Feed aggregator

A 13-year-old child suddenly lost consciousness on Sunday while on the pedestrian bridge located on Route 4, directly across from Bar Ilan University. The incident occurred near a demonstration held by the Peleg Yerushalmi faction.

Emergency responders from Magen David Adom rushed to the location, provided immediate medical attention, and transported the boy in critical condition to Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Petach Tikva.

Upon arrival at the hospital, medical staff did all they could to stabilize him. Despite prolonged efforts, they were ultimately forced to pronounce him dead.

Jonathan Yisraeli, a volunteer with ZAKA, shared: “I arrived at the scene on the Givat Shmuel bridge following a report about a 13-year-old boy who collapsed and was seriously injured in the head. Unfortunately, he was declared dead in hospital care. With the assistance of additional volunteers, we are collecting the evidence left at the scene and helping the family in their difficult time with whatever is needed.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A barrage of ten rockets was fired from the Gaza Strip on Sunday night, triggering warning sirens across Ashkelon, Ashdod, and nearby towns.

The attack was claimed by Hamas, which said the rockets were launched from Deir al-Balah, a central Gaza location where Israeli forces have not yet conducted operations.

According to the IDF, “Following the sirens that sounded at 21:01-21:02 in the Lakhish area, approximately ten projectiles were identified crossing into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Most of them were successfully intercepted. The details are under review.”

In a subsequent update, the military added, “Approximately five projectiles were successfully intercepted by the IAF. Falls were identified in several areas. IDF Home Front Command soldiers are dispatched to the scenes and are operating in cooperation with Israeli security forces.”

Fragments from the intercepted missiles fell in Ashkelon, leading to damage to multiple cars. Emergency teams arrived quickly to secure the locations.

Police released a statement saying: “The police are currently tending to fallen shrapnel at a scene in the Ashkelon area, without injuries at the moment. Police sappers from the Southern District and officers from the Ashkelon police station are searching for additional remnants to remove threats to the public.”

A local government update from the Ashkelon Municipality reported: “One rocket fell in the city limits – damage was caused to property. One individual was apparently lightly wounded.”

Magen David Adom said its medics assisted several people suffering from emotional trauma and transported three individuals with minor injuries to Assuta Hospital.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Academy of the Hebrew Languages has announced that it has changed the Hebrew name of the spotted orange butterfly in honor of murdered Israeli hostage Ariel Bibas, 4.

The name was changed from Kitmit Yerushalayim (Orange Yerushalayim) to Kitmit Ariel (Orange Ariel) in memory of Ariel, who was killed by Palestinian terrorists along with his mother and nine-month old brother shortly after the family was abducted from their homes in southern Israel during the Hamas-led massacre on Oct. 7, 2023.

The Hebrew word Ariel is one of the 70 names of Yerushalayim.

“May this be some consolation in your grief, and may his memory be a remembrance for all those who perished and fell in this great disaster,” the academy wrote to the child’s father, Yarden, who was released from captivity in February.

The decision to rename the Melitaea ornata (eastern knapweed fritillary) butterfly was taken unanimously by the Academy after securing the permission of Yarden Bibas.

The Bibas family became a symbol of the Oct. 7 massacre, while the color orange became associated with the effort to free them, inspired by the vivid reddish orange hair of Ariel and his younger brother, Kfir. The two siblings were brutally murdered by their Palestinian captors with “bare hands,” according to the Israeli military. JNS

{Matzav.com}

Fox News host Sean Hannity praised President Donald Trump’s recent musings about a potential third term in office, calling the remarks a savvy psychological tactic that keeps Trump “living rent-free” in his critics’ minds. Appearing on a podcast, Hannity downplayed any serious intent behind Trump’s remarks, describing the idea of a third term as “ultimately a constitutional issue,” but applauded the former president’s ability to provoke strong reactions. “I love it because they bubble and fizz like Alka-Seltzer,” Hannity said, referring to media and political opponents who react to Trump’s controversial comments. “He’s taking up space in people’s minds, which I find funny.” The comments come after Trump recently joked during a speech at the White House about the possibility of facing off against former President Barack Obama in a race that would see both seeking constitutionally prohibited third terms. While seemingly made in jest, Trump’s remarks sparked fresh speculation about his long-term political ambitions. A new YouGov poll found that nearly 60% of respondents believe Trump will either “definitely” or “probably” try to run for a third term—despite the constitutional prohibition. When asked directly whether such a third-term bid is possible, Hannity acknowledged the constitutional limit of two terms but left the door open rhetorically. “Well, not according to the actual wording of it—two terms,” Hannity said. “But would that be a possibility maybe in some other respect? Yeah. But I’m telling you, he takes up space on people’s heads. He’s great at it.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

WATCH: Footage captures the moment of the rocket impact in Ashkelon.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tells “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that the new tariffs announced by President Trump are not going anywhere as they will help “reset the power of the United States of America,” calling it a “national security issue.”

WATCH:

Authorities from Ashkolon reported that a rocket made direct impact with a road causing damage to surrounding vehicles. Initial reports suggest that 1 person had been slightly injured.

On Tuesday, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a major case stemming from the murder of Ari Fuld HY”D, a beloved American-Israeli activist and father of four who was killed in a 2018 terrorist stabbing in Israel. The case, Miriam Fuld v. Palestine Liberation Organization, centers on whether current U.S. law grants courts jurisdiction to hear civil claims against foreign entities like the PLO when American citizens are victims of terrorism abroad. The hearing did not debate new legislation, but rather sought to determine whether existing congressional statutes allow for such legal action in U.S. courts. Representing the Fuld family was Rockland County (Monsey) attorney Sam Silverman, a prominent advocate for victims of terrorism. The family, seated in the courtroom, listened intently as the justices posed challenging legal questions. A ruling is expected later this spring or summer. YWN had a reporter on-site to cover the day’s proceedings. After the hearing, the Fulds visited the Capitol Hill office of Congressman Mike Lawler, who has been a staunch supporter of terror victims. The family thanked Lawler for his commitment and compassion, and the Congressman reaffirmed his resolve to stand against antisemitism and terrorism. In a deeply personal moment, he pledged to continue advocating for justice for victims like Ari Fuld and to ensure that those who support terror are held accountable. Lawler’s efforts go beyond words. Weeks before the Supreme Court hearing, on February 27, 2025, Congressman Lawler joined Representatives Claudia Tenney, Jared Moskowitz, and Josh Gottheimer to reintroduce the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at imposing sanctions on Palestinian officials and institutions involved in the “pay-for-slay” terror payment system. The bill targets those who financially reward terrorists and their families, including foreign individuals, institutions, and government bodies facilitating these transactions. “Pay-to-slay terrorism is a disgraceful and inhumane practice,” said Lawler. “The PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act will ensure those who enable these horrific acts are held fully accountable. We are delivering a clear and unwavering message: terrorism will not be tolerated or rewarded.” This legislation comes amid ongoing outrage over the Palestinian Authority’s continued financial support for terrorists. As YWN reported in September of 2023, the PA doubled the monthly stipend to Khalil Yousef Ali Jabarin, the terrorist who murdered Ari Fuld, even as he serves a life sentence for the attack. Even more disturbing, in January 2025, YWN reported that Jabarin was slated for release as part of the hostage exchange deal. Although it remains unclear whether that release has taken place, the very prospect has intensified calls for greater accountability and legislative action — including the very sanctions bill Lawler now champions. Ari Fuld was murdered on September 16, 2018, at the Gush Etzion Junction. Despite being stabbed by a 17-year-old Palestinian terrorist from Yatta, Fuld heroically pursued and shot his attacker, preventing further harm. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Fuld, who was also an American citizen, was widely recognized as a fierce defender of Israel and a passionate educator. He was known for creating viral videos explaining Israeli policy and Torah ideas, delivering care packages to IDF soldiers, and traveling to border communities under fire. His story was widely reported by YWN at the time full coverage here. As the Supreme Court deliberates […]

EU nations intend to collectively oppose Trump’s tariffs, with plans to likely authorize preliminary retaliatory measures targeting up to $28 billion worth of American products.

Satellite images showing hundreds of Egyptian tanks on the Philadelphia axis on the Egyptian side of the Gaza border.

Q: “Do you believe there is a method…by which [Trump] could seek a third term?” AG BONDI: “I wish we could have him for 20 years as our President, but I think he’s gonna be finished probably after this term.”

Multiple people were slashed with a butcher knife in Brooklyn, New York on Sunday morning, including several children, before the attacker was shot by police.

AG Bondi: The real constitutional crisis is the 50 injunctions filed against President Trump by individual, low-level leftist judges who are trying to dictate President Trump’s executive powers.

Following a rocket barrage from Gaza, impacts are reported in Ashkelon, with damage caused to a road. There are no immediate reports of injuries.

A barrage of ten rockets was fired by Hamas from the Gaza Strip at the Ashdod area in southern Israel a short while ago, the military says. According to the IDF, most of the rockets were intercepted by air defenses.

Market expert and CNBC host Jim Cramer issued a dire warning that the U.S. could face a financial catastrophe akin to the infamous “Black Monday” crash of 1987 if President Trump moves forward with his proposed tariff strategy without reconsideration.

Cramer, referencing the devastating single-day plunge of 22.6% in the Dow Jones Industrial Average that occurred in 1987, cautioned that a similar collapse could happen again. His comments came after Wall Street experienced a steep two-day decline triggered by Trump’s announcement of broad tariffs impacting nearly 90 countries.

“If the president doesn’t try to reach out and reward these countries and companies that play by the rules, then the 1987 scenario… the one where we went down three days and then down 22% on Monday, has the most cogency,” Cramer said during his show on Saturday.

“We will not have to wait too long to know. We will know it by Monday,” he added.

The president rattled financial markets worldwide on Wednesday when he declared an across-the-board 10% tariff on all goods entering the United States. An additional wave of increased tariffs is scheduled to take effect on April 9, hitting key trade partners such as China, the European Union, Japan, and Vietnam.

In response to the announcement, China declared that it would impose retaliatory tariffs of its own.

In the wake of what Trump dubbed “Liberation Day,” the Dow Jones suffered a staggering 3,910-point loss over two days — the largest two-day fall since the COVID-19 market crash.

The S&P 500 was also hit hard, dropping nearly 6%, while the Nasdaq Composite saw similar declines as investor confidence took a severe blow.

Altogether, U.S. stock markets lost approximately $6.6 trillion in value during the selloff.

Although Cramer had initially expressed support for Trump’s tough trade measures, he signaled that he might be forced to change his stance if financial conditions deteriorate further.

“If President Trump stays intransigent and does nothing to ameliorate the damage that I saw these last few days, I’m not going to be constructive here,” Cramer said.

“And if Europe moves against our fabulous tech companies next week, then I will be furious.”

Torsten Slok, chief economist at Apollo, also weighed in with a stark prediction, cautioning that the U.S. economy may tip into a recession if the tariff standoff continues.

“If these levels of tariffs stay in place for several months and other countries retaliate, it will cause a recession in the US and the rest of the world,” the expert said on Friday.

Despite the increasingly bleak projections from economists and market observers, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insisted the administration has no intention of backing down and attempted to allay concerns about a potential downturn.

“There doesn’t have to be a recession. Who knows how the market is going to react in a day, in a week. We’re building the long term,” Bessent, a former hedge fund manager, said in an appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press.

In a powerful and impassioned Shabbos Hagadol drasha delivered this past Thursday night, Hagaon Rav Moshe Sternbuch issued a strong call to action regarding the growing public chillul Shabbos in Eretz Yisroel, particularly in connection with shopping centers operating on Shabbos in various cities.

Speaking at the central beis medrash of the Dushinsky chassidus on Rechov Shmuel Hanavi in Yerushalayim, Rav Sternbuch addressed thousands of attendees, including admorim, rabbanim, and members of the wider Torah community.

After a detailed halachic discussion, the senior posek turned to the painful reality of widespread Shabbos desecration.

“The chillul Shabbos has reached terrible proportions,” he stated. “A major shopping center recently opened on Shabbos in one of the cities, and we must be extremely careful not to lend them our support. We should make our purchases only from businesses that honor Shabbos, and not from those who publicly violate it. This is how we fight for the sanctity of Shabbos.”

Rav Sternbuch explained that the chareidi community wields significant economic power, and unity in where and how we spend our money is a key tool in influencing society.

“Those who distance themselves from our community and choose to buy from those who are mechallel Shabbos are weakening our ability to wage this battle. Unfortunately, we have limited influence to compel others to keep Shabbos. Our main power lies in our unified buying strength. When people break off from this unity and shop in such places, they rob us of the only real leverage we have.”

Rav Sternbuch then turned his attention to the mounting pressure on yeshiva students from government authorities pushing for military conscription.

“We are in a terrible situation,” he warned. “The heads of the government are seeking to uproot the Torah and destroy Yiddishkeit, chas v’shalom. They are demanding that chareidim enlist in the army in the name of so-called ‘equality,’ but we tell them clearly: We will never go to the army—not even for a single day.”

He emphasized that no incentives or offers could tempt the Torah community. “All the sweets and promises they offer won’t help them. We are already enlisted in Hashem’s army. Their real intention is to uproot emunah, just as the rosh hakofrim, Ben Gurion, sheim resha’im yirkav, said—that their army is not like any other army. It is a melting pot, meant to educate young people to reject belief in Hashem and convince them they don’t need Heavenly assistance.”

Rav Sternbuch concluded with a heartfelt plea to the tzibbur: “We must strengthen our commitment to Shabbos. Establish shiurim in hilchos Shabbos. There is great benefit in this. Rav Yonasan Eibeshitz zt”l already wrote in Ya’aros Devash that ‘it is impossible for a person to avoid violating Shabbos unless he learns all the laws thoroughly.’ Great reward awaits anyone who takes this seriously and establishes regular Torah learning in hilchos Shabbos.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israeli police and Shin Bet agents have arrested a Palestinian man from the Shuafat refugee camp who was allegedly plotting a series of terror attacks in Jerusalem — including a bombing of the city’s light rail system. The arrest, which occurred last month, was revealed Sunday in a joint statement by law enforcement and the internal security agency. Authorities say the suspect meticulously planned a string of attacks to be carried out during the month of Ramadan. According to investigators, the man — whose identity has not yet been released — was building his own pipe bombs and had amassed a collection of knives, all intended for coordinated assaults on civilian targets. His initial plan, authorities say, was to plant homemade explosives in crowded public areas, including a train car on Jerusalem’s light rail, a public bus, or a restaurant in the southern part of the capital. At a later stage, he allegedly shifted focus to a far more devastating attack — a combined vehicular ramming and stabbing spree at a busy Jerusalem bus stop. As part of this plan, he acquired both a car and multiple knives. The Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office is now preparing to file an indictment, though a date has yet to be announced. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Iran has issued a strong rebuke to the United States over demands for direct negotiations concerning its nuclear ambitions, warning that any countries in the region hosting American military assets could find themselves caught in the crossfire, according to a high-ranking Iranian source.

While Tehran has made clear it has no interest in entering direct talks with President Donald Trump’s administration, it remains open to indirect discussions facilitated by Oman, a country historically used to pass messages between the two adversaries, the source told Reuters under condition of anonymity.

“Indirect talks offer a chance to evaluate Washington’s seriousness about a political solution with Iran,” said the official.

Though this method is expected to come with its own complications, the source noted that talks could potentially begin soon, provided Washington signals willingness to pursue this route.

Iran has delivered stern warnings to Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, and Bahrain, cautioning that any cooperation with a potential U.S. military assault—including allowing American forces to utilize their territory or airspace—would be interpreted as direct aggression.

Such cooperation, the official emphasized, “will have severe consequences for them,” and noted that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already placed the Iranian military on high alert in preparation.

The rhetoric from Washington hinting at possible military strikes has only added to the volatility in the region, already strained by conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, ongoing operations in Yemen, upheaval in Syria, and repeated clashes between Israeli and Iranian forces.

The specter of a wider regional conflict looms large, particularly for the Gulf states that share the waters with Iran and serve as key nodes for global oil transportation, many of which are aligned with the United States.

Officials from Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain did not immediately issue any statements when asked for comment. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry reported it hadn’t received such a warning but suggested these types of messages might be conveyed via alternative diplomatic channels.

Iranian state media reported Wednesday that Kuwait had provided assurances to Tehran, stating it would not permit any attacks to be launched from its territory against other nations.

Meanwhile, Russia, an ally of Iran, voiced its disapproval on Thursday of Washington’s threats and called for a de-escalation of tensions on Friday.

Despite their alliance, Iran is uncertain about Russia’s true level of support, according to a second Iranian official. “This depends on the dynamics” between President Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the official said.

Trump has maintained that his preference is a diplomatic resolution rather than military conflict and revealed on March 7 that he had sent a letter to Ayatollah Khamenei proposing talks.

According to the senior Iranian official, an initial phase of indirect negotiations could take place with Omani intermediaries acting as go-betweens for Iranian and American representatives. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi or his deputy Majid Takht-e Ravanchi would be authorized by Khamenei to participate in such discussions in Muscat.

The Omani government did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.

The official warned, however, that there may only be a limited opportunity—around two months—to reach an agreement. Any longer, they cautioned, and Israel could intervene with its own military action, or international sanctions could rapidly be reinstated to prevent Iran from moving closer to developing a nuclear weapon.

Iran insists that it does not seek to build a nuclear arsenal, but the U.N. nuclear agency has expressed concern over Tehran’s significant acceleration of uranium enrichment, with levels approaching 60% purity—just shy of weapons-grade status.

Western powers argue that such high levels of enrichment have no place in civilian energy programs and that historically, no country has reached such levels without ultimately pursuing nuclear weapons.

Tehran has stated that it is open to negotiations with the U.S. as long as they focus on nuclear issues alone. However, it has rejected direct engagement as long as threats persist and has firmly excluded its missile program from any discussion.

Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps signaled on Monday that U.S. bases in the region could be targets in any future conflict.

That warning echoed Iran’s actions in 2020, when it struck American military installations in Iraq in retaliation for the U.S. drone killing of General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force, in Baghdad.

{Matzav.com}

Top administration officials said Sunday that more than 50 countries targeted by President Donald Trump’s new tariffs have reached out to begin negotiations over the sweeping import taxes that have sent financial markets reeling, raised fears of a recession and upended the global trading system. The higher rates are set to be collected beginning Wednesday, ushering in a new era of economic uncertainty with no clear end in sight. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said unfair trade practices are not “the kind of thing you can negotiate away in days or weeks.” The United States, he said, must see “what the countries offer and whether it’s believable.” Trump, who spent the weekend in Florida playing golf, posted online that “WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy.” His Cabinet members and economic advisers were out in force Sunday defending the tariffs and downplaying the consequences for the global economy. “There doesn’t have to be a recession. Who knows how the market is going to react in a day, in a week?” Bessent said. “What we are looking at is building the long-term economic fundamentals for prosperity.” Trump’s tariff blitz, announced April 2, fulfilled a key campaign promise as he acted without Congress to redraw the rules of global trade. It was a move decades in the making for Trump, who has long denounced foreign trade deals as unfair to the U.S. He is gambling that voters will be willing to endure higher prices for everyday items to enact his economic vision. Countries are scrambling to figure out how to respond to the tariffs, with China and others retaliating quickly. Top White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett acknowledged that other countries are “angry and retaliating,” and, he said, “by the way, coming to the table.” He cited the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as reporting that more than 50 nations had reached out to the White House to begin talks. Adding to the turmoil, the new tariffs are hitting American allies and adversaries alike, including Israel, which is facing a 17% tariff. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit the White House Monday, with his office saying the tariffs would be a point of discussion with Trump along with the war in Gaza and other issues. Another American ally, Vietnam, a major manufacturing center for clothing, has also been in touch with the administration about the tariffs. Trump said Vietnam’s leader said in a telephone call that his country “wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make an agreement with the U.S.” And a key European partner, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, said she disagreed with Trump’s move but was “ready to deploy all the tools — negotiating and economic — necessary to support our businesses and our sectors that may be penalized.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made clear there was no postponing tariffs that are days away. “The tariffs are coming. Of course they,” he said, adding that Trump needed to reset global trade. But he committed only to having them “definitely” remain “for days and weeks.” In Congress, where Trump’s Republican Party has long championed free trade, the tariff regiment has been met with applause but also significant unease. Several Republican senators have already signed onto a new bipartisan bill that […]