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Congress Urgently Reviews Security After Deadly Shooting of State Lawmaker

Yeshiva World News -

Members of Congress will attend emergency briefings this week after the killing of a Minnesota state lawmaker brought renewed fears — and stoked existing partisan tensions — over the security of federal lawmakers when in Washington and at home. The suspect in the attack had dozens of federal lawmakers listed in his writings, besides the state lawmakers and others he’s accused of targeting. The man is accused of shooting and killing former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs and wounding another lawmaker and his wife at their home. The shootings come after credible threats to members of Congress have more than doubled in the last decade, the troubling tally of an era that has been marked by a string of violent attacks against lawmakers and their families. In 2011, Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot and wounded at an event in her Arizona district. In 2017, Republican Rep. Steve Scalise was shot and wounded as he practiced for a congressional baseball game with other GOP lawmakers near Washington. In 2022, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, was attacked by a man who broke into their San Francisco home. And in 2024, two men separately tried to assassinate Donald Trump during his Republican presidential campaign. All four survived, some with serious injuries. But those attacks, among others and many close calls for members of both major political parties, have rattled lawmakers and raised recurring questions about whether they have enough security — and whether they can ever be truly safe in their jobs. “I don’t have a solution to this problem right now,” said Minnesota Democratic Sen. Tina Smith, a friend of Hortman’s who received increased security after the attack. “I just see so clearly that this current state of play is not sustainable.” Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy said lawmakers are “clearly at the point where we have to adjust the options available to us.” The U.S. Capitol Police’s threat assessment section investigated 9,474 “concerning statements and direct threats” against members of Congress last year, the highest number since 2021, the year that the Capitol was attacked by Trump’s supporters after he tried to overturn his 2020 presidential election defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. In 2017, there were 3,939 investigated threats, the Capitol Police said. While members of Congress may be high profile, they do have some resources available that might not be available to state and local lawmakers, said Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, who was a member of the South Dakota state Senate for 10 years before he was the state’s governor. In the state legislature, “it just wasn’t feasible all the time” to have increased security, said Rounds, a Republican. As threats have increased, members of Congress have had access to new funding to add security at their personal homes. But it is unclear how many have used it and whether there is enough money to keep lawmakers truly safe. “Resources should not be the reason that a U.S. senator or congressman gets killed,” Murphy said. Instead of bringing lawmakers together, the Minnesota shootings have created new internal tensions. Smith on Monday confronted one of her fellow senators, Utah Republican Mike Lee, for a series of posts on X over the weekend. […]

With Shofars and Trumpets: Special Atzeres Tefillah Held at the Kosel

Matzav -

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

Matzav -

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}

“VERY GOOD THING”: French President Emmanuel Macron Claims Trump Made Offer For Israel-Iran Ceasefire

Matzav -

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

Yeshiva World News -

A delegation of Gedolei Yisroel — including Harav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, Harav Malkiel Kotler shlit”a, Harav Yisroel Neuman shlit”a, and Harav Yosef Harari-Raful shlit”a— visited Chicago on Monday to galvanize support for the olam hatorah in Eretz Yisroel. The day began with a private luncheon hosted by R’ Chaim Rajchenbach, where divrei chizuk were delivered by Harav Malkiel Kotler and R’ Reuven Wolf. The delegation then visited the offices of R’ Abe Gutnicki, where Harav Dovid Cohen addressed a group of local supporters on the critical need to uphold the yeshivos and kollelim affected by the funding crisis in Eretz Yisroel. From there, the mission continued to the offices of R’ Yossi Meystel, where Harav Yisroel Neuman and Harav Nosson Muller addressed participants in the meeting. Speaking later in the day at a community-wide asifa in Kehillas Chodorov, Harav Nochum Binder shlit”a, the rav of K’hal Hampshire Heights in Lakewood, related a powerful message from Rav Shneur Kotler zt”l, who remarked decades ago that Chicago is “rosh v’rishon” in supporting Torah. Rav Shneur recalled how, between the two World Wars, the Chicago kehilla was the first in America to support Torah learning — setting a precedent of mesirus nefesh that has inspired generations. Now, said Rav Binder, the eyes of all Klal Yisroel are once again turned to Chicago to take the lead — this time, to uphold Torah in Eretz Yisroel during its time of dire need. He further noted the awe-inspiring sight of Harav Yosef Harari-Raful shlit”a, who despite his advanced age and frailty, made the trip with great mesirus nefesh, alongside Harav Yisroel Neuman shlit”a, known for never leaving the walls of the bais medrash. Their dedication to the cause of Keren Olam Hatorah, he said, is “mechayev all of us” — obligating every member of Klal Yisroel to rise to the occasion and stand with lomdei torah in Eretz Yisroel.

REPORT: Trump Proposes Witkoff meet With Iranian Foreign Minister

Yeshiva World News -

The White House is actively considering a critical meeting this week between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss a diplomatic initiative aimed at securing a nuclear deal and ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, according to a report by Axios citing four sources briefed on the matter. “A meeting with the Iranians this week is under consideration,” a U.S. official confirmed to Axios. While the meeting has not yet been finalized, it represents a last-ditch effort by President Donald Trump to pivot from the brink of war toward a diplomatic resolution. The outcome of these potential talks could determine whether the U.S. will join Israel in military action to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, particularly its heavily fortified underground enrichment facility at Fordow. A senior U.S. official told Axios that Trump views the U.S.’s possession of massive bunker-busting bombs—capable of targeting Fordow, which Israel lacks—as a key point of leverage in negotiations with Iran. “Trump thinks in terms of deals and leverage. And this is leverage,” the official said, describing the decision on deploying bunker busters as an “inflection point.” The official added, “They do want to talk, but what we don’t know is, ‘have they been brought to their knees fully so that they realize that in order to have a country, they have to talk?’ And assuming they get there, is there any degree of enrichment you would allow them to have?” The stakes are high as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to press Trump to join Israel’s military campaign against Iran and target Fordow directly. However, Trump has so far resisted direct U.S. involvement in Israel’s attacks, emphasizing his belief that a deal is still possible, especially given Iran’s weakened negotiating position. “Trump has continued to insist he believes he can make a deal,” Axios reported. The urgency of the situation was underscored by Trump’s abrupt departure from the G7 summit in Canada on Monday to return to Washington and focus on the escalating conflict. Earlier that evening, Trump sent shockwaves through the region with a Truth Social post urging Iranian civilians to evacuate Tehran immediately, a move that heightened fears of imminent military action.  

HY’D: Staff Sgt. Naveh Leshem, 20, Killed in Gaza

Yeshiva World News -

HY’D: Staff Sergeant Naveh Leshem, z”l, 20, from Nokdim, a fighter in Battalion 12 of the Golani Brigade, was killed in combat in southern Gaza. In the same incident, an officer and three fighters from Battalion 12 of the Golani Brigade were seriously injured. The wounded were evacuated to hospitals for medical treatment, and their families have been informed.

HY’D: IDF Soldier Killed, Officer and Three Fighters Seriously Injured in Gaza

Yeshiva World News -

Staff Sergeant Naveh Leshem, z”l, 20, from Nokdim, a fighter in Battalion 12 of the Golani Brigade, was killed in combat in southern Gaza. In the same incident, an officer and three fighters from Battalion 12 of the Golani Brigade were seriously injured. The wounded were evacuated to hospitals for medical treatment, and their families have been informed. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Senate GOP Unveils Sweeping Tax Bill With Deeper Medicaid Cuts and Work Mandates

Yeshiva World News -

Senate Republicans on Monday proposed deeper Medicaid cuts, including new work requirements for parents of teens, as a way to offset the costs of making President Donald Trump’s tax breaks more permanent as they unveiled draft legislation for his “big, beautiful bill.” The proposals from Republicans keep in place the current $10,000 deduction of state and local taxes, called SALT, drawing quick blowback from GOP lawmakers from New York and other high-tax states, who fought for a $40,000 cap in the House-passed bill. Senators insisted negotiations will continue. The Senate draft also enhances Trump’s proposed new tax break for seniors, with a bigger $6,000 deduction for low- to moderate-income senior households earning no more than $75,000 a year for singles, $150,000 for couples. All told, the text unveiled by the Senate Finance Committee Republicans provides the most comprehensive look yet at changes the GOP senators want to make to the 1,000-page package approved by House Republicans last month. GOP leaders are pushing to fast-track the bill for a vote by Trump’s Fourth of July deadline. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, the chairman, said the proposal would prevent a tax hike and achieve “significant savings” by slashing green energy funds “and targeting waste, fraud and abuse.” It comes as Americans broadly support levels of funding for popular safety net programs, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Many Americans see Medicaid and food assistance programs as underfunded. What’s in the big bill, so far Trump’s big bill is the centerpiece of his domestic policy agenda, a hodgepodge of GOP priorities all rolled into what he calls the “beautiful bill” that Republicans are trying to swiftly pass over unified opposition from Democrats — a tall order for the slow-moving Senate. Fundamental to the package is the extension of some $4.5 trillion in tax breaks approved during his first term, in 2017, that are expiring this year if Congress fails to act. There are also new ones, including no taxes on tips and a $500 increase to the child tax credit, as well as more than $1 trillion in program cuts. After the House passed its version, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would add $2.4 trillion to the nation’s deficits over the decade, and leave 10.9 fewer people without health insurance, due largely to the new work requirements and other changes being proposed. The biggest tax breaks, some $12,000 a year, would go to the wealthiest households, CBO said, while the poor would see a tax hike of roughly $1,600. Middle-income households would see tax breaks of $500 to $1,000 a year, CBO said. Both the House and Senate packages are eyeing a massive $350 billion buildup of Homeland Security and Pentagon funds, including some $175 billion for Trump’s mass deportation efforts, such as the hiring of 10,000 more officers for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. This comes as protests over deporting migrants have erupted nationwide — including the stunning handcuffing of Sen. Alex Padilla last week in Los Angeles — and as deficit hawks such as Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul are questioning the vast spending on Homeland Security. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warned that the Senate GOP’s draft “cuts to Medicaid are deeper and more devastating than even the Republican House’s disaster of a bill.” Tradeoffs in bill risk GOP support As the package now moves to the Senate, […]

MACRON: Trump Offered Ceasefire Deal To Iran, Israel

Yeshiva World News -

French President Emmanuel Macron said that President Donald Trump had made an offer for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions,” Macron told reporters at the G7 in Canada, Reuters reported. “We have to see now whether the sides will follow.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Rabbonim to Bnei Brak Residents: Don’t Rely on Segulos — Follow Home Front Command Guidelines

Matzav -

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

Yeshiva World News -

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., announced he will introduce a bipartisan resolution to prohibit the U.S. government’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, a proposal Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Jew-hater Rashida Tlaib, D-MI, said they were signing onto. “This is not our war,” Massie wrote on X. “But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.” “I’m introducing a bipartisan War Powers Resolution tomorrow to prohibit our involvement,” he continued. “I invite all members of Congress to cosponsor this resolution.” Ocasio-Cortez replied: “Signing on.” “I look forward to supporting this War Powers Resolution,” Tlaib responded to Massie. “The American people aren’t falling for it again. We were lied to about ‘weapons of mass destruction’ in Iraq that killed millions + forever changed lives.” Tlaib added that it is unconstitutional for President Donald Trump to go to war without a vote in Congress. Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday introduced a bill that would prohibit the use of federal funds or any use of military force in or against Iran without specific Congressional authorization. The No War Against Iran Act also has multiple Democratic co-sponsors in an effort to prevent President Donald Trump from getting the United States involved in a military conflict. The bill contains an exception for self-defense as enshrined in the War Powers Act. “Netanyahu’s reckless and illegal attacks violate international law and risk igniting a regional war. Congress must make it clear that the United States will not be dragged into Netanyahu’s war of choice,” Sanders said of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Our Founding Fathers entrusted the power of war and peace exclusively to the people’s elected representatives in Congress, and it is imperative that we make clear that the President has no authority to embark on another costly war without explicit authorization by Congress.” “The Constitution is clear: Congress decides when our country goes to war, not the President or the Netanyahu government,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. “The Trump administration must prioritize de-escalation to prevent this spiraling into a war that jeopardizes U.S. troops and destabilizes the Middle East.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israelis Receive Fake Terror Attack Warning to Trick Them Into Staying Out of Bomb Shelters

Matzav -

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

Matzav -

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

Matzav -

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

Matzav -

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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