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At a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony held at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Abe Foxman—who once headed the Anti-Defamation League—delivered a strong rebuke of certain policies seen under the Trump administration.

“As a [Holocaust] survivor, my antenna quivers when I see books being banned, when I see people being abducted in the streets, when I see government trying to dictate what universities should teach and whom they should teach. As a survivor who came to this country as an immigrant, I’m troubled when I hear immigrants and immigration being demonized,” Foxman said, prompting extended applause from those gathered.

Foxman, who served nearly thirty years as the ADL’s leader, made these remarks during his speech at the 2025 Days of Remembrance ceremony, which was organized by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and took place in the nation’s capital.

Despite his criticism, Foxman also acknowledged the efforts by both President Biden and President Trump to confront the rising tide of antisemitism. “We live in very chaotic times, where our values, our history, our democracy are being tested. As a survivor, I’m horrified at the explosion of antisemitism — global and in the U.S. I’m appreciative of President Biden’s historic initiative on antisemitism and thankful to President Trump’s strong condemnation of antisemitism and his promise to bring back consequences to antisemitic behavior,” he stated.

Foxman turned his attention to growing hate across college campuses and around the world following the October 7 terror attack against Israel, warning of how social media platforms amplify extremist rhetoric. “We look around us and what do we see? Rampant antisemitism on college campuses and in cities worldwide in the aftermath of that horrific terror attack on our cherished Jewish state, Israel. We see social media algorithms that promote extreme views, conspiracy theories,” he said. “Online conspiracy theories are just one click away from antisemitism.”

He described how antisemitic sentiments today are surfacing in shocking new forms. “We also see forms of antisemitism that seemed unthinkable: Holocaust denial, distortion, civilization, exploitation and even glorification. We look around and see here in America antisemitism on both the far left and far right. The 20th-century history of Nazism and communism should be an alarm bell as to just how dangerous this is, and not just for us Jews, but for all of society, for all who care about democracy, individual freedom and dignity,” Foxman emphasized.

Drawing a historical parallel, Foxman warned that the current situation resembles how antisemitic ideology intensified in Europe before Hitler came to power. “Antisemitism [is] not so different from the conspiracy theories that permeated Europe for centuries, long before Hitler was born and helped make the killings of two-thirds of our people possible,” he remarked.

Also addressing the event was Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who drew sobering comparisons between the Holocaust and recent atrocities. He called the Holocaust “a failure of humanity,” placing it in the same moral category as the 9/11 attacks and the October 7 massacre in Israel.

“The Holocaust was a failure of humanity. But as we all know, no matter how hard we try, that kind of hatred continues to exist, just in many, many other forms. It shows up in different ways, and it shows up at different times,” Lutnick said.

He argued that the nature of the October 7 attack echoed past genocides. “The Oct. 7 attack,” Lutnick said, “was carried out with the same genocidal hatred that fueled Auschwitz, and it’s that same disregard for human life that fueled the Sept. 11 attacks. It’s just the same hate, it just comes at a different time with a different name.”

With visible emotion, Lutnick concluded his speech with a powerful pledge of support for Jewish communities. He declared “in very, very clear and plain language” that Trump “will never back down from defending the Jewish people, never.”

{Matzav.com}

In a powerful and emotionally charged address delivered on Chol Hamoed, the Rebbe of Shevet Levi issued a stark warning to parents, urging vigilance in guiding their children to proper chassan and kallah instructors before marriage.

The Rebbe’s remarks came during a special derashah to parents and yungeleit, delivered on the day following the tenth yahrtzeit of his grandfather, Rav Shmuel Wosner zt”l, author of Shevet Halevi.

The talk, deeply rooted in the Torah outlook of his revered grandfather, focused on foundational guidance for building a kosher Jewish home. Addressing the struggles many parents face as their children reach marriageable age, the Rebbe spoke candidly about the widespread delays in shidduchim and the growing phenomenon of older single men and women within the community.

He attributed this troubling reality in part to the sharp decline in the number of active shadchanim. “There’s a serious shortage,” he noted, “and one reason is that people don’t treat shadchanim with the respect they deserve. There’s often a dismissive attitude, and we fail to compensate them fairly.”

The Rebbe implored the public to change their perspective and elevate the status of shadchanim, both in how they are regarded and how they are remunerated. “We must give them kavod,” he emphasized, “and pay them more than what has, until now, been customary.”

Another point of concern he raised was the distorted priorities some parents have when searching for a match. “Many times,” he said, “parents are looking for a shidduch that matches their criteria—status, money, or social image—rather than what is truly suitable for their son or daughter.”

As the drashah drew to a close, the Rebbe shifted his focus to a deeply distressing matter he said had come to his attention in recent months.

“There is a breach,” he stated solemnly, “a dangerous breach. Some chassanim and kallahs are going to instructors who distort the sanctity of the Jewish home. They twist the Torah’s view—both in outlook and in halachah—to align with foreign values, Rachmana litzlan. This is not the mesorah passed down from generation to generation.”

He called upon parents to be scrupulous in verifying the credentials and yiras Shamayim of the instructors to whom they entrust their children. “It is an absolute obligation,” he stressed, “to send our children only to upright, Torah-true, G-d-fearing guides as they prepare to establish their homes.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump is putting his “touches” on the White House with new flagpoles, new artwork, an overhaul of the Oval Office decor and possibly covering up the lawn in the Rose Garden. Trump, a former real estate developer and hotelier, said Wednesday that he’s adding two “beautiful” flagpoles to the grounds to fly the American flag in about a week. The Republican president recently hung new artworks featuring himself, including a rendering of him with his fist raised after last year’s attempted assassination in Pennsylvania. He has redecorated the Oval Office by adding portraits of all of his predecessors, a wall-mounted copy of the Declaration of Independence that is shielded by dark drapes and many golden accents. Trump has also talked about paving over the lawn in the Kennedy-era Rose Garden. He even remarked on the grass on Wednesday, telling reporters he recalled a recent event where “the grass was very wet and it was very hard for people to stand on the grass. They got their shoes all ruined.” All families granted the privilege of living in the White House try to find ways to leave their mark on the property, and Trump isn’t any different. Near the end of his first term, he and first lady Melania Trump unveiled a refurbished tennis court and a new pavilion on the south grounds. Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden is still producing. But Trump is a “real estate developer at heart” and is always looking to improve the White House, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday. New flag poles Earlier Wednesday, Trump took an impromptu stroll outside toward the Pennsylvania Avenue fence with head groundskeeper Dale Haney and other staff members. Asked what he was doing, Trump said he was scoping out a location for a flagpole. He told reporters afterward that he’s installing two “beautiful” flagpoles on the grounds because “they’ve needed flagpoles for 200 years.” He said the poles would be “paid for by Trump” and could be installed as soon as next week. The American and POW/MIA flags fly on the roof of the White House every day. Trump had them lowered on Monday after Pope Francis’ death. Oval Office overhaul Trump pledged in his inaugural address to preside over a “golden age of America.” But he appears to have ushered it first into an Oval Office he has redecorated by adding golden accents to the fireplace, doorway arches, walls and other areas of the room. It hasn’t gone unnoticed. “I really must say the Oval Office has never looked better,” Paul Atkins, the new Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, said Tuesday after his ceremonial swearing-in there. “One could really describe it as glistening, and I’ve heard stories about it. It’s true. It’s the touch of a confident president, leading with optimism towards an American golden age.” Every president adjusts the office decor to their liking, often with new furniture, rugs, draperies and other items. Some hire decorators. Former President Joe Biden had one of his brothers handle it. Trump seems to have directed the process himself. “I’ve done some ‘Trump touches’ to the Oval Office,” he told the championship Ohio State football team when he invited them for a tour after he hosted the players and coaches last week. “It’s a little nicer than it used to be, I think.” New Trump art Earlier this month, Trump hung […]

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, two outspoken critics of wealth inequality, were caught on camera stepping off a private jet while traveling for a campaign tour targeting America’s affluent elite.

Footage from Fox News shows the pair leaving a Bombardier Challenger 604 — a high-end jet valued between $5 million and $7 million, with a charter rate of around $15,000 per hour. Both politicians have been vocal opponents of private aviation and the wealthy individuals who use it.

Their flight was part of a multi-city tour branded as Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” campaign, which promotes public discourse on the influence of billionaires and large corporations in American politics. According to the campaign’s official website, the events aim to “have real discussions across America,” and push back against “the oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country.”

The website also includes a fundraising plea, suggesting that the campaign requires only “a modest amount of resources” to cover travel and related costs — a claim that seems at odds with the extravagance of private jet use.

In another jab at the wealthy, the campaign page declares: “Paid for by friends of Bernie Sanders (not the billionaires).”

The tour has included stops in cities like Tucson, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Nampa, and Bakersfield, where both lawmakers have spoken out against corporate greed and economic disparity.

“We as a community must choose and vote for Democrats and elected officials who know how to stand for the working class,” AOC declared to supporters at one event.

This marks a noticeable shift in travel style for Ocasio-Cortez, who had previously flown commercial. Just last month, she was seen in a first-class seat on a JetBlue flight from JFK to Las Vegas for a campaign rally — a choice that critics mocked as contradictory for someone crusading against privilege.

A first-class ticket for that same JetBlue route later this month tops $1,100.

Sanders, too, has faced backlash for his use of private aviation. During President Trump’s 2020 impeachment proceedings, Sanders reportedly chartered a private plane to travel between campaign events.

Recent Federal Election Commission records show Sanders’ campaign shelled out over $221,000 for private jet travel during the first quarter of 2025 alone.

{Matzav.com}

A Venezuelan man accused of gang ties, who was previously removed from the United States under President Trump’s orders, was later allowed to re-enter the country through a phone app program under the Biden administration, sources informed The NY Post.

Andry Hernandez Romero, 31, was one of 260 individuals deported to a notorious El Salvador prison in March after Trump utilized the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to the 1700s, to bypass standard deportation procedures and send them out without a court hearing.

Romero initially entered the United States by crossing the border into Texas in July 2024 but was swiftly removed, sources said. Just weeks later, he appeared again, this time making it into California.

By August, Romero used the CBP One mobile application—a program that has since been discontinued—to gain entry into the U.S. while in California.

That particular function of the CBP One app was terminated on Inauguration Day by the Trump administration. In its place, a new application called CBP Home was introduced, designed to allow illegal entrants to voluntarily exit the country.

According to his legal team, Romero fled Venezuela because he faced persecution due to his sexual orientation and political stance. In his home country, he had worked as a makeup artist for a government-run television network, as reported by CBS News.

“And the government had found that his threats against him were credible and that he had a real probability of winning an asylum claim,” said Lindsay Toczylowski, Romero’s attorney.

A photographer at the scene of Romero’s transfer to the massive prison complex in El Salvador reported that the detainee cried out, “I’m not a gang member. … I’m a stylist,” as guards struck him and shaved his head, CBS News reported.

“It’s horrifying to see someone who we’ve met and know as a sweet, funny artist in the most horrible conditions I could imagine,” Toczylowski remarked.

U.S. immigration officials identified Romero as a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang, citing his two crown tattoos as evidence.

However, Toczylowski rejected that narrative, asserting that the tattoos were tributes to his family.

“These are tattoos that not only have a plausible explanation because he is someone who worked in the beauty pageant industry, but also the crowns themself were on top of the names of his parents,” she explained.

“The most plausible explanation for that is that his mom and dad are his king and queen.”

Still, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, insisted the agency’s findings were not based solely on visible tattoos.

“This man’s own social media indicates he is a member of Tren de Aragua.”

Another alleged gang member, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was also believed to be part of MS-13, was deported alongside Romero to South America.

Although multiple courts, including the Supreme Court, ruled that Abrego Garcia had been erroneously deported due to a paperwork mishap and should be returned to the United States, the Trump administration has declined to comply.

Despite the judicial orders, the administration has not brought Abrego Garcia—who has been accused of trafficking, domestic violence, and gang involvement—back into the country.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Canada would “cease to exist” if it weren’t for the United States — comments that came just days before Canadians are set to vote in an election dominated by Trump’s remarks on the country’s economy and sovereignty. Trump reinserted himself into Canada’s election during a signing ceremony inside the Oval Office, saying Canada “would cease to exist as a country” if the U.S. stopped buying its goods. “I have to be honest, as a state, it works great,” said Trump, who previously threatened to make the country the 51st state through economic coercion. Trump reiterated his claim that the U.S. doesn’t need anything from Canada — including autos and oil. “We don’t really want Canada to make cars for us, to put it bluntly. We want to make our own cars,” Trump said. In recent weeks, Trump has dialed back his talk of Canada becoming the 51st state. He stopped saying it after a call with new Prime Minister Mark Carney last month. Trump also suggested Wednesday that he might increase import taxes on cars from Canada. Trump has a 25% tariff on autos, although there are some exemptions related to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade, and automakers are seeking other policy changes to minimize the tariff burden. Trump has separate 25% tariffs on Canadian goods — ostensibly to address drug smuggling into the U.S. “I really don’t want cars from Canada,” Trump said. “So when I put tariffs on Canada, they’re paying 25%, but that could go up in terms of cars. When we put tariffs on, all we’re doing is we’re saying, ‘We don’t want your cars, in all due respect.’” Trump cautioned that he’s not currently considering additional auto tariffs, but he said there could be an increase. Carney said last week that eliminating trade barriers within Canada would benefit Canadians as he made his case to retain power ahead of an April 28 vote. Carney has set a goal of free trade within the country’s 10 provinces and three territories by July 1. Canada has long had interprovincial trade barriers. “We can give ourselves far more than Donald Trump can ever take away,” Carney said. “We can have one economy. This is within our grasp.” Carney said the relationship Canada has had with the United States for the past 40 years has fundamentally changed because of Trump’s tariffs. Trump’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st state have infuriated Canadians and led to a surge in Canadian nationalism that has bolstered Liberal Party poll numbers. (AP)

Iran is expanding a vast security perimeter around two heavily fortified tunnel complexes near its main nuclear site, raising fresh alarms in Washington and Jerusalem amid renewed negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. A new report from the Institute for Science and International Security, based on commercial satellite imagery taken March 29, suggests the underground sites beneath Mt. Kolang Gaz La may soon become operational. The facilities—under construction for several years—are situated near Natanz, the heart of Iran’s nuclear program. The analysis, led by institute president David Albright, highlights hardened tunnel entrances and a network of high wall panels encircling the mountain. The security perimeter on the north side connects directly to the Natanz facility, which suffered a major act of sabotage in 2020 widely attributed to Israeli intelligence. The complexes are being excavated at significantly greater depths than the Fordo enrichment facility near Qom, suggesting Iran’s intention to shield sensitive operations from potential airstrikes or sabotage. Tehran has barred United Nations nuclear inspectors from accessing the new sites, fueling concerns among Western analysts. Albright warns that the tunnels may be intended to house advanced centrifuges or components of Iran’s growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Such materials could be rapidly converted into fuel for a nuclear weapon, should Iran make the decision to cross that threshold. The report comes as the United States and Iran prepare for a third round of negotiations this weekend aimed at reviving restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program. Talks have resumed amid heightened regional tensions, as Israeli leaders continue to warn that time is running out to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state. Iran has publicly said that one of the tunnel complexes will house centrifuge production, replacing the sabotaged facility at Natanz. But with inspectors locked out and construction accelerating, international skepticism is mounting. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In an update to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Lt. Col. Avigdor Dickstein, head of the IDF’s Charedi Recruitment Branch, reported that the military is falling significantly short of its goal to enlist 4,800 Charedi men during the current 2024–2025 draft cycle. As of now, only 1,721 have enlisted. “We set ourselves a target of 4,800 and we will not reach that,” Dickstein acknowledged, noting that while enlistment numbers are slightly improving, they remain far below what the army considers necessary. “There is an upward trend here, but it is not sufficient and does not correspond to the very large operational need,” he told the committee. Out of 18,915 Charedi men who received initial conscription notices, only 232 have thus far reported for service, with just 57 volunteering for combat roles. In contrast, 1,840 ignored the draft order altogether and were issued immediate call-up notices—failure to respond to these results in being labeled a draft evader. Those classified as draft evaders face serious consequences, including “no-exit” orders preventing them from leaving the country. According to Dickstein, 962 Charedi men have already been officially declared draft evaders, while 68 received exemptions on various grounds. One of the IDF’s most effective enforcement tools has been Ben Gurion Airport. Since January, 340 eligible individuals were held for questioning at the airport—322 while attempting to leave the country. Of these, 100 were barred from departing; half of them were Charedim. “Currently, the most significant and effective sanction is Ben Gurion Airport; there is currently no other sanction,” Dickstein said. “There is the ability to make arrests, but it is extremely ineffective. If I grab him and put him in a police car, will he end up enlisting?” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Senator Ron Johnson has launched an inquiry into the events of September 11, 2001.

Following his appearance on a right-wing podcast where he echoed controversial claims regarding the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, Johnson’s office confirmed that the senator is now collecting records and information with the aim of initiating congressional hearings on the nearly quarter-century-old tragedy.

He intends to pursue the investigation as chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, a prominent body within Congress known for probing major issues ranging from war profiteering to organized crime and the 2008 financial meltdown. As chair, Johnson has wide discretion to explore matters of national concern.

Speaking with MAGA commentator Benny Johnson on Tuesday, the senator claimed that one of the structures in the vicinity of the Twin Towers “was a controlled demolition.” He was referring to Building 7, which collapsed several hours after the initial attacks, when al Qaeda hijackers crashed two passenger jets into the World Trade Center towers.

The destruction of Building 7, which was not directly struck by a plane, has long fueled baseless speculation, with some theorists alleging that the structure was rigged with explosives, or even that the government orchestrated the entire collapse to implicate al Qaeda.

The building housed several federal offices, including a CIA facility, which has contributed to its role in online conspiracy culture. The phrase “jet fuel can’t melt steel beams” has become emblematic of this movement.

Ron Johnson also cited a film promoting such views, arguing that the government-led probe into Building 7’s collapse—carried out by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—was flawed. “What actually happened on 9/11? What do we know? What is being covered up?” he asked. “My guess is there’s an awful lot being covered up in terms of what the American government knows about 9/11.”

In addition to the two planes that destroyed the Twin Towers, the 9/11 attacks included a jet that crashed into the Pentagon and another that passengers forced down in Pennsylvania. These incidents have already been examined in depth by lawmakers and an independent bipartisan commission, which scrutinized intelligence failures and the potential involvement of Saudi government officials.

Despite that, Johnson appears to believe further probing is needed. He has also expressed skepticism about the official narrative surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot, saying in the podcast, “a massive cover-up of exactly what happened” is taking place.

He acknowledged that critics view him as “a conspiracy theorist.” “But,” he continued, “that’s how they keep things covered up.”

As for when hearings might be held, Johnson’s spokesperson said that would “depend on what information/documentation is obtained by our office.”

{Matzav.com}

Anxiety disorders are on the rise. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately one-third of U.S. adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. It is the most common mental health concern. While the exact cause of this increase is not conclusive, many researchers believe it’s connected to the rise in social media and technology use, increased social comparisons, weakened meaningful relationships, and poor sleep patterns. Research on anxiety within the frum community is limited, but it’s clear that we’re not immune to these trends. Let’s differentiate between common anxiety and anxiety disorders — and explore how even those with strong emunah can be affected. Anxiety is a normal and temporary emotion, triggered by a perceived threat or stressor. It’s the “smoke alarm” that Hashem created to protect us from danger. When our brain senses danger, it activates the sympathetic nervous system — our “fight or flight” response. In short-term or situational cases, this can actually help us cope with the immediate situation. However, anxiety becomes a disorder when it is excessive, persistent, and significantly interferes with daily functioning. The key differences between common anxiety and an anxiety disorder are frequency, duration, intensity, and the level of impairment it causes. Understanding why someone develops an anxiety disorder isn’t simple. Researchers estimate that genetics account for 30% to 60% of the risk. Personality traits, childhood experiences, and environmental stressors also play major roles. Anxiety disorders include: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry across many aspects of daily life. Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks — sudden episodes of intense fear, often with physical symptoms like a racing heart or shortness of breath. Social Anxiety Disorder: An intense fear of social situations and potential judgment. Specific Phobias: Irrational fears of particular objects or situations, leading to avoidance. Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive distress over being separated from attachment figures (common in children, but also seen in adults). Agoraphobia: Fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often linked to panic disorder. Selective Mutism: The inability to speak in certain social situations despite being able to speak in others. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety. The thing about anxiety disorders is that they’re not rational. It’s like a faulty smoke alarm that goes off every time you make potato kugel. Even though you know there’s no fire, the alarm is still blaring — unpleasant and distressing, enough to make you want to stop cooking altogether. That’s why giving yourself or someone else an emunah pep talk often isn’t enough. You already believe there’s no danger — but your body hasn’t gotten the memo. The anxiety “alarm” is still going off. For the body to truly learn that it’s safe, it requires repeated exposure and the building of tolerance to discomfort. Over time, when you face that discomfort without escaping, your nervous system learns that it isn’t a threat. The alarm stops blaring. Belief is powerful — but when it comes to anxiety disorders, belief alone is often not enough. The body, shaped by a complex mix of biological, psychological, and social factors, must experience safety first-hand in order to heal. Chayi Hanfling is a licensed clinical social worker who is experienced and passionate in helping individuals, families, […]

Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich delivered an ultimatum on Wednesday, warning that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu carries full responsibility for the war’s direction in Gaza. Smotrich insisted that if Netanyahu does not authorize the reoccupation of Gaza and set up a provisional military administration, then “his government has no right to exist.” Many observers viewed his remarks as a clear threat to dissolve the ruling coalition.

Smotrich’s sharp criticism followed a reported clash with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir during a tense meeting of the security cabinet Tuesday night, where disagreements surfaced over how to handle humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Reports from Hebrew media said tensions rose when Defense Minister Yisroel Katz told cabinet members that Israel would soon need to resume aid shipments into Gaza, provided safeguards are in place to prevent Hamas from seizing the supplies.

Zamir allegedly responded that the IDF would not take charge of delivering the aid, prompting a fiery response from Smotrich, who insisted that the army must fulfill the mission assigned to it. “The army does not choose its missions,” he told Zamir, adding, “We have specified to you that you need to prepare for this. We will decide the goal and you will decide how to complete it. If you are not capable, we will bring in someone capable. If you do not know how to do it, we will find someone who does.”

He added: “There is a new chief of staff, we waited, we were patient, and we have reached the moment in which we need to move on. The war cannot continue as it is now, and it cannot go on forever.”

According to reports, Smotrich walked out of the room when Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar began speaking, claiming he “needed to go to the bathroom.”

Smotrich had previously pledged to shun Bar after the High Court intervened to block his removal from office.

In a Wednesday morning statement, Smotrich doubled down, stressing that preventing aid from falling into Hamas’s hands remains essential to defeating the terror group. “Managing the civilian effort in Gaza in a way that does not fall into the hands of Hamas was and remains the most critical component for defeating Hamas and winning the war,” he said.

“Without internalizing and implementing this, we will not be able to win,” Smotrich stated, clarifying that his frustrations were not aimed at the army’s leadership but at the Prime Minister. “My criticism is of the prime minister, who does not enforce the implementation of the political echelon’s policy on the IDF.”

He firmly declared: “Introducing logistical aid that goes to Hamas is a step that I will not be a part of. Period!”

Again calling out Netanyahu directly, Smotrich said: “The prime minister is the one who is ultimately responsible. Launch a campaign to defeat Hamas, occupy Gaza and implement a temporary military government until another solution is found, return the hostages and launch the Trump plan — or this government has no right to exist.”

The Religious Zionism party, led by Smotrich, holds seven seats in the Knesset — not enough to topple the coalition on its own, which currently controls 68 seats.

Despite his prominent role, Smotrich’s influence has waned among his core national religious supporters, many of whom are frustrated over his inaction on drafting chareidim. Recent polls show his party could fall below the electoral threshold if elections were held today.

In contrast, Otzma Yehudit — Smotrich’s former electoral partner — has gained ground. The Channel 12 survey released earlier this month projected that the party, headed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, would win nine to ten seats.

Ben Gvir has taken an even more hawkish approach, exiting the coalition over the recent ceasefire and only rejoining when military operations resumed. Smotrich, though critical, did not follow suit.

Smotrich’s heated rhetoric has also drawn backlash from chareidi lawmakers after he recently said that “returning the hostages is not the most important thing” when compared to dismantling Hamas.

After United Torah Judaism chairman Moshe Gafni voiced his disapproval, Smotrich fired back, declaring that Gafni “has no right to talk about the war” and should “send his children to fight” before making such comments.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid seized on the Smotrich-Zamir confrontation to argue that Netanyahu’s coalition is unfit to achieve victory. Meanwhile, Ben Gvir dismissed the entire exchange as foolish, saying: “The entire Strip should not receive any ounce of aid, as long as our hostages are being held there.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A woman and toddler whose remains were discovered scattered along an oceanfront highway not far from the victims of Long Island’s infamous Gilgo Beach killings were identified Wednesday as an Army veteran from Alabama and her daughter. Tanya Denise Jackson, 26, of Mobile, had been living in Brooklyn with her 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes, at the time of their deaths, Nassau County police announced. The U.S. Army veteran, who police say may have worked as a medical assistant, had been previously nicknamed “Peaches” by investigators after a tattoo on her body. Police releasing photos and other images related to the two victims Wednesday said they had no evidence at this point to suggest the unsolved killings are linked to Rex Heuermann, who has been charged in the deaths of seven women whose remains were discovered elsewhere on Long Island. “Although Tanya and Tatiana have commonly been linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings because the timing and locations of their recovered remains, we are not discounting the possibility that their cases are unrelated from that investigation,” Homicide Det. Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said. “I’m not saying it is Rex Heuermann and I’m not saying it’s not,” he added. “We are proceeding as if it’s not, keeping our eyes wide open.” Some of the Jackson’s remains were discovered on June 28, 1997, stuffed inside a plastic tub in a state park in West Hempstead on Long Island. More remains, and the skeletal remains of the female child, were found off Ocean Parkway in April 2011. At the briefing Wednesday, law enforcement officials said they had identified the victims through DNA evidence found at the scene and advanced genetic and genealogy research. “The reality is our work has just begun,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. “Knowing the identities of the mom and the little baby is just a first step to help us get to solving these murders.” Officials said Wednesday they had spoken with the child’s father, who was cooperating with the investigation and not considered a suspect at this time. Fitzpatrick added that authorities initially identified the mother and daughter in 2022, obtained additional DNA information the following year and notified surviving family last year. The two were laid to rest recently, he said. Officials said Jackson had been estranged from much of her family for some time. She served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1995, living on three bases in Texas, Georgia and Missouri, and drove a black 1991 Geo Storm. Nassau Police said they’re offering a $25,000 reward to anyone with information leading to an arrest. It has long been unclear whether there is any connection between the mother and daughter and other women found slain elsewhere on Long Island. Since late 2010, police have been investigating the deaths of at least 10 people whose remains were discovered there. Heuermann, a Manhattan architect, has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all counts. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney’s office, which is prosecuting Heuermann, said in a statement he is not commenting on “any topics even tangentially involved to the investigation” while a pre-trial hearing plays out. The two female victims are among three sets of human remains long associated with […]

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The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office responded to questions surrounding the delay in the start of the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony, attributing it to a temporary hold placed on the Prime Minister’s convoy due to a security issue.

“The Prime Minister’s motorcade was delayed this evening for a short time before arriving at the Holocaust Memorial Day opening ceremony due to a demand by security officials, due to a concern that an unidentified drone was in the area. When the concern was ruled out, the motorcade continued on its way,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated.

Speaking at the ceremony, Netanyahu condemned Hamas and vowed to eliminate the group in response to its atrocities. “We will destroy the Hamas monsters who perpetrated the cruelest massacre since the Holocaust. There will not be an Islamic caliphate, not in the south, not in the north, and not in Judea and Samaria,” Netanyahu stated.

Netanyahu also warned of the growing danger from Tehran, calling on the world to recognize the stakes involved. “The Iranian regime of horrors is a threat to the future of the entire human society. This is what will happen if it obtains nuclear weapons. The struggle with it will determine the fate of all free countries. Israel will not lose, give up, or surrender. What are nice words about the victory of the enlightenment, if at the moment of truth, you surrender to the barbarians?”

{Matzav.com}

Eighty years after the Holocaust, more than 200,000 Jewish survivors are still alive but 70% of them will be gone within the next 10 years — meaning time is running out to hear the voices of the last generation who suffered through one of the worst atrocities in history. Currently, the survivors’ median age is 87, and more than 1,400 of them are over 100 years old, a new report said Tuesday. “We have known that this population of survivors would be the last, our final opportunity to hear their first-hand testimonies, to spend time with them, our last chance to meet a survivor,” said Greg Schneider, the executive vice president of the New York-based Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, also referred to as the Claims Conference, which published the study. The report’s analysis of population projections and mortality rates provides details through 2040. It is based on the extensive data collected since 1952 by the Claims Conference, which includes survivors who receive direct payments or social welfare services funded by the organization as a result of ongoing negotiations with Germany. 90% of Holocaust survivors will pass away in the next 15 years Notably, nearly 50% of all Holocaust survivors will pass away within the next six years, while 70% will die within 10 years and 90% within 15 years, according to the report titled “ Vanishing Witnesses.” Those still alive are often of frail health and suffer from ailments that come with age and have been amplified by traumas in their youth. Six million European Jews were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators during the Holocaust. It is not clear exactly how many Jews survived the death camps, the ghettos or somewhere in hiding across Nazi-occupied Europe, but their numbers were a far cry from the pre-war Jewish population in Europe. In Poland, of the 3.3 million Jews living there in 1939, only about 300,000 survived. Around 560,000 Jews lived in Germany in 1933, the year Adolf Hitler came to power. After the Holocaust, their numbers had diminished to about 15,000 through emigration and extermination. After the end of World War II, survivors settled all over the globe and even today they are still living in 90 different countries. Mortality rates vary across locations The “Vanishing Witnesses” report shows that mortality rates for survivors vary greatly across locations depending on access to health care and economic stability. For example, Israel, which is home to about half of all Holocaust survivors, had 110,100 survivors as of October 2024 and is estimated to see their population decline to 62,900 by 2030, a drop of 43%. The United States had 34,600 in the fall of 2024, but is projected to lose 39% over that same time, dropping to 21,100 survivors. Countries in the former Soviet Union had 25,500 survivors in October 2024, but are expected to be at 11,800 in five years, down 54 % by the start of 2030. “This report is a stark reminder that our time is almost up, our survivors are leaving us and this is the moment to hear their voices,” said Gideon Taylor, the president of the Claims Conference. Many survivors worry who will keep alive their memories Albrecht Weinberg, a 100-year-old survivor from Germany who lost almost his entire family in the Holocaust, said that even today the horrendous memories are haunting him. “I sleep […]

Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas delivered an address on Wednesday as he convened the 32nd session of the Palestinian Central Council in Ramallah.

During his remarks, Abbas laid out his strategy for what he described as the “day after” the war in Gaza. Central to his proposal was the reestablishment of the Palestinian Authority’s administrative control over the Gaza Strip, replacing Hamas as the ruling entity.

Abbas placed direct blame on Hamas for the devastation brought by the war, holding them responsible for the large number of casualties and describing the situation as a “Nakba” for the Palestinian Arab people. He dismissed the notion that these were just “tactical losses” or “numbers,” stating that the real cause of the suffering was the October 7 massacre and the ongoing holding of hostages—actions he said served as excuses for the destruction of Gaza and the displacement of its population.

He renewed his criticisms of Hamas, accusing the organization of undermining the broader Palestinian cause. He alleged that Hamas leaders had used the Palestinian struggle to solicit donations that ended up in their personal bank accounts.

Abbas outlined what he referred to as the key “Palestinian priorities.” These included an end to what he called a “war of annihilation,” a complete Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip, halting military operations in Judea and Samaria, safeguarding religious sites, ending the blockade on Gaza, and starting efforts to rebuild the region while opposing forced displacement.

He emphasized that the Palestinian Authority must be granted full governance over Gaza, with a mandate to disarm Hamas and transition the organization into a civilian political movement.

{Matzav.com}

Florida’s “hanging chads” ballot controversy riveted the nation during the 2000 presidential contest and later prompted Congress to create an independent commission to help states update their voting equipment. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has operated in relative anonymity since, but is now central to President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to overhaul elections. One of the commission’s boards will meet Thursday in North Carolina, the first commission-related meeting since the directives were announced. Among other things, Trump directed the agency to update the national voter registration form to add a proof of citizenship requirement. But whether the president can order an independent agency to act and whether the commission has the authority to do what Trump wants will likely be settled in court. Why was the commission created? Congress approved the Help America Vote Act in 2002 to help states replace outdated voting systems and improve the voting experience. It passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support and was signed into law by then-President George W. Bush, a Republican who won the 2000 presidential contest over Democrat Al Gore in a disputed election that went to the U.S. Supreme Court. The culprit was a method of voting at the time in Florida that relied on so-called punch-card ballots, which required voters to mark their choices using a hand-held stylus. But thousands of voters didn’t punch their ballot choices completely, leaving it to local election workers — some using magnifying glasses — to divine their intent. The resulting chaos in the pivotal swing state and intense national attention turned “hanging” and “pregnant” chads into household terms. The Supreme Court ultimately stopped the counting, leaving Bush with a 537-vote victory margin that gave him the Electoral Votes he needed to claim the presidency. The 2002 law was designed to modernize the voting process. Under it, the Election Assistance Commission was given a number of mandates: distribute $2.8 billion in federal money for new voting equipment; create voluntary guidelines for voting systems and establish a federal testing and certification program for them; oversee the national voter registration form; and gather data about federal elections. The four commissioners who lead the agency are nominated by the president based on recommendations from the majority and minority leaders in the U.S. House and Senate, then confirmed by the Senate. No political party can be represented by more than two commissioners. At various points, the agency has faced budget cuts, staffing shortages and gridlock caused by vacancies in the commissioner positions. But a consistent budget and a quorum among the commissioners since 2019 has led to increased stability, with election officials praising its efforts in recent years. Trump wants to put his own stamp on elections Trump has long been skeptical of how elections are run, making claims that the 2020 election was “rigged” against him. Multiple reviews of that election confirmed his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. He has continued to criticize voting processes since his win last November, including in his March 25 executive order, which calls for major changes that include a proof-of-citizenship requirement when people register to vote for federal elections. While Trump directed several federal agencies to act, two of the order’s major provisions were directed at the Election Assistance Commission. It was instructed to “take appropriate action” within 30 days to require documentary proof of citizenship on the national voter registration form. The order outlines acceptable documents as a […]

At the official ceremony launching Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu made a firm commitment that Israel would not cease its battle against Hamas until the group is entirely eliminated.

“We will destroy the Hamas monsters who perpetrated the cruelest massacre since the Holocaust. There will not be an Islamic califate, not in the south, not in the north, and not in Judea and Samaria,” Netanyahu declared during his address.

He emphasized that military operations against Hamas would press on relentlessly. “The military pressure on Hamas will continue. We will bring back all the hostages. We will defeat Hamas and deny Iran nuclear weapons.”

Reflecting on the same day the previous year, Netanyahu pointed to the objections Israel faced from the international community regarding its military actions in Rafah. Despite foreign governments cautioning against the offensive and threatening arms restrictions, Israel moved forward. “If we need to fight with our fingernails, we’ll fight with our fingernails. Israel is not a vassal state. No pressure and no resolution can prevent us from settling the score with the barbaric murderers. Last Holocaust Remembrance Day, the operation in Rafah began. That was a turning point in the war.”

He also sounded a warning about the looming danger posed by Iran. “The Iranian regime of horrors is a threat to the future of the entire human society. This is what will happen if it obtains nuclear weapons. The struggle with it will determine the fate of all free countries. Israel will not lose, give up, or surrender. What are nice words about the victory of the enlightenment, if at the moment of truth, you surrender to the barbarians.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

POTUS: “Who’s that picture?” VETERAN: “That is Joe Biden — and it says ‘Let’s Go Brandon.'”