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Statement from the Israeli Air Force following a rocket attack from Gaza

Syrians reported Israeli airstrikes at the scientific research center in the Barza neighborhood located north of Damascus.

The Biyanor Rebbe by Mayim Sehlanu today, which will be used for baking Matzos.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams, no longer under the cloud of a corruption probe, made it clear Wednesday that he’s staying in the race and plans to secure a second term, following a decisive ruling from a federal judge that ended the case against him.

Speaking briefly in front of Gracie Mansion, Adams told the city this marked a turning point for both himself and the people of New York.

“I also want to apologize to New Yorkers for having to go through this with me — a baseless case that should have never been brought in the first place,” he said. “The lies — spread through false leaks and splashed across sensational headlines — and all of the distractions.

“But what I want you to know that I never stopped working for you. Not for one day.”

To close his remarks, Adams lifted up a book titled Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy by Kash Patel, who served as FBI Director under President Trump. He credited the book with helping him endure the ordeal.

The statement came just hours after Manhattan federal Judge Dale Ho issued a long-anticipated ruling on whether to allow the Justice Department’s unusual request to dismiss the case.

Judge Ho ruled to drop the case permanently – a dismissal with prejudice – preventing prosecutors from revisiting the charges in the future.

The judge’s decision went beyond what federal prosecutors had asked for, as they sought to drop the case without prejudice, which would have left the door open to refiling charges. Ho sharply criticized that request, saying it appeared politically motivated.

“Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the Indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions,” Ho wrote.

He also emphasized that his decision should not be interpreted as a comment on the truth or falsehood of the underlying claims, which accused Adams of accepting luxury trips from Turkish nationals in return for political assistance.

“Neither the dismissal of the Indictment, nor the length of this Opinion, should be understood as any kind of statement about the merits of the allegations against the Mayor in the Indictment,” Ho wrote.

With the case dismissed, Adams can now turn his full attention to campaigning without the specter of legal trouble looming over him – a case that had seriously eroded both his public approval and re-election prospects.

The mayor, who once made near-daily appearances on the campaign trail, has been less visible in recent weeks. He even withdrew from a debate at the last moment on the advice of his legal team, giving his opponents repeated opportunities to criticize him in his absence.

Now, with the legal matter behind him, Adams must quickly pivot. By midnight Thursday, he’s required to submit a minimum of 3,750 signatures to qualify for the Democratic primary.

As he walked away from the podium, a reporter called out to ask if he still planned to seek re-election.

“You know what, I’m going to win,” he replied.

{Matzav.com}

The post NYC Mayor Eric Adams Responds To ‘Baseless’ Criminal Charges Getting Tossed — And Is Confident He’ll Win Re-Election first appeared on Matzav.com.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is traveling to Greenland on Wednesday for a three-day trip aimed at building trust and cooperation with Greenlandic officials at a time when the Trump administration is seeking control of the vast Arctic territory. Frederiksen announced plans for her visit after U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited a U.S. air base in Greenland last week and accused Denmark of underinvesting in the territory. Greenland is a mineral-rich, strategically critical island that is becoming more accessible because of climate change. Trump has said that the landmass is critical to U.S. security. It’s geographically part of North America, but is a semiautonomous territory belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark. Frederiksen is due to meet the incoming Greenlandic leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, after an election last month that produced a new government. She is also to meet with the future Naalakkersuisut, the Cabinet, in a visit due to last through Friday. “It has my deepest respect how the Greenlandic people and the Greenlandic politicians handle the great pressure that is on Greenland,” she said in government statement announcing the visit. On the agenda are talks with Nielsen about cooperation between Greenland and Denmark. Nielsen has said in recent days that he welcomes the visit, and that Greenland would resist any U.S. attempt to annex the territory. “We must listen when others talk about us. But we must not be shaken. President Trump says the United States is ‘getting Greenland.’ Let me make this clear: The U.S. is not getting that. We don’t belong to anyone else. We decide our own future,” he wrote Sunday on Facebook. “We must not act out of fear. We must respond with peace, dignity and unity. And it is through these values that we must clearly, clearly and calmly show the American president that Greenland is ours.” For years, the people of Greenland, with a population of about 57,000, have been working toward eventual independence from Denmark. The Trump administration’s threats to take control of the island one way or the other, possibly even with military force, have angered many in Greenland and Denmark. The incoming government wants to take a slower approach on the question of eventual independence. The political group in Greenland most sympathetic to the U.S. president, the Naleraq party that advocates a swift path toward independence, was excluded from coalition talks to form the next government. Peter Viggo Jakobsen, associate professor at the Danish Defense Academy, said last week that the Trump administration’s aspirations for Greenland could backfire and push the more mild parties closer to Denmark. He said that “Trump has scared most Greenlanders away from this idea about a close relationship to the United States because they don’t trust him.” (AP)

According to a report by Politico, President Donald Trump has shared with his Cabinet members and inner circle that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk will soon step down from his official government role.

The article notes that while Trump has expressed satisfaction with Musk’s performance leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a department focused on rooting out bureaucratic waste—both he and Musk have agreed that it’s time for Musk to transition back into the private sector. Despite stepping away from a formal position, Musk is expected to maintain a behind-the-scenes advisory relationship with the Trump administration.

In remarks made to reporters this week, Trump acknowledged Musk’s likely departure, stating, “at some point Elon’s going to want to go back to his company.” He added, “I’d keep him as long as I could keep him.”

News of Musk’s planned exit follows his recent declaration that he will begin probing how certain U.S. lawmakers have managed to build immense personal wealth, despite earning a standard Congressional salary of $174,000 per year.

While speaking in Wisconsin this week, Musk addressed a question from the audience about whether U.S. foreign aid—specifically money distributed through USAID—ever ends up enriching American politicians. Musk responded by saying that federal funds are funneled to NGOs, which then disperse the money through various channels, eventually making its way into the private accounts of political figures.

Prominent lawmakers who have come under public scrutiny for their financial portfolios include former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with an estimated net worth of $250 million, and Senator Rick Scott, whose personal fortune is estimated at around $552 million.

Numerous other members of Congress also possess wealth ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, sparking concerns over potential ethical violations and the influence of money in politics.

In a separate move last month, Trump announced his intention to purchase a Tesla vehicle as a public gesture of support for Musk, whose electric car company had seen its stock drop by 45% since the start of the year at that time.

Trump expanded on this pledge in a post on Truth Social: “To Republicans, Conservatives, and all great Americans, Elon Musk is “putting it on the line” in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! But the Radical Left Lunatics, as they often do, are trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla, one of the World’s great automakers, and Elon’s “baby,” in order to attack and do harm to Elon, and everything he stands for. They tried to do it to me at the 2024 Presidential Ballot Box, but how did that work out? In any event, I’m going to buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American. Why should he be punished for putting his tremendous skills to work in order to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN???”

{Matzav.com}

The post Report: Trump Tells Cabinet Elon Musk Will Resign From Govt. Soon first appeared on Matzav.com.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu issued a statement addressing the IDF’s ramped-up military activities in Gaza and revealed plans for Israel to assume control over another strategic route.

“Last night in the Gaza Strip, we changed gears. The IDF is taking territory, hitting terrorists, and destroying infrastructure. We are also doing something else: We are seizing the Morag Corridor. This will be the second Philadelphi, an additional Philadelphi Corridor.”

He elaborated on the reasoning behind this move, saying, “we are now dividing the Strip and increasing the pressure step by step, so that they will give us our hostages. And as long as they do not give them to us, the pressure will increase until they do.”

Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s unwavering commitment to its mission: “We are determined to achieve the war’s goals, and we are working without rest and with a clear motive, and clear objective. And with G-d’s help and the help of our heroic soldiers – we will achieve it.”

The newly announced route appears to be named after the former Israeli community of Morag, which was located between Rafah and Khan Yunis before it was evacuated and destroyed. Should the corridor follow that same area, it would effectively split the two largest cities in southern Gaza.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The post ‘Changing Gears’ | Netanyahu: ‘We Are Taking Control of the Morag Corridor In Gaza’ first appeared on Matzav.com.

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director Ronen Bar carried out an on-site visit and operational review on Wednesday in the Tel al-Sultan area of Gaza. They were accompanied by high-ranking officers, including Southern Command head Major General Yaniv Asor, Gaza Division head Brigadier General Barak Hiram, and Brigadier General Moran Omer, who commands the 36th Division, along with other top military officials.

During their visit, Zamir and Bar spoke with officers in the field and received updates regarding combat preparedness, focusing on both defensive measures and upcoming offensive strategies.

“IDF troops, under the leadership of the Southern Command, are deepening the operation, and this will continue at a deliberate and determined pace,” Zamir stated during the visit.

He elaborated further: “We will preserve operational ambiguity and the element of surprise—the field will speak for itself. The only thing that can halt our further advance is the release of our hostages! Their return would allow our forces to reposition and enable the continuation of negotiations.”

Zamir also addressed Bar directly in what many interpreted as a farewell note, saying: “I deeply value the growing cooperation between the security agencies. My sincere appreciation goes to the Director of the ISA and his personnel for their dedicated efforts throughout the war.”

He then referred to the ongoing investigations into the events of October 7, particularly the attack at the Nova music festival: “Today, we reviewed the investigation into the ‘Nova’ festival attack. The findings underscore the immense responsibility we bear and the mission we must uphold. The IDF bows its head in respect to the families, the hostages, and the victims. This event reinforces our duty to improve and to draw critical lessons.”

ISA Director Ronen Bar commented on the continuation of operations against Hamas: “The targeted strikes in the Gaza Strip, which began with the opening strike two weeks ago, will intensify. The is a direct link between these strikes and the targeted operation in central Beirut. Counter-terrorism requires decisive action, and Hamas will be held accountable wherever it seeks to harm Israeli civilians. The objective of this operation and our continued presence in the area is to make it unmistakably clear: Hamas will continue to pay a price until the 59 hostages are safely returned.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The post Chief Of Staff In Gaza: ‘The Only Thing That Can Stop Us Is the Release of Our Hostages!’ first appeared on Matzav.com.

DEVELOPING: Indian air force Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat state. No word on casualties.

On Wednesday, the United Nations Human Rights Council approved yet another resolution targeting Israel, once again accusing the country of violations of international law and human rights abuses.

The measure, titled “Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice,” asserts that all Israeli activities and presence in Judea and Samaria, as well as in eastern parts of Yerushalayim, are “unlawful and illegal.”

The resolution further argued that Article 51 of the UN Charter — which affirms the right to self-defense in response to an armed attack — does not apply “to cases where a threat originates from a territory over which Israel exercises control,” essentially disqualifying Israel’s right to defend itself from assaults coming from Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem, or Gaza.

The Council also denounced Israel’s handling of Palestinian detainees, especially minors, condemning arrests even in cases where those minors were involved in violent acts. The document states that “any arrest, detention or trial of Palestinian children by Israel is in violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.” Notably, the resolution made no reference to Hamas or others in Gaza who have kidnapped, abused, or killed Israeli captives, including infants and children.

Israel was further blamed for alleged sexual violence. However, the documented sexual atrocities committed against Israelis on October 7, as well as against captives held in Gaza, were entirely omitted from the text.

Of the lengthy nine-page resolution, only two paragraphs offered criticism of attacks targeting Israeli civilians, including rocket fire on populated areas and the October 7 terror massacre. Though it did call for the hostages’ release and access to humanitarian aid, it stopped short of outright condemning the act of hostage-taking itself.

Throughout the document, the word “Hamas” was never mentioned.

The resolution passed by a vote of 27 in favor, 4 opposed, and 16 countries abstaining. The nations that voted against the measure were Czechia, Germany, Ethiopia, and North Macedonia.

In a forceful response, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein lambasted the decision, describing it as propaganda serving Hamas’s interests.

“The Hamas Ministry of Propaganda — also known as the UN Human Rights Council — has produced yet another completely false and distorted resolution against the Jewish state,” Marmorstein stated.

“In the Council’s despicable resolution, there is no condemnation of Hamas for the October 7 massacre or its ongoing terror attacks against Israel, and there is no mention of the horrific sexual crimes committed by Hamas, nor of the fact that 59 hostages are still being tortured by Hamas. What the resolution does contain is a collection of baseless lies against Israel, promoted once again by a biased and anti-Israel body.

“If anyone still wonders why this twisted institution must cease to exist, today they received another clear and unequivocal answer. Israel thanks all the countries that did not lend their support to this disgraceful resolution,” Marmorstein said.

{Matzav.com}

The post UNHCR Passes Resolution Denying Israel’s Right To Self-Defense first appeared on Matzav.com.

A terribly car accident on Tuesday night claimed the life of Rabbi Shneur Zalman Oirechman z”l, a Chabad shliach and marbitz torah in northern Eretz Yisroel. He was just 33 years old. The niftar, a ben aliyah with a lev tov, was raised assisting his father, Rabbi Moshe Shmuel Oirechman yb”l, the Rosh HaShluchim of the Krayot area, Rav of Beis Knesses Shaarei Moshe in Kiryat Yam, and a prominent askan serving as chairman of the Vaad Kesivas Sefer Torah Kloli. From a young age, Shneur Zalman z”l was known for his Ahavas Yisroel, bringing chizzuk and simchas haTorah to countless Yidden. Whether through his efforts in the Sefer Torah Hakloli, his harbotzas haChassidus, or simply his warm smile that lit up any room, he was a true oved Hashem. The accident occurred on Kvish HaHof (Coastal Highway), a major thoroughfare linking Tel Aviv to Haifa, tragically cutting short the life of a Yid who lived for others. Rabbi Oirechman z”l leaves behind his almanah (née Lasker, of Kfar Chabad) and four young children. He is survived by his father, siblings, and extended family, including his namesake cousin, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Oirechman, the Chabad Shliach in Tallahassee, Florida. Boruch Dayan HaEmes. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

UPDATE: WH Press Secretary says Politico report that Musk is departing is “garbage.”

For nearly a century, the halls of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim / RSA have echoed with voices of dedicated scholars immersed in Torah. From early morning to late at night, these dedicated avreichim delve into the depths of learning, refine their middos, and prepare to lead Klal Yisroel. Their dedication isn’t just personal—it extends far beyond the Beis Medrash. Wherever they go, they bring the power of Torah with them, strengthening the communities they join and shaping the spiritual foundation of Jewish life across America. Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim’s reach has transformed communities nationwide, and countless more are waiting to embrace a deeper connection to Torah. Let’s recognize the impact by supporting Chofetz Chaim today! The impact of the Kollel isn’t measured in days or even years—it is measured in generations. The talmidim who sit and learn today will teach, guide, and inspire for decades to come. The Torah they absorb will be passed down to their own children, their talmidim, and entire communities, ensuring that the strength of Torah continues to flourish wherever they go. For so many, the Chofetz Chaim Kollel is more than just a place of learning—it is a foundation, a lifeline, a home. It is where young men become talmidei chachomim, where the next generation of leaders emerge. It is where the mesorah of Torah is nurtured and safeguarded, ensuring its light shines brightly for the future. And that light does not remain within the walls of the Beis Medrash—it spreads to communities near and far, strengthening Torah and strengthening the Jewish world. Torah is for today. It is for tomorrow. It is forever. This is where you come in. Your partnership makes this all possible. The scholars who dedicate themselves to Torah learning are not alone in their mission—they are supported by those who understand that Torah is the foundation of our future. Together, we ensure that the next generation of leaders can continue to grow, lead, and teach, bringing the power of Torah wherever they go. This campaign aims to raise the Kollel’s annual budget, ensuring it’s continued operation, and to provide the dedicated yungerleit with a well-deserved pre-Pesach bonus, allowing them to celebrate the YomTov with joy and dignity. As Pesach approaches, we reflect on the journey of our people—on the sacrifices made, the foundations built, and the timeless mission of our nation. Just as our ancestors were redeemed for a purpose, we too are partners in ensuring that Torah continues to flourish for future generations. April 2&3 | Matched X2 | Raising $1.6 mil Please Donate Here

The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee held another discussion on the draft conscription law on Wednesday. Lt. Col. Avigdor Dikstein, the head of the Chareidi sector in the Manpower Directorate of the IDF, presented updated data on the recruitment of Chareidim to the committee, saying that of 10,000 draft orders sent since July 2024, only 205 Chareidim enlisted. He added that a total of 1721 Chareidim are serving as soldiers since the beginning of last year’s recruitment cycle. There is approximately 66,000 bnei yeshivos who are currently eligible for IDF service but have not enlisted. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled for the Food and Drug Administration in its crackdown on sweet-flavored vaping products following a surge in teen electronic cigarette use. But the justices’ unanimous decision throwing out a federal appeals court ruling is not the final word in the case, and the FDA could change its approach now that President Donald Trump has promised to “save” vaping. The high court ruled that the FDA, during President Joe Biden’s administration, did not violate federal law when it denied an application from Dallas-based company Triton Distribution to sell e-juices like “Jimmy The Juice Man in Peachy Strawberry” and “Suicide Bunny Mother’s Milk and Cookies.” The products are heated by an e-cigarette to create an inhalable aerosol. The FDA has rejected applications for more than a million nicotine products formulated to taste like fruit, dessert or candy because their makers couldn’t show that flavored vapes had a net public benefit, as required by law. It has approved some tobacco-flavored vapes, and recently it allowed its first menthol-flavored e-cigarettes for adult smokers after the company provided data showing the product was more helpful in quitting. But the conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Triton, agreeing that the FDA changed its standards with little warning in violation of federal law. While mainly ruling for the FDA on Wednesday, the Supreme Court noted that the agency had said the company’s marketing plan would be an important factor in evaluating its application. But it ultimately did not consider the marketing plan, Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the court. The appeals court was ordered to consider if the failure to do so is an important mistake that might still lead to a decision in Triton’s favor. (AP)

Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries says that requiring proof of citizenship to vote in our country’s elections is “voter suppression.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he is willing to drop all of Canada’s tariffs: “We’d be willing to take those off tomorrow… he knows… we’re going to take these tariffs off in the next minute if he said he’s taking their tariffs off”

NETANYAHU: “Last night in the Gaza Strip, we switched gears. The IDF is seizing territory, striking the terrorists and destroying the infrastructure. We are also doing something else: We are seizing the Morag Corridor. This will be the second Philadelphi, an additional Philadelphi Corridor. Because we are now dividing the Strip and increasing the pressure step by step, so that they will give us our hostages. And as long as they do not give them to us, the pressure will increase until they do. We are determined to achieve the objectives of the war, and we are acting relentlessly, and with a clear line and a clear mission. And with G-d’s help and that of our heroic soldiers, we will also achieve them.”

Rep. Mike Lawler addresses 200+ attendees at Agudath Israel’s Mission to Washington, focusing on a critical, nationwide school-choice bill that would greatly benefit frum private school students