tiny geographic area,” he stated.
The IDF added that since the onset of intensified hostilities with Iran, Israeli naval forces have shot down approximately 25 unmanned aerial vehicles that posed a risk to national security.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fourth consecutive day on Monday. Iranian forces launched a fresh salvo of missiles, reportedly resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals and injuries to many others.
In response, the Israeli military asserted that it had gained control over the airspace above Tehran and issued evacuation warnings to some 330,000 residents in a central district of the Iranian capital, anticipating additional strikes.
{Matzav.com}
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Trump Slams Macron, Says Returning to DC For Something “Much Bigger” Than Ceasefire
“VERY GOOD THING”: French President Emmanuel Macron Claims Trump Made Offer For Israel-Iran Ceasefire
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that President Trump had taken steps to mediate between Iran and Israel, presenting a proposal aimed at halting the growing hostilities in the region.
“If the United States can achieve a cease-fire, that’s a very good thing,” Macron stated to journalists during the G7 summit in Canada. His remarks came just as news broke that Trump would be cutting his participation in the summit short due to the escalating crisis involving Iran and Israel.
“There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a cease-fire and to then kick-start broader discussions,” the French president explained. “We have to see now whether the sides will follow.”
Macron’s remarks coincided with President Trump’s stern warning that “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran,” amid reports suggesting that he intends to extend a final opportunity for Iran to agree to terms that would block its uranium enrichment activities used for nuclear weapons development.
{Matzav.com}Gedolei Yisroel Visit Chicago in Rallying Cry for Keren Olam Hatorah’s Mission to Save Torah in Eretz Yisroel
REPORT: Trump Proposes Witkoff meet With Iranian Foreign Minister
HY’D: Staff Sgt. Naveh Leshem, 20, Killed in Gaza
HY’D: IDF Soldier Killed, Officer and Three Fighters Seriously Injured in Gaza
AOC, Tlaib Back GOP Proposal to Bar U.S. Involvement in Israel-Iran War
Senate GOP Unveils Sweeping Tax Bill With Deeper Medicaid Cuts and Work Mandates
MACRON: Trump Offered Ceasefire Deal To Iran, Israel
Rabbonim to Bnei Brak Residents: Don’t Rely on Segulos — Follow Home Front Command Guidelines
In the wake of the devastating missile strike early Monday morning that claimed the life of 75-year-old Avraham Cohen near a local school in Bnei Brak, leading rabbonim have issued a firm warning to the public: do not rely on rumors or assumed segulos of protection. Adherence to the life-saving instructions of Pikud HaOref (Israel’s Home Front Command), they emphasized, is an absolute obligation that supersedes all speculation.
The missile, fired from Iran, directly struck a populated area in the city, leaving behind visible destruction and communal shock. In response, rabbonim have publicly addressed a growing trend among some residents who believe that the large presence of Torah learning and gedolei Torah in Bnei Brak grants the city supernatural protection. While acknowledging the spiritual merits of Torah and tzidkus, the rabbonim clarified that these beliefs must not be allowed to breed complacency or disregard for practical safety measures.
Veteran media personality Yisroel Cohen dedicated a large portion of his Kol Berama radio today show to this issue. “I’ll be honest,” he said, “I myself haven’t always gone to a mamad (shelter) right away. And in my home, we weren’t always careful either. But in recent days, we’ve made sure to head to the basement shelter. My wife cleaned and organized it. We now understand — this time it’s different. This is more serious than anything we’ve experienced before.”
Representatives from United Hatzalah, including Reb Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz, national halachah coordinator Rav Naftali Halperin, and Bnei Brak branch head Reb Effie Feldman, met with leading poskim Monday to present firsthand footage and information from the aftermath of the strike.
During these meetings, rabbonim were shown harrowing images and detailed accounts of the moments leading up to the missile’s impact and the subsequent rescue efforts. Following this, the rabbonim issued an unequivocal kol korei instructing the public that upon hearing a siren, they are mechuyav to enter a secure space such as a shelter or mamad. Only in the absence of one should individuals take refuge in a stairwell.
In their letter, the rabbonim also addressed persistent claims attributed to the Chazon Ish zt”l that Bnei Brak is inherently protected. They clarified that such statements are often quoted inaccurately, and no blanket promise of physical protection was ever given. The public was urged not to act on such rumors, but rather to follow current instructions from Pikud HaOref, which are in line with daas Torah and halacha.
United Hatzalah’s rabbinic leadership affirmed that they remain in close communication with Home Front Command in order to find appropriate solutions for the shomer Shabbos public, including mechanisms for transmitting emergency alerts on Shabbos, under the direction of leading gedolim.
As the security situation remains volatile, the message from rabbinic leadership is loud and clear: Emunah and bitachon must be accompanied by responsible hishtadlus. In times such as these, protecting one’s life is a chov gadol, a sacred duty.
{Matzav.com Israel}
AS EXPECTED: Sanders, Tlaib, AOC, To Sign Bills To Stop Trump On Iran
Israelis Receive Fake Terror Attack Warning to Trick Them Into Staying Out of Bomb Shelters
Over the last 48 hours, numerous Israelis were targeted with deceptive text messages falsely attributed to the IDF Home Front Command. The bogus alerts warned of impending terror attacks inside bomb shelters and advised people to stay away from those shelters until further instructions were issued.
The texts appeared under the sender name “OREFAlert,” mimicking official messaging systems. However, authorities were quick to announce that the messages were fraudulent and had no connection to the IDF.
Security experts suspect the messages are part of a broader psychological manipulation effort, likely driven by Iranian or Iran-affiliated operatives, seeking to incite fear and confusion amid Israel’s ongoing military effort, Operation Rising Lion.
In addition to the shelter warnings, another fake alert was spread claiming that the nation’s fuel distribution would be shut down at midnight for a full day.
The National Cyber Directorate clarified that the fraudulent messages did not include dangerous links or software capable of compromising mobile devices.
Government agencies have urged citizens to ignore such messages and to immediately report any questionable content or activity to the proper authorities.
Cybersecurity company Check Point revealed that since the launch of Operation Rising Lion last Friday, more than 2,000 threatening emails have been directed at Israeli entities, including educational institutions, local governments, and health service providers. Some emails featured menacing statements like, “Prepare for bitter death, dig your graves.”
Officials from both the National Cyber Directorate and the Home Front Command have also alerted the public to phone calls impersonating official government alerts, designed to further mislead the population.
Cybersecurity firm Radware reported a dramatic spike in online hostilities, noting that Israel experienced a 700% increase in cyberattacks within the first 48 hours of the conflict compared to pre-war levels.
“The 700% surge in malicious activity within just two days stems from cyber retaliation operations by Iranian state actors and pro-Iranian hacker groups, including DDoS attacks, infiltration attempts targeting critical infrastructure, data theft, and malware distribution campaigns,” said Ron Meyran, VP of Cyber Threat Intelligence at Radware.
{Matzav.com}
Staff Sergeant Naveh Leshem Killed In Southern Gaza
The IDF announced on Tuesday morning the death of Staff Sergeant Naveh Leshem, a 20-year-old from Nokdim who served in the Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion. He was killed in action in the southern region of the Gaza Strip.
With Leshem’s passing, the number of Israeli soldiers who have fallen in the current conflict has now reached 869.
In the same encounter that claimed Leshem’s life, an IDF officer and three additional soldiers from the 12th Battalion sustained serious injuries. They were transported to a hospital for treatment, and their families were promptly informed.
A preliminary inquiry determined that the troops had been inside a Merkava armored personnel carrier when terrorists in Khan Yunis launched a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) that struck the vehicle directly.
In a related update, the IDF also confirmed on Monday the death of Captain (Res.) Tal Movshovitz, aged 28, from Reut. He served as a Deputy Company Commander in the Golani Brigade’s 7086th Combat Engineering Battalion and was killed during operations in southern Gaza.
According to early findings, Movshovitz was fatally wounded when an improvised explosive device exploded in Khan Yunis. The incident reportedly involved a terrorist cell that ambushed the unit, detonated the IED near the Hummer he was riding in with fellow soldiers, and then engaged them with gunfire.
{Matzav.com Israel}No Protective Shelter: Rav Dov Landau Orders Yeshiva Closure Amid Security Concerns
In light of the escalating security situation and the threat of missile attacks, Rav Dov Landau, rosh yeshiva of Slabodka, has issued a clear directive to immediately close Yeshivas Torah B’Tifarta in Elad due to the absence of proper protected areas (mamadim) on the premises.
Monday afternoon, Rav Yaakov Stefansky, rosh yeshiva of Torah B’Tifarta, held a consultation with Rav Landau regarding whether the yeshiva could continue functioning, despite the real danger posed by the lack of fortified shelter. Rav Stefansky explained that the yeshiva houses hundreds of bochurim and shutting it down would result in significant bitul Torah.
However, Rav Landau responded decisively and without hesitation: “If there are no protective shelters, the yeshiva must be closed. The bochurim will learn at home.”
Following this directive, the yeshiva administration issued a formal announcement to the student body: “By the instruction of the Gadol HaDor, our Rebbi, the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Dov Landau shlit”a, all bochurim are to return home as soon as possible and continue learning diligently in a safe and secure environment.”
Rav Stefansky also addressed the talmidim in the yeshiva’s beis medrash, stating that Rav Landau was unequivocal in his stance, viewing the situation as a matter of pikuach nefesh, requiring immediate compliance. He added that the yeshiva’s administration is actively working on finding a viable solution to allow the safe continuation of learning in the near future.
{Matzav.com Israel}
Rav Yisroel Sokol zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva at Beis Medrash Elyon
It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yisrael Sokol zt”l, one of the roshei yeshiva at Yeshivas Beis Medrash Elyon in Bnei Brak and author of Kuntres HaShiurim. He was 73 years old and was niftar after battling a rare illness.
Rav Sokol was rushed today to Mayanei HaYeshua Medical Center after suffering from an infection. Despite the fervent tefillos of many mispallelim on behalf of Rav Yisrael ben Poria Leah, his condition deteriorated rapidly and, with hearts full of pain, Klal Yisroel now bids farewell to a towering figure in Torah.
The levayah will take place Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m., departing from Yeshivas Beis Medrash Elyon in Bnei Brak and proceeding to the Ponovezh Cemetery for kevurah.
Rav Yisroel was born on the 23rd of Kislev in 1951 to his father, Rav Yosef Sokol and his mother, Mrs. Poria Leah.
As a young bochur, he entered the hallowed halls of Yeshivas Ponovezh, where he quickly distinguished himself through his exceptional diligence and clarity in learning. He earned the affection and respect of the roshei yeshiva, who recognized his greatness early on.
In due time, he married the daughter of the tzaddik Rav Shlomo Hershler, a man renowned for his bekius in all areas of Torah.
Rav Sokol began his harbotzas Torah in Yeshivas Birchas Yitzchok in Or Yehuda, where he served as a R”M, impacting many talmidim through his penetrating shiurim and hadracha. He had a particularly close relationship with Rav Don Segal, who held him in deep esteem.
In recent years, Rav Sokol rose to become one of the roshei yeshiva at Beis Medrash Elyon in Bnei Brak, where he delivered his shiurim with remarkable mesirus nefesh. Despite physical difficulty, he continued teaching with fire and dedication.
His Torah was preserved in his seriesof seforim, Kuntres HaShiurim, covering many sugyos in the yeshivah cycle.
He leaves behind a family of children and grandchildren continuing in his path.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com Israel}
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