Feed aggregator

A German court announced on Monday the death of Irmgard Furchner, a 99-year-old who had served as a secretary at a Nazi concentration camp and was found guilty in 2022 for her role in Holocaust crimes.

Furchner stood out as one of the final individuals likely to be held legally accountable in Germany for involvement in the atrocities of the Nazi regime during World War II.

She was handed a two-year suspended prison term after being convicted of assisting in the killing of more than 10,000 people at the Stutthof concentration camp, which was located in Nazi-occupied Poland. Although she challenged the verdict, her appeal was denied in 2024.

Her defense attorneys claimed that she worked at the camp merely as a civilian clerk with no knowledge of the mass killings, and they argued that she should be exonerated.

The court in Itzehoe, which oversaw her trial, officially confirmed her death. The case gained significant attention as she became the first woman in many years to be tried in Germany over Nazi-related offenses.

Despite the passage of nearly 80 years since the Holocaust, German authorities have continued to pursue justice against former members of the Nazi infrastructure. Still, numerous investigations in recent years have ended prematurely due to the advanced age or death of the accused.

From June 1943 through April 1945, Furchner was employed at Stutthof as the personal secretary to commandant Paul Werner Hoppe. Her duties included taking dictation and managing his correspondence. Her husband also worked at the camp as part of the SS.

Stutthof, which was situated near modern-day Gdansk, Poland, was the site of approximately 65,000 deaths, many of them Jews who had been deported there.

Just before her trial was scheduled to begin in September 2021, Furchner fled the senior home where she was living. She remained at large for several hours until she was apprehended in Hamburg.

Because she was under 21 when the crimes occurred, she was prosecuted under juvenile law.

Germany’s renewed pursuit of Nazi collaborators was largely reinvigorated by the 2011 trial in Munich of John Demjanjuk, who was convicted for complicity in the deaths of 28,060 people at the Sobibor death camp. He received a five-year sentence and died the following year in 2012.

In 2020, a Hamburg court convicted 93-year-old Bruno Dey, a former Stutthof guard, of 5,232 counts of accessory to murder — the same number as the estimated victims killed at the camp during his time there in 1944 and 1945.

Then in 2021, prosecutors in Germany charged a man who was 100 years old at the time, accusing him of working as a guard at Sachsenhausen, a concentration camp where over 100,000 individuals were killed.

In several instances, those who were found guilty of Nazi-era crimes died before they could be imprisoned and thus never served time.

Some investigations have also been terminated when the accused passed away or were deemed medically unfit for trial.

For instance, in June 2024, a court in Hanau ruled that a 99-year-old suspected former guard from Sachsenhausen was not healthy enough to face legal proceedings.

{Matzav.com}

As Pesach approaches, thousands of families cannot afford holiday provisions. The Gedolei Hador, aware of the situation and Kupat Ha’ir’s Kimcha D’Pischa project, have issued an unprecedented letter: Maran Rabbi Dov Landau, Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, Rabbi B. D. Povarsky, Rabbi M.Y. Shelzinger, and Rabbi M.H. Hirsch say: Whoever donates for six people’s holiday meals will merit to see a simcha in their homes before Rosh Hashana תשפ”ו. The cost for Seder night, Shabbos, Yom Tov, and Chol HaMoed meals is $990 for six people. With a donation of $33/month for 30 months, you can bring joy to these families.

Israel’s Supreme Court convened on Tuesday morning to discuss the petitions filed against the dismissal of the Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. The fact that the court has even agreed to discuss the petitions is controversial as Israeli law grants the prime minister and the government undisputed authority to fire the Shin Bet chief. The justices serving on the case are Supreme Court President Yitzchak Amit, a liberal whose authority as president has been challenged by Justice Minister Yariv Levin and other government members, liberal justice Daphne Baraz-Erez, and Deputy President Noam Sohlberg, considered a conservative. Since Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, as usual, is opposing the government decision despite her clear conflict of interest in the matter, the government’s position is being represented by Adv. Tzion Amir. As the hearing began, bereaved father Yitzchak Bontzel, whose son Itzik, H’yd, was killed in the war in Gaza, interrupted the proceedings, berating the court for the hearing the petitions, saying that Bar, whose hands are dripping in blood, claimed responsiblity for the October 7 massacre so there is no justificiaton to discuss the petitions. He said that because of Ronen Bar, “our children are on Har Herzl.” “Who are you protecting here?” Bontzel cried. “A man who is responsible for the great failure in the State of Israel. Har Herzl is full of the blood of our children…listen to us, the bereaved parents. We are at a time of war, the blood of our sons is crying out! This man said I have sinned, I have failed. How can it be that he remains in office for another minute?” Others who oppose the court’s decision to hear the petitions crowded the courtroom, yelling “Busha! Busha! and “You don’t have authority!” Following the lengthy interruption, Amit called for a break in the hearing. After a discussion on the order of the proceedings, Amit decided that the hearing would be held without an audience in order to prevent disruptions. Those present in the court were forcibly removed. The hearing is being broadcast live. Bontzel is forcibly removed from the courtroom: (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bitachon4Life-Shiur-1472-Machseh-Part-102.mp3

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WATCH:

By Rabbi Berach Steinfeld In Shemos, Perek Yud Bais the Torah tells us that we have a mitzvah to bring a Korban Pesach on Erev Pesach. Was the bracha of shehecheyanu recited when they brought the Korban Pesach since it is a mitzvah that occurs infrequently? The Nesiv Chaim in siman taf lamed bais says that they did not say the bracha of shehecheyanu while shechting the Korban Pesach. They relied on the shehecheyanu that would be said on the night of Pesach during Kiddush. This is similar to the fact that we don’t make a bracha of shehechyanu while building the sukka, but rather we say the bracha of shehecheyanu during Kiddush when we also have the building of the sukka in mind. The Shailos Utshuvos Shevet Halevi in chelek gimmel, siman samech heh questions the above comparison. We don’t make a bracha of shehecheyanu on the building of the sukkah because that act is actually a hechshermitzvah, a preparation for the mitzvah of eating in the sukka. We therefore rely on the shehecheyanu on the mitzvah of eating in the sukka itself, which includes the preparation for the building of the sukka as well. A similar scenario would be concerning saying shehechayanu while searching for chametz. We do not say shehecheyanu while we check for chametz since it is only a hechsher mitzvah; the actual mitzvah is not having chametz in your domain on Pesach, so we are yotze with the shehecheyanu we say as we usher in the Yom Tov during Kiddush. In contrast, when it comes to shechitas Pesach where the Rishonim count the shechita and the achilas Pesach as two separate mitzvos, we should be required to say shehecheyanu on the shechita and then at night when we eat the Pesach we could either rely on the original shehecheyanu on the shechita or rely on the shehecheyanu we say for the Yom Tovitself. The bottom line is that since the shechitas Pesach is a mitzvah on its own and comes infrequently; we need to say a shehecheyanu. The Shevet Halevi was asked a question in Chelek Tes, siman kuf yud yud gimmel based on what we pasken in Yoreh Deah, siman chof ches, seif koton gimel concerning a shochet who shechts for the first time. The shochetmakes a bracha of shehecheyanu on the kisui hadam, (the covering of the blood) but not on the shechita because when one shechts, the animal is hurting so we don’t say shehecheyanu during the shechita. The question then is, how could we say a shehecheyanu when we shecht the Korban Pesach when we are causing pain to the animal? The Shevet Halevi answers that there is a difference between these two scenarios. When one shechts an animal because he wants to eat meat, then there is no place for him to say shehecheyanu since he is causing the animal pain in order to have his own pleasures fulfilled. On the other hand, when one brings the Korban Pesach, he is shechting the korban because Hashem told him to and not for his own personal pleasure. In such a case one could say shehecheyanu despite the fact that the animal is in pain since that is what Hashem commanded us to do. May we be zocheh soon to bring korbanos and be required to say shehecheyanu for shechita in our lifetime.

Congestion pricing in Manhattan will continue through the fall under a deal made between the Trump administration and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, as revealed in newly filed court records. The fate of the initiative will then ultimately be determined by a federal judge.

This development follows a ride last week by US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Mayor Eric Adams on New York City’s subway, during which Duffy harshly criticized the MTA for what he called excessive expenditures.

The agreement outlined in the court documents establishes that the tolling equipment — including cameras and sensors — will remain operational through October, as detailed in a letter submitted to the judge overseeing the legal battle.

The congestion pricing initiative officially launched in January, but its future was cast into doubt when President Trump announced his intention to revoke federal approval in February, prompting a legal clash between the MTA and the federal government.

Last month, Duffy granted the state of New York an extension on the federal deadline to shut down the program. That extension paved the way for Friday’s agreement between both parties.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration is now permitted to proceed with deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members under the authority of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, following a Supreme Court ruling on Monday that overturned a lower court’s decision which had halted those deportations.

In a narrow 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court sided with the administration, stating that the government had a strong chance of ultimately prevailing in a legal challenge pending in a Washington, DC federal court regarding the expulsion of five Venezuelan nationals under the historic law.

“The detainees are confined in Texas, so venue is improper in the District of Columbia,” the majority opinion, issued by the court’s conservative bloc, stated.

The justices also concluded that individuals targeted for deportation under the Alien Enemies Act must receive timely notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal in a court that has jurisdiction before they are sent out of the country.

“For all the rhetoric of the dissents, today’s order and per curiam confirm that the detainees subject to removal orders under the AEA are entitled to notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal,” the court’s opinion continued. “The only question is which court will resolve that challenge.”

Chief Judge James Boasberg of the DC District Court had previously barred the Trump administration from enforcing the Alien Enemies Act last month, issuing a temporary restraining order that he later extended until April 12.

In response, the Trump administration submitted an urgent appeal to the Supreme Court on March 28 after a split decision from a three-judge panel on the DC Circuit Court of Appeals left Boasberg’s block in place while the legal battle continues.

President Trump used the Alien Enemies Act—dormant since World War II—for the first time in decades last month to fast-track the deportation of alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang to a high-security prison in El Salvador.

Trump has characterized the gang as a dangerous incursion enabled by what he calls the Biden administration’s failure to control immigration and secure the southern border.

“The Supreme Court has upheld the Rule of Law in our Nation by allowing a President, whoever that may be, to be able to secure our Borders, and protect our families and our Country, itself,” Trump posted on Truth Social in reaction to the court’s decision.

“A GREAT DAY FOR JUSTICE IN AMERICA!” he added.

The court’s liberal wing cited the administration’s alleged attempts to ignore Boasberg’s initial restraining order by hastily flying out suspected gang members before the March 15 hearing that led to the temporary block as reason not to lift it.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor sharply criticized the majority, writing that their decision came “without mention of the grave harm Plaintiffs will face if they are erroneously removed to El Salvador or regard for the Government’s attempts to subvert the judicial process throughout this litigation.”

“Because the Court should not reward the Government’s efforts to erode the rule of law with discretionary equitable relief, I respectfully Dissent,” she wrote.

“Congress requires the President to ‘mak[e] public proclamation’ of his intention to invoke the Alien Enemies Act,” Sotomayor noted. “President Trump did just the opposite. In what can be understood only as covert preparation to skirt both the requirements of the Act and the Constitution’s guarantee of due process.”

“The Government’s plan, it appeared, was to rush plaintiffs out of the country before a court could decide whether the President’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act was lawful or whether these individuals were, in fact, members of Tren de Aragua.”

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, appointed by Trump, agreed with some sections of Sotomayor’s dissent.

Reacting to the ruling, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that she, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and “Border Czar” Tom Homan would mobilize federal resources to find and expel any remaining Tren de Aragua affiliates.

“Tonight’s decision is a landmark victory for the rule of law,” Bondi said. “An activist judge in Washington, DC does not have the jurisdiction to seize control of President Trump’s authority to conduct foreign policy and keep the American people safe.”

“The Department of Justice will continue fighting in court to make America safe again.”

Secretary Noem issued a stern warning following the decision: “It is a bad day to be a terrorist and criminal alien in the United States of America,” calling the court’s action a “victory for commonsense security.”

“We will continue to enforce our immigration laws and restore sanity to our immigration system by using all appropriate authorities, including the Alien Enemies Act. Thank you President [Trump] for your leadership,” the DHS chief said.

The Trump administration has reportedly been transferring suspected gang members to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison, a facility infamous for its harsh conditions.

{Matzav.com}

Great excitement is sweeping through the Vizhnitzer kehillos as news spreads that the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, is expected to return to Eretz Yisroel this Thursday after spending over six weeks in Los Angeles undergoing medical treatment.

Sources within the chassidus convey that the Rebbe’s return, initially scheduled for earlier in the week, has been delayed by one day. B’ezras Hashem, the Rebbe is now slated to land in Eretz Yisroel on Thursday, the 12th of Nissan, depending on his health condition.

Current plans—though still subject to last-minute adjustments—indicate that the Rebbe will spend Pesach in the home of his father, the Yeshuos Moshe of Vizhnitz zt”l, located at 15 Rechov Ahavas Shalom in Kiryat Vizhnitz, Bnei Brak.

The Rebbe is expected to conduct the Seder in the presence of his extended family, including descendants of the Yeshuos Moshe zt”l.

During Chol HaMoed, and again on Shveii Shel Pesach, the Rebbe is anticipated to hold tishen for his chassidim who will be spending Yom Tov in Kiryat Vizhnitz.

As previously reported, the Rebbe has been in Los Angeles since the end of Shevat. Shortly after Purim, he underwent a complex medical procedure which, with Hashem’s help, was successful, paving the way for his return home.

All are asked to continue davening for the Rebbe’s full recovery His name is Rav Yisroel ben Leah Esther.

{Matzav.com}

At two major gatherings—one in Ashdod marking the start of bein hazmanim and another at the Ichud Bnei HaYeshivos Conference in Ashkelon—HaGaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, addressed pressing issues facing Torah Jewry, including the complex and sensitive matter of yeshiva students’ status regarding military conscription.

Rav Hirsch called on bnei Torah to maintain the nobility and standards of the yeshiva world, especially during the bein hazmanim break. In his address, he offered a rare glimpse into the discreet, behind-the-scenes efforts led by roshei yeshiva and members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah in dealing with the current crisis surrounding the draft.

“Sometimes the bochurim feel that things aren’t being addressed,” he said. “I can tell you, the matters are being handled properly by the roshei yeshiva and the Knesset members,” Rav Hirsch emphasized. “But the way to act is only through quiet. What is not done quietly is ineffective!”

Rav Hirsch stressed that loud, confrontational tactics would only backfire. “The path forward is not to provoke them unnecessarily. That too is harmful—it causes opposition. But we’re constantly working. Every rosh yeshiva is thinking, trying to prevent harm from coming to anyone. And if something, G-d forbid, happens, we act immediately to nullify it.

“We know that we are in a situation where they are fighting against us from every direction. They want to dismantle the yeshiva world, G-d forbid,” he said. “They don’t understand that their very existence—everything that exists in Eretz Yisroel, any group of Jews able to live here—is only because there is Torah in Eretz Yisroel!

“If, G-d forbid, there is no Torah in Eretz Yisroel, there is nothing! And they don’t realize that they are sawing off the very branch they sit on. They don’t understand. But we must remain strong. We know the truth!

“The only reason people are able to live as they do is because of Torah!” Rav Hirsch declared. “And yes, we will face difficult moments. But every yeshiva bochur should know: people are working for them. The roshei yeshiva, the Knesset members—they are doing everything possible on your behalf!”

Rav Hirsch also spoke at length about how bnei Torah should approach bein hazmanim. “My rebbi, Rav Aharon Kotler, once asked: how is bein hazmanim allowed? Isn’t it bitul Torah? And the answer was: the only reason it’s permitted is because it strengthens the next zman. So that’s how bein hazmanim must be used.”

He then defined what it means to be a ben Torah. “A ben Torah is someone who understands the purpose of life and lives according to that goal. That’s what Klal Yisroel meant when they said Na’aseh v’nishma. Like a sick person who follows instructions without question, knowing it’s for his survival, so too, when we understand that the ultimate purpose is Olam Haba, we’re ready to accept whatever it takes to reach it.”

“Someone once asked me: who qualifies as a ben Torah? Must one be in yeshiva? What about someone who works? I answered: of course he can be a ben Torah. Because a ben Torah is someone who lives with the awareness that his goal is deveikus baHashem. If he must work, then he works, but he always knows that the real goal is to be close to Hashem.”

He concluded with a strong plea to all bochurim: “Especially during bein hazmanim, it’s critically important not to fall from the level of a ben Torah. That level must remain at 100%. You can take a break from learning, but not from who you are. The menuchah should also be for the sake of that ultimate purpose.

“But someone who, G-d forbid, uses bein hazmanim as a time to break away—to dress differently, to act in ways not fitting for a ben Torah—that completely contradicts the entire concept of bein hazmanim.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The United States Supreme Court has declined to take up a challenge to New York State’s 2022 firearm regulations, effectively allowing the laws to remain in place. The rules include tightened requirements for obtaining concealed-carry permits and bans on bringing firearms into locations such as public transportation, parks, and densely populated areas.

Without issuing any explanation, the justices dismissed the appeal brought by six New Yorkers who argued that the laws violate the Second Amendment and contradict recent Supreme Court decisions that expanded protections for gun ownership.

Under the contested law, those applying for concealed-carry licenses must demonstrate they possess “good moral character” and pose no threat to themselves or others. Applicants are required to submit character references, disclose cohabitants, complete 18 hours of in-person training, and participate in a face-to-face interview.

In addition, the legislation designates 20 types of “sensitive locations” where guns are not allowed. These include establishments that serve alcohol, medical centers, polling stations, and places where political demonstrations occur.

The new rules were passed shortly after the Supreme Court struck down New York’s previous concealed-carry licensing framework in 2022. That decision established a higher legal bar for justifying gun regulations. Following the ruling, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the majority of New York’s newly enacted restrictions.

The plaintiffs, led by Ivan Antonyuk, contended that the 2nd Circuit failed to adhere properly to the Supreme Court’s 2022 directive, which requires defenders of gun control laws to demonstrate a historical precedent for such measures. They insisted that the correct standard should be based on laws that were in place in 1791, the year the Constitution was ratified.

They also challenged the “good moral character” provision, arguing it grants licensing authorities excessive power to subjectively determine who can or cannot carry a firearm.

This is now the third time the Supreme Court has declined to review the case, leaving the lower court rulings—and New York’s stricter gun laws—intact.

{Matzav.com}

If we read one more article offering some brilliant, sweeping solution to the shidduch crisis that no actual individual can implement, we might just scream. You know the type: “Stop all 19-year-old girls from dating!” “Force all 21-year-old boys to start dating!” “Get tall girls to marry short boys!” “Get younger boys to marry older girls!”—and so on. The theories might be interesting, but let’s face it: none of us regular folks are in a position to singlehandedly rewrite the system. So no need to brace yourself—we’re not here with another grand solution. We’re here to rant about a part of dating that people can actually fix. We’re two frum psychologists—one single, one married—who, in addition to having personal dating experience, also spend time coaching singles, setting people up, and commiserating with friends (of all ages) about their dating adventures—and misadventures. Here’s something we’ve noticed: Yes, there’s a dating crisis. Women wait around for months, dateless and discouraged, hoping for a call from a shadchan. But when a date does happen, despite the months of anticipation and all the FBI-level research, more often than not, the date is over after a couple of hours—and both sides agree it’s not a match. Why? Because a simple first or second date—which should be a pleasant, low-stakes conversation—somehow turns into a boring job interview or a scene from a horror film. It’s time to go back to basics. Dating coaches might assume everyone knows the ABCs of social behavior, but based on the stories we’ve heard, it’s clear: Some things need to be said. So, dear daters, here’s what NOT to do on a date: 1. Don’t Talk About Dating Yes, you’re both single. Yes, that’s what you have in common. No, you shouldn’t talk about it. Why not? You’ll either sound bitter (“the system is broken”) Or too chipper (“I’m growing from the journey!”) Or mocking (with cringey stories about weird past dates) Or vulnerable in a way that’s way too much, too soon (e.g., tales of being dumped) Just don’t go there. 2. Don’t Mention Bathrooms, Underwear, or Body Fluids We can’t believe this needs to be said, but apparently it does. Don’t say, “I’m going to the little boys’ room.” Just say, “Excuse me for a minute.” And no, you should not walk to the bathroom together like it’s a camp trip. Never describe bodily functions. We don’t want to hear about vomiting, sweating, nursing, bleeding, or anything oozing. Don’t ever mention underwear. A story about sleeping late is funny. A story involving boxer shorts is not. Yes, we’ve heard all these stories. No, we’re not exaggerating. 3. Don’t Get Too Personal Too Soon A first or second date isn’t a therapy session. Don’t ask about your date’s family drama, broken engagement, or spiritual journey. If it’s relevant, and the relationship progresses, you’ll find out later. Don’t overshare about your creative dreams, your therapy process, or the poem you wrote about Hashem. (Yes, someone actually sang their own composition on a first date.) Don’t confess your feelings. A second date is not the time to say, “I like you a lot.” Don’t talk about your financial stress, mental health struggles, or diets. And please—don’t comment on your date’s appearance. Even something as tame as, “You look great!” can come across […]

Once again, concern has gripped the Torah world with the news of a serious decline in the health of Rav Yehuda Ades, Rosh Yeshiva of Kol Yaakov and a senior member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah.

Rav Ades was hospitalized this morning for the second time in a week.

The 87-year-old rosh yeshiva was rushed today to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Yerushalayim following a sharp deterioration in his condition caused by a severe case of pneumonia.

Doctors have described his condition as critical, and he is currently under intensive care and close supervision.

Mass tefillos were organized earlier this evening at the Kosel HaMaaravi in Yerushalayim and at the kever of the Chazon Ish in Bnei Brak.

Just last week, Rav Ades was hospitalized on Wednesday and was later released. Sadly, his condition has once again worsened significantly.

All are asked to daven for Rav Yehuda ben Chaya Esther.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The heads of the authorities in the Yesha (Yehudah and Shomron) Council on Sunday evening sent a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu demanding that he urgently convene a government meeting and act to close the Shin Bet’s Jewish Division in the wake of the Kan News report revealing disturbing statements made by the Division’s chief, who has since resigned. The letter stated that “for decades, the Jewish Division has not been a counter-terrorism division but an intelligence body that operates solely against the settlers and yishuvim in Yehudah and Shomron via illegitimate means.” “Last night we were clearly exposed to the positions and methods of the division chief, but these methods are unfortunately known to us from the division’s past activities, and therefore it has no right to exist. As in the rest of Israel, if there are suspicions against a resident of the country, then the police are the ones who should investigate and act on the matter according to the law and in accordance with the guidelines.” In recordings, first published on Motzei Shabbos, A., the head of the Jewish Division, is heard calling Jewish suspects in Yehudah and Shomron derogatory names and admitting that they are arrested even without evidence for a few days. “Put them in detention cells, with mice,” A. said regarding Jewish suspects arrested without evidence. A subsequent report by Channel 14 revealed that the most pressing thing on A.’s mind three days after the October 7 massacre was that “Jews are arming themselves.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

It is with great sadness that Matzav.comreports the petirah of habochur Raphael Yechezkel (Chezki) Perkal z”l. He was 41 years old.

Chezki was the beloved son of Reb Chaim Perkal, founder and chairman of Magen Avraham and Aley Siach, organizations dedicated to children and adults with special needs. Through his life’s work, Reb Chaim established a powerful legacy of chessed in honor of his son and for the benefit of so many.

Born on the 11th of Adar I, in 1983, Chezki’s life was one of radiant light. Friends and family recall a young man with a heart full of joy, gratitude, and a remarkable sense of humor. His inner goodness shone brightly and left a deep impression on everyone he encountered.

About four years ago, Chezki was diagnosed with a serious illness. Yet, through the mercy of Hashem and the tefillos of countless people who cared for him, he experienced what his family called “four good years”—a Divine gift.

Last year, upon reaching the milestone age of forty, his family celebrated with a grand event. In a hall filled with music, simcha, and gratitude, they honored his life with a celebration that resembled a wedding. Chezki sat like a king, surrounded by those who loved him most.

The levayah is taking place tonight at Shamgar Funeral Home in Yerushalayim, passing the Gerrer Beis Medrash on Yirmiyahu Street, and proceeding to Har HaMenuchos for kevurah.

The family will sit shivah through Friday afternoon at the home of his parents at 12 Rechov Divrei Chaim in the Kiryat Sanz neighborhood of Yerushalayim.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

The Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition (FJCC), under the leadership of Josh Mehlman, hosted a pre-Pesach meeting Thursday afternoon, bringing together key community leaders and representatives from emergency and volunteer organizations including Hatzolah, Shomrim, Chaverim, Chesed of Flatbush, Misaskim and Chesed Shel Emes The meeting was attended by newly appointed NYPD Brooklyn South Chief Francis Giordano, Community Affairs Chief Richie Taylor, Fred Kreizman from the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, Jacob Eisdorfer of the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, as well as commanders from all local precincts. The annual gathering served as a platform to coordinate safety efforts and ensure seamless communication between city agencies and Flatbush’s vital volunteer services during the busy Yom Tov season. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Hamas supporters in Canada have shut down a Montreal subway station, not letting anyone enter or leave, as the police stare at them hopelessly.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel on Monday stated that the initiative to evacuate civilians from the Gaza Strip is ongoing and 16 evacuation flights have already departed from Israel’s Ramon Airport. “Over 16 flights have already departed from Ramon Airport – this will increase in the near future,” Arabel said at a conference. Last month, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu ordered the Mossad to locate countries willing to accept large numbers of Gazan residents. Israel has already begun discussions on the initiative with several countries, including Indonesia, Somalia, and South Sudan. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

The Army has reenlisted more than 23 soldiers who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, officials said Monday, rushing to implement President Donald Trump’s order that troops be rehired and given back pay. Three people rejoined active duty Army service, and more than 20 came back either to the National Guard or the Reserve, the Army said. The soldiers have signed their contracts and were sworn in, and the active duty troops were reporting to their units, the Army said. None of the other services has completed reenlistments yet, but all are reaching out to former troops. The Marine Corps, Air Force, Army and Navy set up new websites on Monday to provide information for service members looking to reenlist. And they are sending letters and emails and making calls to those who were discharged. Trump has argued that the vaccine mandate wrongly pushed troops out and suggested that many would return. In an executive order signed a week after he took office, Trump said the vaccine mandate cost the military “some of our best people” and he vowed to “rehire every patriot who was fired from the military with … backpay.” Those who may have been attracted by the offer of back pay will likely get far less money than they initially thought when Trump announced his plan. Under the details of the Pentagon offer, any wages earned during their time as civilians would be deducted from the back pay total, along with other payments they may have received. The Pentagon made the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory in August 2021 for all service members, including those in the National Guard and Reserve. Then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said getting the vaccine was critical to maintaining a healthy, ready force. The Pentagon dropped the mandate in January 2023. The initial reenlistments come as the Pentagon last week formally increased the new minimum service commitment from two to four years for those discharged for refusing a lawful order to take the vaccine. A Feb. 7 memo sent to the secretaries of the military services said troops would be required to sign up for two years. But a memo signed April 1 by Jules Hurst III, who is doing the job of defense undersecretary for personnel, said “reinstatement will not be afforded to those who are unwilling or unable to return to active service or active status, as applicable, for four years.” The Army said the bulk of the soldiers who reenlisted were those ordered out for refusing the shot, and they signed on for four years. They will be entitled to get some back pay. Several, however, left the Army voluntarily to avoid the shot, so they are allowed to reenlist for two years and will not get back pay. According to the new memo, there is an exception for anyone who would have been eligible for retirement within two years of the date they were originally discharged. Those service members also can reenlist for at least two years. Roughly 8,200 troops were discharged for refusing to obey the vaccine order. They have been allowed to rejoin since 2023, but that did not include any back pay. Just 113 reenlisted. The Army and Marine Corps have been sending out emails, texts and phone calls to service members for several weeks. The Navy […]

WATCH: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departs the White House following extended meeting with President Trump