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Lakewood, NJ – A deeply troubling incident last Thursday has sent shockwaves through the Lakewood community, Matzav.com has learned, as a beloved ben Torah and father of eight, R’ Binyomin Kubani, was arrested and jailed following what appears to be a gross misjudgment by local authorities.

R’ Binyomin and his wife, Adina, are residents of the Lexington Avenue neighborhood of Lakewood.

Matzav.com has learned that R’ Binyomin, a kollel yungerman learning at Bais Medrash Govoha, had simply pulled into a Route 88 car wash with his 3-year-old child in the van. Days earlier, over Shabbos, meat had leaked in his car, leaving a stubborn odor. Thinking nothing of it, he did what he had done before: he sought help from one of the workers there to clean the carpets, as he had before.

R’ Binyomin approached a 15-year-old Hispanic teen at the location and asked if he would be willing to come clean the carpets at his home at a convenient time, offering the type of informal work arrangement common in such settings. The boy, instead of responding verbally, backed away, snapped a photo of R’ Binyomin’s face, and waved down a passing Lakewood police cruiser.

In an astonishing and deeply unsettling turn of events, police brought the teen to headquarters to take a statement, and soon thereafter, without giving R’ Binyomin a chance to speak, present context, or offer any kind of defense, officers showed up to arrest him. He was booked and transported to the Ocean County jail in Toms River, where he remains in custody, awaiting a court appearance.

What’s more disturbing is what the police report claims: that the boy “ran away” after the alleged “solicitation” attempt. But footage from the scene tells a different story entirely. Surveillance video reportedly shows that the van R’ Binyomin was driving pulled away from the scene before the teen did, belying the suggestion that the boy fled in fear. There is no frantic sprint, no clear sign of distress, and certainly no evidence of a pursuit. Just a kollel man looking to clean his car.

Despite R’ Binyomin having an attorney present at the time, Lakewood police refused to allow him to make a statement or provide any proof. Instead, they proceeded to arrest and jail him, all based on a single unsubstantiated allegation by a teenager, reportedly an immigrant minor, without background, family context, or clarity on communication.

For a married man, a father of eight, known in his community, this incident is an egregious miscarriage of justice.

Lakewood residents, stunned and angered by the unfolding of events, gathered in protest Mon otzoei Shabbos outside the Lakewood Police Department on Third Street.

In a striking show of support, two of BMG’s roshei yeshiva, Rav Malkiel Kotler and Rav Yeruchom Olshin, joined the protest.

“An arrest without a shred of verified evidence, without even hearing his side — this is not the way justice is supposed to work,” one community member at the station remarked. “Since when is a man presumed guilty with no due process?”

The community is now rallying around the Kubani family, offering support, legal counsel, and public pressure to ensure that the truth is heard and justice is restored.

Meanwhile, R’ Binyomin remains behind bars.

Lakewood Police have yet to issue a public statement regarding their handling of the incident.

As one observer noted at the protest: “This can’t just end with R’ Binyomin’s name cleared. Someone needs to answer for how this happened.”

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Zohran Mamdani, New York State Assemblymember and Democratic front-runner in the 2025 NYC mayoral race, is drawing criticism after posting a video featuring Indian performers “celebrating Hanukkah.”

Critics accuse the Muslim socialist of mocking Jewish traditions rather than celebrating them.

The video shows Mamdani alongside an Indian comedy trio, dressed in “Hanukkah garb,” play-acting a dreidel spin and festive dance.

One social media post noted: “Zohran Mamdani celebrated Hanukkah by releasing a video of himself and an Indian comedy trio dressing up as Jews and spinning a dreidel.”

StopAntisemitism, a watchdog group, condemned the clip as disrespectful, saying the visual felt like cultural mockery turned comedy.

On X, one user wrote: “It seems like this guy loves Jews, when they know their place — dancing, prancing, or mumbling words that no one understands.”

From Mamdani’s camp, no official statement has been issued yet.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Monmouth Medical Center South in Lakewood, NJ experienced a major power outage early Shabbos morning, leaving the hospital operating on limited backup power for several hours.

The outage occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m., knocking out electricity throughout the facility.

Of the hospital’s three generators, only one was functioning, creating a potentially dangerous situation for patients.

As the crisis unfolded, local askanim and members of Hatzolah of Central Jersey and Chaveirim immediately sprang into action. Working tirelessly and in coordination with hospital staff, they helped stabilize the situation and ensure that patient care continued without interruption.

Thanks to their swift and selfless efforts, the most critical systems were kept running, and patients remained safe throughout the ordeal.

Power was eventually restored after several hours, but the response from the community’s frum emergency volunteers once again revealed the dedication of Lakewood’s local baalei chesed.

{Matzav.com}

In an unprecedented moment for America’s largest city, New York City recorded zero shootings and zero murders on July 4th, 2025 — the first time such a violence-free Independence Day has occurred in the city’s recorded history.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the milestone Friday morning, calling it “a historic and hopeful moment for all New Yorkers.” The NYPD verified that not a single shooting or homicide occurred across the five boroughs throughout the holiday, long known for spikes in gun violence in major cities.

“This is not just a data point — it’s a reflection of what’s possible when strategic enforcement, strong community partnerships, and smart deployment come together,” said Tisch.

The news marks a significant milestone in what has already been a banner year for public safety in New York City. According to NYPD data, the first half of 2025 saw the fewest number of shooting victims and incidents on record — a 24% drop in shooting victims and a 23% decline in incidents compared to the same period in 2024.

Officials attributed the remarkable progress to a combination of initiatives, including targeted summer deployments in high-risk areas, expanded community collaboration efforts, and a revamped approach to data-driven policing.

{Matzav.com}

A group of rabbonim in Lakewood, NJ have issued a strongly worded kol koreh directed at members of the local community, emphasizing the need to uphold strict communal and halachic standards when renting and maintaining homes in local neighborhoods.

The rabbonim decry the recent trend of renting properties to tenants whose background, behavior, or appearance are not aligned with the values and sensitivities of the Torah world. “We have been approached by concerned members of the community regarding property owners who are leasing to individuals who appear outwardly incompatible with the spirit of a bais Yisrael,” the letter states. “This conduct brings about tremendous chillul Hashem and threatens the sanctity of our neighborhoods.”

The letter includes a list of clear guidelines that all property owners must follow:

• Multiple families may not reside in a single unit.

• Tenants must maintain cleanliness and order.

• Homeowners must keep their homes in line with neighborhood standards.

• All construction and renovations must comply with local zoning and halachic regulations.

• It is forbidden to rent to individuals with known criminal records or anyone whose background renders them unsuitable for a Torah community. Proper vetting must be done before signing or renewing any lease.

• Homeowners must regularly inspect their properties and handle needed repairs or tenant issues directly. If a problem cannot be resolved, the tenant must be removed.

• Responsibility may not be delegated; the homeowner is fully accountable and cannot pass off oversight to a third party.

The letter is signed by rabbonim including Rav Henach Shachar, Rav Uri Deutsch, Rav Chaim Meir Roth, Rav Avrohom Spitzer, Rav Yaakov Ephraim Forchheimer, and Rav Yosef Chananya Jacobowitz.

{Matzav.com}

A moving moment took place on Friday night at the tish of the Toldos Aharon Rebbe in Yerushalayim’s Meah Shearim neighborhood, Matzav.com has learned, when the Rebbe sent a piece of challah – some shirayim – to Agam Berger, a survivor of Hamas captivity, who was present in the ezras noshim.

Agam Berger was in Yerushalayim for a special Shabbos organized by the Kesher Yehudi organization – an incredible initiative led by various activists, including R’ Shmuel Yosef (Ralph) Rieder – which hosted hundreds of alumni from pre-army academies for a weekend of connection and inspiration.

During the tish, held at the main Toldos Aharon beis medrash, Berger’s father, Shlomi Berger, was called up by the Rebbe, who warmly praised the tremendous kiddush Hashem brought about by his daughter. The Rebbe then handed him a portion of challah to give to Agam, who was observing the tish from the women’s gallery.

Later over Shabbos, Agam Berger shared with the assembled participants of the Kesher Yehudi Shabbaton powerful reflections on her time in captivity. She recounted how she clung to her faith and mitzvah observance even in the darkest moments, drawing strength from her emunah and the Jewish identity that sustained her throughout the ordeal.

{Matzav.com Israel}

it is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Avrohom Dov Pinsky zt”l, longtime rosh yeshiva of Shaarei Tzion L’Tzeirim in Bnei Brak.

Rav Pinsky, who lived in Petach Tikvah and later in Kiryat Yearim (Telz-Stone), was niftar on Shabbos following years of illness. He was 76.

The levayah was held late Motzoei Shabbos at the Segulah Cemetery in Petach Tikvah, where he was laid to rest.

Rav Pinsky was born in England on 25 Shevat 5709 (1949) to his father, Rav Kalman Azriel (Zelig) Pinsky zt”l, rosh kollel of Aliyos Eliyahu, and his mother, Rebbetzin Chaya Itta a”h, daughter of the famed mashgiach, Rav Elya Lopian zt”l.

As a young man, Rav Pinsky learned in Yeshivas Chevron in Yerushalayim, where he absorbed Torah from the roshei yeshiva and earned a reputation for his ahavas Yisroel and care for others.

One of the best-known stories told about him highlights his deep sensitivity. Rav Meir Tzimrot, a maggid meisharim, once shared that when he joined Yeshivas Chevron mid-year, he felt entirely alone. With 350 talmidim already settled in, there was no bed for him in the dorm, no spot in the first shift of the dining room, and no one to learn with. For two days, he sat alone, unnoticed. On the third day, just before Mincha, someone approached him and asked, “What’s your name?” When Rav Meir responded, the bochur asked, “Why are you learning alone?” Rav Meir, overwhelmed, burst into tears and admitted he didn’t know anyone. The young man then told him, “I’ll learn with you until I find you a chavrusa.” That bochur was Rav Avrohom Dov Pinsky. “He gave me chizuk and encouragement,” Rav Meir said. “I’ll never forget how he fulfilled the words of Shammai: Hevei mekabel es kol ha’adam b’sever panim yafos. It’s because of him that I remained in the yeshiva.”

Rav Pinsky married Rebbetzin Zehava a”h (née Sorsky), who predeceased him several years ago.

For decades, Rav Pinsky led Yeshivas Shaarei Tzion L’Tzeirim in Bnei Brak, raising generations of talmidim with dedication and warmth. In his hometown of Petach Tikvah, he founded Torah institutions and would often fondly recount the special relationship he merited with his grandfather, Rav Elya.

He was a beloved mispallel at Tefillah L’Moshe in Petach Tikvah, under the leadership of Rav Nissim Levi, where he was cherished by all who daven there.

In recent years, he relocated to Kiryat Yearim (Telz-Stone), where he continued to inspire those around him with his quiet dignity and yiras Shamayim.

Rav Pinsky leaves behind a large and distinguished family—sons, daughters, and grandchildren—who continue his legacy of Torah and yiras Shamayim.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Iran’s Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa urging Muslims to kill President Trump.

Leading Lakewood rabbanim have issued a kol koreh demanding that frum landlords stop renting out homes to individuals and families who are ruining neighborhoods.

The Uk’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy has traveled to Syria to meet with the new President Ahmad al-Sharaa for the first time.

The Peruvian government confirms it has decided to buy 24 JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jets from Sweden for $3.5 billion instead of F-16s from the U.S. or Rafale from France

This year’s Fourth of July holiday was marked by multiple shootings across the U.S., including one in Indianapolis that left at least two dead and a police chief voicing public frustration over the latest acts of violence in his city. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey told reporters early Saturday morning that the mayhem was “completely unacceptable and unnecessary” and that parents and guardians needed to better control their children. “Hundreds of unsupervised kids down here,” he said, while speaking in the city’s downtown. “I don’t know how many times I had to say it: We are not your children’s keepers. You are! And parents and guardians have got to step up. A kid is dead tonight.” Man dead, woman critically injured after fireworks explosion sets homes on fire in Los Angeles – KABCpic.twitter.com/NVAQdQnYa1 — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 4, 2025 Mass shootings were reported in other cities, including Philadelphia and Chicago and Brockton, Massachusetts, where six people were hospitalized following an early morning fight on Saturday. Violence and shootings often surge in the summer months, especially around the Fourth of July, historically one of the deadliest days of the year in the U.S. The shooting in Chicago, which left seven people in serious or critical condition, came on the heels of another mass shooting that happened late Wednesday in a busy neighborhood known for its restaurants and nightlife. Four people were killed and 14 others injured. In the New York City borough of Queens, police said one person was dead and three injured following a post-fireworks triple stabbing. Meanwhile, a Wareham, Massachusetts, man is dead after being hit by a firework. Police said they found 70-year-old Robert Spagnuolo with a “facial injury.” He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials in Georgia reported two boat explosions on lakes on Friday. Seven people ranging in age from 5 to 45 suffered second- and third-degree burns when a boat exploded on Lake Lanier, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Seven more people suffered burns when a boat exploded and then sank on Lake Nottely, the department said. (AP)

Poland announces it’s sending the Polish Army to the country’s borders with Germany and Lithuania in order to stop illegals migrants from crossing into Poland

President Donald Trump signed his package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law Friday in front of Fourth of July picnickers after his cajoling produced almost unanimous Republican support in Congress for the domestic priority that could cement his second-term legacy. Flanked by Republican legislators and members of his Cabinet, Trump signed the multitrillion-dollar legislation at a desk on the White House driveway, then banged down a gavel gifted to him by House Speaker Mike Johnson that was used during the bill’s final passage Thursday. Against odds that at times seemed improbable, Trump achieved his goal of celebrating a historic — and divisive — legislative victory in time for the nation’s birthday, which also was his self-imposed deadline for Congress to send the legislation to his desk. Fighter jets and stealth bombers streaked through the sky over the annual White House Fourth of July picnic. “America’s winning, winning, winning like never before,” Trump said, noting last month’s bombing campaign against Iran’s nuclear program, which he said the flyover was meant to honor. “Promises made, promises kept, and we’ve kept them.” The White House was hung with red, white and blue bunting for the Independence Day festivities. The U.S. Marine Band played patriotic marches — and, in a typical Trumpian touch, tunes by 1980s pop icons Chaka Khan and Huey Lewis. There were three separate flyovers. Trump spoke for a relatively brief 22 minutes before signing the bill, but was clearly energized as the legislation’s passage topped a recent winning streak for his administration. That included the Iran campaign and a series of U.S. Supreme Court rulingshe’s fought for. After dark, chants of “USA, USA” rose from the picnic crowd on the South Lawn when Trump and the first lady, Melania, appeared on the Truman Balcony to watch the fireworks. They danced to “Y.M.C.A.” and waved goodbye to the crowd before they left for their home in New Jersey. The budget legislation is the president’s highest-profile win yet. It includes key campaign pledges like no tax on tips or Social Security income. Trump, who spent an unusual amount of time thanking individual Republican lawmakers who shepherded the measure through Congress, contended “our country is going to be a rocket ship, economically,” because of the legislation. Big cuts to Medicaid and food stamps Critics assailed the package as a giveaway to the rich that will rob millions more lower-income people of their health insurance, food assistance and financial stability. “Today, Donald Trump signed into law the worst job-killing bill in American history. It will rip health care from 17 million workers to pay for massive tax giveaways to the wealthy and big corporations, amounting to the country’s largest money grab from the working class to the ultra-rich,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. “Every member of Congress who voted for this devastating bill picked the pockets of working people to hand billionaires a $5 trillion gift.” The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 multitrillion-dollar tax cuts and cuts Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion. It provides for a massive increase in immigration enforcement. Congress’ nonpartisan scorekeeper projects that nearly 12 million more people will lose health insurance under the law. The legislation passed the House on a largely party-line vote Thursday, culminating a monthslong push by the GOP to cram […]

Tonight, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s office issued a statement addressing Hamas’s latest response to the Qatar-backed ceasefire framework, stating unequivocally that “the changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel.”

Despite rejecting Hamas’s proposed amendments, the statement confirmed that Netanyahu, following a strategic assessment, instructed the negotiating team to proceed with proximity talks. “In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages – on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to – be continued,” the statement said.

Israel’s delegation is scheduled to depart on Sunday for discussions in Qatar, as the government moves forward in efforts to secure a deal based on the original terms it approved.

This update follows Hamas’s announcement on Friday night that it had responded favorably to the latest truce and hostage deal proposal, though it was also seeking what it characterized as “minor amendments.”

Among the changes demanded by Hamas are the shutdown of the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops to previously agreed-upon positions, and assurances that hostilities will not resume once the 60-day ceasefire concludes.

A diplomatic source involved in the talks emphasized the importance of firm commitments: “Egypt, Qatar, and the US must provide guarantees for the continuation of the process.” However, another official pointed out that unresolved issues remain, including the management of aid deliveries, control of the Rafah crossing, and the detailed schedule for Israeli troop movements.

An Israeli official commented on one of Hamas’s core demands, saying, “This GHF is exactly what led Hamas to agree to a deal,” and added, “so it’s not surprising that they demand its removal—but there will be no agreement to that.”

Speaking on Friday night, US President Donald Trump voiced cautious optimism about the negotiations, stating that there “could be a Gaza deal” in the coming week, though he also acknowledged the situation remains fluid and subject to change.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Iran’ s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began, attending a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura. The absence of Khamenei during the war had suggested heavy security for the Iranian leader, who has final say on all state matters. State TV in Iran showed Khamenei waving and nodding to the chanting crowd as he entered and sat. There was no immediate report on any public statement made. Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the war, as well as thousands of injured. It also has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and has denied access to the sites for inspectors with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Khamenei hosted a remembrance of the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein, at a mosque next to his office and residence in the capital, Tehran. Iranian officials such as the Parliament speaker were present, and such events are always held under heavy security. Shiites represent over 10% of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims, and they view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Hussein’s death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, created a rift in Islam and continues to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity. In predominantly Shiite Iran, red flags represented Hussein’s blood and black funeral tents and clothes represented mourning. Processions of chest-beating and self-flagellating men demonstrated fervor. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat. Israel relentlessly attacked Iran beginning June 13, targeting its nuclear sites, defense systems, high-ranking military officials and atomic scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted, but those that got through caused damage in many areas and killed 28 people. (AP)

In a unique and seldom-seen moment, the Rebbe of Chernobyl paid a special visit last week to the home of the Belzer Rebbe.

At the start of the visit, the Chernobyler Rebbe inquired after the health and wellbeing of the Belzer Rebbe, who responded, “Baruch Hashem, better now.”

The Belzer Rebbe then asked, “In Chernobyl, was it customary for the sons of the holy Rav Aharon of Chernobyl zt”l to say Torah publicly?”

The Chernobyler Rebbe replied, “They did not. Rav Aharon himself would say Torah in a whisper.”

Curious, the Belzer Rebbe asked whether the Rebbe himself delivers Torah discourses.

His son, Rav Aharon Twerski, answered on his behalf: “My father shlit”a only repeats teachings from holy seforim; he does not say his own. The tzaddik Rav Moshe of Koristshov zt”l, son of Rav Mordechai of Chernobyl zt”l, also refrained from saying Torah. One time, when he wasn’t feeling well, he told his son to go lead the tish and say Torah.”

The Belzer Rebbe honored his guest by inviting him to share something of his own.

In response, Rav Aharon Twerski recounted a story: “The holy Rav Mordechai of Rachmastrivka zt”l was once on a ship en route to Eretz Yisroel. One of the great rabbonim aboard asked him to say something, and Rav Mordechai responded, ‘If the rav is like an angel of Hashem, then seek Torah from his mouth.’”

The two Rebbes then made a l’chaim, blessing one another over wine.

The Belzer Rebbe shared a thought: “It’s said about the Me’or Einayim that he would say many divrei Torah, and the ones printed were only those he didn’t offer himself.” He added, “The seforim ask why the Torah uses the phrase ‘zos chukas haTorah’ when it only discusses Parah Adumah. Why not ‘zos chukas haParah’? The Me’or Einayim explains that although there is a reason given by Rav Moshe HaDarshan, the fact that teshuvah itself works is a chok — a Divine decree beyond reason.”

The Belzer Rebbe then asked if the Chernobyler Rebbe planned to travel anywhere to rest during the summer.

“Maybe to Switzerland,” the Chernobyler Rebbe answered.

“Where is your yeshiva currently located?” asked the Belzer Rebbe.

“In Elad,” replied the Chernobyler Rebbe.

“And who is the rosh yeshiva?” the Belzer Rebbe continued.

“There are ramim,” he replied, “but no official rosh yeshiva.”

Rav Aharon Twerski added, “The holy Rav Aharon zt”l once said that a yeshiva requires barrels of gold.”

To which the Belzer Rebbe responded, “The idea is that barrels of gold come from the yeshiva.”

Turning to their family histories, the Belzer Rebbe asked, “Did your grandfather, Rav Chaim Yitzchok Twerski zt”l, live in Chernobyl?”

The Chernobyler Rebbe responded, “He lived in Kyiv. Originally, he was from Mazyr in Russia, where he was born, and then later moved to Kyiv.”

“Your father, Rav Meshulam Zusia zt”l, came to Eretz Yisroel miraculously,” noted the Belzer Rebbe.

“Yes,” replied the Chernobyler Rebbe. “It was unheard of at the time. Back then, only the elderly would move to Eretz Yisroel. No one understood how he was able to come. My grandfather zt”l left for Eretz Yisroel just before the war. In 1939, he was sent from Poland to Jerusalem.”

“Your father spent Shabbos in Belz,” recalled the Belzer Rebbe.

The Chernobyler Rebbe confirmed, “Indeed, he wrote it down, though not explicitly. He hinted that he went to daven at the kevarim of the avos, and he spent a Shabbos during Elul in Belz.”

“I remember that when he lived in Eretz Yisroel, he would frequently visit my uncle, the Rebbe zt”l,” the Belzer Rebbe said.

The Belzer Rebbe added, “Your grandmother a”h, the mother of your father zt”l and daughter of Rav Yitzchok Yeshaya of Tshakhow zt”l, who was a grandson of the Rebbe Rav Yehoshua zt”l — she also lived here in Eretz Yisroel.”

The Chernobyler Rebbe replied, “Yes, she was born in Belz…”

The Belzer Rebbe concluded, “I remember she was present at my bar mitzvah celebration.”

The visit ended with warm brachos exchanged between the two Rebbes.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Ukraine said it struck a Russian air base on Saturday, while Russia continued to pound Ukraine with hundreds of drones overnight as part of a stepped-up bombing campaign that has dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the more than 3-year-old war. Ukraine’s military General Staff said that Ukrainian forces had struck the Borisoglebsk air base in Russia’s Voronezh region, describing it as the home base of Russia’s Su-34, Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets. Writing on Facebook, the General Staff said it hit a depot containing glide bombs, a training aircraft and “possibly other aircraft.” Russian officials did not immediately comment on the attack. Such attacks on Russian air bases aim to dent Russia’s military capability and demonstrate Ukraine’s capability to hit high-value targets in Russia. Last month, Ukraine said it destroyed more than 40 Russian planes stationed at several airfields deep in Russia’s territory in a surprise drone attack. Russia fired 322 drones and decoys into Ukraine overnight into Saturday, Ukraine’s air force said. Of these, 157 were shot down and 135 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed. According to the air force, Ukraine’s western Khmelnytskyi region was the main target of the attack. Regional Gov. Serhii Tyurin said Saturday that no damage, injuries or deaths had been reported. Russia has been stepping up its long-range attacks on Ukraine. Waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv overnight into Friday in the largest aerial assault since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began. On Saturday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the number of people killed in the assault had increased to two. A further 31 people were wounded. The fresh wave of attacks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that he had a “very important and productive” phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defenses might be strengthened, possible joint weapons production between the U.S. and Ukraine, and broader U.S-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement by Zelenskyy. Asked Friday night by reporters about the call, Trump said, “We had a very good call, I think.” When asked about finding a way to end the fighting, Trump said: “I don’t know. I can’t tell you whether or not that’s going to happen.” The U.S. has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles. Ukraine’s main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelenskyy says plans are afoot to build up Ukraine’s domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time. Russia’s Defense Ministry said it shot down 94 Ukrainian drones overnight into Saturday, along with 45 further drones Saturday morning and early afternoon. No casualties were reported, but local officials in the Saratov region said 25 apartments were damaged by Ukrainian drones in the city of Engels. Four Ukrainian drones were shot down while approaching Moscow on Saturday, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Air traffic was briefly halted as a precaution at one of Moscow’s airports, Sheremetyevo, Russia’s aviation authority Rosaviatsiya said. (AP)

Israel announced tonight that it will be sending a delegation to Qatar on Sunday to participate in indirect negotiations with Hamas over a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages.

In the same statement, the Prime Minister’s Office clarified that Hamas had put forward a number of changes to the existing framework, and that Israel views these changes as unacceptable.

The decision to send Israeli envoys to Qatar comes as Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu prepares to fly to Washington on Sunday. There, he is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump, with the Gaza conflict and the ongoing hostage discussions expected to be a central focus of their talks.

On Friday, Hamas gave what it described as a “positive” reply to a framework backed by both the United States and Israel. The plan outlines the staggered release of about half of the hostages who are still alive, as well as the remains of roughly half of those who died in captivity, all over the course of a 60-day period and five separate handovers.

A source involved in the mediation revealed that Hamas requested three modifications to the plan.

According to that source, Hamas wants assurances that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire will continue until a final agreement is reached. They also insist that humanitarian aid be restored in full via United Nations and international aid channels, and demand that Israeli forces pull back to the positions they held prior to the collapse of the previous truce in March.

The Prime Minister’s Office said on Saturday night that Hamas’s proposed changes were submitted the previous evening and emphasized that “are not acceptable to Israel.” Nonetheless, it confirmed that the Israeli team would travel to Doha on Sunday to continue the process. The statement did not indicate which of Hamas’s demands were rejected.

Meanwhile, across Israel, families of hostages staged rallies on Saturday night, calling on the government to secure a deal that brings home all the hostages — and not just a portion — in exchange for a permanent halt to the war.

Ahead of the protests, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a statement criticizing the emerging deal, which they fear will leave some captives behind even after the two-month ceasefire ends.

“At this critical time, we must not conform to the various ‘Schindler’s lists’ being dictated, as if it wasn’t possible to bring them all back long ago,” the group said, referencing the Holocaust-era rescue of 1,200 Jews through Oskar Schindler’s factory.

The Forum warned that releasing hostages in phases using prioritized lists plunges families into “unbearable uncertainty.”

“All of the abductees could have been returned for rehabilitation and burial many months ago, if only the government had chosen to do so rather than operate based on considerations of political survival.”

Hostage families have previously likened past partial deals — such as the one-week pause in November 2023 that freed 105 captives, and the two-month break in fighting earlier this year when 30 more were released — to the Nazis’ “selection” process in the camps, where some were sent to die and others were temporarily spared for forced labor.

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli delegation will be sent to Doha on Sunday after Hamas submitted a positive response to the recent ceasefire/hostage deal proposal, an Israeli official said on Motzei Shabbos. The official said that Israel has received Hamas’s response from the mediators and is reviewing its details. Although the terror group responded positively to the proposal, they requested minor changes.