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The United States has blocked imports of sea salt products from a major South Korean salt farm accused of using slave labor, becoming the first trade partner to take punitive action against a decadeslong problem on salt farms in remote islands off South Korea’s southwest coast. U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a withhold release order against the Taepyung salt farm, saying information “reasonably indicates” the use of forced labor at the company in the island county of Sinan, where most of South Korea’s sea salt products are made. Under the order issued on April 2, CBP personnel at all U.S. ports of entry are required to detain sea salt products sourced from the farm. South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries didn’t immediately comment on CBP’s move on Monday. Taepyung is the largest salt farm in Sinan, reportedly producing about 16,000 tons of salt annually, which accounts for approximately 6% of the country’s total output, and is a major supplier to South Korean food companies. The farm, located on Jeungdo island in Sinan and leasing most of its salt fields to tenants, has been repeatedly accused of using forced labor, including in 2014 and 2021. The widespread slavery at Sinan’s salt farms was exposed in 2014, when dozens of slavery victims — most of them with disabilities — were rescued from the islands following an investigation by mainland police. Some of their stories were documented by The Associated Press, which highlighted how slavery continued to thrive despite the exposure. CBP said it identified several signs of forced labor during its investigation of Taepyung, including “abuse of vulnerability, deception, restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, abusive living and working conditions, intimidation and threats, physical violence, debt bondage, withholding of wages, and excessive overtime.” Lawyer Choi Jung Kyu, part of a group of attorneys and activists who petitioned CBP to take action against Taepyung and other South Korean salt farms in 2022, expressed hope that the U.S. export ban would increase pressure on South Korea to take more effective steps to eliminate the slavery. “Since the exposure of the problem in 2014, the courts have recognized the legal responsibility of the national government and local governments, but forced labor among salt farm workers has not been eradicated,” Choi said. “Our hope is that the export ban would force companies to strengthen due diligence over supply chains and lead to the elimination of human rights violations.” Most of the salt farm slaves rescued in 2014 had been lured to the islands by “man hunters” and job brokers hired by salt farm owners, who would beat them into long hours of hard labor and confine them at their houses for years while providing little or no pay. The slavery was revealed in early 2014 when two police officers from the capital, Seoul, came to one of the Sinan islands disguised as tourists and pulled off a clandestine operation to rescue a victim who had been reported by his family as missing. One of the Seoul police officers told the AP they went undercover because of concerns about collaborative ties between the island’s police and salt farm owners. Dozens of farm owners and job brokers were indicted, but no police or officials were punished despite allegations some knew about the slavery. In 2019, […]

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife landed in Washington D.C. on Sunday evening and were greeted by Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter. Shortly later, Netanyahu and his entourage rushed to the Blair House for a meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The meeting, which focused on the 17% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Israel, was described by the Prime Minister’s Office as “warm, friendly, and productive.” Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Monday at 1 p.m., and the two will hold a joint press conference following the meeting. There has been speculation in the Israeli press about the main issues the two leaders will discuss. Economic and trade issues will be on the agenda but some commentators believe that the main issue up for discussion is the Iranian nuclear issue. Trump reportedly pressured Netanyahu to fly directly to the US from Budapest and was not amenable to a suggestion to push off the meeting until “after the holidays.” The US is preparing the ground for an attack on Iran, but at the same time is seeking direct or indirect talks between Washington and Tehran. Part of the US preparation is coordinating with Israel on Iran. Tehran on Sunday issued threats towards its neighbors in the Middle East, saying that it will view countries that cooperate with a US attack as launching a direct act of war against the Islamic Republic. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Hamas fired ten rockets at southern Israel on Sunday at about 9:00 p.m., triggering sirens in Ashkelon, Ashdod, Yavne and nearby communities, the largest rocket barrage in months. One rocket fell in a parking lot in Ashkelon, lightly injuring one person, damaging several vehicles, and sparking fires. About 27 people suffering from shock or injuries incurred while running for shelter were treated at the scene and evacuated to the hospital. Shrapnel was also found in the Nir Galim community near Ashdod. The IDF spokesperson later said that five rockets were intercepted by air defenses. Following the rocket fire, IDF Spokesperson in Arabic Avichay Adraee issued an evacuation warning message to residents of Deir al-Balah. “This is an early and final warning before the attack!” he wrote. “We will act with great force against any area from which rockets are fired. The terrorist organizations, and especially Hamas, bear full responsibility for the evacuation and suffering of the civilians.” Channel 12 News reported on Monday morning that security officials in Israel estimate that Hamas still has “only” dozens of rockets capable of reaching a range of 45 kilometers, meaning rockets that can reach Ashdod and even bypass it, towards Rishon L’Tzion. Last month, Hamas fired three rockets towards Tel Aviv, proving that Hamas also has a stock of longer-range rockets. The report added that Hamas also has hundreds of short-range rockets, meaning those capable of hitting Gaza border communities. However, even if Israel eliminates all of Hamas’s remaining rockets, the rocket threat from Gaza will still exist. According to various reports over the past year, Gaza terror groups have been revamping Israeli bomb duds, producing new charges and short-range rockets. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

By Rabbi Moshe Dov Heber

Menachem Chaifetz was a bochur in Yeshivas Chaim Berlin in the 1990s. When he became engaged to the daughter of Rav Avrohom Turin zt”l, the esteemed Mashgiach of Scranton Yeshiva, it was a joyous occasion for both families.

Menachem eagerly anticipated his first Pesach in his father-in-law’s home. The thought of spending Yom Tov in such a distinguished Torah environment filled him with excitement. The home of Rav Turin was known for its warmth, depth of Torah, and unwavering commitment to mesorah.

Erev Pesach arrived, and as the house bustled with final preparations, Rav Turin called Menachem aside.

“Although the maror, the lettuce, has already been checked as stated on the package, do you mind looking it over once more to ensure it was truly cleaned?”

Menachem, eager to assist and fulfill his father-in-law’s request, sat down to carefully examine the leaves. With Yom Tov quickly approaching, he gave the maror a decent check. To his eye, everything looked fine. Confident in his efforts, he set it aside, ready for the Seder.

That evening, as the Seder began, the atmosphere was extraordinary. The table was beautifully set, divrei Torah flowed effortlessly, and the family sang with deep feeling as they moved through the Haggadah. Unfamiliar with all of the family’s minhagim, Menachem simply followed along, relishing the uplifting experience.

Then came the mitzvah of maror. Plates of lettuce were distributed, and Menachem took a deep breath as he watched his father-in-law make the bracha. As the family took their first bites, a voice suddenly rang out.

“Stop eating! I may have found a worm!”

Time seemed to freeze. Menachem’s heart dropped, and his face drained of color. The most humiliating moment of his life had just unfolded before his eyes. He had been entrusted with checking the maror, and now, on this most sacred night, an insect had possibly been found. He had failed his new family. He had failed his revered father-in-law.

But before the weight of embarrassment could fully settle in, Rav Turin, without a moment’s pause, simply said, “One worm isn’t a reyusa.”

His words carried profound meaning: if only a single issue is found, it does not cast doubt on the entire batch. Without hesitation, Rav Turin continued eating, his tranquil demeanor unchanged. No further mention was made of the incident, and the Seder carried on, as glorious and uplifting as it had begun.

More than three decades have passed since that night, and Menachem—now Rabbi Chaifetz, an esteemed mechanech—often reflects on the lesson he learned that evening. Life presents challenges, and mistakes happen. But rather than fixating on a single flaw, one must look at the whole picture. A single imperfection does not define the entire experience.

That Pesach, in the warmth of the Turin home, Menachem absorbed a lesson in leadership, perspective, and kindness—one that continues to guide him in his avodas hakodesh to this very day.

This remarkable story reminded me of another timeless account:

A group of bachurim from Rav Yitzchok Hutner zt”l’s yeshiva were conducting their Seder when one of them, while pouring the second cup of wine, accidentally spilled some on the Rosh Yeshiva’s white kittel. The boy was stunned at his carelessness. His face turned red, and he was terrified, knowing his rebbi would make a comment. But what would he say?

Without hesitating, Rav Hutner offered something unforgettable. He said (in Yiddish), “A kittel without a wine stain is like a Yom Kippur machzor without tears.”

Rav Hutner saved the night. He elevated a moment that could have been so embarrassing. Everyone felt energized. Greatness had been displayed. The great teacher had defined a moment in his inimitable way. Now, decades later, we are still talking about it.

Both Rav Turin and Rav Hutner exemplified what true gadlus is. They did not dwell on imperfection or assign blame. Instead, they lifted those around them, transforming what could have been moments of shame into powerful lessons of resilience and perspective. Their approach to life and to people continues to inspire, reminding us that a single mistake does not define an experience, and a true leader builds others up, even in moments of difficulty.

Rabbi Moshe Dov Heber is a rebbi at Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury and a division head in  Camp Romimu. He is a writer and public speaker, focusing on topics related to inspiration and education. Rabbi Heber could be reached via email mdheber@ykwaterbury.org

{Matzav.com}

Rav Meir Mazuz, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Kisei Rachamim, was once again taken to the hospital last night, just days after being released following a previous hospitalization.

On Sunday evening, Rav Mazuz was transported to Mayanei HaYeshua Medical Center in Bnei Brak for continued medical treatment.

This marks the second time within a week that the rosh yeshiva has required hospitalization.

Close associates of Rav Mazuz reported that the return to the hospital was necessary for further care and monitoring of his condition.

Just before Shabbos, Rav Mazuz had been discharged after spending a full week in the hospital.

All are asked to daven for Rav Meir Nissim ben Kamsana.

{Matzav.com}

Rejecting Washington’s demands for direct talks on its nuclear program, Tehran is instead pushing for indirect negotiations via Oman — a long-standing backchannel between the two adversaries. The unnamed official, speaking to Reuters, said that while Iran will not engage in direct diplomacy under threats of war, it remains open to mediated discussions that could “test the seriousness” of the U.S. position. “Indirect talks offer a chance to evaluate Washington’s seriousness about a political solution,” the official said, adding that such discussions could begin soon — if the U.S. signals genuine interest. But alongside the gesture of diplomacy came a warning: Iran has informed six neighboring countries — Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, and Bahrain — that any cooperation with a potential U.S. military strike, including allowing American forces to use their airspace or land, would be considered an act of war. “That would be met with severe consequences,” the official warned, noting that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered the nation’s armed forces to a state of high alert. A top commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Amirali Hajizadeh, also warned the world of Iran’s reach. He implied that American bases throughout the Middle East could become targets in the event of war — an echo of the 2020 missile barrage on U.S. forces in Iraq after the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani. The messages have rattled an already volatile region. Following the devastation in Gaza and Lebanon, the ongoing war in Yemen, shifting power dynamics in Syria, and recent Israeli-Iranian clashes, the Gulf is bracing for what many fear could become a wider conflagration. The waterway, which is vital to global oil shipments, lies at the heart of these rising tensions — with Iran on one shore, and a lineup of U.S.-allied monarchies on the other. Iran’s warnings also come amid renewed threats by President Donald Trump, who has hinted at possible military action should Tehran refuse to curb its nuclear ambitions. Trump announced in March that he had written to Khamenei demanding talks — a proposal now hanging by the fragile thread of Omani mediation. Khamenei has reportedly authorized Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi or his deputy to attend any such meetings in Muscat. Iran continues to insist that it has no intention of building a nuclear bomb, but the International Atomic Energy Agency recently reported that Tehran has “dramatically” increased uranium enrichment to 60% — alarmingly close to weapons-grade levels. Western nations argue there is no civilian justification for such enrichment, raising fears of a looming crisis. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Dear Mommy and Totty, I hope this letter finds you both well, but I have to admit, I’m not doing so great, but you knew that already. There are things I need to tell you, things I’ve been keeping locked away inside for too long and I’m not sure if it is safe for me to express myself. I’ve been feeling so confused lately, like I’m stuck in a maze with no way out. You know how you’ve always talked about those people who claim to be victims, saying they’re just seeking attention? I’ve heard you, and I’ve nodded along, perhaps I even believed your line of thinking. But that was before “it” happened. And “it” was something that I’m not proud of. “It” is something that is still confusing to me. “It” is being abused myself. The person who hurt me, who did things to me that I can’t even bear to think about, they’re someone you both trust. They’re someone who the whole community sees as a tzaddik, someone who could never do anything wrong. And that’s what makes it so hard for me to speak up. I’ve been taught my whole life to never let this happen to me. But somehow, I couldn’t stop it from happening. And now I’m terrified that if I tell you, you’ll blame me for not stopping it, for not being strong enough. I feel so disgusted with myself for allowing it to happen, for not being able to protect myself. But there’s something else too, something that’s been eating away at me. There’s a manipulation aspect to all of this. The abuser said really hurtful things to me. Things that are getting me to question my own reality. Things that make me wonder if I’m actually the victim here. Things that make me believe I will make things worse if I tell people. Things that make me think that I’ll be responsible if something terrible happens to the abuser or the innocent members of his family. The abuse is the reason behind my changed behavior. I’ve been trying to cope with it on my own, but I’m drowning in confusion and guilt. I don’t know if I can trust anyone anymore, and that includes trusting myself. How can I trust anyone when the person who hurt me was someone I trusted, someone you trusted, someone the whole community trusted? I need you both to understand how much I’m struggling right now. I need you to be the protectors that I’ve always believed you to be. I need you to help me find the strength to speak my truth, even when it feels impossible. I need you to find a way to show me that this wasn’t my fault. That I’m not broken. That I will be believed and that I can transform from victim to survivor. I need you to realize your limitations when it comes to this. I need you to accept that not only will I need professional support, but you might need it as well. I need to know that you have my back, even if it means backlash from the school and/or our community. I need to be shown that I’m the priority here and that none of this is my fault. But you can’t show me […]

President Donald Trump is once again pushing forward with plans for a military parade, this time setting his sights on Saturday, June 14—a date that marks both his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Trump is reportedly seeking to stage a nearly four-mile parade route from the Pentagon to the White House, reviving a vision he first championed during his first term in 2018 but later canceled under public and military pressure. Trump’s 2018 effort to showcase tanks, aircraft, and troops on Pennsylvania Avenue fizzled after the Pentagon estimated a staggering $92 million cost, and D.C. officials objected to the impact on roads and the additional $21 million in public safety expenses. The president, frustrated by what he saw as excessive demands, lashed out on Twitter and ultimately attended a pre-planned military celebration at Andrews Air Force Base instead. But reports say Trump, now in his second term, is determined to move forward this time—despite lingering questions and limited coordination with local officials. Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis confirmed that the county had been given a preliminary “heads up” by the White House on Friday, but that no formal request or plan has yet been submitted. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office declined to comment on Sunday, a notable shift from her outspoken opposition to Trump’s 2018 proposal. At the time, she publicly clashed with the president, tweeting that she was the “local politician who finally got through to the reality star in the White House” by pointing out the real cost of such an event. This time, however, Bowser has struck a more measured tone. She has not criticized the parade plans and is reportedly maintaining a “strategic” posture as Trump continues to threaten greater federal control over D.C. governance. Trump recently formed a federal task force—without local participation—to advise on crime-fighting in the city. In recent months, Bowser has also taken steps that appear to align with Trump’s complaints, including increased removals of homeless encampments and the quiet dismantling of the Black Lives Matter mural on 16th Street NW. Despite the short 10-week timeline, the Army has long been preparing for a major commemoration of its 250th anniversary this year, with a series of events and displays planned around the country. The potential Trump parade would represent a dramatic centerpiece—but one requiring extensive coordination between all six military branches, federal agencies, and local governments. With preparations already underway behind the scenes, the question now is whether this time, Trump’s long-desired military spectacle will finally roll down the streets of the nation’s capital—or face another halt at the hands of logistical and political realities. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Billionaire hedge fund titan Bill Ackman unleashed a scathing rebuke of President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, warning that the White House is marching the U.S. economy straight into what he chillingly calls an “economic nuclear winter.” Ackman, once a vocal supporter of Trump’s economic agenda and a high-profile endorser during the 2024 campaign, sounded the alarm in a blistering statement posted on X, declaring that the president’s aggressive trade war strategy could cause markets to collapse, investment to vanish, and Trump’s own base to suffer the worst consequences. “Business is a confidence game,” Ackman wrote. “And the president is losing the confidence of business leaders around the globe.” At the heart of Ackman’s criticism is the administration’s decision to impose massive tariffs not only on adversaries like China, but also on U.S. allies, sending a shockwave through global markets. Wall Street has already responded with two days of sharp losses, and futures continued to plummet Sunday night in anticipation of further turmoil. While Ackman praised Trump for “elevating a broken global trading system” and generating long-overdue attention, he warned that the president’s current approach—“a global economic war against the whole world at once”—risks unraveling the very confidence that fuels investment, innovation, and growth. “We are in the process of destroying confidence in our country as a trading partner, as a place to do business, and as a market to invest capital,” Ackman wrote. “What CEO and what board of directors will be comfortable making large, long-term economic commitments in our country in the middle of an economic nuclear war? I don’t know of one.” Ackman called on President Trump to pause the tariffs for 90 days in order to re-engage with allies, renegotiate unfair trade deals, and avoid a full-scale economic meltdown. He warned that if markets crash – as they currently are – “new investment stops, consumers stop spending money, and businesses have no choice but to curtail investment and fire workers.” “Almost no business can pass through an overnight massive increase in costs to their customers. And that’s true even if they have no debt, and, unfortunately, there is a massive amount of leverage in the system,” he wrote. “This is not what we voted for. The President has an opportunity on Monday to call a time out and have the time to execute on fixing an unfair tariff system. Alternatively, we are heading for a self-induced, economic nuclear winter, and we should start hunkering down. May cooler heads prevail.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman, who backed President Trump last year, has issued a blunt critique of the administration’s aggressive new tariff agenda, cautioning that the plan could push the economy into a downward spiral — with Trump’s own voter base suffering the most.

“Business is a confidence game. The president is losing the confidence of business leaders around the globe. The consequences for our country and the millions of our citizens who have supported the president — in particular low-income consumers who are already under a huge amount of economic stress — are going to be severely negative,” he wrote.

In a post on X, Ackman began by applauding Trump’s focus on reforming global trade policies, calling the American public “100%” supportive of leveling a trade system he believes is stacked against the United States.

However, he warned that while Trump succeeded in elevating the trade issue, “by placing massive and disproportionate tariffs on our friends and our enemies alike and thereby launching a global economic war against the whole world at once, we are in the process of destroying confidence in our country as a trading partner, as a place to do business, and as a market to invest capital,” Ackman wrote.

He suggested Trump consider a short pause in the tariff rollout — a “90-day time out” — during which negotiations could take place and the administration could seek to resolve unfair trade arrangements while also attracting significant new investment to the U.S.

Without that step, Ackman argued, and if the current course continues — a full-blown “economic nuclear war” against virtually every country — it could bring business activity to a standstill, crush consumer spending, and leave the U.S. with a badly damaged reputation that would take a long time to rebuild.

“What CEO and what board of directors will be comfortable making large, long-term, economic commitments in our country in the middle of an economic nuclear war? I don’t know of one who will do so.”

He cautioned that if markets tumble, the ripple effects could be devastating: “new investment stops, consumers stop spending money, and businesses have no choice but to curtail investment and fire workers.”

Stock indices have already suffered steep losses over two consecutive trading days following Trump’s tariff announcement, with futures also sharply lower on Sunday night as investors braced for Monday’s open.

Ackman said not only large corporations, but also startups and independent business owners, would be exposed to major financial pressure. He also challenged the idea that price increases would be limited — something White House officials have attempted to downplay.

“Almost no business can pass through an overnight massive increase in costs to their customers. And that’s true even if they have no debt, and, unfortunately, there is a massive amount of leverage in the system,” he wrote.

He further warned that the very people who have stood by Trump could end up bearing the brunt of the fallout.

“This is not what we voted for. The President has an opportunity on Monday to call a time out and have the time to execute on fixing an unfair tariff system. Alternatively, we are heading for a self-induced, economic nuclear winter, and we should start hunkering down. May cooler heads prevail.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump on Sunday pushed back against criticism of his broad new tariffs as stock markets continued to slide, insisting that he wasn’t hoping to see economic losses.

“When you look at the trade deficit we have with certain countries, with China it’s a trillion dollars,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew back to Washington, D.C., from Florida on Sunday evening.

He stressed that the ongoing trade imbalance with Beijing must be addressed. “And we have to solve our trade deficit with China. … Hundreds of billions of dollars a year we lose with China. And unless we solve that problem, I’m not going to make a deal,” Trump continued.

Describing the situation as untenable, he said plainly, “This is not sustainable.”

“The United States can’t lose $1.9 trillion on trade. We can’t do that and also spend a lot of money on NATO in order to protect European nations, we cover them with military and we lose money on trade. The whole thing is crazy, and I got elected on that basis. We explained it. You know, the American people understand it a lot better than the media, but the media understands it, and much of the media writes correctly about it.”

The markets reacted negatively last week to Trump’s tariff announcement, with significant drops on both Thursday and Friday. On Sunday night, futures were also sharply down, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average off by over 1,300 points as of 8:18 p.m., ahead of the Monday open.

When pressed about whether there was a certain point where he would become concerned about falling markets, Trump didn’t hide his disdain for the question.

“I think your question is so stupid. I don’t want anything to go down. But sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something,” he said.

He has repeatedly claimed that U.S. trade policy has long been slanted in favor of foreign nations, putting American industries and workers at a disadvantage.

While members of his team have occasionally hinted that nations could negotiate their way to lower tariffs, they’ve also indicated the new trade barriers might be long-term.

On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to tout the impact of his economic measures, predicting a major shift.

“We have been the dumb and helpless ‘whipping post,’ but not any longer,” he wrote on Truth Social. “We are bringing back jobs and businesses like never before. Already, more than FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS OF INVESTMENT, and rising fast!”

Speaking again Sunday on Air Force One, Trump seemed unconcerned with market volatility.

“What’s going to happen to the markets I can’t tell you. But our country is much stronger,” he said.

He noted that he’s been in contact with leaders from around the globe.

“I spoke to a lot of Europeans, Asians, all over the world. They’re dying to make a deal,“ Trump said.

Still, not everyone is backing his approach. Even some of his political and business allies have expressed doubts.

Investor Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager, posted a warning on X over the weekend that the tariff plan might lead to a recession and disproportionately hurt the voters who support Trump.

Trump, however, said tech executives he’s spoken with see things differently.

“They said we don’t blame you,” he added.

“Yeah, I talk to the biggest in the world. I talk to the biggest of them all – many of them. … I’ve talked to four or five that are considered the biggest,” he said. He declined to name them publicly, saying he would need their permission first.

When asked whether he supports the idea of zero tariffs with Europe — something Elon Musk has promoted — Trump reiterated his belief that the continent has taken advantage of the U.S.

“Europe has made a fortune off us. … Europe has treated us very very badly,” he said.

“They are coming to the table. They want to talk but there’s no talk unless they pay us a lot of money on a yearly basis.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Sunday night, ahead of a key meeting with US President Donald Trump and several high-level American officials set for Monday.

Upon his arrival, Netanyahu was greeted by members of the US administration, who welcomed him with full ceremonial honors, including a red carpet reception and an honor guard.

President Trump, speaking Sunday night, shared that trade would be a primary focus during his conversation with Netanyahu, highlighting the importance of strengthening economic ties between the United States and Israel.

Earlier in the day, as he prepared to depart from Hungary en route to Washington, Netanyahu told reporters he was traveling to the United States at the president’s request “to talk with him, of course, about these issues: The hostages, achieving victory in Gaza and – of course – the tariff regime that has been imposed on Israel. I hope that I will be able to help on this issue. That is the intention.”

Netanyahu underscored that he would be the first foreign leader to engage Trump directly on the tariff issue. “Which is so important to the Israeli economy. There is a long line of leaders who want to do this regarding their economies. I think that it reflects the special personal link, as well as the special ties between the US and Israel, which are so vital at this time.”

Trump and Netanyahu are expected to meet Monday at 1:00 p.m. local time, after which they will hold a joint press conference to address the media.

In advance of his sit-down with Trump, Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet tonight with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for discussions focused on the US-imposed tariffs on Israel.

{Matzav.com}

Hagaon HaRav Moshe Shternbuch speaks out against the WZO by his shabbos Hagdol Drasha (not on Shabbos).

A historic maamad was held marking 25 years since the founding of the Orchos Torah mosdos. The event, conducted b’roshos Gedolei HaDor, was attended by the roshei yeshiva and rabbanim of the various branches across Eretz Yisroel, who are continuing the derech and legacy of the Rosh HaYeshiva, Maran HaGaon HaRav Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman zt”l. Among the mosdos represented were Yeshivas Orchos Torah in Bnei Brak, Torah B’Tifarta in Elad, Rinas HaTorah in Karmiel, Ner Zarach in Moshav Otzem, the yeshivos ketanos in Elad, Yerushalayim, and Bnei Brak, the five batei medrashim serving the kehillos of alumni throughout the country, and the expansive network of kollelim across Eretz Yisroel.

Drone footage shows major flooding in parts Kentucky after relentless, life-threatening weather conditions inundated parts of the U.S. At least 17 people have died across multiple states amid the outbreak of severe weather.

CROWN HEIGHTS: Following a resolution passed this week in the NYS Senate, the section of President Street between Brooklyn and New York Avenues, where the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s personal residence is located, has been named “Lubavicher Rebbe Way.” Many citywide and state elected officials were in attendance and issued proclamations, calling for an increase in goodness and kindness—echoing the timeless message the Rebbe shared with the world.

The massive Pesach Yerid taking place today on 21st Avenue. Coordinated by Community Board 12 the NYPD and Boro Park Shomrim.

Trump: ‘Some day people will realize that Tariffs, for the United States of America, are a very beautiful thing!’

The IDF says that a short while ago it carried out a drone strike against a Hamas rocket launcher in the central Gaza Strip used in this evening’s barrage on the Ashdod.