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A section of downtown Los Angeles will fall under a nighttime curfew beginning tonight, following five consecutive days of civil unrest sparked by federal immigration raids. The situation, which has spiraled into widespread looting, clashes with police, and over 150 arrests, prompted Mayor Karen Bass to take emergency action.

“We reached a tipping point,” Bass declared during a press briefing, as she announced the emergency declaration in the wake of 23 businesses being damaged on Monday night.

The curfew, which spans from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, will be enforced within a one-square-mile zone stretching from the 5 Freeway to the 110 Freeway, and between the 10 Freeway and the interchange where all three major highways converge—an area that’s become the epicenter of the recent protests.

The restrictions will not apply to residents, individuals working in the area, or the unhoused population, who are exempt from the order.

“If you do not live or work in downtown LA, stay away,” Bass warned.

Unrest broke out after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted sweeping raids across various businesses, targeting suspected undocumented immigrants. The backlash was immediate, with demonstrations erupting throughout the city.

Protests quickly descended into chaos, with highways shut down, law enforcement vehicles pelted with projectiles, and entire streets set ablaze as fires raged and looters broke into stores under the cover of night.

The situation intensified when President Trump bypassed Governor Gavin Newsom and mobilized thousands of National Guard members to quell the disturbances. Trump compared the scenes in Los Angeles to the widespread riots that engulfed the country in 2020 after George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell noted that the violence escalated throughout the weekend. He reported that 27 individuals were detained on Saturday, followed by 40 on Sunday and another 114 on Monday, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“The curfew is a necessary measure to protect lives and safeguard property following several consecutive days of growing unrest throughout the city,” McDonnell said.

As tensions mounted, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to reinforce the National Guard and support local law enforcement efforts.

The federal personnel have primarily been assigned to safeguard federal installations and assist ICE agents operating in the region.

Despite the intensified security presence, protesters have continued to flood the streets. Around 600 demonstrators attempted to take control of the 101 Freeway near the federal immigration building on Tuesday afternoon. Police intervened before they could block traffic completely.

Vehicles were briefly stopped, but law enforcement eventually cleared the roadway and redirected protestors off the freeway.

Meanwhile, downtown streets were overrun with peaceful demonstrators later in the day. Some drivers paused to observe, undeterred by the congestion. However, the standoff didn’t last long—officers resorted to firing non-lethal rounds to break up the crowd and restore order.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a strong rebuke on Tuesday against the move by five allied nations—Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway—to sanction Israeli Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Rubio urged these governments to reconsider their decision immediately.

“The United States condemns the sanctions imposed by the governments of United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia on two sitting members of the Israeli cabinet. These sanctions do not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war,” Rubio said in a public statement.

He continued by rejecting any attempt to draw parallels between Israeli leaders and Hamas terrorists. “We reject any notion of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organization that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage, and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace. We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is,” he said.

Rubio concluded his remarks with a direct call to action: “The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.”

The statement followed coordinated announcements from the five countries, which declared sanctions on Ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich, alleging the two had incited violence toward Palestinian Arabs in areas of Judea and Samaria.

In explaining their move, the UK Foreign Office said the sanctions were part of a broader effort to address what they called “extremist settler violence” and actions that, in their view, threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state.

The UK added that the sanctions are being applied personally to Ben Gvir and Smotrich. As a result, both men now face financial asset freezes, bans on entering the UK, and prohibitions on holding directorial positions in British companies.

Responding to the UK’s decision, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the move in pointed language.

“The British Mandate for the land of Israel ended in May 1948. It will never return,” Sa’ar declared in a statement posted on social media.

He emphasized Israel’s status as a self-governing nation, saying, “Israel is a sovereign, independent, and proud state that is fighting a historic battle for its existence against a regional axis working to destroy it. Israel will emerge from this battle with the upper hand, first and foremost, because it has no other choice.”

Sa’ar blasted the punitive measures targeting Israeli government ministers as “outrageous and unacceptable,” stressing that the government operates as a unified body and shares collective responsibility for its policies.

He added that the cabinet would meet in the coming days to formulate an official Israeli response to the international sanctions: “Early next week, we will hold a government meeting in which we will decide on our response to the decisions taken against the Ministers.”

{Matzav.com}

In a fiery new recording, Rav Moshe Maya, the senior member of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, sharply denounced the proposed draft law being promoted by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and his associate, former minister Ariel Attias. Rav Maya stated emphatically that he cannot and will not support any legislation that includes draft quotas, conscription targets, or punitive measures against bnei yeshivah. “Nothing—nothing—will change my mind,” he declared.

This stance comes just as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office scrambles to push forward a reworked version of the law, hoping to avert political fallout. But with Rav Maya and other senior Sephardic gedolim standing firm, any form of compromise appears increasingly unlikely.

In the dramatic recording, taken during a conversation with a group of concerned avreichim, one participant asked whether it’s halachically permissible to support a law that weakens the Torah world, even marginally.

Rav Maya interrupted firmly: “I’m not afraid of anyone. Why? Because Hakadosh Boruch Hu runs the world. No one has the right to be matir something that’s against the Torah! Since the founding of the state, the law has been ‘mandatory draft’—and it never made any distinction for bnei yeshivah.”

He continued: “The ‘Tal Law’ was enacted to correct that. But once the Supreme Court canceled it, we were left with the original law. If no new law is passed, the default law kicks in—one that makes no exception for yeshivah bochurim whatsoever.”

Rav Maya then delivered a forceful warning: “If we stay in the coalition while that law remains in effect, then we are shutfim to it. And being a partner to such a law is equivalent to hanging a sign that screams: ‘Ein lanu chelek b’Elokei Yisroel!’ The Rambam says this clearly at the end of Zeraim. It is absolutely assur to draft yeshivah bochurim.”

He added passionately, “You can’t force a Jew to be mechalel Shabbos, you can’t force a Christian to become a Muslim, and you can’t force a ben Torah to go to the army. If halachah forbids it, what more is there to say?”

Regarding those not fully engaged in learning, Rav Maya was unequivocal: “I’m not your army’s police force! I’m not giving you quotas! The Rambam writes clearly: if one can’t keep Torah in the open, let him go to the caves, to the deserts. Their entire goal is to turn everyone into chilonim.”

Commenting on the so-called “chareidi units,” Rav Maya scoffed: “They promised us all kinds of things. But as soon as basic training ended, they sent the bochurim elsewhere. Not one promise was fulfilled.”

Reflecting on the past, Rav Maya said, “I go back to Ben Gurion’s times. He said the army is a ‘melting pot.’ You go in as one thing and come out something else. That hasn’t changed one bit.”

As political pressure mounts to pass any form of draft law, Rav Maya made it clear: “If they arrest even one ben yeshivah—not someone in the airport, but a bochur sitting in yeshivah—I will, bli neder, personally go to every gadol b’Yisroel to organize a protest of a million people. A million Yidden will take to the streets. Can you force a Christian to become a Muslim? So how can you force us to be mechalel the Torah?!”

When asked whether there are kavim adumim—red lines—he replied without hesitation: “Of course there are! The Rambam says it’s a cheit chamur to be mevazeh talmidei chachamim. One who does so has no share in Olam Haba. The current draft proposal is an unprecedented bizayon to lomdei Torah! Taking away driver’s licenses? Canceling property tax discounts? This is pure achzariyus. Can we remain in a government like that?”

When someone suggested removing some sanctions to make the bill more palatable, Rav Maya rejected it outright: “No! No sanctions whatsoever. The law must say clearly: a ben Torah is patur! No quotas. No conditions.”

Pressed again, he answered with finality: “That’s my red line.”

One avreich remarked, “There’s a feeling of panic, pressure in the street, in the media, in the halls of power. But no one has spoken publicly and clearly about the kavim adumim except the Rav. Can we publish your words?”

Rav Maya responded, “Absolutely. Say it however you want.”

He added: “They asked me, ‘What if this leads to elections?’ I said: then there will be elections. A transition government has only thirty percent of the authority. No new government will form. Eventually, they’ll come crawling back. And then we’ll tell them: If you want us, let us keep the Torah! The halachah is: Bnei Torah don’t go to the army.”

When asked if the letter he had signed together with Rav Moshe Tzedakah outlining this view could now be publicized, Rav Maya said, “Of course. I signed it. I stand by it. Go ahead and publish it.”

The letter reads: “As the kavod haTorah is being trampled, and the government is determined to oppose any deferment law unless it includes quotas and targets, and seeks to target even those not learning to make it seem as if compromise is possible—this is a terrible chilul Hashem. Therefore, we must declare firmly: Giyus is assur for every shomer Torah u’mitzvos, including so-called ‘chareidi tracks,’ which inevitably lead to spiritual destruction.”

Rav Maya confirmed: “These are the exact words I’ve always shouted. I was happy to see that someone wrote them, because they are my own.”

A family member pointed out, “But it says clearly: no law with quotas can be supported.”

Rav Maya asked, “Where does it say that?”

They read aloud: “Quotas or targets.” That’s what they’re trying to pass—a bill with recruitment goals. The letter says that alone is enough to oppose it.

Rav Maya replied: “I’m asking the kavod haTorah to stand with us publicly and declare: according to daas Torah, it is completely assur to support any law that includes draft quotas.”

He concluded with force: “I’m befarhesyah against quotas! I’ve been yelling it for years! ‘Yeilech l’chuchim u’lamidbaros v’al yisgayeis!’”

Rav Maya’s remarks place Aryeh Deri in a deep political bind. While Deri and Attias have reportedly been engaging in quiet negotiations with MK Yuli Edelstein, considering compromises that include draft targets for bnei yeshivah, Rav Maya’s words have now created an unbridgeable ideological rift.

Earlier, Matzav.com reported that despite Shas’s announcement last week, no meeting of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah has yet been scheduled just a day before a pivotal vote in the Knesset.

Later in the day, Rav Maya released a handwritten letter clarifying that while he had previously refrained from public comment due to the sensitivity of the matter, now that legislation is imminent, a Moetzet decision must be made.

Rav Shlomo Machpoud added his signature to the letter, writing: “V’zos haTorah lo tehei muchlefes.”

This came following the release of a public statement signed by Rav Moshe Maya, Rav Moshe Tzadkah, and Rav Shlomo Machpoud reiterating their total opposition to any draft legislation involving quotas or conscription, even for bochurim who are not currently learning.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Elon Musk suggested Monday that his high-profile clash with President Trump may be losing steam, with both men appearing to soften their tone after a week of bitter exchanges.

“We had a great relationship and I wish him well — very well, actually,” Trump told reporters at the White House, a moment captured on video and shared by X personality ALX.

Musk replied with a simple heart emoji, a subtle yet public gesture that hinted their once-close alliance might be on the mend after a volatile falling-out just days earlier.

Their rift, long simmering beneath the surface, exploded into public view last week. Musk, appearing on “CBS Sunday Morning” in late May, barely hid his disgust for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — a legislative package he warned could balloon the federal deficit by $3 trillion.

Musk intensified his criticism last Tuesday, blasting the bill as “outrageous, pork-filled” and “a disgusting abomination,” and calling on GOP lawmakers to “kill the bill.”

Things escalated dramatically on June 5 when Musk claimed on X that he was partly responsible for Trump’s electoral win last year. In another post, he accused the White House of burying the Jeffrey Epstein files to protect Trump — though he later deleted both messages.

Among Musk’s grievances was Trump’s decision to rescind the nomination of Jared Isaacman — a close friend of Musk’s — to lead NASA. The move further frayed their relationship.

Trump, 78, hit back hard, accusing Musk of having “lost his mind” and labeling his behavior “crazy.” He even hinted at possibly ending federal contracts with Musk’s businesses. That prompted Musk to fire back with a threat to ground the Dragon spacecraft — NASA’s main human spaceflight vehicle.

Musk, 53, ultimately walked back that warning, signaling he was not willing to fully burn the bridge.

Despite the turbulence, Musk has continued to show signs of respect for Trump’s leadership. In one post, he shared a Truth Social message from Trump blasting California’s leaders for their response to the Los Angeles riots.

“Governor Gavin Newscum [sic] and ‘Mayor’ [Karen] Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they’ve done, and this now includes the ongoing L.A. riots,” Trump said in the post that Musk reposted.

In another instance, Musk boosted a post from Vice President JD Vance, who echoed the administration’s stance on restoring order in the capital.

“This moment calls for decisive leadership,” Vance stated. “The president will not tolerate rioting and violence.”

{Matzav.com}

Mikie Sherrill, a U.S. Representative, veteran Navy helicopter pilot, and former federal prosecutor, has secured the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey, emerging victorious in a six-way primary contest held Tuesday.

At 53 years old, Sherrill—who serves the 11th Congressional District and is a mother of four—entered the race as a clear frontrunner. Her early advantage in polling was largely attributed to her distinguished background, including her service in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The Associated Press projected Sherrill as the winner at 8:39 p.m. ET, with her pulling in 34.6% of the vote at the time.

Hailing from Montclair, Sherrill outpaced a crowded field that included Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.

Gottheimer had received strong support from the Lakewood frum community.

As of the time the race was called, Fulop had received 17.8% of the vote, while Baraka, Gottheimer, Spiller, and Sweeney each trailed with under 14% support.

In addition to her lead in public opinion surveys, Sherrill benefited from widespread backing from key Democratic officials and organizations across New Jersey.

In Washington, Sherrill sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. She is also active in several caucuses, including those focused on women’s issues, moderate Democrats, and rare disease advocacy.

Her campaign has largely focused on addressing New Jersey’s high cost of living, pointing to soaring prices in areas such as healthcare and basic goods. She’s also been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration and Elon Musk, accusing both of trying to “dismantle” foundational safety net programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Should she win in November, Sherrill says she plans to crack down on unfair practices in the healthcare industry, push for pricing transparency, and empower the state attorney general to take on monopolies, unjustified rate hikes, and insurance denials.

She is also an advocate of shared municipal and educational services to reduce local property tax burdens, and she supports enhancing the state’s Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.

Voters will head to the polls in New Jersey’s general gubernatorial election on November 4.

{Matzav.com}

Jack Ciattarelli has clinched the Republican nomination in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, with the Associated Press and the Washington Post calling the primary in his favor shortly after voting ended on June 10.

Although the final certified tally won’t be available until later in June, major media outlets declared Ciattarelli the winner at 8:17 p.m., just minutes after the polls shut.

Before the official projections were even made, hundreds of supporters had already gathered at Ciattarelli’s election night event at Bell Works in Holmdel. As of 8:30 p.m., no formal announcement had been delivered, but the atmosphere was one of clear anticipation.

Ciattarelli, who came close to unseating Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, became the clear frontrunner for the GOP nomination several weeks ago when President Donald Trump threw his support behind him via social media.

Trump wrote online that Ciattarelli is a “terrific America first candidate.”

“Jack, who after getting to know and understand MAGA, has gone ALL IN, and is now 100%,” Trump added in the same post, a nod to Ciattarelli’s early criticism in 2015 when he had referred to the president as a “charlatan.”

Though he once distanced himself from Trump, Ciattarelli would later back him and even spoke at a “Stop the Steal” event in 2020, which promoted the false notion that Joe Biden’s election victory was due to fraud. Ciattarelli himself has never publicly stated support for that belief.

Following his narrow defeat in the 2021 race, Ciattarelli pledged to make another bid for the governorship. He had previously run in 2017 but was defeated in the Republican primary by Kim Guadagno, then the lieutenant governor.

Originally from Raritan and now living in Somerville, Ciattarelli has built a long political career, having held positions in the state Assembly as well as in municipal and county government.

In this year’s GOP primary, Ciattarelli prevailed over conservative talk show host Bill Spadea and state Senator Jon Bramnick.

It remains uncertain who Ciattarelli will face in the general election as he sets his sights on succeeding Governor Murphy.

As of the beginning of June, New Jersey had 6,574,692 registered voters. That included 2,451,752 Democrats and 1,624,437 Republicans. Compared to a year ago, Democratic registration had decreased by 44,302, while Republicans saw an increase of 60,666.

All eyes will be on New Jersey as one of only two states — along with Virginia — holding a governor’s race this year. Political analysts have already begun framing the contest as an early test of how voters are responding to the direction and policies of the second Trump administration.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring the war in Gaza to a close and made clear that any Israeli military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities is currently off the table, according to a Channel 12 report citing unnamed sources.

In what was described as a rare and direct message from Trump to Netanyahu during a phone call yesterday, the president conveyed that he expects not just a temporary ceasefire or a hostage agreement through the ongoing Witkoff-mediated negotiations, but a definitive end to the fighting in Gaza, the report says.

Trump is said to have told Netanyahu that wrapping up the conflict would pave the way for progress in parallel diplomatic efforts involving Iran and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. is even prepared to offer Hamas significant assurances to achieve this goal, according to Channel 12.

The network noted that Trump’s push for an end to hostilities may explain Netanyahu’s remarks earlier today suggesting new developments in the talks to secure the release of Israeli hostages.

Trump also reportedly told Netanyahu that although he rejected Tehran’s most recent proposal, he has not abandoned nuclear negotiations with Iran. When Netanyahu emphasized the importance of maintaining a credible military threat, Trump repeated that military action should remain off-limits while talks are ongoing.

Channel 12 cites two individuals with knowledge of the exchange who said that Netanyahu did not receive a definitive response from Trump regarding whether the U.S. would back or join an Israeli-led strike on Iran if the negotiations collapse.

According to the report, Trump made it clear that no military plans would be considered until he officially determines that the diplomatic track with Iran has failed.

The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the content of the call, Channel 12 adds.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump is demanding that those who burned American flags during the violent unrest in Los Angeles be sentenced to at least a year in jail—and raised the possibility that California Governor Gavin Newsom could face criminal charges for his handling of the crisis.

In the debut episode of Miranda Devine’s new podcast, Pod Force One, Trump said any protester caught torching the Stars and Stripes should face automatic jail time. The podcast is set to feature influential political figures each week.

“I happen to think if you burn an American flag — because they were burning a lot of flags in Los Angeles — I think you go to jail for one year,” he said. “Just automatic.”

When asked whether he still supported legal consequences for Newsom over the governor’s past obstruction of ICE operations in Los Angeles, Trump responded sharply. “Well, he’s not doing a good job.”

“In theory, you could” pursue charges, Trump added. “It’s almost like a dissipation of duty. Nobody’s ever seen anything like that.”

Trump recalled a late-night phone conversation with Newsom on the first evening of the rioting, during which he offered assistance through the National Guard.

“It was late at night,” the president recalled. “I said, ‘You know, your city’s burning down. Your state is in bad trouble’ … He said it was a set-up.”

“All I want him to do is do a good job,” Trump continued. “I’d rather have him do a good job than a bad job, even though politically, I guess, you could take the other extreme. He’s doing a poor job.”

Trump has long pushed for harsh penalties for those who desecrate the American flag, and previously endorsed legislation to enshrine such penalties in the Constitution.

Legal scholars, including the late Justice Antonin Scalia, have maintained that flag burning is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment.

Tom Homan, Trump’s immigration enforcement chief, also took aim at Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, accusing them of obstructing ICE agents during the recent sweep targeting illegal immigrants in the city.

“You cross that line, it’s a felony to knowingly harbor and conceal an illegal alien,” Homan told NBC News. “It’s a felony to impede law enforcement doing their job.”

In a follow-up interview, Homan walked back his remarks slightly, telling the network his statements had been misconstrued and that he “never threatened to arrest Governor Newsom.”

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the recent operation led to 118 arrests of undocumented immigrants, including several gang members and individuals with records for drug offenses, assault, robbery, and domestic abuse.

On Friday, more than a thousand protesters stormed a federal building in Los Angeles, clashing violently with ICE officers. Multiple agents were assaulted, government vehicles were vandalized, and property was destroyed. DHS officials said LAPD officers failed to intervene for nearly two hours.

In response, Trump activated 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order, later doubling that number and authorizing the deployment of 700 Marines to safeguard federal facilities.

“If we didn’t do the job, that place would be burning down,” Trump told reporters Monday. “I watched Minneapolis burn [in 2020]… There’s so many different places where we let it burn. We wanted to be politically correct … I think Gavin, in his own way, is probably happy I got involved.”

The ongoing riots have featured demonstrators setting cars ablaze, waving foreign flags in defiance of law enforcement, looting businesses, and pelting officers with rocks.

In response to Trump’s actions, the Newsom administration filed a federal lawsuit Monday, claiming that Trump overstepped his authority and violated California’s rights under the Tenth Amendment by taking control of the state’s National Guard.

Newsom also fired back at Homan during an NBC News appearance Sunday night, challenging him directly: “Come after me. Arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy.”

{Matzav.com}

I am writing to express my profound outrage and disgust regarding an article titled “Pre-Date Meditations” by Eli Hoffmann, published in the Family First section of Mishpacha magazine, dated June 4, 2025. The piece, appearing in a publication aimed at women, is an insensitive and narcissistic rant that shamelessly trivializes the experiences of countless girls and women navigating the dating world, particularly within the context of shidduchim. Hoffmann’s self-absorbed narrative—detailing his routine of dates with a detached, almost mocking tone—reveals a staggering lack of empathy. His casual dismissal of the emotional labor involved in dating, coupled with his apparent pride in his own indifference, paints a portrait of a man who sees women as mere inconveniences rather than individuals with feelings and hopes. To publish such a piece in a women’s magazine is not only tone-deaf but deeply insulting to the thousands of girls and women who have endured the pressures and vulnerabilities of this process. At one point, Hoffmann describes dating as “just another day at the office.” Really? As a girl in shidduchim myself, do you know how insulting that is? Do you know how many hours go into preparing for a date, how many butterflies we push through as we step into a complete stranger’s car, how much emotional energy is spent hoping and davening that maybe, just maybe, this one will finally be the one? And this is how you view it? Like a fly on your shoulder you’re getting ready to brush off? It’s outrageous. No wonder you’re not married yet. And I feel for the girl who does marry you—because if this is your mindset, you’ll see her as a commodity, a disposable item that can be swapped out for the next “more exciting” version. That is not how a ben Torah should think, and it’s certainly not how a frum publication should allow women to be portrayed. Couple this with his view on shidduchim as a whole. He essentially says: Who cares if this girl works out or not? I’ll get married anyway, right? At least I’m not a girl, right? Is this man a sociopath? That kind of glib dismissal is chilling. To see himself as the inevitable winner, while the girl is just another face in the queue he can afford to discard—it’s repugnant. This isn’t “honesty” or “transparency”; it’s cruelty disguised as cleverness. The audacity to frame this as a “view from the other side of the mechitzah” while reducing women to stereotypes and sidelining their perspectives is beyond comprehension. Hoffmann’s self-centered musings—complaining about the “monotony” of dating while showing no regard for the impact on those he dates—scream narcissism. I can only pray that “Eli Hoffmann” is not his real name, for the sake of any woman unfortunate enough to marry such a self-absorbed individual. Mishpacha magazine owes a public apology to the countless women and girls smeared and insulted by this article. The Family First section should uplift and respect its readership, not demean them with such callous content. Sincerely, C.S – A real girl with real feelings struggling with Shidduchim The view expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review. 

NYC MAYORAL ELECTION UPDATE: The “Aronim” faction of Satmar has thrown their support behind Andrew Cumo in the Democratic primary for NYC Mayor. Just two days ago, Rabbi Moshe Indig of Satmar (Aronim) publicly stated “In November, you’ll see .. with God’s help. We will come out and show our great support for our great mayor and brother, Eric Adams.”

BREAKING: Mikie Sherrill is projected to have won the Democratic primary for governor. With 24% of votes counted, she is currently leading with 33.8% of the vote.

BREAKING: Jack Ciattarelli has won the Republican primary to become the party’s gubernatorial nominee. Ciattarelli, who was already heavily favored after being endorsed by President Trump, got a huge push from local askanim, particularly Rabbi Yaakov Wenger, seen in this photo with Ciattarelli in downtown Lakewood this past Friday.

BREAKING: Toms River askan Shmuel (Sam) Ellenbogen has won the Republican primary to become an Ocean County Commissioner. If elected in November, he will make history as the first-ever frum Commissioner in the county’s history.

BREAKING: Incumbent Assemblyman Avi Schnall has won his Democratic primary to be the Assembly nominee for New Jersey’s 30th District. He ran unopposed in the primary and is favored to win against Republican challenger, Ned Thomson, who he unseated in the last election for the seat.

With the New York City Democratic mayoral primary just two weeks away on June 24, 2025, the race is in full swing, and the Jewish community—particularly the frum (Orthodox) segment—is emerging as a key player. Early voting begins June 14, and with Jews, including liberal Jews, comprising approximately 16% of eligible voters in this Democrat-only primary, according to a recent poll, community organizations are making their voices heard on who should lead the city next. The Candidates in Focus Here’s a look at the key contenders and the concerns surrounding them: NOTE: Many people do not realize that this is just the PRIMARY. Mayor Eric Adams is not running in this election, as he is running as an Independent in the general election. Andrew Cuomo: The former New York governor (2011–2021) resigned amid harassment allegations and has a controversial record. Critics point to his inaction during attacks on yeshiva education, a crisis that began under his watch and persists today, though he now pledges to fight for it. His handling of COVID-19 is also under scrutiny, with over 12,000 nursing home deaths attributed to his policies, followed by an alleged cover-up. Additionally, Cuomo has faced accusations of antisemitic remarks and targeting the Orthodox Jewish community during the pandemic, fanning the flames of antisemitism. Zohran Mamdani: A 33-year-old state assemblymember from Queens, Mamdani was relatively unknown before entering the race. A self-proclaimed “anti-Zionist,” he has protested alongside anti-Israel activists who have supported terrorist groups. On October 8, 2023, hours after the Hamas massacre in southern Israel, Mamdani criticized Israel instead of condemning the attack. His Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) party backed a widely condemned Times Square rally celebrating the violence. He has vowed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu if he visits New York, despite the international court’s arrest warrant lacking U.S. jurisdiction. Brad Lander: The current NYC Comptroller, Lander, a self-identified liberal Jew, has aligned with vocal critics of Israel, including Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Rashida Tlaib, pro-Palestinian activist Linda Sarsour, and former councilmember Shahana Hanif, all of whom support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. He is also seen as anti-police, pro-LGBTQ, and opposed to yeshiva education. Adrienne Adams: As the current Speaker of the New York City Council, Adams’ stance on Israel raises questions. In May 2024, she ordered the removal of all political signs from legislators’ desks, including pro-Israel posters and flyers about Hamas-held hostages, claiming it would reduce tensions over the Israel-Hamas war. Critics called this an attack on free speech. Other Democrats running (who are polling very low) include Scott Stringer, Jessica Ramos, Zellnor Myrie, Michael Blake, Whitney Tilson. Endorsements from the Frum Community Jewish organizations, especially in Orthodox strongholds, are weighing in: Crown Jewish United and the Crown Heights PAC: Cuomo. Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance: Cuomo. Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition: Cuomo. Boro Park Mosdos: #1 Adrienne Adams and #2 NYS Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie, notably diverging from the Cuomo trend. Satmar Zalonim: #1- Cuomo. #2- Adrienne Adams #3- Zellnor Myrie. Satmar Aronim: Cuomo, though Mamdani claims Rabbi Moshe Indig met with him and may add him to their slate. Indig reportedly called Mamdani “a very nice guy, very humble… not an antisemite” and said he’d work with the entire city. However, Indig publicly told Mayor Eric Adams this week, “In November, you’ll […]

Several top Democratic officials are facing backlash for making wildly inaccurate statements about the violent anti-ICE demonstrations that have consumed Los Angeles for nearly a week. Their attempts to deny or minimize the destruction stand in sharp contrast to eyewitness accounts, video footage, and law enforcement reports documenting widespread looting, arson, and violent clashes with police.

At a Capitol Hill press conference on Tuesday, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) boldly declared that there was “no violence” taking place in Los Angeles. Her remarks came as she sharply criticized President Trump’s decision to deploy thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines to restore order in the city.

“Nobody was shot, nobody was killed, get it into your head,” the congresswoman told reporters without flinching.

“Don’t think that somehow because they called out the National Guard there was violence. There was no violence. I was on the street, I know,” she said, doubling down.

“And I went from downtown detention back out into the community. What happened in Paramount, what happened in Compton, what happened in Inglewood: Get it straight, and don’t just rely on what you’re being told or the few incidents you saw,” she added, in a stunning denial of the on-the-ground reality.

Meanwhile, actual reports from the ground told a very different story. Violent acts have been mounting across the city, with numerous attacks against police and journalists alike.

On Sunday, a photographer for the New York Post was shot in the head with a rubber bullet while covering the riots. Reporters from Australia and The New York Times were also hit by projectiles during the unrest.

Police found a deceased man near the site of downtown looting early Tuesday morning, though authorities have yet to confirm whether his death is directly related to the riots.

Paramount and Compton have emerged as two of the hardest-hit areas since Immigration and Customs Enforcement began conducting enforcement operations that sparked the protests.

In Paramount, protesters pelted riot police with rocks and Molotov cocktails, prompting officers to respond with rubber bullets, tear gas, and pepper spray.

In nearby Compton, surveillance footage showed mobs of masked individuals smashing their way into a convenience store, tearing through shelves and stealing merchandise. Some were seen ripping out the credit card machines and stuffing them into bags.

The mayhem reached the 101 Freeway on Sunday, where around 2,000 demonstrators halted traffic. Authorities temporarily reopened the highway, only to shut it down again after rioters hurled objects—including electric scooters—at moving police vehicles.

Since the violence began, law enforcement has made nearly 60 arrests. The Department of Justice has pledged to investigate and prosecute those responsible for assaults on federal officers and destruction of property.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of violence, Waters’ version of events mirrored the talking points being pushed by other Democrats and left-leaning media. While at least five officers have been injured, many public figures continued to characterize the protests as largely peaceful.

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) told MSNBC, “the vast majority of protesters and demonstrators are peaceful,” while describing those who ignited fires and defaced property as simply “passionate.”

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) also deflected blame from the rioters and instead pointed the finger at President Trump. “A lot of these peaceful protests are being generated because the president of the United States is sowing chaos,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

But not all Democrats were willing to toe the party line. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), known for breaking with progressive orthodoxy, posted a blunt assessment on social media Monday night.

“I unapologetically stand for free speech, peaceful demonstrations, and immigration—but this is not that,” Fetterman wrote on X.

“This is anarchy and true chaos. My party loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement.”

Mainstream outlets were widely criticized for echoing misleading narratives. CNN, infamous for describing the 2020 riots as “fiery, but mostly peaceful,” again downplayed the violence in Los Angeles by calling the riots “lawful protests” with “some unrest.”

KABC’s Jory Rand offered an especially absurd take while broadcasting live footage of a car engulfed in flames, casually describing the scene as “just a bunch of people having fun watching cars burn,” and suggesting that bringing in police “could turn very volatile.”

Media outlets such as Axios and The New York Times appeared eager to minimize the scale of destruction, dismissing the chaos as limited to “a small part of the city”—a characterization many found stunningly out of touch with reality.

{Matzav.com}

Argentine President Javier Milei, an ohev yisroel and staunch supporter of the State of Israel, presented Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu with a deeply meaningful gift: a painting of the Prime Minister together with the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The gift, delivered during the leaders’ meeting in Jerusalem, resonated personally with Netanyahu. The Prime Minister recalled a powerful moment from his time as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations when he received guidance from the Rebbe. “‘You will be serving in a house of lies,’ the Rebbe told me,” Netanyahu shared. “‘And you will have to battle against 119.’ We have 120 members in the Knesset – he didn’t even leave me one,” Netanyahu added with a smile. President Milei’s connection to the Jewish people and Israel has become a hallmark of his presidency. Upon his arrival in Israel on Monday night, Milei headed directly to the Kosel, continuing the practice he began during his previous visit to Israel, when the Kosel was also the first stop on his itinerary. The president was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included his sister and Presidential Secretary Karina Milei, Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, and Argentina’s Ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish and his wife. At the Kosel, President Milei was warmly welcomed by the Rav of the Kosel and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and the Director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mordechai (Suli) Eliav. During the visit, the visibly emotional Milei joined Rabbi Rabinowitz in reciting Tehillim and offered a heartfelt prayer for the safe return of the Israeli hostages still held captive. Later, during a meeting with Israeli President Yitzchak Herzog, the Rebbe’s teachings again took center stage. “The great Rebbe of Lubavitch said that the small actions we do daily turn ‘you and me’ into ‘us’,” Herzog said. President Milei is expected to conclude his official visit with a return to the Kosel on Thursday evening, accompanied once again by Prime Minister Netanyahu. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)